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The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Great Rivers will convene on Tuesday, August 19 at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg.
This meeting will be in-person only. Packets will be posted on the website on August 11. The deadline for registering for the catered lunch ($13.50) is noon on August 11.
Register here
We are delighted to welcome General Assembly Co-Moderator Rev. Cecelia (CeCe) Armstrong to the Presbytery of Great Rivers. She will deliver the message during our worship service, break bread with us at lunch, and answer your questions during a Q&R (question and response) session.
She has asked to meet with young people during her visit, and so following the Assembly, we will take her to Monmouth College for a tour and opportunity to meet with some students who are starting classes that week.
If you would like to join us for the tour, you are welcome to come!
The Leadership Team will have dinner and fellowship with CeCe on Tuesday evening. And then the women in ministry group, who gather monthly for conversation and lunch on Zoom will gather in person in Peoria for lunch with CeCe on Wednesday before she leaves. If others would like to join us, please contact Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz or Maura McGrath Nagle.
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From Paul’s letter to the church in Rome: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. . . . May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:4, 13).
I find great solace in the scriptures these days. Reading reminds me that generations before us have known trials not unlike our own. Poverty, migration, dislocation, persecution, oppression, and cruelty on a mass scale—especially toward the most vulnerable, have long been part of the human experience. Paul tells us that he and others wrote their stories to encourage those who would come after them, to give hope to others who are grasping for something to hold onto. Their stories are assurance that we too can endure our painful present.
People of God have always found their hope in God’s steadfast love and abundant grace, in forgiveness, in the peace of God’s presence, in the incarnation of Jesus, in the promise of new life. God gives us—as individuals and the church—the gift of the Holy Spirit so we can continue to hope.
You who are the body of Christ in the Presbytery of Great Rivers fill me with hope. As I make my way through central and west central Illinois, worshiping with you all, preaching, meeting with sessions, talking about the restructuring plan, hearing about the joys and challenges that churches face, and engaging in creative, forward-looking conversation with Presbytery leaders, I am filled with gratitude and awe at the ministry you are doing.
While I appreciate the strength and faith of our ancestors who cheer for us from beyond and who left a path for us from darkness to light, I also praise God for all of you who encourage me at a time when it is so easy to be discouraged. Thank you.
Grace and peace,
Ann
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Friends! What a summer it has been! How is the summer nearly over already? I have already picked up the kids' school supply list and have
begun to think about what all needs to be done before school. I am not
sure I am ready to have two Junior High kids, but here we go.
As we look at the school year starting, it also means we gear up for
fall activities in our churches. This also means it is going to be time
for Session Record Reviews.
As clerks, you are required per the Book of Order to bring your Records
to have them received. More information will be sent to you. If you don’t receive that information, please reach out to me.
So far, the dates, times, and locations for Session Record Reviews are as follows:
Tuesday, August 26, 9 am to noon at United Presbyterian in Peoria, IL
Saturday, September 6, 11 am to 2 pm at Hope, Springfield, IL
Tuesday, September 16, 9 am to noon at First Pres, Macomb, IL
Thursday, September 18, 1 pm to 4 pm at First Pres, Mt. Pleasant, IA
Sunday, September 21, 3 pm to 6 pm at First Pres, Normal, IL
Tuesday, October 7, 1 pm to 4 pm at First Pres, Cedar Rapids, IA
Thursday, October 9, 9 am to noon at First Pres, Davenport, IA
Saturday, October 25, 10 am to 1 pm at St. Andrew, Iowa City, IA
Rev. Elissa Bailey
Presbytery of Great Rivers Stated Clerk
Presbytery of East Iowa Stated Clerk
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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 towardtos Per Capita.
We’ve had 45 churches pay their 2025 per capita in full!
Thank you to Adair, Aledo Sunbeam, Alexis Norwood, Athens, Bartonville, Bushnell, Carlinville, Carrollton, Carthage, Chenoa, Clinton, Coal Valley, East Moline, Elmwood, Eureka, Greenview, Ipava, Kirkwood, Knoxville, LeRoy, Lewistown, Lincoln, Mason City, Media, Milan, Morton, Mt Sterling, New Windsor, Normal First, Normal New Covenant, Oneida, Orion, Pekin, Petersburg, Quincy, Reynolds, Rock Island, Springfield Korean, Stronghurst, Virginia Sangamon Valley, Warsaw, Washington, Woodhull, and Yates City.
PGR Churches Mission Support
PGR churches and members have given an amazing $89,195 in mission giving in just the first
6 months of 2025!
General missions: GA $12,790, Synod $4,147, PGR $43,482, OGHS $26,382, Christmas Joy $12,082, Peacemaking $1,044, Pentecost $2411, Missionary Pass Thru $1500, Disaster Relief $10,033 ($8,199 designated to wildfire assistance & $313 given during the February 11 assembly).
Memorials for H Herbert Edwards (a member of Macomb First) directed to Peacemaking for PGR $895.
Presbyterian Youth Triennium donations, $206 from the April Presbytery Assembly. We had 4 leaders & 8 youth attend the event at the end of July.
Review of the books
It is recommended that the annual “review of the books” be done internally by the church for two years, and in 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 for the review can be found here.
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 has a recording of Amy Gardner's treasurer's training seminar titled Annual Financial Review. Contact Sabrina to watch the training.
We’re also working to update our contact information. 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!
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
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The Stewardship Navigator is a free resource that provides everything you need to get started with your fall stewardship season. It offers a stewardship calendar, as well as options and ideas for stewardship campaigns. There is also a built-in Narrative Budget creation tool.
| | Presbyterian Youth Triennium | The Presbytery of Great Rivers sent a delegation to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium last week. Our group joined over 2000 youth at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville. Youth and adults from First Presbyterian Church, Milan; First Federated Church, Peoria; and Hope Presbyterian Church, Springfield comprised the Great Rivers delegation. Participants experienced engaging workshops, connected through hands-on activities, and closed each day with worship and music that brought everyone together! Thanks to the Synod of Lincoln Trails and the Presbytery of Great Rivers for providing generous financial support. And thanks to our registrar, Brandy Walters, for coordinating everything and everyone! | | |
A procession during Monday night worship at Presbyterian Youth Triennium
included some celestial props. (Photo by Rich Copley)
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The Presbytery of Great Rivers was well represented at Synod School last month. Our adults and youth taught classes, made friends, learned stuff, and had a great time!
| | The FPC Jacksonville youth group at Synod School. | | |
We will vote on the proposed presbytery restructuring at the August 19 assembly. If you have not yet read
the proposal, click here. View the updated organizational chart here.
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Won't you be my neighbor?
RE Carol Sleeth, Presbytery Moderator
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For several years, the Governance Task Force has been gathering, brainstorming, and prayerfully considering ways to “make manifest the connectional nature of our church and to help us better align our outward behavior, structure, and expression of our internal values and mission – community, communication, connection, cooperation, compassion, consistency, collegiality, and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
We have had Zoom opportunities, round tables at Assembly, and many in person meetings to listen, share, and refine. Thank you. Excitement has begun to generate. Throughout the summer, members to the task force have shared in GOOD NEWS: acknowledging the challenges of change, addressing reasons to restructure, encouraging the need to share this plan with our congregations, and sharing how the proposed structure clearly defines roles. As I have participated in this process, I have noticed much more interest and involvement in Great Rivers Presbytery. Curiosity has been tapped. Energy, thoughtfulness and faith abound.
As a retired English teacher, ruling elder, and deacon, I have had to educate myself more. PJC, COM, CPM, CARE…Figure out the meaning and then what do they do. This work did it. I am so thankful for the clarity, compassion, excitement, connection, and commitment this document brings and see more embracing the work
for PGR.
Recently, Mr. Rogers has been at many meetings. Our church summer series is Won’t You Be my Neighbor:
I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I have always want to live in a Neighborhood with you.
So let’s make the most of this beautiful day; since we’re together we might as well say,
would you be mine?” Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?
The Governance Task Force Proposal opens each of us to be and recognize our neighbors in Great Rivers -encouraging all to she each one’s unique gifts, be non-judgmental, and listen to ourselves, our neighbors, our world, and God and nurture all.
How will you be a neighbor in nurturing our connectional church?
Feel the growth and energy as we collectively share the Good News and grow.
| | Previous Task Force Messages | | |
In recent weeks, other members of the GTF have reflected on the restructuring:
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April 29, 2025: Presentation of proposed restructuring to the Assembly for first reading
May-June 2025: Governance Task Force hosts Zoom conversations, regional gatherings about plan
July 2025: Governance Task Force reviews suggestions, addresses concerns, revises plan
August 19, 2025: Second reading. Assembly votes on proposal
Sept-Oct, 2025: Nominating Committee seeks individuals to serve in the new structure
November 1, 2025: Assembly votes on slate of nominees
January 1, 2026: Presbytery begins living into the new structure
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The next Zoom check-in for pastoral leaders is scheduled for noon on Thursday, August 28. It’s an informal time of conversation and fellowship. Feel free to eat lunch as you gather with colleagues.
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We will resume L3 at noon on Wednesday, August 27. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is offering an opportunity to have faith leaders gather with members of PDA in a conversation about how they and those with whom they minister are affected by concerns surrounding immigration and migrants, LGBTQIA+ issues, and job loss and economic uncertainty.
Members of PDA will facilitate the Zoom conversation, which will provide opportunities for sharing, reflection, and tools for self-care and resilience in times of deep distress and uncertainty. The meeting will last one hour with an additional 30 minutes of optional continued conversation. The session will not be recorded, and all participants will be asked to keep everything that is shared confidential.
PDA and other denominational resources relevant to the planned discussion will be shared in advance. This session is not designed to offer technical, policy, or grant information related to immigration and migrant concerns.
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2026 Medical Pricing for Dues Packages Now Available
At its summer meeting, the Board of Directors of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved medical dues increases to the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation for 2026, in response to continued challenges in the healthcare industry that continue to drive up costs. Pricing for 2026 medical dues for these packages is now available, and the dues for the Covenant Package will remain unchanged.
Pricing for benefits, including medical coverage, provided outside of these dues packages will be available when employers review their Employer Agreements.
What’s ahead: Selecting benefits for 2026
Your congregations’ 2026 Employer Agreements will be available in Benefits Connect Aug. 28-Oct. 3. This is their opportunity to review pricing and select one or more benefits to offer their employees for next year. Look for an announcement email with more details soon.
Annual Enrollment for employees in your congregations will take place Oct. 20-Nov. 7. This is their opportunity to choose benefits their employer has offered for 2026. Employers will have access to updated communication resources in the coming months to help guide staff through the enrollment process.
We encourage you to share this information with congregations and leaders in your care.
Don’t miss this: The Value of the Benefits Plan webinar
You’re invited to explore how the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides comprehensive benefits that support ministry during The Value of the Benefits Plan webinars this summer. These webinars, featuring Board of Pensions staff, will highlight:
- how scripturally based values of A Theology of Benefits are woven throughout the plan
- healthcare trends and costs, the value of our income protection plans, and the Assistance Program
- how our employer and member services team supports you and those called to serve
The webinars will be held Aug. 14, 2-3:30 p.m. ET, and Aug. 19, 1-2:30 p.m. ET. They are open to all throughout the Church, including mid council leaders, pastors, employer representatives, church staff, personnel committee chairs, and church business administrators. Registration is now open!
Look for additional webinars coming in September to support 2026 benefits decisions.
If you have any questions or would like to talk through your congregations’ benefits planning needs for 2026, I’m here to help.
In peace,
Rev. Dr. Ken Green
Church Consultant
215-587-7384
| | PCUSA Stated Clerk Calls for Urgent Accountability in the Devastating Crisis in Gaza | |
In a letter, the Reverend Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency calls for 10 actions ‘grounded in the Gospel’
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to stand in the deepest places of suffering, to speak when silence enables harm, and to act wherever human worth is disregarded. Christ walked among the sick, the hungry and the sorrowful. He reminds us still: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
Gaza has become one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in recent history. Reports now estimate that more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, many of them women and children. In recent weeks alone, nearly 2,000 Palestinians have been murdered. We have witnessed the destruction of entire communities and the forced displacement of nearly the entire population. The most vulnerable are being killed in homes, hospitals, schools and places of worship. Nearly every person in Gaza has lost their home. Entire families have been erased, and thousands remain buried beneath the rubble. The health care system has completely collapsed. Medical workers have been killed while tending the wounded. Journalists and aid workers have been targeted. In the West Bank, settler violence and deadly military raids continue to escalate with impunity.
Read more here
If you would like to support efforts to relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza, more than 100 global organizations are working to provide food, shelter, and life-saving services. Learn more here.
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The 226th General Assembly approved the creation of a new Social Witness Policy on Artificial Intelligence
and Faith. Please share this survey link with members of your congregation and invite them to respond:
https://surveys.pcusa.org/s3/AI-Faith.
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Save the date! The next Advocacy Hour will be September 24th on LGBTQIA+ issues.
We will also be having our regular Community Hour on August 13th at noon. We hope you can join us!
Register here.
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The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations through October 15 for General Assembly commissioners and YAADs (Young Adult Advisory Delegates). Candidates should reflect the breadth and diversity of the Body of Christ and should be actively involved in the life of the presbytery and their congregations. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to listen, speak, and serve.
All commissioners must indicate a willingness to serve and a commitment to be present for the entire General Assembly.
Minister Commissioners must be a member in good standing of the Presbytery of Great Rivers and have been active in the life of Presbytery, as shown by regular attendance at presbytery assemblies in the past two years and service in/for the presbytery beyond attendance at assemblies.
Ruling Elder Commissioners: must be a member in good standing of their congregations and active in the life of Presbytery, as indicated by recent attendance at presbytery assemblies (either as a commissioner or visitor) and have served in/for the presbytery beyond attendance at assemblies.
Find the applications here.
YAAD Application
GA Commissioner Application
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We pray for the following Great Rivers congregations and their leaders:
- Clinton Presbyterian Church and Rev. Paul Stroup
- First Presbyterian Church of Virginia
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The Reverend Gordon McLean died on July 19, 2025.
He served as the 13th pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Springfield.
Read his full obituary here
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August 1, 1999 – The Rev. Susan Phillips, First Presbyterian Church, Springfield
August 1, 2004 – The Rev. Charles Walden, Scotland Trinity, and Ipava
August 12, 2018 – The Rev. Brandon Ouellette, Faith United Presbyterian Church, Monmouth
August 14, 2021 – The Rev. Eric S. Vinsel, Member at Large
August 23, 1992 – The Rev. Charles Goodman, Hope Presbyterian Church, Springfield
August 27, 1989 – The Rev. Carolyn Weber, Retired
August 29, 1993 – The Rev. Margaret G. Vogelsinger, Retired
August 31, 1981 – The Rev. Cheryl G. Lunday, Retired
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The 2025 Annual Christian Century Lecture will be “Curing Whiteness” with Willie James Jennings on Friday, September 26, 7:00 pm at the Arts Club of Chicago. Jennings is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School, where he teaches in the areas of Christian thought, race theory, and decolonial/environmental studies. Tickets are $50 and support the work of the Christian Century. A reception will follow the lecture.
Learn more and register here
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Community Circles: Small Church | | |
Are you an educator, volunteer, pastor, or commissioned pastor (CRE, CLP), who serves as a leader in a small church (less than 100 members)? You are invited to register for the PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation's Community Circle, designed especially for those leaders in small churches.
Come to share in conversation and learn, ask questions, receive and share resources for ministry, and support one another during these 90-minute Zoom gatherings. Each features a question or topic just to get the conversation going related to Faith Formation leadership in small churches, then the discussion can go from there.
Conversation facilitator is Sandy Safford, Faith Formation leader for close to 30 years and a Commission-ready Lay Pastor who served as pastor for a small rural congregation in Colorado for 10 years. She is also a consultant, retreat facilitator, and trained coach who loves the outdoors as well as collecting ideas with colleagues for wonder and imagination in ministry.
Tuesday, August 19th, 2:00 pm Central
Wednesday, October 8th, 10:00 am Central
Thursday, December 4th, 12:00 pm Central
| | Wee Kirk Conference at Montreat | Pastors serving small membership churches encounter many unique challenges. The Wee Kirk conference aspires to provide Christ-centered opportunities for inspiration, encouragement, and community among leaders of small membership churches so they can do the same in their congregations and regions. October 20-22, 2025. Learn more here. | |  | Connect with Others in Ministry with Youth and Older Adults | |
A message from the Office of Christian Formation
Calling Youth Leaders paid and volunteer! Join others from around the country October 6 – 8 in San Diego California for “Come to the Water”, the Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association in person gathering. Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is the keynote speaker and Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill the Gathering pastor for the event. Registration is $140 and includes worship, keynote, workshops, and four meals. Come ready to be inspired with new ideas to implement. Learn more.
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New Orleans
September 22-24, 2025
Attend In-Person or Virtually
Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions!
The mission is to create an annual event that:
— Ignites Generosity
— Give Practical Tools for Cultivating Generosity in Congregations
— Expands the Leadership Capacity of Those Who Lead
Stewardship Initiatives
— Cultivates Adaptive Approaches for Funding Christ's Mission
Virtual attendance includes all four (4) Plenaries, both worship services, and these eight (8) workshops
(A-11, A-12, B-11, B-12, C-11, C-12, D-11 and D-12). You will have access to the livestream and to the recordings of these sessions and can attend live when they are scheduled or later, at your convenience.
For more information or to register, click here.
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Resource Research Made Easy + New Guide for Small Churches
A message from PC(USA) Store
The digital resource guides from PC(USA) Store help you easily compare products and access excerpts so you can choose the perfect resources for you and your church. Start comparing resources for group study, preaching and worship, gift buying, Advent, and more! Plus, we’ve just released a resource guide for small churches that intentionally curates resources to meet the particular needs and budgets of small churches. Don't forget to share with others in your church community!
| Ordination Exams Orientation | |
A message from Alex Rodgers,
Manager for Preparation for Ministry and Exams
For all those planning to take any of the Ordination Exams in the coming year, I’ll be offering two Zoom orientations. These orientations will cover the content of the Handbook on the Standard Ordinations Exams. They will not cover exam content but will help students know what to expect in terms of the exams themselves and will give students an opportunity to ask questions.
Registration is required. (there is no registration deadline)
- Monday August 27, 7:00pm – 8:30pm — Register
- Wednesday September 3, 11:00am – 12:30pm — Register
Download the flyer here.
| | Sabrina has a few items from storage if anyone would like them. They can be picked up at the August Assembly. smcgrath@greatriverspby.org | | |
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22 tabletop sign holders
25 plastic bowls
22 offering-style baskets
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Thurs, Aug 7 COM United PC, Peoria 10:00
Thurs, Aug 7 Assembly Planning Zoom 2:30
Mon, Aug 11 Presbytery Assembly Packet Posted
Tues, Aug 12 PGR on the Road Moline 10:00
Mon, Aug 18 Personnel Zoom 12:00
Tues, Aug 19 Presbytery Assembly 10:00
Tues, Aug 26 Session Records Review Peoria UPC 9:00-12:00
Wed, Aug 27 L3 Zoom 12:00
Thurs, Aug 28 Nominating Committee Zoom 9:00
Thurs, Aug 28 Pastor Check-in Zoom 12:00
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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
| | Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Great Rivers | | Presbytery of Great Rivers Staff | | |
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.
CRE Coordinator
Cheyanna Losey | 309-299-4790 | Email: cheyannalosey@gmail.com
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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!
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/ | | | | | | |
