STORY MATTERS
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Devotion Contributors Needed
Prince of Peace emails devotions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Writers can use the themes and texts for inspiration, share personal stories, quote from something you’ve read. You can sign-up in the narthex or connect with Carol Swanson.
Sustaining life in the Spirit
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ[a] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[c] 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do...
Building a community of faith
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom. 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called...
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
Our Youth Aren’t Just The Future
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Milt Warkentien. I’ve disliked the saying “The youth are our future.” This saying gets used in so many circumstances and I wonder if this is true, what that makes the youth now? This phrase particularly bothers me in...
TZ Dinner Prep
Our annual Tanzanian Dinner Fundraiser will be held on Sunday November 9. It truly takes a village to ensure that our guests are well fed and have a great time! There are a number of opportunities available to help serve! Friday November 7; 9:00am:...
24th Annual Tanzanian Dinner
Sunday, November 9; 5:30 - 7:30pm You are warmly welcome to join us for our Annual Tanzanian dinner to celebrate the relationship between Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and our companions, Bomalang’ombe Lutheran Parish and Vikongwa Lutheran Parish in Tanzania. Frank...
The Lord was Speaking
Today's author is Intentional Interim Pastor, Steve Sylvester. Photo by AARN GIRI on Unsplash “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” Based on those opening sentences...
God’s Gift, Our Hands
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Debbie Jorgens. Exodus 16:1-18 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day.” - Exodus 16:4 Photo by Kate Remmer on Unsplash...
Sunday Forum | October 26
Law and Gospel Applied On October 26, we acknowledge Reformation Sunday. At our Sunday Forum, Steve Sveom will introduce a key reformation teaching of Law and Gospel. We'll consider the first, second and third uses of the law and the centrality of Gospel...
Miracle
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Debbie Jorgens. Exodus 16:1-18 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is...
Sunday Forum | October 19
Looking Back, Looking Forward Pastor Steve and Scott Tunseth will team up to lead the forum in a look back at the history of Prince of Peace. We will discuss important memories of time past, hold them in our hands, and turn them about to consider them deeply. We will...
Looking Back
Today's author is Intentional Interim Pastor, Steve Sylvester. Photo by Katie Sparkes on Unsplash Hindsight is a funny thing. The first thing I forget about a canoe trip is the mosquitoes. And the black flies. On my trip to Hudson Bay many years ago,...
A Gracious Invitation
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Steve Sveom. We have been exploring the theme: “invitation” during these autumn weeks. The current topic is “Invitation to Obedience.” I don’t know if it’s the American in me, my personal pride, or, a contrarian...
Sunday Forum | February 11; 9:40am
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration has inspired countless artists over the centuries. We’ll use a variety of examples to engage this story even more deeply and wonder together how inspired artists might also inspire us to see God in some new and brilliant ways.
Setting the Captives Free
“And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” Mark 5:2 We can come to meet Jesus no matter what, even at the fringes of life. And when we do, it’s a ripple in life; pouring onto others.
Girl Scout Cookies for Sale
Sundays February 18, 25 & March 3 Three different Girl Scout troops will be selling cookies...
Singers, Join The Rose of Calvary!
Prince of Peace Chancel Choir “and friends” will be presenting a spring Masterwork, The Rose of...
Lenten Soup Suppers
Soup Suppers are resuming on Ash Wednesday, February 14, and will be weekly on Wednesdays through...
Restoring Community
Yesterday, in the heart of Mark’s Gospel, we encountered a profound story in chapter 5: the healing of the demon-possessed man. This is a poignant reminder of Jesus’ mission to reconnect the lost back into the fabric of community. As the scene unfolds, we find a man living among the tombs, isolated and tormented by unclean spirits. His brokenness reflects the fractured state of the community he inhabits.
More than a Meeting
In the life of faith, the Church emerges as the living embodiment of the “Body of Christ,” a means through which God’s transformative vision is breathed into existence. Each member, a unique thread, intricately woven into the fabric of communal existence, contributes to the vibrant expression of divine purpose. This Sunday, this body will be re-membered to tend to itself for the sake of the world.
One Year Later: Dedicated to Inclusion
But the work isn't done! Prince of Peace has long stood for inclusion and acceptance, but this...
2023 President’s Report
We began 2023 with a new vision of “a vibrant community that seeks a transformational relationship with God, our neighbors, and one another.” In this report, you will find many stories of our vibrant community that tell of those transformational relationships.
An Unexpected Guest
Things don’t always go according to plan. Guests arrived at the appointed time, spreading Christmas cheer while sipping holiday punch. Santa warmly welcomed everyone and provided a fun lesson on the history of St. Nicholas before leading us in a devotion and table grace. English carolers strolled around, providing lovely background music as guests enjoyed their Scandinavian meatball dinner. So far, so good! But then, suddenly, we were
Keyboard Benefit Concerts
We had two benefit keyboard concerts at PoP in 2023. The 2 concerts benefited Every Meal and Planting Hope. Not only were the two organizations generously benefited, but those in attendance heard some wonderful piano and organ music. I’m so grateful to the keyboardists that gave their time and talent for these two…
Growing In Faith
Last summer while Pastor Peter was on sabbatical, Pastor Walter Still led us on a 7-week journey through the book of Revelation. Because this last book of the New Testament is so little known to most of us, often misunderstood and misused, we wanted to offer opportunities to study and appreciate it. The worship services centered around the texts and gave us an appreciation of well-known hymns and liturgy inspired by this strange book. Two book discussion groups met…
Covenants & Two Soccer Balls
When Caryn and I travelled to Tanzania in September, we once again were honored and so grateful to represent Prince of Peace. It was a unique experience this time since we were the lone ambassadors to our partners of Bomalang’ombe and Vikongwa.. We missed the benefits of being part of a larger group but were still so energized by Prince of Peace’s amazing support and generosity as we were sent on our way.
Fruitful Campus Planning
The Campus Planning Task Force involved between 10-20 participants every other week from April 2023 to January 2024. For some, decisions were too slow and for others, appropriate caution prevailed. From Solar energy considerations to various forms of housing meant to address the needs of people, a deep commitment to the ministry of PoP was evident. Participants were thoughtful, faithful and committed to the task.
Sunday Forum | February 4; 9:40am
On Sunday, February 4 Dave Scherer and Joe Davis will lead Sunday Forum. Their time will center...
A Legacy of Knitting Love
One of the purposes of the Prince of Peace Befrienders is to show concern for those in the congregation who are grieving a death or loss, sick, homebound, or are experiencing a joyous event such as having a baby.
One way this has happened is through the Prayer Shawl Ministry which Donna Gramstad and others started many years ago.
Picking Up Sticks
Do you know that Cub Scout Troop 150 uses our church for their headquarters? I didn’t and I’m not sure how many of our members do. A few years ago I was nominated for the church grounds position. I wasn’t aware of how much effort is involved with keeping the church property looking good. As I started the first spring I noticed an awful lot of sticks and branches on the ground…
Noel at Noon
There is so much wonderful Christmas music. Even with our special Christmas services in December, including Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve, I can’t seem to get in all the Christmas music I’d like to play. So I thought of reviving an idea from a past church of mine-Noel at Noon.
Pickles & Balls
I’ve enjoyed playing pickleball for about ten years. It’s a sport that almost anyone can play as we age. When I joined PoP one year ago, I asked Pastor Peter if I could start a beginner pickleball group in our gym. He gave his enthusiastic approval. Soon a net was donated by the Warkentien family and the Monday morning work crew taped the court (thank you to all). I was able to find used paddles and purchased pickle balls. We were ready.
Food for Our Souls
What more could we hope for, for those of us who make music with bells or voices at Prince of Peace—that we sing or ring from the heart, and what is produced is like fresh air and food for our souls and the souls of those who listen. This is why we do what we do; why we put in many hours of rehearsal and work at making the notes right and unifying our sound. It’s so the music itself can speak through us—without us getting in the way.
Gardens Everywhere
On our large campus we’ve been fortunate to have congregation members who are willing to step forward to help initiate and maintain several gardens.
An Exciting Place
Much excites me about Prince of Peace. I admit, when we first returned during the final throws of Covid, my first impression was one of mostly old people circling the columbarium waiting to move in. Sure the reaching was solid, pretty much a given in an ELCA congregation, but still, like the kids in Lake Woebegone, above average. Then we attended a couple of…
Sunday Forum | January 28; 9:40am
The story of the Gerasene Demoniac and his healing by Jesus in Mark 5:1-20 is a story that appears...
January 2024 Semi-Annual Meeting
Join us on Sunday, June 25 for our Semi-Annual meeting that will take place following the 10:00am worship service, beginning at 11:00am. Find a Zoom link to join in remotely.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows…
What kind of soil am I, today?
In Mark 4: 1-34 the writer tells of Jesus’s parable of the Sower and the explanation of that parable Jesus gave to his disciples. There’s also the parable of the mustard seed and Jesus’s admonitions and advice for living in the faith. In other words, there’s a lot to think about in this passage, which is my typical reaction to virtually any passage of scripture.
Liberating the Structures
In the life of faith, our understanding of God’s vision evolves with the rhythm of time. Just as ancient wisdom guided our forebears through shifting landscapes, we, too, are called to adapt our structures to the ever-changing contours of the world. Our council is proposing just such an adaption with the updates to our constitution and bylaws to be considered at next Sunday’s semi-annual meeting.
Sowing Seeds of Grace
The teachings of Jesus are like radiant threads in the fabric of understanding, and the parables stand out as profound narratives weaving transformative truths into the tapestry of our lives. Take, for instance, the “Parable of the Sower” from Mark 4 which we’ll hear on Sunday, a story of seeds sown on different soils. This narrative unfolds as a tale of hope and challenge, inviting us to examine the conditions of our own hearts.
Final Campus Planning Task Force Report
The Campus Planning Task Force (CPTF) was established by the Congregation Council at their March...
One Whole Year
The calendar year has turned over and these first few weeks of 2024 have ushered in the inescapable cold of winter. But there is warmth radiating from our Sacred Settlement. Our tiny homes continue offering a cozy escape from the physical and spiritual pain of life lived separated from community. The Common House bustles with activity and hospitality, warmed by the southern sun streaming in the windows. The community grows more active and the future holds so much promise.
New Front Office Hours
Beginning, Jan. 26, the front office will be closed on Fridays. Building access will be limited to scheduled events and ministries gatherings Friday through Sunday. The front office will continue to be open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
LOVING THE WORLD
Building a community of faith
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom. 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy...
Sunday Forum | February 11; 9:40am
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration has inspired countless artists over the centuries. We’ll use a variety of examples to engage this story even more deeply and wonder together how inspired artists might also inspire us to see God in some new and brilliant ways.
Setting the Captives Free
“And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” Mark 5:2 We can come to meet Jesus no matter what, even at the fringes of life. And when we do, it’s a ripple in life; pouring onto others.
Girl Scout Cookies for Sale
Sundays February 18, 25 & March 3 Three different Girl Scout troops will be selling cookies...
Singers, Join The Rose of Calvary!
Prince of Peace Chancel Choir “and friends” will be presenting a spring Masterwork, The Rose of...
Lenten Soup Suppers
Soup Suppers are resuming on Ash Wednesday, February 14, and will be weekly on Wednesdays through...
Restoring Community
Yesterday, in the heart of Mark’s Gospel, we encountered a profound story in chapter 5: the healing of the demon-possessed man. This is a poignant reminder of Jesus’ mission to reconnect the lost back into the fabric of community. As the scene unfolds, we find a man living among the tombs, isolated and tormented by unclean spirits. His brokenness reflects the fractured state of the community he inhabits.
More than a Meeting
In the life of faith, the Church emerges as the living embodiment of the “Body of Christ,” a means through which God’s transformative vision is breathed into existence. Each member, a unique thread, intricately woven into the fabric of communal existence, contributes to the vibrant expression of divine purpose. This Sunday, this body will be re-membered to tend to itself for the sake of the world.
One Year Later: Dedicated to Inclusion
But the work isn't done! Prince of Peace has long stood for inclusion and acceptance, but this...
2023 President’s Report
We began 2023 with a new vision of “a vibrant community that seeks a transformational relationship with God, our neighbors, and one another.” In this report, you will find many stories of our vibrant community that tell of those transformational relationships.
An Unexpected Guest
Things don’t always go according to plan. Guests arrived at the appointed time, spreading Christmas cheer while sipping holiday punch. Santa warmly welcomed everyone and provided a fun lesson on the history of St. Nicholas before leading us in a devotion and table grace. English carolers strolled around, providing lovely background music as guests enjoyed their Scandinavian meatball dinner. So far, so good! But then, suddenly, we were
Keyboard Benefit Concerts
We had two benefit keyboard concerts at PoP in 2023. The 2 concerts benefited Every Meal and Planting Hope. Not only were the two organizations generously benefited, but those in attendance heard some wonderful piano and organ music. I’m so grateful to the keyboardists that gave their time and talent for these two…
Growing In Faith
Last summer while Pastor Peter was on sabbatical, Pastor Walter Still led us on a 7-week journey through the book of Revelation. Because this last book of the New Testament is so little known to most of us, often misunderstood and misused, we wanted to offer opportunities to study and appreciate it. The worship services centered around the texts and gave us an appreciation of well-known hymns and liturgy inspired by this strange book. Two book discussion groups met…
Covenants & Two Soccer Balls
When Caryn and I travelled to Tanzania in September, we once again were honored and so grateful to represent Prince of Peace. It was a unique experience this time since we were the lone ambassadors to our partners of Bomalang’ombe and Vikongwa.. We missed the benefits of being part of a larger group but were still so energized by Prince of Peace’s amazing support and generosity as we were sent on our way.
Fruitful Campus Planning
The Campus Planning Task Force involved between 10-20 participants every other week from April 2023 to January 2024. For some, decisions were too slow and for others, appropriate caution prevailed. From Solar energy considerations to various forms of housing meant to address the needs of people, a deep commitment to the ministry of PoP was evident. Participants were thoughtful, faithful and committed to the task.
Sunday Forum | February 4; 9:40am
On Sunday, February 4 Dave Scherer and Joe Davis will lead Sunday Forum. Their time will center...
A Legacy of Knitting Love
One of the purposes of the Prince of Peace Befrienders is to show concern for those in the congregation who are grieving a death or loss, sick, homebound, or are experiencing a joyous event such as having a baby.
One way this has happened is through the Prayer Shawl Ministry which Donna Gramstad and others started many years ago.
Picking Up Sticks
Do you know that Cub Scout Troop 150 uses our church for their headquarters? I didn’t and I’m not sure how many of our members do. A few years ago I was nominated for the church grounds position. I wasn’t aware of how much effort is involved with keeping the church property looking good. As I started the first spring I noticed an awful lot of sticks and branches on the ground…
Noel at Noon
There is so much wonderful Christmas music. Even with our special Christmas services in December, including Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve, I can’t seem to get in all the Christmas music I’d like to play. So I thought of reviving an idea from a past church of mine-Noel at Noon.
Pickles & Balls
I’ve enjoyed playing pickleball for about ten years. It’s a sport that almost anyone can play as we age. When I joined PoP one year ago, I asked Pastor Peter if I could start a beginner pickleball group in our gym. He gave his enthusiastic approval. Soon a net was donated by the Warkentien family and the Monday morning work crew taped the court (thank you to all). I was able to find used paddles and purchased pickle balls. We were ready.
Food for Our Souls
What more could we hope for, for those of us who make music with bells or voices at Prince of Peace—that we sing or ring from the heart, and what is produced is like fresh air and food for our souls and the souls of those who listen. This is why we do what we do; why we put in many hours of rehearsal and work at making the notes right and unifying our sound. It’s so the music itself can speak through us—without us getting in the way.
Gardens Everywhere
On our large campus we’ve been fortunate to have congregation members who are willing to step forward to help initiate and maintain several gardens.
An Exciting Place
Much excites me about Prince of Peace. I admit, when we first returned during the final throws of Covid, my first impression was one of mostly old people circling the columbarium waiting to move in. Sure the reaching was solid, pretty much a given in an ELCA congregation, but still, like the kids in Lake Woebegone, above average. Then we attended a couple of…
Sunday Forum | January 28; 9:40am
The story of the Gerasene Demoniac and his healing by Jesus in Mark 5:1-20 is a story that appears...
January 2024 Semi-Annual Meeting
Join us on Sunday, June 25 for our Semi-Annual meeting that will take place following the 10:00am worship service, beginning at 11:00am. Find a Zoom link to join in remotely.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows…
What kind of soil am I, today?
In Mark 4: 1-34 the writer tells of Jesus’s parable of the Sower and the explanation of that parable Jesus gave to his disciples. There’s also the parable of the mustard seed and Jesus’s admonitions and advice for living in the faith. In other words, there’s a lot to think about in this passage, which is my typical reaction to virtually any passage of scripture.
Liberating the Structures
In the life of faith, our understanding of God’s vision evolves with the rhythm of time. Just as ancient wisdom guided our forebears through shifting landscapes, we, too, are called to adapt our structures to the ever-changing contours of the world. Our council is proposing just such an adaption with the updates to our constitution and bylaws to be considered at next Sunday’s semi-annual meeting.
Sowing Seeds of Grace
The teachings of Jesus are like radiant threads in the fabric of understanding, and the parables stand out as profound narratives weaving transformative truths into the tapestry of our lives. Take, for instance, the “Parable of the Sower” from Mark 4 which we’ll hear on Sunday, a story of seeds sown on different soils. This narrative unfolds as a tale of hope and challenge, inviting us to examine the conditions of our own hearts.
Final Campus Planning Task Force Report
The Campus Planning Task Force (CPTF) was established by the Congregation Council at their March...
One Whole Year
The calendar year has turned over and these first few weeks of 2024 have ushered in the inescapable cold of winter. But there is warmth radiating from our Sacred Settlement. Our tiny homes continue offering a cozy escape from the physical and spiritual pain of life lived separated from community. The Common House bustles with activity and hospitality, warmed by the southern sun streaming in the windows. The community grows more active and the future holds so much promise.
New Front Office Hours
Beginning, Jan. 26, the front office will be closed on Fridays. Building access will be limited to scheduled events and ministries gatherings Friday through Sunday. The front office will continue to be open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
MINISTRY SUPPORT
Building a community of faith
Today's author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom. 4 Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and 5 like living stones let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy...
Sunday Forum | February 11; 9:40am
The story of Jesus’ transfiguration has inspired countless artists over the centuries. We’ll use a variety of examples to engage this story even more deeply and wonder together how inspired artists might also inspire us to see God in some new and brilliant ways.
Setting the Captives Free
“And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit.” Mark 5:2 We can come to meet Jesus no matter what, even at the fringes of life. And when we do, it’s a ripple in life; pouring onto others.
Girl Scout Cookies for Sale
Sundays February 18, 25 & March 3 Three different Girl Scout troops will be selling cookies...
Singers, Join The Rose of Calvary!
Prince of Peace Chancel Choir “and friends” will be presenting a spring Masterwork, The Rose of...
Lenten Soup Suppers
Soup Suppers are resuming on Ash Wednesday, February 14, and will be weekly on Wednesdays through...
Restoring Community
Yesterday, in the heart of Mark’s Gospel, we encountered a profound story in chapter 5: the healing of the demon-possessed man. This is a poignant reminder of Jesus’ mission to reconnect the lost back into the fabric of community. As the scene unfolds, we find a man living among the tombs, isolated and tormented by unclean spirits. His brokenness reflects the fractured state of the community he inhabits.
More than a Meeting
In the life of faith, the Church emerges as the living embodiment of the “Body of Christ,” a means through which God’s transformative vision is breathed into existence. Each member, a unique thread, intricately woven into the fabric of communal existence, contributes to the vibrant expression of divine purpose. This Sunday, this body will be re-membered to tend to itself for the sake of the world.
One Year Later: Dedicated to Inclusion
But the work isn't done! Prince of Peace has long stood for inclusion and acceptance, but this...
2023 President’s Report
We began 2023 with a new vision of “a vibrant community that seeks a transformational relationship with God, our neighbors, and one another.” In this report, you will find many stories of our vibrant community that tell of those transformational relationships.
An Unexpected Guest
Things don’t always go according to plan. Guests arrived at the appointed time, spreading Christmas cheer while sipping holiday punch. Santa warmly welcomed everyone and provided a fun lesson on the history of St. Nicholas before leading us in a devotion and table grace. English carolers strolled around, providing lovely background music as guests enjoyed their Scandinavian meatball dinner. So far, so good! But then, suddenly, we were
Keyboard Benefit Concerts
We had two benefit keyboard concerts at PoP in 2023. The 2 concerts benefited Every Meal and Planting Hope. Not only were the two organizations generously benefited, but those in attendance heard some wonderful piano and organ music. I’m so grateful to the keyboardists that gave their time and talent for these two…
Growing In Faith
Last summer while Pastor Peter was on sabbatical, Pastor Walter Still led us on a 7-week journey through the book of Revelation. Because this last book of the New Testament is so little known to most of us, often misunderstood and misused, we wanted to offer opportunities to study and appreciate it. The worship services centered around the texts and gave us an appreciation of well-known hymns and liturgy inspired by this strange book. Two book discussion groups met…
Covenants & Two Soccer Balls
When Caryn and I travelled to Tanzania in September, we once again were honored and so grateful to represent Prince of Peace. It was a unique experience this time since we were the lone ambassadors to our partners of Bomalang’ombe and Vikongwa.. We missed the benefits of being part of a larger group but were still so energized by Prince of Peace’s amazing support and generosity as we were sent on our way.
Fruitful Campus Planning
The Campus Planning Task Force involved between 10-20 participants every other week from April 2023 to January 2024. For some, decisions were too slow and for others, appropriate caution prevailed. From Solar energy considerations to various forms of housing meant to address the needs of people, a deep commitment to the ministry of PoP was evident. Participants were thoughtful, faithful and committed to the task.
Sunday Forum | February 4; 9:40am
On Sunday, February 4 Dave Scherer and Joe Davis will lead Sunday Forum. Their time will center...
A Legacy of Knitting Love
One of the purposes of the Prince of Peace Befrienders is to show concern for those in the congregation who are grieving a death or loss, sick, homebound, or are experiencing a joyous event such as having a baby.
One way this has happened is through the Prayer Shawl Ministry which Donna Gramstad and others started many years ago.
Picking Up Sticks
Do you know that Cub Scout Troop 150 uses our church for their headquarters? I didn’t and I’m not sure how many of our members do. A few years ago I was nominated for the church grounds position. I wasn’t aware of how much effort is involved with keeping the church property looking good. As I started the first spring I noticed an awful lot of sticks and branches on the ground…
Noel at Noon
There is so much wonderful Christmas music. Even with our special Christmas services in December, including Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve, I can’t seem to get in all the Christmas music I’d like to play. So I thought of reviving an idea from a past church of mine-Noel at Noon.
Pickles & Balls
I’ve enjoyed playing pickleball for about ten years. It’s a sport that almost anyone can play as we age. When I joined PoP one year ago, I asked Pastor Peter if I could start a beginner pickleball group in our gym. He gave his enthusiastic approval. Soon a net was donated by the Warkentien family and the Monday morning work crew taped the court (thank you to all). I was able to find used paddles and purchased pickle balls. We were ready.
Food for Our Souls
What more could we hope for, for those of us who make music with bells or voices at Prince of Peace—that we sing or ring from the heart, and what is produced is like fresh air and food for our souls and the souls of those who listen. This is why we do what we do; why we put in many hours of rehearsal and work at making the notes right and unifying our sound. It’s so the music itself can speak through us—without us getting in the way.
Gardens Everywhere
On our large campus we’ve been fortunate to have congregation members who are willing to step forward to help initiate and maintain several gardens.
An Exciting Place
Much excites me about Prince of Peace. I admit, when we first returned during the final throws of Covid, my first impression was one of mostly old people circling the columbarium waiting to move in. Sure the reaching was solid, pretty much a given in an ELCA congregation, but still, like the kids in Lake Woebegone, above average. Then we attended a couple of…
Sunday Forum | January 28; 9:40am
The story of the Gerasene Demoniac and his healing by Jesus in Mark 5:1-20 is a story that appears...
January 2024 Semi-Annual Meeting
Join us on Sunday, June 25 for our Semi-Annual meeting that will take place following the 10:00am worship service, beginning at 11:00am. Find a Zoom link to join in remotely.
The agenda for the meeting is as follows…
What kind of soil am I, today?
In Mark 4: 1-34 the writer tells of Jesus’s parable of the Sower and the explanation of that parable Jesus gave to his disciples. There’s also the parable of the mustard seed and Jesus’s admonitions and advice for living in the faith. In other words, there’s a lot to think about in this passage, which is my typical reaction to virtually any passage of scripture.
Liberating the Structures
In the life of faith, our understanding of God’s vision evolves with the rhythm of time. Just as ancient wisdom guided our forebears through shifting landscapes, we, too, are called to adapt our structures to the ever-changing contours of the world. Our council is proposing just such an adaption with the updates to our constitution and bylaws to be considered at next Sunday’s semi-annual meeting.
Sowing Seeds of Grace
The teachings of Jesus are like radiant threads in the fabric of understanding, and the parables stand out as profound narratives weaving transformative truths into the tapestry of our lives. Take, for instance, the “Parable of the Sower” from Mark 4 which we’ll hear on Sunday, a story of seeds sown on different soils. This narrative unfolds as a tale of hope and challenge, inviting us to examine the conditions of our own hearts.
Final Campus Planning Task Force Report
The Campus Planning Task Force (CPTF) was established by the Congregation Council at their March...
One Whole Year
The calendar year has turned over and these first few weeks of 2024 have ushered in the inescapable cold of winter. But there is warmth radiating from our Sacred Settlement. Our tiny homes continue offering a cozy escape from the physical and spiritual pain of life lived separated from community. The Common House bustles with activity and hospitality, warmed by the southern sun streaming in the windows. The community grows more active and the future holds so much promise.
New Front Office Hours
Beginning, Jan. 26, the front office will be closed on Fridays. Building access will be limited to scheduled events and ministries gatherings Friday through Sunday. The front office will continue to be open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
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.