Our Church's History
In early 2020, a small group of people in the Escanaba area came together and researched the North American Lutheran Church denomination. They agreed with what the NALC represented. After prayerful consideration, on December 20th, 2020, JOY Lutheran Church was formed and their first council members were selected. They joined ministry with Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River, MI, supporting and encouraging one another, sharing resources, while in agreeance to stay independent of one another.
On April 11th, 2021, JOY held their first worship service in a rented conference room at the Chamber of Commerce building in Escanaba, Michigan. Rev Stephen Cowen served as the pastor. Our first worship service had 39 people in attendance. In July 2021, a suite in the nearby Lincoln Fair Plaza was purchased. Meanwhile, we met at the Chamber of Commerce building faithfully every Sunday until December 24, 2021 when renovations to what is now our current worship center, was complete.
Our Mission
We believe that the mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel and to make disciples for Christ. We believe that making disciples — in our congregations, in our communities and nations, and around the world — must be a priority of the Church in the present age.
Our Values
The NALC has embraced four core values which shape our common life: Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded, and Congregationally Focused.
Meet Our Staff
Steven Hartten
Pastor
Pastor Hartten was called to the U.P. in October 2022 after serving a congregation in St. Joseph, MI. He has also served in MA and CO. In addition to his pastoral duties in a congregation, Pastor also served as the dean for the MI Mission District, which encompassed the Lower Peninsula. Prior to attending seminary in Chicago, he worked as a chemical engineer in NY and MA. He is married to his wife Loretta and they have three children whom are grown and living in CO and IL. Pastor Hartten also serves at Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River.
Rodger Orzel
Council President
JOY Lutheran Church NALC
833 N Lincoln Road, Escanaba, MI 49829
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