Jerry Fitzgerald Administrative Assistant phone (309) 828-2185 email: people@centennialcc.org
Music Ministry Volunteers
Joe and Gwen Peebles Organist and Chancel Choir Director Pianist and Youth Choir Director
Since she was a college student at IL State University, Gwen has shared her musical gifts as a pianist with the congregation at Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Soon after in 1990, Joe joined her at the keyboard and organ. For nearly thirty years, our congregation has been enriched by Joe’s and Gwen’s musical talents. Working together, they plan worship music and provide leadership in all our musical ministries. Joe directs the Chancel Choir, that sings each week September through May and the Praise Team which plays for special services as scheduled. Gwen works with our Wed @ CCC program leading the children and youth in music and preparing them to share their gifts in Sunday worship. Gwen also sings in the Chancel Choir and is a frequent soloist.
Joe and Gwen have two children Ethan and Meredith. Joe works at State Farm and Gwen is employed by the school district. They enjoy IL State music and sports. They are big theater fans. They find joy in time spent with friends and family at home or in travel.
The Elders
The Circle of Elders at Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is composed of men and women who are nominated and elected by congregational members for three year terms. Working in partnership with the Pastor, the Circle of Elders serve as the spiritual leaders of the congregation. Meeting on a monthly basis the Elders study and pray together as they seek to practice their faith, learn about leadership, discuss pastoral care needs, and discern how God is leading the congregation. Between monthly meetings the Elders provide leadership during the weekly worship services, provide leadership by participating in the Committees of the Congregation, and model faithful stewardship of time, resources and talents. They visit shut-ins and homebound celebrating communion with those who are unable to be physically present at the Lord’s Table on Sundays. Through the distribution of In-reach funds they seek to fulfill Jesus’ command to care for the physical needs of members of Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as well as the spiritual needs. They encourage others in identifying and nurturing their gifts for ministry as they celebrate and lift up the priesthood of all believers.
Elders are:
Real down-to-earth spiritual people who are not perfect but who are growing and maturing as disciples of Jesus Christ.
The living reminder of Christ’s ministry in the life of the local congregation.
Faith-filled individuals committed to their own spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of the community,
The current Circle of Elders: Peg Hayden. -Chair Kip Hayden Gwen Peebles Joe Peebles Mark Rupe Sarah Todd Tom Cici, Pastor
The Board
Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a self-governing congregation affiliated with the Illinois/Wisconsin Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Officers of the Board are selected by a Nominating Committee and elected by the congregation for the duration of their terms. Chairpersons of the ministry teams of the church are chosen by the Board Chair and representatives of constituency group are selected by their respective groups. These leaders serve one year terms. The Church Board is responsible for the oversight and administrative ministries of the congregation, Centennial’s Board meets every other month to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the ministries of the church. All board meetings are open unless confidential information is being discussed.
The Current Board Mark Rupe, Board Chair. Julie Dawson, Board Vice Chair and Personnel Chair Janet Keefe, Assistant Treasurer Bill Wetzel, Treasurer Sheila Scott, Board Secretary, Joe Peebles, Christian Education Chair Janet Keefe, Deacon Co-Chair Sunshine Wetzel, Deacon Co-Chair Peg Hayden, Elders Chair Julie Hatten, Nurture and Grow Chair Julie Hatten, Nominating Chair Bill Wetzel, Outreach Co-Chair Janet Keefe, Outreach Co-Chair Esther Sengpiel, Pastoral Relations Chair Bill Wetzel, Property Chair Kip Hayden, Trustee Chair Laurel Poshard, Worship Chair Julie Hatten, CWF President Thomas Cici, Pastor
Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)
The Pastoral Relations Committee provides the pastor with confidential emotional and spiritual support, prayer partnership, counsel and advice, acts as the channel of communication between the pastor and the congregation, advocates for the pastor’s needs, and loving, informal accountability to the pastor’s own stated values.
The Current PRC
Esther Sengpiel Chair Kay Carius Kip Hayden Janet Keefe Sarah Todd Bill Wetzel