Introducing the Peace House
in partnership with Team Renewed.
The story of how the Peace House came to be
When the new community called Lutheran Church of Peace found themselves on this plot of land in 1954, the first thing they did was build a house. The first pastor and his family lived here. This was their home. AND it’s always been more than that. It was the sanctuary and the Sunday School and Bible study space. It was the church board’s meeting space. Since then, this home has been the youth house, the office for the youth director, housed interns and scout overnights. And for the last many years it’s been empty. About 6 years ago the church did a whole study on what to do with the youth house - and they didn’t come up with any answers. So it sat - and it waited.
Then a family who's son had been incarcerated got to know Team Renewed - an organization committed to creating healthy homes, sustainable employment, and a new community. And so sometime in the late winter/early spring of 2020 - while the world was shutting down - God opened a door. Pastor Liz says she was skeptical and reluctantly agreed to meet with this new organization interested in our little house.
We believe God was chuckling as Keith, Don Dewey, Jan Jabs and Pastor Liz sat at the kitchen table for the first time and our hearts were won over.
Two years later - 100’s of hours, blood, sweat, tears, and heart later - we officially opened the Peace House on March 1, 2022 (Fat Tuesday).
Proverbs 24:3-4 says: By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.
Since its opening the Peace House has indeed been filled with rare and beautiful treasures - people, God’s beloved people, who we pray in these walls will find new life.
To learn more about Team Renewed and their life-giving ministry click here.
The list of people who have been involved in the renewal of this house and the birthing of a new ministry here at LCP is extensive:
None of this would’ve come to be had it not been for the courage, tenacity, perseverance, and creativity of our Facilities Team. Thank you Mike Ahrens, Nate Meisegeier, Kelly Cusick, Keith Henjum, Dan Corbo and Jim Gay. Then there were the lawyers, contractors, project manager, dry wall guy, electrician, plumber and countless volunteers who painted, washed, made curtains and quilts, cleaned and donated or prayed for the Peace House and this new ministry. Special thanks to Keith Henjum and Dave Odden who tirelessly and relentlessly at times moved this project forward no matter what obstacles were in their way. Thank you.
And to the members of LCP - for the way you have wrestled and engaged with what it means to be a community of radical hospitality and to boldly innovate, keeping God always at the center and for the beautiful way you have thrown your arms open wide trusting that God’s got this. Thank you. Mostly we are grateful to our incredible, surprising God who opens doors when we least expect to find them open and who is always reforming and restoring God's church and people. Always and forever AMEN!
A Blessing for the Peace House
March 1, 2022
By the front door
A reading from Psalm 121: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, from this time forth forevermore.
Let us pray.
Lord protect and guide all who will live here, their going out and their coming in. Help us to remember to always invite you to join us as we go about our day. Might crossing the threshold into this home bring peace to all who enter. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Living Room
A reading from Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Let us pray.
Lord, we ask that you would be present with those who share fellowship in this space. Build a community here that is renewing and restorative. Help us to live at peace with each other, to be patient, humble, and gentle, and to forgive each other when we need forgiveness. May those who live here share the hospitality of this home with all who will visit so that all who enter will know your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Kitchen
A reading from Luke 12:22-24
Jesus says: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable are you than birds!”
Let us pray.
God, thank you for the food that we have to eat. We pray for your continued provision for this home and in our lives. As Jesus taught us, we pray for our daily bread and ask that you grant us what we need for today and remind us not to worry about tomorrow. Help us to trust that you’ve got this. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Bedrooms
A reading from Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
And from Matthew 11: 28-29: Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Let us pray.
Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping. Keep us safe and healthy. May those who slumber here find rest for bodies and souls as they come to you for life. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Closing blessing
“May this home be where you come back to feel alive, not a place to store your worries but a place to let joy thrive. May any darkness be graced with light and may you find comfort and rest each night. May this home be more than a collection of rooms; may this be a space to let love bloom.” – Jennifer Williamson
Let us pray. God, the foundation of this home is built solidly on your grace and mercy. Bless all who will find shelter under its roof. Might these walls provide structure and stability despite what meets them outside. Might these floors support and lighten their steps. Might they find in this space a home, a place to belong, a place to see themselves as you see them, a place to find purpose and hope for a new future in you. We place this new community, as always, into your good and capable hands and entrust it to your care. Amen.