The Reverend Heather Godsey joined the staff of Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in April 2019 as Interim Pastor. Heather grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. A lifelong Disciple, as a youth Heather was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bloomington, IN. There, she was active as a deacon, member of the choir, and in Regional activities. She completed her undergraduate education at Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and received a Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN. Previously, Pastor Heather served as an ecumenical campus minister in Knoxville, TN. She is the author of Oh God, Oh God, Oh God!: Young Adults Speak Out About Sexuality and Christianity (Where's the Faith) and Wisdom from The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Popular Insights Series) with Brandon Gilvin. A story-teller with a questionable NetFlix addiction, she is fascinated by the ways pop culture deconstructs and interprets American Christianity. Pastor Heather's bucket-list includes an all-access pass to the Toronto Film Festival and being a roving chaplain at as many different fan conventions as possible. She currently lives in Bloomington, IL with her dog Charlie.
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.
Laurel Poshard Bell Choir Director
Laurel has been an important part of the music ministries of Centennial Christian Church for over 25 years. She began playing one of the bells when the Bell Choir was formed. Ten years ago she stepped in as Director of the Choir, and has held that position from that time forward. Laurel has been a member at Centennial for thirty-eight years. Raising her two daughters in the congregation, Laurel has served extensively in the Education ministries of Centennial. She has been the Chair of the Christian Education Committee, a Sunday school teacher and a youth sponsor. She currently works with our junior and senior high students at Wednesdays @ CCC and as a sponsor at Regional Youth Events. In addition to time volunteered with the music and education ministries of the congregation, Laurel has served at one time or another as a member of all functional committees of the church. She has also served as both a deacon and an elder. She is currently co-chair of the Disciples Women's Bazaar. In addition to her two daughters, Laurel has two grandsons and one granddaughter. She is retired from State Farm. Laurel enjoys traveling with family and friends, walking, and theater. She loves dogs, especially golden retrievers, and is looking forward to the arrival of a new puppy. She is an active member of the congregation's book club and enjoys reading all genres of books.
The Bell Choir practices on Mondays at 5: 30 PM. They provide special music in worship as scheduled.
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: Brenda Foland Kip Hayden Sr. Peg Hayden Sandra Lienhop Sarah Todd Sue Miller Gwen Peebles Joe Peebles Laurel Poshard Mark Rupe Beth Rupe, Chair Bill Wetzel Heather Godsey, Pastor
Beth Rupe, Elder Chair
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 Kip Hayden Sr., Board Chair. Sarah Todd, Board Vice Chair, Christian Ed. Chair Bill Wetzel, Treasurer, Property Co-Chair Janet Keefe, Assistant Treasurer, Deacon Co-Chair Linda Shepherd, Board Secretary, Sue Miller, Elders Representative Joe Peebles, Elders Representative Sunshine Wetzel, Deacon Co-Chair Michael Schoeninger, Deacon Representative Ruth Valentine, Deacon Representative Laurel Poshard, Nominating Chair Julie Dawson, Nurture & Grow Co-Chair Marinda Riggins, Outreach Chair Steve Lienhop, Property Co-Chair Sandra Lienhop, Trustee Chair Gwen Peebles, Co-Chair Worship Peg Hayden, Co-Chair Worship JoAnne Pritchard, CWF President Heather Godsey, Pastor
Kip Hayden Sr., Chair of Board and Sarah Todd, Vice Chair of Board