On East Savidge Street in Spring Lake, Michigan, a congregation gathers each Sunday morning under three words: Christ-centric, welcoming, progressive. Spring Lake Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and has built its identity on an unusually open welcome, a richly varied music program, and mission work that has put more than a quarter million dollars back into local and international charities.
Worship on Sundays at 10 a.m.
The Sunday service begins at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary at 760 East Savidge Street. Communion is shared on the first Sunday of every month, and the table is open to everyone, members and non-members, whatever their denomination. Dress is whatever a guest feels comfortable in.
For those who cannot be in the pew, the service is livestreamed on YouTube every Sunday. Recordings of past services are kept on a Vimeo showcase, and locally the service also airs at 10 a.m. on WGHN FM 92.1.
A Progressive, Christ-Centric Faith
The congregation describes itself plainly: "We are imperfect people seeking to reflect God's love." Members identify as progressive and Christ-centric, working to follow the example of Jesus while welcoming people from all walks of life, regardless of sexuality or race.
As a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church, SLPC honors a breadth of perspectives under the umbrella of the Christian faith. The Bible is treated as the inspired Word of God and a source of guidance, while the church also acknowledges that Scripture has been misused by sinful people to harm others. Members look to worship, study, dialog, and contemplation to mature in faith. In its own words, the church "does not seek to be political" but tries to hold up a desire for justice, mercy, and humility in the world.
Plainly stated: yes, Jesus is God; no, the world was not created in six 24-hour days; and yes, agnites, the divorced, the gay, the straight, the trans, and the crabby are all welcome.
Music That Spans Generations
Music at SLPC is as eclectic as the people in the pews. The program mixes the "good old hymns" with contemporary songs, and a single morning can move from a 1960s justice song led on guitar to a four-octave bell choir.
A classic pipe organ fills the sanctuary, and the church also hosts a bluegrass group complete with the haunting sound of the musical saw. Both children and adults are invited to share their musical gifts, and the congregation is an enthusiastic audience for its own. Terry Plews serves as Director of Music, with Marsha VanPoortfliet at the piano and Carla Vink at the organ. April Anderson directs the bell choir.
Christian Education and Sunday School
Christian education is valued at SLPC. Co-Christian Educators Debbie Buxton and Karen Cron lead a traditional Sunday school curriculum and oversee the church's preschool and daycare ministry. Small group studies and discussions are led by the Interim Pastor and other members, with a variety of perspectives and topics represented.
Kinderkirk: Fifty Years of Preschool and Daycare
Kinderkirk Daycare and Preschool Center is a mission of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church and the longest-running preschool program in the Spring Lake area, serving children and parents for over 50 years. It provides care for infants through age 12, with separate programs for infants and toddlers, preschool-age children, and school-age children who need before- and after-school care.
Hours run Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. While Kinderkirk welcomes and respects all faith positions, its programs are built on Christian principles, emphasizing that children can have faith in a loving God who created the world for them to explore and enjoy. Enrollment is open to everyone regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or disability. The program is now enrolling for 2026-27.
The Christmas Tree Mission
For many years the SLPC parking lot has been the site of an annual Christmas tree sale that has raised well over $250,000 for mission efforts throughout the community and beyond. Members and friends pitch in to make the sale a success each year.
Past recipients have included MPA (Mission for Area People) of Muskegon, Love In Action, the People Center, Spring Lake Alternative Education, Mosaic Counselling Tri-Cities Ministries, Pound Buddies, Kinderkirk scholarships, the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, the Little Red House, Lori's Voice, Alano of Tri Cities, Casa Alitas, Camp Greenwood, Community enCompass, Extended Grace, Faith in Action, and Hurricane Matthew relief.
Fellowship, Small Groups, and Scouts
SLPC runs a broad fellowship life. Groups have included Presbyterian Women, a Youth Group, Crafters, Tuesdays at Two, topical small group studies, and whole-church gatherings like potluck picnics, musical programs, work bees, and seasonal worship events.
Youth activities for older children and teens have ranged from weekly gatherings to mission trips, with Bible studies, concerts, laser tag, and church lock-ins among the highlights. SLPC is the chartering organization for Scout Troop 37 and Cub Scout Pack 3014, and Girl Scout Troop 8420 also meets at the church.
Weddings and Funerals
The pastoral staff serves everyone at weddings and funerals, regardless of sexuality, divorce, or race. Weddings in the sanctuary are conducted by an SLPC pastor, and the calendar is coordinated first with the pastor and then with the church office. A refundable deposit holds the date. The pastor leads pre-marital sessions and is available for a rehearsal before the wedding. Base fees cover use of the church, officiant, housekeeping, organist, and sound technician. Rice, confetti, and smoking are not permitted in or around the building; birdseed or small bubble wands are welcome outside.
For funerals, the church clergy is available for both member and non-member services, in the church and at other venues. Presbyterian Women can serve refreshments or funeral meals, and a host funeral home of the family's choice coordinates arrangements for any service held at SLPC.
A Food Pantry and a Parking Lot of Food Trucks
Inside the building, the church runs a weekly food pantry. Outside, the parking lot hosts Food Trucks. Together, these are part of how SLPC uses its location on the main street to meet neighbors where they are. Visitors are welcome to drop in as casual observers, or to step into one of the church's many opportunities to get involved.