A PLACE FOR EVERY BODY AND EVERY MIND

At Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we believe God's love makes room for us all. People come to worship with different bodies, minds, experiences, and needs. We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate in ways that are meaningful to them.

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment at Peace. We're continually learning, listening, and finding new ways to make our congregation a place where everyone belongs.

Covered main entrance of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, showing the paved walkway, entrance doors, and sheltered drop-off area.

ARRIVING AT PEACE

Accessible parking spaces are available near our covered main entrance. We recommend using the entrance beneath the covered drop-off area, which has a wheelchair-accessible ramp and an automatic door.

Once inside, the sanctuary, Gathering Space, restrooms, and other common areas can be reached without steps. Restroom doors have push-button automatic openers.

If you would like help finding your way or getting settled, our ushers will be glad to assist.

WORSHIP IN YOUR OWN WAY

At Peace, there is no single “right” way to participate in worship. You are welcome to sit, stand, move, sing, listen, or simply be present in whatever way is meaningful and comfortable for you.

Wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids are welcome. If you would like assistance finding a comfortable place alongside family or friends, our ushers will gladly help. We want you to be able to participate without feeling that you need to fit into one particular arrangement.

During Holy Communion, you are welcome to come forward or remain seated. If you prefer to stay where you are, Communion can be brought to you.

HEARING & WORSHIP MATERIALS

Large-print worship bulletins are available for anyone who finds them helpful. Simply ask an usher when you arrive.

We also offer assisted listening through our ListenWiFi system, which allows guests to hear worship audio through a compatible smartphone and headphones.

If you'd like to use assisted listening, please ask an usher for help getting connected. We're continuing to improve the system and welcome feedback about your experience.

QUIETER SPACES

Sometimes a quieter setting makes it easier to be present. Our cry room and Library, located just outside the sanctuary, are available to anyone who would benefit from a little less activity or sound.

Both spaces have controls that allow you to hear audio from the worship service. You are welcome to step out or return to the sanctuary whenever you need.

These spaces are options, not expectations. Children—and all the sounds and movement they bring—are always welcome in worship.

PARTICIPATING AND LEADING

At Peace, everyone has gifts to share. We welcome people of all abilities to participate in worship as readers, musicians, worship leaders, and in other roles throughout the life of our congregation.

A wheelchair-accessible ramp provides access to the upper chancel platform, including the altar table and ambo (the place from which Scripture is read and the sermon is preached). There is still a step into part of the lower chancel area, which means some positions, including serving as a Communion assistant, are not currently accessible to wheelchair users.

We are committed to continuing to learn, adapt, and remove barriers wherever possible. If you would like to participate in a particular way, please talk with Pastor Travis. We'd be glad to explore how your gifts can be shared.

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP

We want you to feel at home at Peace. If you have questions about accessibility, would like help planning your visit, or have ideas about how we can make our building and worship more welcoming, we'd love to hear from you.

We may not have everything figured out, but we'll listen, take your needs seriously, and work with you to find a way forward.

Call us: (269) 637-4104

Email us: information@peaceinsouthhaven.org