Zion "Goshert's" - United Church of Christ, Lebanon, PA
Lead...
 
Meet our Staff and Lay Leadership
 
Christopher Rodkey
Pastor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rev. Dr. Christopher Rodkey, or "Pastor Chris," was called to our congregation in the summer of 2008.  His roles are:
 
Pastoral Leader: Pastor Chris' leadership style is thoughtful, playful, with a sense of humor, and mission-centered. 
 
Evangelist:  His primary mission is to lead us in ministry in bringing about the Good News to everyone, a Gospel that is distinctly Christian, socially responsible, and sensitive to the damage done to the world and to people under the guise of Christianity.
 
Preacher: His preaching is at once traditional and contemporary.  Expect to be challenged, laugh, and think about the sermon after you leave worship on Sunday mornings.
 
Counselor:  Pastor Chris offers pastoral care and visitation to members of the church and community.  He offers the Prepare/Enrich marital and premarital assessment and counseling, has training in systems therapy, and is certified in philosophical counseling, a specialized kind of problem-based talk therapy.
 
Teacher:  He is a teacher to the congregation, youth, children, and community, teaching through worship, classrooms, social justice, and example.  He is a UCC Partner in Education, a UCC-certified Specialist in Church Education, and a member of our Conference Education Committee.
 
Priest:  Pastor Chris is the primary architect of the ritual life of the congregation, not only on Sunday mornings, but in other public settings beyond the church and privately, when requested.
 
Public Theologian:  Pastor Chris' role as pastor includes community and social activism, as well as teaching in the public realm.  He publishes actively and regularly teaches and lectures outside of the church.
 
 
You will find Pastor Chris to be down-to-earth, helpful, and thoughtful.
 
He is a native of Lancaster County, and a graduate of Saint Vincent College (B.A.), the University of Chicago (M.Div.), Meadville Lombard Theological School (D.Min.), and Drew University (M.Phil. and Ph.D.).
 
Pastor Chris teaches part-time for Lebanon Valley College and Lancaster Theological Seminary, and has published numerous essays and reviews in books and journals. 
 
His book, The Synaptic Gospel, is published and is available on Amazon here.
 
He is an active writer and researcher, has been on the writing team for the UCC's Faith Practices resource and is an occasional contributor to the postmodern philosophy and theology blog, An und fur sich.
 
He and his family--Traci, his spouse; Christian, son; and Annaliese, daughter--live in Lebanon.
 
You can contact Pastor Chris by e-mail or connect with him through Facebook.
 
Some of his sermons:
 
   The Scandal of Your Palms  (Palm Sunday)
 
 
Robert Peiffer
Minister of Music
 
The Rev. Dr. Robert Peiffer, or simply just "Bob," is our Minister of Music and has been with us since 2009.
 
Bob, a Lebanon Native, is a graduate of Eastern College (B.A.), United Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of Notre Dame (M.A. and Ph.D.).  He is a talented musician and director, and often plays piano and organ.
 
Bob also volunteers with the Sr. High youth group.
 
 
Kathryn Gress
Organist
 
 
Mrs. Kathryn Gress, our organist, lives in Lancaster County and joyfully plays the old hymns and teaches us new songs.  She and her husband, Christian, have been part of Zion "Goshert's" UCC since 1978, and was the Assistant Organist until 1997, when she became the church's primary organist.  She began piano lessons at the age of twelve and later learned the organ as a stay-at-home mother; she has five children and nine grandchildren.
 
Kathryn's words:  "Music is very important in my life.  It has been very helpful in times of stress and prayers have been answered through music."
Our Church Leadership
 
Consistory President: Carl Blatt (Elder)
 
Consistory Vice-President: Brian Grumbine (Deacon)
 
Consistory Secretary: John Butler (Deacon)
 
Consistory Treasurer:  Rick Hicks (Elder)
 
Church Secretary: Jean Boltz
 
Church Financial Secretary: Michael Lynch (Elder)
 
Pastoral Relations Committee Chair:  Jeanne Strack
 
Fundraising Coordinators:  Brian Grumbine (Deacon) & Carl Blatt
 
Annual Conference Representative: John Strack (Elder)
 
Church Website: Dick Wenrich
 
Church Photographer:  Rebecca DeAngelo
 
Flowers and Paraments: Jeane Shutter
 
Property Committee Chair: Kenny Spangler
  
Education Committee Chair: Gloria Boyer
    Confirmation Classes: Chris Rodkey (Pastor)
    Sr. High Youth: Rebecca Grumbine and Bob Peiffer
    VBS Director: Cheri Grumbine
    Youth Breakfast Coordinators:  Neil and Gloria Boyer,
          Larry and Roma Wood
   Sunday School:  Sue and Jolene Schott, Christine
          Williams, Courtney Peiffer, Cheri and April
          Grumbine, Barbara Harding, Lamar and Roberta
          Smith, Tracy Troup, Gloria Boyer, Marilyn
          Grumbine
 
Newsletter production:  Jeanne Strack & Janet Krause
 
Benevolence Committee Chair: Marilyn Grumbine
 
Care & Connection Team Co-Coordinators:  Jeanne Strack, Jean Boltz
 
Church Grove Scheduling and Cemetery Committee Chair: Ron Shirk (Elder)
 
UCC Homes Corporation Representative:  Bob Peiffer
 
Women's Craft Nite:  Tracy Troup and Amanda Shuey
 
Congregational Vitality Team:  John Strack, Mike Lynch, Rick Hicks, Neil Boyer, Traci Rodkey, Rev. Raymond Brown (Vitality Coach)
 
 
Our Vitality Team with Rev. Ray Brown.
 
 
 
 
Zion "Goshert's" United Church of Christ
1588 Mt. Zion Road
Lebanon, PA 17046
(717) 865-3286
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