Faith, religion, and spirituality in Harbor Springs, Michigan is the focal point of this guide.
Religion and spirituality are distinct terms, both related to faith. Religion suggests a set of beliefs, usually concerning the origins, nature, and purpose of life, and often involving rituals and codes. Spirituality, on the other hand, is more difficult to define and is often said to be the quality of being spiritual. The focus of religion is on the content of one's belief, as well as the response to it, while the focus of spirituality is on becoming more attuned to unworldly affairs. A person can be religious without being spiritual, and spiritual without being religious. Spirituality is more abstract than religion. As religion involves a defined code of ethics, it is tangible, while spirituality is nebulous.
Faith involves the belief that something is true in the absence of definitive proof.
Nevertheless, these terms are often used interchangeably and, in most contexts, that's perfectly fine. For the purpose of categorization here, online resources that focus on any of these topics within the city of Harbor Springs are appropriate. In large part, if not entirely, these will consist of websites representing local ministries or places of worship.
According to a recent survey, respondents in Harbor Springs were slightly less religious than those in the average Michigan locality, and considerably less religious than the average American locality. Of those who cite affiliation with a religion, the most prominent were the Catholics, who were followed distantly by the Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and various forms of Judaism.
Regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect, online resources for local places of worship are suitable for this category.
Recommended Resources
Catholic Communities of L'Arbre Croche
With its main cluster office location in Harbor Springs, Michigan, the Catholic Communities of L'Arbre Croche includes the Holy Child of Jesus Parish in Harbor Springs, Holy Cross Parish in Cross Village, St. Nicholas Parish in Pellston, and St. Ignatius Parish in Good Hart. Addresses, maps, and contacts are published on the site, along with information about schools and area ministries, faith formation and sacraments, daily readings, clergy and staff contacts, and a calendar of events.
https://www.cclcparishes.org/
Founded in 1878, the congregation has served the Harbor Springs, Michigan community for more than a hundred and twenty years, and was originally known as the First Presbyterian Church of Little Traverse, taking its current name in 1881. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the congregation's mission and outreach services are posted, along with its ministries to children, youth, and adults. Weekly service schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, and contacts are posted.
http://www.fpchs.org/
Situated between Petoskey and Harbor Springs, the non-denominational church was founded in 1979 by Pastor Bill and Karen Mindel, who were succeeded by Pastor Gary Mindel. Featured are a statement of beliefs, a list of outreach ministries supported by the congregation, and an introduction to its leadership. Its ministries to children and youth, women, small groups, and others are discussed, and a calendar of events and sermon archives are published on the site.
https://www.harborlight.org/
The independent, Fundamental Baptist Church is located east of downtown Harbor Springs, Michigan. Established in 1944, its services are traditional in style, featuring conservative Christian music and expositional Bible preaching, using the King James Version of the Bible as a text. Sunday and Wednesday service schedules are published, a calendar of events and a church flyer are included, and a photo gallery features past church events. A phone number and a contact form are included.
http://www.harborspringschurch.com/
Formed in 1878, the seasonal church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, and serves the summer population of Harbor Springs, Michigan. Its history and a photo gallery are featured, along with dates and schedules, and an overview of the charities and outreach programs that are supported by the congregation, with instructions for applying for grants. Contributions may be made to the church, including specific bequests, memorials, and direct contributions. Contacts are included.
http://www.stjohnshs.com/
United Methodist Church of Harbor Springs
The UMC congregation in Harbor Springs, Michigan was organized in 1876 as an outgrowth of the Methodist Episcopal Society of the Village of Little Traverse's Sunday School. Its history is told, and announcements and church bulletins are posted on the site, along with a newsletter, worship and program schedules, a calendar of events, contacts, a photo gallery, and an introduction to the church's pastor. Links to the church's Facebook page, where weekly sermon archives are posted.
http://www.umcharborsprings.com/
