April 2025 Update
A Farewell from Pastor Peter (& Anne Christ)
“God is in this with us!” I have used some version of this statement countless times during the past nine years while serving as the Pastor of Prince of Peace. There are times when this claim was meant to encourage our community as it stepped out and into an uncertain future. There are other times I wanted these words to bring comfort in the midst of deep sadness, disappointment, or frustration.
Today, I want to remind all of us that, God is still in this with us! God has always been drawing us in, revealing the path before us, and leading the way. I could never have imagined that Prince of Peace would be the host site of a Sacred Settlement when I began this journey nine years ago. But here we are. And it’s all God’s fault.
I will forever be grateful for what God has done with Prince of Peace, as we have brought into existence this very tangible piece of God’s vision for the world. To have played a role in shepherding this Sacred Settlement and our ministry to build a community with the homeless has proven to be one of the most profound aspects of my calling as a Pastor. To leave now, just when it feels like we might be figuring out how this all works, feels strange.
And it feels hopeful. God is still in this with you! There are more wonderful surprises in store for this Sacred Settlement and the growing Settled network. We leave this Settlement behind, confident that it is in good hands. Alyssa’s love and care is becoming a wonderful echo of all that has come before and will be a powerful source of fuel for what will come. Kristin, Michael, Fred, William, Julie, Scott, Gus, Lea, Mischa, James, Avia, and the growing crowds that are being drawn into this amazing story are finding new ways to build real relationships that matter. Gabrielle, Meredith, Ricky, Clare, Mildred, Brandon, Rose, Kim, Jamal, and the ever-expanding roster of Settled faithful are changing the world to look a lot more like the kingdom of God, every day. And, of course, Valerie and Angelina, whose courage, patience, and resilience have inspired us every step of the way, thank you for letting us be so clumsy as we’ve shared our love with you.
And it feels exciting. God is still in this with me! I know God is leading me on my path back to Montana where even more surprises are waiting. Apparently, there are homeless in need of community there too. And plenty of churches already practiced at being community.
I hope you will join Anne and me on Sunday evening at our Community Dinner. We’re sharing our special clam chowder one more time and sharing our gratitude alongside our goodbyes. We will miss this community that has sprung up in this place, but trust that it remains in the best of hands.