Hi people of Peace!
I spent a little time recently looking at the changing WELS Michigan area churches and I thought I would share that with you.
Summary
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s Michigan District covers a geographical area that includes Michigan, a small part of Indiana, Ohio, part of Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. We are 135 churches where more than 9,000 people gather to receive God’s gifts and declare his name each week.
Congregations
In 2000, individuals of the Michigan district gathered at 151 congregations. In 2010, we gathered in 144 congregations; in 2019 143, and in 2021 135 congregations.
Attendance
The congregations of our district have persisted despite the changes in active participation that have been going on at the same time. In 2000, 19,967 men, women, and children gathered to worship in congregations of our district; each congregation averaged 132 people in worship. In 2010, 16,369 people gathered each week for worship in 144 congregations. Despite closing 7 congregations, the average attendance declined to 116 people per week. From 2010 to 2019, the number of congregations remained quite stable even though attendance changed significantly. In 2019, 92 people on average gathered to hear God’s Word each week in 143 congregations for a total of 13,119 people. By 2021, that number dropped to 9,362 with an average of 69 people attending each congregation. On average, attendance at our churches has declined 2% per year from 2000 to 2019.
Distribution by attendance size
I think the distribution of the congregations by attendance is more significant than the average size. I’m grouping the congregations in the following way: 0-24 attendees – a mission church/church plant, 25-39 attendees – very small church, 40-69 attendees – a larger small church, 70-124 attendees – small church/solo pastor church, 125-199 attendees – medium church, pastor and part-time team, 200 + attendees – larger church. The table below shows the changing distribution. Many congregations have changed significantly.
| Attendance range | 2010 | 2019 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 24 | 6 | 15 | 20 |
| 25-39 | 15 | 28 | 33 |
| 40-69 | 36 | 36 | 31 |
| 70-124 | 39 | 29 | 33 |
| 125-199 | 25 | 19 | 11 |
| Over 200 | 20 | 16 | 7 |
Perhaps you will find this information enlightening and directive. I know that I have learned from this quick review of our statistics.
We are thankful for the opportunity to proclaim God’s Word and administer his Sacraments. We pray that we may be faithful to the task.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend as we enjoy “Clear Communication”! Come join me to say farewell to our admin. Services at 9:00 and 10:30.
In Jesus,
PT
Jessica V Farewell
We’ll send off our administrative assistant, Jessica VanDenBerg, on June 5th. Please take a moment to sign a card for her and plan to join us.
“Ridin’ The Way” - Bike outing
We’re kicking off summer with a bike outing. June 26th 3:00 pm - 5:30.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Here is the schedule and plan for the day:
3:00 at Peace - bicycle safety demo and training
3:30 at Peace - bicycle maintenance demo and training with Ryan from Kalamazoo Swift https://www.kzooswift.com/. Ryan will be here to show us the basics of bicycle maintenance and then help you diagnose/fix more specific problems.
4:30 leave Peace on bike ride to North Side Park https://goo.gl/maps/gAFAc8dgb3hotJNi6
5:00 arrive at park, cookout dinner (provided) and play
We’ll be done at 5:30 pm. We’ll have a trailer and haul bikes back to Peace where you can get your ride to head home. If you want to bike back or get picked up at North Side Park, that is fine too.
There is no cost for the event, but we suggest a donation of $5 per person to cover food and supplies. Registration is limited; can’t wait to see you!
Piano recital
Congratulations to the students of Lori B! They all played really well for their recital on Tuesday night. So wonderful to enjoy another group of musicians! Keep up the good work! If you are looking for private music lessons, we encourage you to consider Lori Beason
trbeason@juno.com
Maxine S - recovery after a fall
Ukraine Ukraine – WELS
Families around Uvalde, Texas
Don K
Jerry K
Judi D
Lonnie H - step son died in an accident
June Ushers: Terry Brower & Andy Winter
Christian Neighbors: items for June are soup beans; kidney, navy, black
Upcoming events (full calendar)
June 6th - 8th District convention
June 10th 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon
June 15th, 12:00 pm Lunch bunch @ 84th St Pub and Grill https://84thstpub.com/
June 15th, 6:30 pm Team and Task Time
June 17th 11:00 am Ladies Guild
June 19th Kaitlyn Nelson farewell
June 22nd, 6:00 pm Ladies Night Out @ Main Street Pub on Gull Road
June 25th 9:00 am Faith and Culture Workshop Part 2
June 26th 3:00 pm “Ridin’ the Way” Bike Outing
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Peace Lutheran Church
805 S Wilmott St
Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104
https://peaceotsego.org