Hastings Campus Interested in being a part of the Peace Church Hastings Core Team? Peace Church is taking a bold step forward—we’re launching a Hastings Campus! If you are considering being part of what God is doing through this new campus, or are eager to lift up this church plant to the Lord in prayer, sign up for our email updates here . This isn’t just about planting a new campus—it’s about seeing more people in Hastings embrace the gospel for generations to come.

Yes And Amen To The Promise Of Peace April 7, 2024 Yes And Amen To The Promise Of Peace Sermon Series: Always Yes Download PDF John 14:25-27 Main Idea The Holy Spirit is God's yes and amen to the promise of peace Outline 1. Jesus' peace is the Spirit of Truth (25-26) 2. Jesus' peace comes from heart-change (27) 3. Jesus' peace casts out fear (27) Discussion Questions 1. What are some ways we shouldn't think about the Holy Spirit? 2. Read Ezekiel 36:26–28. How does this passage help us understand what the Holy Spirit can do? 3. Read Isaiah 32:15–18. Isaiah ties the Holy Spirit to peace. How does this bring comfort to us? 4. Where have you fallen short of relying on the Holy Spirit for your peace? Looking Forward Prayer Focus

News to His Mother December 1, 2024 News to His Mother Sermon Series: Go Tell It On The Mountain Download PDF Luke 1:26-38 Main Idea Mary's reaction to the news of her pregnancy shows us how the faithful should respond to Christmas! Outline 1. She contemplates it (vv26-28) 2. She questions it Discussion Questions Mary was “greatly troubled” and pondered the angel’s greeting. How do you approach situations that are confusing or unsettling? Do you take time to reflect, seek counsel, or pray? Reflect on Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trusting in the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding. How can this passage guide us when we face unexpected news? Mary questioned the angel, asking, “How will this be?” How does seeking understanding demonstrate faith rather than doubt? Consider James 1:5, which encourages asking God for wisdom. How can we apply this in our lives when we lack understanding? Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” What does her response teach us about obedience and submission to God’s will? Reflect on Romans 12:1, which calls us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. How can we live out this call in our daily lives? The angel told Mary that “no word from God will ever fail.” How does this assurance impact your faith and trust in God’s promises? Share a personal experience where trusting in God’s promise led to a positive outcome, even if the path was uncertain. Looking Forward Prayer Focus

Membership Interested in becoming a member of Peace Church? Interested in becoming a member of Peace Church? Join one of our Membership Classes from 12-2 PM in the Chapel to learn about our theology, philosophy, and how to get involved. Childcare is provided. After completing both classes, you'll meet with a zone elder to finalize your membership. Click here to register for a membership class. For more specific questions about baptism, profession of faith, or upcoming membership classes, contact membership@peacechurch.cc . Baptism We believe that Jesus has commanded all those who are His to be baptized with pure water "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). This sacrament signifies our reception into the Church of God, which separates us from all other religions and dedicates us wholly to Him (Galatians 3:27). Yet, we deny that baptism is necessary for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 23:42-43, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:5, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5). We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, by His sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood, has fulfilled and abolished the old covenant practice of circumcision, instituting instead the sacrament of baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). Therefore, we believe in the baptism of infants, as it aligns with the biblical precedent of including children in the covenant community, much like the practice of circumcision under the old covenant (Genesis 17:10-12; Acts 2:38-39). Christ's redemptive work extends to the children of believers, and they, too, should receive the sign and sacrament of baptism, affirming that Jesus shed His blood for them as well (Luke 18:15-17; Acts 16:31-33). This practice underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises, ensuring that our children are marked by the covenant from the earliest moments of their lives (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 7:14). We hold firmly that this sacrament, once administered, is sufficient for the entirety of one's life, symbolizing both our initiation into the faith and God's enduring grace towards us (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:3-4). Article about Infant Baptism Profession of Faith We believe that profession of faith is an essential outward expression of an inward belief in Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that faith should not remain private but should be confessed openly, as seen in Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Jesus also warns against being ashamed to profess faith before others (Matthew 10:33; Luke 9:26). While the Bible does not prescribe a specific method for this profession, we recognize the longstanding tradition in church history of publicly affirming one’s faith, whether as a new believer or as a child raised in the church. Because of this, we ask those who have never publicly professed their faith in a church setting to do so when becoming members. We see this as an opportunity to glorify God, encourage fellow believers, and affirm one’s commitment to Christ and His Church. We believe that profession of faith is closely connected to both church membership and baptism. We practice covenantal infant baptism, and those baptized as children later profess their faith when they have a firm understanding of the gospel. For those who were not baptized as children, profession of faith and baptism occur together. We know that some lifelong believers may feel that a formal profession is unnecessary, but we encourage it as an act of testimony, unity, and accountability within the church. Through this process, we affirm that new members are not only declaring their faith but also committing to walk with the Lord, support fellow believers, and receive the loving guidance of the church community. Article about Profession of Faith

Heading 3 Bridget Nash Open Chair Counseling

Funerals We have the capacity to conduct funeral services for church members and their parents, children, and grandchildren. Funeral Arrangement Process To arrange a funeral at Peace Church, complete the form and a staff member will contact you. Go Funeral Fees and Policy Go Funeral Request Form

Join the Journey Sermon Series Resources Welcome to the Becoming Campaign! This is our 2026 spiritual journey as we seek to grow deeper in our faith as believers in Christ and as the church of Christ. As we look ahead to where God is leading us, we give thanks for His beautiful work among us—celebrating the completion of our Central Campus building project, the growth of the Wayland Campus, and all God has done to help us build and expand. But now, as we see our church flourishing, we believe it’s time to move from building the church to becoming the church. This campaign is about becoming who Christ is calling us to be—growing not just wider, but deeper, more rooted in our faith and more faithful in our walk. Wherever you are on your journey, this is an invitation to go deeper together as God continues to grow our church at the Central Campus, Wayland Campus, and as we prepare to launch the Hastings Campus—for the Glory of God, the Good of our Neighbor, and the Joy of the Church. Join the Journey To begin your journey, take time to prayerfully reflect on the five all-church initiatives and the personal and family initiatives shown to the right and in the online commitment form. Pray and consider where God may be leading you to take a next step of faith throughout this year. You can fill out the online commitment form using the button below or stop by the Becoming Lobby Booth at church on any Sunday to fill one out. Take your time, seek the Lord, and commit as He leads—then explore the resources below to help you get started on the journey. Central Campus Online Commitment Form Wayland Campus Online Commitment Form Becoming Sermon Series This sermon series launches our 2026 Spiritual Journey Campaign, Becoming. Together, the series and campaign focus on what it means for the church—and each of us—to become who Christ is calling us to be. We’ll begin by exploring three foundational callings Jesus gives His followers: to become Sons of Light, Children of God, and Fishers of Men. Become Sons of Light Become Children of God Become Fishers of Men Watch Central Campus Full Series Watch Wayland Campus Full Series Becoming Guidebook This resource was created to help guide you through the Becoming spiritual journey and is designed to be used alongside your Bible each week in worship. You’ll find space for sermon notes throughout the year, daily prayers during the sermon series, and information about our All-Church Initiatives and personal or family commitments. If you don’t have a guidebook yet, stop by the Becoming lobby booth on any Sunday to pick one up—or start anytime and catch up by watching sermons on our website or YouTube. We pray this resource helps all of us become the church God is calling us to be—and helps you become who God is calling you to be. Download Central Campus Guidebook Download Wayland Campus Guidebook Stay Connected To receive weekly encouragement texts from Pastor Ryan (Central Campus) or Pastor Aaron (Wayland Campus), and weekly emails with the Bible-in-a-Year video, click the button below! Need help with this process? Stop by the Becoming lobby booth and we can walk through it with you. Central Campus Sign-Up Wayland Campus Sign-Up Becoming Testimonies The Blessing of Family Worship Hear Mandy's story The Power of Prayer Hear Sadie's story All-Church Initiatives Everyone at Peace Church is being called in these five ways to take part in God’s work through the Becoming spiritual journey: READ Commit to the Bible-in-a-Year reading plan starting Jan. 19 (p. 13) Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, 1 Timothy 3:16-17, Deuteronomy 11:18-19, Psalm 119:105, Matthew 4:4, Matthew 7:24 Watch Bible-in-a-Year weekly videos here. PRAY Log three hours of prayer each week (p. 11) Acts 1:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Colossians 4:2, Romans 12:12 Pray for your Peace Church family CONNECT Wear the Becoming wristband throughout the year (p. 10) 1 Peter 2:9, 17, Psalm 100:3, Ephesians 2:19, 1 Timothy 3:15 Join a Community Group SERVE Take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment  and pray about where God is calling you to serve (p. 17) 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Ephesians 4:16, 2 Timothy 1:6, Hebrews 2:4 Sign up to serve here WORSHIP Assess your commitment to Sunday worship attendance and recommit if needed Luke 11:28, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42, Psalm 122:1, Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Romans 12:4-5, Psalm 95:1-2, Acts 20:7, Ephesians 5:19-20 As we do these things together—knowing we are doing these together—we’ll deepen the family feel of our church while also growing spiritually and in unity as God’s people. Personal and Family Commitments Review these challenges and ask the Holy Spirit which ones he is calling you to take on, so that you may spiritually grow into the person God is calling you to become. Begin weekly family worship through Bible reading, devotions, and prayer (p. 28) Increase your prayer commitment from three hours a week to five hours a week Commit to regular fasting throughout the year, whether a full day, a single meal, or another rhythm (p. 18) Get relationally connected at Peace Church by joining or starting a Community Group, attending a Men’s or Women’s Bible Study, and/or serving in a ministry Begin biblical tithing and faithfully support God’s work through Peace Church (get a copy of Tithing: the Basics of Giving at the ‘Round the Table booth to learn more) Take first (or next) steps in adoption or foster care (p. 25) Write and share your testimony with the Peace Church family, either in print or on video, or share it with someone in your life who needs the Gospel or an invitation to church (p. 21) Start a Gospel conversation you’ve been wanting to have but haven’t yet Attend an Evangelism Training Night this spring or late summer (p. 28) Take our membership class (register at peacechurch.cc/events) Consider joining the core group of people who will help launch the new Hastings Campus (p. 27) Attend a gathering to learn more about pastoral ministry (p. 27) Pray and listen for any other ways the Holy Spirit may be calling you to grow spiritually The purpose of this is for each of us to grow into the person God is calling us to become, so that we can be the Church God is calling us to become. Why Wristbands? Did you know that from 2020 to 2025, Peace Church has tripled in size and doubled in locations? Simply put, we’ve grown—a lot! With such rapid growth, the ability to connect with, or even recognize, everyone in our church family can be very difficult. The Becoming wristbands will allow you to see who is part of the Peace Church family while out in public! Everyone is encouraged to wear the wristband during their waking hours! This will help show not just the world, but your church family, that Peace Church is your home church—and that you are participating in the Becoming Campaign. When you see someone out in public also wearing the wristband, go up and say hi and introduce yourself. This can be intimidating, so here are some things you could say: Show them your wristband and say, “Hey, so you’re part of the Peace family too? Awesome! My name is [your name], and I go to [1st/2nd/3rd] service. Which service do you usually go to?” Then you can ask about their family, how long they’ve been part of Peace Church, and how they are serving or connected. That’s it! With that simple interaction, you’ve made another connection in our larger church family. This is key—when the Bible speaks about the church, it uses family language. God is our Father, Christ is his Son, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ. Simply put, the wristbands help us identify and connect with our church family—especially during a year when we are trying to grow into the church that God is calling us to become! If you lose your wristband or it becomes too worn or dirty, don’t worry! Just grab another at church—they’ll be available all year. Prayer Log We cannot become the people or the church God is calling us to be, unless we are saturated in regular times of prayer. Everyone at Peace is challenged to log three hours of prayer per week. Maybe you’re hearing the Holy Spirit challenging you to even more! Our prayer is that your time in prayer before the Lord is sweet and refreshing. We pray the more time spent in prayer, the more you will want to saturate your life in it as you grow in faith. Let these verses be of encouragement to you: Acts 1:14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer… Matthew 14:23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, [Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. Mark 1:35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Luke 6:12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Download Prayer Log Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan Each Monday, we’ll share a short video introducing the week’s passages, highlighting key points, context, and themes. Click below to find the full reading plan and the weekly videos. Download Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan Watch Bible-in-a-Year Videos Spiritual Gifts Throughout the New Testament, God tells us that the Holy Spirit provides members of the church with spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). These gifts are given so that we can serve one another and bring glory to God. For Peace Church to become all that God is calling us to be, we need everyone to use their spiritual gifts as we see the gospel embraced and passed on for generations of Kingdom impact. A key step in using your spiritual gifts is knowing what they are. God’s word gives us three primary lists of spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and 1 Corinthians 12:28, which include gifts such as faith, service, teaching, generosity, leadership, and mercy. To find out what your spiritual gifts are, start by seeking God’s leading through studying his word and spending time in prayer. Jesus tells us in John 16:13 that the Spirit will guide us into all truth. As you look to the spiritual gifts lists in Scripture, spend time praying that you would know and use your gifts. Another way you can determine your spiritual gifts is through the wise counsel of other believers. We often see ourselves differently than others do, so it is helpful to ask other mature believers what gifts they see in you and how they would encourage you to use them to build up the church. At Peace, our Zone Elders are great resources for this. Finally, one modern practice that can help in the process of determining your spiritual gifts is taking an assessment that sheds light on it. We created an assessment that helps our members to biblically reflect on the ways that God has gifted them. Our hope is that this assessment will help you take the next steps in using your gifts so that each of us, and the church as a whole, becomes who God has called us to be. If you are interested in taking our online spiritual gifts assessment, you can access it by clicking the link below. After you complete the assessment, we will provide suggestions for possible next steps to use your gifts to bless the church and bring glory to God. Spiritual Gifts Assessment Fasting What is interesting about the English word fast is that it means to move quickly and to abstain from food, but we also use it in phrases like hold fast, which means to hold firmly. How did we get these varied meanings from this one word? The answer is found in the origin of the word. Fast comes from the Old English fæst, which means firm, fixed, secure, or constant. When we see how these words are all related in their core idea, it becomes clear that as fast evolved into Modern English, it took on these separate nuances. Secure and constant developed into the notion of quickness; firm and secure inform the idea of holding fast; and fixed and constant give us the concept of fasting as a determined posture of not eating food. However, when we speak of fasting as a religious endeavor—withholding or abstaining from taking food—the origin of this cross-cultural and cross-religious practice dates back millennia, typically carrying the notion of purification, humility, and drawing near to the divine, with the idea being that the physical must be set aside to achieve the spiritual. In the Christian tradition, its roots are found in the Hebrew Old Testament, where in ancient Israel it was connected with repentance, mourning, prayer, and reliance upon God. We see fasting practices throughout the Bible—from Moses, who fasted forty days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law (Exodus 34:28), to David, who fasted in grief and repentance (2 Samuel 12:16), to the prophet Daniel, who fasted and prayed for wisdom and mercy (Daniel 9:3), as well as in the call from Queen Esther, who called upon her people to fast for three days before she approached the king (Esther 4:16). In the New Testament, fasting continues as a discipline to help us grow spiritually, as it calls us to find our dependence upon God—to put our love for the Lord over our desires for satisfaction. Jesus himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness. When the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread to relieve his hunger, Jesus refused and quoted Scripture, saying: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4; cf. Deuteronomy 8:3 Fasting, then, is a way to declare to the Lord our reliance upon him. It is a practice of putting God before our desires, namely, our desire for food. As hunger pangs come, they serve as reminders to turn our focus to God and to direct our energy into prayer. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that, when done rightly, can help us grow spiritually and deepen our faith. It is not simply about deprivation, but rather about devotion—about training our spirits to hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). In college, my Spiritual Formation professor also warned against fasting as a means to simply lose weight, and Jesus also warns against fasting for the wrong reasons, such as using it to display our righteousness before others. He said: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:16–18 All of Isaiah 58 is about true and false fasting, where we see that God calls us to fast in order to grow spiritually as we reflect God’s good will in this world and find our delight in the Lord. Again, the spiritual discipline only helps us grow spiritually when done for spiritually righteous reasons. Thus, fasting is typically a private practice—a personal act of humility and devotion before God. It is a way of living out the truth of the Bible: “man does not live by bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). Fasting does not have a set prescribed length of time. In the Bible, we see fasts lasting from one day (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6) to three days (Esther 4:16) to forty days (Exodus 34:28; Matthew 4:2). As a spiritual discipline, there is no single method. Many people choose to fast for a day or even skip a single meal. The point is less about how we fast and more about why—it’s an act of faith meant to draw us closer to God. You might choose a three-month period in which you fast one day each week, or a week-long fast where every day you skip a particular meal, like lunch. While fasting traditionally means abstaining from food, modern practices also include other kinds of fasts—such as fasting from technology, entertainment, or particular types of food, like meat or sugar (see Daniel 10:2–3). The practice we see most clearly in Scripture is to abstain from food completely. Again, the notion here is about setting aside our desires in order to deepen our reliance upon God as we grow closer to him in trust, love, and joy. While this is a spiritual practice, it does have physical implications, so for those with health concerns, it’s always good to consult with your doctor before you begin this discipline. As the Lord leads you, may you prayerfully practice the spiritual discipline of fasting in order that you may continue to grow into the person God is calling you to become as you deepen your faith in the God of your salvation. *If you or you and your family decide to fast, please reach out to your Zone Elders so they can be praying for you! Sharing Your Testimony There is a church in London that Peace partners with. A few years ago, their lead pastor’s wife was miraculously healed from Stage 4 cancer. Even the nonreligious doctors told them, “You’ve experienced a miracle.” Do you think they shared that story with anyone? They’ve shared it with everyone. If you experienced a miracle, you would tell someone. You would tell everyone. The beauty of Christian testimonies is that every follower of Jesus has experienced a miracle. We were dead in our sin and then made alive in Christ. Your testimony is powerful because it’s both your personal story of experiencing a miracle and the good news of Jesus Christ for everyone. That’s why sharing your testimony of salvation is an essential element of becoming the church. God uses the stories of his work in our lives to open others to hear and receive the gospel. Our testimonies often play a pivotal role in the lost experiencing the miracle of salvation and receiving a testimony of their own. Just because it is good to share your testimony, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Many of us don’t know where to start, what to include, or how to use our story to share the good news. Where do I start? Sharing your testimony will look different based on your context: Who are you talking to? What is your relationship? What is their experience and understanding of Jesus? What environment are you in and how much time do you have? While there are some aspects that will change based on context, it’s helpful to spend time preparing to share the elements of your testimony that are important to include regardless of who you are talking to. Take some time to think about and write down the answers to these questions: What was my life like before receiving faith in Jesus? How did God reveal himself and his good news to me? What is the good news that I now believe? What has my life been like since becoming a follower of Jesus? As you dwell on your answers to these questions, the basis of your testimony is coming together. What do I include? The Bible doesn’t give us a checklist to follow to share our testimony, but following the examples of the early church gives us a helpful guide. As you share your story, it’s helpful to include details about your life before being saved (lost and sinful), how you were saved (faith and grace), and your life as a follower of Jesus (transformation and purpose). As you share the good news that brought you salvation, it’s important to include God’s love for us (creation and blessing), our sin and separation from him (fall and judgment), salvation through Christ (Jesus’ death and resurrection), and our response to the good news (faith or rejection). When sharing this, it’s helpful to have some key Scriptures to refer to, such as John 3:16, Romans 3:23, and Ephesians 2:8-10. How do I include the good news for everyone in my personal testimony? While testimonies are personal and reflect on your own experience, it’s critical to share the good news of Jesus for those listening. Whether the person you are sharing with has faith in Jesus or not, they need to hear the good news. If they are a follower of Jesus, they will be encouraged. If they are not, God might use your proclamation to bring them faith. The best bridge to share the story of Jesus in your story is to share the message that you received when you believed. This part of our testimony can challenge us, because it’s not just sharing our subjective experience, but declaring the objective truths that we are all sinners in need of salvation. As you share that you believe, don’t forget to share what it is that you believe, so that others will hear the gospel clearly. What does this actually look like? All of that sounds good in theory, but it’s helpful to look at a real-life example of someone’s testimony. Here is a short version of mine (Pastor Nate Harney) that I can share in about two minutes: I grew up in a peaceful, healthy home, where my parents taught me that there is a God who made me and loves me. While that should have brought me peace, instead my childhood was defined by fears that led to anxiety. I was afraid that no one liked me, that I wouldn’t be successful in life, and that I would never find true peace. As I got older, I heard the story of Jesus, that he was God among us, that he lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and then defeated death and rose again. While this seemed like good news in general, I wasn’t really looking to be saved from my sin. I wanted to be freed from my fears and anxiety. I felt like a good person, somehow I just needed to grow in confidence and find peace. As I learned more about Jesus and how he calls us to live selfless lives focused on loving God and others, I realized my fears and anxieties were all rooted in sin; a deep self-centered obsession with my own comfort, success, and happiness. The Gospel of John tells us that before Jesus gave his life for us, he shared this with his followers: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Jesus can promise peace because he offers salvation through faith. When I received faith in Jesus, by grace, my sins were forgiven and I started to become more like him and through that, I found freedom from fear and unshakable peace. Now my days aren’t filled with fears and anxieties that are focused on myself. Instead, each day is a faith-driven adventure where I enjoy his salvation and find purpose and peace in telling others about Jesus. When I share my testimony, it looks different depending on the specific context, but I always try to include my personal story of being delivered from sin, fear, and anxiety while I share the story of Jesus and salvation that comes through faith. In person, it’s often less polished, but time and again, God has used the story of his work in my life to share his good news with others. What now? Pray, prepare, and practice sharing your own testimony. Then when God opens the door, be ready to share his good news and how your life has been transformed by Jesus. With God’s help, you can do this. When we all share our testimonies, the good news of Jesus spreads, and we become the church that God is calling us to be. If you would like to share your testimony with the Peace Church family, whether in print or on video, please reach out to us at testimony@peacechurch.cc . Contact Us to Share Your Testimony Taking a Step of Faith: Adoption or Foster Care From the Old Testament and into the New, God reveals himself as our Father, and with this, we see his special concern for orphans and the fatherless—those without protection, provision, or family. Deuteronomy 10:18 He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Exodus 22:22 You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Zechariah 7:10 Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor. James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. In God’s Kingdom, to care for or take in an orphan was often a form of adoption—bringing them into one’s household for protection and nurture. In the Bible, we see families take on children who are not biologically their own, such as Esther, who was raised by her cousin Mordecai. The most prominent example is Jesus Christ himself, who was raised by his adoptive father, Joseph. Knowing this is a beautiful and biblical call, adoption and foster care are powerful ways for believers to show the world how we are living out God’s call for compassion and righteousness—caring for the vulnerable as we reflect God’s heart for justice and mercy. Ultimately, every act of human adoption points to the greater truth that we have been adopted by God himself—brought from being spiritual orphans into belonging in God’s family through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15–17; Galatians 4:4–7; Ephesians 1:5). At Peace Church, there are a large number of families who have taken up the call to adopt or become foster parents. While not everyone is called to take a child or children into their home, we are all called to love our neighbor, young and old, rich or poor. So, while you may not be called to adopt or provide foster care, we always encourage our church family to help and assist families who have adopted or fostered. We also know some are called more to help or assist, so during the Becoming Campaign, we are calling upon the families of Peace Church to prayerfully consider if they are called to adopt or become foster parents. We want to help you discern this call and support you along the way. If this is a conversation you feel led to begin, we encourage you to start in prayer. We have staff members who have walked through this process themselves and are passionate about helping others. Reaching out to them at adoption@peacechurch.cc is a great first step in starting the discussion and discerning God’s call to adopt or become foster parents. Contact Us About Adoption or Foster Care Hastings Campus At Peace Church, we have spent many years praying and preparing to plant other churches to reach the lost in our community. By God’s grace, in Fall 2023, we planted our first daughter church in Wayland. This congregation has grown and is well on its way toward becoming a self-sufficient church. After much prayer and consideration, we believe the Lord is now calling us to plant another daughter church in Hastings. One significant reason we feel this call to Hastings is because of the number of people who are already driving from Hastings to Peace Church in Middleville each week. We want to give these members of our church family a better opportunity to reach their neighbors and invite them to gather as a church in their own town. If you are open to considering a call to Peace Hastings, you can attend future interest meetings listed at peacechurch.cc/events to learn more and pray for the Lord’s work in the community See Upcoming Events Pastoral Ministry Young men, are you open to a call to ministry? In the last few years, we have lost many great Christian leaders and preachers, from Charlie Kirk to Tim Keller to R.C. Sproul. Now, more than ever, the world needs men who will boldly proclaim the truth. Who will step up? Who will answer God’s call with the words, “Here am I, Lord; send me”? If you think it’s possible the Lord may be calling you to pastoral ministry, we would love to help you consider that call. You don’t have to be the greatest speaker or leader. What the Lord calls you to, he will equip you for. If you sense this calling, come out for an opportunity to evaluate it and receive training from our pastoral staff. Look out for future gatherings at peacechurch.cc/events. See Upcoming Events Evangelism Training Join us for church-wide evangelism training nights coming this spring and late summer. Keep an eye on peacechurch.cc/events for details. Until then, here are some recommended resources to help you grow in confidence and clarity as you share your faith: Organic Outreach for Ordinary People by Kevin Harney Organic Outreach for Families by Kevin Harney Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer. See Upcoming Events Devotionals Personal Devotional Recommendations Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon Voices from the Past (Vol. 1 & 2) by Richard Rushing Valley of Vision Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp Refreshment for the Soul by Richard Sibbes Family Devotional Recommendations Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade The Songs of Jesus by Timothy Keller Bearing Fruit by Diana Kleyn New City Catechism Family Worship Bible Guide The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung Tithing Click the button below to view our resources on tithing. Tithing Resource Resources Monthly Becoming Updates April Becoming Update March Becoming Update February Becoming Update January Becoming Update 'Round the Table ‘Round the Table offers gospel-centered articles, podcasts, videos, and teaching resources to help you grow in your faith. Visit roundthetable.co or click the button below to explore our content. Stop by the ‘Round the Table lobby booth to browse our books and sign up for our newsletter. Explore 'Round the Table

IT TAKES YOU TO MAKE CHURCH HAPPEN Why Serve? In a typical week at Peace Church, more than 500 people serve in a variety of roles—welcoming guests, teaching kids, leading small groups, running tech, caring for facilities, and so much more. Behind each worship service, kids ministry event, and gathering is a team of people reflecting the love of Jesus through acts of service. We believe serving isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are as followers of Christ. Whether you’re new to Peace Church or have been attending for years, there’s a place for you to jump in. Serving is a response to God’s grace, an opportunity to grow in faith, and a way to help others encounter the gospel. From the front door to the nursery, it takes every hand and heart to create a space where people can worship and grow. Ready to be part of what God is doing? Click the button below to get started! Start Serving Peace Kids Volunteers Needed: Sunday Morning: 100 Tuesday (Friends at Peace): 15 Wednesday (Bold Boys/Brave Girls): 105 Thursday (Women's Bible Study Childcare): 15 Safety Team Women's Ministry: 62 Men's Ministry: 35 Marriage Ministry: 10 Young Adults: 6 High School: 35 Middle School: 25 Facilities Team More Info Worship and Production More Info Hospitality More Info

Chelsea Community Director Chelsea Bennett Chelsea has been attending Peace since 2022 and joined the staff in 2023. Originally from Newaygo, Michigan, she lives in Middleville with her husband Brad, a firefighter, their daughter Ava, and their Goldendoodle Tucker. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys golfing, relaxing at home, making sourdough, being outside, and spending time with her family. Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 28:20. Contact the Community Director

bd7daab1-dbd0-4fde-975e-4c8dccc69e6b Peace Kids Upcoming Events Welcome to Peace Kids, where we believe in the importance of discipleship for children of all ages, from birth through 5th grade. Our programs are designed to show kids who God is through teaching, songs, activities, and play. Early Childhood (0-4 years) Located in our upstairs kids' classrooms, our volunteers engage with our littlest ones, pointing to Jesus and demonstrating His love. Elementary (Young 5's to 5th Grade) Located in our downstairs kids' classrooms, kids participate in age-appropriate learning. Kids will get dropped off to their classrooms, and then participate in large group activities and then break into small groups by grade for deeper discussion. Arrival and Check-In: Enter through the Peace Kids entrance and find the kids' wing to the left. Volunteers will assist you with check-in starting 15 minutes before service. New families can visit "New Family Check-In" upstairs for household information and child/parent tag printing. Summer Programming: 1st - 5th graders join their parents in the Main Worship Center from May 24-September 6. Young 5's and Kindergarten will be meeting downstairs in their assigned rooms for lessons, worship, and activities. 0-4 years programming remains the same throughout the summer. Special Needs: We provide accommodations for special needs families, including 1:1 buddies for kids and students. Please contact Vicky Damico at vicky.damico@peacechurch.cc with any questions. Parent Resource List Bold and Brave Go Special Needs Go Brave Girls Go Bold Boys Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Logan Bailey Family Pastor Contact Us Go Interested in Serving? Go Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Logan Bailey Family Pastor Interested in Serving? Go Contact the Family Ministry Admin Go Learn More Sarah Grasman Peace Kids Coordinator (Elementary) Learn More Grayce Koning Kids Ministry Administrative Assistant Learn More Lily Dykema Peace Kids Coordinator (0-2) Stay Connected Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on social media for the latest ministry updates. Newsletter Sign Up Interested in Serving? Go

Weddings Peace Church is happy to participate in instituting Christian marriages for believers in Jesus Christ. Marriage is a covenant, designed by God, and modeled after Christ and His relationship with His church. It is the lifelong and faithful union of one man and one woman before God. The purpose of a Christian marriage is to glorify God in reflecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world through the marriage relationship. 01. Couples desiring to be married at Peace Church must be Christians. (2 Corinthians 6:14) 02. At least one individual must be a member of Peace Church. 03. The couple must agree to remain sexually abstinent and live separately until marriage. 04. The couple must participate in pre-marital counseling (3-5 sessions) with a Peace Church pastor. To allow time for this, wedding applications should be submitted at least 3 months in advance of the wedding date. 05. If one or both person(s) has been married before, their union must conform to the biblical teaching on divorce and remarriage. Peace Church holds to the biblical teachings that remarriage is only permissible following a divorce caused by adultery or abandonment by a nonbeliever (which includes abuse). Requirements We're serious about marriage at Peace Church. Therefore, the requirements to be married by a Peace Church Pastor are as follows: Wedding Application Process The first step in the process is to fill out the wedding application. A Peace Church staff member will contact you following your application submission. Wedding Policy and Pricing Go Wedding Application Go

The Hope of Joy November 17, 2024 The Hope of Joy Sermon Series: Obadiah Download PDF Obadiah 19-21 Main Idea God shakes things up to reveal the hope of joy. Outline 1. God changes things to bring conformity to his plan (v19) 2. God redeems people to restore justice to the land (v20) 3. God speaks prophecy to foreshadow salvation to the world (v21) Discussion Questions In verse 19, territories are reassigned according to God’s plan. How does this demonstrate that God’s purposes prevail even in the midst of upheaval? Reflect on Isaiah 55:8-9, where God says His ways are higher than ours. How does this truth help us trust Him when life feels uncertain or shaken? Verse 20 highlights the return of exiles to their rightful places. How does God’s work of redeeming people show His commitment to justice? Read Amos 5:24, which calls for justice to “roll on like a river.” What practical steps can we take as followers of Christ to partner with God in restoring justice in our communities? In verse 21, God’s plan extends beyond Israel to include salvation for all nations. How does this point to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus? Reflect on Revelation 7:9-10, which describes people from every nation worshiping God. How does this promise shape our understanding of God’s global mission and our role in it? How can you respond with faith and hope when God allows changes in your life to conform you to His plan? In what ways can you actively participate in God’s redemptive work in bringing justice and salvation to those around you? Looking Forward Prayer Focus