The Athletic ministry provides individuals with great entry-level opportunities to build friendships by participating in activities such as men's and women's softball, volleyball, bowling, golf, frisbee golf and dartball. Periodically, there are also coaching positions available. There are also occasions when participants get the chance to help plan and organize athletic events. Doug Anderson or Paul Lawson are the contact persons.

The Bell Choir ministry gives our children an opportunity to enhance our worship services with their joy and excitement as they ring their bells in praise. The children practice the day of their special. All children are invited to participate. Sue Lance is the contact person.

The Benevolent Dinner ministry provides a meal for those within the congregation who have experienced a death in their immediate family (mother, father, spouse or child). Volunteers work together to prepare and serve the meal to those in need. Contact person is Cathy Whitton.

This ministry provides opportunities to do maintenance and repairs to the church building. Contact persons are Chuck Colclasure or Paul Lawson.

The Discipleship ministry is designed for those who want to grow in their relationship with Christ. Individuals meet on a one-on-one basis each week. During this time, they discuss and review the assigned Bible lesson. They also place an emphasis on applying Biblical truth to situations that they encounter daily. Most important is the relationship, whic develops between the two individuals involved. It is in this setting that the older believer models Christian behavior before his/her partner. This ministry is also open to couples, as well as individuals. Contact person is Pastor Paul Myers.

Finance Deacon:  
Responsibilities:  Audits, Budget Committee, Counters, Insurance, Reports, Treasurer and Legal & Liability

Education Deacon:  
Responsibilities:  Adult & Children's Sunday School classes, Caravan, Jr. Church, Nursery, Teacher Training, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday Night Bible Study

Property Care Deacon:  Chuck Colclasure
Responsibilities:  Gym, Inside Maintenance, Outside Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, Policy

Church Life Deacon:  Crystal Colclasure
Responsibilities:  .com Seniors, Men's Group, Quilting Group, Sports, WCG, Women's Growth Group, WHO's Grief Support, Scrap Booking Group, Ushers, Greeters, Van Ministry

Outreach Deacon:  Crystal Colclasure
Responsibilities:  Chocolate Chip Cookie Ministry, Food Pantry, Mission Outreach, Mission Trips, Prison Ministry

  Hospitality Deacon:  Cathy Whitton
Responsibilities:  Benevolent Dinners, Ordering Supplies, Sunday Meals, Special Events

Our Elders are responsible for the spiritual leadership, well-being and health of our congregation. Each Elder is responsible for a specific area of ministry, giving leadership and support to the Deacons and their teams as needed. They also provide leadership and support to the pastoral staff as needed.

Elder Chairperson:  Paul Lawson
Responsibilities:  Chair / preside over all Elder and church business meetings, give leadership and support in the area of Property Care, as needed

Vice Chairperson:  Barb Gum
Responsibilities:  Assume Chairperson duties when Chairperson is unavailable, give leadership and support in the area of Finance, as needed

Secretary:  Kim Bacon
Responsibilities:  Record minutes at all Elder and church business meetings, give leadership and support in the area of Education, as needed

Elder:  Stephanie Sipes
Responsibilities:  Give leadership and support in the areas of Hospitality, Church Life and Outreach, as needed

Located in the lower level of our main building is our Food Pantry. Through much dedicated work and frugal shopping, our pantry is filled. But there is always a need for more. The pantry is available on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-2:00pm to those in need from the community. Identification is required. Contact person is Patty Anderson.

Having a meal brought to your home during times of sickness or physical trials is like getting a visit from Jesus. That is exactly what Go Be Jesus is all about. As needs arise, meals are scheduled, prepared and delivered to those in need. Opportunities in planning, meal preparation and delivery are a part of this ministry, which is an offshoot of Women of the Church of God. Contact persons are Shirley Carpenter and Mary Hetrick.

This ministry provides one of the first impressions that visitors get when they come to Pekin 1st Church of God. Our "green thumbs" plant and maintain our flower beds at the driveway entrances. Contact person is Paul Lawson.

The Greeters ministry is vitally important in that it provides our guests with a first impression of our congregation. Here the duties include welcoming people as they enter the building and provide them with a bulletin for the Sunday morning service. It is the goal of the Greeters to help individuals feel at ease while they are with us. Contact person is Brenda Darr.

The Grief Support ministry is available for both men and women. This group meets on a monthly basis (currently the third Monday of each month) to offer encouragement to those who have lost a loved one or a significant other. There are no dues or membership required. All that is needed is compassion for others and a belief that God cares for us during the most difficult moments in life. Contact person is Vera Jezek.

The Growth Group ministry involves approximately 10-15 adults who meet in homes on a weekly basis. Typically, they will have a time of prayer as well as a Bible lesson. Some groups have dinner before the lesson, while others have only snacks. This ministry attempts to address the needs of its participants in a relaxed atmosphere that is conducive to building relationships. We currently have seven different groups meeting together. Contact person is Pastor Paul Myers.

The Indoor Maintenance ministry takes care of general repairs and new construction within the church building. This includes items such as plumbing, carpentry and painting. In a facility of this size there is always opportunities for those with the necessary skills and a willingness to do the work. Contact persons are Chuck Colclasure or Paul Lawson.

The Junior Church ministry provides a church service at 8:00am and 10:30am on Sundays for children two years of age through 4th grade. The children begin the services in the sanctuary with their parents during the worship portion of the service, and then they are dismissed to go to their Junior Church class. Such an effort requires the service of numerous volunteers who are willing to act as assistants or teachers.

Because of insurance and safety issues, there are certain requirements for those who work in any ministry involving children. For instance, a person has to submit to a confidential background check that is handled in a discreet manner through Kroll Background Check. The contact person for Junior Church is Dan Krahn or Kim Bacon. 

The Sunday morning Eatery is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship within the church between the morning services. This ministry provides opportunities in the areas of set-up, food preparation, serving and clean up. Contact person is Dennis Bacon.

The Men's Fellowship Group meets for a quarterly breakfast meeting at the church. It offers a social setting in which men of all ages can participate and build friendships. The Men's group carries out fundraisers and service projects during the year to help with worthy causes, such as assistance to the needy. Contact person is Dennis Bacon.

This ministry provides help and expertise in fund raising projects for all our ministries. Money makes the world go around and money is needed for some ministries to take place. They also provide ideas for reaching into the community for financial support. This group is responsible for hosting our annual Chili Cook-off. Contact person is Debby Eagan.

The Multi Media ministry is especially helpful in bringing our weekly services to those who are unable to attend. This ministry records our Sunday morning service on audio cassettes and sends them out to individuals that are sick or shut-in. It's also a vehicle through which our weekly television broadcasts are produced. The Multi Media ministry is responsible for operating the cameras on Sundays, as well as monitoring the sound equipment. Contact person is Pastor Brent Reeder.

The Music ministry involves special musical selections, which are performed during our regular church services. These may take place in a group or individual format. The music may involve playing an instrument or singing a song. There are certain guidelines for those who wish to participate in the Music ministry. First, it's imperative that individuals sing/play Christian songs. Second, it's necessary for participants to practice and prepare so that they might do the very best job possible. Contact person is Pastor Brent Reeder.

The Nursery ministry provides childcare for those less than 2 years old. This ministry involves activities such as changing diapers and feeding babies their bottles. This ministry allows the parents of these children to take part in the church services (both morning and evening), Sunday School, or our Wednesday night ministries. Contact person is Stacey Reeder.

An effective prayer life is vital to the health of our church. Through this ministry we are able to lift many needs to God, letting people know by e-mail and phone. When a big need is seen that calls for earnest group prayer, we as a congregation of God's people turn out in great numbers to participate in our prayer vigils. Contact person is Pastor Paul Myers.

The Prison ministry focuses on getting the good news of Jesus to inmates in both local and state facilities. Once a month this group goes to the Federal Prison located on the outskirts of Pekin. While there, they provide music, lead in prayer and teach a Bible lesson. The Prison ministry has a dual function. First, it tries to reach men and women for Christ. Second, it attempts to encourage and promote growth in those inmates who are Christians. Contact person is Bill Buselmeier.

This ministry provides opportunities for those who like to quilt and fellowship. Their plans are to make baby quilts for all the new babies within the church, as well as quilts for fundraising projects. Contact person is Deannie Helman.

Don't let their age fool you. Our .com ministry is very active in the life of the church and in the service of the Lord. From monthly breakfast meetings at Pekin Family Restaurant, to hosting Blood Drives and Pancake & Sausage breakfasts, these are just a few of the many directions our seniors are going. Our .com ministry offers many opportunities for fellowship and service. Contact persons are Chuck & Mayce Colclasure.

The Van ministry is designed for those who are without transportation to and from Sunday morning services. Many of those riding in the van are the elderly who are no longer able to drive. A special driver's license is needed to drive the church van. Contact Crystal Colclasure for further information.

This ministry allows the church to host various functions and dinners under the leadership of the special events team. Our annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Pastor Appreciation events, as well as other events, fall under this ministry. Service opportunities abound in this vital ministry. Contact person is Cathy Whitton.

This ministry provides opportunities for adults to teach or assist in a Sunday School class. The Sunday school teacher prepares and teaches a weekly lesson. The teacher's assistant may occasionally fill in for the teacher, preparing and teaching the lesson. Contact person is Caroline Bernhardt.

The Usher Ministry most often takes place on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings. This includes activities such as serving communion, helping people find a seat in the sanctuary, taking up the offering, and handing out information sheets at the end of the service. Along with the Greeters ministry, this ministry often provides first time guests with an initial impression about our church. Contact any of the pastors for more information.

Wednesday Night Children's Ministry is designed for 3, 4 & 5 year olds and those in 1st grade through 6th grade. The children are divided into groups according to their respective grades. The material that is used is called "Caravan". It teaches lesson from the Bible through activities and projects. Like the other children's ministries previously mentioned, there are certain requirements for the adults that want to work in this area. Contact person is Tim Majors. 

Wednesday Night Encouragers visit those who are in the hospital, nursing homes and who are shut-ins. They also go to see those who have not attended regular church services over the course of the past few weeks. The Encouragers go out in groups of two, which consist of members of the same gender, unless a husband and a wife team wishes to visit together. Contact person is Pastor Paul Myers.

The Wednesday Night Nursing Home ministry provides church services at Timbercreek Rehabilitation. Typically, this service includes singing hymns and choruses, prayer and a Bible lesson. Also, the Wednesday Night Nursing Home ministry makes a special effort to offer encouragement to residents who are often very lonely and in need of a friend. Contact person is Pastor Paul Myers.

The Wednesday Night Bible Study is held in Room #5 and is taught by Kim Bacon. Usually a series on a specific topic is taught. The Bible Study provides the opportunity for participation while learning the history and doctrinal issues of the topic. Contact person is Kim Bacon.

Women of the Church of God is an exciting group of 20,000 women nationwide listening for God's call and preparing for the future. This ministry is organized through 53 state chapters which are concerned with encouraging, equipping, and empowering women in Christian ministry. Numerous events are offered each year in local, state, and national chapters that provide opportunities for sisterhood and service to global missions.

We support expanded roles for women in church and society; we affirm women in ministry. We are concerned with extending the hope of the gospel through growing spiritually sound, biblical women and through building a bond between those women and the churches they serve to affect the world for Jesus Christ.

All women are welcome to join us. Meetings are held here on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00pm, usually in Room #9. Contact person is Kim Bacon.

The Women's Growth ministry serves a number of purposes. It attempts to help its members grow in their personal relationship with Christ through prayer and Bible application. It also provides women with skills that will better enable them to reach out to family and friends. It seeks to address the needs of those in crisis situations. Ultimately, the Women's Group speaks to the issues that are most common for those who have a spouse that is not a Christian. Contact person is Barb Gum.

The Youth group consists of young people in 7th through 12th grades. The group, CRU (Christ Rules Us), meets regularly on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm for Bible lessons and fellowship. They also participate in fundraisers (pizza sales, candle sales, cook-outs, etc) to help defer the cost of events such as Illinois State Youth Convention, International Youth Convention, Six Flags, summer camps, etc. Some activities are held on the weekends. Like the children's ministries previously mentioned, there are certain requirements for the adults who want to work in this area. Contact person is Heather Krahn.