STORY MATTERS
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Join Women on Wednesday!
Wednesday, September 1610:30am-12pm 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...
Great Commission
Today's author is Naomi Sveholm. Naomi is a missionary with Central Europe Teachers teaching English at a bilingual Lutheran high school in Bratislava, Slovakia with her spouse and two children. The first emissaries of the British Empire, especially in the 19th century, were missionaries and merchants. They established relationships and trade with locals, forcing shifts in culture and language and exploiting natural resources. When trouble inevitably followed, so did the British military,...
Bus Driver
Today's author is Naomi Sveholm. Naomi is a missionary with Central Europe Teachers teaching English at a bilingual Lutheran high school in Bratislava, Slovakia with her spouse and two children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsR7oPHBN08 The song “Bus Driver” by Caedmon’s Call tells the story of a bus driver faithfully orbiting the town. Although the Ashbury sign is gone, people still wait, knowing the bus will arrive. Regular riders include bank and retail workers, whose jobs the driver...
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.
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
Sunday Forum | February 8
Palestine | "Hope in a hopeless situation" Join in the discussion led by Rev. John Setterlund who served as Lutheran missionary in Palestine 2006-2008 and has traveled back many times. https://youtu.be/Auz90TgGJJw
God’s Love Is Not Quantified
Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Rev. Steve Sylvester. One of my pet peeves is the confusion of number and amount. For example, I often hear that “a lot of people are annoyed by grammar geeks.” A lot refers to quantity, and people...
A Theological Puzzle (or Not)
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth. The end of the text that was read in worship this past Sunday is a bit puzzling. In fact, I decided not to preach on these verses (John 2:23-25) at all. It’s not that they are impossible to decipher; they hint...
PoP Rocks Summer Trip
by Julene Hannesh This past summer, PoP Rocks (our High School Youth Ministry) spent a week camping along Minnesota’s North Shore—sharing life together and deepening our relationships with God and one another. Our days were filled with hiking through state parks,...
Ways to Support Our Community
Door AttendantPrince of Peace has offered to have a door attendant on Fridays and Sunday when CCB (Spanish congregation) meets. They are very thankful for our willingness to provide observers/door attendants to be an extra pairs of eyes when they are here on Fridays...
A Letter from Deborah Cordes, Congregation President
2025 Annual Report What a year!! Did anyone expect to be where we are today, last January? I did not. Just for perspective….I thought it would be a simple year. Peter was the pastor, and we were fully staffed. The Sacred Settlement was doing OK. Nationally, the world...
Bega Kwa Bega
Prince of Peace has companion relationships with Bomalang’ombe and Vikongwa parishes in the Iringa Diocese of Tanzania. This companionship is part of the larger Bega kwa Bega (Shoulder to Shoulder) connection between the St. Paul Area Synod and the Iringa...
The Lamb of God
Today's author is Prince of Peace Member, Scott Tunseth. We are working our way through the Gospel of John in this fourth year of the Narrative Lectionary. One of the interesting threads in John’s Gospel is his focus on Jesus as the Lamb of God. That name for Jesus is...
Music Ministry
by Milt Warkentien With our yearly theme being “You're invited into Community,” and our individual series themes “You're invited …”, it got me thinking about the music ministry at PoP. A question I’m often asked is “How did you get so and so to come to PoP?” This...
Winter Senior Social
Thursday, February 5; 11am Join us for our upcoming Senior Social Luncheon, a warm winter gathering centered on the theme of love. As we celebrate this season of caring and connection, we’ll enjoy good food, great company, and a short, meaningful program focused...
Lost and Found in God’s Story
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash The story of twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple which we'll...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, January 12; 9:40am
Join us for a special Sunday Forum led by Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, as she offers an engaging introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Dr. Pietz will explore the unique themes, structure, and theological insights of Luke’s account, providing a deeper understanding of its significance in the New Testament.
New YogaDevotion Sessions Starts January 7
A new session of Chair YogaDevotion will begin Tuesday, January 7 and will run for eight weeks....
The Holy Spirit
Today's author is Prince of Peace members, Michael Stetzler and Suzan Hurlbut. Luke 2:21-38 What...
New Year, New Worship Series
Epiphany worship series begins Jan. 12. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the story of God takes a profound turn. In these early chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we encounter moments where the call of God echoes through the wilderness, into the lives of fishermen, and among ordinary people yearning for something more. This series invites us to reflect on how Jesus’ ministry begins by calling people into a new understanding of God’s work in the world.
A Light for All the Ages
The stories of Simeon and Anna that we heard yesterday remind us that God’s work often shines brightest through those who are overlooked. Simeon’s faithful waiting and Anna’s tireless devotion show that age is no barrier to bearing witness to God’s promises. These elders didn’t perform extraordinary acts; they simply showed up, paid attention, and proclaimed the truth when they saw it.
Faithful Waiting, Joyful Witness
We’ve spent the weeks leading up to Christmas revisiting Luke’s opening chapters and the ordinary people who have had the extraordinary thrust upon them. In this coming Sunday’s reading, we’ll meet Simeon and Anna, two ordinary yet faithful people who have spent their lives waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled.
An Early Christmas Present
A special word of thanks to our Creative Arts Team for their efforts to make these Advent Devotionals so very special this year. Ruth Hagander was the project leader who recruited each of the following authors but it was their contributions that created something extraordinary for each of us to enjoy in this season.
Love is born! Come, share in the Wonder
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson. pixabay.com The birth story of Jesus that...
Merry Christmas!
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Milt Warkentien. Thanks to Ellison and Lainey for doing...
Christmas Eve
Welcome to this holy night, where we gather to celebrate the extraordinary story of Christ’s birth. In the quiet town of Bethlehem, among humble shepherds and a young couple with no place to stay, God entered the world in the most ordinary of ways. Yet through this child, everything changed—the hopes of the weary, the longings of the broken, and the future of all creation were transformed. Tonight, we remember that this extraordinary story is still unfolding, inviting us to receive the light of Christ into our own lives and share it with the world.
Omnipotent Love: Claiming Christ’s Assurance
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Paul Sponheim. Soren Kirkekaard - wikipedia.com We’ve...
PoP Office Closed
Please note that the Prince of Peace office and building will be closed beginning at noon on...
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, MaryJo Trapp. Luke 6:38 - “give, and it will be given to...
Settlement Laundry Ministry
We are looking for volunteers who would like to invite our Settlement neighbors into their homes...
Process-Relational Discussion Group
Saturday, January 11; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Johanna Shores This month's discussion will be centered on...
Faith – a Foreign Language?
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Karen Carr. The language of faith and renewal nurtures...
Just Wait
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Cathy Canfield. Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the way of the...
Christmas Eve Worship Assistance
Christmas Eve is one of those times when our sanctuary is filled with people who aren't here...
My German Christmas Memories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Rainer Jaeschke. Growing up in a small town south of...
The Greatest Gift of All
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Enna Wold. When I was a child, Christmas was always a...
Christmas Card Truth
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Barry Brahier. About the time Janet and I joined Prince...
Waiting
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Alyssa Herrig. My church’s Vacation Bible School growing...
Bega Kwa Bega | Shoulder to Shoulder
Sacred Settlement | Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbors. Permanent Homes. Cultivated Places....
End of Year Donations
We are grateful for your support for the mission and ministry of Prince of Peace! If you...
An Emmanuel Manual
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Bob Reichman. My favorite Christmas song is an Advent...
You Are Being Called…
We have multiple opportunities to serve your church. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for a number of leadership positions to be elected at the upcoming semi-annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, Jan. 26. 2025.
Sunday Forum | On Hiatus Dec. 22 – Jan. 5
Sunday Forum will return Jan. 12. The holiday season will interrupt our regular pattern for Sunday Forum. Take note of these scheduling opportunities…
Christmas Cafe
December 22 at 9:40am Join us for our annual congregation Christmas party Sunday, December 22nd at...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, December 15; 9:40am
Gifts Too Good to be True Scams have existed for as long as humans have. Before the internet,...
LOVING THE WORLD
Bus Driver
Today's author is Naomi Sveholm. Naomi is a missionary with Central Europe Teachers teaching English at a bilingual Lutheran high school in Bratislava, Slovakia with her spouse and two children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsR7oPHBN08 The song “Bus Driver” by...
Lost and Found in God’s Story
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash The story of twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple which we'll...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, January 12; 9:40am
Join us for a special Sunday Forum led by Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, as she offers an engaging introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Dr. Pietz will explore the unique themes, structure, and theological insights of Luke’s account, providing a deeper understanding of its significance in the New Testament.
New YogaDevotion Sessions Starts January 7
A new session of Chair YogaDevotion will begin Tuesday, January 7 and will run for eight weeks....
The Holy Spirit
Today's author is Prince of Peace members, Michael Stetzler and Suzan Hurlbut. Luke 2:21-38 What...
New Year, New Worship Series
Epiphany worship series begins Jan. 12. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the story of God takes a profound turn. In these early chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we encounter moments where the call of God echoes through the wilderness, into the lives of fishermen, and among ordinary people yearning for something more. This series invites us to reflect on how Jesus’ ministry begins by calling people into a new understanding of God’s work in the world.
A Light for All the Ages
The stories of Simeon and Anna that we heard yesterday remind us that God’s work often shines brightest through those who are overlooked. Simeon’s faithful waiting and Anna’s tireless devotion show that age is no barrier to bearing witness to God’s promises. These elders didn’t perform extraordinary acts; they simply showed up, paid attention, and proclaimed the truth when they saw it.
Faithful Waiting, Joyful Witness
We’ve spent the weeks leading up to Christmas revisiting Luke’s opening chapters and the ordinary people who have had the extraordinary thrust upon them. In this coming Sunday’s reading, we’ll meet Simeon and Anna, two ordinary yet faithful people who have spent their lives waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled.
An Early Christmas Present
A special word of thanks to our Creative Arts Team for their efforts to make these Advent Devotionals so very special this year. Ruth Hagander was the project leader who recruited each of the following authors but it was their contributions that created something extraordinary for each of us to enjoy in this season.
Love is born! Come, share in the Wonder
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson. pixabay.com The birth story of Jesus that...
Merry Christmas!
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Milt Warkentien. Thanks to Ellison and Lainey for doing...
Christmas Eve
Welcome to this holy night, where we gather to celebrate the extraordinary story of Christ’s birth. In the quiet town of Bethlehem, among humble shepherds and a young couple with no place to stay, God entered the world in the most ordinary of ways. Yet through this child, everything changed—the hopes of the weary, the longings of the broken, and the future of all creation were transformed. Tonight, we remember that this extraordinary story is still unfolding, inviting us to receive the light of Christ into our own lives and share it with the world.
Omnipotent Love: Claiming Christ’s Assurance
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Paul Sponheim. Soren Kirkekaard - wikipedia.com We’ve...
PoP Office Closed
Please note that the Prince of Peace office and building will be closed beginning at noon on...
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, MaryJo Trapp. Luke 6:38 - “give, and it will be given to...
Settlement Laundry Ministry
We are looking for volunteers who would like to invite our Settlement neighbors into their homes...
Process-Relational Discussion Group
Saturday, January 11; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Johanna Shores This month's discussion will be centered on...
Faith – a Foreign Language?
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Karen Carr. The language of faith and renewal nurtures...
Just Wait
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Cathy Canfield. Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the way of the...
Christmas Eve Worship Assistance
Christmas Eve is one of those times when our sanctuary is filled with people who aren't here...
My German Christmas Memories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Rainer Jaeschke. Growing up in a small town south of...
The Greatest Gift of All
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Enna Wold. When I was a child, Christmas was always a...
Christmas Card Truth
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Barry Brahier. About the time Janet and I joined Prince...
Waiting
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Alyssa Herrig. My church’s Vacation Bible School growing...
Bega Kwa Bega | Shoulder to Shoulder
Sacred Settlement | Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbors. Permanent Homes. Cultivated Places....
End of Year Donations
We are grateful for your support for the mission and ministry of Prince of Peace! If you...
An Emmanuel Manual
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Bob Reichman. My favorite Christmas song is an Advent...
You Are Being Called…
We have multiple opportunities to serve your church. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for a number of leadership positions to be elected at the upcoming semi-annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, Jan. 26. 2025.
Sunday Forum | On Hiatus Dec. 22 – Jan. 5
Sunday Forum will return Jan. 12. The holiday season will interrupt our regular pattern for Sunday Forum. Take note of these scheduling opportunities…
Christmas Cafe
December 22 at 9:40am Join us for our annual congregation Christmas party Sunday, December 22nd at...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, December 15; 9:40am
Gifts Too Good to be True Scams have existed for as long as humans have. Before the internet,...
MINISTRY SUPPORT
Bus Driver
Today's author is Naomi Sveholm. Naomi is a missionary with Central Europe Teachers teaching English at a bilingual Lutheran high school in Bratislava, Slovakia with her spouse and two children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsR7oPHBN08 The song “Bus Driver” by...
Lost and Found in God’s Story
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash The story of twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple which we'll...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, January 12; 9:40am
Join us for a special Sunday Forum led by Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, as she offers an engaging introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Dr. Pietz will explore the unique themes, structure, and theological insights of Luke’s account, providing a deeper understanding of its significance in the New Testament.
New YogaDevotion Sessions Starts January 7
A new session of Chair YogaDevotion will begin Tuesday, January 7 and will run for eight weeks....
The Holy Spirit
Today's author is Prince of Peace members, Michael Stetzler and Suzan Hurlbut. Luke 2:21-38 What...
New Year, New Worship Series
Epiphany worship series begins Jan. 12. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, the story of God takes a profound turn. In these early chapters of Luke’s Gospel, we encounter moments where the call of God echoes through the wilderness, into the lives of fishermen, and among ordinary people yearning for something more. This series invites us to reflect on how Jesus’ ministry begins by calling people into a new understanding of God’s work in the world.
A Light for All the Ages
The stories of Simeon and Anna that we heard yesterday remind us that God’s work often shines brightest through those who are overlooked. Simeon’s faithful waiting and Anna’s tireless devotion show that age is no barrier to bearing witness to God’s promises. These elders didn’t perform extraordinary acts; they simply showed up, paid attention, and proclaimed the truth when they saw it.
Faithful Waiting, Joyful Witness
We’ve spent the weeks leading up to Christmas revisiting Luke’s opening chapters and the ordinary people who have had the extraordinary thrust upon them. In this coming Sunday’s reading, we’ll meet Simeon and Anna, two ordinary yet faithful people who have spent their lives waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled.
An Early Christmas Present
A special word of thanks to our Creative Arts Team for their efforts to make these Advent Devotionals so very special this year. Ruth Hagander was the project leader who recruited each of the following authors but it was their contributions that created something extraordinary for each of us to enjoy in this season.
Love is born! Come, share in the Wonder
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson. pixabay.com The birth story of Jesus that...
Merry Christmas!
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Milt Warkentien. Thanks to Ellison and Lainey for doing...
Christmas Eve
Welcome to this holy night, where we gather to celebrate the extraordinary story of Christ’s birth. In the quiet town of Bethlehem, among humble shepherds and a young couple with no place to stay, God entered the world in the most ordinary of ways. Yet through this child, everything changed—the hopes of the weary, the longings of the broken, and the future of all creation were transformed. Tonight, we remember that this extraordinary story is still unfolding, inviting us to receive the light of Christ into our own lives and share it with the world.
Omnipotent Love: Claiming Christ’s Assurance
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Paul Sponheim. Soren Kirkekaard - wikipedia.com We’ve...
PoP Office Closed
Please note that the Prince of Peace office and building will be closed beginning at noon on...
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, MaryJo Trapp. Luke 6:38 - “give, and it will be given to...
Settlement Laundry Ministry
We are looking for volunteers who would like to invite our Settlement neighbors into their homes...
Process-Relational Discussion Group
Saturday, January 11; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Johanna Shores This month's discussion will be centered on...
Faith – a Foreign Language?
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Karen Carr. The language of faith and renewal nurtures...
Just Wait
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Cathy Canfield. Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the way of the...
Christmas Eve Worship Assistance
Christmas Eve is one of those times when our sanctuary is filled with people who aren't here...
My German Christmas Memories
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Rainer Jaeschke. Growing up in a small town south of...
The Greatest Gift of All
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Enna Wold. When I was a child, Christmas was always a...
Christmas Card Truth
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Barry Brahier. About the time Janet and I joined Prince...
Waiting
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Alyssa Herrig. My church’s Vacation Bible School growing...
Bega Kwa Bega | Shoulder to Shoulder
Sacred Settlement | Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbors. Permanent Homes. Cultivated Places....
End of Year Donations
We are grateful for your support for the mission and ministry of Prince of Peace! If you...
An Emmanuel Manual
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Bob Reichman. My favorite Christmas song is an Advent...
You Are Being Called…
We have multiple opportunities to serve your church. The Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for a number of leadership positions to be elected at the upcoming semi-annual meeting of the congregation on Sunday, Jan. 26. 2025.
Sunday Forum | On Hiatus Dec. 22 – Jan. 5
Sunday Forum will return Jan. 12. The holiday season will interrupt our regular pattern for Sunday Forum. Take note of these scheduling opportunities…
Christmas Cafe
December 22 at 9:40am Join us for our annual congregation Christmas party Sunday, December 22nd at...
Sunday Forum | Sunday, December 15; 9:40am
Gifts Too Good to be True Scams have existed for as long as humans have. Before the internet,...
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.