Frequently Asked Questions at Peace

What does it mean to be a new church development (NCD)?  

We started having Sunday services in 2006, and we still have the financial and supervisory support of our presbytery and denomination until 2010.   We expect to be officially chartered sometime in 2008.   At that time, active participants will be invited to join the church as members.   Even now you can sign a covenant, indicating your desire to join Peace.

There are three Presbyterian Churches in the Lakewood Ranch area?   Why?

Sadly, the Presbyterians have divided into different denominations over Biblical interpretation issues, like whether women could be ordained as ministers and elders.   Our branch of Presbyterian, the largest in the US, supports the more progressive view, believing that “God calls women and men to all ministries of the Church.”   On most social issues, Presbyterians like us would rather be open-minded and gracious toward all people, than risk being judgmental and wrong.   We believe this reflects the life and attitude of Christ.

What do Presbyterians in the Presbyterian Church (USA) believe?

Take a look at this website for some of the answers.   http://www.pcusa.org/today/believe/believe.htm

Presbyterians affirm the sovereign power of God, the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the active presence of the Holy Spirit, and the freedom of Christians to interpret scripture responsibly, that is, in the company of other Christians, listening carefully to one another and to the Spirit.   We do not pretend to have all the answers, nor do we usually think that there is only one perspective on the truth.

What is your style of worship?

We have a blended worship service.   That means that we bring the best of tradition, believing that there is tremendous value in staying connected to the roots of our faith,   AND we bring the best of the emerging contemporary elements of worship, believing that the church is always reforming to speak clearly to the current generation.   In the  traditional-contemporary worship struggle, we believe persons with strong preferences learn more by worshiping together than by dividing into different groups.   Choosing how to worship should not be like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream.

Why do you have weekly communion?   Is that Presbyterian?

Weekly communion is the model of the early church.  Only in the last five hundred years, have some Protestant churches moved away from that pattern.   John Calvin, founder of Presbyterianism, affirmed the unity of Word and Sacrament weekly.  In the last fifty years, Presbyterians have shifted from quarterly to monthly communion, with the belief among most that weekly communion is the goal.   We think you will find it very meaningful.

Why is the Lord’s Prayer different than other churches?  

We are hoping by using an ecumenical (across church lines) Lord’s Prayer, we are removing the distinctions between those who say “trespasses” and those who say “debts.”  Most Bibles are written in modern language (no “thee” “thy” and “thou”) so why not make that change in the Lord’s Prayer?

 

Do you have a church building?  

Not yet, but we hope to purchase land in the Lakewood Ranch area very soon.   In the meantime we worship at MCC in Lakewood Ranch, which is a very comfortable and attractive place to meet.   We have found that after a few weeks of worshiping with us, most people begin to feel comfortable in the auditorium and the space becomes sacred because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

What do you offer children?  

Children find a warm welcome at Peace.   Many people think the children’s sermon is one of the best moments in the worship service.   Preschoolers are welcome to stay in worship or go to childcare after the Word with Children.   Bible Quest for preschoolers and Godly Play for elementary ages offer an exciting and age-appropriate second hour that children and parents love.   Loving, professional childcare is provided from 9:00-12:00 on Sundays.

What’s happening with youth at Peace?

The youth at Peace are loved and supported by many adults, who know them by name and are interested in their activities and their lives.  Studies show that most of today’s teens are missing this kind of adult “friend” in our transient world.  Peace youth have special activities on Sunday afternoons and evenings.  They are involved in mission projects and worship in significant ways.   They have a Sunday morning class called “I Know My Bible” an overview study of Old and New Testaments, aimed at giving them a secure foundation in the Scriptures that can carry them into adulthood.

May the Lord of peace give you peace at all times and in all ways.

2 Thessalonians 3:6