Our doors — and hearts — are open to all.

Our doors — and hearts — are open to all.

Peace Church has been a vital part of the Elkader community for generations. What began as a small congregation continues to grow in love, service, and inclusiveness.

Our Mission

Peace United Church of Christ is a multigenerational community of faith. We welcome people of all ages, races , and life situations to join us in our calling to serve as the hands and feet of Christ.

  • Peace United Church of Christ is a congregation in covenant with the United Church of Christ (UCC). Peace Church was founded in 1905 as Friedens Evangelical Church, eventually becoming Friedens Evangelical and Reformed Church, and then, ultimately Peace Church of Christ. “Peace” is the English for Friedens.

  • The United Church of Christ was formed in 1957 with a merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Churches and the Congregational Christian Churches. As a uniting Church, the UCC recognizes and respects other worship traditions. The denomination is one that believes that God is still speaking with the ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

  • Historically, the UCC has stood on the cutting edge of social justice. It was in the courts in support of slaves on Amistad. It was the first to ordain an African American. It was the first major denomination to ordain women and gays/lesbians to the pulpit. It has led the way on environmental issues and on behalf of tribal people in the United States.

Our History

What We Believe

We believe in a God that is still speaking, a God that is all-loving and inclusive. We are a church that welcomes and accepts everyone as they are, where your mind is nourished as much as your soul.

Peace United Church of Christ, located in Elkader, Iowa, is a vibrant congregation which extends an extravagant welcome to all.

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Guided by faith. Grounded in service.

Our pastor, music leaders, council members, and countless volunteers make church feel like family.

Council Members

Bruce Landis

Donna Buckman

Steve McCorkindale

Carl Moser

Dean Gray

Elaine Knoke-Martin

Staff

Gary Kuehl

Buildings & Grounds

Laura Moser

Organist

Arlene Reimer

Substitute Organist

Becky Meisner

Church Secretary

Kristina Bente

Bookkeeper

Jeff Keene

Custodian