REV. ALEX LaCHAPELLE

HARVEY — The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Harvey welcomed the Rev. Alex LaChapelle as its new pastor on Jan. 10.

LaChapelle, originally from Wisconsin, served overseas the last several years.

First, he was in Southern Africa and Tanzania as the country coordinator for Young Adults in Global Mission, a volunteer opportunity for young people in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

He finished his time in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as lead pastor to a multilingual congregation (Swahili/English).

Living there only six months, he returned to Wisconsin during this pandemic and served his remaining time virtually.

LaChapelle received his master of divinity in 2014 from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Before seminary, he took some time and worked in camp ministry.

Always excited to work with youth and children, LaChapelle says it’s, “an opportunity to serve youth at a time when they have to find themselves and decide who they are and what they need to go forward in life. “

LaChapelle’s grandfather is originally from Escanaba, and having family in the Upper Peninsula, he already feels at home.

LaChapelle’s love of coffee will make him quite visible in the local coffee shops, and he said he hopes people don’t hesitate to say hello.

Besides Prince of Peace, LaChapelle is most excited about being in a hockey town and already attended his first Northern Michigan University hockey game.

As the weather warms, you might find him playing pickleball and tennis, too.

Learn more about Rev. LaChapelle and Prince of Peace at POPmqt.org.