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L3 (Lunchtime Learning for Leaders): Property Summit

*Updated Meeting Information. Please Pre-Register using the link below*
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.
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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.
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Registration for the Assembly is open
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The new packet and minutes from the February meeting will be available Aprill 22 on the Presbytery website.
- 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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Lunch will be provided by Elmwood First: salad and baked potato bar, beverages, snacks, and desserts. Cost is $12 per person. Or bring your own lunch. Lunch reservations are due by April 21.
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Clerk's Corner
Easter is just around the corner! We have just about finished the first quarter of the year. Stats are finished for the year! Thank you for all of your hard work! If you still have some outstanding documents, I would still appreciate receiving them. These may include the Church Information Forms, Annual Trustees Reports, and others. I will be at the Annual Board of Pensions Meeting in Chicago on April 7th & 8th. I am planning the next Clerk's Convo on April 2nd at 10am. As always, this is a time for Clerks of Sessions to come and ask questions and see what other clerks are doing or how they are seeking assistance. Please consider joining! We all learn something new (me included) each time we meet.
Elissa Bailey (she/her/hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Clerk of Session Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 824 7748 7297 Passcode: 832216
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From Your Finance Team
Please be sure to always submit a fully completed remittance form with any check you send to the presbytery. This ensures that we apply your payment as you intend. If sending from your bank online, you can email your remittance form
Please always feel free reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns.
Bill Strawbridge – Treasurer Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper
bnc.sbridge@gmail.com smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
Per Capita
2025 Per Capita $38.29 per member
This is due to General Assembly raising theirs - Synod & PGR remained the same.
Thank you to all churches who have contributed towards Per Capita.
We’ve had 9 churches pay their 2025 per capita in full!
Thank you to Carlinville, Coal Valley, Eureka, Greenview, Kirkwood, Morton, Mt Sterling,
New Windsor & Reynolds.
2025 IRS Mileage rate
The IRS has announced its 2025 mileage rates:
0.70 cents per mile driven for business use (up 3 cents from 2024).
0.14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations (fixed by Congress).
Please update your records to reflect these changes – effective 1-1-2025
Attention Clerks of Session
Annual reporting
It’s time once again for this - please complete your Church Session (Trustees) Annual Report for 12/31/24.
Be sure to include your certificate of insurance coverage (covering 2025). These were part of the annual statistical paperwork sent out by stated clerk Elissa Bailey. Completed forms should be returned via email
or snail mail to Elissa, or you may email me directly.
2024 Church Session Trustee Report Sample Certificate of Insurance
We’re also working to update our contact information. The 2025 Financial Contact Person form was included in
the annual paperwork. Please take the time to complete & return it. This information is vital if the presbytery needs to reach out to your church.
We appreciate all who have already responded by completing their forms!
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What is the Presbyterian Youth Triennium?
In July, thousands of high school age youth and their adult youth
workers will travel to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation. This ecumenical event only happens every 3 years and is hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This
year's theme is "As If We Were Dreaming." The majority of PYT will
take place at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC).
What is the participant fee for Triennium 2025?
$199 for Youth Participants (YP)
$219* for Young Adults (YA) and Adult Advisors (AA). *The additional $20 covers a background check fee for adults
The cost of registration includes all programming, meals during the event, an event T-shirt, and more!
Housing and travel plans are arranged by each delegation and are not included in the registration fee.
Housing: Participants will stay at nearby Triennium-designated hotels with special rates. The average cost
per room per night is $149-$169 (plus taxes 17.66%). Transportation: Travel expenses will be divided equally among participants. The final cost will depend on the number of attendees from our delegation. Transportation expenses will not exceed $200 per person. Please reach out to your Great Rivers Registrar to find out the cost breakdown per participant for your delegation.
Will there be financial assistance?
Yes! Our Synod of Lincoln Trails has made a very generous contribution. They will pay $200 toward the cost
of the trip for each registered participant. We are also fortunate that our Presbytery of Great Rivers will pay a portion of each attendee's expenses. The final cost after those donations is generally divided between the participant and their church.
Who can attend Triennium?
Youth Participants (YP) who are entering freshmen through graduated seniors in high school. Youth Participants do not have to be official church members.
Young Adults (YA) who are 19-23 years old and are active in the church can participate as part of the “Service Track,” working behind the scenes of the event, or the "Leader Lens Track," focusing on developing leadership skills, theological exploration and experiences for a new kind of church leader.
Adult Advisors (AA) who are aged 22 & over and are recommended and affirmed by their church, mid council, and/or caucus to serve as delegation chaperones. adult Advisors are full Triennium participants. They stay in hotels and participate in all scheduled activities. They care for the youth in their delegations, and serve as role models throughout the event. Adult Advisors must be at least 4 years older than the oldest youth they might supervise. Each delegation should have at least 1 Adult Advisor for every 10 youth participants of the same gender.
Who do I contact with additional questions or to sign-up?
Reach out to Brandy, your Delegation Registrar. Call/Text: 309-683-6980 Email: office@greatriverspby.org
You can also fill out this interest form, and she will call you. Interest Survey
Visit the Triennium FAQ page https://presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/faqs/
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“Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for
Serving Faithfully” has launched a new year-long series for 2025 focused on the foundations of Presbyterian polity.
Read more here
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First Presbyterian Church of Morton has made the difficult but necessary decision to cease church operations at the end of April.
We invite you to join us at our last worship service as we commemorate our ministry, honor all those who have been a part of our church family, and celebrate our continuing legacy.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH at 10:00 A.M.
THE BARN AT BULL RUN PARK
1020 EAST JACKSON STREET
MORTON, IL 61550
There will be refreshments and fellowship immediately after the service.
Please RSVP to Claudia Ulavege at Ulavege.ac@gmail.com
If you have memories or stories of the church, we would love for you to send them to us at
P.O. Box 197, Morton, IL 61550, or email to majyk@comcast.net
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The Covenant Network of Presbyterians has just launched a redesigned website with improved functionality,
and accessibility. This updated website provides easier access than ever to resources that equip, engage, and
empower congregations to welcome all people of God.
An enhanced church map allows users to quickly connect with local CNP-affiliated congregations. A restructured and fully-searchable resource library helps pastors, educators and church leaders easily locate relevant materials like workshop videos, handouts, sermons, liturgy and other materials to support inclusive ministry.
Familiar features, such as listings of welcoming churches seeking pastors, remain available on the new website, which includes CNP's amendment vote tracker to share the progress of Amendments 24-A and 24-C across presbyteries nationwide.
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Earth Care Conversation

A message from the Presbyterian Hunger Program
Join other Earth Care Congregations in your region on
Apr 14, 2025 7:00pm Central Time, (Pacific/6:00pm Mountain/08:00pm EDT) to explore our denomination’s
strong commitment to caring for Creation and to share
what your church is doing — a great opportunity to learn
and be inspired by one another! The session will be
facilitated by the Presbyterian Action Team, a national
group of Presbyterian volunteers working with Citizens’ Climate Lobby and who are also involved with their churches’ Earth Care Teams. Register for this event.
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Grant Applications Now Open!
General Assembly Grants for Congregations and Presbyteries
The 2025 General Assembly Unassigned Fund Grant Program application period is now open. Find information on the funds available and all application materials HERE. The final deadline for submissions is July 1. Please contact Interim Unified Agency staff with questions: RFOS-PCUSA@pcusa.org.
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Webinar Opportunities and Resources
Around the Table Cohorts Registration Open 
 Learn more about the Around the Table Initiative and the fall cohort opportunity for leaders in your faith community. In these 12 – 18 month free cohorts, a faith leader team will receive personalized coaching and access to curated faith practices and resources. This is designed to equip faith leaders with practical tools and strategies so they can then equip and
support parents and caregivers in faith conversations at home. Applications to participate must be completed
by May 2, 2025. Contact Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin with questions and for more information.
Small Church Community Circles — Following the positive response of the February Circle five additional dates have been added for faith leaders in small church contexts to meet and share Christian Formation resources
in 2025. Please register for these dates. Register once for all dates. Attend all or any of these! A variety of days and times to capture a variety of schedules. Tuesday, May 6 — 3 pm EDT; Wednesday, June 4 — 1 pm EDT; Tuesday, August 19 — 3 pm EDT; Wednesday, October 8 — 11 am EDT; Thursday, December 4 — 1 pm EDT.
Older Adult Week — Make plans now to celebrate Older Adults beginning Sunday, May 4. Join the PC(USA) and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN) in lifting up ministry with Older Adults. You can find resources including worship liturgy and the newest POAMN Resource Guide.
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Jesus and Justice: Believe! Pray! Act!
Young Adult Advocacy Conference for College Students and Seminarians
Join us at the Jesus & Justice Advocacy Conference, hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this fall in Lansing, Michigan! This conference is perfect for college students and seminarians who want to learn effective ways to stand up for causes they believe in, build networks, and engage with advocacy topics in meaningful ways. The event will take place from September 26-28 at First Presbyterian Church in Lansing, and the cost to attend is just $15.00. The cost includes meals, but attendees are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own housing. For more information, reach out to us at: Jesusandjustice@pcusa.org.
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Presbytery Prayer List
We give thanks to God for these congregations and their faithful ministry and witness:
- Unity Woodson Presbyterian Church: Served by Pastor Robert Kerr
- Alexis, Norwood United Presbyterian Church: Served by Pastor Gary Pullen
- Lincoln, First Presbyterian Church: Served by Rev. Dr. Adam Quine
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A Program for Pastors
At the Presbyterian Foundation, we recognize the importance of supporting pastoral leaders and the congregations they serve, particularly in church financial literacy and leadership. That’s why we’ve
established a coaching program to help address the challenges pastors face while promoting sustainability
and growth in ministry.
The Presbyterian Foundation’s Church Financial Leadership Coaching Program is a free, 12-month coaching opportunity designed to walk alongside pastors. Our program equips pastors with the essential building blocks
to improve church finances, stewardship, and mission.
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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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Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

A memorial service for Rev. Dr. David Esche 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 PC and Rio PC
https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/11148/view/
Co-Pastor: Installed
Springfield, Westminster PC
https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/12359/view/

Solo Pastor: Installed
Woodhull, United Church
https://clc.pcusa.org/mdp/12228/view/
See the CLC for more info. Anyone can do an opportunity search.
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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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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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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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Mission Trip to South Korea
The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) is arranging a mission trip to South Korea, October 21-30, 2025. In the links below, you will find a copy of the brochure about the Korea Peace Journey, a document with details of the trip, and a registration form. The registration period has just begun and will continue through April 30.
This mission trip is open to Presbyterians and others who are interested in Korea and are concerned about
the prospects for peace there and around the world. The participants taking part in this journey will be building connections with peacemakers in the Presbyterian and other churches and groups in South Korea. The journey
is not primarily for Korean-Americans, but for all Presbyterians who want to promote peace.
PPNK is a mission network related to the PCUSA, whose primary mission is to educate and advocate for peace on the Korean peninsula. This trip intends to involve a broader group of Presbyterians in this mission. You can find more information at PPNK.net, or contact us at PeaceNetworkforKorea@gmail.com
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Congratulations to Rev. Charles Walden, installed pastor at Ipava Presbyterian Church and Macomb, Scotland Trinity Presbyterian Church.
He and Debra were married in a joyous ceremony on February 21 in Colorado.
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Looking for a Modern Pulpit
Chatham Presbyterian church is looking for a light wood, modern pulpit for use in their sanctuary. They are currently using a music stand. If you are retiring a pulpit that might
work, please send a picture of the pulpit, and contact information to Pastor Kay Daniel at churchmouse12345@yahoo.com.
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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.
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