STAFF

Pastor: Rev. Melanie J. Lawrence

The Reverend Melanie J. Lawrence received a Masters of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, PA, 1997, and received a Bachelor of Music degree from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, OH, 1981. She began her ministry with Pilgrim Church August 1, 1997.

She is currently involved outside of Pilgrim Church with: The Lakeshore Ecumenical Council, Southwest Association Bylaws task force, Michigan Conference Stewardship Council, Drug Free Schools and Community Life Committee (St. Joseph Schools).

Words from the Pastor

While I clearly identify myself as a pastor, I also identify myself as a person of faith, one who equips and empowers all the people of God to be ministers in the all of life. It is a privilege to serve and minister to people through this journey called life, in the times of celebration and the times of grief, and of course, everything in between. And I am blessed to be a part of this warm Pilgrim community, a community of loving and caring people where faith is lived into action, and where our relationships with God and each other are valued and honored.

We of Pilgrim Church are diverse in many ways, and we find strength in our diversity. It is not our goal to be of like mind theologically, but to encourage each person to explore what they believe and why. I encourage those in our midst to be open to each other, and to God's Spirit in our midst.

Our congregational structure and nature empowers the community of faith to make its decisions, with freedom to express who we are through our thoughts and deeds. While we are in covenant with the wider church, we are also free to be who we are in our context, embracing the richness and fullness of our heritage and tradition, yet inviting us to vision and experience the Spirit in fresh new ways.

Peace and blessing to you all,
Rev. Melanie Lawrence

Organist: Perry Heppler

Perry Heppler teaches second grade at Hollywood Elementary School in Lakeshore Public Schools. Perry holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. He has earned Master's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. He has been a teacher for over thirty years, and has taught children from preschool through sixth grade.

Perry plays the organ at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Joseph. He also teaches organ and Suzuki method piano.

Perry and his wife Maria live in Lincoln Township, and are raising three children, aged 4, 5 and 6.