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The Presbytery of Great Rivers is seeking a Lead Presbyter—a relational, visionary leader ​to serve 81 congregations across central and west-central Illinois.
Rooted in Matthew 25 ministry and living into a new, collaborative structure, we’re looking for someone who will:
- Build connections across diverse congregations
- Support and nurture pastoral leaders
- Guide churches through transition and innovation
- Help shape the future of a presbytery ready for what’s next
This is a full-time call beginning Fall 2026.
📅 Apply by June 30, 2026
📧 greatriverssearch@gmail.com
🔎Find more information and a full job description here.
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From the Bridge Presbyter
In the last newsletter, I introduced our praying for the General Assembly
meeting in Milwaukee this coming week. I found this prayer written by a
pastor in Chicago Presbytery. I share it with you as a possible prayer this Sunday as the Assembly meets in person.
Rev. John Rickard
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A Prayer for the Church Gathered
God of many voices and one Spirit,
Every two years, your people come together.
From cities and small towns,
from neighborhoods and congregations,
from different experiences, perspectives, and callings,
we travel different roads to arrive in one place.
What a gift it is to gather.
To worship side by side.
To share tables and conversations.
To pray, deliberate, sing, and discern together.
To remember that we are more than individual congregations,
more than presbyteries,
more than opinions or votes.
We are one church,
bound together by your Spirit,
called together by your grace.
As we gather in Milwaukee for General Assembly,
we give thanks for this visible sign of our connection—
for commissioners, advisory delegates, volunteers,
staff, leaders and observers,
all joining in the work of listening for your voice.
We pray for commissioners sent from Chicago Presbytery:
for Lawrence Brown, Brian Satre,
Gerald Farinas, Sandy Zeles,
Julio Peña, Hailey Braden-Lynch,
Shawna Bowman, and Nanette Sawyer.
We pray for Lukas Boynton,
serving as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate,
bringing the wisdom, questions, and hope of a
new generation.
We pray for Jana Blazek, serving as voting manager,
and Ken Hockenberry, serving as parliamentarian.
Bless them all with patience and clarity,
courage and humility,
energy and joy.
We pray for commissioners and delegates from
every presbytery,
for advisory delegates and ecumenical partners,
for those standing for co-moderator,
for those speaking at microphones,
and for those listening carefully from their seats.
We pray for moderators and stated clerks,
for parliamentarians and voting managers,
for interpreters and translators,
for technicians and production teams,
for worship leaders and musicians,
for volunteers and planners,
and for all whose work helps the church gather
faithfully.
May they know that their service matters.
May they find strength for long days,
grace for unexpected challenges,
and encouragement in the knowledge that they
help make space
for the church to listen to your Spirit.
We pray for those passionate about the matters
before us.
When convictions run deep,
grant humility.
When disagreement arises,
grant curiosity.
When tensions emerge,
grant patience.
When decisions feel weighty,
grant wisdom.
When outcomes disappoint,
grant grace.
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We pray for those who are attending their first Assembly,
and for those who have attended many.
For those who arrive eager,
and those who arrive weary.
For those who find community easily,
and those who wonder where they belong.
We pray for those who are watching and praying from home:
from sanctuaries and living rooms,
from offices and retirement communities,
from hospital rooms and coffee shops.
Remind them that they, too, are part of this gathering,
joined in prayer and hope with the wider church.
We remember those who long to be here but cannot.
Those whose prayers travel where their bodies cannot.
Those who have served Assemblies before us,
and those who will serve after us.
Knit us together across distance,
circumstance,
and generation.
We pray for Milwaukee:
for the neighborhoods we walk,
the workers who serve us,
the congregations that welcome us,
the businesses that host us,
and the communities whose stories are already woven into this place.
And we pray for all who wonder:
What is God doing among us?
Where is the Spirit moving?
What future is being born in this gathering?
Open our eyes to signs of your presence:
in thoughtful debate and unexpected laughter,
in worship and hallway conversations,
in shared meals and quiet prayers,
in courageous testimony,
in reconciliation and renewed friendship,
in moments of holy surprise,
and in the steady assurance that Christ is our light and our hope.
When we are tempted to place our trust in votes,
remind us to trust in you.
When we become anxious about outcomes,
remind us that your faithfulness is larger than any Assembly.
When we struggle to see the way forward,
help us remember that your Spirit is already moving ahead of us.
By your Spirit, gather us.
By your grace, deepen us.
By your love, send us forth renewed.
And when this Assembly is complete,
may we carry home more than decisions.
May we carry home new friendships,
deeper understanding,
renewed courage,
and a clearer vision of the church you are still creating among us.
We arrived by many roads.
We will return by many roads.
Yet we remain one body,
one church,
one people,
held together by the grace of Jesus Christ
and the movement of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Rev. Jana Blazek
https://chicagopresbytery.org/2026/06/22/a-prayer-for-the-church-gathered/
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Clerk's Corner
We are...the church!
So many times we have heard the statement, "The youth are the future of the church!" Yet, I urge you to think of the youth of the church as the church now. Last week, I spent a week with about 75 campers at Camp Bear Creek in Wyoming, IA. They ranged in age from 9 to 16+, and there were camp counselors who were not much older. It was an absolute blast for so many reasons.
This was the third year that I had this amazing opportunity as the Camp Chaplain. During the week, I spent time with each group within the camp, learning more about them as individuals; their cares, concerns, beliefs, and general feelings about the church overall. I did arts and crafts with Pirates and Discovery, archery with Louis Pioneers, launched bottle rockets with Clark Pioneers, went tubing down the river and ziplining with the middlers, caving with the night owls, had a campfire breakfast (at 2 pm) with the High School Night Owls, and did Bible Study with the Water Adventures. Not to mention a lot of 9-square, friendship bracelet making, color wars, worship, and had a generally amazing time! I had the honor of leading staff devotion on Hebrews 3 & 4, and giving a message at 4 worship services.
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And through all of that, over and over, I kept seeing the lessons the youth were teaching me. First of all, this is a highly informed generation. They have access to so much more information than I did at that age. They know what is happening in the world and in life around them. They are aware of global issues of war, oil crisis, immigration, and social justice that affect not only the world but their own backyards. They desire for their world to be better. They don't look for older generations to solve their issues for them. They are already looking to figure out how they can be a part of the church that solves these issues now.
One of the questions I asked several of them is what makes them like the church where they worship. I encountered many youth who attend PCUSA churches in the Presbytery of East Iowa. Almost all of them gave me answers that pertained to relationships. It wasn't about programming, though that can be great. It was about how amazing their pastor is. It was about how welcome they felt. It was about a place they can go with their grandparents. It was about seeing friends and hanging out. It was relationships. What an amazing lesson for us all! Too often, we are so focused on whether or not we have enough to offer younger families, yet what we really need is already within us. Are we loving? Are we kind? Are we willing to be the body of believers that welcomes all in? That is what the youth taught me this past week, yet again.
Rev. Elissa Bailey
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Finance
Hello from your finance team,
2026 Per Capita: $39 per member based on 12/31/24 final membership reported
GA: $11.26 Synod: $3.81 PGR: $23.93
Thank you to the 26 churches that have paid their 2026 per capita in full!
Mailing Address
Please include an attention line when addressing correspondence to the presbytery to ensure it is routed to the appropriate presbytery staff member.
| | Download the 2025 PHP Impact Report | | |
Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing and the Presbyterian Hunger Program make a difference in the United States and around the world. Read stories about where these gifts have been at work.
Hunger persists not because there is a lack of food, but because communities are denied access to the resources and conditions needed to thrive, including nutritious and culturally relevant food, fair wages, land and housing security, and a healthy environment. The Presbyterian Hunger Program partners with organizations around the world addressing these root causes through sustainable development, community empowerment, and advocacy for systemic change.
Learn more about our work here.
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The 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened on June 22.
Worship Resource
Congregations are invited to join Presbyterians across the denomination in worship on Sunday, June 28, the opening weekend of General Assembly. A shared worship resource has been created to help churches pray for and connect with the work of the Assembly, offering a tangible reminder of our life together as a church beyond local congregations. Materials are available for congregations that wish to participate.
Download the resource here.
Latest News and More Resources
Download the Guide | Explore all the Outlook’s available GA Resources
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Apply before July 13, 2026
The Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Technology Grant program will assist Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors and leaders serving churches or New Worshiping Communities. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry through technology in a variety of ways:
- Upgrade existing technology or purchase new technology
- Upgrade a church website
- Online Training
Pastors with the greatest need serving congregations of color, small churches, new immigrant congregations, and congregations in economically challenged locales are invited to apply. Grants will be given to churches or presbyteries for release to the pastor for direct purchase or reimbursement for technology purchases and training. Those who received grant funds during the previous Technology Grant cycles are asked not to apply.
Visit presbyterianfoundation.org/tech-grant to apply for the grant. The application process will be open from May 20 to July 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. We anticipate more applicants than available grants.
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Rev. Dr. David Loleng
Vice President
Church Financial Literacy & Leadership and
Stewardship Education
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PGR Regional Cohort Gatherings
Mid-eastern Region | Sunday, August 2, 2:00 pm
Indian Point Presbyterian Church: 24562 Indian Point Ave, Athens, IL 62613
All members of Athens, Delavan, Greenview, Lincoln, Mason City, Middletown, Petersburg, Tallula, Virginia-First, and Virginia Sangamon Valley are welcome.
Bloomington-Normal Regional Gathering | Friday, August 28, 5 pm
First Presbyterian Church: 2000 E. College Ave., Normal, IL
All Bloomington–Normal area Presbyterians are invited to a Hymn Sing. We'll gather in the sanctuary at 5:00 for a brief welcome and introductions before singing hymns selected by participants and closing with fellowship and refreshments. Priority will be given to hymn requests submitted here by Monday, August 24. This will allow time to prepare printed words for hymns not found in our hymnal.
Questions may be directed to kschilling@firstpresnormal.org.
| | Let Brandy know when your cohort is meeting so she can update the regional gathering event page and the PGR calendar. If you have photos from your gatherings, we'd love to share them in our newsletter! Send meeting details and pictures to bwalters@greatriverspby.org. | | |
One of our colleagues is rehoming their library. If you have room to take in a few more books, look over this list and let Cheyanna Losey know. She will help arrange for the arrival of your new books. Thank you!
cheyannalosey@gmail.com
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Westminster Presbyterian, Springfield, is cleaning out our closets and would like to gift to churches and anyone interested years’ worth of Children’s Sunday School curriculum and VBS kits. We children’s Sunday School from Sparkhouse publishing: Spark classroom and rotation teacher lesson books and handouts; Holy Moly and Whirl; Seasons of the Spirit, PC USA: Growing in God’s Love lessons, We Believe year A and Awesome Adventures. Past VBS kits include: Cokesbury’s Food Truck, Adventure Island, Knights of North Castle, Super Heros Central and Living Waters for the World’s VBS as well as a Digging for Treasures: Parables. All are available, first come, first served, and for FREE. Please contact, Rev. Sarah Bishop, at (217)522-4415 or sbishop@wpcspi.org to arrange pick-up.
| Youth in the Church and World Sunday | |
July 26, 2026, is a special day on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calendar that celebrates the gifts of young Presbyterians by having them lead what is always a creative, interactive, and engaging service. It is a wonderful day to hear the voices of the young people in your church, to be challenged by their leadership, and to be encouraged as they share their faith.
Click here for free Orders of Worship resources to use for Youth Sunday or anytime you want to get youth involved in leading, planning, and preparing for worship.
| How the Synod of Lincoln Trails is Rethinking Boundary Training | Pastors often leave boundary training knowing the rules but still struggling with conflict, anxiety, and burnout. A new model in the Synod of Lincoln Trails aims to change that, writes Rebecca Blair. Read the article here. | Storm Damage and Other Disasters | | |
Tornado season in central Illinois can be scary. When there are storm warnings, please take time to secure all church property, including manses. If you have any damage to church property, please contact the Lead Presbyter, along with your church insurance carrier.
If you are a pastor and have damage to your personal property, we have the ability to reach out for emergency grants via the Board of Pensions. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Natural disasters take a toll on our mental health in the immediate and longer-term. If you are a member of the Board of Pensions, there are specific resources available to you via the Spring Health program that manages mental healthcare, including free counseling sessions for you and/or your family as you cope with potential impacts and if you are called upon to be a responder. More resources here.
| | For pastoral leaders in a time of discernment about your ministry, check out the Clergy Program through the Davidson Centre, a four-day experience designed to offer a comprehensive personal and vocational assessment for clergy and church professionals from all faith traditions. It creates a supportive space to renew one’s commitment to their calling while exploring new possibilities during times of challenge, transition, sabbatical, or retirement. The Board of Pensions offers a grant that covers 100% of the tuition for clergy to attend. Grants are available for clergy whose salary is $88,875 or less, not including the value of the manse. More information here. | | Mark your calendar for September 2026, and join POAMN in Knoxville, Tennessee, for our annual conference. Join us for an inspiring gathering focused on spiritual depth, resilience, and continued fruitfulness—themes that matter deeply for leaders walking alongside older adults through seasons of transition. Follow this link to learn more. Early Bird Pricing Ends August 11. | | |
Concerned about Gun Violence?
Learn Faith-Based Skills for Gun Violence Prevention
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The 3rd Annual James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage will be September 15-18, 2026, at the Heartland Center near Kansas City, MO.
As you build relationships with other faith activists from across the nation, expect to learn practical, pastoral and prophetic skills for guiding your congregation in the task of saving lives and healing the trauma and fear brought by 38,000 lives stolen by gun violence last year.
Who should come? Lay leaders and teams, pastors, parents and grandparents, gun violence survivors, suicide prevention groups, gun owners, safety and public health advocates, veterans, youth leaders---people of faith who are committed to saving lives. All denominations are welcome
Keynote Speaker Jer Swigart, co-author of Mending the Divides, will challenge us to deepen our theological calling for gun violence prevention and teach skills for healing.
Space is limited. Scholarships are available. Click here to learn more.
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Monday, October 5 to Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Cincinnati, Ohio
Our Second Annual PCGN Conference brings together leaders from across the PC(USA) who are committed to learning together how to lead churches toward faithful growth. We look forward to sharing the official conference announcement soon, including the theme and registration details.
Stay Connected
Email Updates - Join through the website or email pcgn.contact@gmail.com to be added to our list.
PCGN Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/pcgrowthnetwork
PCGN Website - https://www.pcgrowthnetwork.org
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Save the Date
Calling all middle school and high school students! Join us November 6-8, 2026, for a weekend full of outdoor activities, making new friends, fellowship by small and large groups, and lots and lots of fun at Stronghold Camp Retreat Center.
Watch this page for more details coming late summer, or contact Jeannette at Illinois Prairie Presbytery with questions.
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We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- LeRoy, First United Presbyterian Church – served by Rev. Bill McLean
- Petersburg, Central Presbyterian Church – served by Rev. Ryan Edgecomb, moderated by Rev. Chuck Goodman
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June 22-July 2 | 227th General Assembly | Milwaukee, WI
July 7 | 10:30 am | Commission on Transitions | Zoom
July 9 | 1:00 pm | Commission on Pastoral Leadership | Zoom
July 19 | 1-4 pm | Aledo, College Avenue Presbyterian Open House
July 22 | 1 pm | Ministry Coordination Group (CPL, CCL, COT co-mods) | Zoom
July 26-31 | Synod School
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Beware of Spam and Scam Emails
Privacy Alert: The Presbytery Directory, as well as
your church directory is for members only.
Please DO NOT share this information to protect everyone's privacy.
- It's always a good idea to check the email address before responding to requests.
- Grammatical errors and awkward phrasing often signal potential scams.
- Do not respond to emails that ask for money or favors.
- If something feels off, it probably is!
- No one on the Presbytery staff will ever send you a request asking for money or gift cards.
| | Presbytery of Great Rivers Staff | | |
Bridge Presbyter
John Rickard | 309-683-6983 | Email:jrickard@greatriverspby.org
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.
Bookkeeper
Sabrina McGrath | 309-683-6981 | Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Treasurer
Annette Simmons | Email: PGRTreasurer@greatriverspby.org
Communications and Administrative Assistant
Brandy Walters | 309-683-6980 | Email: bwalters@greatriverspby.org
Office hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:00am - 3:00pm. Please leave her a message, and she will
return your call.
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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
| | https://www.greatriverspby.org/ |   | |   | | | |
