Come be a piece of Peace - we're an open and affirming congregation.
Join Us For Worship Sundays at 9:30 AM
10300 131st St., Palos Park, IL 60464
WHO WE ARE AT
PEACE MEMORIAL CHURCH
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Situated on a beautiful 50-acre campus, Peace Memorial Church United Church of Christ is an exciting Christian community focused on spiritual growth and outreach. Peace has a deep history dating back to 1886. During this span of time Peace has always been at the forefront of providing its members with excellent Christian education and outreach opportunities to serve others. It is our goal at Peace to fill people with God’s love in everything we say and do. Peace is part of the denomination called the United Church of Christ.
EXTENSIONS OF OUR MINISTRY
Peace Village
Peace Village is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community established by Peace Memorial Church United Church of Christ.
OUR FAITH IS 2,000 YEARS OLD. OUR THINKING IS NOT.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE ON LIFE'S JOURNEY, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
NEVER PLACE A PERIOD WHERE GOD HAS PLACED A COMMA.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Our Beliefs
1. "That they may all be one." --John 17:21
These words recorded in the Gospel of John are part of Jesus' prayer for future believers and are motto of the United Church of Christ. We are a uniting church as well as a united church.
2. "In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity."
The unity that we seek requires neither an uncritical acceptance of any point of view, nor rigid formulation of doctrine. It does require mutual understanding and agreement as to which aspects of the Christian faith and life are essential.
3. The unity of the church is not of its own making.
True unity is a gift of God. In the Church, the common thread and bond for unity is a genuine, mutual love rooted in Christ.
4. Testimonies of faith rather than tests of faith.
Because faith can be expressed in many different ways, the United Church of Christ has no formula that is a test of faith.
5. "There is yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s holy word."
We recognize that the Bible, though written in specific historical times and places, still speaks to us in our present condition.
6. The Priesthood of All Believers.
All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion.
7. Responsible Freedom.
As individual members of the Body of Christ, we are free to believe and act in accordance with our perception of God’s will for our lives. But we are called to live in a loving, covenantal relationship with one another—gathering in communities of faith, congregations of believers, local churches.
We recognize our calling both as individuals and as the church to live in the world:
To proclaim in word and action the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
To work for reconciliation and the unity of the broken Body of Christ.
To seek justice and liberation for all.
This is the joy and challenge of the United Church of Christ of which Peace Memorial Church belongs.