Pastor Steve Burkowske began pastoring Open Door Church of God (formerly known as Palatka Church of God) in October 2020. After the the transition of the new year, the new vision included rebranding the church with its current name which also included a fresh mission statement to be a place of new beginnings where true life is found through Jesus Christ. The church has undergone a transformation both physically and spiritually since that time as Open Door Church of God pursues the fulfillment of the new mission. 

The year 2021 also happens to be the church's 80th anniversary of ministry here in Palatka. A more formal celebration took place on September 19, 2021. But Pastor Steve wanted the church to do something else that would invite the surrounding community to be a part of the celebration. The question was what would that be? Long story short, knowing that Palatka is known for and celebrates its many murals throughout town, Pastor Steve investigated what it might take to put a mural on the side of the Fellowship Hall building (known as Curry Hall) that faces the traffic on Crill Avenue. Pastor Steve contacted the artist, E.J. Nieves, whom he has known for a few years and who had already completed a few similar projects already around Florida. The church then commissioned him for this project.

The vision behind the mural was to include elements that connected with both the church and the community. The doorway in the center of the mural mimics the doorway that is prominent in the Open Door Church of God logo. Flanking the doorway on both sides is a spread of large azaleas that are popular in Palatka. Inside the doorway is a "tree of life" image that resembles and was inspired by the Maltby Oak that has been a popular site in Palatka for years. Throughout the process, the artist began regarding the mural affectionately as the "Pazalea Mural."

The hope is that this mural will be a visual blessing to the community and even feel invited to stop, take some photos . . . a selfie stop as it were. Open Door Church of God feels this mural also serves symbolically as a bridge from the church to the community as it seeks out ways to fulfill its purpose and role as part of the community. Open Door Church of God truly wants to be known as a place of new beginnings.