Our Story
n 1961, two German Lutheran Churches, St. Peters, Amble, MI, and Immanuel, Howard City, MI, came together as one congregation. Both congregations let go of their old names and chose “Bethel Lutheran Church” as their new moniker. The word “Beth-el” means the “house of God” in Hebrew.
Before the two congregations joined, they were served by Pastor Jonathan Stein who traveled between them. In thoughtful prayer the leaders of Amble and Howard City churches, along with their Pastor, worked together to establish this new “House of God. “
Bethel is built on a 7-acre site along M-46, north of Howard City. It has a seating capacity of approximately 250 people, church offices, a fellowship hall, and an educational wing. The parsonage and educational wing were completed in 1965 and 1968 respectively. The parsonage as been occupied by seven pastors and their families to date, and its interior was updated in 2019.
The educational wing houses Sunday School rooms, a library, and prayer chapel. In the past it was used for preschool and after school weekday programs.
In 2012, Bethel celebrated its 50th anniversary, and looks forward to serving the Lord and Tri-county area for many years to come.