Rev. David M. Rolf was born into a Lutheran Christian home in 1973 and raised with a strong faith in Jesus. His parents were Lutheran educators; therefore, his tutelage was in the Lutheran School system where he attended grade school (K-8) at St. Martin’s Lutheran in Clintonville, WI. He graduated from Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, MO. He received his bachelor’s degree at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO., and attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis receiving a Masters of Divinity.
Pastor Rolf was married to Cynthia in 1998 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold, MO and they have two teenage daughters, Jordan and Julia. He came to Peace Lutheran Church in 2015 to serve as the sole pastor. Along with serving the parish, he currently serves on two boards in the Kansas City area: LUMA (Lutheran Urban Mission Agency) as treasurer, and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Nursing Home as President. He is a second career pastor, serving in the financial industry for over 20 years before attending the seminary. His prior experience includes working for various banks, credit unions, MasterCard International, and running his own business as a Financial Advisor.
“I truly enjoy spending time in ministry, and therefore, much of my free time is spent serving others in various capacities. Family is important to me and raising our daughters into strong Christian women has been an exciting journey for both Cindy and me, as we are celebrating over 23 years of marriage. I enjoy camping, fishing, watching movies, and football. However, nothing can compare to the joy of speaking to others and telling them about the love of Jesus.”
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31
Carla Hamilton is the center director over Grow in Peace Christian Learning Center. She has been with the center since its opening in 1996. Carla has a degree in Early Education and a Child Growth and Development Certificate. She dedicates her knowledge and talents to the operation of our quality child care and advocates for early education standards in Missouri.
Carla was baptized and grew up in the Catholic faith in Saint Joseph, MO. In 1997 she chose to profess her faith and became a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. She raised her two boys in the faith and they were both confirmed within the Lutheran Church. Carla is blessed with a Christian marriage of 35 years to her husband Pat. They live in Raytown and enjoy vacationing and exploring together. Through the ups and downs of their lives together they remain strong and committed to following the paths God lays before them.
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
Multifaceted musician Audrey Pickering is a music student at the University of Kansas majoring in organ performance as a student of James Higdon. Audrey began her organ studies with her father, David Pickering. She also studied cello with David Littrell and piano with Agustin Muriago. She currently studies cello with Hannah Collins.
Audrey has competed as a prizewinner in organ competitions sponsored by the Columbia, South Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Guild’s North Central Regional Competition for Young Organists. She received First Prize in the Twin Cities American Guild of Organists Student Competition and was one of five finalists in the Taylor Organ Competition held in Atlanta, Georgia. As an organ recitalist, Audrey has performed in Austin (Texas), Independence (Missouri), Paris (Idaho), as well as Manhattan and Lawrence, Kansas. She had the opportunity to play various historic and modern organs in Germany and Austria as part of a study abroad trip at Kansas State University in the summer of 2017.
Audrey is currently Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri. As a church musician, she has played for a variety of denominations. A three-time member of the Kansas All-State Orchestra, Audrey has performed as a cellist in a variety of ensembles and orchestras. Her work as a pianist has encompassed both solo and accompaniment work on a variety of levels and settings. She has actively taught private lessons on both the piano and the cello throughout the years. In her free time, she enjoys roller coasters, reading, writing, spending time with her family, and practicing her Portuguese.
Deb is the Church Administrative Assistant with Peace Lutheran Church.
Deb was born and raised in Whittier, California. She is a life-long Lutheran Missouri Synod. She attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran School, Whittier, California, and came to Missouri to attend St. Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri. That is where she met her husband of 50 years. They have 3 children, 7 grandchildren (of which 3 are triplet girls), and one great-granddaughter.
Deb has worked at: Mutual Ticket Agency in Los Angeles; Community Blood Bank receptionist in KC; Commerce Bank of Kansas City; ABC Bookkeeping and Tax Service; H&R Block; Internal Revenue Service.
Deb is retired from IRS as Front Line Supervisor; Examination Department, January 31, 2014, after 28 years. She received the Gallatin award for service.
“I have been a member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod my entire life. I have seen many changes. Change is good when you accept the challenges, go with the flow, and move forward with God's plan to touch and reach people with his word. It can be sad to leave behind traditions and old ways that are familiar and a comfort to us. Even though music, hymnals, fashion, groups, activities, and decor continually changes; I am assured that the foundation of the church will not change, the inerrant Word of God.”
For You, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. Psalm 71:5
