United Church of God - Central Illinois

05/31/2026

Happy Sabbath!

Happy Sabbath everyone! No matter what challenges lie before us, God's promise remains sure: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2) 💙.

May this Sabbath remind us that He is always present, guiding and strengthening us through every trial. Have a blessed and peaceful Sabbath!

05/24/2026

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." — Romans 15:13

This Pentecost weekend, we are so thankful for the incredible gift of God's spirit and what it makes possible in our lives.

05/24/2026

Happy Pentecost!

This Pentecost, we heard two split sermons which explored the topic of Pentecost. The first sermon titled “Pentecost: The Day Christ Began Preparing His Bride” explained that Pentecost is not merely a historical anniversary, but a Holy Day that reveals how Christ began a distinct spiritual work in the New Testament era by calling, forming and empowering His Church.

The second sermon, which was titled “Pentecost: Living Today as Firstfruits Through the Power of God’s Spirit” showed that Pentecost is not only about the giving of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, but also about what God’s Spirit must produce in the lives of those called as firstfruits.

Between the messages, we had the opportunity to listen to a beautiful piece is special music sung by the choir called “Growing in God’s Grace” which had lyrics lifted from Ecclesiastes 3.

05/23/2026

As we look forward to Pentecost, what does it mean for us to be united in the Body of Christ?

This is the second part of a message building on the analogy of us being diverse and unique parts of the one body of Christ with the key goal of unity. To have unity with others we have to become unified with God first and yield to his Holy Spirit. God needs all parts of the body to be under the dir...

05/23/2026

Watch the report on our Good Works project that has been helping members in Jamaica with hurricane relief:

On October 18, 2025 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, leaving behind devastating damage. Homes were destroyed and lives were shaken by 185 mile per hour wind...

05/23/2026

Weekly Sabbath Report:

This month, we have started meeting at a new location — Embassy Suites in Peoria — and after a few weeks of transitioning into the new space, we are starting to hit our stride! The room was buzzing with energy as we fellowshipped before and after services.

Choir practiced before services, which was a treat to hear voices lifted in praise to God fill the hallways and greet our members as they walked in.

During services, we watched a video presentation of the Good Works project that has been helping our members in Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa. The members have such an uplifting spirit in spite of the devastation that they have experienced and they generously give God the glory for even the little ways in which He has preserved and protected them. (Link in comments).

Our pastor gave a heartfelt message titled “Preparing for the Next Season” focused on the concept of change. In light of the upcoming pastoral transition, the message encouraged us by showing that God’s work does not depend on one human servant. One may plant, another may water, and another may harvest, but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3). When a season changes, God’s people can move forward with gratitude, faith, unity and endurance.

The Bible Study was a hybrid study and “Town Hall” as we look to Christ’s example and the Book of Acts as He prepared the early Church to form and grow and apply it to how we as a congregation will continue to grow through change.

05/23/2026

Pentecost is tomorrow! We are looking forward to this “double Sabbath” weekend — the weekly Sabbath followed by the Feast of Pentecost. Here is a great explanation on the meaning of Pentecost!

If we misunderstand Pentecost, we misunderstand what God is still d...

05/23/2026

Happy Sabbath everyone! 💛 As we count down these last days to the Feast of Pentecost, may we remember that God is transforming us through His Spirit and making us new in Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 | NIV 📖

Wishing you all a peaceful and blessed Sabbath!

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mothers have an incredible opportunity for teaching and a positive example in the lives of all around them. In this message we discuss the examples of four mothers found in the Hebrews 11, their background and their impact on the lives of others.

05/09/2026

Weekly Sabbath Report:

We have recently begun meeting at a new location on the Sabbath. With that, our congregation is experiencing this transition together as we adjust to our new space.

Our sermonette was timely and grounding as it encouraged us to build our church body as a “third space” — a space which allows for community building and fosters social connection. In the midst of transition, whether it be a physical meeting location, or people who enter and exit our lives, let us not pine for the “leeks and onions” of the past, but instead build upon the blessings God has given us.

The sermon took a closer look at the priesthood — from Melchizedek to Levi, from the Church today to Jesus Christ’s Kingdom rule — and its relevance to us today. True priesthood does not exist to control people, impress people or preserve an institution. It exists to connect people to the God who gives life. The future priesthood is not about status. It is about service. The reward of the saints is not escape from responsibility, but entrance into greater responsibility: helping Christ preserve, restore and extend life to mankind. The sermon exhorted us to be preservers of peace and of life.

Following services, we had fellowship together with snacks and coffee.

The children had a Sabbath School lesson covering Acts 2 and the giving of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.