Presbytery of East Iowa

06/14/2026

06/05/2026

This year the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Many church leaders are wondering how (or whether) to acknowledge this occasion in worship without promoting Christian nationalism, a political ideology that confuses and conflates Christian identity with national identity. "Call to Worship" has gathered resources and guidelines for planners and leaders of worship who seek to offer an alternate, corrective approach on July 5. Access the resources here: https://hubs.ly/Q04jLmLC0

06/01/2026

First Presbyterian Church in Mt Pleasant invites others to join them for a Hybrid class on Faith & Politics that starts tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm. Register for the class here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEBw_UVtg1IU4EIiYn1vRM4vi-gn9czPS_A70vloRgwQCGSg/viewform

05/27/2026

Presbyterian Advocacy Hour TODAY at 11am!

TOMORROW!

The United States is the only country in the world that has more guns than citizens. It also experiences gun death rates that are among the highest in the world—slightly better than the rates in Brazil and Jamaica, slightly worse than the rates in Panama and Iraq. The result is a spiritual, political, and public health crisis that touches every community, including our own. As people of faith, we are called to be peacemakers, to protect the vulnerable, and to bring reconciliation to communities torn apart by violence. This month’s Presbyterian Advocacy Hour invites you to explore how we can answer that call.

Join us for an informed and hopeful conversation on practical, evidence-based solutions that save lives. We’ll examine secure gun storage — how keeping fi****ms locked and inaccessible reduces accidents, suicides, and theft. We’ll discuss Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), a legal tool that allows families, law enforcement, and courts to temporarily remove fi****ms from individuals in crisis. And we’ll explore how congregations like yours can become centers of advocacy, education, and community healing.

Come ready to learn, be equipped, and take action.

Register here: https://pcusa.info/advocacyhourregistration

05/25/2026

You're invited to Camp Bear Creek's Summer Kickoff! This Sunday, May 31 from 1-5pm. Come enjoy favorite camp activities. No need to RSVP, just come and enjoy! At 4pm we will gather at Bird Chapel for a special time of worship. Learn more about Camp Bear Creek at https://bearcreek.camp/

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Join us to celebrate 175 years!

05/11/2026

Our next Zoom gathering for pastors will be this Wednesday, May 13th at 12pm. This will be an informal time to connect with colleagues around the presbytery. The Zoom link may be found in the Out & About. Reach out to Bobby or LeAnn if you have trouble finding it!

05/10/2026

A Story of the Connectional Church.

Our youth group went on an overnight retreat to Camp Bear Creek this weekend. On the journey home, with two mini vans full of youth, we made a stop in Iowa City. Upon exiting one of the vans the sliding door jammed - wouldn’t open or close - and was nearly falling off completely.

The car dealerships and mechanics were near closing by this time on a Saturday evening. Pastor Sarah has done some work with St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City and has some connections with folks there through the Presbytery of East Iowa. She was able to text a few folks who reached out to another Presbyterian who’s husband is a mechanic and lived just a few minutes from where we were stranded.

Jason was able to fix the door and from the time we stopped to the time we were back on the road home it wasn’t more than 45 minutes! What service! We thank God for these good folks who were willing to give up part of their evening to come and help us. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Pictured: some of our crew cheering and bowing down to Jason after he closed the door.