Presbytery of Blackhawk
CONNECTIONS news & updates
March 1, 2022
Lenten Devotional has Matthew 25 theme

As the PCUSA's Matthew 25 invitation marks its third anniversary this April, Presbyterians are invited to delve more deeply into the Scripture passage this Lent.

The free online devotional spends time each week exploring one of Jesus’ many Matthew 25 “I was” statements, beginning with Ash Wednesday.
For more information, click here. Download the devotional.
Presbytery Offers Ruling Elder Training

Ruling elders are core to the life of a congregation. These ordained officers are called in each congregation so that the ministry of the whole people of God may flourish. Ruling elders come into office by vote of the congregation and each session is charged with training new elders (Book of Order G-2.0402). Many churches struggle with this training so we thought it would be helpful for the Presbytery to offer officer training that would provide a solid footing for their work. Our Stated Clerk, Rev. Eric Heinekamp, will be offering training via Zoom on Thursday March 17 starting at 7:00pm. This interactive training will last about 90 minutes and will cover the following topics: what makes Presbyterians unique; basics of ordered ministry; an overview of the Book of Order; ruling elders as congregational leaders; simple guide to Robert’s Rules of Order. This training will have handouts, several videos, and provide ample time for questions and discussion. This training is open to any ruling elder in our congregations. You may register here:
When: Mar 17, 2022 07:00 PM


..and Bylaws Discussion

Blackhawk Presbytery recently completed 5 sessions of session minutes reviews across our region. Many thanks to all who participated. These reviews identified several topics that are confusing or problematic for our church leaders and one of those is bylaws. Each of our congregations has some form of bylaws but many are out of date, no longer reflect what is actually happening in the church, or are incomplete. Our Presbytery Stated Clerk will be hosting an online Zoom gathering regarding bylaws on Thursday March 31 starting at 7:00pm. This discussion will cover the purpose of bylaws, what should be included, and best practices. This meeting will include a short presentation and time for questions and answers. The session is open to any ruling elders, pastors, or others in the congregation who may work with bylaws. Please try to locate and review your bylaws prior to the gathering. You may register here:
When: Mar 31, 2022 07:00 PM
Bread for the World

Bread for the World (bread.org) is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision-makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs, and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, Bread’s advocacy provides help and opportunity at home and far beyond where we live. For almost fifty years, Bread has been at the forefront of a Christian response to ending hunger.

The Blackhawk Matthew 25 Task Force encourages all congregations (with or without an active commitment to the M-25 Initiative) to investigate the Bread for the World hunger programs. Their Offering of Letters campaign affords a meaningful, educational, and effective non-partisan path for advocating for programs that offer hope of ending hunger. Please read more.
Good Stewards of God's Grace
Leader Formation Webinar for Deacons and Elders
March 30, 2022; 6:00-7:30 pm (central)
Registration Deadline: March 23, 2022

As spiritual leaders in the congregation, deacons and ruling elders have vital gifts to offer in the leadership of worship. This webinar will help to equip ruling elders and deacons for particular roles and responsibilities as worship leaders in a variety of settings, including: the Service for the Lord’s Day; services of ordination, installation, and commissioning; the extended service of communion; and other ministries of compassion and care with those who are sick, homebound, or hospitalized.
 
This event is provided for free for participants and is funded through your per capita dollars. It will be recorded and available in English following the event. Registration is not required for access to the recording.
Read more or register for the webinar by March 23, 2022, HERE
One Fund for Mission Co-Workers

Effective January 1, 2022, the Presbyterian Mission Agency has moved to funding all PC(USA) mission co-workers through one fund. Rather than giving to a host of individual funds, all gifts may now be made “in honor of” specific mission co-worker(s). As always, mission co-workers will receive a monthly report on gifts received in their honor and will gratefully acknowledge them.

Congregations are asked to use #D500115 and individuals to use #E132192.

For more information contact our Mission Engagement Advisor, Chris Roseland.
2022 Kits Challenge
I have only heard from a few churches as to their goals for making Church World Service kits. Please send me your goals so that CWS might know what to expect. With all the disasters in the USA and many other parts of the world, let’s try to do all we can to help with this program.

Also, the PWP-CT is updating our Directory that lists all the churches in Blackhawk Presbytery. Please send me the name, address and contact information for your PW Moderator or Contact. If your church does not have an active PW, do you have Circles or other Women’s Mission groups?

Hope to hear from you soon,

Jill Sunday, PW Communications Editor
Matthew 25
Roundtable Discussions are being
re-evaluated with regards to schedule and format. If you have ideas, please let us know!

Learn more about the Matthew 25 Initiative on our website or on the PCUSA pages
Regarding Ruling Elders:
A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

In these ordination vows, what are you promising?: "Do you trust in Jesus Christ your Savior, acknowledge him Lord of all and Head of the Church, and through him believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?"

Always useful for session devotions, please read more.
Presbyterian Youth Triennium

The Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium has come to the difficult but important decision to cancel the Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2022 in-person event. This is out of a deep desire to prioritize the safety and health of our participants and their communities – youth and adult volunteers from your churches. It feels heartbreaking but necessary to make this call. Here is a link to the public announcement.

There is an effort to plan a Blackhawk Youth Mission experience this summer to provide an alternative opportunity for young people to grow in faith. Please watch for details soon to come.
COVID Update


COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.

Our COVID-19 page has links to turn to for local, national and denominational information.