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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
CONNECTIONS
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September 15
Presbytery Assembly Meeting
By Zoom only
It's time to come together again!
We invite you to join us for our September Assembly as we gather as Illinois Prairie Presbytery to worship, connect, share ideas, and discern where God is leading us next.
On the agenda
- Approval of the 2027 Per Capita rate
- 2027 Minimum Terms of Call for pastors
- Board of Pensions Update
- A New Opportunity from the Visioning Committee
- Resurrection Fund Policy Changes
This is more than just a meeting- it's an opportunity to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and be a part of the larger story of ministry across our presbytery.
Come for the Worship
Stay for the Connections
Bring your ideas
Share in the work GOD has given us to do
Your Voice. Your Vote. Our Future.
Pastors and Commissioners—you are an important part of the story of Illinois Prairie Presbytery!
Please consider attending.
Please register by using the button below.
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The Offering will be sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
If you would like to donate, please use this link.
In 2025 alone, because of your generous support, PDA was able to provide more than $6.3 million of grants in 36 countries and 28 states (including Puerto Rico); support more than 2,000 work team volunteers equivalent to more than $1.6 million in volunteer time to help rebuild communities affected by disaster; deploy 147 National Response Team members to 42 presbyteries; offer more than $1.7 million in Migration Accompaniment Ministry grants; present Emotional & Spiritual Care programs to more than 800 individuals; premiere PDA's 6th documentary, "Evicting the American Dream", and screen it in 19 cities; and with Church World Service, aid in the collection and distribution of more than 141,000 Gift of the Heart kits and blankets. Thank you for being a part of this ministry.
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Stewardship Kaleidoscope in Baltimore
September 21-23
You are invited to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026!
In‑Person Registration: $425
- Includes full access to the conference schedule: four plenaries, two worship services, four workshop blocks, and all meals listed below. You will select one workshop per block.
- In‑person attendees also receive recordings of all four plenaries, both worship services, and eight workshops (A‑11, A‑12, B‑11, B‑12, C‑11, C‑12, D‑11, D‑12)
First Call Pastor or Seminary Student In‑Person Registration: $200
- Scholarship rate for pastors in their first call or students currently enrolled in seminary. Includes all benefits of regular in‑person registration
Virtual Attendee Registration: $150
- Includes access to all live-steamed and recorded plenaries and worship, plus access to eight workshops (four via livestream).
For more information, please click this link.
Act fast, the deadline for in-person registration is September 8
but you can register for virtual attendance until September 21.
Contact the presbytery for scholarship funds.
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Season of Creation
The season starts September 1st, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and ends October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology beloved by many Christian denominations.
Throughout the month-long celebration, the world's 2.2 billion Christians come together to care for our common home. Click here to download the Creation Justice Ministries' Season of Creation toolkit to access free activities and resources to celebrate the Season of Creation are supported by an ecumenical steering committee and a coalition of partners from around the world.
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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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The World Communion Offering of the PC(USA) will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 4,2026. This Offering is about reconciling God’s people at the Table of Grace through ministries of justice. It is about expanding the table of people in communion and partnership with one another leading to connections that result in important work — there’s always room for more at the Table.
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Upcoming Boundary Training
September 17, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00 pm - In Person
Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3305 Longlois Drive, Lafayette, IN
September 26, 2026
10:00 - 3:00 pm - Online via Zoom (preregistration is required)
For more information and to register for either of these, click this link.
Illinois Prairie Presbytery will have dates in early 2027 so stay tuned!
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"Come As You Are"
Fall Retreat
Life can be busy. School, sports, friends, family, expectations—it can all feel like a lot. Sometimes it seems like you have to have everything figured out before you can show up.
The good news? You don't.
This fall, join us for a weekend away at Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center where you can step away from the noise, make new friends, laugh until your sides hurt, enjoy great food, worship together, ask honest questions, and discover that God loves you just as you are.
Whether this is your first retreat or your tenth, there's a place for you. No perfect answers required. No pretending. Just come with an open heart and see what God has in store.
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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New IRS Mileage Rate effective July 1st
2026 mileage rates (July 1 – Dec. 31)
The standard mileage rates for 2026 are:
- Self-employed and business: 76 cents/mile
- Charities: 14 cents/mile
- Medical: 23.5 cents/mile
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Moving (military only): 23.5 cents/mile
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The Synod Scoop
Many of our communities within the Synod have been affected by storms, tornadoes and flooding. We hold all SOLT communities in prayer as they navigate through these disasters. We are grateful for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, who is working alongside our presbyteries to strengthen our disaster response capacities. We encourage all who are able to donate to PDA, or your presbytery’s relief fund with the words “natural disaster relief.” Please click this link to view their August 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!
| | | | 2026 Assembly Meeting Dates | | |
September 15, 2026 - 9:30 a.m. by Zoom Only
To attend Zoom only meeting, register here.
November 10, 2026 - In Person Only at Caledonia, Willow Creek
Proposed 2027 Assembly Meeting Dates
February 23 – Zoom only in evening
May 18th – In Person at Stronghold
September 21st – In Person location TBD
November 9th – In Person location TBD
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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.
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Churches and their Pastors
Week of September 6 - First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, Rev. Bo Mircea
Week of September 13 - Westminster Presbyterian Church, Joliet, Pastor Karen Williams
Week of September 20 - First Presbyterian Church, Kewanee
Week of September 27 - Crow Meadow Presbyterian Church, LaRose
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September Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
James Breed - 1971
Robert Conner - 1957
James Friedmeyer - 1981
Karen Gerhard Conner -1985
Nikelle Johnson - 2025
Lewis Kidd - 1986
Canessa Lagan - 2008
Greg Manship -1994
Catherine Martin - 2008
John Rickard - 1978
Deborah Roberts -1982
Karen Schlack - 2004
David Smazik - 1982
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
Gracious and loving God,
Thank You for the gift of this new day. Help us to slow down long enough to notice Your presence in the ordinary moments—the conversations we have, the work before us, and the people You place in our path.
When we feel overwhelmed, remind us that we do not carry our burdens alone. Give us wisdom when decisions are difficult, patience when things do not go as planned, and courage when we are called to step beyond our comfort zones.
Help us to be people who bring hope, encouragement, and kindness wherever we go. May our words build others up, our actions reflect Your love, and our hearts remain open to the ways You are working around us.
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Bless those who are struggling today, those who are lonely or discouraged, and those who simply need a reminder that they are loved. Guide us to be your hands and feet for them.
Lord, help us not just to get through this day, but to live it fully ----with gratitude, purpose, grace, and joy.
In all that we do today, may we seek You, trust You, and reflect your love.
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
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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