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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
CONNECTIONS
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First Stated Meeting of Illinois Prairie Presbytery
May 19, 2026
The first stated meeting under our new name, Illinois Prairie Presbytery, convened on May 19 at Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center. We were especially grateful to welcome new commissioners who brought new perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to serve. Their presence reminded us that while we honor the strong foundations that brought us to this moment, we also look ahead with anticipation for the future of ministry across our presbytery.
During the meeting, commissioners also prayerfully approved the dismissal and recognition of Central Presbyterian Church in New Lenox. While moments of transition can be difficult, we give thanks for the ministry and faithful witness shared throughout the years by this congregation. After the dismissal, the Administrative Commission was also dissolved.
Commissioners that will be traveling to Kenya for their Imenti Partnerships, travelers to the Sisseton, South Dakota mission trip and the commissioners for the 227th General Assembly which will happen June 27 - July 2, 2026 in Milwaukee were all commissioned.
Rev. Lauren Patrus-Betzel presented a "Theology & Technology Artificial Intelligence & Imago Dei" illustration on how artificial intelligence is entering our everyday life and how we can use it effectively. A copy of her PowerPoint presentation can be found here.
During lunch, everyone in attendance got to vote on the new logo for our presbytery which is above. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Click here to view a copy of the condensed minutes.
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Six for Six Award Recipients
Sixteen (16) churches were awarded the Six for Six Challenge Certificate for 2025 at the May assembly meeting which are listed below.
Ridgefield Crystal Lake
Dixon, First
Elgin, First
Fulton
Galena, First
Geneva, Fox Valley
Henry, First
Joliet, Westminster
Mendota, First
Morris, First
Morrison, First
Piper City, First
Pontiac, First
Rockford, Third
Sterling, First
Woodstock, First
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Congratulations to these churches that accepted the six for six challenge which consisted of paying Per Capita in full, made a presbytery mission pledge and received all four (4) special offerings for 2025.
Will you be on the 2026 list?
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General Assembly is Approaching Fast!
The four (4) General Assembly commissioners of Illinois Prairie Presbytery are in the process of training for how business is transacted and they will be gathering for a meet and greet in the next couple of weeks within their committees.
Please pray for the following commissioners as they journey to continue their work for the greater body.
Rev. Rothea Kornelius. Elgin First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Katie Ricks, Sterling First Presbyterian Church
Pastor Ray Lantz, RE & CP, Piper City First Presbyterian Church
Jeannette Sheehan, RE, Rockford Third Presbyterian Church
Anyone can attend the General Assembly either in person or online
| | Waltham Presbyterian Church, Utica | |
Front (L-R):
Rev. Julie Bunt, Leo Bruins, Rev. Kathleen Luke, Rev. Nikelle Johnson and Rev. Jan Chandler
Back (L-R): Pastor Ray Lantz, Elder Karen Pillion, Rev. Dr. David Spaulding and Pastor Mike Engle
| Rev. Kathleen Luke was welcomed back into Illinois Prairie Presbytery after a few years serving in Indian Nations Presbytery. Kathie was installed at Waltham Presbyterian Church on May 17, 2026. Welcome back Kathie! | | | | |
Central Presbyterian Church, New Lenox
Central Presbyterian Church was chartered on January 28, 1844, by 22 men and women, and at that time was called First Congregational Church in Joliet.
On April 8, 1867, it was moved, seconded and approved to become Presbyterian to which the name Central Presbyterian Church was approved.
On April 26, 2026, their final service was held.
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Upcoming Boundary Training
August 12, 2026
Hope Presbyterian Church, Wheaton
August 27, 2026
Winnetka Presbyterian Church, Winnetka
Presbytery of Chicago will provide in-person training at these locations.
For more information and to register, click this link.
Illinois Prairie Presbytery will have dates in October to attend so stay tuned!
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Somonauk Presbyterian Church
Somonauk will hold their final service on Sunday, June 7, 2026. Everyone is invited to attend.
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Interested in General Assembly?
There are many ways that you can follow what is happening within General Assembly which are:
- Attend the plenary sessions - June 28 - July 2 in person
- Watch online as it will be livestreamed (details to follow)
- Volunteer - available job list is here
- Bulletin inserts are available for pre-order to share what is happening with your congregation. Click here to obtain them at a small cost.
Click here for the docket for the week.
Click here for the schedule of events.
Click here for the Quarterly Resource Preview
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Stronghold Stories
Summer camp is upon us. Please pray for the counselors, youth and Stronghold staff as they gear up for the start of their 2026 summer camps.
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Save the Date for the Stronghold
Middle School/High School Retreat
| | The middle school and high school retreat is scheduled for November 6-8, 2026, at Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center. Don't miss out on this opportunity for relationships and discipleship! More information to follow in the coming months. | |
The Synod Scoop
The May newsletter for the Synod of Lincoln Trails has been issued so please click here if you would like to read the article.
Also, if you are a congregation looking to fill a position, please use the newly launched Midwest Call Finder to help you in that endeavor. This where you can view or post job openings in any presbytery within the Synod.
Reminder that if you are attending the General Assembly on Saturday, June 27, you are invitied to attend a Synod hosted dinner by RSVPing to this link.
There are still mission initiative grants available for $1,500.00 each so apply today!
| | 2026 Assembly Meeting Dates | | |
September 15, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. by Zoom Only
November 10, 2026 - In Person Only at Caledonia, Willow Creek
| | Each month we are taking the time to pray for our churches and pastors throughout the year. Please take a moment each week to lift up those listed in prayer. | | |
Churches and their Pastors
Week of June 7 - Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church, Pastor Dottie Morizzo
Week of June 14 - Elmira United Presbyterian Church
Week of June 21 - Elwood Community Church, Pastor Mike Engle
Week of June 28 - Fairbury First Presbyterian, Pastor Alan Willadsen
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June Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
Jeffrey Borgerson - 1979
James Camp - 1965
Melinda Hinners - 1987
Michelle Hwang - 2010
Eric Corbin - 2010
Diane Jochum - 1993
David Jones - 1966
Lawrence Moslener - 1982
Phyllis Mueller - 1988
Richard "Skip" Shaffer - 1988
Kit Stanich - 1982
William Westlund - 1966
James Whitlock - 1963
Shirley Wooden - 1962
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
As we begin this day, we give thanks for the gift of life, for new mercies, and for the opportunities before us.
Guide our hearts to seek Your wisdom, our hands to do Your work, and our voices to speak kindness and hope.
In moments of uncertainty, grant us peace. In times of challenge, give us strength. Help us to see one another with compassion and to walk together in faith, trusting that You are always leading us forward.
Bless our communities, our churches, our families, and all who are carrying burdens today
May those who are grieving find comfort, those who are weary find rest, and those who are searching find hope.
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Teach us to be people of grace and courage, ready to serve where we are needed and ready to celebrate the goodness You continue to pour into our lives.
May this day reflect Your love in all that we do and say.
In your holy name we pray,
Amen.
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Are you doing something new or interesting in your church from which others might learn?
You have a standing invitation to send us articles, pictures or information to share.
Please send them to office@ilprairiepres.org
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Associate Pastor (Christian Education)
First, Joliet
Commissioned Ruling Elder
Fulton, Fulton
Solo Pastor; Installed
Westminster, Dekalb
Solo Pastor; Installed
Fox Valley, Geneva
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Solo Pastor: Installed
First, Fairbury
Commissioned Ruling Elder
First, Fairbury
Solo Pastor, Yoked Ministry
First, Mendota
See the CLC for more info - anyone can do an opportunity search
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Illinois Prairie Presbytery Staff
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Rev. Eric Heinekamp | 779-771-1896 | Email: eric@ilprairiepres.org
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; some evenings.
works remotely
Associate Stated Clerk
Rev. David Spaulding | 815-677-2801 | Email: revspaulding@gmail.com
Office hours: As needed basis, part-time, works remotely
Treasurer
Pastor Alan Willadsen | 309-683-6981 | Email: awilladsen@att.net
Office hours: As needed basis, part-time, works remotely
Administrative Assistant
Jeannette Sheehan | 779-771-2088 | Email: jeannette@ilprairiepres.org
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Works remotely except for Tuesdays
in which she is in the office.
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CALENDAR
Presbytery Meeting
September 15, 2026
9:30 a.m.
by Zoom only
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PER CAPITA
The per capita assessment for:
2026 is $45.00
Church payments are posted monthly on the website
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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
Our Vision and Values
Grounded in the biblical image for human community, as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we challenge and support congregations to be thriving faith communities by facilitating competent leadership and resourcing to energize ministry and mission.
As Christians, guided by the principles of love, trust, open communication, and genuine relationships, we value each other as sisters and brothers in faith in all our varied theological understandings. Therefore, we relish respectful discussions of differing opinions as a necessary part of discerning the will of God.
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