About Us
Our Congregation
Peace UMC was created in 1998 when Elgin UMC and Plainview UMC joined together. The congregations sold their buildings and built a new church between Plainview and Elgin that was completed in 1999. The quilt which serves as the inspiration for our logo hangs in the building and was made to represent the two churches coming together to become one church family. Peace UMC has lived up to its name by successfully becoming one congregation. We are known for our many community meals and our Peace Garden.
Plainview UMC was founded in 1866 and for most of its history was part of a circuit of churches served by one pastor. Organizations and events such as Sunday school, the United Methodist Women (and its predecessor organizations), a choir, and many community meals and salad suppers were a part of church life.
Elgin UMC was founded in 1859, the first church to be organized in Elgin. Through out its history, the church has been in a circuit with at least one other church. The congregation was enriched through study, including Christian education for all ages and nourished through worship with an organ and a choir. Easter breakfast, women’s circle meetings and youth ministry were all a part of the life of the church.
Our Pastor
Rev. Abigail Ozanne has served as the pastor for Peace UMC since June 2022. She is also the pastor for Kellogg UMC.
In Her Words:
I began my working life as a teacher and believe this to still be my vocation, if in a different form and setting. I have taught in various ways during my career, including as a 4th grade teacher, teaching middle school math and science, serving as the program director at a church camp, and teaching the youth (and some adults!) as the director of youth and families at a church. I am passionate about learning and teaching about the Bible and begin my sermon preparation with an in-depth study of the scriptures. My favorite scripture is Romans 8:38-39.
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities and hobbies. I enjoy fencing – yes, the sport with the swords – hiking, and kayaking. My hobbies include knitting, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and birding.
Our Administrative Assistant and Janitor
Rosie Petersen has served as both the administrative assistant and the janitor at Peace UMC since 2017. She is a blessing, being good with numbers and organized as well as a meticulous cleaner. Rosie’s passion is feeding people – something she often uses in service to the church. A gifted gardener, she manages our Peace Garden.
In her free time, Rosie likes to read, watch shows about hauntings, garden, bake and spend time with her grandkids. She has three daughters and 5 grandchildren.