Prince of Peace welcomes new senior pastor

Pastor Charlie Woodward and his wife, Lisa.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Westlake welcomes its new pastor, the Rev. Charles A. Woodward, following a formal search process and the completion of the interim ministries of Pastor Robin Craig and Pastor Thomas Henderson. The Rev. Sherman Bishop completed his call in 2018 after 22 years of service at Prince of Peace.

When asked about the move to Prince of Peace, Pastor Charlie says, “I am so excited about what Prince of Peace has to offer in worship and service. The people are dedicated to serving as God has equipped them and are ready to welcome others to become engaged in the community – including me! It’s a perfect time to start at the church as they move back to in-person services. We will be able to start together!” 

Pastor Charlie began his ministry at Prince of Peace on March 23 and his first Sunday was March 28, Palm Sunday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Pastor Charlie to Prince of Peace. His broad experience in spiritual leadership and past successes engaging with youth and young families align well with our priorities,” said Jim Dickey, president of Prince of Peace’s church council. “We look forward to the energy that both Pastor Charlie and Lisa bring to our congregation and to the broader community. We are grateful to Pastor Robin and Pastor Tom for their dedication and leadership through our interim ministry period.”

A 10-member Call Committee led the search for Prince of Peace’s new pastor. Led by Phil Sprague, the committee included members Deb Gibbons, Erin Jagels, Evan Saunders, Teresa Peter, Laurel Covell, Tom Lehman, Ron Kear, Shawn Merhaut and Linda Thompson.

“The Prince of Peace Call Committee functioned over a two-year period interviewing multiple candidates for our next Senior Pastor,” Sprague said. “Over the highs and lows of this experience, we always felt guided by Christ’s spirit. We have every confidence that our recommendation of Pastor Charlie will usher in a new and exciting time for our church! We look forward to welcoming Pastor Charlie and Lisa.”

Pastor Charlie has served as a parish pastor for 31 years, including five-and-a-half years in Massillon, Ohio, as an associate pastor; four years in Delaware, Ohio, as the solo pastor; over 12 years at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio, as the lead pastor; and the past eight-and-a-half years as the senior pastor at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville.

Pastor Charlie and his wife, Lisa, are excited to be moving to the Cleveland area, as that is where their children have settled. They have two children and four grandchildren. Pastor Charlie enjoys traveling, photography and creating slideshows, golf and hiking, and walking the dog.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, at 28455 Center Ridge Road, continues to offer both physical and online services as we all navigate the pandemic. All are welcome to attend! Visit www.princeofpeacewestlake.org for specific worship information and details or call the church office at 440-871-5565.

Susan Iceman

A Lutheran church located in Westlake.

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Volume 13, Issue 8, Posted 10:48 AM, 04.20.2021