A Lutheran church on East 136th Avenue
Summit of Peace Lutheran Church sits on East 136th Avenue in Thornton, Colorado, just north of Denver. The congregation is part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and its tagline - Known, Loved, and Changed - sums up the welcome it extends to anyone walking through the doors. The motto "Jesus Makes Sense Here" reflects the teaching tone Pastor Jeremy and the staff aim for week after week, and a steady stream of ministries for every age keeps families rooted across the week.
Two Sunday services, one table
Sunday worship at Summit of Peace comes in two distinct styles that share one altar.
The 8:00 AM Traditional Service follows a formal Lutheran liturgy with beloved organ hymns and a familiar liturgical structure. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third Sundays of the month, in keeping with the historic practice of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
At 9:30 AM, the Impact Service takes over with a contemporary praise band, an in-depth lesson, and communion every weekend. Families with younger children tend to gather here, and Children's Church for PK through 4th grade runs at the same time, with a staffed nursery opening at 9:15 AM. After the 8:00 AM service concludes, an Adult Bible Study begins in the fellowship hall at 9:30 AM, where members dig deeper into the morning's texts over coffee and conversation.
The church's teaching rests on the Five Solas of the Reformation - Grace Alone, Christ Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone, and Glory to God Alone - and on the confession that Jesus is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. Communion is open to any baptized Christian who shares that belief of Christ's true presence in the elements.
What Summit of Peace believes
Summit of Peace holds to the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the 16th-century Reformation. The church teaches that the Holy Scriptures are the true, inspired, and authoritative Word of God; that God is a Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; that humans are born sinful and in need of God's forgiveness; that sins are forgiven through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, both true God and true man; that God's Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper are means of grace that bring forgiveness into our lives; that eternal life is a free gift received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; and that Jesus Christ will one day return as victorious Lord of all.
The Lord's Supper is central. The church teaches that in Communion, Jesus Christ offers His true body and blood in and with the bread and wine, and that Christ invites believers to His family table to receive forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. Those who wish to partake are asked to consider four questions: Do you believe you are receiving Christ's true body and blood for the forgiveness of your sins? Do you believe Jesus Christ is your Savior? Do you realize you are a sinner? And will you intentionally make an effort to change your sinful life?
Children, youth, and Camp Summit
Children's ministry is led by Sarah Utke, the Children and Family Leader. Sunday Children's Church at 9:30 AM is a full program of its own, with trained volunteers walking PK through 4th graders through stories, songs, crafts, and activities. A staffed nursery is available starting at 9:15 AM. On Tuesday nights, Faith & Music Nights gather the whole family for a shared dinner, a youth bell choir, and confirmation classes for 5th and 6th graders.
Middle and high school students belong to CR3W - Christ-Centered, Relational, Relevant, Rooted, and Worshipful - led by David Runkel. The group meets Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM for food, friendship, and faith, with weekly teaching, small group discussion, and prayer aimed at helping students apply God's truth to real life. Every three years, CR3W youth travel to the LCMS National Youth Gathering to celebrate their faith with other Lutheran teenagers from across the country.
Camp Summit is the church's signature summer program, an affordable, faith-filled Discovery Camp for children ages 3 to 11. Each summer brings two week-long sessions of art, music, science, and creative exploration, with the camp's "Journey of Discovery" theme moving through a desert, a prairie, rivers, forests, and finally a summit at Summit of Peace. Scholarships are available so that every child can attend.
Music woven through every service
Music Ministry Director Anne Kleve oversees a layered program of vocal and handbell choirs that support both services. The Praise Team leads the 9:30 AM Impact Service and rehearses Sundays from 8:00 to 9:00 AM. Summit Singers is the adult vocal choir, with Tuesday evening rehearsals from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The Bells of Peace, an adult handbell choir, rehearses Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, and the youth handbell ensemble Ascent rehearses in the same time slot. IncrediBELLS, a choir for 2nd through 6th graders, rehearses Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Instrumentalists are also invited to share special music throughout the year, rehearsing as needed.
Men's, women's, and 55+ ministries
Breathe Women's Ministry, led by Brenda Christman, gives women space to pause and reconnect with God. The ministry hosts a Fall Retreat each year in Estes Park, a Spring Mini-Retreat, and seasonal women's LifeGroups that combine food, friendship, and Bible study. Real conversation, Christ-centered encouragement, and prayer support are the three pillars of the program.
Forged Men's Ministry challenges men to lead with courage, integrity, and wisdom. Through brotherhood, biblical teaching, and mission, Forged equips men to grow in Christ, build meaningful relationships, and put faith into action at home, at work, and in the community.
ENCORE is the ministry for adults 55 and better. Members meet monthly for breakfast out at local restaurants, gather for potluck luncheons with local speakers, and come together for Create Days, when ladies sew, knit, and crochet shawls, layettes, and blankets that are donated to Christian charities.
Compassion, Love INC, and global missions
The Compassion Ministry, coordinated by Kerry Haygood, Katie Runkel, and Jeanette Hollrah, is a group of trained men and women who share Jesus' love with Summit of Peace members who have been hospitalized, are in care facilities, or are shut in at home. The team provides visits, food, prayer, and guidance rooted in God's love and truth.
Summit of Peace is also a partner church with LOVE INC (Love In the Name of Christ), a Christ-centered network of churches that serves neighbors in practical ways. Through its local chapter, led by Linda Sawyer, the church supports a Bed & Bedding Ministry that provides twin bed frames, mattresses, pillows, and bedding to families in hardship, along with a Christian bedtime storybook. The Blessing Babies Box fills the diaper-and-wipes gap for new parents, and the Blessing You Box delivers basic hygiene products and a daily devotional to individuals and families in need.
On the missions side, Summit of Peace supports ministries across the United States and partners internationally with Stronghold Cambodia, sharing the gospel through prayer, financial support, and mission partnership.
LifeGroups, baptism, confirmation, and membership
Summit of Peace runs LifeGroups three times a year in Fall, Winter, and Spring. These short-term groups are designed to help members connect with one another, study God's Word, and build relationships that last beyond the classroom.
For those exploring a deeper commitment, the church offers baptism for infants, children, teens, and adults, as well as a two-year confirmation program for 6th and 7th graders. Confirmation focuses on key Bible stories and the teachings of Martin Luther through his Small Catechism, culminating in a Faith Conversation with the pastor and the congregation, followed by the student's first communion.
Becoming a member of Summit of Peace involves three steps: connecting with the staff, working through the Ground Up Faith podcast - a new-member series covering Jesus, the Bible, baptism, the church, prayer, and Lutheran beliefs - and being recognized as a member at a Sunday service. Quarterly SOP 101 classes introduce new members to the church's leadership, groups, and ministry opportunities.
Plan a visit
First-time visitors can plan a visit through the church's online form or simply show up on a Sunday. Greeters meet guests at the door and help with directions, and the dress code is intentionally relaxed - jeans, polos, or a Sunday best are all welcome. There is no requirement to be Lutheran; the church invites everyone, no matter their background or beliefs. Children are welcome in worship, and age-appropriate programs are available during both services.
Summit of Peace livestreams the 9:30 AM service on Sermon Cloud, with a message archive and sermon series available online. Giving is available online, by text, or in person during a service. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and prayer requests can be submitted online at any time.
Faith & Music Nights on Tuesday evenings, LifeGroups three times a year, monthly ENCORE breakfasts, women's retreats in Estes Park, Camp Summit each summer, and the steady rhythm of two Sunday services - Summit of Peace Lutheran Church in Thornton offers a wide table and an open door to anyone looking to be known, loved, and changed.