Suttons Bay Congregational Church

Who We Are
Congregational means governed by the members of the congregation, a practice that goes back to the earliest Christians. Our Church history in America begins with the Pilgrims. They believed each person should be able to read and understand the Bible and that conscience, not coercion, should govern faith.
 

Suttons Bay Congregational Church was founded in 1896 as the only English speaking church in the community. We remain a church uniquely committed to accepting people from many different experiences and faith backgrounds. We have no creed; we celebrate our diversity. “Everyone welcome” is not just a phrase, it is our approach to worship and life. We invite you to all the services and programs of this church.

Our Church Covenant:
"We are banded together as a Christian Church to maintain the worship of God; to proclaim the gospel of Christ; to develop in all a consciousness of their relations and duties to God and to one another and to inspire them with love for truth, passion for righteousness and enthusiasm for service. To this end we pledge our loyalty to Christ and covenant with each other to strive to express His spirit in our individual and corporate life; to live together as Christians and to submit ourselves to the mutual service of this Church, working, giving, praying for its increase, its purity, its peace, and seeking in every way to make it a power for the building up of the Kingdom of God."

PARTICIPATE!

A Brief Church History
Suttons Bay Congregational Church was founded in 1896 as the first English speaking church in the area. There were nine charter members. However, there were 35 children in the Sunday School. The total membership for the first four years of the church was 15!

At first, Sunday meetings were held in the school house and the congregation shared Rev. Williams Hurlbut, who was also pastor of both the Omena and Northport Congregational Churches. By 1899, the fledgling church was meeting in its own church building. During this year, membership took a gigantic leap forward when seventeen people joined the church.

The church continued to share a minister with Northport and Omena or to use part-time pastors until 1970. At that time, Reverend Fred McNeil, who had been our part time pastor in 1966-1977, became our first full time minister.

In 1993, a major remodeling of the church facility was begun, with completion a year later. During this phase, services were held in the library of the Suttons Bay High School. In 1996, our church celebrated its Centennial Year.

Be a Sunday School or Youth Volunteer

Are you interested in working with children or youth? Help is always welcome in Sunday School and with special events for young people of all ages. See Shelly Walter if you are interested.

Be a Greeter or an Usher

Serve the church and Christ's mission by being a Greeter or an Usher. Welcome all who enter to join in worship. Volunteer by choosing dates on the sign-up sheet in the narthex.

Read the Scripture

Do you read well, have a strong voice, and love the scriptures? Be part of the service by becoming a liturgist. Call the office to get on the list of readers.

Work in the Nursery

Want to hold a baby or play with a toddler? Baby-lovers are needed as nursery helpers or substitute caregivers. See Lynn Hansen if you are interested.

Join the Choir

Add your soprano, alto, tenor or bass voice to this important part of our service. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings 7:30 - 8:30. The choir sings three services each month.

To Learn about how this program helps us, click this link.