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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.
April 26, 2024
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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.
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From the Lead Presbyter
Many folks have requested a copy of this report, which I gave at the April 20 Assembly.
Presbytery of Great Rivers by the Numbers
We are 85 congregations
with 8,677-ish members
spread over 16,429-ish square miles
in 27 counties
22 of 85 churches are in towns with fewer than 1,000 people (Niota has a population of 13)
12 of 85 churches are in cities with a population of more than 50,000
39 of 85 churches are served by Ministers of Word and Sacrament
9 of 85 churches are served by Ruling Elders (most CREs/CLPs)
15 of 85 churches are served by pastors from other denominations
23 of 85 churches rely on weekly pulpit supply
4 churches are actively seeking pastors (through CLC)
3 of 85 churches have intentional transitional (interim) pastors
6 of 85 churches are federated or multi-denominational
(with UMC, UCC, DOC, American Baptist partners)
2 of 85 churches are primarily racial-ethnic congregations
83 of 85 churches are primarily Anglo congregations
24 of 85 churches have full-time pastors
61 of 85 churches have part-time pastors who serve 15% to 70% time
2 of 85 churches have more than one pastor on staff
39 of 85 PGR churches have 50 or fewer members
23 of 85 PGR churches have 100 or more members
2024 Per Capita is $37.25
15 of 85 churches are Matthew 25 congregations
1 church in 85 is a More Light congregation (several others are Open and Affirming)
2 of 85 are Earth Care congregations (both in Springfield)
1 church in 85 worships in a barn (FPC Morton)
In 2024, there is no single dominant model of a PCUSA congregation.
We are small and large, urban and rural, old and young.
Some of our 85 churches will close this year and the next year and the next year.
And God is doing a new thing.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Ann Schwartz
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April 27, 2024
Expanding Our Welcome:
Creating Safe and Inclusive Sacred Spaces Together
Join us on April 27 at First Presbyterian Church in Davenport, Iowa, for a time of learning, sharing, and discussing practical steps for welcoming all people as beloved children of God. Among the featured panelists for the event are Rev. Katie Styrt, Pastor at FPC Milan, and Tim Haworth, Parish Chaplain at FPC Springfield.
This event, jointly co-sponsored by the Presbyteries of Great Rivers and East Iowa, is designed for leaders and members of every congregation to take the next steps in offering an authentic welcome to LGBTQIA+ people in ways that show God’s love and build up the church. Participants will leave knowing they are not alone on the journey, feeling better equipped for navigating difficult conversations, and taking what they know and living it out in their communities.
To learn more and register, click here: https://covnetpres.org/event/covenant-conversation-east-iowa-great-rivers/
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Subscribe to PGR's YouTube Channel
We are working on adding to our presbytery's YouTube channel. We encourage you to subscribe to get notifications of our new videos. We also invite you to share your congregation's videos with us so we can share your work more widely. If you have questions, need help, or want to share a video contact Cheyanna Losey, cheyannalosey@gmail.com or 309- 299-4790.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7CXkkAsjR9Owi7gkXPtn8w
In our explorations of the presbytery's YouTube presence we found two channels. We have been able to find login information for one of them, but not the oldest one. If you have any information that would be helpful for us in tracking down that information please contact Cheyanna Losey, cheyannalosey@gmail.com or 309- 299-4790. https://www.youtube.com/@GreatRiversPby
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The GA and Earth Day – A message from Acting Stated Clerk Bronwen Boswell
Since 1970 Presbyterians have joined millions of others in commemorating Earth Day on April 22. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its predecessor denominations have a long tradition of caring for our climate during the last half century.
At the 225th General Assembly (2022), commissioners and advisory delegates affirmed the study “Investing in a Green Future.” This action included a list of resources on environmental justice, environmental racism, and eco-stewardship, to help fulfill the direction of the 223rd General Assembly (2018), which requested a comprehensive updating of the church’s energy policy. It also marked the action of the 202nd General Assembly 34 years ago when it approved Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice, providing vision and guidance for Presbyterians and all people to participate in God’s redemption of the creation.
I ask that you share these resources with your congregations, and I pray that all of us together will make a difference as we face the threat of climate change.
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You're invited to an Antiracism Training Retreat
at Stronghold Retreat Center from 4:00 pm May 31st to 1:00 pm June 1st.
As we seek to create a culture of justice, Presbytery of Great Rivers is partnering with Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training to learn how to identify and dismantle the systemic racism that afflicts us, our church, and the larger culture. Join us in building the beloved community God calls us to be. This workshop utilizes large and small group conversation and individual reflection, as well as applied practice of frameworks introduced to provide participants with both knowledge and experience. There will also be time for meals together, worship, and fellowship.
Cost: Thanks to a substantial contribution from Great Rivers Presbytery, this workshop will be $90 per person, with a discounted rate of $60 and supporter rate of $120.
Register Here: https://forms.gle/WDRcrAqi8KTJtsqL8
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Moderator Moment
One of the highlights of our most recent presbytery meet in was our Matthew 25 moment with the Rev. Debra Avery of the United z Presbyterian Church in Peoria. After the meeting I asked her to talk about one way that UPC is living into Matthew 25.
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Free Presbyterian Hymnals Available
Milan Presbyterian has several dozen copies of the blue Presbyterian hymnal and Sing the Faith supplement, and a dozen copies of the Glory to God hymnal to give to any interested ministry. Please contact Katie at katiestyrt@gmail.com if you're interested; hymnals are available for the cost of shipping or we can arrange a drop off.
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Special Worship and Music Debut
On Sunday, June 23, 2024, a new musical piece will be debuted at the United Presbyterian Church in Mason City in honor of the many years of service by Pastor Emeritus Rev. Mark S. Kim and Helen Kim, former music director. This choral piece, “Be Kind and Love One Another,” has been commissioned and is composed by Pepper Choplin, renowned composer of Christian music. The worship service at the UPC of Mason City is at 10:15 AM. All are welcome to this worship service and the premier of this choral piece. A light reception will follow the service. For those who would like to sing with the choir, or if you have questions, please contact Peter Kim at 630-689-7873, pkimruns@gmail.com.
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Transitional Ministry Education
Register now for The Art of Transitional Ministry Training, Week I & II, which will be held May 13-17, 2024, at Mercy Center in St. Louis.
We live in a season of significant transition in our churches and culture. Transitional Ministry Education is not limited to those presently engaged in or inquiring about transitional ministry. Anyone interested in learning how to walk through change alongside your church is invited to join in.
Basic Transitional Ministry Education consists of 60 contact hours plus a practicum. The contact hours are divided equally between two residency weeks: Week I (30 hours) and Week II (30 hours), separated by a practicum that combines reflection on, and experience in, some aspect of interim/transitional ministry.
The faculty this spring includes: Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson, Associate Exec Presbyter, Chicago Presbytery; Rev. Dr. Tassie Green, Interim Sr. Pastor First Pres, Evanston , IL; Rev. Gail Doering, Southern Kansas Transitional EP; and Rev. Erin Marth, Transitional Minister, Christ Church, Chicago IL.
More information: http://synodma.org/transitional-ministry-education?mc_cid=2e76057c3c&mc_eid=4434f0a47f
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Wilderness Christian Camp
Register now for summer camp, which will be held June 9-14, 2024 at Stronghold Camps & Retreat Center near Oregon, IL. The rustic setting includes 2 wooden cabins that sleep 8 each, pavilion, picnic tables, cold running water, and a porta potty in each unit. Campers will cook their own meals over a campfire, clean up the dishes, and gather the firewood needed for each meal.
Activities include Bible study, worship, and swimming each day; crafts, hiking, time in nature, games. There will be special events as well: a castle tour and trunk treats for everyone, and high ropes, canoeing and/or initiatives for older campers. Archery will be new this year.
Costs: Junior Campers (3rd-5th grades): $200; Junior High (6th-8th grades): $250; CIT (high school): $250
For more information on the camping experience, go to www.wildernesschristiancamp.org or check out the Facebook page: Wilderness Christian Camp. For individuals or congregations who would like to support the camp with your financial gifts, call Mary Watts, member at Faith United PC in Yates City, at 309-645-8988.
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Is God Calling You to Serve?
The Presbytery's Nominating Committee is beginning our work finding our next class of committee officers. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, please contact Gary Terpstra, g.terpstra@comcast.net, 217-415-2090 or Cheyanna Losey, cheyannalosey@gmail.com or 309- 299-4790.
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Clerk's Corner
CLERGY CARDS HAVE ARRIVED! I am happy to report that Clergy Cards have arrived. They will be handed out at the April 20th Assembly in Milan. If you will NOT be at the April 20th Assembly in-person, feel free to email me at pastorebailey@gmail.com and I will get yours mailed out to you. Otherwise, those that are not picked up at the Assembly will be mailed out soon after the Assembly. Thanks.
Dear Session Clerks:
Thank you for all of you who were able to attend the Clerk's Corner last month. Our next Clerk's Corner will be April 30th at 1pm. By that time, I will have been to the Board of Pensions meeting in Denver and will be bringing back more information on all of the changes that will be taking place. I echo the words and sentiments that you have seen from many of our denominational leaders and leaders within our presbytery. There is a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty. We are all praying for the future of our church and looking for the answers together.
Elissa Bailey (she/her/hers) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Clerk of Session Meeting
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82477487297?pwd=ZXNIc29YRit3cTE2SGhsK0N5YzUrZz09
Meeting ID: 824 7748 7297
Passcode: 832216
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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.
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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
Are you interested in part-time or interim pastoral service?
Contact LP Ann Schwartz at 309-683-6983
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COM Wants to Connect with You
The new COM Pastoral Care Team is looking to connect with your congregation. 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
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From Your Finance Team
Churches,
We have already finished the first quarter of 2024. Statements will be mailed around the middle of April.
Please take the time to review your statement. Contact Sabrina with any questions or concerns.
Please be sure to submit a fully completed remittance form with any check you send to the presbytery.
This ensures 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 $1.00
2024 Per Capita is based on your final membership numbers reported for 2022.
The annual Per Capita mailing was sent late last fall to the mailing address we have for your church. Packets were mailed to the attention of your clerk of session. If for some reason you didn't receive it, please let us know.
We’ll happily send you another copy.
Thank you to all churches who have contributed towards Per Capita
We’ve had 20 churches pay their 2024 per capita in full!
Thank you to Aledo-Sunbeam, Athens – Indian Point, Carlinville, Carrollton, Carthage, Chenoa, Clayton, Coal Valley, Divernon, Elmwood, Eureka, Greenview, Mason City, Media, Morton, New Windsor, Oneida, Reynolds, Rock Island, & Springfield - Korean!
Annual reporting
It’s time once again for these - be sure to complete your Church Session (Trustees) Annual Report for 12/31/23
Be sure to include your certificate of insurance coverage (covering 2024). These were part of the annual statistical paperwork sent out by stated clerk Elissa Bailey. Completed forms should be returned via email or snail mail to Elissa.
(For churches who do not have property, please consider liability insurance; speak to an insurance agent about your minimum needs.)
We’re also working to update our contact information.
A form 2024 Financial Contact Person was included in the annual paperwork.
Please take the time to complete & return it.
This information is vital if the presbytery needs to reach out to your church.
We appreciate all who have already responded by completing their forms!
Please reach out to either of us with any questions or concerns.
Thanks,
Sabrina McGrath - Bookkeeper
Bill Strawbridge – Treasurer
Paid Leave for All Workers Act UPDATE
The Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which was to become law on March 31, 2024, did not happen.
We will keep you posted when we learn more about the hold up and when it officially becomes a law.
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Presbyterian Women’s 2024 Gathering
Get ready for PW’s 2024 Churchwide Gathering which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, August 8–11, 2024. Registration is now open!
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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!
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Assembly Dates for 2024
Saturday, August 24th -10 am in-person with Zoom option at 2nd Pres., Bloomington
Saturday, November 9th - 10 am in-person with Zoom option at United Pres., Peoria
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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.
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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?
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