Beliefs, faith, religion, and spirituality in Saugatuck, Michigan are the focus of this portion of our web guide.
In some contexts, these terms can be used interchangeably, but they are individual words with unique definitions.
Belief is an acceptance that something is true, or that something exists. Faith is stronger, suggesting a strong belief, complete trust, or confidence in someone or something. In the context of religion, faith is a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion.
Religion is the belief in and worship of a deity, particularly a personal God or gods, although it can also refer to a particular system of faith and worship, such as the religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.
Spirituality is more complex, as people can be spiritual in the absence of a belief in a deity or the participation in religion. In a general context, spirituality is the quality of being concerned with the human spirit as opposed to material or physical things. However, Christian spirituality relates to the workings of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Christian.
According to a recent survey, residents of Saugatuck are considerably less religious than those in the average Michigan or American locality. While 49.4% of Americans and 41.9% of Michiganders cited an affiliation with a religion, only 28.5% of Saugatuck residents were religious.
The Catholics were the most prominent, followed by the Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Pentecostals, Baptists, Episcopalians, Mormons, and various other denominations and non-denominational churches.
Recommended Resources
The Saugatuck, Michigan congregation is a member of the Diocese of Western Michigan, part of the Episcopal Church in the United States, itself a province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Listed on both the State and Federal registers of historic places, the church's sanctuary was built in 1873. Its history, several photographs of the building, and an overview of the church's ministries, programs, and activities are posted, along with a calendar of events.
https://allsaintssaugatuck.org/
First Congregational Church of Saugatuck
Organized in 1860, the church is in partnership with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, the largest of the Congregational bodies that did not join the United Church of Christ in 1957. An account of the church's history, traditions, and beliefs are set forth, and its pastor and staff are introduced. Its ministries and missions are outlined, a calendar of events is posted, special programs and activities are announced, and contacts are included.
http://www.1stcongregational.net/
Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church
The Saugatuck CRC congregation meets at its facilities on Old Allegan Road in Saugatuck, Michigan. A summary of the Christian Reformed Church denomination, its core beliefs, Protestant heritage, and spiritual life are put forth, and a schedule of Sunday morning worship services and evening Bible study is posted, while a full calendar of events is also included. An introduction to the pastor and his family, a pastor's blog, a telephone number, and an online contact form are featured.
https://www.saugatuckcrc.org/
Saugatuck United Methodist Church
The UMC congregation meets at its facilities on Mason Street in Saugatuck, Michigan. Contacts for the church offices and pastor are provided, including an online contact form, and an overview of its beliefs and practices is included. Service schedules and a calendar of upcoming programs and events are published on the site, a prayer request form is included, and a video archive of sermon messages may be viewed online. An overview of UMC theology is included.
https://saugatuckumc.com/
