Called Presbytery Assembly | |
A special Presbytery Assembly has been called for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 pm on Zoom only.
The sole purpose of the meeting is to elect the Lead Presbyter Nominating Committee. No other business will
be conducted.
You must register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Nearly 80 people gathered virtually on February 10 for our first Presbytery Assembly of 2026.
We welcomed new minister members, the Rev. Dr. Anne Marshall (Springfield, Westminster) and the Rev. Gray Marshall (member at large), to their first PGR meeting. Several new Ruling Elder Commissioners were introduced.
The Rev. Dr. Cheyanna Losey led us in a prayer service in which we were invited, in the face of the present suffering of the world, to meet our fear with kindness and mercy, harness our courage, and use our anger in our work for justice.
The Rev. Dr. Sara Dingman-Kibler, Executive of the Synod of Lincoln Trails, explained the process for calling a new Lead Presbyter. She has met already with the Operations Commission (responsible for Personnel), the Leadership Council, and the Nominating Committee. The timeline for the search can be found here. A special Presbytery Assembly has been called for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 pm, Zoom only, to elect the Lead Presbyter Nominating Committee (see registration link above).
RE Mike Claver (Danvers, First) and RE Gary Terpstra (Springfield, Hope) were elected to serve on the Disaster Response Team. The Rev. Sue Krummel (retired) was selected to the Conflict Response Team. The Rev. Tim Snart (retired) was elected to serve on the Commission on Pastoral Leadership (CPL), class of 2027.
CARE, the Committee on Accessibility, Representation, and Equity, led us in an interactive exercise about the ways that Jesus cared.
RE Krista Steller (Springfield, Westminster), Betsy McKnight Latko (East Moline, First), and the Rev. Katie Styrt (Milan, First) shared moving reports about how their churches used the $5,000 emergency refugee grants from the Visioning Team to provide compassionate assistance to individuals and families whose financial support from federal sources was abruptly cut last year.
Katie Styrt also spoke about the powerful experience of participating in the Minneapolis Clergy Rally in late January. The purpose, she said, was to bear witness to the courage of the citizens of that city and the immigrants and others who have been targeted. One of the most profound takeaways was the importance of knowing our neighbors and showing up for them.
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Lead Presbyter
Echoes of this poem by Nikita Gill came to mind at Tuesday’s Assembly, as Katie talked about the clergy rally and she, Krista, and Betsy spoke of the ways their congregations have rallied to care for the refugees in their communities:
Every bombed village is my hometown.
And every dead child is my child.
Every grieving mother is my mother.
Every crying father is my father.
Every home turned to rubble is the home I grew up in.
Every brother carrying the remains of his brother across borders is my brother.
Every sister waiting for a sister who will never come home is my sister.
Every one of these people are ours,
Just like we are theirs.
We belong to them and they belong to us.
To imagine that we should not or cannot speak out, care, and act when others suffer seems inhumane. Isn’t that what Jesus taught us... that every one of us, created in the image of God, belongs to God and to one another?
Ann Schwartz
Lead Presbyter
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Clerk's Corner
Clerks,
The time is almost here! If you have not completed your end-of-year stat reports, please do so. Please contact me or Brandy Walters if you have any questions. The materials were sent to you before the end of the year last year by Brandy. If you are having trouble getting logged on or need any additional information, I can help you. The deadline for clerks to enter their own reports is February 20, but I have another week after that to log in.
Thank you!
Rev. Elissa Bailey
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Hello from your Finance Team
End-of-year statements for 2025 have been mailed. Checks received after January 1 can still be applied against 2025 balances, however it will post in the 2026 fiscal year. The latest remittance form is linked at the bottom of the finance section and available on the website. Reach out with any questions.
Board of Pensions
Please be sure that you’ve updated your employees' 2026 salary information. This ensures that you are paying accurate dues and employees are receiving the correct pension amounts.
Log in to the portal at Benefits Connect and from the Home Screen, click Manage/Add Participants to view what they currently have on file for your church. If you need to make changes: click the Pencil, then Salary Change, then enter the effective date, then enter the amount, then save.
Contact the Board of Pensions if you have questions. 800‑PRESPLAN (800‑773‑7752) (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, or email us at memberservices@pensions.org.
Special Offerings
As of January 1, the Special Offerings Program will have three funds. These funds will pass through to Presbytery Mission.
World Communion Offering - The Peace & Global Witness offering will now be received in this fund.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Christmas Joy
Paid Leave for All Workers Act
Are you in compliance with this law that took effect on January 1, 2024? All workers, irrespective of their status as full-time or part-time, are entitled to earn and use up to 40 hours of paid leave time each year. The legislation provides that paid leave shall accrue at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked. This applies to everyone, regardless of whether part-time, full-time, hourly, or salaried. More information can be found here.
Review of the Books
It is recommended that the “review of the books” be done internally annually for two years. An outside party (preferably a CPA) is recommended in the third year. These reviews are important to protect the church, as well as those who handle money and set policy. Note: this is not an audit. This step-by-step workbook, authored by Edd Breeden, can help with your reviews. You may also consider partnering with another congregation to share resources.
2026 IRS Mileage Rate Increase
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck will be:
- 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
- 20.5 cents per mile driven for medical purposes
​​Additional information can be found here.
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.
Thanks,
Annette Simmons – Treasurer Sabrina McGrath – Bookkeeper
PGRTreasurer@greatriverspby.org smcgrath@greatriverspby.org
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| Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights | | |
If you are interested in learning more about how to stand with immigrant families, friends, and neighbors, please consider this option. Immigrant organization-led training is available online from ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights) at:
Know Your Rights (on Mondays, 6:00 pm): Here
Migra Watch (on Wednesdays, 6:00 pm): Here
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Connect with Colleagues and Friends
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, February 24, 10:00am.
CREs use this link to join
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The next Zoom Check-in for Pastors is scheduled
for Tuesday, February 24, 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.
| African American History Month | |
You can learn about African American History Month through the documents, photos, audio and video files, and collections compiled by the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The 2026 theme for African American History Month is A Century of Black History Commemorations. "2026 marks a century of national commemorations of Black history. Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, George Cleveland Hall, William B. Hartgrove, Jesse E. Moorland, Alexander L. Jackson, and James E. Stamps institutionalized the teaching, study, dissemination, and commemoration of Black history when they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) on September 9, 1915." Learn more from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Do you like documentaries? PBS and your local PBS station offer a list of films premiering this month, as well as programs available to stream in February.
If you’d like to make your observance Presbyterian-focused, click to see images on the Presbyterian Historical Society blog that captured our attention and pulled at our heartstrings.
You can also visit the Racial Equity webpage on the Presbyterian Women website to download and take the 8-day racial equity education challenge, read stories and reflections, order the new "PW is on the Mark" Racial Equity bookmarks, purchase the recently published Etchings in Diversity Book Two, and more!
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Regional Cohorts
Two regional cohorts have scheduled their first gatherings of 2026. Pastors and members are welcome!
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Peoria Region
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. Let’s get acquainted and talk about the faithful ministries we’re all doing and how we can support one another.
Folks from Bartonville, Trinity; Edwards, Korean; Elmwood, First; Eureka, First; Farmington, First; Pekin, First; Peoria, First Federated; Peoria, United; Peoria, Westminster; Washington; and Yates City, Faith United are encouraged to come.
Mid-Eastern Region
Sunday, March 8, 2:00 pm at Central Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Douglas Ave, Petersburg
Snacks will be provided. We want to get to know one another, so we can purposely pray for each of the congregations in the group. We want to share how God is working in our congregations. We want to encourage and learn from one another.
Folks from Athens, Indian Point; Delavan, First; Greenview, United; Lincoln, First; Mason City, United; Middletown; Petersburg, Central; Tallula, Rock Creek; Virginia, First; and Virginia, Sangamon Valley are welcome!
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Rev. Dr. Joy Ridge Edeker
With sadness, we share the news that the Rev. Dr. Joy Ridge Edeker, former pastor of First United PC in Carthage, died Monday following an unexpected medical crisis. Most recently, she has been serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Anderson, Indiana. Read her obituary here.
| Healthy Boundaries & Ethics Training Resources | |
The Presbytery of Great Rivers requires annual ethics/boundary training for all pastoral leaders. Online training can be completed through:
The Synod of Lincoln Trails will offer several in-person trainings during the late spring and early summer. Dates and locations will be announced in March.
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Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s Preaching in a Post-Christian Age Initiative resources preachers from diverse denominations and settings with the tools to address the challenges of presenting the gospel at a time of growing secularization in the United States.
If you regularly preach or facilitate proclamation in one ministry context, are eager to be a part of a diverse learning community, and want to try some fresh preaching methods, we encourage you to apply online for the 2026-2027 cohort! A total of 20 fellows will be admitted.
Applications are due by February 28, 2026!
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The Korean version of the Book of Order is now available for download. You may access it at the link below:
규례서 Book of Order 2025-2027
| One Great Hour of Sharing | |
February 18 - April 5, 2026

Serve the most vulnerable around the world, offering aid to people lacking access to life’s basic necessities.
Lots of useful and FREE resources are available for you to use this Lenten season!
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Leader's Guide - Everything you need for a successful One Great Hour of Sharing season this Lent can be found here. Download HERE
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Sharing Calendar - Short activities, reflection questions or prayers for each day during Lent are available on the Sharing Calendar. This is great for use with children or even intergenerationally. Download HERE
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Social Media Images - Use these social media images to spread the word about One Great Hour of Sharing this year. Download HERE
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Media Tool Kit - Create your own images for announcements in bulletins and emails about One Great Hour of Sharing using the provided assets. Download HERE
- Bulletin Inserts - Bulletin inserts may be part of your standing order, but if not, you can download them here. Also variations in black and white or covers only are available!

Download "DO JUSTICE" bulletin insert HERE
Download "WE ARE THERE" bulletin insert HERE
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Welcome to the 227th General Assembly (2026)
Issue 7 of GA227's "On the Road to GA"
is hot off the virtual presses!
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Planning a Summer Trip or Conference with Youth?
It will be time for summer trips before you know it! A mission trip or youth conference can be one of the most transformative experiences for a teenager’s faith development. This free Quicksheet resource — “Youth Trip Budgeting” — can help guide you, show you what pitfalls to avoid, and help you ensure your youth trips are within budget and financially sustainable.
Click to download “Youth Trip Budgeting” now.
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Save the date: Benefits Regional Summits

The Benefits Regional Summits return this spring as informative town halls to provide updates and insights about the Benefits Plan. The summits are open to all throughout the Church, and we particularly encourage pastors, Personnel Committee chairs, and church business administrators to attend. Invitations will be sent in February.
Important information to know:
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This article discusses how the Board balances caring for members through the Benefits Plan with risk and rising costs in a fragmented healthcare system. It’s a good resource for understanding the Board’s stewardship of the Medical Plan.
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We will be introducing a new Benefits Connect tool in February for managing employee updates. The Manage/Add Participants tool will allow employer representatives to add new hires, and make changes to salaries, hours, and employment information.
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The 2025 Housing Allowance Letter is available for ministers and their tax advisers.
Plans and programs updates:
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Assistance Program: We have enhanced several grants for 2026. In particular, I call your attention to the new eligibility for Minister Debt Relief as well as Housing and Income supplements.
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Medical Plan and Spring Health: 2026 brings updates to features that support the well-being of members. I recommend paying special attention to Call to Health, Hinge Health, and Spring Health. Medical Plan members have access to all three at no additional cost. Those enrolled in benefits through the Covenant Package also have access to Spring Health.
- The new Call to Health platform launched Jan. 2. All members must register for the new experience, even if they had previously participated. Covered spouses also can participate.
- Hinge Health offers virtual physical therapy and app-based exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist.
- Two new resources are available through Spring Health: an online Weight and Wellness resource hub, with access to nutrition coaching, and unlimited, confidential virtual coaching for teens.
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As a reminder, Call to Health, Hinge Health, and Spring Health are not available to members enrolled in Triple-S or GeoBlue or to retired members enrolled in the Humana Group Medicare Advantage PPO plan.
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Church Safety and Security Workshop
Register by February 21
| | Mark your calendars and tell your sessions. On Saturday, October 24, the Presbytery of Great Rivers and the Presbytery of East Iowa will host a workshop for churches of all sizes focusing on church growth and vitality. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Josh Erickson, who formerly served in Great Rivers. He’s now the pastor of Park Ridge Presbyterian Church in the Chicago area and one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church Growth Network. There will be more to share soon about other workshop topics to be presented that day, as well as a registration link. | | |
Presbyterian Hunger Program
Churches interested in grassroots organizing as a way to help their communities and boost congregational vitality have a new downloadable resource, available free of charge. Rev. Phil Tom of the West Kensington Ministry in Philadelphia said congregation-based community organizing allows congregations to be more impactful than working alone and can be utilized by churches of any size. Read more here.
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February Ordination Anniversaries
February 1, 1998 – The Rev. Joyce Chamberlin, Retired
February 8, 1981 – The Rev. Andrew McDonald, Coal Valley Presbyterian
Church and Beulah Presbyterian Church, Orion
February 8, 2015 – The Rev. Charles Spence Freeman, First Presbyterian Church, East Moline
February 27, 2011 – The Rev. Peter Galbraith, Grace Church, Rock Island
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| 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. | | |
We give thanks to God for these faithful congregations and pastoral leaders:
- Hope Presbyterian Church of Springfield and the Rev. Chuck Goodman
- Second Presbyterian Church of Bloomington and the Rev. Trey Haddon
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Feb 17 | 10:00 am | Commission on Congregational Life (CCL) | Zoom
Feb 17 | 3:30 pm | CARE | Zoom
Feb 18 | Ash Wednesday
Feb 21 | DEADLINE to register for Church Safety & Security Workshop
Feb 24 | 10:00 am | CRE Check-in | Zoom
Feb 24 | 12:00 pm | Pastor Check-in | Zoom
Feb 24 | 6:00 pm | Called Presbytery Assembly | Zoom
Feb 25 | 10:00 am | PGR on the Road | Kirkwood ~ Media | County Line Diner, 112 E State St., Smithshire
Feb 26 | 12:00 pm | Board of Pensions Virtual Town Hall | Zoom
Feb 28 | 9:00 am | Church Safety & Security Workshop | Springfield Hope PC
Mar 6-7 | Preaching Retreat | Sacre Coeur Center
| | Bindertek Elliptical Archival Binder | | Center Presbyterian Church in Seaton has a new 4" Heavy-Duty Elliptical Archival Binder from Bindertek for sale. If anyone is interested, please contact Marcia Duncan at marciajduncan@gmail.com | |
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/ |   | |   | | | |
