Our Mission
Called and empowered by Word and Sacrament and shaped by diverse traditions, we gather as a community of believers in Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we proclaim faith in our crucified and risen Lord and Savior.
Our mission in this time and place is to invite all people to share our faith in Jesus Christ. Our responsibility includes ministering to the needs and concerns of this parish and those of our neighbors in the urban community.
We believe that is is essential for all who are committed to this mission to participate actively in worship, prayer, education and congregational life. We are called to celebrate the gospel of Jesus Christ through the stewardship of our time, talents and gifts.
Our Journey
St. Michael Lutheran Church has been a cornerstone of faith in Harrisburg for generations, founded in 1844 as a German Lutheran church, serving the large German-speaking population in Harrisburg at the time. The services were in German, and the efforts in outreach and in service were primarily geared toward German immigrants to the area. Our earliest Constitution stated,
"Services shall be held in German so long as grass grows green in the world, if demanded by three members." Our first building was on Second St. in Harrisburg. Sold in 1906, the second and current church was built in its current place on State Street.
We've changed a bit since 1844. We no longer have regular services in German. Our membership has grown beyond our German roots to become a congregation of people of diverse backgrounds and roots. In the midst of our beautiful diversity, we come together under the same Gospel, the same Christ. The Christ that brought people together over 150 years ago brings us to this place today.
In 2001, we became a Reconciling in Christ Congregation, affirming our commitment to being a church that is open and affirming of LGBTQIA+ people. This move formalized our long-held belief that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. And that, to quote the Apostle Paul, "nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
To the left, is a history written for the 150th anniversary of our church, So Long as Grass Grows Green.
the Rev. Alex
Sheppard-Witt
Pastor
Pastor Alex Sheppard-Witt was ordained in 2018 and is beginning her third call, serving St. Michael in Harrisburg and St. Peter in Highspire. She is a graduate of the University of Richmond with a bachelors in Religious Studies, and a graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with a Master in Divinity and a certificate in Biblical Studies.
She brings with her a love of biblical studies and teaching, alongside a heart for pastoral care. She sees her ministry as a call to proclaim God's unconditional love for all people, especially those on the margins. She believes that the church is at its best when it gathers us, feeds us, and sends us out in love -- not for ourselves but for the sake of the world.
Outside of ministry, my wife, Caitlin and I enjoy time with our families. We love games of all kinds - card, video, and board -- good shows, and time outdoors, though much of our free time at the moment is spent with our energetic puppy, Lucy.
Our Staff
Kevin
Laudenslager
Director of Music
Kevin Laudenslager has served the Lutheran church as a pianist, organist, singer, and church musician since his teenage years. Raised in Pennsylvania German farm country north of Harrisburg, he brings a lifelong love of music—from Baroque to Bluegrass—to enrich worship at St. Michael.
Inspired by the conviction that music should reflect the liturgical season, scripture, and the unique character of each congregation, Kevin seeks to create meaningful and inspiring worship experiences grounded in the rich tradition of sacred music.
A former language teacher and bank executive, Kevin enjoys world travel, studying languages, reading, and French cooking.
Mylah
Martin-Davis
Office Administrator
Mylah N. Martin-Davis joined the St. Michael staff in June 2024 and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the parish community. She is a proud Penn State University graduate (Go Lions!) with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Temple University.
Throughout her career, Mylah has been dedicated to serving children, families, and communities. Her professional experience includes serving as Program Director at Girls Inc., where she led educational enrichment programs for girls; working as a Mobile Therapist and Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) provider for children with behavioral and mental health needs; and serving as Director of Services for a human services agency.
Although retired from the child welfare field, Mylah continues to find joy in working with children and serving others. She is a co-owner of Great Celebrations Ceremony Specialists. In her free time, Mylah enjoys dancing, reading, baking, and exploring photography. She and her husband, Jeff, love spending time with their extended family, traveling, PSU football, working on house projects, and attending live music events together.