What happened in

General Assembly?

"Persevering Toward Wholeness"

June 22 - July 2, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI

The 2026 General Assembly has drawn to a close in which a couple of the commissioners have written a few words on their experience.

I am not quite sure that when I applied to be the GA commissioner in 2026 for our Presbytery, I knew exactly what I signed up for. This was the first General Assembly for me, but I did know that the church (not just ours) is going through transition, that we are living in times that need discernment and vision, and I wanted to be part of that.  Committee work was first, and you don't have a say in which committee you serve. General Assembly Operations??? Yep - all the good stuff from reviewing Synod minutes, GA minutes etc. and also the harder things, like will GA228 be in Puerto Rico? What I've learned is how important it is for a whole group of 60 people to come together, discern through a problem and be "in good order". The week in Milwaukee was whiplash between an airconditioned room (so cold that they gave us blankets) and going outside where it was over 100 degrees. Long days were spent sitting, listening, discerning, and praying. Encountered

Wi-Fi that worked and sometimes not, systems that teetered, and the most awesome worship! There was so much fellowship and community and getting to know and understand. It was being a part of something that is bigger than ourselves and yet made up of ourselves. We were exhausted and trying to stay focused and celebrated good decisions, asked the hard questions. I came away having learned way more about Robert's Rules of Order than I ever wanted to, learning to listen even better before voicing opinions (maybe the system and seeking recognition helped with that), and a deep respect for the way we do things, for the ways we engage and for how seriously we take hearing God.  Will I do it again? In a heartbeat!!!

------Rev. Thea Kornelius, MWS at Elgin First

Attending the 2026 General Assembly was an incredible learning experience, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate. Throughout the Assembly, I gained a much greater understanding of how the PC(USA) functions, both in its governance and in the discernment process. It was enlightening to witness the complexity of the work, from navigating the polity and procedures to engaging in thoughtful discussions and voting on significant and often challenging issues that impact the life of our denomination. Equally meaningful was seeing the relational side of the Assembly. It was a joy to watch pastors and commissioners reconnect with longtime friends, build new relationships, and share in the fellowship that reminds us we are part of something much larger than our individual congregations and presbyteries. I left with a deeper appreciation for the work of the General Assembly, a clearer understanding of how the process unfolds, and a renewed commitment to the ministry we share together. Thank you for allowing me to attend and represent our presbytery. I am truly grateful for the experience and all that I learned. - Serving in Christ,

------Jeannette Sheehan, Ruling Elder at Rockford Third

To understand what happened each day, there was a "news brief" that outlined what the previous day accomplished. If you haven't seen these, click on the daily reports below.

• June 27 - Community Day  
• June 28 - Preventing Gun Violence
• June 29 - GA & Technology
• June 30 - Gender & Sexuality Justice
• July 1 - World Mission Commission
• July 2 - Board of Pensions
• July 3 - Unified Budget & New Co-Moderators

Below is a wrap up of some of the overtures that were approved within the eleven committees. This is in full size letter form or half sheet so you can insert into your bulletins.

• Half sheet
• Full Sheet

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. 

Presbyterian Mission and Ministries

Your recurring gifts sustain Presbyterian mission and ministries all year long! 

The PILLARS community of recurring givers to the PC(USA) provides steady, reliable support for seven cause areas that Presbyterians are passionate about. With a simple one-time setup, your weekly, monthly or quarterly gift lets you rest easy knowing that you’re making a tangible impact every day! As a recurring donor, you’ll get access to exclusive PILLARS events, specialized gifts and regular updates on the impact of your generosity. Visit the PILLARS website to learn more about our seven Impact Funds or set up your recurring gift today!

July 31 is PW Gives Day, commemorating the founding of today’s Presbyterian Women. This day is set aside each year for individuals and PW groups to celebrate and support all that Presbyterian Women makes possible. For PW Gives Day 2026, prayerfully consider the legacies that you have inherited and consider the ways you can strengthen the legacies you hope to build for tomorrow’s Presbyterian Women.

Use this link to give to the Presbyterian Women.

"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.

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
• Moving (military only): 23.5 cents/mile

The Synod Scoop

Wellspring

The Synod of Lincoln Trails will be gathering October 19-23, 2026 at The New Harmony Inn Resort and Conference Center in New Harmony, Indiana. We are in the third year of this platinum program for pastors in new calls. We recognize and celebrate the many forms of ministry pastoral leaders are serving in and have designed this program to support those in new calls throughout the synod. Wellspring is for pastors, commissioned pastors, chaplains, and those in specialized ministry. It is for those who are newly ordained or commissioned and for those who have started a new role. The synod invests about $3,000 per participant per year in this three-year, cohort-based program that offers a residency every autumn and individual monthly coaching throughout the year.

Learn more about this years Wellspring Residency. 

August Ordination and Commission Anniversaries

Herschel Ele - 1982

Rothea Kornelius - 2017

Lisa Lopez Meyer - 2011

Stephen Sibson - 1968

Betty Weidert - 1997

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Lord, hear our prayer....

Faithful and ever-present God,

With grateful hearts, we pause to reflect on our time together at General Assembly. We thank you for gathering sisters and brothers in Christ from across the Church to worship, discern, listen, debate, and seek Your will.

We give thanks for the opportunity to learn more about the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), to witness the prayerful work of committees, and to participate in decisions that shape our shared ministry.

In moments of agreement and moments of disagreement, remind us that we are first and always united as members of the body of Christ

.

As we return to our congregations, presbyteries, and communities, help us carry forward not only the decisions that were made, but also the relationships that were strengthened, the stories that were shared, and the hope that was renewed.

Give us wisdom to interpret what we have experienced with grace, humility to continue learning, and courage to faithfully live into the work You have entrusted to us.