Our History & Symbolism
The History.
The first worship service of Peace Lutheran was held on February 12, 1984 in the multipurpose room of Hollymead School. Peace was organized as a congregation on September 29, 1984 in a meeting room of the English Inn. A festival service of Charter and Installation of the first pastor, The Reverend Ronald Chelton, was held on Sunday, September 30, 1984, in a meeting room of the Hilton Inn (now Doubletree) where regular worship and Sunday School were conducted at the time. The first services in the present building were held on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1994.
In 2013 a new wing was added for more Sunday School rooms, an expanded and updated kitchen, a resource room and a basement youth space. The building hosts many community groups including seven 12-Step meetings each week, scouts, local HOA meetings, support groups, craft groups (weavers, spinners. smocking guilds), an art camp and more, in addition to our many activities. It is a busy place!
The Symbolism.
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The art on the walls of the nave represents the Six marks of a Disciple from the book, The Disciple Making Church: From Dry Bones to Spirituality, by Glenn McDonald.
Architecture: The two wings of the building form a kind of "V" from the parking lot, that represent the arms of Christ reaching out in welcome, with the entrance in the middle.
Cross & Steeple: The cross atop the steeple, which is some 25 feet above the roof line, stands in its bright splendor as a reminder of the saving work of Christ in reconciling God and sinners by his death on the cross.
Narthex: Entrance room inside the front door
Nave: The room beyond the Narthex where the congregation is seated
Chancel: The area which includes the altar, the organ, and the choir.
Sanctuary: The altar area.
Eternal Flame: The red sanctuary lamp on the back wall of the chancel is never extinguished as a symbol of the abiding presence of God (Jesus). It is red to distinguish it from the altar candles. Originally the bulb flickered to make it look like a candle.
Peace to All Who Enter: Note the large inscription over the entrance to the nave.
Baptismal Font: located in the entrance to the nave to show that it is by Baptism that one enters the church. The large copper bowl always contains water and many members dip fingers into the water and make a sign of the cross as a reminder of their Baptism, upon entering or leaving.
Center Aisle Stand: On the stand in the center aisle are shawls knit by the Prayer Shawl Ministry team and the prayer bead bracelets made by the Prayer Bead Ministry team. These are given to those in need of healing, comfort and strength, hope or joy and to connect with God in prayer. You are invited to add your prayers to these items as you go to or return from the altar.
Chancel Cross: a wooden cross about 6 feet high, trimmed with gold leaf, is suspended from the laminated beams overhead. The Chancel Cross stands as a reminder of the baptismal covenant to which the worship service marks a return.
Stained Glass Windows: The Grand Window is the 8 foot octagonal window directly behind the altar which depicts the second visit of Jesus to the eleven disciples after his resurrection. He stands before them and says: "Peace be with you. As the father has sent me, so I send you." John 20-21. The Flood. The companion window on the left tells the story of the flood (dove, Genesis 8:11) and of God's covenant relationship with his people (the rainbow, Gen 9:12-17). Jesus' Baptism. The companion window on the right tells the story of The Baptism of Jesus (water, dove, Mark 1:9-11).
A Heart for Christ Alone: The life that is lived well must be organized around a foundational certainty that Jesus alone is the Giver of Meaning to human existence. It can never be pursued in a half-hearted fashion.
Arms of Love: We don't love other people because they are attractive or lovable. We love them because God has poured his own love into our hearts.
The Feet of a Servant: We live as servants of God and each other, doing good through the gifts the Spirit has given us, living generously and simply, seeking to bring about the fullest expression of God's rule in our culture.
A Mind Transformed by the Word: The issue isn't knowledge as much as transformation- recasting of our minds according to a prospective that is consistent with the mind of God.
Knees for Prayer: The disciple-making church, which is committed above all else to the imitation of Jesus, models itself upon the persuasiveness of His prayer life.
A Voice to Speak the Good News: We embrace the call to share Jesus with those who do not know Him; addressing the deepest questions of both heart and mind, voicing hope and encouragement for people everywhere.
Mission Statement Banner: The banner over the exit as you leave the nave is only part of the Peace mission statement which actually reads: God loves us and calls us to love God, love one another, grow in Christ, and go in Christ.
The Star of Bethlehem (Moravian Star): hangs in the narthex directly above the entrance is part of the symbolism of Christmas since the star figures so prominently in the nativity story. It is usually lit during Advent.
