PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A familiar church building in the East Bluff is again welcoming worshippers, but under a new name.
Centerpoint Community Church officially opened its doors Sunday inside the former St. Bernard Church, located at 511 E. Kansas St., across from the East Bluff Community Center.
Leaders said the homecoming celebration represents more than just the start of Sunday services.
They said it marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to serving and investing in the community.
The church also bought the East Bluff Community Center, but the cost was not disclosed.
Along with the sanctuary next door, church leaders said they will work with nonprofit organizations to help improve the neighborhood.
“God really compelled us, really pulled at our hearts, our heartstrings to come here to this community, to establish a church so we can do our part in making sure that the community is beautiful, which in turn will improve our city,” said Centerpoint’s lead pastor, Brian Russell.
The congregation has grown to more than 100 people, even while spending the past year without a permanent building.
During that time, members gathered in various locations, including other churches, coffee shops, and homes, as they worked to establish the new ministry.
During that time, volunteers from Richwoods Christian Church, Connect Church, and City on a Hill Church helped the new ministry get established.
“God gave me the name of the church last year when we did a community cleanup,” Russell said. “We were picking up trash, and that name popped up in my spirit: CenterPoint Community Church.”
“It is neat to see the growth. Jesus was a carpenter, and carpenters take dead things like wood and make them into something beautiful out of it,” said Nathan Pauli, a member of the church’s Board of Elders.
Church leaders said their vision extends beyond weekly worship services. They hope to expand outreach efforts throughout the East Bluff while building lasting relationships with residents.
“My hope is that our mission is to deliver the hope of Jesus to every heart and every home. That’s what we’re going to strive for as a church,” Russell said.
(Reporting by Gianna Njau, 25 News)
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