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I am writing to inform you that the schedule for the February Gathering is being changed. Previously scheduled for February 26 as a Zoom meeting, the Gathering will now be held in-person on Saturday, February 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at First United Presbyterian of Belleville. More details about registration and the schedule for the day will be available on the Presbytery website within the next couple of weeks.
We want you to understand this decision was not made lightly; it was thoroughly discussed by members of the Vision Team following a request from the Committee of Counsel that was elected at our Dec. 20, 2025, Called Presbytery Meeting. The three-member Counsel made their request based on legal counsel that in-person meetings are preferable to virtual or hybrid meetings for several reasons, including possible consideration of sensitive and complex matters and to foster relationship and trust building.
The Committee of Counsel was appointed to represent the Presbytery in matters related to the Synod of Mid-America Permanent Judicial Commission’s Remedial Case 2025-02 that pertains to actions taken at our November 8, 2025, Gathering. While we do not know when any actions will be taken in the remedial case that might require Presbytery consideration, it seems prudent to plan for the February Gathering and the remaining three 2026 Gatherings to be in-person. This also will offer a greater opportunity to live into the coming year’s theme – “Reclaiming Our Connections.”
Thank you for your understanding and prayers during this time. We hope you share our recognition that it is important for the work of the Presbytery to proceed openly and effectively with God’s guidance and grace. We encourage everyone who is able to attend the Presbytery Gathering on Feb. 28 in Belleville. If you have questions or comments about the upcoming Gathering, please direct them to the Moderator or Stated Clerk.
Faithfully,
Barbara Abbett, Moderator
Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery
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