Centennial Leadership
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​​Centennial Christian Church was dedicated to Christ during a worship service on May 1, 1910.  Since its conception and throughout the ages including present day, Centennial has provided programs and opportunities for church members, old and new, to come together and celebrate the rich history and traditions of the church.   

In this section, we will describe various leadership committees and organizations which work together to foster a sense of belonging and unity among church members, create opportunities for outreach to the community, and provide a platform to honor and appreciate the contributions of past generations.  In addition to reinforcing the spiritual bonds within the congregation, these leadership groups coordinate activities which also offer a chance for current members to reconnect with old friends and invite new individuals to experience the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the church. 

Leadership fosters a sense of community, inspiring spiritual growth, honoring church history, and creating memorable and enjoyable experiences for attendees.  Furthermore, leadership builds programs that include special activities and events that cater to different age groups and interests.  These may include educational programs, musical performances, and community service projects.  These diverse offerings ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy and create memorable experiences.
Worship services are at the heart of any church.  They provide an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual journey of the church and inspire attendees through meaningful messages and music.  Leadership aligns church activities and initiatives with the values and mission of the church, engages the community, and fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)

The Pastoral Relations Committee is a proactive, voluntary growth option for the pastor, chosen by the pastor in agreement with the chairperson of the church board, with the knowledge and consent of the board.  The committee reports to the board that it has met but does not record or report the content of its meetings.  On the other hand, it is appropriate for the PRC to recommend certain actions to appropriate groups within the church. 
The group’s function is to provide the pastor (and pastor’s family) with confidential emotional and spiritual support.  The group is an advocacy for the pastor’s needs and loving informal accountability to the pastor’s own stated values.  The group is a prayer partnership with the pastor and pastor’s family.  The group gives honest communication about feelings and opinions in the congregation, as well as give counsel and advice to the pastor.  
The Current PRC:
Esther Sengpiel, Chair
Kay Carius
Kip Hayden
Janet Keefe
JoAnne Pritchard
Bill Wetzel
Pastor Tom Cici    

​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 the Nominating Committee and elected by the congregation for the duration of their 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.
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The Current Board
Mark Rupe, Board Chair
Julie Dawson, Board Vice Chair and Personnel Chair
Melissa McCoy, Board Secretary
Bill Wetzel, Treasurer
Janet Keefe, Assistant Treasurer
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 Chair
Thomas Cici, Pastor

 The Elders
The 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 serving God and others as they celebrate and lift up the ministry of all believers.
The current Circle of Elders:     
Peg Hayden, Chair
Kip Hayden                             
Gwen Peebles
Joe Peebles
Mark Rupe
Sarah Todd                               
Tom Cici, Pastor   ​
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Christian Education 
Our goal is to provide learning opportunities that focus on teaching how God loves us and wants us to spread that love.  Instead of weekly scheduled activities, inner-generational activities are scheduled periodically.  An adult Bible studies that meet on Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM and one that meets Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM.  In partnership with other congregations, we sometimes participate in special educational or recreational type activities. Our worship services are children friendly, and a children’s worship center near the sanctuary is provided for those that choose to use it.  Our children and youth participate in a summer regional camping program and often participate in various mission opportunities. 




Christian Women Fellowship
All women are invited to be a part of the Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) at Centennial Christian Church. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 9:30 a.m. Our gatherings include time for study, reflection, and community building. Our goal is to respond to the need of others by the support of a variety of mission programs. A major program of the CWF is our annual Gathering on Grove Bazaar. For 80 years, members of the congregation have shared their talents by making holiday crafts, baking pies, cakes, and cookies, and working in other ways to make this event a success. During the bazaar, a variety of delicious soups and desserts may be purchased and enjoyed on site or taken home. All funds raised during the bazaar are used to support the mission of the CWF and the congregation. The women of Centennial Christian Church are also affiliates of the Disciples Women Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in IL/ WI and International Christian Women Fellowship.  ​

Nurture and Grow
Our goal is to extend radical hospitality as we provide opportunities for individuals to connect through the love of Christ, to grow as disciples, and to find a place of service through and with the community at Centennial Christian Church.  We will offer activities and events to deepen the spiritual life of individuals and the community, to develop meaningful trusting relationships, to share the story of God’s engagement in the lives of individuals and the community, and to invite others to share in the life and mission of Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Watch for events like Trivia Night, Trunk or Treat, Family Movie Night and The Soup and Dessert Cookoff. 

​Outreach 
Our goal is to positively respond to Jesus' teachings that we are to care for the least among us. With ongoing ministries such as support of the local food pantries and a Last Sunday of the Month Noisy Offering dedicated to providing financial assistance for those in need, as well as special seasonal projects, the Outreach Committee seeks to embody the reality that God cares for our physical well-being as well our spiritual well-being. Our ministries provide opportunities to live as the hands and feet of Christ in the world today.​

Property 
Recognizing that our facility is one of the resources that God has given us, the Property Committee oversees the care and stewardship of the facility and grounds. Our original building built in the first decade of the twentieth century, is graced with large and beautiful stain glass windows and contains our sanctuary and fellowship hall. The addition to our facility that was completed nearly 100 years later includes office space, a great hall, classroom/ meeting spaces, and an elevator that makes all levels of the facility accessible to individuals with mobility limitations. Our goal is to provide a clean, well-maintained facility where our members can worship and gather and where others can find a hospitable space to meet.

Worship Musicians and Chancel Choir Director, Joe and Gwen Peebles
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). After they were married, 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 sings in the Chancel Choir and is a frequent soloist. She works with our children and youth for anything musically related. 
Joe and Gwen have two adult children Ethan and Meredith. Joe works at State Farm as an IT Architect and Gwen is a Music Teacher in the Unit 5 school district.  They enjoy IL State music and sports, and they are big theater fans. They find joy in time spent with friends and family at home or in travel.

Centennial Standing Committees 

Christian Education

• Joe Peebles Chair             

Christian Women's Fellowship

• Julie Hatten President
• Laurel Poshard   Bazaar Chair

Deacons

• Janet Keefe Co-Chair
• Sunshine Wetzel Co-Chair

​Finance Committee

• Bill Wetzel Chair

Nominating Committee

• Julie Hatten Chair

Nurture and Grow Committee

• Julie Hatten Chair

Outreach Committee

• Bill Wetzel Co-Chair
• Janet Keefe Co-Chair

Pastoral Relations Committee

• Esther Sengpiel

Property Committee 

•  Bill Wetzel Chair

Trustees

• Kip Hayden Chair

Worship Committee

•  Laurel Poshard Chair