Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church was established in 1973 as a mission congregation of the Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Rev. John M. Hirsch was "called" to serve as the church founding pastor. The first service was held in the Birkenstock School gym on Sunday, November 11, 1973. In 1974, ten acres of land located at the corner of Hacker and Hyne roads were purchased. The first service was held in the new church building in May, 1976, with 275 people in attendance. 1978, the church had grown, and two Sunday services were begun. To meet the need for Sunday School space, an education wing was added with eight class areas, offices, a new kitchen, a larger narthex, and storage areas and was dedicated in February, 1981. In 1982 a Preschool program was begun at Shepherd of the Lakes. Once again, it became obvious that we had outgrown our facilities, and another building expansion was dedicated in January, 1990. It included the renovation of the sanctuary and narthex area as well as the addition of offices, classrooms, and nursery.Through the years, staff members were added: Organist, Director of Christian Education, Secretaries, Newsletter Editor, Director of Christian Growth, Preschool Director, and Teachers. In February, 1992, a Saturday evening worship service was added. Late in 1992, Rev. Paul Werner was "called" to be Shepherd of the Lakes Associate Pastor.Early in 1995, ground breaking took place for a new Education Wing which included a preschool and child care center, classrooms, a youth room, and more offices. The building was dedicated with much joy in September. Also in September 1995, a contemporary worship service was added with a band and vocalists singing praises to God.In December, 1995, Pastor Hirsch announced that he would accept a position with the Texas District. Since his wife, Kathy, served at the Preschool Director, it was now necessary to find a new Administrative Pastor and a new Preschool Director. Mrs. Heidi Niska was "called" to be Director of Preschool and Child Care Ministries. She accepted and was installed in July, 1996. In September, 1996, the "call" to be Administrative Pastor was extended to Pastor Werner and he accepted. He was installed into that position in September. The Associate Pastor position vacated by Pastor Werner was filled by Rev. Dr. Frank Graves, Pastor of Spiritual Growth. He was installed in September, 1997. Many auxiliary groups have offered fellowship and recreation opportunities for members and visitors through the years, including family bicycling, softball, basketball, golf, and bowling teams. There are women groups, men groups, and small groups for all ages. Mission trips, outreach events, and projects to help care for the needy, are woven into the fabric of Shepherd of the Lakes. In 1999 Shepherd of the Lakes adopted a dynamic vision for the future and took on three large projects. A daughter congregation was begun in Howell, Michigan, under the leadership of Rev. Galen Grulke. With the groundwork for the new mission church underway, services began the first weekend of September, 2002, in a local school building. The new congregation, Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church, dedicated its new building in September, 2005. An Elementary School was begun in September, 2001. Plans were put in place to add a grade a year until the school spanned Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Heidi Niska became the School Principal, overseeing the entire Preschool - 5th Grade program. Shepherd of the Lakes undertook their largest building project to date with the addition of a new worship center with a seating capacity of 956, school classrooms, offices, nurseries, book store, and a large commons area. This new space was dedicated to the glory of God on March 2, 2003. Through the years, Shepherd of the Lakes has experienced many staffing changes. Ministry positions have been added to serve an ever-growing congregation. Director of Outreach & Member Involvement, Facilities Manager, Executive Administrator, Director of Small Groups, Food Service Director, and Worship Administration Assistants were added. In June, 2005, Pastor Werner accepted a "call" to begin a new church in New Baltimore, Michigan, and left Shepherd of the Lakes. Rev. Mark Milatz, our new Associate Pastor, was installed on January 8, 2006, to serve as Pastor of Children, Youth and Family Ministries. Today, Shepherd of the Lakes membership has grown to almost 1000 confirmed and 1400 baptized members. The church mission statement, "Saved by Jesus Graciously to Seek Him Fully, Serve Him Totally, Share Him Joyfully," is evident throughout the ministries and membership of the church. It is our prayer that, with the help of God, we will continue to make disciples who make disciples until all have heard the Good News and come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.