October 17, 2008

SALAMANCA – After a 16 -year residency in Salamanca, during
which he established himself as an integral part of the community
as well as his congregation, the Rev. Michael “Mike” Peters, pastor
of the Koinonia Christian Church on Broad Street, has announced
that he has accepted a new pastoral position in Albion, Mich. at
the New Hope Worship Center. He will preside at his last worship
service at Koinonia on Nov. 9.

Mike and his wife, Sue Peters, will move to their new position
on Nov. 13.

“This is a bitter-sweet time for us,” Peters said.

“Although I didn’t grow up in Salamanca, I’ve come to regard it
as home.”

Mike and Sue will maintain their home on Front Avenue and plan
to visit as often as they can. Three of their four children, Joel,
Libby and Molly will remain in Salamanca. Molly and Libby will
continue to assist at worship at the Koinonia Christian Church and
Joel will oversee and direct the “Angel Food Ministry” his father
established in Salamanca a number of years ago.

Hope will accompany her parents to the new appointment in
Michigan. A foster-child, Randy, is now living in an assisted
residence facility.

The Rev. Peters said the new position was presented to him by
the governing body of Calvary Ministries International, with which
Koinonia is affiliated. He said he feels his decision to accept the
new position was made in obedience to God’s plan for him, but he is
very sad to leave his congregation and friends in Salamanca.

“Pastor Mike,” as people call him, has made his presence known,
both in his church and in the community.

“I believe all churches should be involved in the community,” he
said, describing the many ways he chose to occupy his time.

The Angel Food Ministry, started by Peters in Salamanca, outgrew
several different locations and is currently operating out of the
St. Patrick’s School Cafeteria. Angel Food offers boxes of
wholesome meat and food for a reduced price to anyone who wants to
participate.

Peters has served as director for the Salvation Army Service
Unit in Salamanca on several occasions and even rang the bell at
the Christmas Kettle himself when no one else would volunteer.
“Doing what needed to be done” became his anthem.

He served on the School Board, the Special Ed Board, the City
Youth Board, City Recreation Committee and worked with the Seneca
PTO. Peters has been an active member of the Exchange Club and was
many times president of the City Ministerium.

He organized the Community Cross Walk, which Started at St.
Mary’s Church on Wildwood Avenue and wound its way through town to
the United Congregational Methodist Church. Through this activity
the community was awarded the opportunity to commemorate Good
Friday and the Easter season together.

Peters was also instrumental in organizing community outreach
programs for children, such as Community Vacation Bible Camp,
crusades and Kid’s Carnivals.

Jefferson Park became the Koinonia annex during the summer
months where concerts and crusades and even basket ball tournaments
were made available to the community.

A former member of the United States Armed Services as well as a
pastor, Peters was called upon to help officiate at the dedication
of the Veterans Memorial Wall at Vet’s Park.

One summer during the Cattaraugus County Fair, Peters’
parishioners helped him realize a life-goal by preparing an old car
for him to drive in the Demolition Derby emblazoned with the
declaration “Crashing For Christ.”

Many will agree that the loss of Mike Peters and his wife Susan
from the community will leave a void that will be difficult to
fill.

Calvary Ministries International has arranged for pastoral
replacement on an interim basis. Kenneth Fails will arrive Nov. 16
for a period of between three and 6 months. Peters will oversee the
transition.

The Calvary Christian Center in Erie will also make their pastor
Greg Majchrzak, available for assistance.

“I’d like to thank the community for their support over the
years. It’s been 16 good years. I consider Salamanca home and I
will really miss the people,” Peters said.

“We’ll be back. Salamanca will still see my face again.”

All are invited to a farewell party beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday
Nov. 1 at the Koinonia Christian Church on 12 Park Ave.