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From the Lead Presbyter
The proposed restructuring of the Presbytery of Great Rivers was presented at the April 29 Assembly. Presbyters then gathered at tables
(and on Zoom) to respond to a series of questions about the proposal.
Over the summer months, you will hear from members of the Governance Task Force as they answer questions, address concerns, and affirm the enthusiastic reactions they are hearing.
Here are a few of my own observations about how we got here and why I feel hopeful about the work of the Task Force. First, the process has been so Presbyterian! By that I mean it has been slow and frustrating, thorough and thoughtful, prayerful and faithful. The resulting plan was borne of first dreaming together about how to live into our values and mission and a deep desire to create a healthy, vital, relational body of Christ; inviting everyone to engage in the conversation; and listening well to those who showed up.
I am grateful to this group of folks who have persisted: Chuck Goodman, Frosty Krummel, Matt Losey, Kathy Mitchell, Karol Schilling, Carol Sleeth, Lee Trotter, Ed Wegele, and Elissa Bailey.
Two elements of the new proposal that I believe will be transformative for the Presbytery of Great Rivers are the formation of a Leadership Council and the regional cohorts. Having one group of leaders that is responsible for the visioning, planning, leading, monitoring, and adjusting of the comprehensive mission of the Presbytery—and who is accountable to the Presbytery—is a contrast to our current model. I am convinced that it will result in more robust engagement with the issues we face and a more streamlined process of discernment and decision-making.
The regional cohorts will provide tremendous possibilities for fellowship, connection, mutual service, and creative shared ministry. Getting to know fellow Presbyterians from area churches and building relationships as fellow disciples and as congregations will enrich us individually, build up the body of Christ, and strengthen our witness in each region of the Presbytery.
Grace and peace,
Ann
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From the Clerk's Corner
The summer is here! My children's last day of school was May 21st,
and it was only a half day. The kids had been counting down for a
solid month beforehand. Even their classes do that as each class had
different special day for me to keep track of. One day was movie day,
the next, pajama day. Somedays, snack days or beach day or picnic day... So much to keep track of. This is especially an important time as
it is Sophia's last year of elementary school. We will be taking our big summer vacation May 28th through June 6th. We are traveling to Washington DC, Maine, and Niagara Falls.
The June Clerk's Convo will be Monday, June 16th at 5pm. This is a time for our clerks to gather with any questions or conversation they would like to have. We usually take about an hour.
Elissa Bailey (she/her/hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Clerk of Session Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 824 7748 7297
Passcode: 832216
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From the Finance Team
Committee Moderators are requested to submit
their committee budgets to Bill Strawbridge by
Sunday, June 15.
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Governance Task Force
The Governance Task Force presented the proposed presbytery restructuring at the April 29 assembly. Over the next several months, the task force will address the questions, concerns, and requests for additional information that were raised during our table conversations.
- Watch this space and the Presbytery website and Facebook page for their written and recorded messages.
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Attend Zoom information sessions on Tuesday, June 10, 10:00 am and/or Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 pm
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Regional gatherings are being planned for June and July. Dates and locations will be available soon.
To read the proposal and see the organizational chart, click here. Send any questions about the restructuring to: pgrgovernancetaskforce@greatriverspby.org
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Timeline
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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Amendments Pass
Votes taken on May 13, 2025, provided the final approval needed to pass amendment 24-C. The amendment to section G-2.0104b of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Book of Order changes the examination standards for ordained service to include an affirmation of newly adopted principles of participation that now include gender identity and sexual orientation.
Ten other changes to the Book of Order and an ecumenical ministry-sharing agreement with the Episcopal Church all received overwhelming approval from presbyteries earlier in the spring. All approved changes go into effect July 4, 2025.
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Book of Order, 2025-2027
The new Book of Order has been sent to the printer. Copies will be available in the PPC warehouse for orders and fulfillment the week of June 16. The cost will remain $10 per book. There will also be an interactive pdf and an updated Annotated Book of Order available. The Korean and Spanish printed publications will be available a bit later (hopefully by early August) as the translations continue in process. The Book of Order 2025-2027 is effective on July 4, 2025. There will be a pdf available of the 2025-2027 Book of Order for download on the www.pcusa.org website by that date.
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PGR On The Road
We had a nice turnout for coffee and conversation
while on the road in Springfield. We hope you can
join us in June. Location announced soon.
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The next Zoom check-in for pastors will be
Wednesday, June 25, 12:00 noon.
Join Here
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L3: Lunchtime Learning for Leaders with Jana Blazek
If you were not able to join us on May 13 for this meeting, you can watch the
Zoom recording here.
If you, think of other questions about the Midwest Call Finder or if you want to
follow up with Jana Blazek about communication tips, website wisdom, or social
media strategies, feel free to reach out to her at jblazek@chicagopresbytery.org.
She is a Synod of Lincoln Trails treasure!
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Springfield’s Juneteenth Celebration
All are invited to Springfield’s Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 14, 11:00 am at Comer Cox Park. Juneteenth, Inc., has invited the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis (PCUSA) to speak following the parade. She is the
co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. Then at 2:00 pm, Liz and her co-author, Noam Sandweiss-Back, will host a book discussion on their latest:
"You Only Get What You are Organized to Take" at St. John's AME Church on Capitol Ave.
You can join the Poor People's Campaign by signing up at PoorPeoplesCampaign.org
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NEXT Church Roundtable Conversations
NEXT Church Roundtable conversations create opportunities for people of faith to connect together—not to
ear from an expert—but to engage with one another in honest conversation, faithful discernment, and generative discussion. Roundtable Conversations are one hour long. There is no charge, but registration is required. Roundtables are not recorded.
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Braving Burnout and Maintaining Resiliency
This season has required a lot from faith leaders, community members, and congregations alike — and many are running on empty. For one
hour, we’ll gather not to push through, but to pause. Together, we’ll
create space for honest reflection about burnout, weariness, and the weight we’re carrying, while also exploring practices and postures to
help us remain rooted, whole, and connected. This is a time not to solve problems, but to tend to the needs within, support one another, and encourage ways forward which value wholeness.
Wednesday, May 28 @ 3:00 pm EST
REGISTER NOW
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Politics and the Pulpit
What are the rules and regulations about “political activity” in churches or religious organizations? Is preaching on election topics okay? What about holding a voter registration event or driving folks to the polls? Is there a way to teach your members how to vote, without telling them “how to vote?” Join leaders from Texas Impact for a practical, action-oriented conversation about ways churches can play a role in democracy, without risking their nonprofit status or their credibility. Learn about the “Faith Votes” model, find toolkits and resources, hear stories of successful faith-based democracy-strengthening programs…and make your plan to step into the public square with confidence! Leaders for all states and contexts are encouraged to attend. This roundtable is co-sponsored by Grace
Presbytery and NEXT Church.
Tuesday, June 10 @ 7:30pm EST
REGISTER NOW
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Environmental and Spirituality Summit
It is online and free to register.
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Wellspring Residency for Pastors
Synod of Lincoln Trails
October 20-23, 2025
The New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center
New Harmony, Indiana
lincolntrails.org/wellspring-2025
Who is this program for?
- Newly ordained pastors and associate pastors in church ministry
- Newly ordained chaplains and those in specialized ministry
- Commissioned pastors in their first role
- Pastors in their first call in a Presbyterian system
- Pastors (seasoned or newly-ordained) in new positions
- Pastors who have transferred into SOLT from another synod
What’s the format?
Ministry is what we do together. Wellspring focuses on annual gatherings and connecting with colleagues who are also in new roles. This three-year program meets each autumn for three nights at a nice location. It will have a cohort, rotational model, with classes and shared learning. All classes will worship together and share meals together.
The time together will involve time for learning — but take heart: no prep work is required! Free time will have opportunities to choose fellowship together with activities for fun and relaxation — or space for solitude and rest.
What will participants learn?
Wellspring aspires to build a team for new pastors, across disciplines, so that they have a team of support. There will be coaching. There will be fellowship. Resources and ideas will be shared. Together, pastors will wrestle with challenges like conflict mediation, finding professional balance, navigating grief, and avoiding burnout. Wellspring will help equip new pastors with tools, support, and energy for their new call.
Each participant is also matched with a coach for monthly coaching.
How is this program supported?
The Synod of Lincoln Trails covers the cost of this program. Presbyteries are asked to include Wellspring in terms of call, so that participants do not have to take continuing education or vacation time.
Questions? Send us an email
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The Clergy Program is a unique, four-day, comprehensive personal assessment for clergy and church professionals
of all faith traditions at the Davidson Centre in Davidson, North Carolina. It is designed as an opportunity for church professionals to sustain faithfulness to their vocation as well as discern options during times of challenge, transition, sabbatical, and retirement.
The Board of Pensions grant covers 100% of the tuition for clergy to attend the 4-day program. The grants are available for clergy whose salary is $80,000 or less, not including the value of the manse.
For more information about our programs, please visit the Davidson Centre for the Professions website at
Davidson Centre for the Professions.
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Presbytery Prayer List
We give thanks to God for these congregations and their faithful ministry and witness:
- Springfield, Korean, and Pastor Jaechul Kim
- Washington, and Pastor John Napoli
- Monmouth Sugar Tree Grove, and Pastor Randy Seals
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Prayers for Our Neighbors
Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery, our neighbors to the west/southwest, suffered damage from a tornado strike last week. Please pray for them.
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June Ordination Anniversaries
June 1, 1959 – The Rev. Richard Watts, Retired
June 1, 1960 – The Rev. Eugene Bilotti, Retired
June 4, 2006 – The Rev. Marla Bauler, First Presbyterian Church, Elmwood, and Faith United Presbyterian Church, Yates City
June 6, 1962 – The Rev. Donald Sinclair, Retired
June 6, 2014 – The Rev. Scott Carnes, First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg (UMC)
June 6, 1974 – The Rev. Gregory Meyer, Retired
June 11, 2006 – The Rev. Dr. Andrew Gifford, St. Luke Union Church, Bloomington
June 13, 1971 – The Rev. Dale Bolton, Retired
June 13, 1990 – The Rev. Steve Smith (UMC), Farmingdale Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Plains
June 15, 1970 – The Rev. Randall Paine, Retired
June 17, 1979 – The Rev. Gary Elg, Retired
June 18, 1978 – The Rev. Richard Tindall, Retired
June 19, 2005 – The Rev. Ed Wegele, First Federated Church, Peoria
June 22, 2003 – The Rev. Julie Blythe, Retired
June 23, 2001 – The Rev. Debra Avery, United Presbyterian Church, Peoria
June 25, 1979 – The Rev. Brent Mitchell, Retired
June 27, 1971 – The Rev. Gerald Boutelle, Retired
June 27, 1993 – The Rev. Charlotte Poetschner, United Presbyterian Church, Mason City
June 28, 2009 – The Rev. Kathy Mitchell, Retired
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Celebrations in the Presbytery
Springfield Westminster PC celebrated Founders’ Day on May 19. It has been 190 years since the congregation was established by abolitionists. Several former pastors returned to participate in the worship service, including Rev. Mark Merrill, Rev. Dr. Shelly White Wood, Rev. Trajan McGill, Rev. Tasha Blackburn, and Rev. Dr. Lonnie Lee.
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Correction of Highlights from the April 29 Assembly
Jamie Kaiser, who was enrolled as an Inquirer at the April 29 Presbytery Assembly, is a member of Bloomington,
New Covenant Community. We inadvertently noted that she is a member at Bloomington, Second Presbyterian
Church. She does, however, serve as the Family Ministry Director at Bloomington Second.
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Midwest Call Finder
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
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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 to get notifications of our new videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7CXkkAsjR9Owi7gkXPtn8w. 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/ | | | | | | |
