Belief, faith, religion, and spirituality in Portland, Michigan are the focal point of this part of our guide.
In some contexts, faith and belief can be used interchangeably. On the other hand, in popular usage, the word faith suggests a deeper meaning than mere belief. Belief might suggest an intellectual acceptance of a fact, while faith adds trust and commitment to belief. Most people believe that it's important to eat healthy foods and to exercise regularly, but most people don't do that. Although they may have belief, they lack faith. In the context of Christianity, Satan believed in the existence of God, but he did not have faith in Him.
Religion and spirituality are often viewed and used as synonyms, although they are very different concepts.
Religion is an organized system of beliefs and practices, most of which base their beliefs on a sacred text, a deity, or the words of a great prophet. Religions rely on faithful believers. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism are examples of religions.
Spirituality is a broader concept, with various definitions. Although usually used in the context of religion, spirituality does not require a belief in a deity or adherence to a religion. Someone who is seeking a greater purpose in life might be said to be spiritual. The personal application of the teachings of a religion may also be considered spiritual.
Just over thirty percent of the citizens of Portland are religious. Of these, the larger majority are Catholics. They are followed distantly by the Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Mormons, Baptists, Episcopalians, and various non-denominational churches.
For the most part, appropriate topics for this category will include websites representing ministries or places of worship in Portland, Michigan, regardless of the particular religion, denomination, or sect.
Recommended Resources
Affiliated with the Wesleyan Church, ECC is an evangelical, Protestant church. The foundations of its beliefs and practices are outlined, along with a mission and vision statement, an introduction to the church, and staff contacts. Its community ministries are outlined, along with its ministries to children and students, camp ministries and scholarship funds, and service opportunities. Its location, telephone number, office contacts, and a calendar of upcoming events are included.
https://www.epic-community.org/
First Congregational church of Portland, Michigan
Serving the Portland, Michigan community since 1843, the FCC is a member of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Covenant. Also known as the White Church on the Hill, the church is on East Bridge Street; its location is shown on a map. The congregation meets for worship on Sunday mornings, and the church office is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. A telephone number is provided. Its Christian education ministries and missions are provided.
https://fccportland.weebly.com/
Situated on Ionia Road in Portland, Michigan, the congregation is associated with the Assemblies of God denomination. Office hours, the office telephone number, and email address are published on the site, which includes information about its Sunday School, community outreach programs, and other ministries. A video introduction from the church's pastor is posted, staff contacts are given, and an audio archive of the church's teachings is available, and contributions may be made online.
https://www.portlandmounthope.org/
Portland Church of the Nazarene
Located on Cutler Road, the Portland, Michigan congregation meets on Sundays. Service schedules, the church's address, and directions are published on the site, and its age-group ministries, community outreach programs, and other programs and events are noted online, with schedules. Services may also be viewed online, and an archive is included. A telephone number, email address, and social media contacts are posted, and a facility for making online contributions is available.
https://miportlandnaz.com/
Portland United Methodist Church
Meeting at its facilities on Bridge Street, the Portland, Michigan UMC congregation offers both in-person and online services each Sunday. The congregation was first served as a Class Meeting in 1838, a parsonage was built in 1851, and meetings were held there and in an old school building until 1877 when a white frame church was constructed. After that building was destroyed by fire in 1912, the current sanctuary was built in 1914. Service schedules, an event calendar, and contacts are posted.
https://www.portlandumc.org/
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, the Portland, Michigan parish church is located on Church Street. Office hours, telephone numbers, and an email address are posted, along with Mass schedules and a calendar of upcoming events. Founded in 1906, its school includes a preschool, daycare, multi-age kindergarten, elementary, and high school programs. General information about the school is provided, including school schedules, an events schedule, enrollment policies, and scholarships.
https://portlandstpats.com/
