About Calvary Lutheran Church

 We moved to Two Rivers in the fall of 2022 from Kansas City to serve as the pastor of Calvary Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran. The first time we visited, we immediately fell in love with the proximity to Lake Michigan.

I received my Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Serving as the Pastor here is rich and rewarding. It is wonderful to be a part of building community and proclaiming the Gospel.  

My faith is important to me for many reasons, but the biggest one is that it gives me hope when it is hard to find any in the world. The world around us is murky and complicated. It is filled with so many messages that are counter to Jesus's example, but having faith means that through the twists and turns life will inevitably bring, I can look to God and hold fast to my faith that all things will be well.  Faith is the way that we find each other and a path to a world that is better than yesterday. 

Contact Info: pastoryerionkeck@gmail.com

Joe has been a part of Calvary for 32 years. He says that when his family first started attending Calvary they experienced a feeling of family and all these years later he still gets that same feeling. 

Joe's faith isn't just something that is put into play on Sunday mornings. It's something that he carries with him in everyday life. He said, "My faith in Jesus guides my in how I live my life. It shows me how I can be a better person, helps me to respect others more, and shows me how to deal with life's adversities." 

Contact: calvarytrfinance@gmail.com

Cindy has been a member of Calvary for 43 years. She and her late husband, raised their four children at Calvary. Calvary is a second family for Cindy & her closest friends are there. Cindy emphasized that a small congregation like Calvary means people know and care for each other.

When asked about how her faith impacts her life, Cindy said, "Over the years, my faith has led to service to others--my family, my church, and my community. Retirement has provided me with more opportunities to volunteer."

Lori  has been a part of Calvary for approximately 35 years. Something she loves about Calvary is that she & her husband  know everyone!  She says, "It's a family we check in with each Sunday." Lori & her husband have created lifelong friendships with other Calvary members and they have raised their families together. Although some of those members have since moved to be closer to their adult children and grandchildren, those tightknit bonds remain and truly feel like family.

Hearing Lori speak about her faith is inspiring. She remembers praying from a young age and has felt God's love for her (which she describes as God's hugs) in profound ways when she has been in some very challenging situations. She says, "The peace that God provides in those times, the peace that passes all human understanding, assures me that I am never alone. It gives me hope that the world can heal and reminds me to love everyone the way that Christ did. My faith also assures me that I will have a beautiful life after death."

Kim has been a part of Calvary for 26 years. She describes the people of Calvary as people who care about one another and their community. Calvary is like a second family to Kim.

When asked why her faith is important to her, Kim said, "My faith in Jesus gives me great joy, knowing that he is always leading me in the right direction in life and in everything I do. I trust in him, believing and knowing that he will always be with me in all life's blessings and challenges.  Jesus has impacted my life by giving me the strength, courage, and peace to carry on in both the good times and bad times."

Stan have been a part of Calvary for 36 years. His favorite thing about attending Calvary is that this small congregation is like a family, caring & looking out for each other.

When asked how his faith has impacted his life Stan said, "My faith is the center of many of my choices. I am by nature shy and introverted but Jesus’ message of love and loving pushes me to step forward, to step out with care and concern, to be brave. I continue to try, continue to fail, and continue to try again as a result."

Diane has been with Calvary longer than any other council member. She has been a part of the church family for 54 years! Diane loves the people of Calvary. She specifically mentioned that she enjoys worshipping with other members on a Sunday morning. And Diane is right! Worshipping together can bring so much joy! 

To Diane, her faith in Jesus reassures here that he is always there to lean on, to guide her, and to learn from. When she has needed guidance in difficult times, she turns to Jesus, knowing that he is faithful to get her through.

Bruce has been a part of Calvary for about 21 years. Something he loves about Calvary is that they can communicate openly and honestly about things. He says that as a congregation, they aren't afraid to try different things.

An important aspect of Bruce's faith is personal communication with God, through prayer. Bruce said, "I know I can bring anything to God." He firmly believes that his prayers are heard and even expressed, "Somehow He always answers."  Knowing that God is always there for us and that He never leaves us is a comforting and reassuring part of faith. 

Alyssa's husband grew up at Calvary and his family has a long history there. Alyssa lives in Two Rivers with her family and enjoys the beach, board/card games, hiking, reading, her pets, and tacos!

Alyssa's faith has impacted her life in so many meaningful ways. Most importantly, she says, "Even in times where I have questioned and doubted my faith, I know that Jesus never changes. So many difficult life experiences have caused me to examine my faith & I can confidently say that God is good & that he can be trusted, even in difficult circumstances. The Bible says that God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. There is so much comfort to be found in that! In a world where everything is changing: God's love, grace, & faithfulness remain the same.

Contact Info:

churchcalvarylutheran@gmail.com

Becky has been on staff at Calvary for about 16 years. Her original role was choir director & organist/pianist. Since Covid, her role has become primarily the organist/pianist.  

Becky says, "My faith in Jesus means I may not always have the answers. When the answers come, they might not be what I WANT to do, but I should do it anyway.  Having faith can be hard at times, but in the end, it all works out." For Becky, having faith meant stepping outside of her comfort zone many times in life, for her education and different jobs. It has meant moving away from family and into the unknown, believing for the best, even when she couldn't see it.  Her faith and trust in Jesus have guided her to the life and beautiful family she has today.

Becky's favorite thing about Calvary is the comradery.  She describes the Calvary family as forgiving, welcoming and encouraging.