HOUGHTON and PAINESDALE – Grace United Methodist Church (UMC) and Albert Paine (UMC) welcomed a new pastor this week. Pastor Eric Falker brings with him a variety of experiences and interests, from his engineering degrees, to his musical talent, to his international family. An outdoor enthusiast, Pastor Eric is thrilled with his appointment to Houghton. He enjoys skiing, fishing, windsurfing and other pursuits in the great outdoors.

Originally from Tawas, MI, Pastor Eric earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his master’s degree from Purdue University, both in Civil Engineering. He worked as an engineer before being called to the ministry in 2003, and he has served in congregations throughout Michigan since that time, most recently in St. Ignace, MI.

Music is a meaningful way Pastor Eric connects with people. From leading hymns in nursing homes to playing upbeat tunes on Facebook Live to help folks with quarantine blues, playing the piano is central to his ministry.

Pastor Eric met his wife Katja in Germany, and they enjoy close ties with her family there, traveling to visit almost every year and raising their three children to speak both English and German.

Pastor Eric takes the helm just as Grace UMC is launching their first ever At-Home Vacation Bible School (VBS). The church is offering free kits with supplies and instructions for five sessions of VBS for kids in preschool through sixth grade. Activities include crafts, games, snacks, Bible stories, and songs. See the church website houghtongraceumc.org for more information.

Grace UMC offers Sunday worship at 10:00 am, online and in-person at 201 Isle Royal Street in Houghton, and Albert UMC offers Sunday worship at 10:00 am, and in-person at 15385 Iroquois Street in Painsdale. All are welcome to join us.