November 1, 2023

Exploring Missional Leadership

Wednesday Nov. 29 at Stronghold

Blackhawk New Communities Task Force hosts PCUSA Associate Rev. Michael Gehrling for the Exploring Missional Leadership (EML) training. This is a daylong introduction to the skills and competencies necessary to start a new worshiping community. If you are in the early stages of discerning a call to start a new worshiping community, this day is for you.

Email the office to RSVP for lunch or contact Rebecca White Newgren with questions.

Final Days to Register!

"YOU ARE HERE"

Fall Retreat for Middle School and

High School Youth at Stronghold

Young people from across the Presbytery (and beyond) will gather for a weekend of fun and faith-building. This is a perfect opportunity for smaller contingents to be a part of large group activities. Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center offers lodging, food and activites that are kid-focused and fun.

Please visit the webpage to find all the details and registration.

Session records reviews are here!

Clerks of session, or their reps, will be gathering for the annual review of minutes and church record books. These are the options:

• Saturday, November 4 at 2 pm at Galena First Pres. (106 N. Bench St. Galena, IL)
• Saturday, November 4 at 10 am at Mendota First Pres. (1003 5th St, Mendota, IL 61342)
• Saturday, November 18 at 10 am Rockford Third Pres. (1221 Custer Ave, Rockford, IL 61103)
• Saturday, December 9 at 10 am Gardner Church of Hope Pres. (202 N Monroe St, Gardner, IL 60424) 

Check sheets can be found at https://blackhawkpresbytery.org/resources-for-sessions-and-clerks/ (or attached) - scroll down to Annual Session Records Review. PLEASE FILL OUT YOUR CHECK SHEET BEFORE THE REVIEW.

Thank you to all the Clerks for your time and talents and to our review hosts for your hospitality!

The 225th General Assembly approved the “Study Document on Denouncing Antisemitism and Islamophobia” be distributed throughout the PC(USA) for study and reflection.

What is the study document (download here)? Why does it matter? How does the study document connect to ecumenical and interfaith work already happening? What are some practical materials for congregations to use for engaging this study document?

On November 15, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. (CST), the Outlook will engage these questions through the “Love your neighbor” webinar. Join Teri McDowell Ott for a conversation and public Q&A with members of the writing team behind the GA-approved study document.

Can't make the webinar? A recording will be made available to all registrants.

PDA Humanitarian Response in Israel/Palestine

As violence escalates in and around Israel/Palestine, PDA is providing humanitarian assistance through partners on the ground and through ACT Alliance. 

PDA has approved solidarity grants and will continue supporting our partners providing humanitarian assistance. Our response efforts will encompass a wide array of vital humanitarian interventions, including but not limited to medical supplies, shelter, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), food and non-food items and delivering crucial psychosocial support to individuals.

To support our response, designate gifts to DR000081-Israel/Palestine

Follow updates here or share the

ISRAEL/PALESTINE BULLETIN INSERT

Fall deadline to apply for a Synod of Lincoln Trails Oasis grants is Nov. 15. These grants for pastors are to be used for something that will restore your soul and regenerate your spirit. SOLT wants to be a place of nourishment for pastors. Grants are open to pastors, chaplains, commissioned pastors, and those in validated ministries who are active in full-time or part-time ministry. Learn more and apply here: https://lincolntrails.org/oasis-a-stop-in-the-wilderness/ 

APCE Registration is open! Visit the website to get early dibs on workshops, pre- and post-events and more! 

https://apcenet.org/2024-annual-event/

General Assembly is for you.

General Assembly IS you!

Follow along with these updates.

Host an Ecumenical Advisory Delegate for Next Year's GA

A message from Dianna Wright, Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations

The 225th General Assembly (2022) acted to invite ten international ecumenical advisory delegates to worship and work with us at our next assembly, which is scheduled for June 25th through July 4th. The Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Committee (GACEIR) invites you to host one of our ten international EADs. 

This hybrid assembly will make it very difficult for our international guests to participate online and then travel to the U.S. for the in-person assembly. We wish to make their experience as hospitable as possible. 

The host will be responsible for providing housing and meals during their stay from June 23 to June 28. The 28th is a travel day to Salt Lake City (perhaps to travel with your commissioners and YAAD). The EAD will need support for their online GA work. This may include internet connection, computer, copies of committee documents, translation services, and invitations to participate in the church’s life and witness (when not online), etc. We are looking for those with or without a connection to those invited. Our EADs will represent the following international communions: 

• Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

• Presbyterian Church in Portugal

• Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile

• Presbyterian Church of Honduras

• Presbyterian Church in Grenada

• United Church of Christ in Japan

• Church of Bangladesh

• Presbyterian Church of Myanmar

• Presbyterian Church of Liberia

• Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa

If you are interested and want to talk about being a host and providing PC(USA) hospitality to our guests, please contact us by reaching out to Sherri Hunter. 

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.

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