Commissioners and guests enjoyed the opportunity to meet in person for a perfect fall day at Stronghold. We worshipped together, ate together, and even sang together. 

One of the highlights of the meeting was a presentation by the Visioning Task Force summarizing their work over the past 18 months. Following comments and discussion, the group was dismissed with gratitude. Based on their work and extensive recommendations, the work that was begun will continue.

The assembly also heard the reports from the 225th General Assembly Commissioners (2022), outlining their individual highlights. Blackhawk commissioners, Mike Rugh (RE), Annabell Williams-Blegen (RE), Christina Berry (MWS) and John Dillon (MWS) each found GA to be uniquely challenging, stimulating and rewarding.

A new per capita rate for 2023 of $42.00 per member was approved by the assembly and the Nominating Committee’s extensive slate of nominees for committees was also approved. The terms begin after the November meeting. Please see the minutes, now posted.

Do you have a gift for bringing people together?

Do you feel called by God to help bring healing in situations of division?

Would you like to help with making unity in the Body of Christ a reality?

If so, you might consider whether God is calling you to join the Reconciliation (Conflict Resolution) Committee.

A special committee within the Commission On Ministry, the Reconciliation Committee is looking for ruling elders and pastors willing to help resolve conflicts within Blackhawk Presbytery congregations. We are looking for committee members from all locations within Blackhawk Presbytery. Formal training will be offered as needed. This group will meet on an “as-needed” basis rather than regularly.

Ideal candidates for the committee would:

Specifically, the committee’s work would include:

If you are interested in joining this committee or have further questions, please call or email any of the following committee members:

Rev. Jim McCrea, 309-235-6215, [email protected]

Rev. Randy Nicholas, 815-713-7702, [email protected]

Rev. Gary Panetta, 8l5-590-1792, [email protected]

Presbyterian Women in Presbytery has scheduled their Fall Gathering for October 22nd. Our Moderator, Karen Williams, is sending out a letter to everyone to indicate what is planned for the day. Items on the agenda include reviewing the PW By-Laws and voting on their approval. Also, nominations and election of officers will take place during the gathering. The event will be on ZOOM.

Jill Sunday, PWP Communications Editor reminds everyone that

Church World Service would like to know how many kits have been made and when they will be delivered to the warehouse in Elgin. They have been looking for someone with a covered truck or trailer to be able gather the kits at a the November Presbytery Meeting. Please contact her as soon as possible.

The Synod of Lincoln Trails Fall Gathering, held earlier this month, heard from Susan Jackson-Dowd regarding the “State of PW.” She talked about the PW Committee that is represented at the United Nations. She mentioned that there is a Presbyterian church across the street from the UN. The event was video recorded and anyone who would like a copy please let Jill know.

Register today for The Immersion event sponsored by the Office of Vital Congregations online or at the Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina on:

Anyone interested in learning more about Congregational Vitality is invited to attend. This experience is for pastors, presbytery leaders, officers of the church, lay leaders, and seminary students.

Individual Registration Cost: $50 (does not include lodging or meals)

Please see the description for details, speakers, schedule and register here.

Beginning with Advent, preachers, music leaders and the people who hear them each week will enter a year with Matthew’s gospel, thanks to the Revised Common Lectionary, which turns the focus to Year A - beginning Nov. 27.

Fortunately for Presbyterians working to put together thoughtful and meaningful worship for the year that follows, two resources, “A Year with Matthew for a Matthew 25 Church” and the quarterly publication Call to Worship, are available. During a recorded 38-minute webinar, the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell and the Rev. Sally Ann McKinsey give examples of ways the resources might be put to best use. You are invited to watch and listen to their discussion here. Or read the background article.

  A Leader Formation Webinar

for Ruling Elders and Deacons

October 13, 2022; 6:00-7:30 pm (central)

Registration will be open through October 5, 2022

Read more about the webinar and register HERE

Blackhawk Presbytery Exceeds $15K Goal

The final check has been sent off - $19,379.65 was raised to forgive potentially 1.9 million dollars in medical debt! Eleven churches, many, many individuals rose to the challenge. Thank you!