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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
CONNECTIONS
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Assembly Meeting
The next stated meeting of the assembly will be in-person only on Tuesday, November 10 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church in Caledonia.
Can a Small Church Make a Big Difference?
Does making a meaningful difference require a large congregation, abundant resources, or a grand vision? What if the greatest impact comes not from the size of our churches, but from how we live out our faith?
Join us on November 10 as Dr. William Yoo challenges us to think about “How Our Churches of All Sizes Can Make a Real Difference for Good.”
Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and perhaps see your congregation’s potential in a whole new light. After all, making a difference isn't about how big we are—it's about what God can do through us!
Several other important items will be discussed including:
- Final budget for 2027
- Nomination of Vice-Moderator of the Assembly for 2027
- Committee and Commission member nominations
- New Presbytery Vision Statement proposal
- Presentation of first set of Book of Order Amendments from the 227th General Assembly
- Election of PNC for the new General Presbyter search
- Proposed change to the Ecclesiastical Manual
- Spark Program Orientation/Informational Meeting (see below)
- Many reports from committees showing how active Illinois Prairie Presbytery has been!
We look forward to seeing you there as we explore the difference we can make together!
To register for the Assembly meeting, use the button below
| | Lunch will be served at a cost of $15.00 per person. You may use the button below to prepay. | | |
Dr. William Yoo
Dr. William Yoo is a professor and public theologian who interprets the most challenging and urgent issues of racial justice with clarity, depth, honesty and precision. His conviction is that deeper engagement with history aids us in more faithful and effective participation in our present ministries exhibiting God’s love, justice, grace and righteousness. When studying the development of Christianity in the United States, he is motivated to find both beautiful moments of awe-inspiring faith and ugly episodes where it is difficult to discern the divine presence. He is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of Cherokee Presbytery. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Presbyterian Historical Society and presently serves on the Board of Directors for the Montreat Conference Center. He resides in Georgia with their two teenage children and his spouse, Sarah.
This lecture draws from history, ranging from the earliest days of Christianity in the Greco-Roman world to Presbyterianism in the United States, to illustrate how our churches today can make a difference for good in our local communities, nation, and world. The lecture offers practical insights on how churches of all sizes may utilize their gifts and resources to engage our most pressing economic, social, and political challenges with hope, illumination, truth, and love.
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Lecture Title:
How our Churches of All Sizes Can Make a Real Difference for Good
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Orientation/Informational Meeting
(happening after the assembly meeting)
Every congregation has a story, unique gifts, and a future filled with possibilities. The Illinois Prairie Presbytery’s Spark Congregation Initiative is being developed to help churches rediscover their calling, identify new opportunities for ministry, and take meaningful steps toward the future God is preparing for them.
Spark is designed to meet congregations where they are today and the journey doesn't end there! Through ongoing support from the Presbytery and other connections, churches won't have to navigate the journey alone.
Want to learn more? An introductory orientation meeting will be held immediately following the November 10 Presbytery Assembly at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church in Caledonia. This in-person meeting will last no longer than one hour and will introduce congregational leaders to the program and its possibilities. The meeting will begin 10 minutes after the November 10 assembly meeting adjourns (for example, a 2:40 PM start following a 2:30 PM adjournment). We encourage a couple of representatives from your congregation to attend.
Come discover how a little Spark can help ignite new energy, fresh vision, and renewed purpose in your congregation!
Please let the Presbytery office know by November 6th how many people will attend by email along with names (office@ilprairiepres.org). We are excited to launch this new initiative in our Presbytery!
| | Zoom Discussion on Book of Order Amendments | | |
Join Eric Heinekamp for a Zoom conversation as we explore The Book of Order Amendments:
26-C through 26-Q and 26-W,
proposed by the 227th General Assembly (2026) on November 3 at 7:00 p.m.
This informational meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed changes, ask questions, and consider how they may affect your congregation and the wider ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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We’ll walk through the amendments in everyday language, highlighting key topics such as preparation for ministry, the Commission on Ministry’s work with inquirers and candidates, training requirements, and the responsibilities of sessions and presbyteries.
Whether you’ve already reviewed the amendments or are just beginning to learn about them, this is a great opportunity to get informed, share your questions, and join the conversation!
Zoom Meeting Details
📅 Date: November 3, 2026
🕒 Time: 7:00 p.m.
🔗 Register here to receive link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/6IXJ04N0THG8e6oIs-zlgA
Please refer to 2026-0929_GA227_ Proposed-BoO-Amendments-v3.pdf for a full explanation of all items up for discussion.
Please share this with anyone in your congregation that may have had questions concerning these particular amendments.
| | As we prepare for 2027 and a new year of PW possibilities, the 2027 Presbyterian Women Annual Mission Fund Promotional Resource is available to share in newsletters and in circle meetings, on bulletin boards and over prayer. | | |
Annual Enrollment for 2027 benefits through the Board of Pensions runs October 19–November 6. This is the time for eligible members to review their coverage, make changes to benefits, update family member information, and check beneficiary designations through Benefits Connect.
The Board of Pensions offers a helpful Annual Enrollment checklist and other resources to guide members through their decisions. For assistance, call 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752).
Learn more about Annual Enrollment
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Camp Carew is a special place where kids can grow in faith, build friendships, and make memories that last a lifetime. Now, we have an opportunity to make it even better!
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by December 31st! Thanks to a generous donor, every $1 donated will be matched with an additional $3, with $150,000 in matching funds available! That means we have the opportunity to raise $200,000 total!
Your support will help us revitalize Camp Carew and continue creating meaningful experiences where children can grow, learn, and strengthen their faith.
Every gift makes a difference! You can donate online at https://tinyurl.com/CampCarewCC or mail a check payable to Camp Carew Capital Campaign to:
950 N 2500 East Rd
Assumption, IL 62510
Thank you for being part of this mission and helping us make Camp Carew an even more special place for the children we serve!
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Part-Time Church Secretary Position
First Presbyterian Church, Winnebago
Do You Have a Heart for Helping Others?
Are you organized, friendly, and looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Winnebago First is seeking a Church Secretary to become an important part of their church family!
This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to support ministry, connect with people, and help create a welcoming environment for their congregation and community.
If you enjoy organization, communication, and being part of something meaningful, they would love to hear from you!
Skills needed: Previous administration skills preferred but not required. Must have good communication skills and be able to work with computers using both Apple and PC operating systems, Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Drive, Google Slides, and learn new applications on the job.
If you are interested, please find the job description here. Starting pay is $19.00/hour.
To apply, use this form. Applications will be received until November 5, 2026.
Once completed, you can email the application form and a resume to:thewfpcpastor@gmail.com.
For any questions, please contact Pastor Lisa at 815-742-7503 or thewfpcpastor@gmail.com.
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The New Face of Fraud
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting your financial information requires more than strong passwords and updated software. Today’s cybercriminals are increasingly targeting people, not just technology.
Artificial intelligence has made scams more convincing than ever. Fraudulent emails, fake websites, cloned voices and realistic text messages can make it difficult to distinguish legitimate communications from malicious ones. While cyber threats continue to evolve, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.
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Common tactics include:
Emails claiming there is a problem with your account
Text messages requesting that you click a link or verify information
Fake websites designed to capture usernames and passwords
Voice messages or phone calls that appear to come from trusted contacts
Requests for urgent wire transfers or financial transactions
Slow Down and Verify
One of the most effective cybersecurity tools is also the simplest: pause before responding.
Whenever you receive an unexpected request involving money, account information, passwords or personal data, take a moment to verify the request through a trusted source.
Contact the individual or organization using a known telephone number or website rather than responding directly to the message you received.
A few extra minutes can prevent significant financial and emotional stress.
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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 November 1 - First Presbyterian Church, Morris, Rev. James Friesen
Week of November 8 - First Presbyterian Church, Morrison, Rev. Mike Selburg
Week of November 15 - Oswego Presbyterian Church, Oswego, Rev. Skip Shaffer
Week of November 22 - First Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Rev. John Walker
Week of November 29 - First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw
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November Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
Robert Bannan - 2019
Jan Chandler - 2013
Eric Heinekamp - 2010
Craig Herr - 1980
Kim Hulen - 2012
John Walker 1988
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
Gracious and Loving God,
We come before You with humble hearts, lifting up our nation as we approach another election. In a time when differences can divide us, help us remember the things that unite us: our shared humanity, our responsibility to one another, and our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Lord, guide every voter with wisdom and discernment. Help us look beyond anger, fear, and political division to seek truth, justice, compassion, and the common good. May we make our decisions thoughtfully, remembering those whose voices are often unheard and those who are most vulnerable among us.
We pray for all candidates and elected officials. Grant them integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others. May they lead with wisdom, act with fairness, and work toward a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
We pray for our communities, our families, and our churches. Where there is division, plant seeds of understanding. Where there is hostility, bring peace. Where there is uncertainty, offer hope. Help us disagree without hatred, speak without cruelty, and listen with open hearts.
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God of all nations, remind us that our ultimate hope rests not in political parties or earthly leaders, but in Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Give us the courage to be instruments of Your peace, working together to build a society marked by mercy, justice, and care for one another.
As the election approaches and the results unfold, help us remain grounded in faith, committed to loving our neighbors, and willing to work together for the good of all.
May Your wisdom guide our nation, Your peace calm our hearts, and Your love lead us forward.
We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
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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