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Illinois Prairie Presbytery
CONNECTIONS
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General Assembly is now in session!
"Persevering Toward Wholeness"
June 22 - July 2, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI
The 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has convened as of Monday, June 22. Committee meetings began with the first Plenary session approving the docket and a wonderful worship service. The committee then began its work, spending three full days reviewing, discussing, and refining each overture.
Please continue to pray for all commissioners on their safe travels and discernment as they run through all the overtures that are presented. There will be 508 commissioners and young adult advisory delegates from 164 presbyteries - who-along with theological student advisory delegates and partner advisory delegates will have the responsibility of deliberating the business that will come before the assembly within the plenary sessions.
A shared worship resource has been created to help churches pray for and connect with the work of the Assembly, offering a tangible reminder of our life together as a church beyond local congregations.
Committee recordings are available here. You can also use this same link to livestream the Plenary sessions.
Click here for the docket for the week.
Click here for the schedule of events.
For the monthly "On the Road" newsletter, please click here.
Half sheet bulletin insert for congregations.
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Book Club Cohort stems from May 19, 2026 Assembly Meeting
We will have a guest speaker at the November 10th presbytery meeting featuring Dr. Yoo who 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. William and his spouse, Sarah, a middle school educator in Atlanta Public Schools, reside in Decatur, Georgia with their two teenage children and two cats.
Two book club meetings are scheduled to prepare for our November Assembly Guest Speaker which are listed below. These books are not necessarily the focus of what Dr. Yoo will share with us in November but are both opportunities to get to know the author and explore his area of expertise as the Associate Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary.
Thursday, July 30th at 1pm at Stronghold to discuss "What Kind of Christianity"
Thursday, October 29th at 1pm at Stronghold to discuss "Reckoning with History"
Please register for these by using the buttons below.
There is no cost to attend. While the hope is that participants can complete the book before the meeting, all are welcome to the discussion, regardless of how much reading your summer schedule allows!
For more information, you may contact Rev. Lauren Patrus-Betzel at Lauren@willowcreekpc.org
A link to Dr. Yoo's bio can be found here.
| | Presbytery Mission Trip to Sisseton, South Dakota | | Rev. Thea Kornelius from First Presbyterian Church in Elgin | Steve Deliberto from Shapville Zion Presbyterian Church | | From left to right: Rev. Clinton Roberts and his grandson, Pearce; Patty Heinekamp; Rev. Eric Heinekamp; Barbara Lynn; Steve Deliberto and Rev. Thea Kornelius | |
From June 13 to June 19, six people from Illinois Prairie Presbytery traveled to Sisseton to participate in a presbytery sponsored mission trip.
Our goal was to provide vacation Bible school and community support to members of the Wahpeton Sioux reservation and children of Sisseton.
We joined members of the Presbytery of Chicago and the YMEN organization of North Lawndale in Chicago. The nearly 50 participants provided Bible study, crafts, music, recreation, meals, and pool time to around 125 children each day.
We began and ended the trip with worship in the Ascension Presbyterian Church on the reservation. Each day also included morning and evening devotions.
The attendees from Illinois Prairie included: Rev. Thea Kornelius (Elgin), Rev. Clinton Roberts (DeKalb) and his grandson Pearce (Yorkville), Barbara Lynn (DeKalb), Steve Deliberto (Schapville), Rev. Eric Heinekamp, and Patty Heinekamp.
Rev. Thea Kornelius would like to thank all the folks from Illinois Prairie Presbytery who joined us on the mission outreach to Sisseton. It was a week rich with devotions, worship, good food, good fellowship and especially fun and fantastic times with over 120 kids. As we were hoping and praying to enrich their lives, we were certainly filled and blessed in our own.
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Illinois Tornadoes
As of June 22, 2026, there have been 147 tornadoes that have hit the state of Illinois which leads the nation on how many tornadoes have struck in 2026. One area within our presbytery has been hit hard and that is the city of Streator.
If you would like to help, the city of Streator has set up a fund to assist in long-term recovery. If you would like to contribute to that fund here is the info: srccf.org/fund/streator-disaster-relief-and-recovery-fund or mail a check to Starved Rock Country Community Foundation, 116 W. Lafayette Street, Suite 2, Ottawa, IL, 61350 - make check payable to SRCCF and include Streator Tornado Fund in the memo.
| | We send our prayers to all those involved and continue to pray for all counties that have been thratened by the severe weather. | | |
Only Psalms were sung at the beginning of this congregation with a tuning fork used to sound the pitch.
The Reverand R. W. French was the first full-time pastor.
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United Presbyterian Church, Somonauk
The Associate Congregation of Somonauk was chartered on March 8, 1846, by 20 charter members. The first church building was constructed in 1853. The present building was completed in 1875 to which they were involved with the Underground Railroad. This is the oldest rural congregation in Dekalb County.
The church became the Somonauk United Presbyterian Church in 1858 with a merger that formed the United Presbyterian Church.
On June 7, 2026, their final service was held.
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Upcoming Boundary Training
August 12, 2026
Hope Presbyterian Church, Wheaton
August 27, 2026
Winnetka Presbyterian Church, Winnetka
Presbytery of Chicago will provide in-person training at these locations.
For more information and to register, click this link.
Illinois Prairie Presbytery will have dates in October to attend so stay tuned!
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2027 Churchwide Gathering
Presbyterian Women’s Churchwide Gathering (CWG) is celebrated every three years! In 2027, the CWG will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, from August 5–8. Plenary and large-group sessions will be held at the Galt House. Gathering attendees will receive a special conference rate for hotel rooms at the Galt House, which will host all Gathering programming and opportunities. Save these dates, share these dates, and plan to joyfully join Presbyterian Women in an exciting, faith-filled time of renewal, connection, and fun. Gathering registration opens in March 2027.
Visit presbyterianwomen.org/gathering for more information. And don’t forget to share your enthusiasm for the Gathering on social media! #PWGathering #2027ChurchwideGathering
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The Presbyterian Foundation is Accepting Applications for Church Technology Grants
The Presbyterian Foundation believes it is important to resource pastoral leaders and the congregations they serve to promote vitality and excellence in ministry. The Presbyterian Foundation continues to better equip PC(USA) pastors facing economic challenges with this round of Church Technology Grants.
Applications will be accepted for Church Technology Grants from May 20 to July 13, 2026 and will be awarded up to $5,000. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry in a variety of ways:
· Upgrade existing technology or purchase new technology
· Create a new church website
· Online Training
Pastors and New Worshiping Community leaders with the greatest need serving congregations of color, small churches, new immigrant congregations, and congregations in economically challenged locales are invited to apply. Those who received grant funds during the previous Technology Grant cycles are asked not to apply. Grants will be given to churches or presbyteries for release to the pastor for direct purchase or reimbursement for technology purchases and training.
Grant applications will be reviewed after the closing date. You will be notified of a decision on August 17, 2026. We anticipate more applicants than available grants. Click here to go to the Tech Grant web page.
Information Sheet file links:
Technology Grant Information Sheet — English
Technology Grant Information Sheet – Spanish
Technology Grant Information Sheet – Korean
Application files for download:
Technology Grant Application — English
Technology Grant Application – Spanish
Technology Grant Application – Korean
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Stronghold Stories
Summer camp has begun! This week they are hosting a mini camp; a "Castle" camp to which the kids stay within the castle; and a climb high camp where you learn how to climb a real rock wall! Please continue to pray for the counselors, youth and Stronghold staff as they have fun within their summer camps.
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Save the Date for the Stronghold
Middle School/High School Retreat
| | The middle school and high school retreat is scheduled for November 6-8, 2026, at Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center. Don't miss out on this opportunity for relationships and discipleship! More information to follow in the coming months. | |
The Synod Scoop
How the Synod of Lincoln Trails is Rethinking Boundary Training
Pastors often leave boundary training knowing the rules but still struggling with conflict, anxiety, and burnout. A new model in the Synod of Lincoln Trails aims to change that, writes Rebecca Blair.
Read the article here.
| | 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
| | Rev. Phyllis Mueller, honorably retired minister member of Illinois Prairie Presbytery, died June 22, 2026. More details will be forthcoming. Please keep her family in your prayer. Her daughter, the Rev, Kim Hulen, is a minister member at large within the presbytery. | | 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 July 5 - First Presbyterian Church, Franklin Grove, Pastor Jack Briggs
Week of July12 - Fulton Presbyterian Church, Rev. Dr. David Spaulding
Week of July 19 - Garden Plain Presbyterian Church, Garden Plain
Week of July 26 - First Presbyterian Church, Galena, Rev. Jim McCrea
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July Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
Gary Panetta - 2015
Mark Morrison - 1983
David Spaulding - 1991
Murray Hanson - 1973
Leon Aalberts - 1966
James Friesen - 2013
Stephen Bowie - 1988
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
Merciful and Compassionate God,
We come before You today with heavy hearts as we witness the devastation caused by storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, and other disasters across our world. We lift up all who have lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and a sense of security. Surround them with Your comforting presence and remind them that they are not alone.
Grant strength to those facing uncertainty, courage to those beginning the difficult work of rebuilding, and hope to those who feel overwhelmed by grief and loss. Be near to the injured, the displaced, and all who are anxious about what tomorrow may bring.
We pray for first responders, emergency workers, medical personnel, volunteers, and community leaders. Give them wisdom, endurance, and safety as they serve others in times of crisis. Bless all acts of generosity and compassion that bring relief and healing.
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Help us, O God, to be attentive to the needs of our neighbors, willing to share our resources, offer our prayers, and extend our hands in service. Unite communities in care for one another and inspire leaders to respond with justice, wisdom, and mercy.
Even amid destruction, remind us that Your love remains steadfast. May Your peace calm fearful hearts, Your strength uphold the weary, and Your hope shine through the darkest moments.
In the name of the One who calms the storm and walks beside us through every trial, we pray.
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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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