CHURCH STAFF
Senior Pastor Rev. Bruce Rocke
Bruce was raised with his 3 sisters on a farm near Flanangan, IL and attended the Salem FEC church. He graduated from Fort Wayne Bible College with a B.A. in Missions and from Asbury Seminary with a M. Div.
He has had the opportunity to serve in many FEC churches over the years. First as an intern in the Woodburn, IN church (Now the Westwood Church, ’79-’80), as an Associate Pastor of Grace Church in Morton, IL (’82 – ’86), as Senior Pastor of Faith Church, Bloomington IL (now Heartland Community, ’86-’95), and most recently Groveland Bible Church in Groveland IL (’95-2019). Within FEC he currently serving as a member of its Board of Elders and is Director of FEC Bible Quizzing.
Bruce met his lovely wife Dianne at FWBC and they were married in June of 1979. Together Bruce and Dianne have raised 5 children – Sarah (’83), Rachel (’84), John (’86), Mary (’88), and Beth (’90). Four reside in Central IL and one in NY. Three are married. They have 3 grandchildren – Andrew, Riley and Brielle.
He enjoys guitar, banjo, golfing, reading, gardening, table games, family time, and building relationships with other men. Dianne is self-employed with two small part-time jobs (design and HR). She has a heart for building relationships with those from all walks of life within the community.
Bruce's favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5,6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Bruce is thankful for this opportunity to serve in the Berne community!
Office Manager Sonnie Litwiller
Sonnie has attended Berne Evangelical Church since 1979, and has been on staff since April of 1998. She is married to her husband Phil. They have two boys (Eric & Kyle) who are both married. They currently have 6 grandchildren.
Sonnie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, and reading.
Sonnie's favorite verses are:
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
