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GOOD NEWS
from the
Presbytery of Great Rivers
We are called to share Christ's love by partnering in service,
uniting in worship, and risking in ministry.
November 8, 2024
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Stated Presbytery Assembly
Saturday, November 9, 2024
10:00 am
United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria
- Report from the Leadership Team on the results of listening sessions and plans for moving forward
- 2025 meeting schedule
- 2025 leadership nominations
- Celebration of the Lord's Supper and remembrance of the saints who joined the church triumphant this past year
- Installation of Moderator and Moderator-Elect
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Regional Lunches for Pastors
November Regional Lunches for Pastors
Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz is hosting two lunches for pastors in November for those in the Macomb and Springfield regions. Please RSVP by the dates below to aschwartz@greatriverspby.org or 309-683-6983.
November 12, 12:00: The Old Dairy, 210 S Lafayette St, Macomb (RSVP date: Nov 9)
November 19, 12:00: Bella Milano, 4525 Wabash Ave, Springfield (RSVP date: Nov 13)
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Dates to Remember
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Employees who are covered by the Board of Pensions must enroll for 2025 benefits by completing their Annual Enrollment in Benefits Connect by November 8.
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After being approved at a congregational meeting, the 2025 Terms of Call form (for called and installed Ministers of Word and Sacrament) or 2025 Contract (for Transitional Pastors, Temporary Pastors, and Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs)) and the completed Board of Pensions (BOP) coverage worksheet should be signed by the pastor and the Clerk of Session and submitted to greatriverscom@gmail.com by November 20, 2024.
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Korean Church Community Survey
The Office of the General Assembly and Research Services have had a good response so far for the PC(USA) Korean Community Survey, but they want to reach even more people. All Korean heritage ministers and members of congregations are encouraged to participate. The survey deadline has been extended to November 15th.
Find the survey link here.
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From the Lead Presbyter
I originally wrote my newsletter article on Election Day, with the assumption that, as this was published today, we still might be holding our collective breath and waiting for the election results. That is not the case.
No one I know was ambivalent about this race. Everyone seemed deeply invested in the issues that motivated them to fill out their ballots—immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, voting rights, the economy, or democracy itself. For all of us, the stakes felt (feel) high. Now that the votes have been counted, many are rejoicing. Many are grieving.
As Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock said, “A vote is a kind of prayer for the kind of world we desire for ourselves and for our children.” It seems evident, given the divisions in our nation and the outcome of the election, that not all Americans have the same prayer or desires for the world.
Still, I trust that we Presbyterians, as followers of Jesus Christ, hold fast to God’s desires for us and for the world—a world where the hungry are fed, strangers are welcomed, the poor are lifted up, the last will be first, and all people are valued, loved, and treated with dignity and respect because they are made in the image of God.
We are the church. We are to be each other’s eyes to help us see beyond our blind spots. We are to be one another’s ears to help us hear the messages of our own worth to which we often have a deaf ear. We are to encourage one another in our growth and understanding of who God is and how God is working in and through us. We are to be a haven for one another, so that when we are reeling from bad news, breathless from fear, riddled with uncertainty, and grieving our heartache, we have the safety and comfort of loving community. And it is not just for us on the inside of our buildings. God still calls us to offer safe shelter and sanctuary to the ones Jesus came to exalt and heal and protect and save.
Friends, be gentle with yourselves and with one another. Whatever unfolds over the coming months and years, may we continue to seek a more perfect union. May we, in all humility, love our neighbors, even the ones whose campaign signs have made us cringe during this season. May we recognize the divinity in them and in all people. May we reject fear and chaos. May we be bold enough and brave enough to stand for God’s truth and work for God’s healing and peace.
Blessings,
Ann
Rev. Ann Schwartz
Lead Presbyter
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Clerk’s Corner
Today, when I am writing this, it is Halloween! I have three children who are all making plans for trick-or-treating tonight. My 7-year-old will be going trick-or-treating with me, but my two daughters have been making plans about who they will go trick-or-treating with. I have to say, there is a part of me that is so joyful for them that their friendship circles are growing, and they are at the developmental stage where their friends become very important to them. On the flip side, I feel sad my daughters want to be with their friends and not go trick-or-treating with me. They are growing up. Alas. It is happening. (Don’t worry. There WILL be adult supervision walking in their groups tonight).
Letting my kids change and evolve isn’t easy, but it is necessary. How many times in ministry do we want to keep our programs and ministries exactly like they have always been? Yet, they too are meant to change and evolve. Our contexts change. The demographics of our churches and communities change and therefore, we need to adjust. They grow up, too. We can certainly try to hold onto the past but what does it do for us? In the end, it doesn’t help us grow. Trust me, I want to hold on to the past just like everyone else. But I also want to encourage my children to be the best they can be. And I want to encourage ministries to be the best they can be.
The next Clerk’s Convo will be on Thursday, November 14th at 11:00 am. Here is the link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82477487297?pwd=ZXNIc29YRit3cTE2SGhsK0N5YzUrZz09
Meeting ID: 824 7748 7297
Passcode: 832216
DID YOU KNOW? POLITY EDITION
Consensus voting. Can you do consensus voting? Do you already do consensus voting? Chances are, you already do consensus voting. Consensus voting is allowed by Robert’s Rules and the Book of Order. Consensus voting is great for smaller groups. This can be a session or a committee. Consensus voting starts with the group, such as the session or committee, beginning to discuss the action item that is before them without an official motion already made. (Technically, in traditional voting, discussion doesn’t begin until a motion and second has already been made). The item is discussed at length. There aren’t amendments as everyone is agreeing about changes that are being made to the item. Then, when the group feels they are ready to vote, the moderator asks if everyone is in agreement. If the majority is in agreement, the action item/motion is passed. This really works well in smaller groups.
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From the Visioning Team
Is your church building costing you more than you can afford?
Does it sit empty for large portions of the week? Or would you simply like to make more use of your space?
Are you looking for new ways to generate income for your church?
Are you wondering how to better connect your ministry with the needs and gifts of your neighborhood?
What if you could use your buildings and property to further your mission and ministry in your neighborhood and to generate new forms of income?
The Visioning Team is offering grants to the first five congregations that apply to participate in the Good Futures Accelerator course. (Cost to the church: $187; cost to the presbytery: $187. Each church will select a team of 3-7 people who spend, on average 40 hours over 9 months, exploring how to creatively use their church buildings and property to further their mission and build financial resilience.
For more information about the course, go to: https://www.rootedgood.org/good-futures. For more information about applying, email PGRVisioning@gmail.com.
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From Your Finance Team
Churches,
Planning ahead for 2025
Budgeting for 2025
At the Aug 24th assembly meeting it was announced that per capita will be increasing for 2025
2025 Per Capita Per Capita - $38.29 – this is due to General Assembly raising theirs - Synod & PGR remained the same
The annual Per Capita mailing went out to churches at the end of September – make sure you received it
If not please reach out – I’m happy to email or snail mail another copy
Board of Pensions – 2025
Employer agreements are now finalized – onto the next step of the process
Your employees should log in to complete Annual Enrollment in Benefits Connect Oct. 21-Nov. 8.
Staff will need to log in to Benefits Connect during this time to elect the benefits that their congregation has selected for them for next year. After the Annual Enrollment period ends, staff won’t have another chance to elect benefits or make changes for 2025 unless they have a qualifying life event.
Another important reminder for staff enrolled in the Medical Plan is that Friday, Nov. 8, is also the deadline to complete Call to Health. By answering the call, members can save money by reducing their medical deductibles for 2025 — and develop and maintain healthy habits in key areas of wholeness.
Thank you to all churches who have contributed towards Per Capita
We’ve had 49 churches pay their 2024 per capita in full!
Thank you to Adair, Aledo-Sunbeam, Alexis – Norwood, Athens, Bartonville, Bloomington- St Luke Union, Bushnell, Carlinville, Carrollton, Carthage, Chatham, Chenoa, Clayton, Clinton, Coal Valley, Divernon, East Moline, Edwards, Elmwood, Eureka, Fountain Green, Greenview, Ipava, Knoxville, Lincoln, Mason City, Media, Milan, Morton, Mt Sterling, New Windsor, Normal-First, Normal-New Covenant, Oneida, Orion, Pekin, Peoria – First Federated, Petersburg, Quincy, Reynolds, Rock Island, Springfield-First, Springfield – Korean, Stronghurst, Virginia-Sangamon Valley, Warsaw, Washington, Woodhull & Yates City!
2024 Per Capita is $37.25, an increase of $1.00
2024 Per Capita is based on your final membership numbers reported for 2022.
If you have a question about how much you still need to pay please email me at smcgrath@greatriverspby.org.
Mission Giving Percentage Update
At the April 20th assembly meeting it was voted to change the percentage of mission giving for the
General Assembly & Presbytery of Great Rivers – Synod was not changed it remains at 5%
Presbytery: Increased from 52.5% to 75%
General Assembly (Presbyterian Mission Agency): Decreased from 42.5% to 20%
Please be sure to 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 to smcgrath@greatriverspby.org.
A word to our churches about changes coming in 2025:
1. Per Capita increases to: $38.29
2. The minimum wage in Illinois increases to: $15.00/hr.
3. IRS mileage rates: normally announced in December, watch this space.
Please reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Sabrina McGrath - Bookkeeper
Bill Strawbridge – Treasurer
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Please click on the blocks below to follow the links: | |
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Resources for Pastors, Sessions,
and Congregations
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Register for Financial Training Classes

Treasurers, pastors, and church finance staff/volunteers are encouraged to attend the following zoom classes this month. Amy Gardner, former accountant for the Presbytery of Great Rivers, is the instructor. Class size is limited to 18 participants, so please register early by using this link: https://forms.gle/ptrYHpqtCvtsu89j9
Preparing Church Finances for Year End Processes
Tuesday, November 12, 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom
We will focus on financial and HR steps that your church can take in 2024 that will make the beginning of 2025 go a little smoother. Making sure that your church is prepared for the January 31 deadline for tax documents before the end of the year can save a new Treasurer additional stress as they step into this position with the church.
Topics will include advance preparation for 2024 W2s and 1099, being prepared for your church’s 2025 Annual Financial Review and tips on completing your 2024 Terms of Call prior to the November 20 deadline.
Annual Financial Review
Wednesday, November 20, 6:00-7:30 pm Zoom
The target participant for this class will be church financial staff and the volunteers who will be completing the church’s annual financial review. We will walk through the newly updated Volunteer’s Audit Guide for Churches & Other Non-Profits so volunteers have a better understanding of the audit steps being taken and the rationale behind the steps.
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Mission Initiative Grants from SOLT

One-time grants of “seed” money from the Synod of Lincoln Trails are available to churches to help begin new congregation-based missional activities. The grants are for amounts up to $1,500 and are awarded to PCUSA congregations in Illinois and Indiana.
So far during 2024, grant applications have been approved from four Great Rivers congregations:
- The Federated Church of Carlinville: “Feeding Our Neighbors” Food Insecurities Program, $1,500
- Farmingdale Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Plains: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches Mission & Outreach, $1500
- First Presbyterian Church, Farmington: “Feed the Faith” Meal Preparation & Delivery Program, $1500
- First United Presbyterian Church, Pekin: Refrigerator and freezer for church food pantry, $1500
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Grants for Older Adults
The Cora J. Pope Trust Senior Grant Fund allocates grants to women and men age 55 and older to help them live with dignity and in comfort. Applicants may apply for grants as individuals/couples up to $2,500 per calendar year for:
- Support to live independently at home, including but not limited to home repair or renovation to accommodate medical supplies or aids for independent living;
- Support with moving expenses beyond what is covered by insurance or contracted arrangements, which may include move-in expenses or security deposits;
- Support with home-based services which may include help with meals, cleaning, shopping, transportation, air conditioning, or other health necessities for living at home.
- Support for assisted living, including but not limited to equipment and home health care.
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Applications are available online at https://www.corajpope.org/apply and should be returned to: Cora J Pope Trust Senior Grant Fund, 114 E. Jefferson St, c/o First Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, IL 61350
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How to Take Action in Response to the Israel-Palestine Conflict
A message from the Presbyterian Mission Agency
The PC(USA) offers a wide variety of resources that give Presbyterians opportunities to more actively advocate for a just peace in Israel-Palestine and end the humanitarian siege on the Palestinian people.
These resources, which are available on a dedicated resource page, are designed to help inform Presbyterians more fully on:
- General Assembly policies and statements from the PC(USA)’s Stated Clerk/Executive Director;
- Worship materials and study guides;
- Webinars and book studies (past recordings and upcoming events);
- Latest news and opinion from mission co-workers on the ground;
- Advocacy and engagement opportunities through PC(USA) ministries and partner organizations; and
- Ways to help fund crisis and recovery support through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance or financially support World Mission’s work with our Middle East partners.
Contact a staff member on PC(USA)’s Middle East team.
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APCE Annual Event
Join faith formation leaders, pastors, and youth workers in Memphis, Tennessee, January 29-February 1, 2025 for the Association of Partners in Christian Education annual gathering. The theme is “Wrestling with God and Church: Toward a More Beloved Community.” Learn more and register here. Early bird registration runs through November 15.
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Advent at Home
Advent at Home Candle Lighting resource includes a simple “Mark, Remember, Listen, Reflect, Pray, Bless” format for households with all ages for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany — free and downloadable either as a side-by-side version or as cards to print and cut apart to give to households. Original artwork and an invitation to create come from educator and artist Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri. Available in both English and Spanish.
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Around the Table
Season Two of the Around The Table: Sharing our Stories podcast is streaming now on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple. This season’s theme focuses on hard conversations at home with youth and children. The first episodes released include hard conversations about politics and hard conversations about mixed race parenting.
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November Ordination Anniversaries
November 6, 1966 – The Rev. Brooks O. McDaniel, Retired
November 6, 1983 – The Rev. Dr. Blythe Denham Kieffer, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield
November 11, 2007 – The Rev. Siobhan Warren, Member at Large
November 12, 1989 – The Rev. Robert W. Ryder, Retired
November 15, 1989 – The Rev. Timothy Snart, Retired
November 21, 1993 – The Rev. Joseph H. Eby, Retired
November 22, 2014 – The Rev. Karol Schilling, First Presbyterian Church, Normal
November 24, 1991 – The Rev. John T. Irwin, Retired
November 24, 1996 – The Rev. Andrea Andrews Weyhrich, Retired
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Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership
Interim Pastor, Third Presbyterian Church, Springfield click

Pastor, Yoked Ministry, New Windsor Presbyterian Church, Rio click
Music Ministry Director, United Presbyterian Church of Peoria click
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PGR Newsletter Schedule
Newsletters go out the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Please send any articles for publication to StephanieSidotiVMA@gmail.com by Tuesdays at 5 pm.
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Presbytery of Great Rivers Virtual Office
Virtual Office Assistant Crystal Goforth 309-683-6980 Email: office@greatriverspby.org
Crystal works remotely from South Carolina (Eastern Time) and is available until 4 pm CST Monday thru Wednesday and Friday, and 1:45 pm EST on Thursdays. Please leave her a message & she will return your call.
Bookkeeper Sabrina McGrath 309-683-6981 Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
Sabrina works from Peoria IL.
Her regular schedule is Tues & Thurs between 8am-3pm (Central Time)
Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz 309-683-6983 Email: aschwartz@greatriverspby.org
Ann's Sabbath Day is Friday.
Stated Clerk Elissa Bailey 309-371-2511 Email: pastorebailey@gmail.com
My regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am - 3 pm.(Central Time) If you have an emergency, please call or text me at 309-371-2511.
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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!
Have you liked our "Presbytery of Great Rivers" Facebook page?
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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