In 1997 in a Santa Clarita living room, a group of dedicated and committed Christians from Bethlehem Lutheran Church set out to do what many before them had done since the time of Christ: start a new satellite sister congregation. Nearly sixteen years later Prince of Peace Lutheran Church opened the doors to its new facility Nov. 17.

Prince of Peace is part of the LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) and strives for a boldly historical, but yet a unique worship style – mixing contemporary music led by award winning music leader Gary Janney, with the joy of both God’s Word and Sacraments as a foundation in accordance with our Lord’s living ministry. During sermons Senior Pastor Thomas Cizmar provides optional study guides, and our Marine Veteran “The Seekin’ Deacon,” Barry Beckett won’t step to the pulpit without his cowboy boots on.

Toted by its members as “The Best Little Lutheran Church in Santa Clarita,” Prince of Peace has big church amenities with the small church feel — sermons online, iOS app, prayer requests online, giving online, small groups, daily devotional emails, pastor’s who blog, and much more. The new facility allows Prince Of Peace to continue expanding their youth programs and small groups, which include groups for men, women, couples, moms, and much more.

Like any good Lutheran church, food is in abundance after each service. Deacon Barry Beckett likes to say, “We don’t have cup holders or stadium seating, but we do have faith, grace, and the true presence of Christ – so come on by!”

As part of the announcement of their new facility, they’ve also launched the “no gimmicks just Christ” campaign. Senior Pastor Thomas Cizmar explains “it’s about getting church back to focusing on Christ crucified, the power of his resurrection, and growing in our faith all by God’s grace! Yes, we are all imperfect people coming together in oneness to celebrate the depth of God’s love for us in Christ. Our lives get cluttered with all sorts of noise; our “no gimmicks just Christ” campaign is to get people plugged in and focused on the most important thing in their spiritual life – their relationship with Jesus Christ. Our job is simple: “seek and save the lost, as we celebrate his true presence for healing and salvation through his grace-filled Word and through his nurturing Holy Sacraments.”

Currently Prince Of Peace offers one Sunday Service at 10:00 AM. The service is joyfully contemporary and yet traditional, rich in our Christian history. Sunday school is offered to all age groups during the service following a children’s sermon. Adult bible study is available at 9:15am, with other events mid-week, and all are welcome and encouraged to come and experience the joy of true worship in “The Best Little Lutheran Church in Santa Clarita.”

On Dec. 15, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is hosting a Grand Opening “open house” at 10am for worship, and 3pm for a service of “praise, thanks, and dedication of our new facility.” All are welcome and encouraged to visit. We will have some very dynamic special music from Robby Robinson and Friends (Music Director for Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons) and lots of wonderful food to enjoy, and you’ll get to meet all the people who helped make this joyous event possible. Those interested are encouraged to visit the website (www.praisewithpeace.com) for more details.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 28159 Ave Stanford Suite 140, Valencia, CA. 91355. Phone: 661-294-0621.