September 29, 2023

Make Plans!

"YOU ARE HERE"

Fall Retreat for Middle School and

High School Youth at Stronghold

Young people from across the Presbytery (and beyond) will gather for a weekend of fun and faith-building. This is a perfect opportunity for smaller contingents to be a part of large group activities. Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center offers lodging, food and activites that are kid-focused and fun.

Please click below to be sure you receive all the details. In the meantime, start rounding up your youth and plan a fundraiser to help with expenses. SHARE FLYER

Will YOU Be a General Assembly Commissioner?

Applications for 226th General Assembly commissioners for 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah (June 25 - July 4,) are now accepted from Blackhawk minister members or ruling elders endorsed by their congregation. In addition, young adults, between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-three (23) on the date the General Assembly convenes may apply as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD).

All applications received by the extended deadline of October 13, 2023 will be reviewed by the Nominating Committee with nominees selected for election at the November 14, 2023 Presbytery Assembly as a GA Commissioner, YAAD and their appropriate alternates. Our presbytery is allowed to send one minister member, one ruling elder and one YAAD to General Assembly. Alternates will be elected to serve should one of the commissioners or YAAD be unable to fulfill their term.

Please Click Here for the guidelines and applications. As of today, we have applications for minister members, BUT NOT ruling elders. Apply soon!

Boundary Training Opportunity

An option for online boundary training is available this fall from our neighboring presbytery. Please see the letter outlining Blackhawk's requirement, contact the office with your questions or notification of completion. And be sure to register in advance!

The Presbytery of Chicago is offering boundary training on:



·   Wednesday, October 17-Thursday, October 18 from 9:30-noon each day / Register

Did you know that the Synod of Lincoln Trails offers Mission Initiative Grants to congregations who want to try a NEW mission endeavor in their community? These grants of up to $1,500 will support congregation-based mission activities. Apply by October 6. 

The application is simple - tell us the story of the new missional activity you would like to try. We’re eager to hear how churches throughout the synod are engaging mission and dreaming of new outreach. Apply here: https://lincolntrails.org/missions-initiative-grant

A Great Presbytery Assembly Meeting!

David Spaulding on guitar + Ann Legg at piano led worshippers in energetic praise!

Many thanks to our Kenyan guests and Blackhawk members of the Partnership who made the sharing and exchange possible.

Service of commissioning pastors to service - God bless Colleen, Gretchen and Ray!

RIP Medical Debt has recently announced that they have reached a HUGE milestone: $10 billion in medical debt abolished for millions nationwide! "Our recipients are at the center of our work, and we could not have done this without the generosity of our donors and partners" - including the $19,379.65 raised by Blackhawk churches in 2022. The need is still enormous - why not add to your 2023 mission?  

We Remember...

Two members and friends of the Presbytery on their recent passing to eternal life.

Elder Dale Prindiville served as Moderator, committee member and faithful servant to her home church and to Blackhawk. Services have been held at Belvidere First.

Cathie Huff, wife of retired Rev. John Huff found countless ways to serve the church and Stronghold. Service at Romeoville United on Oct. 28 at 3:00 pm.

Thanks be to God for their life and witness.

Presbytery of Blackhawk

Our Vision and Values

     Grounded in the biblical image for human community, as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we challenge and support congregations to be thriving faith communities by facilitating competent leadership and resourcing to energize ministry and mission.

     As Christians, guided by the principles of love, trust, open communication, and genuine relationships, we value each other as sisters and brothers in faith in all our varied theological understandings. Therefore, we relish respectful discussions of differing opinions as a necessary part of discerning the will of God.