| | Folks from Kirkwood, Stronghurst, Media, and Macomb gathered with PGR staff for coffee, conversation, and idea-sharing at County Line Diner in Smithshire during PGR on the Road. | | Highlights of the February 24 Called Assembly | |
The sole purpose of the called meeting was to elect the Lead Presbyter Nominating Committee.
The following individuals have agreed to serve:
- RE Nicole Morrow, Peoria United PC
- RE Randy Sigler, LeRoy United PC
- RE David Taylor, Pekin First PC
- RE Susan Weikert, Jacksonville First PC
- TE Gray Marshall, Member at Large, Springfield
- TE Katie Styrt, Milan First PC
- TE Matt Wilcox, Normal First PC
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Clerk's Corner
Greetings Clerks! You have been doing an amazing job, and I am so proud of you! Thank you to all who have sent in your end-of-year reports. If you haven't gotten them in, there is still time! Just send them to me directly.
A life change update: as many of you have heard me say, I was planning to take churches old session books to the Presbyterian Historical Society sometime this Spring. However, at the end of this month, I am transitioning from one counseling clinic to a new one. So, I will need a little bit of time to get new clients situated. In addition to this, my partner is having a pretty significant back surgery on March 11th. We both covet your prayers! That being said, yes, I do plan to still take books to Philidelphia, I have just had to push this back.
Thank you!
Rev. Elissa Bailey
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Thank you to all the churches that have contributed to Per Capita. We've already had 12 church pay their 2026 per capita in full!
Per Capita
2026 Per Capita: $39 per member
based on 12/31/24 final membership reported
GA: $11.26 Synod: $3.81 PGR: $23.93
Changes to Compensation
Minimum Salary (+2.5% increase from 2025) 2026
Level 1 - less than 4 yrs exp. 51,826
Level 2 - 4 or more yrs exp. 55,801
Full-time CRE minimum 41,459
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
Beginning January 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup, or panel truck will be:
72.5 cents per mile driven for business use
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
As always...
- Please submit a fully completed remittance form with check payments to the presbytery to ensure they are applied as intended.
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If payment is sent from your bank online, email your forms to Sabrina.
- Reach out to either of us anytime with questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Annette Simmons – Treasurer Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper
PGRTreasurer@greatriverspby.org smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
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| Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights | | |
If you are interested in learning more about how to stand with immigrant families, friends, and neighbors, please consider this option. Immigrant organization-led training is available online from ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights) at:
Know Your Rights (on Mondays, 6:00 pm): Here
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Connect with Colleagues and Friends
All Commissioned Ruling Elders are invited to join this
informal monthly check-in via Zoom for conversation,
fellowship, and support. Our next gathering is Monday,
March 23 at 10:00 am.
CREs use this link to join
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The next Zoom Check-in for Pastors is scheduled
for Monday, March 23, at 12:00 noon. This is an
informal time of conversation and fellowship. Feel
free to eat lunch as you gather with colleagues.
Pastors join here.
| Register Now for Emotional and Spiritual Care Webinars | The 2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy is now open for registration. This free, six-week series of live webinars, offered by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and partners, is designed to equip faith and community leaders with practical tools for addressing emotional and spiritual needs in the wake of disasters and crises. Topics include resilience, trauma-informed response, and care in human-caused disasters. | |
Regional Cohort Gatherings
Mid-Eastern Region
Athens, Delavan, Greenview, Lincoln, Mason City, Middletown, Petersburg, Tallula, and Virginia
Sunday, March 8, 2:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg
Snacks will be provided. We want to get to know one another, so we can purposely pray for each of the congregations in the group. We want to share how God is working in our congregations. We want to encourage and learn from one another.
Peoria Region
Bartonville, Edwards, Elmwood, Eureka, Farmington, Pekin, Peoria, Washington, and Yates City
Monday, March 16, 7:00 pm at United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor, Peoria
Join us for a dessert potluck. Bring your favorite sweet treat to share. Let’s get acquainted and talk about the faithful ministries we’re all doing and how we can support one another.
Galesburg Region
Biggsville, Galesburg, Kirkwood, Knoxville, Media, Monmouth, and Stronghurst
Sunday, March 22, 2:00 pm at United Presbyterian Church, Biggsville, 101 West Adams, Biggsville
The Biggsville congregation will provide desserts. We will continue making plans for worshiping together
and sharing ideas.
Quad Cities Region
Coal Valley, E. Moline, Geneseo, Milan, Orion, Reynolds, Rock Island
Sunday, April 12, 2:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Milan, 1620 W. 1st St., Milan
More information available soon!
| Healthy Boundaries & Ethics Training Resources | |
The Presbytery of Great Rivers requires annual ethics/boundary training for all pastoral leaders. Online training can be completed through:
The Synod of Lincoln Trails will offer several in-person trainings during the late spring and early summer. Dates and locations will be announced in March.
| 2025 was a tumultuous year for refugees and asylum seekers. Many programs were shut down suddenly, and an increase in immigration enforcement has put migrants in danger once again. Join Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the National Immigration Forum in discussing the changes migrants experienced in 2025. This webinar will be recorded and is limited to 500 seats. | |
A conference for pastors, church leaders, and friends to inspire imagination
Our first-ever church leadership conference is a transformative event designed to inspire and equip pastors and church leaders for the challenges of today’s world. With a focus on innovation, inspiration, and illumination, this conference offers a unique opportunity to explore fresh perspectives, ignite passion for ministry, and discover new strategies for leading with purpose. Through dynamic sessions, powerful speakers, and meaningful connections, we aim to inspire growth and impact that will extend far beyond the conference itself.
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Dear Families and Church Leaders,
We invite students to attend Confirmation Camp, a faith-filled weekend experience held at Camp Carew that supports and strengthens the confirmation journey.
Confirmation Camp was created to support churches experiencing smaller confirmation classes. The program may be used in addition to a church’s existing confirmation program or as the full program. After the weekend, students return to their home churches, where elders may ask questions of their choosing before confirming the students.
Throughout the weekend, campers will participate in six engaging sessions covering topics commonly included in confirmation programs. At the conclusion of camp, students work together to prepare and lead a worship service. Parents and families are invited to attend this service on Sunday morning.
Confirmation Camp Details
Confirmation Camp will take place at Camp Carew from Friday, March 20, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, March 22, at 1:00 p.m. The cost to attend is $50 per camper. All meals are included with registration, including dinner on Friday, three meals on Saturday with snacks, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
Register Today
Email: camp.carew@KemmererVillage.org
Phone: 618.201.6015
We would love to have your child join us for this meaningful weekend of learning, faith, and fellowship. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
| Presbyterians Remember the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Contributions to Civil Rights | The work of Jackson, who died Tuesday at age 84, often intersected with the work of Presbyterians. Jackson was active during a time when the struggle for the civil and human rights of African Americans was at its climax. He survived the 1960s and 1970s with a healthy faith and a commitment to making the United States true to its creed. Read the article here | |
The Korean version of the Book of Order is now available for download. You may access it at the link below:
규례서 Book of Order 2025-2027
| One Great Hour of Sharing | |
February 18 - April 5, 2026
Serve the most vulnerable around the world, offering aid to people lacking access to life’s basic necessities.
Lots of useful and FREE resources are available for you to use this Lenten season!
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Leader's Guide - Everything you need for a successful One Great Hour of Sharing season this Lent can be found here. Download HERE
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Sharing Calendar - Short activities, reflection questions or prayers for each day during Lent are available on the Sharing Calendar. This is great for use with children or even intergenerationally. Download HERE
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Social Media Images - Use these social media images to spread the word about One Great Hour of Sharing this year. Download HERE
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Media Tool Kit - Create your own images for announcements in bulletins and emails about One Great Hour of Sharing using the provided assets. Download HERE
- Bulletin Inserts - Bulletin inserts may be part of your standing order, but if not, you can download them here. Also variations in black and white or covers only are available!
Download "DO JUSTICE" bulletin insert HERE
Download "WE ARE THERE" bulletin insert HERE
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The Rural Ideas Conference is a national, ecumenical conference that focuses on rural congregations. We invite pastors, leaders, and members from your church to join us at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR.
There is no cost to attend the conference. We offer free lodging in the new campus dorms. You are welcome to pay for your lodging in a hotel room instead.
Click here for more information.
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A Workshop on Cultivating Thriving Churches
Registration and more details to come by late spring, 2026
Date: Saturday, October 17, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: Suggested donation of up to $20 for lunch (sliding scale)
Location: First Presbyterian Church, Milan, IL (1620 1st St W, Milan, IL 61264)
Jointly organized and hosted by Great Rivers Presbytery and the Presbytery of East Iowa, this event will be an opportunity to share resources and ideas related to fostering church growth. Our keynote speaker will be Rev. Joshua Erickson, co-founder of the PC(USA) Church Growth Network. This network was established to create a learning community of PC(USA) leaders who value and believe local congregations and new faith communities are called and created to be “strengthened in faith and increase in numbers.” The PCGN seeks to foster growth in size, vitality, and missions impact for local congregations and new faith communities so that more people experience the life-changing love of Christ.
In addition to a presentation and workshop offering from our keynote speaker, other workshops will be offered by local leaders, including Rev. Ed Wegele, Peoria First Federated, and Rev. Matt Wilcox, Normal First.
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Have You Checked Out This POAMN Resource?
Expressions of Older Adult Ministry is an online resource created by Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network in partnership with the Office of Christian Formation.
You will find guiding principles for older adult ministry, a theological framework for older adult ministry, downloadable quicksheets, toolkits, and a resource library.
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March Ordination Anniversaries
March 2, 1980 – The Rev. Forrest Krummel, Retired
March 2, 1980 – The Rev. Susan Krummel, Retired
March 4, 2013 – The Rev. Edwin Brinklow, First Presbyterian Church, Canton
March 13, 2011 – The Rev. Christopher Williams, Member at Large
March 28, 1993 – The Rev. Dr. Laura Brookens Reason, Retired
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| We will no longer post the pulpit supply list online because of the potential for email addresses to be misused. Email us to request a copy. | | |
We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- Elmwood, First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Marla Bauler
- Greenview, United Presbyterian Church, moderated by Rev. Dr. Rene Whitaker
- Macomb, First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Dr. Cheyanna Losey
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Feb 28 | 9:00 am | Church Safety & Security Workshop | Springfield Hope PC
March 2 | 1:30 pm | CCL, CPL, COT Leadership Meeting | Zoom
March 3 | 12:30 pm | Commission on Transitions | Zoom
March 3 | 3:30 pm | CARE | Zoom
March 5 | 9:00 am | PGR Staff Meeting | Zoom
March 6-7 | Preaching Retreat | Sacre Coeur Retreat Site | FULL
March 8 | 2:00 pm | Mid-Eastern PGR Regional Gathering | Central PC, Petersburg
March 12 | 1:00 pm | Commission on Pastoral Leadership
March 16 | 7:00 pm | Peoria Region PGR Regional Gathering | Peoria, United PC
March 22 | 2:00 pm | Galesburg Region PGR Regional Gathering | Biggsville, United PC
April 12 | 2:00 pm | Quad Cities Region PGR Regional Gathering | Milan, First PC
| | Bindertek Elliptical Archival Binder | | Center Presbyterian Church in Seaton has a new 4" Heavy-Duty Elliptical Archival Binder from Bindertek for sale. If anyone is interested, please contact Marcia Duncan at marciajduncan@gmail.com | |
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.
| | Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Great Rivers | | Presbytery of Great Rivers Directory | | Presbytery of Great Rivers Staff | | |
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.
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.
Bookkeeper
Sabrina McGrath | 309-683-6981 | Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00am - 3:00pm
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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/ | | | | | | |
