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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
CONNECTIONS
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Congregation Initiative
The Illinois Prairie Presbytery Visioning Committee is developing Spark, a new initiative designed to reignite the calling and vitality of congregations. Spark is being created specifically for the context of Illinois Prairie Presbytery and recognizes the realities and challenges facing congregations today.
The initiative will help congregations identify where God may be calling them next, clarify priorities, and develop practical steps for moving forward. Spark is intended to be a collaborative process, providing both visioning assistance and ongoing support from the Presbytery and participating congregations.
The Spark process includes five steps:
- Express Interest – A congregation indicates its interest in learning more about Spark.
- Orientation – Congregational leaders participate in a one-hour orientation covering the basics of the program.
- Visioning Event – A two-hour visioning event is held with the participating congregation.
- Ministry Plan – The congregation develops a one-page ministry plan identifying one or two priorities/action steps.
- Ongoing Support – The Presbytery and other participating congregations provide continuing encouragement and support.
Congregations interested in learning more about the Spark Congregation Initiative may contact the Presbytery office at office@ilprairiepres.org.
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September Assembly Highlights
The September 15, 2026 Stated Meeting was held via Zoom, with a quorum present. The meeting opened with worship led by Pastor Mike Engle, including Scripture and a sermon from Ephesians 4:11-16, Holy Communion, and an offering for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
General Assembly: Eric Heinekamp explained the different amendments that were presented to the General Assembly. This handout separates actions completed by GA227 from work assigned for further study/review and from the 25 proposed constitutional amendments (26-A through 26-Y) that now require presbytery votes. A General Assembly action may take effect immediately within its authority. A proposed Book of Order amendment does not become constitutional until approved by the required majority of presbyteries.
Board of Pensions: Ken Green provided updates concerning 2027 medical plans, employer agreements, Medicare Part B information sessions, and childcare grants. Congregations were encouraged to use the Board of Pensions decision-making resources when selecting their 2027 benefits package. Your employer agreement is available in Benefits Connect until October 2.
Presbytery Actions: Council approved $1,400 toward a 2027 Preacher’s Retreat, and a $6,000 Resurrection Fund grant for AuSable Grove. Planning also continued for the 2027 transition of the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk positions.
Ministry & Congregational Support: The Assembly approved a 3% increase to the minimum terms of call for full-time pastors, a revised Covenant of Closure, a new policy allowing trained elders to serve Communion in their congregations, and revisions to the Resurrection Fund policy.
Visioning: The Visioning Committee reviewed progress from the 2022 Vision Task Force report and drafted a new vision statement for Illinois Prairie Presbytery: “Equipping Energized Leaders and Congregations.” The statement awaits Council approval.
Looking Ahead: The Presbytery will continue work on new worshiping communities, leadership transitions, boundary training, mission grants, clergy support, and congregational vitality.
The next assembly will be November 10, 2026, at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church in Caledonia, Illinois, and will be in person only starting at 9:30 a.m.
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Pastor's Retreat
September 21-23
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October 29 Book Club
"Reckoning with History"
Rev. Lauren Patrus-Betzel will be gathering at Stronghold Castle on October 29th at 1:00 p.m. for a conversation relating to Dr. William Yoo's book "Reckoning with History".
This is an excellent opportunity to get to know Dr. Yoo prior to his visit to our next assembly meeting on November 10. He is the Associate Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary.
To register, please click on the below link.
Tithe.ly Event Registration
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2027 Benefit Selection
Your Employer Agreement is available in Benefits Connect through October 2, 2026. If there is no employer agreement on file, you will not receive benefits.
Connect to access your 2027 Employer Agreement:
- Review 2027 Benefits and Pricing
- Make Your Selections
- Submit your Employer Agreement
If you need help, call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 and a representative will assist you.
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New Tool for Congregation
Tax-Exempt Status Letters
Need proof of a congregation's federal tax-exempt status for a grant application, bank account, or other business purpose?
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has launched a new a new online tool that allows churches and mid councils to quickly generate a customized group inclusion letter. All you'll need is a congregation's PIN or EIN, and the letter can be created in just a few minutes.
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You don't have to know everything or have years of experience—just a willingness to participate, learn, and serve. Your voice, your gifts, and your perspective matter.
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Find Your Place at the Table
Have you ever wondered how you can become more involved in the life and ministry of Illinois Prairie Presbytery?
Serving on a presbytery committee is a wonderful way to share your gifts, meet people from other congregations, and help shape the future of our shared ministry.
Whether your strengths are in leadership, organization, finance, mission, ministry, visioning, or simply bringing a listening ear and a willing heart, there is a place for you!
To learn about what each committee does, go to www.ilprairiepres.org and click on the "Committees" tab.
Consider volunteering today and find your place at the table! To volunteer, please email office@ilprairiepres.org.
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All minister members and currently commissioned pastors of the Presbytery are expected to attend all stated meetings.
Each congregation within the Presbytery shall elect and send a ruling elder commissioner to each stated meeting.
You have a vote on what takes place!
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"Come As You Are"
Middle & High School
Fall Retreat
Don't forget to register for the Middle School/High School Fall Retreat.
November 6–8, 2026
Cost is $140.00 per person
Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center
1922 IL Route 2, Oregon, IL 61061
Bring a friend, pack your favorite hoodie, and get ready for a weekend filled with fun, faith, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Come as you are... and leave knowing you belong.
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To register, use the following link:
2026 Fall Retreat Registration
lf your church is paying, please use the promo code "Church" and you will not be required to pay with a credit card.
Scholarships may be available.
Any questions, contact 779-771-2088 or email office@ilprairiepres.org
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The Synod Scoop
Please click this link to view their September Newsletter.
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2026 Mission Grant Funds Available
There are funds still available through the presbytery.
Maybe your congregation has been dreaming about a new outreach project, supporting a local ministry, meeting a community need, or finding a creative way to share God’s love.
This could be the opportunity to turn that dream into action!
| | | | 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 October 4 - Community Presbyterian Church, Manteno
Week of October 11- First Presbyterian Church, Marengo, Rev. Karen Schlack
Week of October 18 - Faith Presbyterian Church, McHenry, Rev. Richard Davis
Week of October 25 - First Presbyterian Church, Mendota, Pastor Laurie Walker
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October Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
Barbara Budnick - 1991
Gavin Finefield - 2005
Pamela Forney -1990
Russell Hummer -1989
Yong Kim -1998
Deborah Matthews -2006
Bogdan Mircea - 2014
Lauren Patrus Betzel - 2017
Matthew Robinson -1990
Michael Selburg - 2006
Rebecca White Newgren - 2007
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
Gracious God,
Today, remind us that we don't have to change the whole world to make a difference.
Sometimes the greatest impact begins with one small act of kindness, one encouraging word, one helping hand, or simply taking the time to truly listen.
Open our eyes to the people around us who may need a little hope. Give us the courage to step forward when we see a need, the compassion to care when someone is hurting, and the generosity to share what we have been given.
Help us not to wait for the perfect opportunity or the perfect moment. Show us what we can do today.
May our words bring encouragement, our actions bring hope, and our presence remind others that they are seen, valued, and loved.
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Use us, Lord, wherever we are—at work, at home, in our churches, in our communities, and in the ordinary moments of this day.
Help us remember that even the smallest spark can bring light into a dark place.
Give us the eyes to see the difference we can make, the heart to care, and the courage to act.
In Jesus' name,
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
Solo Pastor; Installed
First, Rochelle
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 | 309-635-1675 | 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
November 10, 2026
9:30 a.m.
In-Person only
Willow Creek Presbyterian
Caledonia
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PER CAPITA
The per capita assessment for:
2027 is $47.00
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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