Nestled in the small village of New Rochester

A community of faith welcoming all seeking to share God’s love and the opportunity to grow in faith

We are a small yet mighty parish, proudly supporting the larger mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which boasts 4 million members actively participating in God’s work around the world. Freed in Christ, we are dedicated to serving and loving our neighbors. For over 140 years, we have been gathering for worship, continually striving to share Christ’s love in today’s world.

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Join us for Worship

Sunday Mornings at 9:00 am

Adult Sunday School preceding worship at 8:00 am September – May

Mission Statement

A Family Centered in Christ, Growing in Faith, Committed to Serve.

St. Paul Outreach

“Beyond Our Doors” Missions

St. Paul is committed to service and reaching beyond our church for opportunities to serve. We have opportunities for missions through our giving as well as hands on mission efforts.

Our Current Missions:

Sept/Oct. 2025: Aurora House

Meet Our Pastor

Rev. Melanie Haack

Pastor Melanie has served congregations in the Northwestern Ohio Synod since her ordination in 1992. For the last fifteen years, she’s been in the greater Bowling Green area and for almost five years now, she has been serving here at St. Paul and in a shared ministry with St. James Lutheran Church in Bradner.

She’s interested in creating a church-family atmosphere in smaller churches where people can share their lives—their worship-time, prayers and fellowship as we aspire to genuinely love our neighbors and expand the mission of Christ.

She’s currently serving on synod council and as a mentor to four new clergy in the First Call Mentoring program.

Meet Our Leadership Team >

Members of the ELCA

St. Paul Lutheran’s History

St. Paul Lutheran Church was founded on August 4, 1881, when ten men met to establish a congregation in New Rochester. The first church building was dedicated in 1882, followed by the construction of the parsonage the same year. The present church building was completed in 1929, and English services fully replaced German ones by 1953. Christian education has been vital since the beginning, with expansions culminating in an Educational Building dedicated in 1963. For over 140 years, St. Paul Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith, celebrating countless baptisms, confirmations, and marriages, while proclaiming the love of Christ to all.

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