PROJECT LIGHTHOUSE

Becoming a beacon of light to meet the needs of our community​

about this project

Project Lighthouse is our opportunity as Peace Church to shine the light of hope into our community. Through this initiative, we’re continuing our efforts to create opportunities where people can access education, job and food support, counseling, and worship, meeting both practical and spiritual needs. By building meaningful partnerships and sharing our resources, we’re extending Christ’s peace beyond our walls and into everyday life.


As part of this vision, a portion of our unused land will be sold to fund vital church campus renovations, and a new performing arts center will serve as a vibrant community hub and our future worship home. More than buildings or blueprints, Project Lighthouse represents our next faithful step toward living like Christ, creating a place of peace and purpose where people from all walks of life can grow, heal, and belong.

Check out more of what Project Lighthouse will entail below:

EMPLOYMENT

& RESOURCE CENTER

By partnering with Christian Help, we'll be able to provide:



  • employment services
  • living resources
  • food pantry
learn more about Christian Help

COUNSELING

& SUPPORT CENTER

In collaboration with mental health providers we will offer:



  • counseling
  • social services
  • care & support groups

COMPREHENSIVE

EDUCATIONAL

SUPPORT

With renovations to classrooms & church building updates, we will:


  • support undergrad and graduate professionals
  • ensure continued excellence through Peace Preschool
learn more about Peace Preschool

FAMILY MINISTRY

& YOUTH SPACE

Our facility will have an addition added to:



  • provide dedicated Youth ministry space
  • safe, engaging, spiritually enriching environment to help children & youth grow in their faith

Performing Arts Center


Project Lighthouse's Performing Arts Center will include a 400-seat, state-of-the-art theater, which will be an incredible resource and outreach into the community.



This space will provide a venue for local school performances, organizational gatherings, and more, and will also develop a children's community theater program that will be an incredible opportunity for children and youth in this area and beyond.

Land Sale Agreement

The official agreement between PUMC and Mertz (covering both the sale of land and PAC agreements) has been signed. 

Next step is the official closing which is a key milestone that enables additional aspects to begin. 


 

Hunter’s Creek Community Association

  • From the initial stages of Project Lighthouse the team has engaged with HCCA leadership.  Since the beginning there has been open, productive and beneficial information sharing.
  • In August, the Project Lighthouse team was invited to present to the HCCA Board where the vision and benefits to Hunter's Creek community were shared as well as  answering questions from the HCCA Board.
  • On November 6, at 7pm Project Lighthouse will be the main presentation at Hunter's Creek Community Association Annual Meeting.  Please join at the Hunters Creek Town Hall to hear more and ask questions.

Remodel

  • Forefront Architecture & Engineering has finalized the detailed architectural plans (including electrical, mechanical, etc.)
  • The team is submitting the drawings to four construction companies for estimates.

Christian Help Partnership

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Christian Help, a local nonprofit doing amazing work for decades in Orlando.


  • The first agreement has been signed with Christian Help to provide services to the Hunter Creek Community.
  • Ongoing sessions are occurring with the Christian Help Board of Directors and leadership team.  
  • Benefits to the Community will begin in December well before construction begins

 UCF Partnership

We are in active discussions with University of Central Florida (UCF) to bring educational and counseling services to our community via Project Lighthouse.


  • UCF would provide supervision, services, internships and credit-earning opportunities for grad students to work in the Counseling Center.  This will enable us to help those in need and train more professionals to expand the benefits.
  • The initial agreement with UCF is in progress and we plan to have more details soon.

Mertz Partnership

The official agreement between PUMC and Mertz (covering both the sale of land and PAC agreements) has been signed. 

The next step is the official closing which is a key milestone that enables additional aspects to begin.

FAQs

You may have questions, and we hope to have answers! Here you’ll find answers to common questions meant to bring understanding, transparency, and confidence in what’s ahead. Can't find an answer you're looking for? Feel free to reach out to us.

contact us
  • How will these ministry efforts be accomplished?

    We don’t plan to reinvent the wheel. Through partnerships, we aim to create space for experts already doing this work. Christian Help, a seasoned non-profit, intends to launch a satellite campus here focused on food distribution and employment support. We’re also in talks with the University of Central Florida to open a counseling center on-site.

  • How will these groups affect the existing ministries and campus?

    We don’t anticipate major changes. While activity on the property will increase, each program will operate independently, without crossover into church or preschool functions. The agreements between the various groups will be specific to each program, with strict guidelines for space usage. On the church side, we will have usage of the performing arts center for all Sunday mornings, as well as additional dates throughout the year.

  • How will operations of multiple organizations on campus be managed?

    Christian Help and the counseling center will have scheduled appointments, and the building will have security zones with restricted card key access. A new road will be built as well, so traffic will not need to go through the preschool drop-off/pick-up areas.

  • When will construction of the Performing Arts Center and renovations of the existing building begin?

    There is no set timeline yet. The church has approved the land sale, and we expect to close soon. From there, preliminary work with the county and state will begin, along with site preparation. We don’t yet know how long this process will take before construction starts.

  • How will these changes affect the property?

    The performing arts building and renovations to the existing church will compliment one another, creating a seamless campus that will maintain a high standard of aesthetic and beauty. There will also be efforts made to ensure any changes to the property do not negatively affect the nearby community.

  • Will there be a soup kitchen or shelter?

    No. While we will be able to offer services that help those in need within our community, this project does not include and does not have plans to incorporate a soup kitchen or overnight shelter. Any food assistance will be appointment-based with scheduled pick-up during operating hours.

  • Will the Cross cell tower remain?

    As a landmark of the area that helps people "find peace," yes! Visible from 417, the Cross cell tower will not be affected by the changes to the property.

  • What happens if the purchaser of the land sells it?

    Peace Church will continue to have usage rights to the performing arts center, even if the initial purchaser of the land were to sell. We also have the right of first refusal to purchase the land back.

STAY INVOLVED

We know Project Lighthouse will shine a bright light on what God is doing in and through Peace.

Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and excitement as we step into this new season together.


Project Lighthouse Zoom Prayer Group

Each month we gather on Zoom to pray over the next steps of Project Lighthouse—a time to pause and seek God’s wisdom, unity, and peace as this ministry continues to grow. Together we lift up the project’s leaders and future plans, asking for clear direction and the steady presence of God’s guidance in every decision. It’s a simple rhythm of prayer and trust as we move forward in faith.



Click the button below to register and receive the Zoom link.

join us in prayer