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April 29 Presbytery Assembly
The next Assembly will take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 29, 2025,
at First Presbyterian Church, Elmwood.
- This meeting will be in-person with a zoom option.
- Registration for the Assembly will open in early April.
- The new packet and minutes from the February meeting will be available from the Presbytery website on April 22.
- The Governance Task Force will present changes to the Presbytery’s structure, on which commissioners will have an opportunity to share feedback during table conversations.
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We will discuss and vote on amendments to the Book of Order approved by the 226th General Assembly (2024) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These proposed changes, if adopted, will amend the Book of Order. Additionally, the Presbytery will vote on the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries, which the General Assembly has recommended for approval under G-5.0203. The full amendment booklet is available here.
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Please reach out to Brandy Walters, your Delegation Registrar with any questions!
Office@greatriverspby.org
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Youth Triennium Interest Form
Registration is now open for the Presbyterian Youth Triennium in Louisville this July. The
Great Rivers is forming our Delegation and we
ask that you help us spread the word and the excitement!
Please follow the link at the bottom of this article to complete the Youth Triennium Interest Form. Submitting the interest form is not a commitment, but a way to help us in our planning process. Complete this form for anyone interested in attending Triennium this summer; youth participants, young adult leaders, or chaperones.
Follow this link to complete the form https://forms.office.com/r/fQQkRFwp1g
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Great Rivers Website Revisions
The Presbytery website is undergoing much-needed revisions. Some materials are currently unavailable, so if you are looking for information you cannot find, contact Brandy Walters at office@greatriverspby.org. Other new items have been added, including the 2025 Pulpit Supply List, the current PGR prayer list, and the presbytery calendar. You can look forward to an interactive map of the presbytery and easier access to documents.
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Share Your Good News with Great Rivers

Are you doing something new, innovative, and life-giving in your church from which others might be
inspired? You have a standing invitation to send us articles, pictures, and information to share.
Send your submissions to Brandy Walters at office@greatriverspby.org.
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From the Lead Presbyter
Superhero movies are not my go-to sources of entertainment, but I do like stories
that smash stereotypes and push boundaries (Wonder Woman, Black Panther) and characters who stand up against oppressors, fight on behalf of others, and use their power for good. In the face of danger, vile human behavior, and suffering, they act courageously.
It seems to me that Jesus is the archetype for every superhero. He took on our flesh and suffered so that we might be made whole. He confronted evil at every turn. With his death, he conquered death for us. He showed us how to move faithfully heroically) through the world, even when we feel fearful, are prone to stumble, and occasionally fall flat on our faces. 2 Timothy 2:7 reminds us: “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”
Truth is, we need courage for the living of these days, and I am gratified to see it in Great Rivers congregations—among those that genuinely welcome all people—in word and deed; among those advocating for the most vulnerable people in their communities; among those showing God’s love and compassion to targeted groups; among those who risk relationships by having hard conversations; among those who resist comfort and instead seek to be challenged in their understanding and in their witness.
Several of our churches have made the difficult and courageous decision to close and are prayerfully planning
the distribution of their assets so that others will continue to be blessed. One of our churches has just decided
to sell their church building and worship and serve in the community center they own—because that’s where the people are!
And our pastors show courage as they speak truth to power, empower their congregations to learn and grow, and risk deep vulnerability as public figures.
Courage takes many forms, friends. During this Lenten season, may we all commit to being the brave church God has called us to be.
Grace and peace,
Ann
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Presbytery Prayer List
We give thanks to God for these congregations and their faithful ministry and witness:
- Adair, West Prairie Presbyterian Church: served by Pastor Jeremy Westlake
- United Church of Woodhull: prayers for the PNC and congregation as they seek their next called and installed pastor
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You Are Invited to a Gathering on Supporting
Ministry and Wholeness through the Benefits
Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
A commitment to caring for those who serve the Church is the heart of our work at the Board of Pensions—which is why we offer benefits that reflect PC(USA) values and support wholeness. In keeping with this commitment, we’ve been privileged to talk in-person about these offerings with over 1,000 Presbyterians
in the last two years. We valued that time and have planned a new series of one- and two-day events this spring, Benefits Regional Summit: Understanding the Value of the Benefits Plan.
At these events, you’ll gather with attendees and Board of Pensions staff to learn how benefits offered through the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) work together to support ministries. The information shared at all the summits will be the same, regardless of duration.
This event is open to anyone throughout the Church who would like to attend, including mid council leaders, pastors, personnel committee chairs, and church business administrators.
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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 19, 2017 – The Rev. Jessica Hawkinson Dorow, Member at Large
March 28, 1993 – The Rev. Dr. Laura Brookens Reason, Retired
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Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant
We give thanks for the life and witness of the Rev. Dr. David O. Esche,
who has died.
David spent his entire ministry in the Presbytery of Great Rivers. He began
as a student pastor at Peoria, Bethel in 1973. Upon graduating from Dubuque Seminary, he was ordained in 1979. David served at United Church of Oneida and First Presbyterian Church of Geneseo. He was Transitional Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg, and South Park in Rock Island. He co-founded and volunteered at Rebuilding Together Henry County.
David is survived by his wife, Sharon, and sons, Jonathan and Andy.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 11:00 am, at First Presbyterian Church, 133 East North Street, Geneseo. A luncheon will follow in the east dining room. Read full obituary here
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Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Great Rivers
Pastor of Yoked Ministry: Installed
New Windsor, New Windsor PC and Rio, Rio PC
Co-Pastor: Installed
Springfield, Westminster PC
Solo Pastor: Installed
Woodhull, United Church
See the CLC for more info. Anyone can do an opportunity search.
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PC(USA) Quarterly Resource Preview 2025
All your favorite resources in one place, offered by our
Ministry Engagement Advisor, Lauren Rogers. Check it out!
News from the PC(USA)
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Do you have expertise in the following areas that
you could share with attendees at our 2025 older
adult ministry conference? If so, you are invited to
submit a proposal to be a speaker.

Proposals are due by March 28.
- Dementia
- End-of-life decision making
- Sandwich generation
- Intergenerational activities/interactions
- Engaging older adults to live their best lives
- Communication between generations
- Spiritual/religious trauma or wounds
- LGBTQ+ concerns and older adults
- Spirituality vs being religious
- Building bridges through music or art
- Other issues facing older adults or faith leaders who minister to them
POAMN seeks presentations and workshops that will inform attendees about older adult ministry-related resources that address the emerging challenges and needs of older adults, caregivers, and faith communities. Sessions are 75 minutes including time for Q&A. Speakers receive complimentary registration for the conference.
| Please check out www.solarunderthesun.org for more details. | |
CARE Survey

The Committee on Accessibility, Representation, and Equity has prepared a brief survey on how congregations are living into the call of Matthew 25 with ministries addressing poverty, racism, and church vitality. The CARE committee encourages church members and pastors to discuss the questions at committee and session meeting and coffee hour before completing the survey. CARE and the presbytery look forward to hearing every church’s story about the difference you are making in your community.
Please complete and return your survey by March 31. https://forms.office.com/r/MX0HE3dSv3
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Refugee Partnership Grant
The Visioning Team of the Presbytery of Great Rivers has established a Refugee Partnership Grant, which provides up to $5,000 toward living expenses for refugees who have recently arrived in the United States.
Funds are intended to be directly disbursed to churches or agencies who will then pay refugee expenses. Any congregation that has partnered with a refugee resettlement agency or refugee family is encouraged to apply. Multiple grants per congregation will be considered with separate applications and will be evaluated for equitable distribution of limited funds throughout the Presbytery. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2025, and considered until funds are depleted. A copy of the application is attached.
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L3 (Lunchtime Learning for Leaders): Property Summit
L3 or Lunchtime Learning for Leaders, is a monthly virtual learning opportunity that begins on Wednesday,
April 2, 12:00 noon-1:30 pm. On that day, Paul Grier, Vice President of the Presbyterian Foundation,
will join us for a conversation about church property—the common challenge of “too much building and
not enough people,” alternative uses of congregations’ properties, space-sharing to meet mission and
monetary objectives, successful property redevelopments and repurposing, compliance with polity and
civil requirements, and emerging church property taxation issues. Pastors, treasurers, clerks of Session,
presbytery committee members, and all other church leaders are welcome.
This will be a Zoom only meeting, and it will not be recorded. https://us02web.zoom.us/
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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
| | A Special Church Leadership Event Open to ALL Church Leaders | | |
Leading and Growing Churches in a Post-Christian America Workshop
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 2:00 pm-8:00 pm, In-person and on Zoom.
Churches are headed into a time of significant and very challenging transition as America becomes more and more post-Christian, and organized religion becomes more and more irrelevant. Church leaders need to understand what this means and what the implications are for leading and growing churches in this uncharted territory. The Leading and Growing Churches in a Post-Christian America Workshop will help church leaders learn more about how religion and society have changed and practical steps your church can take to be a more faithful and effective church. Cost is $20 per person.
REGISTER NOW
Zoom option: If you select livestream option when you register, you will receive a link 24 hours ahead of the event that will allow you to watch the 4 main sessions (the breakout sessions will not be live-streamed).

Event Information: https://chicagopresbytery.org/.../leading-and-growing.../
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../leading-and-growing...
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Transitional Ministry Training
“The Art of Transitional Ministry” training will be held May 12-16, 2025, at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St Louis, MO. The event is hosted by the Synod of Mid-America and the Synod of Lincoln Trails (MALT). The program fee is $1,100 (includes lodging and meals.) http://synodma.org/transitional-ministry-education.
Funding assistance is available through the Presbytery. Contact Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz for more information.
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Beware of Email Scams!
There are several email scams going around right now.
Be wary of emails like these:
- If your pastor seems to be asking you for money of any kind (gift cards are popular): Don’t reply or respond to the sender!
- An alleged “new member” you don’t recognize has contacted the church office asking for a copy of your church directory: Don’t reply and don’t send it!
- A “church employee” emails the treasurer asking that their direct deposit for their paycheck be redirected to a new account: Don’t reply and don’t do it without speaking with the employee to confirm.
If an email seems 'off' to you, don't reply to it. Instead, either call the person directly, or compose a new email to confirm that the message is legitimate.
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Accompaniment Edition of Hymnal Needed
First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg is looking for an accompaniment edition of the
1990 Presbyterian Hymnal. If you have one you can spare, contact Pastor Scott Carnes, scott@fpcgalesburg.com.
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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/ |   | |   | | | |
