STORY MATTERS
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Loving God with Our Bodies
Today's author is Prince of Peace's Minister of Intergenerational Connection and Care, Julene Hannesh. 1 John 3:16-20: We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure...
for the common good
Today's author is Prince of Peace's Intentional Interim, Pr. Steve Sylvester. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 A few weeks from now I will be having dinner with a friend with whom I have had a running debate about self-interest. He defines self-interest as a capitalist and maintains that the competing self interests of those participating in our economic system will result in an economy that is beneficial for everyone involved. I come...
Every Meal Sign-Up
Prince of Peace has received the schedule for our Every Meal volunteer dates. The September dates are tentative as we are waiting for the school to communicate with their readiness to receive food. If you volunteer for September 11 or 25, I will keep you in the loop. You can sign-up for the September through December dates HERE. All dates are Fridays unless labeled otherwise. Please plan on arriving at Central Park Elementary School at 10:00am on the day of your service. Address: 535 County...
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
Process-Relational Theology Discussion Group
Saturday, January 17; 10:00am The process-relational theology discussion group will meet Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 to discuss Part V and the Conclusion in God Christ Church by Marjorie Suchocki. All are welcome, even if you haven’t read the material. If you are...
Sunday Forum | January 18
Our Sunday Forum on January 18 will focus on how to support our immigrant community. Hear from PoP members who took part in the Monarca training on January 10 and from our guest, Kathy Ramundt, cofounder of Do Good Roseville. This forum will not be recorded or on...
PoP Office Closed
Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMonday, January 19, 2026 2026 Area Events and Resources You are invited to join a united front and shape Minnesota’s tomorrow. This year marks the 40th anniversary of our state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration—one of the...
New “PikiPiki” (Motorbike) for Bomalang’ombe
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...
You’re Invited to Write a Story!
2025 Annual Report We are extending the invitation to the Prince of Peace congregation to write 2025 ministry stories for our Annual Report. Stories should focus on invitational and relational activities that happened within your ministry area at Prince of Peace. In...
You are invited to Come and See
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Steve Sveom. Our theme during this season is “You are invited to Come and See.” Our scripture reading for this week is John 1:35-51. The invitation to “come and see” is given by Jesus to Andrew and another of...
WinterPlay Canceled Tuesday, Jan. 6
WinterPlay is canceled today due to icy roads & parking lot. We will meet tomorrow (Jan.7) at 10:30am!
Come & See
Today's author is Prince of Peace Intentional Interim, Pr. Steve Sylvester. Yesterday we kicked off a new theme for worship: “Invited to Come and See.” At the root of this invitation is curiosity. In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, John the Baptizer...
Wisdom & Word
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson. Today I simply share the words of a hymn/poem by Brian Wren. This is a story full of love, a song to set us free, of God, the Wisdom and the Word, the keystone and the key. For Wisdom...
A Voice in the Wilderness
Today’s author is Prince of Peace's Sacred Settlement Intentional Neighbor, Mischa Beary. Why a voice in the wilderness? Not a voice in the city, or on the hill top, or in the marketplace or by the river? A place of vibrancy and people and hustling and bustling? In...
Buckthorn Removal at Prince of Peace
Wednesday, October 23; 1:00 - 3:00pm & Saturday, October 26; 9:00 - 11:00am Join a group of...
Seniors’ Fall Social
Thursday, November 14; 11:30am Social; 12:00pm Lunch | $15/person Please join us for a delicious...
He is Listening
Today's author is Mischa Beary, Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbor. 1 Samuel...
A New Faith Discussion Group
Saturday, November 9; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Prince of Peace How can our present world view, knowledge,...
23rd Annual Tanzanian Dinner & Auction
Sunday, November 10; 5:30 - 7:30pm You are warmly welcome to join us for our Annual Tanzanian...
Taper Candle Workshop
Saturday, November 16; 2-5pm @ Prince of Peace Join us to celebrate community in this season of...
Sunday Forum | October 27; 9:40am
Realizing Our Vision for Ministry Congregational Leaders will be updating the congregation on...
Hannah’s Prayer
Today's author is Debbie Jorgens, Director of Congregational Care and Visitation. 1 Samuel 1 ...
Divine Role Reversals
This Sunday we’ll turn to the story of Hannah, a woman who is challenged by the realities of a society that values her only as far as her ability to create progeny. To be called out as “childless,” whether thousands of years ago or even still today, is an attack that is especially cruel and deeply misguided. But God’s commitment to Hannah stands in defiant contrast to the world’s expectations and highlights the power of divine role reversals.
The Need to Speak the Truth
The ELCA Conference of Bishops, the elected clergy leaders of the 65 synods from across the...
Sunday Forum | October 20; 9:40am
What's the Big Deal with David? Join us for a thought-provoking presentation by Old Testament...
Golden Calf-einated
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Bob Reichman. Some years ago, one of my wife Marilyn’s...
Community Dinner
Sunday, October 20; 5:30-7:00pm We’re hosting another monthly dinner for our budding...
Mending Social
Sunday, October 20; 4:30pm Please join us on the third Sunday of the month at 4:30 in the Common...
Stucco Community Garden Beds Ready for Harvest!
Kale and spinach is ripe and ready! Come and pick some of these yummy greens to include in your...
Co-Creators with God
Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Exodus 32:1-14, where God changes course in response to Moses’ intercession, choosing mercy over destruction. This powerful moment reminds us that God is not distant or unmoving but deeply involved in our lives. We are invited to embrace our identity as co-creators with God, actively participating in shaping the world.
Transformed by Grace
As we begin in our new worship series this weekend, we’ll be reminded that God’s presence often comes in the most critical moments. This Sunday, we reflect on the story of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn away from God in their fear and impatience. Yet, instead of destruction, God responds with mercy. This moment is pivotal, revealing that even when we fall short, God’s desire is to transform us through grace.
Hymn Stories Matter
Throughout this coming program year hymns will be used to help share our stories with one another....
Turning Points: Moments of Divine Intervention
Worship Series for October 6 - 27, 2024 Our story continues as we explore pivotal moments in...
The Promise of Passover
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 The first commandment...
An Introduction to Our Sacred Settlement
A Special Opportunity for Clergy & Faith Community Leaders Tuesday, October 22, 3-4:30pm In...
Get-To-Know PoP
Wondering how to plug in more?
Curious about what we have planned for the future?
Thinking about becoming a member?
If you would answer yes to any of these questions, we would love to have you join us for this informal gathering.
Belonging to God’s Promise & Purpose
In the story of the Exodus we listened to yesterday, the Israelites are instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as a sign of protection from the coming plague. This act of obedience and faith ensured that the angel of death would pass over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This moment in the Exodus story reveals a key aspect of God’s relationship with God’s people: God’s protection and faithfulness in times of crisis.
God Takes Sides
It’s football season and, if they could measure such things, I would imagine the number of prayers said on Sunday mornings are exponentially higher from now until the Super Bowl, certainly compared to the rest of the year. As Christians, we can and should believe in the power of prayer. And we should also note that God does take sides. But, before you go praying for the next Viking’s victory, remember that there is no evidence God plays favorites when it comes to the NFL.
All Ages Service Event
Thursday, October 17 from 10am-12pm Everyone is invited to PoP for a morning of projects,...
Great Work by the Grounds Crew
Making our campus look this good takes a lot of work by a dedicated collection of volunteers. We’re so grateful for all their efforts this summer to make the lawns, the flower beds, the trees, and the grounds make a great impression for all who come to visit our beautiful corner of Central Park.
Be Careful What You Dream (. . . as if you can help it)
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth. This week in the Narrative Lectionary we...
You are Invited to Join the Lydia/Ruth Circle
The Lydia/Ruth Bible Study Circle on September 23 had an appreciation/farewell luncheon for Sharon...
Cloud of Saints
On Sunday, November 3, Prince of Peace will be celebrating All Saints Day as a part of Worship. If...
Sunday Forum | October 13; 9:40am
Our guest presenter is Kelly Miller, an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. She is...
LOVING THE WORLD
Every Meal Sign-Up
Prince of Peace has received the schedule for our Every Meal volunteer dates. The September dates are tentative as we are waiting for the school to communicate with their readiness to receive food. If you volunteer for September 11 or 25, I will keep you in the loop....
Buckthorn Removal at Prince of Peace
Wednesday, October 23; 1:00 - 3:00pm & Saturday, October 26; 9:00 - 11:00am Join a group of...
Seniors’ Fall Social
Thursday, November 14; 11:30am Social; 12:00pm Lunch | $15/person Please join us for a delicious...
He is Listening
Today's author is Mischa Beary, Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbor. 1 Samuel...
A New Faith Discussion Group
Saturday, November 9; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Prince of Peace How can our present world view, knowledge,...
23rd Annual Tanzanian Dinner & Auction
Sunday, November 10; 5:30 - 7:30pm You are warmly welcome to join us for our Annual Tanzanian...
Taper Candle Workshop
Saturday, November 16; 2-5pm @ Prince of Peace Join us to celebrate community in this season of...
Sunday Forum | October 27; 9:40am
Realizing Our Vision for Ministry Congregational Leaders will be updating the congregation on...
Hannah’s Prayer
Today's author is Debbie Jorgens, Director of Congregational Care and Visitation. 1 Samuel 1 ...
Divine Role Reversals
This Sunday we’ll turn to the story of Hannah, a woman who is challenged by the realities of a society that values her only as far as her ability to create progeny. To be called out as “childless,” whether thousands of years ago or even still today, is an attack that is especially cruel and deeply misguided. But God’s commitment to Hannah stands in defiant contrast to the world’s expectations and highlights the power of divine role reversals.
The Need to Speak the Truth
The ELCA Conference of Bishops, the elected clergy leaders of the 65 synods from across the...
Sunday Forum | October 20; 9:40am
What's the Big Deal with David? Join us for a thought-provoking presentation by Old Testament...
Golden Calf-einated
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Bob Reichman. Some years ago, one of my wife Marilyn’s...
Community Dinner
Sunday, October 20; 5:30-7:00pm We’re hosting another monthly dinner for our budding...
Mending Social
Sunday, October 20; 4:30pm Please join us on the third Sunday of the month at 4:30 in the Common...
Stucco Community Garden Beds Ready for Harvest!
Kale and spinach is ripe and ready! Come and pick some of these yummy greens to include in your...
Co-Creators with God
Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Exodus 32:1-14, where God changes course in response to Moses’ intercession, choosing mercy over destruction. This powerful moment reminds us that God is not distant or unmoving but deeply involved in our lives. We are invited to embrace our identity as co-creators with God, actively participating in shaping the world.
Transformed by Grace
As we begin in our new worship series this weekend, we’ll be reminded that God’s presence often comes in the most critical moments. This Sunday, we reflect on the story of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn away from God in their fear and impatience. Yet, instead of destruction, God responds with mercy. This moment is pivotal, revealing that even when we fall short, God’s desire is to transform us through grace.
Hymn Stories Matter
Throughout this coming program year hymns will be used to help share our stories with one another....
Turning Points: Moments of Divine Intervention
Worship Series for October 6 - 27, 2024 Our story continues as we explore pivotal moments in...
The Promise of Passover
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 The first commandment...
An Introduction to Our Sacred Settlement
A Special Opportunity for Clergy & Faith Community Leaders Tuesday, October 22, 3-4:30pm In...
Get-To-Know PoP
Wondering how to plug in more?
Curious about what we have planned for the future?
Thinking about becoming a member?
If you would answer yes to any of these questions, we would love to have you join us for this informal gathering.
Belonging to God’s Promise & Purpose
In the story of the Exodus we listened to yesterday, the Israelites are instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as a sign of protection from the coming plague. This act of obedience and faith ensured that the angel of death would pass over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This moment in the Exodus story reveals a key aspect of God’s relationship with God’s people: God’s protection and faithfulness in times of crisis.
God Takes Sides
It’s football season and, if they could measure such things, I would imagine the number of prayers said on Sunday mornings are exponentially higher from now until the Super Bowl, certainly compared to the rest of the year. As Christians, we can and should believe in the power of prayer. And we should also note that God does take sides. But, before you go praying for the next Viking’s victory, remember that there is no evidence God plays favorites when it comes to the NFL.
All Ages Service Event
Thursday, October 17 from 10am-12pm Everyone is invited to PoP for a morning of projects,...
Great Work by the Grounds Crew
Making our campus look this good takes a lot of work by a dedicated collection of volunteers. We’re so grateful for all their efforts this summer to make the lawns, the flower beds, the trees, and the grounds make a great impression for all who come to visit our beautiful corner of Central Park.
Be Careful What You Dream (. . . as if you can help it)
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth. This week in the Narrative Lectionary we...
You are Invited to Join the Lydia/Ruth Circle
The Lydia/Ruth Bible Study Circle on September 23 had an appreciation/farewell luncheon for Sharon...
Cloud of Saints
On Sunday, November 3, Prince of Peace will be celebrating All Saints Day as a part of Worship. If...
Sunday Forum | October 13; 9:40am
Our guest presenter is Kelly Miller, an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. She is...
MINISTRY SUPPORT
Every Meal Sign-Up
Prince of Peace has received the schedule for our Every Meal volunteer dates. The September dates are tentative as we are waiting for the school to communicate with their readiness to receive food. If you volunteer for September 11 or 25, I will keep you in the loop....
Buckthorn Removal at Prince of Peace
Wednesday, October 23; 1:00 - 3:00pm & Saturday, October 26; 9:00 - 11:00am Join a group of...
Seniors’ Fall Social
Thursday, November 14; 11:30am Social; 12:00pm Lunch | $15/person Please join us for a delicious...
He is Listening
Today's author is Mischa Beary, Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace Intentional Neighbor. 1 Samuel...
A New Faith Discussion Group
Saturday, November 9; 10:00 - 11:30am @ Prince of Peace How can our present world view, knowledge,...
23rd Annual Tanzanian Dinner & Auction
Sunday, November 10; 5:30 - 7:30pm You are warmly welcome to join us for our Annual Tanzanian...
Taper Candle Workshop
Saturday, November 16; 2-5pm @ Prince of Peace Join us to celebrate community in this season of...
Sunday Forum | October 27; 9:40am
Realizing Our Vision for Ministry Congregational Leaders will be updating the congregation on...
Hannah’s Prayer
Today's author is Debbie Jorgens, Director of Congregational Care and Visitation. 1 Samuel 1 ...
Divine Role Reversals
This Sunday we’ll turn to the story of Hannah, a woman who is challenged by the realities of a society that values her only as far as her ability to create progeny. To be called out as “childless,” whether thousands of years ago or even still today, is an attack that is especially cruel and deeply misguided. But God’s commitment to Hannah stands in defiant contrast to the world’s expectations and highlights the power of divine role reversals.
The Need to Speak the Truth
The ELCA Conference of Bishops, the elected clergy leaders of the 65 synods from across the...
Sunday Forum | October 20; 9:40am
What's the Big Deal with David? Join us for a thought-provoking presentation by Old Testament...
Golden Calf-einated
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Bob Reichman. Some years ago, one of my wife Marilyn’s...
Community Dinner
Sunday, October 20; 5:30-7:00pm We’re hosting another monthly dinner for our budding...
Mending Social
Sunday, October 20; 4:30pm Please join us on the third Sunday of the month at 4:30 in the Common...
Stucco Community Garden Beds Ready for Harvest!
Kale and spinach is ripe and ready! Come and pick some of these yummy greens to include in your...
Co-Creators with God
Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Exodus 32:1-14, where God changes course in response to Moses’ intercession, choosing mercy over destruction. This powerful moment reminds us that God is not distant or unmoving but deeply involved in our lives. We are invited to embrace our identity as co-creators with God, actively participating in shaping the world.
Transformed by Grace
As we begin in our new worship series this weekend, we’ll be reminded that God’s presence often comes in the most critical moments. This Sunday, we reflect on the story of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn away from God in their fear and impatience. Yet, instead of destruction, God responds with mercy. This moment is pivotal, revealing that even when we fall short, God’s desire is to transform us through grace.
Hymn Stories Matter
Throughout this coming program year hymns will be used to help share our stories with one another....
Turning Points: Moments of Divine Intervention
Worship Series for October 6 - 27, 2024 Our story continues as we explore pivotal moments in...
The Promise of Passover
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 The first commandment...
An Introduction to Our Sacred Settlement
A Special Opportunity for Clergy & Faith Community Leaders Tuesday, October 22, 3-4:30pm In...
Get-To-Know PoP
Wondering how to plug in more?
Curious about what we have planned for the future?
Thinking about becoming a member?
If you would answer yes to any of these questions, we would love to have you join us for this informal gathering.
Belonging to God’s Promise & Purpose
In the story of the Exodus we listened to yesterday, the Israelites are instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as a sign of protection from the coming plague. This act of obedience and faith ensured that the angel of death would pass over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This moment in the Exodus story reveals a key aspect of God’s relationship with God’s people: God’s protection and faithfulness in times of crisis.
God Takes Sides
It’s football season and, if they could measure such things, I would imagine the number of prayers said on Sunday mornings are exponentially higher from now until the Super Bowl, certainly compared to the rest of the year. As Christians, we can and should believe in the power of prayer. And we should also note that God does take sides. But, before you go praying for the next Viking’s victory, remember that there is no evidence God plays favorites when it comes to the NFL.
All Ages Service Event
Thursday, October 17 from 10am-12pm Everyone is invited to PoP for a morning of projects,...
Great Work by the Grounds Crew
Making our campus look this good takes a lot of work by a dedicated collection of volunteers. We’re so grateful for all their efforts this summer to make the lawns, the flower beds, the trees, and the grounds make a great impression for all who come to visit our beautiful corner of Central Park.
Be Careful What You Dream (. . . as if you can help it)
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Scott Tunseth. This week in the Narrative Lectionary we...
You are Invited to Join the Lydia/Ruth Circle
The Lydia/Ruth Bible Study Circle on September 23 had an appreciation/farewell luncheon for Sharon...
Cloud of Saints
On Sunday, November 3, Prince of Peace will be celebrating All Saints Day as a part of Worship. If...
Sunday Forum | October 13; 9:40am
Our guest presenter is Kelly Miller, an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. She is...
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.



















