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.
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.
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."
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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