Thinking About Our Passions, Our Gifts⊠| |
If youâve ever received a phone call from someone on the Nominating Committee, whether at the church or even the Presbytery, you might have had this thought run through your head. âOh, no. Theyâre going to ask me to serve on Session, or as a Deacon, or on some COMMITTEE!â Some of us in smaller churches have already served six, seven (more?) times during the course of our lifetime. I chuckle when I think of someone who called me to service in the Presbytery once. He asked me to think about it. He then said, âYou can say anythingâŠbut just donât say âno.ââ
The fact is that our churches and our presbytery need the contributions of our congregants. Itâs the blessing of the Presbyterian church that we are governed and served by representatives elected and commissioned to service. Yet, weâre all faced with demands on our time and energy. (People often tell me that when theyâre retired, theyâre busier than everâoften with church!). Weâre also faced with new social and cultural realities that constantly make us rethink how we âdo church.â What used to be necessary but not longer seems to be, because times have changed or resources are fewer? What really needs to be done? OrâŠwhat can we do that would be exciting and invigorating?
Iâm really struck by how we can make service more exciting and passionate, if we discover what we actually like to do and feel called to do. In our church someone introduced a âpassions surveyâ during our worship service. We were all invited to think about what we were passionate about, from hobbies like woodworking and sewing, to topics like history, reading, following politics and (yes) fashion trends. One of my favorites was âmaking others comfortableâ (as in hospitality?). Hmm. Obviously, many of these passions and talents can be employed within the church. The key is that we discover what really lights a fire within us and seek to use it in ways that God is calling the church to serve now.
Coming soon, the Mission Commission will be releasing its own talent survey to churches throughout our Presbytery. (Iâve gotten a sneak peek, and itâs impressive.) I happen to wear the Nominating Committee hat for Great Rivers Presbytery, so I might be one of those people who happens to call you asking if youâd be willing to use your gifts. âYou can say anything, butâŠâ. Think deeply about your passions, your interests. Is there something you might doâeven if it is something unusual or differentâthat might help make your church be an expression of Godâs power and light? Consider sharing it with us in the Presbytery, too!
Grace be with you,
Peter Galbraith, Pastor, Grace Church PC(USA) in Rock Island.
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Clerk's Cornerï»ż
ï»żWhat happens at General Assembly? The answer to that: A LOT! This General Assembly was full of ups and downs and amazing moments that will be shared with you through the stories of those who were there. I will allow them to tell you their amazing and heartfelt stories of what it was like to serve as commissioners and delegates to the 227th General Assembly of the PCUSA. Instead, I will tell you a little bit about my role at GA. I am a support person. I work alongside Bobby to make sure that our commissioners and delegates are well taken care of. Do they need drinks? Snacks? Do they need fidget toys or something else to do? Do they need someone to complain to? I am for it all! ï»ż
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Two particular pieces I wanted to share are that on one morning, I was asked to be a bouncer for the floor of the assembly! This was so incredibly exciting! The rule is that you have to have a certain badge to be able to get on to the voting floor. There were volunteers in lavender smocks who kept people out of that area and I got asked to take a shift! After GA was all over, the EP of Milwaukee Presbytery gave me one to take home!
Another fun piece was getting all of Gary's photos as he was listening and playing with the Legos and building!
I have included a few photos!
Rev. Elissa Bailey
| | Highlights from General Assembly 227ï»żï»ż | | |
GA227 closing sermon gives audacious reckoning of church harms
The Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz offers a word on Isaiah 58 and healing after a GA shaped by concerns over institutional power and mistrust. Layton Williams Berkes; Presbyterian News Service
| |  | The Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz delivers the sermon during closing worship at the 227th General Assembly on July 2. Photo by Rich Copley | | | |
Apply before July 13, 2026
The Presbyterian Foundationâs 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.
| | Churches and congregations of the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba are located throughout the island. All are affected by the current crisis and, especially at this critical time, need our prayers, solidarity, and support. ï»żThe Cuba Partners Network provides a comprehensive Response Toolkit to assist the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba (IPRC) during the current humanitarian crisis. ï»ż | | |
PGR Regional Cohort Gatheringsï»ż
Mid-eastern Region | Sunday, August 2, 2:00 pm. This event will be rescheduled.
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.
ï»żBloomington-Normal Regional Gathering | Friday, August 28, 5 pm
First Presbyterian Church: 2000 E. College Ave., Normal, IL
All BloomingtonâNormal 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.
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ï»żLet 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.
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Run with Purpose. Join Team CWS!
Church World Service is proud to be an official charity partner of the 2026 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on November 7, 2026. Through Team CWS, participants can run either the Half Marathon or Full Marathon while raising funds to support CWS programs around the world and the local work of CWS Indianapolis.
Team CWS runners receive a racing singlet or t-shirt, coaching support from Olympic Trials qualifier Evan Gaynor, access to a private race-day tent, a pre-race team meal, and fundraising support from CWS staff.
Learn more and register:
Half Marathon: https://haku.ly/f3905e2c45
Full Marathon: https://haku.ly/585fbe0a77
Turn your miles into meals, resilience into refuge, and compassion into concrete change.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information.
With gratitude,
Andrew Gifford (he/him)
Community Engagement Manager
Church World Service
agifford@cwsglobal.org | (419) 376-4309 | Eastern Time
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Childrenâs Sunday School curriculum and VBS kits
ï»żWestminster Presbyterian, Springfield, is cleaning out our closets and would like to gift to churches and anyone interested yearsâ worth of Childrenâs Sunday School curriculum and VBS kits. We childrenâs 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 Godâs Love lessons, We Believe year A and Awesome Adventures. Past VBS kits include: Cokesburyâs Food Truck, Adventure Island, Knights of North Castle, Super Heros Central and Living Waters for the Worldâs 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.
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Books, Books, Books
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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Join the PYWA - Presbyterian Youth Workers' Association for the Second Annual âCome to the Mountainsâ Gathering in Montreat, North Carolina.
This gathering is open to all youth workers â ordained and non-ordained, volunteers and professionals alike. The conference will serve to uphold youth workers, provide connection to a professional network, and inspire new approaches to youth engagement. There will be general sessions with worship, keynote speakers, and various workshops.
ï»żLearn more and register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04ls0990
| | New Around the Table Cohort Opportunities | | |
Cohorts begin Fall 2026
Register by July 31, 2026
Faith leaders and caregivers of children and youth are invited to participate in new Around the Table cohorts designed to strengthen faith formation, nurture intergenerational relationships, and weave Christian spiritual practices into everyday life and faith communities.
Two cohort options are available for fall 2026:
- Retreat Cohort with an in-person, content-rich experience followed by ongoing coaching
- Traditional Cohort with a fully online journey of guided conversations and shared learning
Both are offered free of charge and are available in English, Spanish, and Korean. No matter which you choose, youâll gain practical tools to strengthen faith formation, build intergenerational relationships, and weave spiritual practices into everyday life.
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Save the Date
ï»żCalling 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
ï»żlots 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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Pastor Information Form
All pastorsâMinisters of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Ruling Elders, and othersâplease complete the Pastor Information Form and return it to Brandy.
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July Ordinations
ï»żJuly 9, 1989 â The Rev. Rebecca Sherwood, Retired
July 11, 2015 â The Rev. Kathryn Ann (Kay) Daniel, Retired
July 13, 1997 â The Rev. Pam Laing, Retired
July 19, 1959 â The Rev. William G. Schlobohm, Retired
July 20, 2013 â The Rev. Dr. Adam Quine, First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln
July 22, 1984 â The Rev. Harold W. Losey, Retired
July 24, 2005 â The Rev. John Napoli, Washington Presbyterian Church, Washington
July 25, 2009 â The Rev. Elissa Bailey, Presbytery of Great Rivers
July 27, 2010 â The Rev. Jaechul Kim, Korean United Presbyterian Church, Springfield
July 28, 1985 â The Rev. Martha Anne Jones, Retired
July 29, 1956 â The Rev. William R. Beattie, Retired
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July 13 | 2:30 pm | Assembly Planning Meeting | Zoom
July 19 | 1-4 pm | Aledo, College Avenue Presbyterian Open House
July 21 | 10 am | Commission on Congregational Life | Zoom
July 22 | 1 pm | Ministry Coordination Group (CPL, CCL, COT co-mods) | Zoom
July 26-31 | Synod School
August 18 | 10 am | Presbytery Assembly | First Presbyterian Church Springfield
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