St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church sits on the corner of Lothrop and Chalfonte in Grosse Pointe Farms, an easy turn off either Mack or Jefferson. The building has been a neighborhood fixture for generations, but the people who make up St. Paul describe their church less by walls than by what they do together. Their motto is simple: "Sharing God's grace through Christ, we love, pray, rejoice, and serve." That promise carries through every part of the congregation's life, from a single Sunday service at nine to the quilts sewn for refugees, the meals packed for Detroit neighbors, and the children learning American Sign Language to share Jesus Loves Me with the rest of the church. Visitors are greeted with the simple declaration that "ALL ARE WELCOME!"
Sunday Worship at Nine
Worship at St. Paul gathers once each Sunday at 9 a.m. The service is livestreamed on YouTube, with a new video posted each week so members near and far can take part in the music, prayers, and sermon. The sanctuary is home to the Prayground, a staffed space designed for children to stay engaged during the service with quiet toys, books, and activities. Parents have room to sit nearby, and "all ages and noises are welcome." Ushers, lectors, communion assistants, and assisting ministers serve in the liturgy, and the church invites volunteers of every age to step into these roles. Anyone interested in serving during worship can reach out to the pastor.
A House of Music
Music carries more than its share of weight at St. Paul. Eric Miller directs the choir, which rehearses on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. before the service and sings in worship throughout the year, including for special occasions. Rory Powell leads the handbell program, which includes the Celebration Bells and the Introit Ringers; both groups play in worship and give separate concerts, with rehearsals on Monday evenings. A Joyful Noise Choir gathers children in grades K-12 for music and faith together. Special Sunday services called Jazz and Jubilate bring a different feel to the liturgy, and the service frequently includes instrument solos as Musical Reflections that punctuate the morning.
Faith Formation, All Week Long
Faith Formation at St. Paul is built on a single repeated phrase: "a weeklong ministry." Each week begins with the Sunday service, which is intentionally planned to launch the days that follow. Once a month the congregation gathers for FaithLife Sundays, which mark milestones like confirmation, First Communion, graduation, and the recognition of gifts and talents. Each FaithLife Sunday includes in-worship blessings, an after-worship community activity, and an outreach opportunity. Bible study is part of the rhythm: a Wednesday morning Bible study at 9:30 a.m. and a monthly gathering called Listening for God give members two regular chances to dig into Scripture together. The whole program is built around "authentic Christian relationships" lived out through real connection with neighbors and one another.
Children and Youth at the Center
The next generation is woven into the life of the congregation from the Prayground on up. SPY Kids (Grades K-5) meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for Bible songs, stories, prayer, games, and instruments, and they learn American Sign Language to share Jesus Loves Me with the wider church. SPY Teens (Grades 6-12) meet on Sunday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and games. The Joyful Noise Choir gathers K-12 students on Mondays from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m., and Luther League for grades 5-12 meets Mondays from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. All youth programs gather in SPY Headquarters on the second floor. The confirmation program walks young people through the Old Testament and the ways God is faithful in calling all to both serve and lead.
Outreach Beyond the Building
The congregation takes seriously the idea that "the church is the people," and that the work of the church extends well beyond Sunday morning. The food pantry collects dry goods for two partner agencies, Crossroads of Detroit and Christ Iroquois; donations can be dropped off anytime. Volunteers prepare meals for Motor City Mitten Mission. In recent years members have tutored Detroit children on Zoom, sewn comfort quilts for graduates, refugees, foster children, and those who are sick or grieving through the Pieces Be With You Quilt Ministry, and partnered with a number of local and global organizations on social justice issues. As the church describes its outreach: "Nothing can stop the giving hearts and passions of a congregation and community like St. Paul!"
Small Groups, Quilts, and Newcomers
Relationships are also built in smaller circles. Naomi's Circle, a women's group, meets once a month for fellowship and conversation. The quilt room is a steady gathering place for the Pieces Be With You Quilt Ministry, whose comfort quilts are given away to people in many different circumstances of need, with quilters sewing together through the year. New Member Information sessions help newcomers find their place in the congregation and learn more about its many ministries. Fellowship after worship in the Fireside Room, an outdoor worship and picnic season, caroling, and an Advent Workshop round out the rhythm of community gatherings.
Leadership
Rev. Denise M. Grant serves as pastor. Eric Miller is organist and choir director, and Rory Powell directs the handbell program. The Congregational Council includes President Gretchen Archinal, Treasurer Dave Upmeyer, Vice President of Administration Krister Ulmanis, Secretary Deanna Deldin, Property chair Kermit Potter, Member at Large Kimberly Tripp, Faith Formation Ministry Peg Upmeyer, Outreach Ministry Bea Grenzke, and Worship Ministry Bill Wrobel.
Practical Details
The church sits at 375 Lothrop Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, with the office open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 313-881-6670. Sunday worship is at 9 a.m., and the service is livestreamed on YouTube for those who wish to join from home. Giving is available online through the church's Realm giving page, and updates appear on Facebook and Instagram.