February 28, 2025

Kenya Partners and Those Interested in Becoming Partners:

Our Imenti Partners have invited us to visit Kenya this fall! Though dates have not been set, the trip will probably be for about 2 weeks sometime in October. That leaves a short time to do all necessary preparation, so current Partnership members are busy working out the details. Stay tuned.

If your church is interested in beginning a partnership, now is a great time to do so. Please contact Laurie Walker or Claire Brennecka soon to express your interest or find out more. 

Interim Unified Agency of the PC(USA) announces shift in approach to

global ministry engagement

Leaders in the Interim Unified Agency have taken the next step in reimagining Christ’s global ministry work through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). This new plan further integrates missional and ecumenical partnerships within the US and around the world.

READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT

"As If We Were Dreaming..."

Presbyterian YouthTriennium is coming July 28-31 to Louisville! Be sure your youth are fired up to join the excitement.

The participant fee for the event is $199. This fee includes all programming, event meals, an official Triennium T-shirt, and more. Travel and housing are additional costs. booked by each delegation.

A Blackhawk Delegation IS forming! Contact the office to be sure you stay informed. See the FAQs for who can attend etc.

Leading and Growing Churches in a Post-Christian America Workshop

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 2:00 pm-8:00 pm | In-person and on Zoom

Churches are headed into a time of significant and very challenging transition as America becomes more and more post-Christian, and organized religion becomes more and more irrelevant. Church leaders need to understand what this means and what the implications are for leading and growing churches in this uncharted territory. The Leading and Growing Churches in a Post-Christian America Workshop will help church leaders learn more about how religion and society have changed and practical steps your church can take to be a more faithful and effective church. Cost is $20 per person. SEE MORE & REGISTER

Immigration Resources from

Presbytery of Chicago

In response to the current crises in immigration policy, the Presbytery of Chicago has gathered several resources to inform and instruct faith leaders. They have created a webpage that lists educational opportunities, attorneys, and other resources available in Chicagoland. Thank you POC. CHECK IT OUT HERE

Retirement Open House

Tuesday, March 25 - 2 to 4 pm at Stronghold

Friends (and I don't use that term lightly), with this newsletter I bid you a fond farewell. It has been a priviledge to get to know so many of the wonderful people in Blackhawk and to be in service with you as we further God's kingdom in our corner of the world.

Over the course of my 12+ years, I have seen much change: there were 79 churches in 2012 - 64 today. Just 8 pastors remain in the church they were serving when I arrived. Many have gone on to retirement, new calls or the church triumphant and others have arrived to carry on the work. Church lay leaders have come and gone as well, but lasting connections sustain me as I look to the future. Changes in the way we operate as an organization have moved us from using reams of paper, and traveling many miles to a modern website, email attachments, zoom and hybrid meetings. But in some ways, I feel more connected than ever. I am grateful for the challenges to learn and adapt and seek better ways to adjust to a changing world and thank you for your patience and understanding with the many learning-curves we have met together.

And now, as of March 31, it's time for me to remove "full-time job" from my daily calendar and explore the wonders of unscheduled time. For now, I am staying in my DeKalb home of 37 years with continued involvement in my Westminster church home. Gardening, traveling, deferred home maintenance and fun are in the immediate future. Thank you for the many good wishes and "God blesses" I have already received. I am deeply touched by your kindness. I would love to have you join us on March 25 for cake and snacks!

Thank you and may God Bless YOU!

Loreen Stravers, your Office Administrator

Woodstock First Presbyterian's

Reaching Out Tree

The Deacons Reaching Out Tree was created to encourage others in the church to serve and minister each other. Deacons suggest people in their flocks that would benefit from a card, phone call, visit, or other gestures of love and compassion. Names and preferred contact (phone number, email address, and/or home address) are written on the inside of a folded card. Once a name me is on the outside of a card, it is hung on the Reaching Our Tree. As you can see in the photo, our tree is very simple.

The pastor reminds folks to take a name from the tree and reach out, and reminders are included in the church newsletter.

In addition to individuals reaching out, the Sunday school children and the youth group have used the Reaching Out Tree as a resource for showing their love for others. After a Sunday school class about friends of a sick man lowering him through the roof of a house so Jesus could heal him, a discussion followed about the importance of friends helping others. The activity that followed was making “Thinking of You” cards for everyone on the Reaching Out Tree to show the children’s love and friendship. The youth group also made cookies at Christmas for everyone on the Reaching Out Tree.

One of the agenda items at each of our monthly deacons meetings is checking the tree for cards that have been taken and adding new names as needed. 

Are you doing something new or interesting in your church from which others might learn?

You have a standing invitation to send us articles, pictures or information to share.

Open Searches for Pastoral Leadership in Blackhawk

Also check our Employment Opportunities page

Solo Pastor: Installed

First, Sterling

Solo Pastor: Installed

Westminster, Rockford

Solo Pastor: Installed

First, Dixon

Commissioned Ruling Elder

First Mendota

Solo Pastor: Installed (30 hours)

First Mendota

Solo Pastor: Installed

Second Cong./First Pres.

Rockford

Solo Pastor: Installed

First, Fairbury

Commissioned Ruling Elder

First Fairbury

See the CLC for more info - anyone can do an opportunity search

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.