Leadership team
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Pastoral Called
PASTOR
Our church family is currently in a season of transition as we prayerfully search for our next Senior Pastor. While we wait with anticipation for the leader God is preparing for our community, our dedicated ministry team, lay leaders, and staff continue to serve, teach, and care for our congregation.
We invite you to join us in prayer during this exciting chapter of growth and preparation.
LaUREN karnosky
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Andrew Bucior, CAGO
Director of Music Ministries
A Colleague of the American Guild of Organists (CAGO), Andrew directs our choir and coordinates the music program for weekly worship.
What are Elders?
In the Presbyterian tradition, there are two types of Elders,
but neither has anything to do with age!
“Ruling Elders” are lay leaders elected by the congregation to share in leadership, governance, and spiritual discernment for a period of three years. When a Ruling Elder’s active term expires, he/she is no longer considered “Ruling” but automatically becomes part of the “Council of Elders,” justifying a favorite old Presbyterian adage:
Once an Elder, always an Elder!
A “Teaching Elder” is the church’s pastor. Together, the Ruling Elders and Teaching Elder make up the Session, the church’s administrative body, which meets monthly to guide the church’s mission, worship, and operations. The Teaching Elder moderates Session meetings, but following Robert’s Rules of Order, Ruling Elders actually make the decisions. This gives rise to another favorite old Presbyterian adage: Teaching Elders teach and preach but Ruling Elders rule!
SESSION MEMBERS
Clerk of Session: The Clerk serves as the secretary for Session meetings, recording official minutes, reporting church business to the Presbytery, and maintaining vital church records and statistics.
Minister: As the Teaching Elder, the pastor serves as the moderator of Session meetings, guiding deliberations without holding a vote.
Bobbie Gaddy
Bobbie Gaddy has been a beloved member of CIC since joining with her family in 1984. Affectionately known as the “Hat Lady,” Bobbie has worn many hats in service to the church, including serving four times as a Ruling Elder, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and in numerous leadership roles and committees, most recently chairing the Transition Team. After 31 years as a Special Educator with Guilford County Schools, Bobbie is retired and grateful that CIC has been the church home where her two daughters were raised in faith. Her years of dedication, leadership, and love for CIC continue to bless the church family.
Jared penrod
Jared Penrod is a 21-year-old NC State senior studying Turfgrass Science and Management. A lifelong member of CIC, he has served on the Building and Grounds Committee for five years and helped with many church improvement projects. Jared also runs his own mowing business and recently mowed the greens for the Wyndham PGA tournament. He feels called to serve as a Ruling Elder to bring a young adult perspective to CIC.
Dave bumgarner
Dave Bumgarner and his wife, Cindy, were introduced to CIC through their grandchildren in 2018 and officially joined in 2022. A retired teacher, coach, and administrator, Dave enjoys golf, gardening, and spending time with family. He feels called to serve as a Ruling Elder because he enjoys helping others and wants to give back to CIC.
John Vitez
John Vitez moved to the area from New Jersey in 1996. He and his wife, Ellen, have three children and five grandchildren. Retired from Berico Fuel, John enjoys golf, pickleball, dog training, and woodworking. His handmade Christmas nativity is a favorite part of CIC’s seasonal décor. John and Ellen began attending CIC in 2018 and officially joined in 2022. As a Ruling Elder, John describes himself as “a doer,” ready to roll up his sleeves and help wherever he is needed.
Keven Cockrell
Keven Cockrell has been blessed to serve in children’s ministry at Community in Christ since her son attended CIC Preschool. Today, she has the joy of teaching CIC’s terrific toddlers. Keven is also grateful for the opportunity to serve others through Community Outreach and Community Life, where she continues to share her time, talents, and heart with the CIC family.
Ashley Blake Venable
Ashley Blake Venable is a mother of three and a kindergarten teacher with Guilford County Schools. A lifelong member of CIC, Ashley has been actively involved in the church throughout her life and currently co-chairs the youth program with an amazing team of volunteers. She has a deep love for CIC and the community it has created. For Ashley, CIC has always been more than a church—it is home.
Mollie Davenport
Mollie Davenport has deep roots in both Community in Christ and the Southeast Guilford community. She first became a member of CIC in 1978 and faithfully served as an Elder during the 1980s. Mollie grew up on Monnett Road and has watched the community grow and change throughout the years. She was also part of the very first graduating class of Southeast Guilford High School, giving her a special connection to the history of our area. Through the years, Mollie’s faith, service, and longtime connection to CIC have made her an important part of our church family and its story.
Beverly Dye
Beverly Dye is a retired educator and has been a faithful member of CIC for more than 35 years. Over the years, she has served the church in many different ways, including serving on various committees and supporting the life and ministry of the congregation. Beverly is a proud mother and grandmother who values family, faith, and community. Her years of service and dedication to CIC reflect her commitment to helping the church grow and thrive.
Jim Routh (JR)