June 1, 2023

June 13 Presbytery Assembly

Blackhawk Presbytery is called to assembly on June 13, beginning at 9:30 am at Ridgefield-Crystal Lake and on zoom. Everyone is asked to register, whether attending in person or online. Click the button below. A docket and meeting reports can be found on our website (please contact the office if you need login credentials) where you will also find information for those who might be attending for the first time. All are welcome!

At the invitation of the Blackhawk New Communities Task Force, Rev. Shawn Kang will be addressing the assembly. He is the Central Region associate for 1001 New Worshiping Communities and brings over five years experience in resourcing new, creative and Spirit-filled communities across 15 states.

Serve the Church by Applying to 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 deadline of October 1, 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.

The CWS Kits Challenge for 2023

The challenge for this year is to have all 68 churches in Blackhawk Presbytery participate in the Kits program. Some churches will assemble kits and others will make a financial contribution. Either way is beneficial to Church World Service. With all the disasters going on around the world, anything we could do to help is appreciated. Please ask whoever coordinates this event at your church to contact me to let me know what your plans are. 

Thank you, Jill Sunday

PWP Communications Editor

CWS Introduces New Period Packs (Menstrual Hygiene Kits)

CWS has developed Period Packs as a new kit to help with period poverty. We are trying to get the word out that groups and individuals are now able to fully participate.

VIDEO: The new CWS Period Pack promotional video is a wonderful video that focuses on this “hands on mission” and making a difference in our local communities. Watch here

PERIOD PACK PAGE: This page has all the information a group would need to find out how to get started with this new kit.

Season of Rebuilding

The Board of Pensions is seeking to make the necessary changes to its plans to provide greater flexibility and cost control for congregations as they care for the well-being of their pastoral leadership.

• Virtual Town Halls (June 29, July 27 or August 31 at 2 pm) for you to share your feedback.
• Can PC(USA) find a new way to support pastors? (read the article)
• Read the report

 A Leader Formation Webinar

for Ruling Elders and Deacons

The recording of the recent webinar, Reclaiming Our Calling: Deacons & Ruling Elders and the Care of Souls, along with the referenced resources, are now available on the Leader Formation webpage.

This highly acclaimed webinar reached it's maximum audience of 500 people and featured Revs. Rachel and Matt Rhodes encouraging non-clergy to provide care ministry in its many forms. For a summary of the event, read this article. 

First Presbyterian Church of DuPage

Weekend of Celebration – July 15 & 16, 2023

Come to the Bolingbrook FPCD Fellowship Hall and Backyard to engage in family fun for all ages! For 190 years, First Presbyterian Church of DuPage has been sharing God’s love in this community. Let’s celebrate our history and envision our future together as we play games, eat picnic foods, and share memories. There is no entrance fee and all community members are welcome. See their webpage for more info.

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.