Mary Beenken is a graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she met her husband, Nathan Johnson. Following seminary, Mary completed a Graduate Preaching Fellowship that allowed her and Nathan to travel to five countries around the world and learn from communities of faith with vastly different experiences from their own. In their spare time, Mary and Nathan enjoy gardening, writing, making music, and exploring the great outdoors with their rescue dogs Obie and Nergal.

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”-Abraham Lincoln

Michelle has over 25 years in administration work. Michelle enjoys spending time with her children, granddaughters, and her dogs Lulu & Loli. She loves to travel and see new and exciting things ,cooking, eating great food, and listening to music.

Cheriz and Andrew love running the youth program at Grace and Peace. They have been fostering youth for 7 years, and became adoptive parents in 2022. They both love theatre, music, board games, cooking & eating delicious food!

Cheriz has a bachelors from the University of Illinois, and in 2022 she helped launched a local non-profit (Foster Village Peoria). Andrew has a culinary arts degree, and studied Religion in graduate school. They have Trauma training through the Karyn Purvis institute, are CPR/First aid certified, and have a background in working with youth with different needs.

Ali is a Bradley University student majoring in early childhood education. She has a passion for teaching and helping to nurture children. She volunteered as a Camp Counselor as Royal Family Kids camp (a free camp for youth experiencing foster care), and she has experience working with children different needs (understanding sensory need & trauma). She is excited to be a part of the youth ministry, and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Elaine and her husband Dennis Backstrom lived in Jacksonville, IL, for about 40 years before relocating to Peoria to be near their son and his family. Previously, she was a biology professor and pre-health professions advisor at Illinois College. She served as a part-time organist/keyboardist and choir director at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. She is thrilled to be a part of the Worship and Music Team at Grace and Peace.

Terry is a long-time member of the Grace and Peace Community … a spouse, father, grandfather, and friend with a professional history in broadcast journalism, international business, executive management, and church service

Visual art has been in the collective mind of the Church for nearly as long as Christianity has existed. The great cathedrals were built to draw eyes upward. Patrons commissioned the great artists of their time to paint the masterpieces we enjoyed for centuries. Art is a way of bringing the Bible closer to our human experience. Mary started this role in our church using an overhead projector and foils. In 2012 she embraced the advancement of projectors and software. She dedicates many hours to creating visual atmosphere levels by projecting, not only words but, also artwork to depict the stories read from Scripture. She has built a library through the years. Being the Visual Worship Leader is a passion she enjoys. Mary is a cradle Lutheran with many artists in her family tree. She has a pack of three terriers and is devoted to dog rescue.