MEET DUANE AND VIRLEENFifty years ago we came to Peoria as a young married couple with a four year old son. After getting settled in a home and my husband starting his career it was time to find a church home.
With both of us having been raised in the Presbyterian tradition we visited all of the Presbyterian churches in the area. When we visited First Presbyterian (one of the two churches that became United Presbyterian in 2006) we knew we had found our church home. The people were so friendly and the old, old church very warm, indeed This church truly became the center of our spiritual, biblical and social life.
Our whole family became involved. Our son attended Sunday school and participated in what was called “OI” as a teenager. I taught Sunday school. My husband and I have both served as elders and myself as a deacon on several occasions. My husband has served on the Foundation Board and we both volunteer on office projects. He attends Friday Men’s Breakfast. We’ve worked in the kitchen on many occasions. We have attended Bible studies to improve our knowledge of the Word. I have participated in Home Communion, taking communion to our shut-in members, a very rewarding experience. Many fun times have been enjoyed in couples groups, picnics, musical presentations, dramas and on and on.
Missions are an integral part of our church. We are very cognizant of the underprivileged in our community. We have a food pantry, to which we contribute weekly. Our church participates in the Share Food Program which brings food at a reduced cost to families in need. On occasion work days are held to help people with problems needing repair on their homes or cleanup of charitable groups’ buildings and grounds. It is a great feeling to know we can help those in need.
As time went on we have grown and changed with the times. Through some serious illnesses in the 60’s and 80’s it was our church that saw us through. There is always a need for sharing a little love for someone suffering illness or struggling with life in general so the opportunity is there, within the church, to offer a little help to those in need
The fire that destroyed our grand old church was very traumatic, but God saw us through that, as well. We were blessed, after the fire, to be able to acquire our present property, formerly a school, and have an immediate place to worship and hold classes. We were also blessed to be able to unite with Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian Church in 2004 to create United Presbyterian Church. The Lord certainly has a way of fulfilling our needs. Now we have a beautiful new sanctuary in which to worship.
What we found at First Presbyterian is still very present and alive at United Presbyterian, and even stronger with the addition of the Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian Church and many new members who had never been a part of either congregation. This church has given us the support we have needed for a wonderful life! Through the fun times, the sad times, and everyday life it’s great to know we have this great source to meet our needs. We hope, you too, will visit us, join with us, and get involved to receive the blessings we have experienced and make this an even greater community for Christ. |