Meet Susanville’s ‘Pinball Chaplain’

In the world of pastor Marcus Petersen, the line between the pulpit and the pinball machine is thinner than one might expect.

As the pastor of Susanville’s Grace Family Church, Petersen has long been committed to fostering a sense of community, guiding his congregation with a steady hand and an open heart. Yet, his passion for building community connections doesn’t stop at the church doors.

Outside of church services, Petersen is equally devoted to running the town’s now thriving Lassen Pinball League, where he sees the same potential for camaraderie and shared joy. In both arenas, he’s found a way to bring people together — whether it’s through scripture or the shared thrill of a high score — proving that community can be built on many different foundations.

Grace Family, a Christian-based non-denominational church, is nestled on Susanville’s Main Street just catty-corner from Uptown Cinemas.

Petersen explains, “We have an inspirational Bible-based sermon as well as uplifting worship music. I think the flow would be familiar to most, but we do have some things that differentiate us …”

This includes a delicious congregation dinner prior to every service, a special children’s service that runs simultaneously to the main service and a Saturday service.

“We really wanted to make it convenient for the community to be able to worship on their schedule,” Petersen said. “We looked at how many shift workers there were in Susanville and wanted an alternative to the standard Sunday service.”

With an emphasis on serving the community, Grace Family also has a strong prison ministry. They provide oversight and guidance for an inmate-led church that is thriving on Sunday evenings. On Mondays, they facilitate a 4-year seminary course allowing inmates to become certified in Christian Leadership Studies.

Grace Family is also committed to the revitalization of Main Street, starting with renovating their space and moving in the future to external improvements.

Petersen goes on to explain, “Everything you need to know about the church is in the name. Without grace, we wouldn’t have our relationship with God. We seek to love one another as family, and we come together to worship and glorify God as a church.”

So what about pinball?
Petersen began his love of pinball while trying to find a healthy activity to do with his son and took a visit to the Alameda Pinball Museum.

“It was love at first sight for both of us,” he said.

 They ended up having his son’s first-grade birthday party there, and his son later took first place in a children’s tournament.

After Petersen and his family stored a machine for a moving neighbor, he knew he wanted to own his own.

“At first it was a struggle — the cost, space, and upkeep — but I learned so much in those early years.”

Petersen now has more than 43 machines in his possession, but he has no intention of keeping his love of the hobby to himself.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the joy and bonding that comes from playing pinball with my son, and I want to provide that same opportunity for others in the community in a healthy and fun environment.”

You can find Petersen’s machines scattered throughout Lassen County, with a full arcade at The Gaming Zone — also home to the Lassen Pinball League, now in its 10th season.

“Much like Grace Family Church, everyone is welcome,” Petersen said. “There is no pressure, and there are people of all skill levels, some of whom have never played before.”

But does Petersen see any overlap between his two passions?

“Absolutely,” he replied without hesitation. “I don’t push any sort of agenda at pinball — I think a lot of the players don’t even know I’m a pastor. But there are definitely some who attend both league and church, and I have even married a few members and have another wedding coming up. I guess I’m the Pinball Chaplain.”

And for the burning question on everyone’s mind: Is there a pinball machine inside the church?

Petersen laughed, “No, at least not yet, but I guess it is probably just a matter of time.”

Petersen concluded with a heartfelt sentiment, “I love Susanville. It’s a town where you get out of it what you put into it, and I’m both honored and blessed to be able to strengthen the community, through both my ministry calling and the silver ball.”

Grace Family Church is located at 606 Main Street in Susanville. Service is at 6 p.m. Saturday. For more information, go to gfcsusanville.com/

Lassen Pinball League meets at Highway to the Gaming Zone 1430 Main St, Susanville. Check for days and start times at lassenpinball.com/.