Topics relating to faith, religion, and spirituality in the Indian River, Michigan community are the focus of this portion of our guide.
Although we will discuss these terms in more detail later, the resources in this category are likely to be websites representing local ministries or places of worship. Because the vast majority of religious people in Indian River were Christians, these will largely, if not completely, be the websites of Christian churches.
As for faith, religion, and spirituality, these terms are often used interchangeably and, in some contexts, that wouldn't make much of a difference, they are separate words with unique descriptions. Given that Christianity is the prevalent religion in Indian River, we will discuss these terms from that perspective.
In general terms, faith refers to a strong belief in a person, place, thing, or situation. Theologically, Christians would define faith as confidence in what is hoped for and the assurance that the Lord is working, even in the absence of tangible proof. This is taken from Hebrews 11:1. Faith is not synonymous with belief, as it is quite possible to believe in something without having faith in it. However, faith is also used in reference to a body of belief, which might be seen when someone is said to be of the Catholic faith.
In dictionaries, religion is defined as a specific system of belief, worship, or conduct that prescribes certain responses to the existence, or nonexistence, and character of God. It may also be defined as a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to supernatural power. The second definition would exclude atheism, although atheism is generally considered to be a religion. Other definitions are so broad as to include ecology and cosmology and, to be fair, there are elements of religion in each of these examples.
The basic categories of religion are polytheism, monotheism, atheism, and deism. Polytheism is the belief that there are many gods, monotheism is the belief that there is only one God, atheism denies the existence of a god, and deism is a position that nature and scientific principles are an incarnation of God. Agnostics are those who are uncertain, and there are various degrees of agnosticism.
The major religions in the world today are Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Atheism, and Sikhism. Mormonism is generally considered to be a branch of Christianity, and there are branches of each of these larger religions.
Appropriate topics for this category may include anything focused on faith, religion, or spirituality in the Indian River, Michigan community, including ministries, churches, and other places of worship.
Recommended Resources
City on a Hill Community Church
Founded as a church plant in the summer of 2016, the congregation met at Inland Lakes School for a year and a half before entering into its current sharing agreement with Strait Gate House of Prayer, meeting at their building, which is literally on a hill. The non-denominational church is featured, with information about its worship services, particularly for those who are new, including worship schedules, a calendar of events, outreach programs, and a member forum.
https://www.cityonahillir.com/
Located on Hemlock Street in Indian River, Michigan, the church's service times, a calendar of events, telephone number, and an email address for the pastor are posted on the site, which includes a statement of beliefs, core values, and an introduction to the church leadership. An overview of what to expect during worship services is provided for those who may be attending for the first time, with informational articles, and a link to its archive of sermon videos is included.
https://indianriverbaptistchurch.org/
Indian River United Methodist Church
In service for more than a century, the UMC congregation has moved several times before settling in its current location on Eagles Nest Road in 2006. Its location is shown on a map, and a schedule of its traditional and contemporary Sunday morning services is provided, along with a profile and brief history of the church, a statement of beliefs, and an introduction to its pastor and leadership staff. A video archive of past sermons and prayer requests is available.
https://irumc.org/
National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
The Roman Catholic facilities in Indian River, Michigan highlights its 55-foot tall, 22-foot wide crucifix, carved from a single redwood tree, serving as the centerpiece for the site, which includes a 250-seat chapel, a 1,000-seat church, and shrines for Saint Francis, Our Lady of the Highway, Saint Peregrine, and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, several smaller shrines, and a nun doll museum. Its location, directions, church bulletins, calendar of events, and contacts are posted.
http://www.crossinthewoods.com/
Transfiguration Episcopal Church
Formed in 1958 as a mission church of St. James Episcopal Church in Cheboygan, Michigan, the congregation met in a specifically designed trailer until 1967, when it moved into its current sanctuary, attaining parish status that same year. Its beliefs, service and program schedules, and an overview of its worship style are set forth. The church's outreach activities are outlined. Its physical and mailing addresses, a map, office hours, telephone number, and email address are posted.
https://www.transfigepiscopal.org/
