STORY MATTERS

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Peace

Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Pr. Steve Sylvester. His final day of ministry was Sunday, September 6. We thank Steve for his gifts and wish him well as he ventures onward from Prince of Peace. “If you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?”Matthew 5:47a I’ve been tooting Prince of Peace’s horn since before I came to serve as your interim, dating back to June of 2023, when this congregation went out of its way and was so welcoming...

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Open Doors: Going God’s Way

September 20-October 18 Worship Series As we begin our program year our overall theme will be “Open Doors.” God’s door is always open and inviting us in. Do we enter individually and as a church? How does the door swing the other way to let God into our lives? And finally, how do we open our doors to the world around us and go out the doors to serve? Our theme of the first series of the program year is “Open Doors: Going God’s Way. "This series will look at how biblical characters reacted to...

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Women on Wednesday returns September 16!

Women on Wednesday (WoW) returns on September 16th! Our Kickoff will take place in the reception room on Wednesday, September 16th from 10:30- 12 p.m., and we’ll continue to meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month through May. The cost to participate is $25/person; all books and supplies will be provided at our first meeting on the 16th. The purpose of WOW is to provide an opportunity for conversation, community-building, and spiritual growth. We are excited to offer 3 discussion groups...

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A Letter from the Pastor

Dear Friends,

What an incredible year it has been for Prince of Peace! As we reflect on all that we have experienced and accomplished together, I am reminded of the power of stories—stories that shape us, connect us, and inspire us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. That is why our theme for this year, Story Matters, has felt so timely and transformative.

In the compilation of this Annual Report, you will find the stories of our congregation: stories of faith in action, of hope shared, of lives touched by the love of God. These are not just reports of numbers or activities; they are glimpses of how our ministry teams are living into our mission to build the church and love the world.

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Michael Stetzler

MISSION

We are claimed, gathered, and sent to build the Church and love the World.

VISION

Our vision is for a vibrant community that seeks a transformational relationship with God, our neighbors, and one another, while responding authentically, creatively, and justly to the most compelling needs of our community.

More Ministry Stories

Reports from our staff and ministry leaders.

BUILDING THE CHURCH

Prince of Peace is Hiring!

by | Feb 24, 2026 | ,

Audio/Visual Ministry Prince of Peace is hiring!  We are looking for someone to coordinate recruiting, training and scheduling of volunteers for the Audio/Video ministry for Sunday morning and other worship at church.  This is a paid position and will also include...

Sunday Forum | The Power of Fear

by | Feb 24, 2026 |

Lent Series: PowerMarch 89:40am During five Sundays in Lent, members of the adult education team will lead us in an exploration of five different aspects of “power.” We live in a world of power struggles and competing powers. How do we navigate in such a world? What...

You’re Invited to See the Power Struggle

by | Feb 23, 2026 |

Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Pastor Steve Sylvester. Water into wine.  Nice! Sick boy gets well.  Heartwarming! Blind man sees.  Colors abound! Lame man walks.  Skip to my Lou! Dead man comes to life.  Mic...

Be healed

by | Feb 20, 2026 |

Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Suzan Hurlbut. Most people do not see things as they are                                          They see things as they...

Sunday Forum | The Power of Service

by | Feb 19, 2026 |

Lent Series: PowerMarch 19:40am During five Sundays in Lent, members of the adult education team will lead us in an exploration of five different aspects of “power.” We live in a world of power struggles and competing powers. How do we navigate in such a world? What...

Camp Wapo

by | Feb 19, 2026 | , , ,

Prince of Peace Camp Dates Seeds (1st-3rd Gr): July 24-26 Wapo Youth (4th-9th Gr): July 19-24 Ox Roots (9th-12th Gr): July 19-24 Scholarships We never want cost to be a barrier to camp! We are committed to working alongside churches and families to ensure...

God’s work, our hands

by | Feb 18, 2026 |

Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson. Text: Chapter 9 of the Gospel of John. As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither...

Honing your belief

by | Feb 16, 2026 |

Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Pastor Steve Sylvester. I’ve told several of you that John’s Jesus is my least favorite Jesus, but at the same time, it’s my favorite Gospel.  I find the Jesus in John to be offputtingly imperious and a bit...

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a groundbreaking program uniquely housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater, offers hands-on training for faith leaders, seminarians, and incarcerated men, focusing on spiritual care and social justice.

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Love That Rewrites the Story

A woman with a reputation enters Simon the Pharisee’s house. She carries no words, only her tears. Kneeling at Jesus’ feet, she pours out costly perfume—an extravagant display of love. Simon is scandalized, but Jesus sees her differently. He tells a parable of two debtors: one forgiven little, one forgiven much. “Who will love more?” Jesus asks. The answer is clear. Her love is evidence of the mercy that has already rewritten her story.

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Lenten Mentors

Lenten Mentors

Confirmation students are highly encouraged to participate in the Lenten Mentor program. You will...

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When Doubt Finds Us

John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus’ mission, now sits in prison and asks, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is raw, honest—born of disappointment and unmet expectations. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John for doubting. Instead, He points to the evidence of transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. Jesus is rewriting the story, but not in the way John expected.

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Sacred Settlement Update

Sacred Settlement Update

Living in Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace has helped me discover what my heart seems to say, if it had a mouth that could speak. It has showed me that time, has a beautiful learning process.  

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Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Join us for a vital Sunday Forum presentation on Emergency Preparedness in Church, led by Bjorn Christ, EMT. This session will provide an overview of the latest protocols for CPR, AED use, and the administration of Narcan, equipping us with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies.

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Faith Beyond Boundaries

Faith is often found in unexpected places. This Sunday, we’ll read from Luke about a Roman centurion—an outsider—who demonstrates remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority. Without demanding proof, he believes that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal his servant. Jesus is astonished, declaring that this man’s faith surpasses that of Israel. Then, in an act of compassion, Jesus raises a widow’s son, restoring her future along with her child. Both stories remind us that God’s grace moves beyond human boundaries, rewriting stories of exclusion into belonging.

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LOVING THE WORLD

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a groundbreaking program uniquely housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater, offers hands-on training for faith leaders, seminarians, and incarcerated men, focusing on spiritual care and social justice.

read more

Love That Rewrites the Story

A woman with a reputation enters Simon the Pharisee’s house. She carries no words, only her tears. Kneeling at Jesus’ feet, she pours out costly perfume—an extravagant display of love. Simon is scandalized, but Jesus sees her differently. He tells a parable of two debtors: one forgiven little, one forgiven much. “Who will love more?” Jesus asks. The answer is clear. Her love is evidence of the mercy that has already rewritten her story.

read more
Lenten Mentors

Lenten Mentors

Confirmation students are highly encouraged to participate in the Lenten Mentor program. You will...

read more

When Doubt Finds Us

John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus’ mission, now sits in prison and asks, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is raw, honest—born of disappointment and unmet expectations. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John for doubting. Instead, He points to the evidence of transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. Jesus is rewriting the story, but not in the way John expected.

read more
Sacred Settlement Update

Sacred Settlement Update

Living in Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace has helped me discover what my heart seems to say, if it had a mouth that could speak. It has showed me that time, has a beautiful learning process.  

read more
Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Join us for a vital Sunday Forum presentation on Emergency Preparedness in Church, led by Bjorn Christ, EMT. This session will provide an overview of the latest protocols for CPR, AED use, and the administration of Narcan, equipping us with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies.

read more

Faith Beyond Boundaries

Faith is often found in unexpected places. This Sunday, we’ll read from Luke about a Roman centurion—an outsider—who demonstrates remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority. Without demanding proof, he believes that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal his servant. Jesus is astonished, declaring that this man’s faith surpasses that of Israel. Then, in an act of compassion, Jesus raises a widow’s son, restoring her future along with her child. Both stories remind us that God’s grace moves beyond human boundaries, rewriting stories of exclusion into belonging.

read more

MINISTRY SUPPORT

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 23; 9:40am

Social Justice Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a groundbreaking program uniquely housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater, offers hands-on training for faith leaders, seminarians, and incarcerated men, focusing on spiritual care and social justice.

read more

Love That Rewrites the Story

A woman with a reputation enters Simon the Pharisee’s house. She carries no words, only her tears. Kneeling at Jesus’ feet, she pours out costly perfume—an extravagant display of love. Simon is scandalized, but Jesus sees her differently. He tells a parable of two debtors: one forgiven little, one forgiven much. “Who will love more?” Jesus asks. The answer is clear. Her love is evidence of the mercy that has already rewritten her story.

read more
Lenten Mentors

Lenten Mentors

Confirmation students are highly encouraged to participate in the Lenten Mentor program. You will...

read more

When Doubt Finds Us

John the Baptist, once so sure of Jesus’ mission, now sits in prison and asks, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is raw, honest—born of disappointment and unmet expectations. Jesus doesn’t rebuke John for doubting. Instead, He points to the evidence of transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. Jesus is rewriting the story, but not in the way John expected.

read more
Sacred Settlement Update

Sacred Settlement Update

Living in Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace has helped me discover what my heart seems to say, if it had a mouth that could speak. It has showed me that time, has a beautiful learning process.  

read more
Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Sunday Forum | Sunday, February 9; 9:40am

Join us for a vital Sunday Forum presentation on Emergency Preparedness in Church, led by Bjorn Christ, EMT. This session will provide an overview of the latest protocols for CPR, AED use, and the administration of Narcan, equipping us with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies.

read more

Faith Beyond Boundaries

Faith is often found in unexpected places. This Sunday, we’ll read from Luke about a Roman centurion—an outsider—who demonstrates remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority. Without demanding proof, he believes that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal his servant. Jesus is astonished, declaring that this man’s faith surpasses that of Israel. Then, in an act of compassion, Jesus raises a widow’s son, restoring her future along with her child. Both stories remind us that God’s grace moves beyond human boundaries, rewriting stories of exclusion into belonging.

read more

VALUES

THIS IS WHAT WE VALUE…

We welcome all of God’s children through open doors to be in RELATIONSHIP with one another and with God in ever deepening ways.

We respond with GENEROSITY to the world, reflecting the abundance of God’s love present in our lives and made available to all.

CARING for each other, our neighbors and all of God’s creation as we are inspired to offer genuine compassion and love.

We nurture the FAITH given to each of us, listening for how God’s story informs our own and practicing our response.

We are always LEARNING, remaining curious about God’s ever-changing world and our place within it.

Addendum to the Annual Report

Reports from our partners in ministry & detailed financial reports of the congregation.

Click Here to Download the Complete 2024 Addendum to the Annual Report
Message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
Report from St. Paul Area Synod Bishop Patricia Lull
Camp Wapogasset Congregational Report
Membership Statistics
Generosity Report
Report of the Audit Committee
Sacred Settlement PoP Financial Report
Statement of Activities for 2023-2024
Year-End Financial Report: Statement of Activities
Dedicated Account Balances at Year-End
Statement of Financial Position