| September 2025 When I began as your Executive Minister in late 2022, I kept thinking that the region needed a statement that encompassed who we are as people. Through dialogue with the region board, we came up with the mantra that “The Great Rivers Region is building healthy congregations, partnering with Jesus Christ, to transform the world.” We realize that Jesus does the transforming, is always in the act of transforming, and we are blessed to work alongside Jesus in the endeavor. You see, in ABC polity, we have hierarchy, but we don’t. Each congregation is locally autonomous, but the region can help pastors and congregations. What do we help congregations do? I’m glad you asked. We help congregations fulfill THE church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. In the recent past the GRR has held conferences, mini-conferences, and webinars to help pastors and churches and so much is to come! This week, Associate Executive Minister, Rob Kirbach, will be offering a Clergy Compensation webinar for pastors and church treasurers. November 13 and 14 will be the Renew Transformational Ministries Conference beginning with lunch on Thursday and ending before lunch on Friday. This is a FREE mini conference for pastors and leaders dealing with congregational health assessments, mission, and vision! I am so excited for you to meet Dr. Ed Rogers. Coming soon will be a webinar about Dinner Church. Several GRR congregations have found this to be a strong avenue of growth and reaching others for Jesus Christ. Rev. Brent Meyer is a wealth of information in this area of ministry. In 2026 will be a Female Clergy Retreat in February. More information forthcoming. The region will also be embarking on three mission trips to Costa Rica! This ministry partnership has been continuing for over 35 years. There will also be another Great Lakes Leadership Conference with ABC of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. There will also be a Youth Conference with 5 ABC regions in June! And the GRR Biennial will take place at FBC, Bloomington, October 22-24. So much is on the horizon… and this is only a small part of GRR ministries. The region is here for you as together we partner with Jesus Christ to transform the world. Blessings, Rev. Patty King Bilyeu |
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