P E A C E C H U R C H
Our History
Peace United Methodist Church
began its ministry in Hunter’s Creek
in September of 1991.
We started worshiping in a movie
theater in the South Chase area.
As the congregation developed,
a move was made to an
elementary school cafeteria.
At the end of four years of ministry,
the need became apparent for a
permanent facility and the present
multipurpose building was constructed.
“Peace” is not just the name of our church, but what we strive for in our lives in today’s very troubled world. Jesus promised to give his followers a peace that “passes all understanding” and a peace that is different from anything the world tries to give us. The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom” and means much more than an absence of war or conflict, but a wholeness or completeness that comes from being in relationship with God and God’s people. So, even in the midst of conflict, we can find this peace. Whether you’re brand new to church or you’ve been around church for awhile; we want to say welcome! When you come to Peace on a Sunday, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people and be reminded that God’s grace and peace are here.
Pastors of Peace Church
Peace United Methodist Church at Hunter’s Creek began its ministry in September 1991 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong. What began as a very traditional worship focus expanded to meet the needs of a younger and more family-based community. In 2000, leadership was transitioned to Dr. Phil Maynard. Peace offered traditional and contemporary worship experiences and continued to expand its external focus with a goal of reaching the unchurched population in our growing area. Our Casa de Paz ministry began in 2006 under the leadership of Pastor Jose Nieves. This was a bi-lingual ministry reaching out into the communities surrounding Peace and beyond. In addition to many outreach ministries in the local schools, Casa had a bi-lingual worship service on Saturday nights at the Peace. In July of 2009 Jose was appointed as Pastor of Casa de Paz, a new church start, moving to the Buena Ventura Lakes area of Osceola County and Casa de Paz as an official ministry of Peace UMC came to an end. On September 1, 2007, The Reverend Ivan G. Corbin became Senior Pastor when Dr. Maynard accepted a position with the Florida Annual Conference in the area of church renewal. On July 4, 2010 Rev. LeeAnn Inman became senior pastor when Rev. Ivan Corbin accepted an appointment to Grace UMC. In April of 2017, Peace welcomed the appointment of Rev. Jim Berlau as Associate Pastor, with this role to focus on the revitalization of worship and community engagement. In July of 2019, Rev. Jim Berlau was appointed as the full-time, lead Pastor of Peace Church when Rev. LeeAnn Inman retired after 39 years of ministry.