Growth Ministry Team

The Growth Ministry Team's mission is to guide Prince of Peace through the process of providing space for the ever-growing needs of the Prince of Peace community.

Progress report

We are pleased and oh so thankful to report that on Good Friday, April 3, 2010, we worshipped our Living Lord in our completed sanctuary space. We received our Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Johns Creek the afternoon of 4/1/2010 [13 months after groundbreaking]; the efforts of staff, the GMT, and many members made it possible to celebrate Good Friday and Easter in this new beautiful worship space. The elevator and handicapped parking now permit worshippers to get to the new Sanctuary without climbing the ‘hill’. The youth and their leaders were able to set up tables on Saturday for Easter morning breakfast in our former sanctuary, now known as the Fellowship Hall. Name tags and mail boxes remain in the former narthex, now known as the Lobby.

The new sanctuary easily accommodated 185 at Good Friday worship. Easter morning, there was sufficient space in worship for over 30 choir members, a 10-piece orchestra, a 6-member praise band, organ, grand piano, pulpit, altar and seating for 420 worshipers at the two services. The sound from all the instruments and voices in the new space was glorious. And still, all could easily hear the angelic voices and see the children’s choir led by Karen Anderson.

This worship space is adorned by a magnificent cross designed and created by Jeff Sweeney. Good Friday afternoon, 3 men held up the 60 pound cross for ½ hour while Jeff crawled in the attic to suspend the cross from the ceiling. A new wooden processional cross and candle holders were carved and created by Ed Pucko III and his dad, Ed Pucko, Jr. New Easter banners and pristine altar cloths were designed and created by Karen Kipley. Saturday morning before Easter, the buildings and grounds were abuzz with staff and members performing the many little tasks here and there in preparation for worship… with Pr. Tom Kenny and Ed Pucko making last minute decisions and directing activities. It was a very exciting and joyful time.

 When moving into a new home, it is so new when you get there… you are excited to be there, but it can take a few days of waking up in the home for it to feel like “home”. Now that we have experienced a few worship services, we can tell that this space fits us. It is our new worship home. God has been SO good to us. May our service to Him be only to glorify Him.

 While many have participated in this 3+ year process, there are individuals that attacked the details for completion during the final few months. Pr. Tom has persisted as the spiritual leader calling for prayer and giving direction during the many unexpected turns in the project. In addition to leading this team and being involved daily in the process, Ed Kipley worked tirelessly with our Church Council resources and the City of Johns Creek in getting the ‘i’s’ dotted and ‘t’s’ crossed; his ability to accept input from many, make decisions, and move forward was an invaluable asset to the completion of this project. Karen Kipley found the pre-owned pews at an incredibly low cost to us. Ed Pucko worked closely on a daily basis with the architect, builders and suppliers to ensure that the worship space and contents reflected the desired and appropriate high quality work; Ed also commandeered men, women, and youth of the church in the laying of the wooden floor for the chancel and narthex areas; the quality of their work is extraordinary. His efforts went far beyond his job description as Director of Worship and Music Arts. 

 All agree, there is NO doubt that the Hand of God has been upon us throughout this entire journey. We continue to seek to serve God with these new resources.

 As we move forward, The Growth Ministry Team membership may adjust to address future needs. The focus of this team going forward will be putting the finishing touches on the Sanctuary, evaluating changes to the kitchen and Fellowship Hall and eventually completion of the lower level, as time and resources permit.

Current team members are:

 Ed Kipley, Team Lead

Ed Pucko

Charlotte Kollin

Dan Powers

Jesse Kohler

Jeff Sweeney

 We ask you for your continued prayers and support, as we continue our mission.

 Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. —Psalm 127:1