WHAT TO EXPECT AT A SUNDAY SERVICE
When you walk in the doors of our historic country church, you'll be immediately greeted by a smiling congregation. You'll see folks in everything from a suit and tie to shorts and a t-shirt (some of our kiddos don't wear shoes during the service!). You'll meet people descended from the founders of the congregation in 1859 to families who just began attending in the last year.
Everyone is invited the communion table whether you're a member of the congregation or just visiting for the first time.
Our services are inclusive, filled with laughter, and spiritually nourishing.
OUR MISSION
We live out the love of God by deepening our faith, serving our community, and welcoming everyone to our table
OUR VALUES
The purpose of this Church shall be as revealed in the New Testament, to win people to the faith of Jesus Christ and commit them actively to the church, to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ that increasingly they may know and do His will, and to work for the unity of all Christians and with them engage in the common task of building the Kingdom of God.
Meet the Team
Our church is congregationally governed so everyone has a voice in the operations of the church. In addition to our elders, deacons and church board, several people have taken on leadership roles in the church.
Pastor
Rev. Scott Harris, PhD
Scott is the 58th pastor of the Gerlaw Christian Church and began his tenure in January 2023. Scott holds a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Loyola University Chicago, as well as a BA in Theology and an MA in Biblical Languages and Literature. Scott and his wife, Lisa, and two children, Penny and Asa, live just down the road from the church and have loved becoming a part of a such a wonderful and devoted church community.
Contact Scott at (309) 760-0647 or pastor@gerlawchristianchurch.org
Board President
Tony Kozelichki
A former radio reporter and talk show host in Chicago and Peoria, Tony spent 30 years teaching and coaching in the Alexis and United school districts. A 25 year+ member of the church, he is married to Linda, has two children (Anton-deceased and Caiti) and one grandson.
Church Secretary
Randi Grodjesk
Randi Grodjesk is the church secretary and a Sunday school teacher at the Gerlaw Christian Church in addition to being a lifelong member. Her family has been attending the church since its founding in 1859. Randi has had many responsibilities over the years including church board chairperson and youth group leader. Randi attends church with her husband Joe and their 2 children Emily and Jonathan. She is also employed as a special education teacher at Galesburg High School.
Organist & Sunday School Superintendent
Donna Winbigler
Donna became a member of the Gerlaw Christian Church in 1979, joining the church that her husband, Rick, grew up in. She has taught Sunday School for many years and has been playing the organ and piano at the church for nearly 35 years. Donna retired after 38 years of teaching at Warren School District and later United. She and Rick live close to the church and have three kids and several grandchildren.
Communications Coordinator
Emily Moore
Emily, lifelong member of Gerlaw Christian Church, is the first Communications Coordinator. In an effort to help the church navigate the print and digital media space, she puts her graphic design skills to work. She is married to Nathan and they are avid golfers!