Calgary Congregations Unite Under New Name

by Liz Anhorn

CALGARY, Alta. – On January 11, after more than three years of prayer and planning, members of Prince of Peace (Calgary) and Shepherd of the Hills (Airdrie) gathered to celebrate their unification as one congregation under a new name: Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church.

This long, but rewarding, journey began in the summer of 2022, when, after seasons of various trials for both congregations, West Regional Pastor Robert Mohns and leadership from Prince of Peace and Shepherd of the Hills began hopeful dialogue about unifying the two congregations. After months of prayer, both sides voted unanimously to step out in faith and begin a new and exciting journey toward becoming one united family in Christ.

A Mission Statement was agreed upon and, in June 2024, a new name was chosen: Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church. There was still a lot of behind the scenes work that needed to be done, however, including accounting and legal processes. A small group of faithful members worked diligently (and tirelessly) behind the scenes, and the final steps were completed in 2025.
This celebration was an opportunity to share a meal with wonderful brothers and sisters and thank God for the blessings He has provided in uniting two families as one.

The organizing committee (Stephanie Anhorn, Kathy Beckley, and Joseph Bogda) did an amazing job decorating the gymnasium, and a wonderful catered meal was provided for those in attendance. A beautiful painting commissioned for this special occasion was donated by Joseph and is now displayed in the sanctuary.
More than 90 congregation members attended the celebration, as well as Rev. David Bode (Circuit Counsellor), Rev. Markus Zeuch (St. Matthew Calgary), and Rev. Mohns. LCC’s Director of Advancement, David Friesen, was also present and brought greetings on behalf of the Synod.

As part of a short programme, a brief history of Shepherd of the Hills and how the unification came to fruition was provided by Shawna Neis, one of the founding members of Shepherd of the Hills and former principal at Prince of Peace School. Rev. James Schuelke (retired) and Rev. Mohns both offered personal reflections and gratitude for God’s hand in the formation of Shepherd of the Hills.

Rev. Mark Rekken, pastor of Shepherd of Peace, said grace and offered a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in bringing these church families together. Then the Doxology was sung and a group picture was taken.
The new congregation gives all glory, honour, and praise to God for this wonderful journey in which the brothers and sisters of Shepherd of Peace seek to live their Mission Statement, which is to “Honour God by knowing Christ, Growing in Christ, and Showing Christ to our Communities.”

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