About Peace Lutheran Church

Peace Lutheran Church: Our History

Peace Lutheran Church, an inclusive congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a people and place dedicated to serving God: locally serving the needs of individuals and non-profit groups, and globally through partnerships with other churches and programs as well as the larger church (ELCA). We commit ourselves to standing with the poor and powerless, encouraging and mentoring young people, promoting excellence in worship and music, and offering hospitality to the stranger.

Peace Lutheran Church was organized in 1978 under the leadership of the mission developer, the Rev. Byron  “Dutch” Souder (1978 –1983).  The congregation met in John Hanson Middle School rented jointly with Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church with whom Peace held a joint Sunday School, and then in Wakefield Neighborhood Center, again with Good Samaritan, until the present structure was completed in 1981.  The congregation continued under the pastorate of the Rev. Mike Hunsicker (1985 –1986) and expanded its food ministry to the community with senior citizen dinners, holiday baskets, shelter meals, and the food pantry.  During the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Marcia Cox (1989-1996), the congregation grew, and the need for more space became apparent, both for our membership and for the community’s use.  The congregation completed its new worship center in December of 1999.  As part of Peace’s emphasis on the centrality of worship, a new Allen Renaissance digital organ was purchased in 2002, a tone chime choir initiated and a new altar, font, and ambo commissioned in 2004.   Keeping in mind the two commandments to love God (shown through worship) and our neighbors (through social ministry), Peace continues to expand services to those in need through participation in Interfaith Community Connection, The Food Pantry (on site), Angels’ Watch, and a number of other programs.

                   Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them

                   in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;

and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.

                                                                                    -Matthew 28: 19-20