Presbytery of Great Rivers

09/03/2026

Develop real skills for leading across differences in the congregations and communities you serve.
https://nextchurch.net/product/leading-across-the-divide-cohort/?mc_cid=9c58972f5a&mc_eid=fc2bc2fada
The congregations we serve are more diverse than ever: racially, culturally, generationally, theologically, economically. Most of us were formed by traditions that prepared us to lead in a world that no longer exists. We don’t lack good intentions. But good intentions are not enough when the dynamics of power, conflict, and difference are still shaping our preaching, pastoral care, and congregational culture below the surface.
📆 Wednesdays: Sept 30, Oct 21, Nov 11, Dec 2, Jan 6, and Jan 27
⏰ 2:30-4:00pm ET // 11:30am-1:00pm PT
📍 Zoom
https://nextchurch.net/product/leading-across-the-divide-cohort/?mc_cid=9c58972f5a&mc_eid=fc2bc2fada

09/03/2026

Join the Presbyterian Women of the Synod of Lincoln Trails for their Fall Gathering on Saturday, October 10. Follow this link to register https://form.jotform.com/252803552268156

09/02/2026

Register for the 2026 PC(USA) Church Growth Network Conference! This year's theme is “Finding Courage, Leading Growth.”
Learn more here: https://www.pcgrowthnetwork.org/conferences

09/02/2026

We give thanks for the life and witness of David Garrett Bauer, former Pastor at Sunbeam Presbyterian Church in Aledo, Illinois.

The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign (302 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820).

The service will be livestreamed here: https://youtube.com/live/ytQ4Rdi8MKY?feature=share

Read the full obituary here: https://www.morganmemorialhome.com/obituaries/David-G-Bauer?obId=49415785

08/26/2026

The Synod of Lincoln Trails is thrilled to introduce Elizabeth Brandes, our new Director of Programs. Learn more about Elizabeth and her role in our August newsletter, linked in the comments below.

08/26/2026

🦋A Bee-autiful project at Normal, First! 🌱

08/26/2026

🧊 As Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) continues to terrorize communities, separate families, and even kill citizens and non-citizens alike as part of this administration’s mass deportation campaign, there is also increased public scrutiny of this country’s detention center system for migrants.

🧊 In 2025 alone, ICE broke records for the number of people who have died in detention, most often due to the horrific conditions and lack of proper medical care. Since this administration's inauguration in 2025, 52 people have died in detention according to Human Rights Watch—four times that of the previous administration.

📣 Join us to learn from UCC pastors and lay leaders as they share how they've taken action and learn what we can do as people of faith to stop detention and continue to resist this deadly system.

👉🏾 Register: https://ow.ly/Lzkc50ZFcpf

with: United Church of Christ Rio Grande Valley, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Truth & Destiny, and Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ

08/26/2026

🇺🇸 It's that time again! Join us for the Labor Day Parade, Monday September 7. We are also doing a bake sale fundraiser! See you there!

08/21/2026