Highlights of the April 25 Meeting | | |
Presbytery commissioners, pastors, corresponding members, and staff gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Macomb and on Zoom this past Saturday.
We began the meeting with a Bible study created by the Committee on Accessibility, Representation, and Equity (CARE) that focused on belonging, hospitality, service, and spiritual giftedness. Each small group was assigned one of the key words. Together, they looked at related scriptures and Book of Order references and discussed how folks have experienced belonging, hospitality, service, or spiritual giftedness in their church or faith setting, in the presbytery, and in their faith lives. If you have not already done so, please take a screenshot of your group's notes and send them to Maura McGrath Nagle at 309-737-5724.
The Assembly heard from Susan Weikert, co-moderator of the Lead Presbyter Nominating Committee and then approved the Ministry Discernment Profile (MDP) written by the LPNC. The Operations Commission has contracted with the Rev. John Rickard, retired Presbyter from Blackhawk Presbytery, for 20 hours per week. He will begin on June 1.
Rev. Bob and Kristi Rice, who have previously served in South Sudan as PC(USA) mission co-workers, will be moving to Ghana in late May with The Antioch Partners. They shared about the work they’ll be doing with the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI) and Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations.
Rev. Ed Wegele, Peoria First Federated, was elected to serve on the Presbytery's Disaster Response Team. RE Jo Samara, Danvers First, was elected to serve on the Conflict Response Team.
At the request of the Commission on Transitions, the Assembly voted to request that the by-laws be immediately changed to allow for the number of the commission to be increased from six to nine due to the high number of congregations in transition. In order for that to occur, a motion to suspend the by-law requiring 60 days' advance notice of such a request, was also approved. The Nominating Committee will proceed to fill those openings, particularly seeking individuals in the western and southern parts of the Great Rivers.
Worship was powerful. Rev. Mark Merrill, HR, offered beautiful prayers. Rev. Chuck Goodman, Springfield Hope, led the body in hopeful songs of resistance. Rev. Brandon Ouellette, Monmouth Faith United, preached on "The Church That Never Was" (Acts 2:42-47). The offering was dedicated to One Great Hour of Sharing. You can still give online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZISW/home, or send checks to the presbytery office at 3601 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria 61604.
The Assembly celebrated Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz, who will retire on June 1, with a warm tribute from RE Nicole Morrow, Peoria United PC and member of the Operations Commission. She presented Ann with a generous gift certificate for a Broadway in Chicago show at the Nederlander Theater. The Macomb church provided a beautiful cake. Colleagues and friends shared cards and other expressions of affection and gratitude.
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Clerk's Corner
Is it summer yet? That is what my kids keep asking! And honestly, I am kind of with them. I am about ready to be done with waking up at 5:15 to make breakfasts, pack lunches, make sure schedules are organized for the day, and drag, almost literally, a teenager out of bed! It will be nice to have those mornings where I can sit on the front porch with my cup of coffee, soak up the vitamin D, and give myself a little extra time before getting ready for work! But until then, we are all still pushing through!
It is going to be a busy summer for the Bailey family! With Camp Bear Creek, General Assembly, and other important events on the calendar, I am happy to announce I have been able to make arrangements to take Session Minutes to the Presbyterian Historical Society! There has been a date change due to scheduling conflicts. I now plan to deliver them on August 10, 2026.
More on what you can do now:
- Decide what you are going to send to the PHS
- Start preparing your books!
- The session needs to vote on sending the books.
If you are interested, contact me directly to talk more about when I will be able to pick up your records. It costs roughly $50-$80 to ship a medium-sized box. We are avoiding that, but would ask for a donation to the presbytery to offset the cost of the rental to help get items driven out there.
Thank you!
Elissa
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Hello from your finance team
Postage Increase
The U.S. Postal Service is increasing postage pricing that will take effect on July 12. The new rates include a 4-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 78 cents to 82 cents. For more information about all rates, click here.
Per Capita
2026 Per Capita: $39 per member based on 12/31/24 final membership reported
GA: $11.26 Synod: $3.81 PGR: $23.93
Thank you to the 16 churches who have paid their 2026 per capita in full!
First quarter statements were mailed out the week of 4/13/26 – Please take the time to review the document & compare to your records. If there are any questions or discrepancies, please reach out to Sabrina.
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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If payment is sent from your bank online, email your forms to Sabrina.
- Reach out to either of us anytime with questions or concerns.
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Visit this page for more finance news.
Thanks,
Annette Simmons – Treasurer Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper
PGRTreasurer@greatriverspby.org smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
| | PGR Regional Cohort Gatherings | | |
Peoria Region | Monday, April 27, 7:00 pm
United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor, Peoria
**Cancelled**
Bartonville, Edwards, Elmwood, Eureka, Farmington, Pekin, Peoria, Washington, and Yates City
Join us for a dessert potluck. Bring your favorite sweet treat to share. Let’s get acquainted and talk about the faithful ministries we’re all doing and how we can support one another.
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.
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Pictures from the Quad Cities Regional Gathering on Sunday, April 12, at Milan, First.
It went well, and the group showed real enthusiasm.
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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
| | Upcoming Boundary Trainings | | |
Sponsored by the Synod of Lincoln Trails for all 8 presbyteries and provided at no cost.
Register Early!
Explore pastoral ministry and boundaries within communities of practice
Discover essential approaches to healthy ministry
The Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois will provide in-person Boundary Training on
- Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:30 am-3:00 pm (CT), In Person
@ Copper Creek Church, 2202 Curtis Road, Champaign, IL
The Presbytery of Chicago will provide in-person Boundary Trainings on
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 9 am-3 pm (CT), In-Person
@ Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Rd, Wheaton, IL
- Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 9am-3pm (CT), In-Person
@ Winnetka Presbyterian Church, 1255 Willow Road, Winnetka, IL
The Presbytery of Great Rivers requires all ministers, candidates, inquirers, honorably retired ministers, employees, and educators who are in any form of active service to participate annually in boundary training.
These workshops satisfy the denominational boundary training requirements in G-3.0106.
| | Pulpit Supply and Directory |
The Pulpit Supply and our comprehensive Directory of church and people contact information are available on the Presbytery of Great Rivers website. They will both be password-protected; please email Brandy for access.
| Staying Safe in a Digital World: Protecting Yourself from Scams, Spam, and AI Deception | | |
Learn how to spot phishing, text scams, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated fakes on Saturday, May 2, 6:00 pm at First United Presbyterian Church, LeRoy (101 East Pine St). All ages are invited to this informative FREE workshop, where we will explore how to stay safe in our changing digital world. Dinner will be provided after the event.
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The Journey of Renaming Blackhawk Presbytery
In 2024, Blackhawk Presbytery began a process to change our name.
We did this for two primary reasons. The first was to be clearer about who we serve and where we serve. Nearly every presbytery has a name that includes either the city, state, or defined region where the council operates. The name Black Hawk did not define our geographic boundaries. The second reason for changing our name was to address the appropriation of the name of one Native American.
Our name originated from Black Hawk, a Sauk leader and warrior who lived in the northwest part of our area between 1767 and 1838. The Presbytery acknowledged this territory’s significance for the Indigenous peoples who lived, and still reside, upon this land. A Land and Name Acknowledgement (LANA) Task Force was formed to learn the history. We wanted to be honest about the ways our religious tradition had been used to colonize, to abuse, and to oppress the Indigenous people. With that, we were looking for true reconciliation.
After two years of intentional research, it was determined that we needed to discern whether the name Black Hawk truly represented us. After explanation of the LANA team by in-person and Zoom meetings, it was voted upon to change the name at the September 9, 2025, assembly meeting. We then asked everyone within the Presbytery to submit a name of their choice to describe who we were. Fifty-nine names were received and after six weeks of ranked choice voting, the name “Illinois Prairie Presbytery” was selected as the final name at the November 18, 2025 assembly meeting. This name change has been approved by the Synod of Lincoln Trails and General Assembly Administrative Commission for Mid Councils and will officially take effect on May 1, 2026.
Written by Jeannette Sheehan, Office Administrator, and Rev. Eric Heinekamp of the Illinois Prairie Presbytery
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026!
You're invited to attend this year's conference, held live at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, September 21-23, 2026, with an online virtual registration option as well.
Learn more about the conference, registration information, and scholarship opportunities HERE.
| | Leader Formation Webinar for Ruling Elders and Deacons | | |
Elmwood Ministerium Invites the Community
to the First Annual Prayer Breakfast
Hosted by First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood
Thursday, May 7, 7:30-8:30 am. No charge for the event.
Featured speaker: Trent Parrish, Chaplain at Carle Health. Prayers to be led by Pastor Don Nuttall (Crossroads Assembly), Fr. Jim Panciewicz (St. Patrick Catholic), Rev. Austin Miller (United Methodist), and Rev. Marla Bauler (Elmwood, First Presbyterian); Music provided by Pat Vaughan
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Enneagram at Church Workshop
Tuesday, May 19, 12:00-1:30 Central time
You may know your Enneagram type, but did you know your congregation has a type, too? You are invited to join us for a workshop this May to explore the Enneagram at Church. Take your Enneagram knowledge to the next level with NEXT Church coach and Enneagram accredited practitioner, Martha Spong.
The workshop will explore:
· the nine Enneagram types
· how each type shows up in a community of faith
· what to look for in leaders of each type
· how type expresses itself collectively in a congregation
Cost: $49, which includes a handbook about Enneagram types at church. Register for workshop here.
| 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.
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The Board of Pensions has announced that in 2027, the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan will no longer be available as its post-retirement medical plan. The Board is conducting a thorough evaluation of all options and expects to share a decision on 2027 post-retirement medical coverage in July, prior to the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2026).
Details are available on pensions.org.
| New Digital Resource Library for Churches | Rev. Dr. abby mohaupt, Director of the Garrett Collective, wants you to know that the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary collective platform has launched. It's described as theological education brought to your fingertips. There are free prayers, liturgies, and webinars, and you can join microcourses and cohorts to learn with others. Learn more here. | From the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ASCWP) | Wondering what stances the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has taken on social issues over the years? Our social witness policies and related resources are compiled on the website and continue to be updated as new concerns arise. These General-Assembly approved policies are the basis for actions taken by the Office of Public Witness and statements made by the Stated Clerk. Click here for policies and resources. | Mid Council Financial Conference | |
Save the Date: November 18-20, 2026, Minneapolis, MN
Sponsored and organized by the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program and the Presbyterian Foundation, this gathering of presbytery and synod financial staff, treasurers, finance committee members, and executives will be a time of learning from one another, sharing our best practices, and identifying emerging opportunities and challenges. Registration opening soon.
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The Presbyterian Youth Workers Association (PYWA) has released "Brave Conversations on Sexuality," a sexuality education curriculum designed to help churches navigate discussions about faith and sexuality with middle and high school students.
The curriculum is available for $100 through pywa.org, with a 20% discount for congregations with fewer than 100 members.
The resource can be adapted for various settings, including weekly youth group meetings, weekend retreats, or one-day events. Each session includes parent materials to facilitate ongoing conversations at home.
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Resources from Presbyterian Youth Ministry | |
Quicksheet #121 - Faithful Discernment in an AI World
A Theological and Ethics Framework + Worksheet
This is resource 2 of 3 in our AI series. Quicksheet #121 provides a faith-based ethical framework for helping to discern if and when to use AI in your ministry. This resource uses three texts as the lens to ask discernment questions for AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude. It also includes a worksheet that can be used individually or in groups to help in your discernment. https://bit.ly/4tfORwm
| Finishing touches are currently being done to Minister ID cards, and they will be available soon. Please note that these ID cards will expire in May 2027, as a new system will be in place. | Corrected version of the Liturgical Calendar Cling from PC(USA) Special Offerings | If you have a liturgical calendar cling from the Churchwide Special Offerings, the dates for the World Communion Offering are incorrect. Please accept our apology for this error. Note the correct dates, Sept. 6–Oct. 4, on your cling or Download the Corrected Calendar Cling | |
Free Liturgy for Older Adult Sunday
Each year, POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network) prepares a worship service honoring the gifts and contributions of older adults. The liturgy, prayers, and resources are designed for use in congregational worship and can also be adapted for retirement communities or other settings.
Older Adult Sunday, observed on May 3, 2026, is an ideal occasion to use this service, though congregations are welcome to select another date that suits their context.
This year’s worship service was created by Jen Rabenaldt, CRE, of First Presbyterian Church in San Luis Obispo, California. Download the service here.
Additional Older Adult Month resources can be found here.
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The Rural Ideas Conference is a national, ecumenical conference that 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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We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- Ipava Presbyterian Church – moderated by Rev. Edwin Brinklow
- Lewistown, First Presbyterian Church – moderated by Rev. Dr. Rene Whitaker
| Well Done, Good and Faithful Servants | | |
Mary Jane Hurie, a long-time member of Rock Creek Presbyterian Church in Tallula, has died. She has served Rock Creek’s Administrative Assistant for many years, taught Sunday school. She is the spouse of Tim Hurie, clerk of the Rock Creek church. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Kenneth John Macken died on April 18, 2026, in a car accident. He served as interim pastor at Chatham Presbyterian Church, 2012-2013. A celebration of life for Ken was held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Eastern Hills Baptist Church in Claremore, Oklahoma.
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April 27 | 7:00 pm | Peoria Area Regional Gathering | Peoria, United
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
May 5 | 10:30 am | Commission on Transitions (COT) | Zoom
May 7 | 10:00 am | PGR on the Road | CxT Roasting Company, Peoria (waiting for confirmation from them)
May 14 | 1:00 pm | Commission on Pastoral Leadership (CPL) | Zoom
| | Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Great Rivers | | Presbytery of Great Rivers Directory | |
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.
| | 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/ | | | | | | |
