A Lutheran Home on Page Avenue
Christ Lutheran Church stands on Page Avenue in Michigan Center, a small community tucked into Jackson County. The congregation describes itself as a community of real people sharing real lives, and that sense of closeness shows up in everything from its worship life to its outreach.
The church's tagline, drawn from Joshua 1:9, frames the welcome visitors receive: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Whether someone is a lifelong Lutheran or simply curious about Christian faith, the congregation invites them to come and see what life at Christ Lutheran looks like.
A Foundation of Grace
The congregation is rooted in classic Lutheran belief, summarized in its opening confession: "There is one God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." The full statement of faith outlines a Christian life shaped by grace:
- God created the world and called it good, and created human beings to tend creation.
- Though created in God's image, all people sin and fall short of God's intention.
- In mercy, God reaches out to find, guide, and reconcile humanity.
- God's Word is revealed in the Bible, and ultimately in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.
- In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus Christ has atoned for all sin.
- Salvation comes by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- The Holy Spirit forms Christians as the church, the body of Christ.
- Every believer is called to proclaim God's love and given spiritual gifts to do so.
From these convictions flow three commitments the congregation names for itself: Following Christ (gathered in worship, prayer, Bible study, and witness), Serving in Love (using gifts generously and working for justice and righteousness), and Sharing the Journey (caring for one another and inviting all people to know God's love in Christ).
Weekly Worship and Livestream
Sunday mornings bring the community together for worship. Services are livestreamed on Facebook Live and archived on the church's YouTube channel, where a sermon library reaches back years. Recordings can be watched online or downloaded for later listening, making it easy for members who are traveling or shut in to stay connected.
Worship at Christ Lutheran follows the Lutheran tradition shaped by prayer, Scripture reading, proclamation, and communion. A specific service time is not posted online, but the congregation gathers each Sunday morning and the building is open for fellowship afterward.
Bible Study for Every Stage
Christ Lutheran takes seriously the call to study and grow as disciples. Two regular Bible study groups meet through the week.
The Adult Forum meets on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., both in person at the church and virtually. Open to older teens through seniors, the group reads books, works through Bible studies, watches films together, and simply enjoys fellowship. The leader describes the format as flexible enough to learn, teach, and connect all at once.
A Women's Bible Study gathers weekly at the church, and all women are welcome to join the conversation, whether seasoned Bible readers or newcomers. The women's ministry has been a steady part of congregational life.
A third gathering, the Breakfast Club Bible Study, was an intentional fellowship meeting held on Wednesday mornings at a local cafe. The group is currently on hiatus, with updates shared through the church's Facebook page.
Little Dresses for Africa
One of the most distinctive ministries at Christ Lutheran is Little Dresses for Africa, a sewing workgroup that has met at the church for ten years. Volunteers turn pillowcases and fabric into simple dresses for girls in the Malawi region of Africa, and they also sew sanipads to support the Modesty program, helping girls stay in school.
The group meets one to two times a month, with dates posted on the church's Facebook page. Workdays typically run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a shared lunch break. Those who cannot attend can still help by taking home a kit to sew at their own pace. The ministry is open to anyone willing to lend a hand, with sewing experience helpful but not required.
Feeding the Community
Christ Lutheran takes its call to serve neighbors literally. Two ongoing food ministries reach people across Jackson County.
The Fresh Food Distribution takes place in the church parking lot at 4250 Page Avenue. Boxes of fresh produce and shelf-stable goods are distributed while supplies last, drawing neighbors from across the area.
On the third Saturday of each month, volunteers from Christ Lutheran help stock and run the Immanuel Lutheran Food Pantry at 1505 W. Michigan Avenue in Jackson. The pantry has long served families facing food insecurity in the broader Jackson community, and Christ Lutheran's partnership extends that reach.
The congregation also hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive on the church campus several times a year, providing a familiar, welcoming setting for the wider neighborhood to give blood.
Beyond the Walls: Events and Outreach
Throughout the year, Christ Lutheran opens its doors and its parking lot to community events:
- The Crop Hunger Walk, a global fundraiser fighting hunger, kicks off from the church each fall.
- A Craft Show brings local makers and shoppers together on the church grounds.
- Members participate in fellowship gatherings and seasonal celebrations that keep the congregation connected.
The church building itself is also available for Event Space Rental, extending the building's usefulness to neighborhood families and groups looking for a meeting place.
Leadership on Page Avenue
The congregation is pastored by Robert Martin. Linda Wineland serves as Worship and Music Coordinator, and Barb Berkeypile directs the Fellowship ministry. The church council is led by President Terry Wineland, Vice President Jordan Wineland, Secretary Krista Gable, Treasurer Pete Gable, and Financial Secretary Shirley Ottmer. Mike Crouch oversees the property.
Planning a Visit
Christ Lutheran Church is located at 4250 Page Avenue, Michigan Center, MI 49254. The phone number is (517) 764-3101, and the office can be reached at admin@clcmc.org or clcmc@clcmc.org.
Office hours run Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed Thursday through Saturday and reopens on Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for worship services and events.
Giving to the church's ministry is available online through a secure portal, and prayer requests can be submitted online as well. The sermon archive, calendar, and event listings are kept up to date so visitors can plan ahead before stepping through the door on Page Avenue.