CENTENARY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Key Persons
After graduating high school, she attended Millikin University where she graduated with a degree in Music Education. That degree brought her to Effingham county where she was the band director in Altamont for many years. After a brief career in music retail through Paige's Music in Indianapolis and Samuel Music in Effingham, she was called back to the field of teaching. Amanda taught K-12 music in Sandoval, IL for 3 years before landing as the band director for Vandalia CUSD #203. Amanda started teaching in Vandalia in 2017 and still serves as the band director there. Amanda is also a trumpet player in the community, playing with the Kaskaskia College Bands (Centralia) and has played in other area ensembles including the FACE orchestra, and the Centralia Philharmonic Orchestra. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys cooking and travel.
Debbie is from Herrick, IL. She is married to Bill and they have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Debbie retired from working with the State of Illinois after 25 years. She wanted to continue to work after retirement and was interviewed for the Bookkeeping position. She attends Christ Tabernacle Church in Herrick, IL. Debbie enjoys volunteering and doing things with her family on her down time.
Jeanlyn (Sechrest) Stockman was born and raised in Effingham. She is a lifetime member of CUMC, having been baptized and confirmed in this church. So that means she has been a member of CUMC for over 50 years! Jeanlyn's main job is that of a Travel Agent. She has worked as a travel agent since 1984. She has worked for a couple different travel agencies, right now she works at Travel Quarters in Effingham. She has worked in the nursery off and on since the late 70's or early 80's. Jeanlyn is married to Steve. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary June 26. They have 1 daughter, Bayleigh who is now living in Atlanta. In her spare time, Jeanlyn loves to travel, sew and spend time with family.
I was introduced to music as early as 2 - as soon as I could sit on my Dad's knee at the piano.
It was then he taught me various nursey rhymes as well as a love for big band songs. I took piano lessons for 3 years starting in 1st grade. In 4th grade I began in band on the clarinet which I still play to this day. I attribute most of my music teachings to Donna Kerley and Marilyn Bennett as they were the best music teachers Farina LaGrove had and I know I was blessed to call then my mentors and my friends. As a young teen, I played piano and organ at my home church, Freidens Church of Christ, also in Farina. In the 70's I played organ at St Peter Lutheran, St Peter, Holy Cross Lutheran , Vandalia and at Edgewood Church of the Nazarene. In 1979 I moved to Effingham and became one of the organists at St John's Lutheran. During my music life, I have played for many conferences, as well as weddings and funerals. I strongly feel God has richly blessed me with this gift of music and find it difficult to say no when asked to play for any event.
I've been married to my husband Jim for 7 years. Together we have 5 children, Bill Strullmyer of Appleton, WI, Kurt Strullmyer and Sheila Braun, both of Effingham, Shannon Starner of Altamont, and Jeremy Starner of Louisville, KY. We have 15 grandchildren and are also blessed with 1 great-grandson with another great-grand on the way.
I was thrilled to be asked to become your organist. I've enjoyed working with Julie Slifer in the office at St John's and feel we make a good team to bring the gospel with our gifts of music to your congregation.
Job Titles:
- Music Ministry Coordinator
I have been married to David, the love of my life, for over 30 years. God has blessed us with three amazing sons, who in turn blessed us with three beautiful daughters-in-law, and currently we have two adorable grandsons. David and I both grew up in Stewardson. After getting married, we lived six months in Mattoon and then bought a house in Stewardson where we lived until moving to Effingham in April of 2016. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Eastern Illinois University. I love to cross stitch and am a HUGE Disney fan. I'm not a big sports fan, but my family makes up for that as they are all die hard Chicago Blackhawks fans. I started taking piano lessons when I was six, and my family began attending the First Christian Church in Effingham. I began playing for Sunday School opening when I was in Junior High School, and started playing for church services when I was fourteen. I started playing the organ in 1986. I have always been involved in church work, including leading vocal choir, children's choir, bell choir and David and I were youth group leaders. I've also taught Sunday School, VBS and children's church. I'm very excited to be a part of the staff at Centenary United Methodist Church and hope to bring its members closer to God to experience His grace and love through music.
Malia Stephens is from St. Elmo, Illinois and has been married to her husband, Art, for over 24 years. They have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. After 25+ years, Malia happily retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections. In her off time, you can find her spending time with her family, going on Mission trips, traveling/exploring new places and meeting new people, she has many hobbies, and her newest passion has been taking and painting pictures of the places she's been.
She is excited to be a part of the staff here at Centenary United Methodist Church.