Newcomer's Guide
Welcome to the Prince of 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 Sandy or Carol in the church office at 847-359-3451. They would be very happy to help you and to answer any questions.
How did Prince of Peace start?
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church was founded in 1971 as a mission outreach of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the growing Palatine and Northwest suburban Chicago area. The mission spirit continues today as members of Prince 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, and from many parts of the country. 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 Prince of Peace?
Please use our interactive map with driving directions to determine the best way to get to Prince of Peace.
Where do I go once I get into the building?
You can enter under the canopy on the west side of the building, or you can use the electronic doors for wheelchair access. Please see the Campus Map for entrance locations and room locations. Signs inside the building will guide you to your destination.
What is your worship like?
Worship at Prince of 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 and is used at each of the four worship services. This keeps worship fresh and fosters a great spirit of unity as every worshipper has a similar worship experience each weekend.
Worship includes children and adults. The Saturday worship service and the Sunday 8:00am and 11:00am worship services feature a children’s message, and each child is welcomed 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 all the worship 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 church bulletin, or you can contact the church office at your leisure. Guest packets are available at the Welcome Center as well. We promise that you won't be embarrassed or put on the spot when you visit Prince of Peace.
What ministries are available at Prince of Peace?
Check out our ministries page for the details, but the wide range of ministries at Prince of Peace includes: a large selection of small groups, a vibrant children's ministry, active and exciting student ministries (junior high and high school), compelling study and growth opportunities, wonderful music opportunities, meaningful prayer ministry, an active care ministry, and much more.
Who attends this church?An amazing mix of religious backgrounds, cultures, and life-stages are all represented at Prince of Peace. Roughly 900 worshippers gather each weekend to explore, grow in, and celebrate the blessing of life through Jesus Christ.
Where is Prince of Peace Theologically?
Prince of 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-Missouri Synod, and supports the doctrinal teachings of our denomination.
Can I receive communion at Prince of Peace?
Communion is offered at all the services on the weekends of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month. 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-Missouri Synod 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 weekends of the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of each month. 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 white 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:
To REACH all people with the Good News of Jesus Christ;
To GROW together as His followers;
To SERVE God and others with all we are and have.
The three key words of our mission statement describe the life of a follower of Christ: Reach, Grow and Serve. 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 a small group 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 Prince of Peace?
Membership at Prince of 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 Sandy in the church office (847-359-3451) to request a new member packet, or download the forms from this New Member Packet link. This packet will guide you through all the steps of membership. It will also give you the opportunity to register for one of the upcoming new member classes, which will help you get acquainted with life at Prince of Peace and the teachings of the congregation. It will also help you get connected and feel at home. Going through the class does not obligate you to join the congregation. You're very welcome to sit in and see where God leads!
2008 Prince of Peace New Member Class Schedule
The new member class has two Saturday morning sessions, with classes meeting from 8:00am to 12:00 noon both days. (You need to attend both sessions to qualify for membership.) Continental breakfast will be served both mornings. Babysitting is provided at no cost, provided the church office is notified at least one week in advance of the class. Class leaders are Pastor Scott Christenson, Senior Pastor, and Pastor John Glover, Teaching Pastor.
Upcoming New Member Classes
Please check with the church office for the new class schedule.
More questions?
Check out this web site or give a call! We want you to feel at home, and we want you to experience the amazing life Jesus gives us as His people!