Right before Reformation Day 2020, Peace Lutheran Church, Conway, Arkansas had a reformation of its own. On October 28th the former sanctuary, which had stood on the corner of South Donaghey Avenue and Dave Ward Drive since 1966, was brought down to the ground, together with the former office building. In the summer of 2017, the congregation transitioned its Family Life Center into a temporary sanctuary for worship, and in 2019 moved its offices into the Family Life Center as well. The two buildings were demolished to eventually make way for future facilities, and the congregation is in the midst of its “Inside/Out” Capital Campaign. Before the demolition, however, the sanctuary provided a final service for the community. The two buildings were used by by the Conway Fire Department firefighters to practice building entry, roof ventilation, and search and rescue. One of the new firemen, Chase Coleman, is also a member of Peace.
This year of COVID-19 has made it difficult to see the road ahead, yet Scripture says God has a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, including a time to tear down and build. Seeing the old buildings which served well over the last 50 years come down saddens many, but the good memories of lives that have been changed by God and relationships developed within and without can’t be taken away. The church’s buildings may come and go, but the Church is truly the people of God who trust that even though our bodies may return to dust in death, Jesus will raise us again to eternal life!
— Rev. John P. Gierke
Peace Lutheran Church
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