December 19, 2024

Ministry with the Least of These

A message from the Office of Immigration Issues

In 2022, the General Assembly declared the PC(USA) to be a “Sanctuary and Accompaniment Church.” Walking alongside newcomers, building community with immigrants, belonging together to communities of worship, we understand the importance of standing with, uplifting, and holding up those who are made vulnerable by political action and injustice. Right now, we are working on ways to protect communities who will be the focus of immigration enforcement in the new administration.

With immigrant-led partners and interfaith coalitions, we will send out information in the coming weeks about how you can prepare. For now, we ask you to be in prayer and to reach out to those in your community to ask how you may show up, accompany, and support them.

Two resources are helpful, even as we update them: the family care plan and discerning to offer sanctuary. You can also ask the current administration to implement measures to protect immigrants and migrants before January. Be in touch with our office with questions or concerns or to let us know how you’re building resistance in your community. Contact Amanda Craft in the Office of Immigration Issues with your thoughts.

Israel-Palestine Resources

How to take action in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict

The PC(USA) offers a wide variety of resources that give Presbyterians opportunities to more actively advocate for a just peace in Israel-Palestine.

These resources are designed to help inform Presbyterians more fully on:

• General Assembly policies and statements from the PC(USA)’s Stated Clerk/Executive Director;
• Worship materials and study guides;
• Webinars and book studies (past recordings and upcoming events);
• Latest news and opinion from mission co-workers on the ground;
• Advocacy and engagement opportunities through PC(USA) ministries and partner organizations; and
• Ways to help fund crisis and recovery support through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance or financially support World Mission’s work with our Middle East partners.

Visit pcusa.org/how-we-serve/global-engagement/israel-palestine-ministries for this information.

Spirit-Led Teamwork: The Art of Worship Planning

March 14–15, 2025

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis

Join the Presbyterian Association of Musicians’ North Central Region for an inspiring workshop focused on collaborative worship planning in preparation for Pentecost, designed for clergy, musicians and church leaders. Attendees will engage in interactive sessions, connect with others, and participate in prayer and worship, all aimed at rejuvenating you before the busy Holy Week and Easter. Leave with fresh ideas and practical tools for enhancing collaboration and communication in your worship planning process!

Registration opens Nov. 7. Visit presbymusic.org/north-central-region for more information.

By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor God's gift of Jesus Christ by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.

Year End Reports on the Horizon

The packet of goodies was mailed to each church on December 12. Please look for it as it contains information for the PCUSA Annual Statistical Report, Directory update form, Terms of Call and more. All information is also posted here. Please contact the office if you have questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Revamped PCUSA Website

The PC(USA) rolled out its new website -

Seven previous websites are now one. Find it at pcusa.org. Read all about it.

Youth Triennium

Countdown has Begun

Begin the conversation at your church as you make every effort to support and encourage your youth to attend as part of a Blackhawk delegation. Chili suppers and Trivia nights make great fundraisers in the dark days of winter. Steve Bowie is ready for your questions.

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.