Newcomer's Guide to Peace

Welcome to the Peace Lutheran Church web site! We hope that you find the information and materials you need to become acquainted with this community of faith. Below is some helpful information to get you started. If any of your questions aren't answered here or on this site, please call the church office at 204-668-1132. Shari or Lil would be very happy to help you and to answer any questions.

How did Peace start?
Peace Lutheran Church was founded in 1972 as a mission outreach of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Central District to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the growing North Kildonan suburb of Winnipeg. The mission spirit continues today as members of Peace are committed to reaching the community and the world with God's love and truth. Our community of faith consists of people of all ages, with diverse backgrounds. We have come together in one family of faith founded on the friendship, the love and the mission of God.

How do I get to Peace?
Please use our interactive map to determine the best way to get to Peace.

Where do I go once I get into the building?
You can enter our building through the front doors (wheelchair access, or you can use the the back door off the parking lot. Please see the the church floor plan for entrance locations and room locations.

What is your worship like?
Worship at Peace varies from traditional hymns with organ accompaniment to a praise style of worship that is led by a worship band. A different worship style takes place each week. This keeps worship fresh and fosters a great spirit of unity as every worshipper has a similar worship experience each week. You can read more About our worship practices here.

Worship includes children and adults. The worship service often features a children’s message, and receives a children’s bulletin as they enter the sanctuary. Parents are encouraged to teach their children how to worship as they experience the service together. Nursery care is available at most of our the services.

Will I have to sign anything or stand up if I come for the first time?
No. Please visit, relax, enjoy, mingle, and get a feel of what this community is like. You can request more information by using the information card in the pew, or you can contact the church office at your leisure. Guest packets are available at the back as well. We promise that you won't be embarrassed or put on the spot when you visit Peace.

What ministries are available at Peace?
We have ministries for all ages from large to small groups, a vibrant children's ministry, active and exciting student ministries (junior high and high school), compelling study and growth opportunities for young parents and seniors, wonderful music opportunities, and much more. You can read more about our Programs here.

Who attends this church?
An amazing mix of religious backgrounds and life-stages are all represented at Peace. Roughly 200 worshippers gather each week to explore, grow in, and celebrate the blessing of life through Jesus Christ.

Where is Peace Theologically?
Peace Lutheran Church is a congregation that holds to the Bible as the true Word of God, and that is founded upon the Bible as the source and norm of all doctrine and practice. It is a Gospel-focused, Christ-centered church that adheres to the basic tenets of traditional Christianity. The congregation is a member of the Lutheran Church Canada, and supports the doctrinal teachings of our denomination.

Can I receive communion at Peace?
Communion is offered on the 4th Sunday of the month and all high festivals. Please take a look at our communion statement below. If you do come to the front for communion, you can be assured that ushers help you get there and back to your seats in a comfortable way. You're encouraged to speak with a pastor if you have any questions about communion or our communion practice. For an in-depth look at baptism and communion in the Lutheran Church, please feel free to read through the booklet: "God in the Dance: Making Sense of Communion and Baptism in the Lutheran Church."

Communion Note: Jesus said, "Take and eat; this is my body…Drink of it all of you. This is my blood…for the forgiveness of sins." (Matthew 26:26-27)

The Lutheran Church Canada believes the Biblical teaching that in communion we receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ with the bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. If you are a baptized Christian who has been instructed in the Biblical teaching of communion, and if you agree with our confession of faith, please feel free to commune today. If you have any questions, please make an appointment to talk with the pastor. You may use the preparation questions below.

"Everyone should examine themselves first, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement on himself." (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

Questions for your communion preparation:

Q:	Do you believe you are a sinner?
A:	Yes, I believe it; I have failed God and others in my life. I am a sinner.
Q:	Are you sorry for your sins?
A:	Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned.
Q:	Do you need God's help and forgiveness for your life?
A:	Yes, I need the gift of life He gives through Jesus.
Q:	What has Christ done for you?
A:	He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins.
Q:	Do you believe that in communion you receive the true body and blood of Christ with the bread and wine?
A:	Yes, I believe it because of His Word and promise.

Approach the altar with joy and thanksgiving as you receive Christ for your forgiveness and strength!

Communion is offered on the 4th Sundays of each month and all high festivals. The worship hosts will direct you to the front of the church to receive it. You may choose an individual cup or the common cup when you receive the wine. Non-alcoholic wine is available for those with special needs. It is the light colored wine in the center of the individual cup tray.

What's your purpose as a congregation, and what commitments do I need to make if I join?
Our mission statement, rooted in God's Word, is as follows:
“Peace Lutheran Church exists for the purpose of bringing the Peace and Joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the young and old of our hurting and troubled world”

We pray that every person who trusts in Christ will live out this mission in the following areas:

+ Worship - Living a life of praise to God and communion with Him.
+ Study - Reading and discussing the Bible regularly.
+ Prayer - Personally and publicly being in a dialog with God.
+ Community - Gathering with other Christians for discipleship and accountability.
+ Witness - Bringing the love of Jesus to others through what you say and do.
+ Giving - Expressing your thanks to God through tithes and offerings.
+ Serving - Living compassionately and showing your thanks to God by using your gifts and talents.

How do I become a member of Peace?
Membership at Peace allows you to participate in key decision making opportunities and gives you the opportunity to serve in key ministry areas. If you are interested in membership, please call Shari or Lil in the church office (204-668-1132) to request a new member packet. You can also register for one of the upcoming new member classes, which will help you get acquainted with life at Peace and the teachings of the congregation. Going through the class does not obligate you to join the congregation. You're very welcome to sit in and see where God leads!
 
More questions?
Browse our web site or give us a call! We want you to feel at home, and we want you to experience the amazing life Jesus gives us as His people!