GOOD NEWS

from the

Presbytery of Great Rivers

We are called to share Christ's love by partnering in service, 

uniting in worship, and risking in ministry.

February 9, 2024

Announcements

PGR Newsletter Schedule

Newsletters go out the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Please send any articles for publication to Crystal by Tuesdays at 5 pm.

February Assembly

Our first Assembly meeting is February 20, 2024, beginning at 6:00 pm. Our hope in planning an evening, Zoom-only format is to encourage those who work or have other commitments during the day to attend. Meeting documents will be available on the website on February 12th.

From the Lead Presbyter 

With its somber start on Ash Wednesday and its promise of a difficult journey, Lent is especially suited for slowing down, refocusing our attention on what matters, and anticipating resurrection.

The poem, “What to Do in the Darkness,” by Marilyn Chandler McEntrye, speaks of such things:

Go slowly

Consent to it

But don’t wallow in it

Know it as a place of germination

And growth

Remember the light

Take an outstretched hand if you find one

Exercise unused senses

Find the path by walking it

Practice trust

Watch for dawn

Like scripture, this poem is centered in deep hope. It does not gloss over the reality of difficult times and instead urges patient waiting, accepting the help of others, and trusting that change will result from the experience. Whatever darkness you may be occupying (seasonal, personal, spiritual, or otherwise), know that you are not alone and that the dawn will come.

Lenten blessings to you,

Rev. Ann Schwartz

Shared Ministry Gathering

Ruling elders, pastors, PNCs, and church members in the northern/northwestern region of the Presbytery of Great Rivers who are interested in considering new partnerships for shared ministry are invited to gather at United Church of Woodhull, 150 West Third Avenue, Woodhull, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, 2:00-3:30 pm. The conversation will be led by Rev. Drew Nagle and Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz. In the case of bad weather, we will meet on March 3, 2:00-3:30 pm, also at the Woodhull church.

Midwest Call Finder to Launch in Spring 2024 

All congregations and Presbyterian-related entities in the Synod of Lincoln Trails will be welcome to share positions for ministry and church-related service on the Midwest Call Finder. This new search instrument will assist in connecting congregations seeking pastors and staff with those answering the call to service in the church, including called, intentional interim, and temporary pastoral service; church musicians; Certified Christian Educators; and financial administrators.

This call site is not intended to take the place of the Church Leadership Connection (CLC) but can be used as an additional resource by congregations and individuals seeking and posting opportunities for church service. 

The Midwest Call Finder is supported by the Synod of Lincoln Trails and the eight presbyteries that comprise SOLT: Blackhawk, Chicago, Great Rivers, Midwest Hanmi, Ohio Valley, Southeastern Illinois, Wabash Valley, and Whitewater Valley.

Roving Reporter to Recount Records of Relief Rendered!

(OK, that was your alliteration for the day!--- Read on to see what it means for your congregation.)

Presbytery Leadership knows that your congregation is doing amazing things! We know that you are making a difference in your communities and in our world! We know that the love of Christ and the blessings of our God are being felt through the ministries that you offer!

We know all of this, and we want to celebrate what you are doing. We want to help connect congregations who might like to learn from one another’s experience. We want to encourage new projects that can offer healing and hope in our world. It’s what we have committed to as a part of our Matthew 25 pledge.

With all of this in mind, we invite you to tell our Roving Reporter your story. Joyce Chamberlin has volunteered to be the ghost writer for your narrative. To begin the process you are invited to email her, and set a time for a telephone conversation. Perhaps you already have something written for your newsletter--send it to her, and she will ask some questions, write the article and then submit it back to you for your approval before it is published in our “Good News” bimonthly newsletter. We hope you will submit a photo, as well, to show us a bit of the excitement. Let’s learn about all the wonderful things that are being done in our midst. Let our Roving Reporter tell your story to the glory of God. You can reach Joyce at jkchamberlin1@gmail.com. She is looking forward to hearing from you.

Apply to Be a YAV 

For the past 27 years, the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program of the PC(USA) has been centered on developing young adults as faithful leaders for the church and the world. Applications for the 2024-25 in-person service year are open. If you are between the ages of 19-30 (or know someone who is) and want to engage in world issues, commit to self-reflection, listen to the marginalized, and learn in a new way, consider “a year of service for a lifetime of change.” Learn more about the process here.

New Lenten Resources Website

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has created a new online landing page that offers a wide variety of devotional and worship resources from across the agencies of the PC(USA). The resources, many of which are free and downloadable, are suitable for use by individuals, congregations, and mid councils. Click here to access the site.

Try the Daily Prayer App for Lenten Devotions 

An updated version of the PC(USA)’s Daily Prayer app is now available for Apple, Android and Amazon devices. It provides brief services for daily prayer, including psalms for the day, readings from the daily lectionary, and prayers of thanksgiving and intercession. Click here to read more and to download the app.

Energy Use and Carbon Footprint Survey —

A Message from the Presbyterian Hunger Program

As an important component of our commitment to the future of the planet God created, in 2022 the 225th General Assembly called upon the whole of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to reduce our carbon footprint. One part of the GA’s action was to direct the Presbyterian Mission Agency to conduct a survey of all Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) buildings to estimate our current carbon footprint.

All PC(USA) congregations, presbyteries, and synods are called to participate in the Energy Use and Carbon Footprint Survey. Once you have gathered information from utility bills, the survey should take 10-15 minutes. There is space in the survey to indicate earth-friendly practices you already employ. The process also shares suggestions of how to reduce energy use, so it will be helpful in stewardship of the earth and of your budget. When this churchwide survey is repeated in four years, we can compare how much we have collectively reduced our impact.

For questions or assistance in completing the survey, contact Sean Payne in Research Services. For resources on reducing energy use and helpful programs, contact Presbyterians for Earth Care and/or Jessica Maudlin.

Upcoming Webinar Series 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) invites interested organizations to attend upcoming webinars regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The NSGP is a competitive grant awarded to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack for the purposes of facility hardening and other security enhancements. Learn more about security grants.

Celebration of Ordination Anniversaries

January 9, 2005 – The Rev. Jennifer Sakata, Member at Large

January 29, 2012 – The Rev. Christopher “Chip” Roland, Chaplain, OSF Peoria

February 1, 1993 – The Rev. Joyce Chamberlin, Retired

February 12, 1984 – The Rev. Laurence T. Doty, Retired

Annual Report Season

Thank you to the clerks of session, pastors, treasurers, and church staff members who have been busy gathering the information needed for the PCUSA Annual Statistical Report and other information requested by the presbytery. The last day for entry of your stats is February 15, so please don't wait until the last minute. Contact Stated Clerk Elissa Bailey if you have any questions.

A New Round of Oasis Grants for Pastors

The Synod of Lincoln Trails offers Oasis grants for pastors! These grants are to be used for something that will restore your soul and regenerate your spirit. SOLT wants to be a place of nourishment for pastors. Oasis grants offer an opportunity for respite in the midst of the wilderness. What would spark joy in your life this season? The deadline for this round is February 15 and is open to pastors, chaplains, commissioned pastors, and those in validated ministries who are active in full-time or part-time ministry. Learn more and apply here: https://lincolntrails.org/oasis-a-stop-in-the-wilderness/.

Clerk's Corner

There is still time! If you have not had the opportunity to fill out your end-of-the-year reports, please do so. I will say, the most important end-of-year report is for you to fill out the annual statistical report that is submitted to the Office of General Assembly. This has a deadline that we cannot go past. Other reports such as the necrology report are okay to be a little late. If you have ANY questions, please contact me at my email: pastorebailey@gmail.com.



Thank you,

Elissa Bailey

Job Postings and Classifieds

Have a story to contribute?

Congregations and presbytery groups are encouraged to submit items of interest to office@greatriverspby.org.

Need to post a job, classified, or church need?

To advertise a job, classified, or church need, send a description and details to office@greatriverspby.org.

Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Great Rivers 



Associate Pastor for Family Ministry, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield 

More information

Solo Pastor, College Avenue Presbyterian Church 

More information

Solo Pastor, Hamlet-Perryton Presbyterian Church

More information

Pastor, Yoked Ministry, New Windsor Presbyterian Church and Rio Presbyterian Church

More information

Church Seeks Masonry Contractor Recommendations

First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln is looking for an experienced masonry contractor to do stone work. If your church has recently had a good experience, please contact Rob Harmon at (217) 792-3475 (rharmon1113@gmail.com), or text Lincoln Clerk of Session Gary Davis at (217) 737-3359.

Reminder about an Update to the Benefits of Called/Installed Pastors

As you are completing your Terms of Call forms for 2024, please note that there is a box which needs to checked off on this form that is being passed over. Near the bottom of page one, under Benefits, item 4, Family Leave: Minimum 12 weeks paid family leave. All called and installed ministers are entitled to this benefit, regardless of their personal circumstances.

An amendment from the 2022 General Assembly added this wording to G-2.0804, Terms of Call: …..The call shall include provision for a minimum of twelve weeks paid family medical leave….

You can always increase the benefit, which is the purpose of the option line. As always, all COM forms should come to greatriverscom@gmail.com.

If you have a Contract with your pastoral leader, there is a benefit under 3, Maternity/Paternity Leave which all contracted pastoral leaders are entitled to, regardless of their personal circumstances (can be used for adoption or taking guardianship) in consultation with the Session. The box should be checked off or a note added that conveys the discussion with the Session. As with the family leave, you may always increase the benefit.

Thanks for your attention to these benefits as you prepare to submit your forms.

Board of Pensions Coverage Will Change in 2025

Mark your calendars – you are invited. Rev. Dr. Ken Green, Church Consultant for the BOP, is the liaison to the Presbytery of Great Rivers. After the changes to the 2025 BOP coverage are adopted in March 2024, he is visiting all of his presbyteries. He will be presenting for an hour about the changes on Thursday, April 11, at 10:00 AM at the Committee on Ministry meeting at United Presbyterian Church, Peoria.

We are inviting all of our congregations to send to that presentation the person from your church who deals with the BOP.

All will be welcome, but we will ask for RSVPs for set up and for those staying for lunch at 11:30. Stay tuned for more details on registration!

COM Pastoral Care Team

We are looking to improve connections with you. Would you please add pgrnewsletters@gmail.com to the email distribution listing for your church’s monthly newsletter? We’d like to read all about it and be able to celebrate anniversaries and other special events in your church with you.

Thank you! Mary Watts

From Your FinanceTeam

Churches,

Please be sure submit a fully completed remittance form with any check you send to the presbytery to ensure that we apply your payment as you intend. If sending from your bank online, you can email your remittance form to smcgrath@greatriverspby.org.

2024 Per Capita is $37.25, an increase of $1. The annual Per Capita mailing was sent to the mailing address we have for your church. Packets were mailed to the attention of your clerk of session. Please watch for this. If for some reason you don't receive it, please let us know.

We’ve already had 4 churches pay their 2024 per capita in full. Thank you to Clayton, Divernon, Reynolds – Hamlet Perryton & Greenview!

Thanks,

Sabrina McGrath - Bookkeeper

Bill Strawbridge - Treasurer

Please click on the blocks below to follow the links:

The New Benefits Connect Is Here

The Board of Pensions website is now live functioning. You will need to register for and access the new Benefits Connect website to view and pay invoices.

PCUSA pensions link

Attention: Advocates for Justice

Saturday, March 2: People’s Simultaneous Statehouse Assemblies

We are uniting with states across the nation for simultaneous Mass Poor Peoples & Low-Wage Workers Assemblies at noon on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Please let us know if you are coming and how many people you might bring with you. If you aren’t ready to commit, but would like more information, please let us know. Please feel free to share this invitation and the attached poster with other partners! For more information, contact Rev. Susan Phillips at Springfield First.

Family Leave Worship Resource Directory

Need some help filling the pulpit while clergy are on medical or family leave? Check out the PGR page http://www.greatriverspby.org/family-leave-worship-resource-directory.html for resources to use in your congregation, either for a last-minute need or to fill in the gaps during a longer absence. Resources include scripts for complete worship services and pre-recorded services. If your pastor left a bulletin and you just need a sermon, there are pre-recorded sermons and guided discussions which will help your congregation share the good news with each other. And if you need a bulletin, there are links for liturgy which is updated each week and free to use. These resources are free to use for churches whose pastors are on family leave, as long as the original authors are credited in worship.

These services are not intended to fill a full 12 week medical leave. Congregations can also apply for a Church Support for Family Leave grant, which will pay for approximately eight weeks of pulpit supply and Session moderation. You can learn more here: http://www.greatriverspby.org/mission.html. If you have a service you’d like to donate to this library or know of other resources to add to this list, please email office@greatriverspby.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 20th - 6 pm - Online-only

Saturday, April 20th - 10 am Hybrid at 1st Pres. Milan

Saturday, August 24th -10 am Hybrid at 2nd Pres., Bloomington

Saturday, November 9th - 10 am Hybrid at United Pres., Peoria

Click on the image above to subscribe to their newsletter!

Grants from Your Visioning Team

Grant applications are open now! Check out our Mission page

(http://www.greatriverspby.org/mission.html) for information about the Visioning grant to support programming and projects in churches and partner organizations, as well as grants for sabbatical assistance and funding while clergy are on paid family leave. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and the Visioning Team is ready to answer your questions. Contact us at PGRVisioning@greatriverspby.org to learn more!

Presbytery of Great Rivers Virtual Office

Virtual Office Assistant Crystal Goforth 309-683-6980 Email: office@greatriverspby.org

Crystal works remotely from South Carolina (Eastern Time) and is available until 4 pm CST Monday thru Wednesday and Friday, and 1:45 pm EST on Thursdays. Please leave her a message & she will return your call.

Bookkeeper Sabrina McGrath 309-683-6981 Email: smcgrath@greatriverspby.org

Sabrina works from Peoria IL.

Her regular schedule is Tues & Thurs between 8am-3pm (Central Time)

Lead Presbyter Ann Schwartz 309-683-6983 Email: aschwartz@greatriverspby.org

Ann's Sabbath Day is Friday.

Stated Clerk Elissa Bailey 309-371-2511  Email: pastorebailey@gmail.com

My regular office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am - 3 pm.(Central Time) If you have an emergency, please call or text me at 309-371-2511.

Get Connected!

Be sure to encourage your congregations, sessions, and even your church newsletter editorial staff and volunteers to sign up for our presbytery newsletter and follow our Facebook page so you don't miss out on what is going on in our community of churches!

Have you liked our "Presbytery of Great Rivers" Facebook page?