October 10, 2025

November 1, 2025 Presbytery Assembly

The next Assembly will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at First Federated Church,

3601 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria. Although everyone is encouraged to attend in person, Zoom access will be available for those who are unable to travel.

• Online Registration for the meeting is open
• Advance registration is required to attend, so that the church has an accurate count for lunch and so that we may send you the login link for the meeting. 
• The new packet and the minutes from the August meeting will be available for download from our website after 4:00 pm on October 21.

Stated Meetings of the Presbytery of Great Rivers

Please take a moment to ensure that all meeting commissioners and minister members are subscribed to the newsletter mailing list. New subscribers may sign up here.

2026 Stated Meetings

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Zoom Only

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Saturday, April 25, 2026

In-Person, with a Zoom option

Host: TBD

10:00 am-2:00 pm

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

In-Person only

Host: TBD

10:00 am-2:00 pm

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

In-Person, with a Zoom option

Host: TBD

10:00 am-2:00 pm

From the Lead Presbyter

It is no secret that church attendance has decreased significantly in the U.S. in recent decades. In a national poll taken last year, 30% of U.S. adults reported attending religious services weekly or nearly weekly. But when asked if they believe in God or a higher power, 86% said yes. While at first glance, that high number seems like good news, as the questions become specific in the polling, there was a discrepancy about what it means to “believe” in God and little consensus about who the God is that they believe in.

There is the violent and vengeful god who torments and destroys particular people and groups. There is the god who is evidently a sports fan because that god helps athletes run faster, throw farther, and score more points for their teams. There is the god who has a “master plan” that includes the deaths of children, the infliction of disease, car crashes, and all kinds of non-random sorrows and tragedies. There is the god who is a combination of Santa Claus and a vending machine, the one whose sole purpose is granting wishes. Some people profess a god who is far too remote and removed to get involved in the messiness of human affairs. Others ascribe to their god every single thing that happens in the course of the day. The rain stopped in time for my walk; thank you, Jesus. The light changed to green so I’d make it to work on time; God is good.

Which of those gods is yours? Or do you believe in a different one altogether? Is your God angry, sullen, brooding, unforgiving? Waiting to pounce every time you make a mistake? Is your God eager to smite the exact same people who you think deserve smiting? Is your God big or small? Does your God care for and receive all people or is your God selective? Is yours a God of compassion, mercy, grace, and love? Is your God reliable, consistent, faithful, and trustworthy?

The scriptures include a variety of images of God—Creator, Covenant-Maker, Liberator, Justice-Seeker, Advocate for the Poor and Vulnerable, Judge, Savior, Redeemer. God shows up in the wind, in the fire, as a baby, in suffering, in the light, as the truth, and on the cross. God beckons, encourages, commands, corrects, persists, keeps promises, calls us by name, wipes the tears from our eyes. In 1 John 4.16b we read: “God is love.” As definitions go, that’s a pretty good one.

Grace and peace,

Ann

From the Clerk's Corner

Hello! It has certainly been a busy time as the fall has started, and we are all entering our fall programming. I know my household has certainly been busy with soccer, youth group, school, clubs, and other church activities. Let me first ask, are you taking care of yourself? Make sure you are taking time for your self-care needs! Yes, I know I am preaching this to myself as much as anyone else!

My favorite month is now upon us! My family and I LOVE OCTOBER! 

Some of my favorite things about October:

I love the changes in the weather.

I love the colors of the leaves!

I love not having to mow the grass anymore.

Candy corn and peanuts is one of my favorite guilty pleasure snacks! Yummy! Seriously... try it. Corn syrup and peanuts... yes!

Halloween! I love seeing how excited my kids get about Halloween. Even my pre-teens still plan to get with

their friends and go trick-or-treating. And honestly, if a teenager comes to my door for trick-or-treating, I am

giving them candy. I would rather have teenagers trick-or-treating than getting into trouble! (So, give teenagers candy if they come to your door!)

Lastly, I love that it is Session Record Review season.

How can I love this? Because I love the opportunity of spending time with clerks of session, getting to know

them, talking with them, and answering their questions. It is one of my favorite parts of my job. There are still a few opportunities in East Iowa and one in Great Rivers to attend Session Record Reviews. They are as follows:

October 7th from 1:00-4:00 pm at Cedar Rapids, First

October 9th from 9:00 am-noon at Davenport, First

October 16th from 1:00-3:30 pm at Springfield, Hope

November 15th from 9:00 am-noon at Iowa City, St. Andrew (a rescheduled event)

As always, if you need your records reviewed and you can't make these times, please reach out to me and we can work something out.

Rev. Elissa Bailey

Stated Clerk

Presbytery of Great Rivers Directory

It's finally here . . . a comprehensive and current directory of church and people contact information! It is available on the Presbytery of Great Rivers website. It is password-protected; please email Brandy Walters at office@greatriverspby.org for access. Check your entries to be sure they are correct, and let Brandy know if and when corrections are needed. Please do not share (give, sell, lease) the directory with others.

Thanks to Brandy Walters and Karol Schilling for their efforts in compiling the directory. And all God's people say, AMEN.

From Your Finance Team

Hello from your Finance Team

Please be sure to always submit a fully completed remittance form with any check you send to the presbytery. This ensures that we apply your payment as you intend. If sending from your bank online, you can email your remittance form to smcgrath@greatriverspby.org.

Please always feel free to reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Bill Strawbridge – Treasurer          Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper

bnc.sbridge@gmail.com               smcgrath@greatriverspby.org

Per Capita

2025 Per Capita  $38.29 per member                   based on 12/31/23 final membership numbers reported

Thank you to all churches who have contributed towards Per Capita

We’ve had 51 churches pay their 2025 per capita in full!

Thank you to Adair West Prairie, Aledo Sunbeam, Alexis Norwood, Athens, Bartonville, Bloomington St Luke, Bushnell, Canton, Carlinville, Carrollton, Carthage, Chenoa, Clinton, Coal Valley, East Moline, Edwards Korean, Elmwood, Eureka, Fountain Green Carthage, Greenview, Ipava, Kirkwood, Knoxville, Leroy, Lewiston, Lincoln, Mason City, Media, Milan, Monmouth Faith United, Morton, Mt Sterling, New Windsor, Normal First, Normal New Covenant, Oneida, Orion, Pekin, Peoria First Fed, Petersburg, Quincy, Reynolds, Rock Island, Springfield First, Springfield Korean, Stronghurst, Virginia Sangamon Valley, Warsaw, Washington, Woodhull & Yates City.

PGR Churches Mission Support

PGR churches and members have given an amazing $135,262 in mission giving in the 9 months of 2025!

General missions: GA $17,837, Synod $4,420, PGR $62,602, OGHS $29,016, Christmas Joy $13,137, Peacemaking $1,262,     Pentecost $6,438, Missionary Pass Thru $1500, Disaster Relief $10,863

Aug 19th Assembly Information

2026 Per Capita: $39 per member         based on 12/31/24 final membership reported

           GA: $11.26   Synod: $3.81 PGR: $23.93

The 2026 Per Capita mailing was sent out in mid-September. Please watch your mail for it.

If for some reason you don’t receive it, please reach out so that we can send it again.

Also discussed was that RE Bill Strawbridge, Treasurer of the Presbytery of Great Rivers, will step down from the role after years of faithful and gifted service. 

The assembly approved increasing the minimums by 2.5% for pastors.  

 2026 Plan Year, Board of Pensions Benefits Renewal

It’s that time again!                      2026 renewal from the Board of Pensions.

During the time to review Employer Agreements for 2026, you may add any benefits offered through the Board

for the upcoming plan year.

Please take note of these dates to help ensure your benefits renewal runs smoothly: 

Key Upcoming Dates

Aug 28 | Employer Agreement begins | EMPLOYER/ CHURCH

Oct 3 | Employer Agreement ends | EMPLOYER/ CHURCH

Oct 20 | Annual Enrollment begins for employees | EMPLOYEES

Nov 7 | Annual Enrollment ends | Deadline for employees to complete Call to Health for reduced '26 deductibles

Dec 1 | Benefits elections report available in Benefits Connect | EMPLOYER/ CHURCH

Review of the books

It is recommended that the annual “review of the books” be done internally by the church for two years and on the third year, the church should have an outside party (preferably a CPA) do the review. Note: this is not an audit. 

Such reviews are important to protect the church, as well as those who handle the money and set policies.

A document to use for the review can be found on the Great Rivers Presbytery website: “2023 Financial Review-Audit by Edd Breeden.” This version was updated in 2022 by Edd. 

If you do not have enough people in your congregation to do the internal reviews, consider partnering with another congregation to share resources. 

The presbytery also has a recording of the Treasurer’s Training seminar by Amy Gardner entitled “Annual Financial Review” that you may want to watch. 

We’re also working to update our contact information. The 2025 Financial Contact Person form was included in the annual paperwork. Please take the time to complete and return it. This information is vital if the presbytery needs to reach out to your church. PLEASE make sure we have a way to contact your church when questions arise. 2025 Financial Contact Person form

We appreciate all who have already responded by completing their forms!

Please click on the blocks below to follow the links

If you’re stepping into ministry roles like preaching, teaching, or leading worship this year—or just feeling the nudge to grow in your calling as you look forward to the year ahead—you don’t have to do it alone. The School for Lay Ministry that starts just one week from today, on October18, is a space designed just for you.

You will find practical tools, a supportive community, and space to grow in faith while learning how to serve with confidence. You’ll explore topics like crafting meaningful sermons, leading with grace, and even navigating ministry in the digital world. The best part isn’t just what you’ll learn—it’s the people you’ll meet along the way. 

This might be the year to dive in. Whether you’ve been leading for a while or just starting to feel God stirring something new, there’s room for you here. Discover More 

Church Safety and Security Training

The October 18 workshop has been postponed until early 2026. Watch this space for more information.

From the Office of Financial Aid for Service - Student Loan Coaching

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will affect student loans and public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). We’ve developed a True/False fact sheet about the changes. The best way to prepare is to start your loan forgiveness process TODAY! The PC(USA) offers free coaching to employees of PC(USA) related churches schools and

non-profits. Go to https://pcusa.org/loanassist to access the fact sheet on the OBBB and PSLF and to sign up

for free Student Loan Coaching. 

A Message from PC(USA) Store

New for Advent 2025

The Advent 2025 digital resource guide from PC(USA) Store is now available! This guide allows you to compare Advent books and resources for devotion, group study, preaching, and worship. View All Available Guides

Protect the Children in Your Congregation

Public Service Announcement from the PC(USA) Leaders’ Facebook Page: Please, please, please stop placing children on the chancel steps facing the congregation for the children’s message. The worship leader should sit there with the children facing away from the congregation and cameras. This should be standard practice in the days of recording and live-streaming worship.

It was shared in a clergy group that they had found a YouTube account collecting and sharing children’s message videos from churches as a resource. However, every single one of these videos includes a young child unintentionally exposing herself to the camera because she is sitting on the chancel steps in a dress. The videos have received exceptionally high numbers of views in a matter of weeks. I will not be sharing the channel here, but it has been reported.

The internet is forever. Our worship livestreams are out there for everyone to see, and sadly there are people who seek out this content for nefarious reasons. A simple rethinking of who sits where is all it takes to better protect the children in your church. 

Beware of Spam and Scam Emails

This is your regular reminder to be cautious when you receive emails asking for money or gift cards. No one on the Presbytery staff will ever send you such a request. 

By checking the actual email address of the sender (let your cursor hover over the name of the sender to verify that it is not the address of anyone in the Presbytery), you can confirm that it is from someone trying to fool you. You might also look at the signature; all of us on staff include our name, position, and contact information. When in doubt, do not click "Reply," but instead send a separate email to our known address to verify.

Leader Formation Webinar

Polity "Back to Basics"

October 23, 2025 | 6:00-7:30 pm CT

Registration Open Until October 15, 2025

Focused specifically on the continued formation of deacons and ruling elders, this webinar will provide an overview of how the PCUSA is structured, the who, when, and how of decision-making, and the role of membership and ordination in the life of the church. The discussion will center on the polity framework that supports the work of councils within the broader community of faith, as well as the foundational theological convictions that underpin the polity.

This event is provided for free for participants and is funded through your per capita dollars. It does not come without cost, however. Knowing the diversity of language within the PC(USA), this webinar will be provided in several languages with interpretation based on requests made through the registration process.

As a result, there is a registration deadline of October 15, 2025, in order to be able to have time to arrange for those services. Advanced registration is not necessary for access to the recording which will be available in English following the event.

This event will be led by Flor Vélez-Díaz, a ruling elder in the role of Assistant Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Manager for Judicial Process and Social Witness within the Interim Unified Agency. 

"Evicting the American Dream" is now available to stream on Amazon Prime. The documentary, produced by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Counter Stories Productions, presents the stories of children and families confronting eviction and homelessness, exploring the root causes and systemic issues that perpetuate this epidemic.

Dr. Katherine Rowell, co-producer of the film and a retired sociology professor at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, addressed some of the current challenges around housing in the United States. “We continue to see racial disparity in housing affordability and eviction rates,” Rowell said. “The issue of housing affordability remains at the heart of the American Dream, and increasingly that dream is becoming a nightmare for many families.”

Rowell developed a documentary Resource Guide to the film available to download with additional resources about eviction and homelessness as a way to raise awareness and encourage education and dialogue around this topic. “It is hoped that communities will add their own resources and questions to guide these conversations and call for action in their communities,” Rowell said.

Photo Contest:“Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods.”

Award Program

Partners for Sacred Places is dedicated to the sound stewardship and active community use of older sacred places across America. To recognize the enormous wealth of vibrant community-serving sacred places in America, Partners is sponsoring a photo contest with the theme “Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods.”

There are four categories: The Arts; Education and Service; Open Space; and Community Events. Entrants may submit up to ten nominations, in any combination of categories. Photo must fit the contest theme, been taken within the last 5 years, and be located on the property of a purpose-built religious building more than 50 years old. Entrants may be amateur or professional photographers.

For more information, see here.. Questions? Contact photocontest@sacredplaces.org.

SOLT Mission Initiative Grants

Mission Initiative Grants are one-time grants of seed money up to $1500 to help begin new congregation-based missional activities. Learn more and apply for a grant from the Synod of Lincoln Trails.

Church Financial Leadership Coaching

The Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Financial Leadership Coaching Program is a free, 12-month coaching opportunity designed to walk alongside pastors. This program equips pastors with the essential building blocks to improve church finances, stewardship, and mission. Learn more here.  And contact Sherri Finke, the Ministry Relations Officer for our region, to learn more. 

Applications for GA Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory delegates are due to the Nominating Committee

by October 15.

GA Commissioner Application

Young Adult Delegate Application

Campus Ministry at Galesburg FPC

First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg is working on new campus outreach this year. We would love to find out about any Knox College or Carl Sandburg College students that have been involved in your congregation who are now in the Galesburg area. We would reach out to see how they are liking school and let them know we are here if they need support or want a home away from home. Church leaders can fill out this form https://fpcgalesburg.breezechms.com/form/c70eff

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and stand together for safe, healthy relationships. It’s a month dedicated to education, support, and hope, reminding us that when communities unite, change is possible and healing can happen. Click here for more information: https://www.thehotline.org/get-involved/ #PWPCUSA #PWJP

Luminosoty Conference

What does joy have to do with being a person of faith? What about the times when finding joy feels really hard? Join us for the 2026 College Conference at Montreat as we explore these questions and more. College Conference @ Montreat invites college-aged young adults to spend three days in the mountains of Western North Carolina nurturing their faith and connecting with others as they engage in worship, recreation, and critical conversations. This conference welcomes all to know and experience God’s word more fully, regardless of each person’s religious affiliation, area of study, or where they might be on their spiritual journey. Registration opens October 6. For more information, click here.

The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) Program is

an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19-30) in sites across the US and the world. To learn more about the program and to apply, click here.

Scholarship deadlines are approaching for the Association of Partners in Christian Education Conference (APCE). For more information, click here.

Presbytery Prayer List

We pray for the following Great Rivers congregations and their leaders:

• Delavan: Regular pulpit supply preacher Stephanie McCullough and Moderator RE Mark Cordes
• Canton: Rev. Edwin Brinklow

October Ordination Anniversaries

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 17, 1999 – The Rev. Rene’ Whitaker, Retired

October 20, 1991 – The Rev. Susan Baller-Shepard, Member at Large

October 22, 2006 – The Rev. Cheyanna Losey, Member at Large

October 23, 1980 – The Rev. Barry Wynveen, First PC, New Windsor

October 28, 2007 – The Rev. Jonathan Warren, First PC, Jacksonville

October 29, 1989 – The Rev. Anna Clock Saxon, Retired

October 29, 2017 – The Rev. Trey Haddon, Second PC, Bloomington

Oct 11 | 10:00 am | Administration Team | Zoom

Oct 12 | 4:00 pm | Service of Installation | Westminster PC, Springfield

Oct 14 | 9:00 am | Nominating Committee | Zoom

Oct 15 | DEADLINE FOR GA COMMISSIONER APPLICATIONS

Oct 15 | 3:00 pm | CARE Team Zoom

Oct 18 | DEADLINE FOR REPORTS FOR NOVEMBER 1 ASSEMBLY PACKET

Oct 23 | 9:00 am | Nominating Committee | Zoom

Oct 23 | 1:00 pm | Leadership Team | Zoom

Oct 24 | 10:00 am | Synod Meeting | Zoom

Oct 28 | 10:00 am | CRE Fellowship | Zoom

Oct 28 | 12:00 noon | Monthly Check-in for Pastors | Zoom

Cheyanna is helping colleagues rehome

some of their libraries.  

See the updated list of FREE books here

The Midwest Call Finder site is live! Thanks to the Synod of Lincoln Trails, all congregations in the presbytery have this new tool at their disposal when they are seeking pastors, musicians, youth directors, Christian educators, administrative assistants, custodians, and other church staff. Likewise, pastors and other church professionals can access this website to learn about available positions in our region. There is no fee to use Midwest Call Finder. Your per capita dollars have made this possible.

Check out the website here: https://midwestcallfinder.org

To submit an opening, use this link: https://midwestcallfinder.org/submit-a-position

Solo Pastor: Installed

Chatham, PC

https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/12437/view/

Associate Pastor: Installed

Peoria, United Presbyterian

https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/12337/view/

Pastor of Yoked Ministry: Installed

New Windsor PC and Rio PC

https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/11148/view/

Solo Pastor: Installed

Woodhull, United Church

https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/12228/view/

See the CLC for more info. Anyone can do an opportunity search.

Communications and Administrative Assistant

Brandy Walters | 309-683-6980 | Email : office@greatriverspby.org

Office hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:00am - 2:00pm. Please leave her a message, and she will

return your call.

Bookkeeper

Sabrina McGrath | 309-683-6981 | Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org

Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am - 3:00pm

Lead Presbyter

Ann Schwartz | 309-683-6983 | Email: aschwartz@greatriverspby.org

Office hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8:30am - 4:30pm; some evenings. Friday is her sabbath.

Stated Clerk

Elissa Bailey | 309-371-2511  | Email: pastorebailey@gmail.com

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30am - 3:00pm. If you have an emergency, please call or

text me at 309-371-2511.

Get Connected!

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!

Be sure to Like us on Facebook

Subscribe to PGR’s YouTube channel here to get notifications of our new videos. 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.

https://www.greatriverspby.org/

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https://midwestcallfinder.org

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