About Van Buren County

[Harrison]

http://www.infomi.com/county/vanburen/county.gifhttp://www.infomi.com/county/vanburen/spring1.jpg http://www.infomi.com/county/vanburen/summer1.jpg
Van Buren County is located in beautiful southwest Michigan and is considered "Michigan’s Fruit Basket." This area was originally inhabited by Potawatomi Indians, who traded with early European explorers.

Organized in 1837, the County was named after then Secretary of State and later President Martin Van Buren, settled largely by Dutch Immigrants from New York. It was not long afterwards that the value of the soil was realized to be excellent for fruit growing, including grapes.

In the late 1860’s grape growers formed a coalition to organize marketing, which included the strategy of not more than one farmer bringing their grapes to the same market on the same day. This proved highly effective, and wineries began to flourish. Today, some of the best grape stock in the nation can be seen growing around Paw Paw and Lawton, while orchard fruits, especially peaches, blueberries, pears and apples also appear in abundance just to the west.

Van Buren County also generates a lot of tourism, with a scenic coastline on Lake Michigan that includes rolling sand dunes and the historic port of South Haven (http://www.infomi.com/city/southhaven), complete with the bright red Pierhead Lighthouse. It is also an historic area, with many of its towns preserving turn-of-the-century architecture - including the County Building at Paw Paw (http://www.infomi.com/city/pawpaw), listed on the State Historical Register.

[Harrison]

Horseback Riding


Sunset Trails LLC (http://commerce.prodigybiz.com/customer/s/sunsettrailsllc/) Lawrence, MI (616)674-7433
Family owned and operated horse ranch. Horsebackriding for the entire family. Tour of our 150 acre ranch. Group and Private guided trail riding, lessons in basic riding, horse safty and horse behavior available.

[Harrison]

Chamber of Commerce



Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce (http://www.decaturmi.org/coc.htm) P.O. Box 211, Decatur, MI (269)423-7014


Greater Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce (http://www.pawpawmi.com/) P.O. Box 105, Paw Paw, MI (269)657-5395 or Fax: (269)655-8755

ppccdda@btc-bci.com (ppccdda@btc-bci.com)

Greater South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.southhavenmi.com/) 606 Phillips Street, South Haven, MI (269)637-5171 or Fax: (269)639-1570

CofC@southhavenmi.com (CofC@southhavenmi.com)
Community Information and Links



Greater Sister Lakes Area Business Association (http://www.sisterlakesmi.com/) c/o 67900 State Route 152, Sister Lakes, MI (269)424-3350 or (269)944-1451
Hello and Welcome to Sister Lakes -- land of sun and fun! As you browse through our Business Directory, notice the wide variety of services and opportunities to have fun for a day, a week or a lifetime!

Miss Bangor - Bangor\'s Queen Team 59072 44th Avenue, Lawrence, MI (269)427-7155
Bangor's Queen Team proud sponsors of Miss Bangor. Bangor's local representatives.
paulward70@hotmail.com (paulward70@hotmail.com)
Convention and Visitors Bureau



South Haven Visitors Bureau (http://www.bythebigbluewater.com/) 415 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI (616)637-5252
The South Haven Visitors Bureau is a non-profit marketing organization promoting South Haven, Van Buren County, and Casco Township. We provide information to visitors including accommodations, things to see and do, festivals and events, and community activities.
info@southhaven.org (info@southhaven.org)
Education



Paw Paw Community Education (http://www.pawpawcommunityeducation.org/) 119 Johnson Street, Paw Paw, MI (616)657-8830
Paw Paw Community Education's home page has been developed to provide you with information regarding classes, staff, programs, and contact information.
paw_paw_comm_ed@yahoo.com (paw_paw_comm_ed@yahoo.com)
Family Help



Van Buren County Family Independence Agency 57150 County Road 681 ** P.O. Box 7, Hartland, MI (269)621-2800

millerk11@michigan.gov (millerk11@michigan.gov)
Health Information



Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Southwest Michigan Affiliate (http://www.komenswmichigan.org/) P.O. Box 2301, Kalamazoo, MI (877)KOMENSW
The Southwest Michigan Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
is an all-volunteer local organization who raises and grants funds to provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment to medically underserved populations in Southwest Michigan. At least 75% of funds remain in Southwest Michigan, and the other 25% of funds are applied directly to national breast cancer research.
swmi@komenswmichigan.org (swmi@komenswmichigan.org)
Historical Society



United Sons and Daughters of the Gray and Blue Corporation (http://17thscinfantry.tripod.com/) 53704 Clark Drive, Mattawan, MI (269) 668-2618
Civil War Re-enacting and Historical Preservation Organization.
sarahtoga@hotmail.com (sarahtoga@hotmail.com)
Human Services



Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, Inc. (http://www.goodwillswmi.org/) 2700 North Pitcher Street, Kalamazoo, MI (269)382-0490 x231
Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, a not-for-profit organization, provides employment, education, and training services to people in their community.
jdillworth@goodwillswmi.org (jdillworth@goodwillswmi.org)
Museum



Michigan Flywheelers Museum (http://www.michiganflywheelers.org/) 06285 68th Street, South Haven, MI (269)639-2010
A museum dedicated to the preservation of American farming history.
michiganflywheelers@yahoo.com (michiganflywheelers@yahoo.com)
Schools



Decatur Jr-Sr High School Music Department (http://homepages.infoseek.com/~mrsousa/musicdept.htm) 110 Cedar Street, Decatur, MI (616)423-6134
Decatur Jr-Sr high school music department, Decatur, MI. Director, Gordon J. Usher. Performance and organization information including information on the "Raider Marching Band." Check out our photos from our recent trip to Disney World!
gusher@vbisd.org (gusher@vbisd.org)
Service Club



Paw Paw Area Rotary (http://www.pawpawarearotary.com/) 34462 First, Paw Paw, MI (269)657-2223
Serving the Paw Paw, Mattawan, and Lawton areas.
rotary@pawpawarearotary.com (rotary@pawpawarearotary.com)
Sports



Red Arrow Soccor Club (http://www.redarrowsoccer.com/) P.O. Box 533, Mattawan, MI 375-1884
Red Arrow Soccer Club strives to provide an opportunity for selected youth soccer players in the Southwest Michigan area to participate in competitive age group leagues and to enhance their respective playing skills.

Volunteers



Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, Inc. (http://www.goodwillswmi.org/) 2700 North Pitcher Street, Kalamazoo, MI (269)382-0490 x231
Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, a not-for-profit organization, provides employment, education, and training services to people in their community.
jdillworth@goodwillswmi.org (jdillworth@goodwillswmi.org)

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Southwest Michigan Affiliate (http://www.komenswmichigan.org/) P.O. Box 2301, Kalamazoo, MI (877)KOMENSW
The Southwest Michigan Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
is an all-volunteer local organization who raises and grants funds to provide breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment to medically underserved populations in Southwest Michigan. At least 75% of funds remain in Southwest Michigan, and the other 25% of funds are applied directly to national breast cancer research.
swmi@komenswmichigan.org (swmi@komenswmichigan.org)
Youth (4-H, FFA) Fair



Almena Happy Helpers 58899 C.R. 657, Mattawan, MI (269)668-5436
Kids in Mattawan, Lawton and Paw Paw are welcome to join just call and get
signed up!!
karolchopp@yahoo.com (karolchopp@yahoo.com)

[Harrison]

Apostolic



Apostolic Christian Tabernacle 65097 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford, MI 49057
Phone: (269)621-2500 Pastor Theo Mc Andrew, Sr.
Come where the Truth is Preached, and feel God s Spirit, and be free to worship the one true God. Sun.Morning 10AM, Sun.Nite 6PM, Wed.Nite 7PM.

Baptist



Bible Baptist Church - South Haven (http://www.bbcofsouthhaven.com/) 16057 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: (269)639-1588
We are located just outside of the scenic city of South Haven, Michigan. Our goal is to lift up the name of Christ and point souls to Him. We welcome you to "Come See the Difference" at Bible Baptist Church and be our honored guest.
pastor@bbcofsouthhaven.com (pastor@bbcofsouthhaven.com)


Faith Baptist Church 56070 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI 49071
Phone: (616)668-3391 Chuck Rawsthorne
A friendly independent Baptist Church located on the corner of Murray & McGillen; Services on Sunday at 10:00, 11:00, and 6:00pm, and Wednesday at 7:00pm "Proclaiming Truth that Transforms!" Everyone is welcome!
crr-fbc@juno.com (crr-fbc@juno.com)


First Baptist Church of South Haven (http://www.southhavenfbc.com/) 1635 76th Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: (269) 637-1291 Brent Bittenbender
Searching to "Know Him and Make Him Known." Relevant teaching, modern music, and purposefully aimed at the families of South Haven and beyond.

Catholic



St. John Bosco Catholic Church 23830 Front Avenue, Mattawan, MI 49071
Phone: (269)668-3312 Carol Kesteloot, Secretary
Weekend masses are: Saturday at 5:30pm, Sunday 7:30am & 11:00am, Weekday masses are Tuesday-Thursday at 8:30am.
stjohnbosco@voyager.net (stjohnbosco@voyager.net)

Charismatic



New Day Community Church (http://www.newdaycommunity.org/) 3600 Nichols Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Phone: (269)343-2102 Pastor Cameron
You're welcome to visit any Sunday at 10 AM; Call for midweek times; Coffee
served at every service! Our mission: Changing Lives!

newday@newdaycommunity.org (newday@newdaycommunity.org)


Step-Of-Faith Ministries (http://www.step-of-faith.org/) 412 Cedar Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269)655-2240 Church Office
We are an independent Non-Denominational fellowship that believes Christ has called us to equip the saints to model and introduce Christ through education, counseling and fellowship. We offer counseling, by appointment, from a Biblical perspective by a limited licensed physchologist. Interactive youth group Wednesday Evening 6:30-8:00 Youth Pastors on staff.
stepoffaith@quixnet.net (stepoffaith@quixnet.net)

Christian



Apostolic Christian Tabernacle 65097 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford, MI 49057
Phone: (269)621-2500 Pastor Theo Mc Andrew, Sr.
Come where the Truth is Preached, and feel God s Spirit, and be free to worship the one true God. Sun.Morning 10AM, Sun.Nite 6PM, Wed.Nite 7PM.

Church of Christ



Bangor Church of Christ 214 North Walnut Street, Bangor, MI 49013
Phone: (616)427-8503; Tim L. Sipes, Senior Minister
The Bangor Church of Christ is a non-denominational congregation. We are a part of the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ. We see our purpose as fivefold: Reaching the lost, Discipling them, Baptising them into Christ, Equipping them for ministry, all
bcc@bigfoot.com (bcc@bigfoot.com)

Episcopal



St. Mark\'s Episcopal Church (http://www.pawpawstmarks.org/) 201 West Michigan, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269)657-3762
We're a new church with ancient roots and a 21st century spirit. Come visit. We welcome church shoppers.
stmarks@btc-bci.com (stmarks@btc-bci.com)

Independent Baptist



Bible Baptist Church - South Haven (http://www.bbcofsouthhaven.com/) 16057 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: (269)639-1588
We are located just outside of the scenic city of South Haven, Michigan. Our goal is to lift up the name of Christ and point souls to Him. We welcome you to "Come See the Difference" at Bible Baptist Church and be our honored guest.
pastor@bbcofsouthhaven.com (pastor@bbcofsouthhaven.com)

Non-Denominational



1st Web Church (http://www.1stwebchurch.org/) 250 Franklin Lake Circle, Oxford, MI 48371
Phone: (248)628-7057
An internet-based church for those who have lost touch, or maybe never got in touch, with the major organized religions. We welcome everyone who feels "there must be something more to life!"
Pastor@1stwebchurch.org (Pastor@1stwebchurch.org)


Hartford Federated Church (http://www.hfc6.org/) 65418 Red Arrow Highway, Hartford, MI 49057
Phone: (616)621-4521 Patricia Morrison
The Hartford Federated Church is the result of a merger of three churches in the 1930's and continues to preach and teach the Baptistic fundamentals of the faith. We invite you to discover the difference that Jesus Christ can make in your life today and f
hfc6@cybersol.com (hfc6@cybersol.com)


New Day Community Church (http://www.newdaycommunity.org/) 3600 Nichols Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49004
Phone: (269)343-2102 Pastor Cameron
You're welcome to visit any Sunday at 10 AM; Call for midweek times; Coffee
served at every service! Our mission: Changing Lives!

newday@newdaycommunity.org (newday@newdaycommunity.org)


Step-Of-Faith Ministries (http://www.step-of-faith.org/) 412 Cedar Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269)655-2240 Church Office
We are an independent Non-Denominational fellowship that believes Christ has called us to equip the saints to model and introduce Christ through education, counseling and fellowship. We offer counseling, by appointment, from a Biblical perspective by a limited licensed physchologist. Interactive youth group Wednesday Evening 6:30-8:00 Youth Pastors on staff.
stepoffaith@quixnet.net (stepoffaith@quixnet.net)


The Home Church International, Inc. (http://www.thehci.com/) P.O. Box 504, South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: (616)639-8481 Pastor Alfred O. Johnson
We are an international church networked through the Internet, conducting worship services and bible study in our homes. Initial contact and fellowship is through our website.
thehci@hotmail.com (thehci@hotmail.com)


TLC of Douglas (http://www.tlcministries.net/) 237 Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406
Phone: (269)543-3212
TLC is a young non denominational church in Douglas, Michigan. Down-to-earth people, a safe loving environment, relevant and practical teachings from the Word of God and contemporary worship.
pastor@tlcministries.net (pastor@tlcministries.net)


Transforming Life Church (http://www.tlcministries.net/) 237 Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406
Phone: (269)543-3212 Pastor Paul
At TLC we are passionate about the presence of the Lord. A safe, loving place where people can be transformed. TLC has intentional emphasis on relational evangelism and developing spiritual gifts.
pastor@tlcministries.net (pastor@tlcministries.net)

Pentecostal



Pentecostal Church of God 330 South Pleasant, Watervliet, MI 49098
Phone: (269)463-5779


Presbyterian Church USA



Pine Island Presbyterian Church (http://www.pineislandpresbyterian.org/) 57649 Murray Street, Mattawan, MI 49071
Phone: (269)668-7600
We are a new church development meeting for worship in the cafeteria area of Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 10:00 on Sunday Mornings. Sunday School for all ages. Professional child care available.
pineisland@voyager.net (pineisland@voyager.net)

Reformed



Calvary Reformed Church (http://www.calvaryreformed.org/index.html) 7829 South 5th Street, Mattawan, MI 49071
Phone: (269) 375-6240 Pastor Greg VanHeukoelm
A new beginning... There is Someone who brought you to this page who wants to bring you to Himself. No click is by accident, no movement of the mouse without the yielding of His hand.
What you read about our church matters little, what you believe about Jesus Christ means much.

The United Church of Christ



First Congregational Church UCC (http://www.lcongsh.org/) 651 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Phone: (269) 637-3804 Jeffrey Dick, Sr. Pastor
Welcome to First Congregational—a community of faith that seeks to respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Sundays: 9:45 a.m. Celebration Place! 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.
Sundays: 9:45 a.m. Celebration Place! 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship.
1congsh@i2k.com (1congsh@i2k.com)

Undenominational



Lawrence Bible Church 350 South Paw Paw Street, Lawrence, MI 49064
Phone: (616)674-8745 Pastor Donald Miller
Sunday School: 9:45 am, Worship Service: 11:00 am, Evening Service: 6:00 pm, Mid Week Service/Prayer Meeting - Wednesday: 7:00 pm Nursery available.

United Methodist



LifeSpring Church (http://www.golifespring.org/) 6767 West 0 Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (269)760-3250 Mark Payne, Pastor
LifeSpring Church meets in the auditorium of Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 11:00 AM. Nursery and children's program through grade 5 during worship.
LifeSpring is a newer worshipping community with a vision to connect people to God and each other. We are a come as you are church; no need for fancy clothes or church background.
info@GoLifeSpring.org (info@GoLifeSpring.org)


LifeSpring Church (http://www.golifespring.org/) 6767 West 0 Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone: (269)760-3250 Mark Payne, Pastor
LifeSpring Church meets in the auditorium of Kalamazoo Valley Community College at 11:00 AM. Nursery and children's program through grade 5 during worship.
LifeSpring is a newer worshipping community with a vision to connect people to God and each other. We are a come as you are church; no need for fancy clothes or church background.
info@GoLifeSpring.org (info@GoLifeSpring.org)

[EMUJeff]

I'm ready to move there.
EMUJeff