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GOOD NEWS
from the
Presbytery of Great Rivers
We are called to share Christ's love by partnering in service,
uniting in worship, and risking in ministry.
October 11, 2024
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Prayer Service for Those Affected by Hurricane Helene
Ten of the sixteen presbyteries in the Synod of South Atlantic sustained damage in Hurricane Helene. They continue to assess of the impact of the storm in their region, even as they hold in prayer the folks of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia who are suffering as well.
The synod will hold an online worship and prayer service on October 12th at 12:00 pm (Central)/1:00 pm (Eastern) via zoom. It will be a time for storytelling and prayer for those who have been lost, those suffering, and those responding.
The gathering is open to anyone throughout the denomination. Registration is required. Register Here
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Assembly Meeting in Review
At a Called Meeting of the Presbytery of Great Rivers on September 26, 2024, the body voted to approve a motion from the Committee on Ministry to increase minimum salaries for 2025 by 2.5%.
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From the Lead Presbyter
With gratitude for your faithful service in the Presbytery of Great Rivers, I’ll host a series of regional lunches for pastors in October and November. I hope you’ll be able to attend the one nearest you, but if not, you are welcome to come to another one. Please RSVP to me by the dates below (aschwartz@greatriverspby.org or 309-683-6983).
October 17, 12:00: Riverfront Grille, 4619 34th St, Rock Island (RSVP date: Oct 12)
October 29, 12:00: Biaggis, 3010 E Empire, Bloomington (RSVP date: Oct 24)
October 30, 12:30: Hearth Restaurant, 4604 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights (RSVP date: Oct 25)
November 4, 12:00: Landmark Café & Creperie, 62 S Seminary St, Galesburg (RSVP date: Oct 30)
November 12, 12:00: The Old Dairy, 210 S Lafayette St, Macomb (RSVP date: Nov 6)
November 19, 12:00: Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Ave, Springfield (RSVP date: Nov 13)
Blessings,
Ann
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Clerk’s Corner
I wanted to share a story with you that really hit home for me. A couple of weeks ago, I had to have an iron infusion for my iron deficiency anemia. It was the first time I needed to have this procedure done and it was set to take place over four hours at my local cancer center in Bloomington (this just happens to be where my hematologist is located). They called my name and took me back to the “procedures room.” It was a large room with a wall full of windows so you could look out and see the beautiful trees, wildlife, and fields. Most of the procedure chairs faced the wall so that individuals could look out and to protect some identity. There was also additional (not as comfortable chairs) for support individuals. There were no curtains for dividers. Nurses would come and go, ask for names and birthdates, talk about the meds that were being hung, side effects, what to expect overall, and answer any questions. Some of you reading this may have experienced this for yourselves.
At first, I was initially thinking “WHAT ABOUT HIPAA?” But then my attitude quickly changed. After settling into my rather comfortable chair and getting hooked up to my saline and iron, a woman in her early 70’s and her sister showed up. We will call her Shirley and her sister, Sally. (While these were not their names, their real names did start with the same letter and were very close sounding). Shirley got hooked up to her bi-weekly chemo treatment. I could overhear what Shirley and Sally were talking about, as well as a gentleman in his 30’s on the other side of them who was there with his young wife (asleep and receiving her chemo treatment). Shirley and Sally had just returned from a family reunion in southern Indiana with their 90-year-old mother. While there, they had eaten turkey at this reunion that they had determined was the best turkey they had ever had, and they wanted to find the recipe to recreate it. And they. were. hilarious. in their endeavors to not only find the recipe on their smartphones but also where they might snatch up a turkey this time of the year. We soon all began talking about amazing recipes and other things in life. We laughed and laughed. Mary, the volunteer who passed out snacks and checked on us, continued to come around as well to see how we were doing. Mary had known Shirley for some time and knew that Shirley loved the little packs of Bugles and would hoard them in the back for her.
I told Shirley and Sally “They were a hoot!” Shirley laughed and said, “Every day for her was a gift and she was just determined to enjoy it.” Shirley understood that in a place like the cancer center, everyone walked in with their own story and their own emotions and their own “stuff.” Everyone reacted how they did, and they were able to do so, and they were respected for it. For Shirley, she was at a place where even at the cancer center, joy was what she brought with her. The reason why? Five years ago, Shirley was diagnosed with cancer in one of her organs. She had the main part of the organ removed, but it was already too late. The cancer had spread by the time it was found and it was stage 4. The doctors gave her six months to live. But Shirley had surpassed their expectations by 4 1/2 half years. She had every reason to be angry and upset. And there was a time when she was. But she outlived her life expectancy by so long, that the only thing left for Shirley was gratitude and joy.
I initially thought about how the whole setup of the procedure room was a HIPAA violation, but in the end, I realized it was about community. For so many there, it was about getting through the toughest days of your life with people who understood what you were going through because they were experiencing the fear, the dread, the pain, and the unknown just like you. It was about sitting and hearing stories of healing and longing and hope. It was about sitting with the Shirleys of the world who had beat odds of living longer than they were supposed to but also knew they would continue with the bi-weekly chemo for the rest of whatever life they had left. And it was about having space to grieve loss. Loss of what could have been and would never be. And loss of friends and loved ones. And I knew. This is what it meant to be the church. As I left the cancer center following my 4-hour infusion with the strong likelihood of not needing anymore anytime soon, I said a prayer for Shirley and her family and a prayer for myself. “God, help me be a Shirley in the church and in the world.”
I will be out of the office from October 11th through the 15th. My kids and I will be traveling to Knoxville, TN for a family vacation.
Our next scheduled Clerk’s Convo is November 14th at 11:00 am.
Here is the zoom link:
Elissa Bailey (she/her/hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Clerk of Session Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82477487297?pwd=ZXNIc29YRit3cTE2SGhsK0N5YzUrZz09
Meeting ID: 824 7748 7297
Passcode: 832216
DID YOU KNOW? POLITY EDITION
Does the clerk of session need to be a ruling elder? Yes! Yes, the clerk of session does need to be an ordained ruling elder. However, they do not have to be currently serving a term on the session. There are pros and cons to this. As many of you know, it is sometimes hard to find individuals to serve on session, so when you have a clerk who is willing to be there and they are willing to serve on the session, it is a great choice for them to be both clerk and an active session member. Plus, they may be adding greatly to the work of the session. A con is that is can be very difficult to take minutes while also trying to participate in discussion, vote, and follow parliamentary procedures. There is no right or wrong answer. Instead, it is important for both the nominating committee and the clerk to determine the best way forward.
Rev. Elissa Bailey
Presbytery of Great Rivers Stated Clerk
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Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a time to show appreciation to your pastors for time, energy, commitment, and gifts they share with your congregation. How will you say thank you this month? Here are some ideas: https://www.igrc.org/pastor-appreciation-month.
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From the Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is hard a work filling the openings on our committees. We are nearing the end of this nominating season and have a few openings remaining (mostly one- and two-year terms). If you would like to volunteer, or would like to recommend a person for us to contact, please contact the appropriate Nominating Committee member. We look forward to hearing from you.
Admin Team – openings for teaching elders. Contact person: Julio Garcia, 309-325-3999.
CARE Committee – openings for ruling elders and teaching elders. Contact person: Gary Terpstra, 217-415-2090.
Committed on Ministry (COM) – openings for ruling elders and teaching elders. Contact person: Cheyanna Losey, 309-299-2790.
Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM) – openings for ruling elders and teaching elders. Contact person: Cheyanna Losey, 309-299-4790.
Visioning Team: openings for ruling elders and teaching elders. Contact person: Diane Ludington, 319-795-8118.
Thank you for all the returned calls, emails, and texts. Thank you also for all your prayers. We have enjoyed our conversations.
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From the Visioning Team
Is your church building costing you more than you can afford?
Does it sit empty for large portions of the week? Or would you simply like to make more use of your space?
Are you looking for new ways to generate income for your church?
Are you wondering how to better connect your ministry with the needs and gifts of your neighborhood?
What if you could use your buildings and property to further your mission and ministry in your neighborhood and to generate new forms of income?
The Visioning Team is offering grants to the first five congregations that apply to participate in the Good Futures Accelerator course. (Cost to the church: $187; cost to the presbytery: $187. Each church will select a team of 3-7 people who spend, on average 40 hours over 9 months, exploring how to creatively use their church buildings and property to further their mission and build financial resilience.
For more information about the course, go to: https://www.rootedgood.org/good-futures. For more information about applying, email PGRVisioning@gmail.com.
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From Your Finance Team
The Presbytery of Great Rivers will have three different zoom classes in November taught by Amy Gardner (Presbytery of Great Rivers’ former Accountant). Class size is limited to 18 participants, so please register early by using this link: Register here
Financial & Human Resources Best Practices
Thursday November 7, 6:00-7:30 PM Zoom
Topics will include W-2s and 1099s, Per Capita, Restricted Funds, Record Retention, Insurance Requirements, Housing Allowances, Terms of Call, Professional Expenses, Employee Reimbursements, and HR Best Practices. Will also include information on the Illinois Secure Act (Retirement Plan mandate) and Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
Preparing Church Finances for Year End Processes
Tuesday November 12, 6:00-7:30 PM Zoom
We will focus on financial and HR steps that your church can take in 2024 that will make the beginning of 2025 go a little smoother. Making sure that your church is prepared for the January 31 deadline for tax documents before the end of the year can save a new Treasurer additional stress as they step into this position with the church.
Topics will include advance preparation for 2024 W2s and 1099, being prepared for your church’s 2025 Annual Financial Review and tips on completing your 2024 Terms of Call prior to the November 20 deadline.
Annual Financial Review
Wednesday November, 20 6:00-7:30 PM Zoom
The target participant for this class will be church financial staff and the volunteers who will be completing the church’s annual financial review. We will walk through the newly updated Volunteer’s Audit Guide for Churches & Other Non-Profits so volunteers have a better understanding of the audit steps being taken and the rationale behind the steps.
Please reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Sabrina McGrath - Bookkeeper
Bill Strawbridge – Treasurer
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Please click on the blocks below to follow the links: | |
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2025 Youth Triennium
The theme for the 2025 Triennium, July 28-31, is “As If We Were Dreaming…” (Psalm 126). Thousands of Presbyterian young people will meet in Louisville, Kentucky, for four incredible days of worship, recreation, group study, and fellowship. Registration opens in early 2025. If you feel called to serve as the Registrar for Great Rivers, please contact Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz.
Who can attend?
- Youth Participants (YP) who are entering freshmen through graduated seniors in high school and are active in PC(USA) or Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Youth Participants do not have to be official church members.
- Adult Advisors (AA) who are aged 22 & over and are recommended and affirmed by their church, mid council, and/or caucus to serve as delegation chaperones.
- Global Partners (GP) who are youth and adults from partner churches and ministries that are invited, hosted, and sponsored by PC(USA) or CPC delegations or attend the event “on their own” from an official partner ministry of the PC(USA) or CPC.
- Work Crew (WC) who are young adults up to 23 years old and serve as PYT staff behind the scenes.
- Young Adults (YA) who are young adults 19-23 years old and are active in PC(USA) or Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Caregivers (CG) who are adults that serve as a medical or comfort aid to participants.
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Resources for Pastors, Sessions,
and Congregations
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Resources for Pastors and Churches
2024-2025 Presbyterian Planning Calendars are available to order.
Advent begins on December 1. You can find Advent Resources at the PCUSA Store.
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Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership
Associate Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield click
Pastor, Yoked Ministry, New Windsor Presbyterian Church, Rio click
Music Ministry Director, United Presbyterian Church of Peoria click
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Celebrations in Great Rivers | |
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Join us to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Dr. A. Rene Whitaker
Guest Preacher Rev. Diane Baldwin and Music Provided by the FPC Chancel Choir
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October Ordination Anniversaries
October 6, 2019 – The Rev. Nicole Wegele, Member at Large
October 9, 1977 – The Rev. Mark Merrill, Retired
October 13, 1991 – The Rev. Joanne Hinds, Retired
October 15, 1994 – The Rev. Alice Davenport, Retired
October 16, 2016 – The Rev. Chris Schilling (DOC), First Presbyterian, Normal
October 17, 1999 – The Rev. Rene’ Whitaker, First Presbyterian, Macomb
October 20, 1991 – The Rev. Susan Baller-Shepard, Member at Large
October 21, 1979 – The Rev. David O. Esche, Retired
October 22, 2006 – The Rev. Cheyanna Losey, Member at Large
October 23, 1980 – The Rev. Barry Wynveen (RCA), First Presbyterian, Geneso
October 28, 2007 – The Rev. Jonathan Warren, First Presbyterian, Jacksonville
October 29, 1989 – The Rev. Anna Clock Saxon, Retired
October 29, 2017 – The Rev. Trey Haddon, Second Presbyterian, Bloomington
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Welcome to Ministry in Great Rivers
Brenda Horth and Peter Horth were ordained and installed at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, Aledo, on September 29, 2024. Peter was also installed at Hamlet Perryton Presbyterian Church, Reynolds. Welcome to Great Rivers!
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PGR Newsletter Schedule
Newsletters go out the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Please send any articles for publication to StephanieSidotiVMA@gmail.com by Tuesdays at 5 pm.
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Presbytery of Great Rivers Virtual Office
Virtual Office Assistant Crystal Goforth 309-683-6980 Email: office@greatriverspby.org
Crystal works remotely from South Carolina (Eastern Time) and is available until 4 pm CST Monday thru Wednesday and Friday, and 1:45 pm EST on Thursdays. Please leave her a message & she will return your call.
Bookkeeper Sabrina McGrath 309-683-6981 Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
Sabrina works from Peoria IL.
Her regular schedule is Tues & Thurs between 8am-3pm (Central Time)
Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz 309-683-6983 Email: aschwartz@greatriverspby.org
Ann's Sabbath Day is Friday.
Stated Clerk Elissa Bailey 309-371-2511 Email: pastorebailey@gmail.com
My regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am - 3 pm.(Central Time) If you have an emergency, please call or text me at 309-371-2511.
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Get Connected!
Be sure to encourage your congregations, sessions, and even your church newsletter editorial staff and volunteers to sign up for our presbytery newsletter and follow our Facebook page so you don't miss out on what is going on in our community of churches!
Have you liked our "Presbytery of Great Rivers" Facebook page?
Subscribe to PGR’s YouTube channel to get notifications of our new videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7CXkkAsjR9Owi7gkXPtn8w. Share your congregation’s videos with us so we can let others know about your mission and ministry. If you have questions, need help, or want to share a video contact Cheyanna Losey, cheyannalosey@gmail.com or 309- 299-4790.
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