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The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Great Rivers is on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 am, at First Presbyterian Church of Macomb.
We will worship, learn about exciting ministries happening at our congregations, engage in a Bible study led by CARE, receive reports, and take action on business related to the mission and ministry of the Presbytery.
Registration will be open soon.
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The Gospels speak often of Jesus’ compassion.
Matthew 20.34: Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
Mark 6.34: Jesus . . . saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for
them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Luke 7:12-13: As Jesus approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow . . . When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her.
At no time was Jesus’s compassion more evident than during his final journey to the cross, when, despite the betrayals and the pain inflicted upon him, he had mercy for the ones who caused it.
Compassion means “to suffer with.” And Jesus did: with and for those who were ill, whose bodies and spirits were broken; who were seeking relationship and community; who were grieving. He sought to relieve the suffering of others. And when that was not possible, he was with them in the midst of it.
Our God cares about real human suffering. We see that in Jesus’ compassion toward those who suffered the most—the vulnerable and sick, the widowed and orphaned, the poor and the immigrants, the rejected and excluded, the unclean and the outcast. Throughout his ministry, Jesus called his followers to do the same—not out of pity or obligation. Out of compassion.
Like so many of you, I find myself grieved and startled daily by the cruelty in the world—much of it intentionally inflicted and the source of so much preventable agony. It seems to me that our fundamental task as decent human beings and certainly as Christians is to make known in real ways God’s compassion for all people and in so doing, to bear witness to the power and love of God.
As we enter into Holy Week, may we remember in prayer and in loving action all who suffer.
Peace be with you,
Ann
| | Thanks to Hope Presbyterian Church in Springfield for hosting the Church Safety and Security Workshop on February 28, led by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. | | Lots of smiles during PGR On The Road at Busy Corner | | |
Thank you to the 12 churches that have already paid their per capita in full as of 2/28/2026.

​Bushnell, Carlinville, Carrollton, Greenview, Mason City, Media, Milan, Mt. Sterling, New Windsor, Reynolds, Stronghurst, Woodhull.
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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Email the complete remittance forms to Sabrina if you sent them from your bank online.
- Reach out to either of us anytime with questions or concerns.
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Additional finance information and forms can be found here.
Thanks,
Annette Simmons – Treasurer Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper
PGRTreasurer@greatriverspby.org smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
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The next Zoom Check-in for Pastors is scheduled
for Tuesday, April 28, 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
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All Commissioned Ruling Elders are invited to
join this informal monthly check-in via Zoom for conversation, fellowship, and support. Our next gathering is Tuesday, April 28, at 1:30 pm.
CREs use this link to join
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Regional Cohort Gatherings
Biggsville United Presbyterian Church hosted the
Galesburg area churches for desserts and conversation
on Sunday, March 22. Twenty-five folks from six churches attended and made plans for a future gathering.
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Quad Cities Region | Sunday, April 12, 2:00 pm | First Presbyterian Church, Milan, 1620 W. 1st St., Milan
Coal Valley, E. Moline, Geneseo, Milan, Orion, Reynolds, Rock Island
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North Central Region | Sunday, May 3, 2:00 pm
United Presbyterian Church, Viola, 2571 State Hwy 17, Viola
Members from Aledo College Avenue, Alexis Norwood, New Windsor, Oneida, Rio, Seaton, Viola, and Woodhull are encouraged to come.
Bloomington Normal Region | Sunday, April 26, 2:00 pm
First United Presbyterian Church, LeRoy, 101 E. Pine St., LeRoy
Bloomington Second, Bloomington St. Luke Union, Chenoa, Clinton,
Danvers, LeRoy, Normal First
Gather with folks from the regional cohort (pastors, session members, congregation members, etc.) for a dessert potluck. The focus will be on introductions, a brief intro to the regional cohort plan, ideas for future gatherings, a time for questions and answers, etc. If possible, notify Bill McLean at the LeRoy church regarding how many individuals will be participating from your congregation so that we can make sure we have enough chairs and desserts.
| | Springfield First Hosts Antiracism Workshops | |
First Presbyterian Church of Springfield is honored and excited to offer three interfaith antiracism workshops. Leaders from the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network, founder Veronica Espina, and
Dr. Kelly Hurst, will lead our in-person antiracism workshops on April 25, June 7, and June 27.
There are 50 seats available per workshop. The dates, times, and other details are in the RSVP form.
Contact the Rev. Susan Phillips at Springfield First if you have questions.
| FREE Resources for Congregations from the PC(USA) Office of Innovation | Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes tools, stories, frameworks, and a few holy nudges. Whether you're reimagining how your church uses its building, launching a social enterprise, or simply learning to see your neighborhood with fresh eyes, this library of curated resources is here to support your journey. Click here. | Register Now for 2026 Benefits Regional Summits | The Board of Pensions has opened registration for the 2026 Benefits Regional Summits: Support for Congregational Leaders, including May 19 at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst. The summits will provide important updates and insights into the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and related programs offered by the Board of Pensions. The summits are open to all throughout the Church. Pastors, Personnel Committee chairs, and church business administrators will find value in hearing about anticipated updates as they begin planning for 2027. | Board of Pensions Expands Support for Congregations and Pastoral Leaders | |
The Board of Directors acted to balance stewardship of the Medical Plan with the needs of congregations and their pastoral leaders. They approved a subsidy for dependent children of participants in the Congregational Pastors Package, a two-year extension of Transitional Pastor’s Participation, and a Child Care Support grant.
The new subsidy for dependent children of pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package will cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical coverage cost of dependent children, effective Jan. 1, 2027. This subsidy will reduce the flat rates for both the 2027 Child(ren) and Family coverage levels.
The Board of Pensions continues to monitor medical cost trends and expects to release the 2027 dues for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation in July.
Directors also extended Transitional Pastor’s Participation through 2029, beyond its original end date of year-end 2027, for ministers currently enrolled in it. The package for ministers enrolled in Pastor’s Participation as of Dec. 31, 2024, was provided to give congregations and ministers time to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.
Additional support for families came with Directors’ approval of a Child Care Support grant from the Assistance Program. The initial pilot phase of this grant, effective April 1, 2026, will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family. This grant is available to PC(USA) ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors with dependent children ages 0-6 years to offset a portion of their child care needs. Congregational pastoral leaders must also be:
- employed by a PC(USA) congregation and sanctioned by the presbytery with an effective salary at or below 80% of the median effective salary ($56,880 or less for 2026)
- employed at least 20 hours a week
- enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
Dependent children do not need to be enrolled in the Medical Plan but must meet IRS rules for dependents.
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Reserve fund supports Medical Plan
Directors established a reserve fund to bolster the Medical Plan and support the new and existing subsidies for the Congregational Pastors Package and Transitional Pastor’s Participation. Additions to this fund will be made annually.
The new subsidies will support the two-year extension of Transitional Pastor’s Participation and cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical coverage cost of dependent children, reported on above. The Board intends the subsidy for the cost of dependent children to be ongoing.
The newly approved subsidies are in addition to the historical subsidies inherent in the income-sensitive dues packages and plan design for ministers and commissioned pastors. Congregations pay dues based on the member’s effective salary; the lower the salary, the lower the dues amount, with a minimum medical dues amount set annually by the agency. This enables the lower-resourced congregations to provide medical benefits to their pastoral leaders at below the actual cost of the coverage. For example, the minimum medical dues amount represents approximately 50% of the actual cost of coverage for a single member. Subsidies also exist in the income-sensitive deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums in the preferred provider option (PPO).
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Additional Medical Plan options approved
Providing more choice by expanding Medical Plan coverage options is critical to attracting and retaining PC(USA)-affiliated employers, who are driving membership growth in the Benefits Plan, helping to keep it vital. In response, Directors approved three additional medical coverage options, effective Jan. 1, 2027, bringing to six the number offered through the Board of Pensions. The three additional options include a second PPO, second exclusive provider organization (EPO), and second qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) and will have the same features as the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to PC(USA)-affiliated employers, the new options will be available to PC(USA) employers and congregations for lay employees and ministers who are not in installed positions. Ministers, spouses, and children enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastor’s Participation will continue to be offered the Board’s current PPO plan.
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Directors approve 7.2% experience apportionment
The Board of Directors granted a 7.2% experience apportionment for the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, effective July 1. This is the largest apportionment granted since 1999 and the 14th consecutive apportionment granted, yielding a cumulative increase of 64.4% since 2013. Experience apportionments result in a lifelong increase in pension benefits or pension credits accrued.
An additional dues subsidy will soon be available to help offset the cost of dependent child medical coverage for congregational pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package. Beginning January 1, 2027, the subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated cost of medical coverage for dependent children, reducing the flat rates for both Child(ren) and Family coverage levels. Using 2026 dues as an example, current child coverage costs are $829 per month (about $9,950 annually). With the subsidy, that cost would be reduced to approximately $414.50 per month (about $4,975 annually) for Child(ren) coverage, and $1,435.50 per month (about $17,226 annually) for Family coverage. Congregations may also choose to share in the cost of dependent coverage.
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Women and Money: Claiming Your Financial Future
When: April 9, 16, 23, 30, all 1:00-2:30 pm (CST)
Women encounter a unique set of financial challenges throughout their lives — from earning less on average, to spending fewer years in the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities, to facing higher healthcare costs and longer life expectancy, as well as the increasing number of women who are uncoupled and navigating financial decisions independently. These factors all influence financial stability over a lifetime.
Join us this April for an impactful and informative webinar series designed to help women understand these financial dynamics and gain the insights they need to make confident, informed decisions. Featuring professional speakers from the financial and healthcare industries, the series brings together holistic perspectives on money, relationships, health, identity, and spiritual balance. Register here.
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The Interim Unified Agency is now Presbyterian Life & Witness.
On March 19th, the Unification Commission affirmed the new name, which takes effect immediately. The new moniker also comes with a tagline, “Serving God’s Mission in the World.” Read the announcement here.
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Save the Date!
A healthy boundaries workshop, sponsored by the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois and the Synod of Lincoln Trails will be offered on May 2, 2026.
| An Interactive Zoom Workshop | |
This 3-session workshop series (Thursdays: April 30, May 7, May 14; 12:00-1:30 pm Central) will unpack the concepts of Cultivated Ministry while offering practical ways to begin shifting the culture of assessment in your own context.
Each session will be 90 minutes in length and will build on the concepts over the 3 weeks. The workshops will be held over Zoom and will include concept presentation, conversation, and application examples from practitioners already using this resource.
The workshops are designed for all church leaders – church members, pastors, educators, elders, and church professionals.
| Call for Workshop Submissions | |
The annual event of the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) will be in Portland, Oregon, January 27-30, 2027. It is consistently a good option for study leave for pastors, midcouncil leaders, and others.
Event planners will receive workshop submissions through March 29. More information about workshop criteria is available here. The Portland location may make 2027 a good year to attend, especially for those in the west.
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New Resource for Caregivers and Churches
Caregiving is hard work. The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) and the Association of Partners in Christian Education with the Office of Christian Formation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) created a resource: the Care Partner Tool Kit. It features resources for both care partners and faith communities who wish to support those giving care.
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Presbyterian Church Growth Network
One-Day Conference
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Tuesday, April 21, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
A One-Day Mini Conference designed to help church leaders be inspired to help their churches grow in
faith and numbers
This gathering is designed to cultivate relationships and equip leaders who care deeply about faithful growth
in both faith and numbers in the PC(USA). The day will feature four interactive learning sessions. Each session will begin with a short presentation followed by table discussions, creating space for leaders to learn from one another.
Presenters include:
- Rev. Scott Keeble, Lead Pastor, Copper Creek Church Vision Casting and Lessons From a Growing PC(USA) Church Plant
- Chris Jacobson-Chism and friends, Director of Worship, Copper Creek Church: Music Matters: How to Lead Effective Music Ministries that Support Growth
- Rev. Josh Erickson, Senior Pastor, Park Ridge Presbyterian Church: Understanding the Church Life Cycle and Pathways of Revitalization
Visit https://coppercreekchurch.org to learn more about Copper Creek Church. The cost for this one-day event is $25, which will cover lunch and hospitality.
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A new four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Studies
In a moment when empathy is often misunderstood — and sometimes dismissed as weakness — “On the Road to Empathy” invites churches to return to Scripture and rediscover empathy as a deeply Christian practice.
Learn more here.
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The Rural Ideas Conference is a national, ecumenical conference which focuses on rural congregations. Pastors, leaders, and members from your church are invited to attend the conference at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. The provisional schedule can be found here.
There is no cost to attend the conference! Free lodging is offered in the new campus dorms. You are welcome to pay for your lodging in a hotel room instead.
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Synod School
July 26-31, 2026
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Join us for this week of worship, learning, sharing, and community for all ages. The catalog is available online here, and registration opens at noon on Wednesday
April 1.
Find out about the Synod School mission project here.
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Summer Sabbatical Study Sampler
May 18–22, 2026
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary | Dubuque, IA
You serve faithfully and sacrificially, let University of Dubuque Theological Seminary serve you. This summer you can experience five restorative days of learning, worship, rest, and renewal designed especially for ministry leaders.
The Summer Sabbatical Study Sampler includes
- DMin cohort lectures and discussions
- Daily Chapel Services
- Lunch with faculty exploring current research
- Plentiful free time to pursue your own studies, rest and renew, and explore all that Dubuque has to offer
Cost: $350 ($300 early bird by April 1). Registration includes the program and four lunches.
Housing options are available.
Learn more and register: here.
Questions: Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown | tdbrown@dbq.edu
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Leader Formation Webinar for Ruling Elders and Deacons
May 14, 2026; 6:00-7:30 pm (CST)
“Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America” with a panel consisting of the authors of the recently published book, along with the co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly. More information will be available on the Leader Formation webpage.
Registration opens on April 8
Sign up by May 6
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Do you have expertise in older adult ministry that you can share with conference attendees? POAMN seeks presentations and workshops for our 2026 conference in Knoxville, TN. The conference aims to inform attendees about older adult ministry-related resources that address the challenges and needs of older adults, caregivers, and faith communities.
We’re particularly looking for presentations that focus on the following:
- Practical Ministry Strategies
- Spiritual Foundations
- Health, Wellness, and Wholeness
- Building Trust and Relationships
- Leadership Development
- Other issues facing older adults or faith leaders who minister to them
Sessions are 75 minutes, including time for Q&A. Speakers receive complimentary registration for the conference. Submit your proposal on or before April 1.
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We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- Eureka Presbyterian Church and Pastor Bob Montgomery
- Rushville, First Presbyterian Church and moderator Julie Bruninga
- Perry Presbyterian Church and moderator Marcia Forman
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Office Closed Good Friday and Easter Monday
April 7 | 1:00 pm | Operations Commission | Zoom
April 9 | 1:00 pm | Commission on Pastoral Leadership | Zoom
April 9 | 3:30 pm | CARE | Zoom
April 12 | 2:00 pm | Quad Cities Region PGR Regional Gathering | Milan, First PC
April 13 | Assembly Reports due to Brandy
April 14 | 10:00 am | Commission on Transitions | Zoom
April 18 | Assembly Packets Posted
April 21 | 10:00 am | Commission on Congregational Life | Zoom
April 21 | 10:00 am | Synod Assembly | Zoom
April 23 | 9:00 am | Nominating Committee | Zoom
April 25 | 10:00 am | Presbytery Assembly | Macomb, First PC
April 26 | 2:00 pm | Bloomington Normal PGR Regional Gathering | LeRoy, First United PC
April 28 | 12:00 pm | Pastor Zoom check-in
April 28 | 1:30 pm | CRE Zoom check-in
April 30 | 3:30 pm | Leadership Council | Zoom
May 3 | 2:00 pm | North Central PGR Regional Gathering | Viola, United PC
| | 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. | |
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!
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| | https://www.greatriverspby.org/ |   | |   | | | |
