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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.
| | Preaching Conference, March 6-7, 2026, at Sacre Coeur Retreat Center | | Thanks to Hope Presbyterian Church in Springfield for hosting the Church Safety and Security Workshop on February 28, led by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. | | |
Come for some coffee and treat yourself to a piece of delicious pie! If it's likely that we will see you
on Wednesday, March 25, please email or send a text to 309-683-6983. Busy Corner has asked that
I give them an idea on how many to expect.
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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 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. âFeel
free to eat lunch as you gather with colleagues.
Pastors join here
| | Mid-eastern Regional Gathering | | We had a great turnout at the Presbytery of Great Rivers mid-eastern regional gathering hosted by Central PC in Petersburg on March 8. Folks from eight churches shared fellowship, exchanged stories about their ministries, and made plans to connect again soon | | Regional Cohort Gatherings | | |
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. Letâs get acquainted and talk about the faithful ministries weâre 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
Bloomington Normal Region
Bloomington Second, Bloomington St. Luke Union, Chenoa, Clinton, Danvers, LeRoy, Normal First
Sunday, April 26, 2:00 pm at First United Presbyterian Church, LeRoy, 101 E. Pine St., LeRoy
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.
| | Faith Leaders Speak on Asylum: Stated Clerk Signs Amicus Brief | |
The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has signed onto an amicus brief in a
U.S. Supreme Court case addressing the rights of asylum seekers. The case, Department of Homeland Security v. Al Otro Lado, challenges the legality of the âturn backâ policy that previously allowed U.S. agents to turn away people seeking asylum at the U.S.âMexico border.
The brief reflects ongoing faith-based advocacy for migrants and refugees and raises questions about due process and the ability of asylum seekers to pursue protection under U.S. law. The Supreme Court is expected
to hear arguments in the case after a long legal process that began in 2017. Read more.
| Get the Facts about Immigration | FREE Resources for Congregations from the PC(USA) Office of Innovation | Innovation doesnât 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. | 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. | |
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, an additional dues subsidy will be available for congregational pastoral leaders enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package to help alleviate the cost of dependent child medical coverage. The subsidy will cover 50% of the national, community-rated medical cost for dependent children and reduce the dues for Child(ren) and Family coverage levels in the Congregational Pastors Package. The Congregational Pastors Package is designed to support congregational pastoral leaders, including installed pastors, through its comprehensive benefits that foster wholeness.
Additionally, Transitional Pastorâs Participation and its inherent subsidies for family medical coverage in the preferred provider option (PPO) will extend through 2029. This extension gives congregations and ministers two more years to transition to the Congregational Pastors Package.
The Board of Pensions continues to monitor medical cost trends and will release 2027 dues for both packages and spouse and dependent child medical coverage costs in July. Income-sensitive dues within the packages enable smaller, lesser-resourced congregations to provide benefits to their pastoral leaders for less than the actual cost of medical coverage. Both packages include the PPO option of the Medical Plan, which provides additional subsidies in the form of income-sensitive deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
New grant supports child care for young children
A new Child Care Support grant from the Assistance Program will be available April 1 to offset a portion of child care needs for children ages 0-6 years. The initial pilot phase of this grant will provide $500 per month per child and up to $1,500 per month per family. This grant supports ministers of the Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors employed by PC(USA) congregations whose effective salary is less than $56,880 and who meet other eligibility requirements.
The Assistance Program provides need-based grants to eligible active and retired members of the Benefits Plan. With 12 available grants supporting a range of unique needs, the Assistance Program embodies our connectional Church at its best. In 2025, the Assistance Program awarded more than 1,500 grants, totaling $8 million.
Additional Medical Plan options coming in 2027
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, the Board of Pensions will offer three additional Medical Plan options for members or non-installed ministers who are not enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastorâs Participation: an additional PPO, EPO, and HDHP. Members, spouses and dependent children enrolled in the Congregational Pastors Package or Transitional Pastorâs Participation will continue to be offered the Boardâs current PPO plan. The three new options will have the same features as the existing options with different out-of-pocket costs.
More details on the additional plan options will be available in the summer.
| Volunteer Opportunities for the 227th General Assembly | |
The Standing Rules of the General Assembly uses a beautiful descriptor to tell the story of the gathering of one thousand âcommissioners, advisory delegates, and other participantsâ who will come together virtually and then in Milwaukee as the 227th General Assembly (2026) â âCreation of Community.â
The faithful service of volunteers is a critical part of the General Assembly as well as being a meaningful experience for those who serve in this important way. Will you consider how you might be part of supporting the General Assembly?
You are invited to review the roles and descriptions and submit an application found here by March 17, 2026 if you are interested in being considered. For more information, please contact Valerie Izumi, Assistant Stated Clerk.
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Join this Webinar hosted by the Office of Public Witness to hear Rev. David Black, Rev. Margaret Fox, and Rev. Quincy Worthington reflect on their involvement in faith community responses to ICEâs Operation Midway in Chicago and Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
They will discuss the actions they have taken in Chicago and Minneapolis, how their faith motivates their involvement, and what they have learned through their community solidarity efforts. An opening interview-style panel will be followed by a time for participant-led Q&A and a closing prayer for the violence, authoritarianism, racism and xenophobia that are harming and endangering our communities and neighbors.
| An Interactive Zoom Workshop | |
If you are a leader who is dissatisfied with the way churches assess their programs and ministries and are longing for a better way to talk about how to steward resources to better align with impact, this workshop series is for you.
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 â church members, pastors, educators, elders, and church professionals.
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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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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 churchâs 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.
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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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We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- Farmington, First Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Cindy Bean
- Springfield, First Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Susan Phillips
| | 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. | | |
March 16 | 2:00 pm | Operations Commission Zoom meeting
March 16 | 7:00 pm | Peoria Region PGR Regional Gathering | Peoria, United PC
March 17 | 12:00 pm | Staff Zoom meeting
March 18 | 7:00 pm | Mission Commission Zoom meeting
March 22 | 2:00 pm | Galesburg Region PGR Regional Gathering | Biggsville, United PC
March 23 | 10:00 am | CRE Zoom check-in
March 23 | 12:00 pm | Pastor Zoom check-in
March 24 | 10:00 am | Commission on Congregational Life | Peoria United PC
March 24 | 3:30 pm | CARE Zoom meeting
March 25 | 10:00 am | PGR on the Road | Busy Corner, Goodfield
March 25 | 1:00 pm | Commission on Transitions | Peoria United PC
March 26 | 3:30 pm | Leadership Council Zoom meeting
April 12 | 2:00 pm | Quad Cities Region PGR Regional Gathering | Milan, First PC
April 26 | 2:00 pm | Bloomington Normal PGR Regional Gathering | LeRoy, First United PC
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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/ | â | | â | | | |
