American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region

10/28/2026

Congratulations!

The vision to be more rooted locally while reaching globally gains momentum with the appointment of Faro.   Oak Park, Ill. — October 28, 2026 Weeks after announcing plans for its new academic center in Oak Park, Northern Seminary celebrates [...]

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

First Baptist Church of Cottage Hills, IL celebrated the installation of their new pastor on Sunday. Pastor Tim Lee comes to the church from another denomination, bringing enthusiasm for the Gospel and a passion for the local community. Pastor Tim will also be serving as the pastor of nearby Rosewood Heights Community Church (formerly First Baptist Church of Rosewood Heights) -- another example of two Great Rivers Region congregations sharing a pastor. This type of yoking arrangement benefits both the pastor and the sharing churches. With two small churches providing part-time income to the pastor, the pastor is able to devote more of their time to ministry and less to secular employment... which also benefits both congregations!

10/25/2026

First Baptist Church of Macomb is one of several Great Rivers Region congregations just beginning a pastoral search. A pastoral transition can leave a congregation feeling anxious and vulnerable. Our region considers it a privelage to walk this journey with our churches. Our Associate Executive Minister, Rob Kirbach, recently visited Macomb as their guest preacher and will be working with the church's pastoral search committee. Please hold this congregation in prayer as they anticipate their next chapter in ministry.

10/24/2026

October 24, 1826: Ann Hasseltine Judson, one of the first American overseas missionaries, died of smallpox in Burma at age 37. She was a teacher from graduation until her marriage to Adoniram Judson in 1812. During the first Anglo-Burmese war (1824–26), Adoniram was imprisoned for 17 months under suspicion of being an English spy, and Ann moved into a shack outside the prison gates so as to support her husband. She lobbied vigorously for months to convince the authorities to release her husband and his fellow prisoners, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She also sent food and sleeping mats to the prisoners to help their time in prison to be more bearable. After Adoniram's release they both remained in Burma to continue their work. Ann wrote a catechism in Burmese, and translated the books of Daniel and Jonah into Burmese. She was the first Protestant to translate any of the scriptures into Thai when in 1819 she translated the Gospel of Matthew. ABHS has her letters from Burma and the books she translated in the archives as well as books about her and her work.

10/20/2026

Make your reservation now for the LSBC Fall Fundraiser so they can continue helping youth be Transformed by Camp!

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 fall banquet for Lake Springfield Baptist Camp. Click the link to register: https://form.jotform.com/262835256755063

10/19/2026

Did we forget to send The Mainstream last week?

Not at all! The GRR staff were at the ABC GRR Biennial Conference. The Mainstream will be published later this week - and we'll have plenty of photos and information about our keynote speakers, topics, and much more!

Here are a couple of photos to tide you over. ⏬Stay tuned!

10/19/2026

First Baptist Church of Canton is one of our congregations engaged in a pastoral search. The search process can be discouraging at times. Our Associate Executive Minister, Rob Kirbach, visited this congregation yesterday and preached on Philippians 1 -- Paul's message of joy and thanksgiving for the church, and an assurance that God isn't finished! Please hold the Canton congregation - and all our pastoral searches - in prayer.

10/18/2026

Executive Minister Patty Bilyeu and Area II Minister Patti Meyer worshipped with the Revs. Gary and Mary Jean Sheets as White Hall First Baptist Church celebrated 200 years of ministry! May God continue to bless you! ⛪️

10/15/2026

What if the land of the Bible became your classroom?

Join Northern Seminary on an unforgettable 2027 study experience in Israel through our partnership with Jerusalem University College. Walk where Scripture unfolded, explore the historical and geographical setting of the Bible, and deepen your understanding of God's Word in a way that only firsthand experience can provide.

This unique opportunity combines immersive learning, expert instruction, and meaningful spiritual formation to help bring the biblical story to life.

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, student, or lifelong learner, this is an experience that will transform the way you read and teach Scripture.

📖 Learn more and reserve your place: https://www.juc.edu/academics/short-term-study-courses/private-groups/northern-seminary-2027/