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Presbytery of Blackhawk
CONNECTIONS
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February Assembly Meeting on Zoom Only
Tuesday Feb. 10 at 5:30 pm
Please join us at 5:30 on Zoom for the first meeting of 2026 which is in the evening so those with busy schedules can join us. Click below to register.
We will also be receiving an offering during the Zoom meeting for the Kenya Partnership fund. If you would like to donate to that fund, please use the link below.
Donate to Kenya Partnership
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Resources
2026 Mileage Rate
72.5 cents/mile
2026 Per Capita
$45.00/member
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227th General Assembly in 2026
Open the January 2026 Issue
Download the PDF
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On January 6, 2026, the Synod of Lincoln Trails unanimously approved the decision to change the name of "Blackhawk Presbytery" to "Illinois Prairie Presbytery". It now goes to the Administrative Commission on Mid-Councils in March for final approval.
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Do you have a
story to tell?
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Blackhawk Presbytery would like to feature stories of love, hope, perseverance and community whether it be a gathering or about a single person making a difference in our presbytery.
- Is there a youth putting a lot of volunteer hours in, tell us about it.
- Is there someone in your congregation who is retiring from their duties after many years, tell us about it.
- If you want to thank your pastor for everything they do, let us know.
These stories will be published in our monthly newsletter. Please send your information (pictures are a plus) by emailing email@blackhawkpresbytery.org.
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2026 Special Offerings Updates Webinars
You’re invited to see what’s in store for Special Offerings! Sign up for an upcoming webinar to deep dive into the upcoming changes to the Churchwide Special Offerings and ensure your congregations are well prepared for 2026. All webinars will include the same presentation with a Q&A session at the end and will be recorded for any who cannot attend live – we look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6 - 7:15 PM CST
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 3 - 4:15 PM CST
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2025 Session Annual Statistical Reports
The annual statistical reporting information has been mailed to each Clerk of Session. Every year, each session is asked to provide basic information about the membership of the congregation and the financial activities of the church over the last year.
This year’s annual reporting period for sessions opened on January 2, 2026,
and close on February 16, 2026.
If you have any questions or have not received your packet, please contact jeannette@blackhawkpresbytery. org.
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Innovate. Inspire. Illuminate.
Luminosity Conference
March 9 -11, 2026
Orlando, Florida
Our first-ever pastoral leadership conference is a transformational event designed to empower and equip pastors and church leaders for the challenges of today's world. With a focus on innovation, inspiration, and illumination, this conference offers a unique opportunity to explore fresh perspectives, ignite passion for ministry, and discover new strategies for leading with purpose. Through dynamic sessions, powerful speakers, and meaningful connections, we aim to inspire growth and impact that will extend far beyond the conference itself. For more information or to register, check out the link below.
www.luminosityconference.org
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Church World Service Kits
The Elgin facility is no longer taking the Church World Service Kits so if you have kits and haven't already spoken to the presbytery about them, please email jeannette@blackhawkpresbytery.org with the number of kits (buckets and boxes) that you have.
We will then determine the best way to get them to the closest destination which is in Elkhart, Indiana.
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2026 Confirmation Retreat
February 6 - 8, 2026
Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center
Have a confirmation class (anyone that is in Grades 6-8) that would benefit from the opportunity to join other seekers and leaders from the connectional church? Then this event, designed to supplement an ongoing confirmation class or kick-off a new class, is for you!
To register, use the below link:
Stronghold Confirmation Retreat 2026 Registration
For more information, go to our website page
2026 Confirmation Retreat - Blackhawk Presbytery
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First Presbyterian Church, Sterling
The Rev. Katie Ricks was installed as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Sterling on November 23, 2025.
Please welcome her to Blackhawk Presbytery. She is the new moderator for the COM Church Liaison committee. Look for good news from her soon!
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1001 New Worshiping Communities Grant Deadline
Grant deadline and award dates have been announced for the 2026 1001 New Worshiping Communities grants. More information about the grants can be found HERE
2026 Submission Dates are: January 27, April 28, June 30, and September 1.
Please submit applications to nwcgrants@pcusa.org.
If you have questions, please reach out to your 1001 Regional Associate
Central and West - Shawn Kang Shawn.kang@pcusa.org
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From the Presbyterian Historical Society
The Presbyterian Historical Society is in the process of developing a resource and/or training to help churches research and write their own histories through an anti-racist lens. We want to hear directly from churches and mid councils about the resources and guidance that would be most useful to them as they engage in anti-racism work, regardless of where they are in this process.
Please share this survey with your congregations: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SNPM69N
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M.A.L.T. Transitional Ministry Education
April 27, 2026 - May 1, 2026
The Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT) "Art of Transitional Ministry" training is not limited to hose presently engaged in or inquiring about transitional ministry. Anyone interested in learning how to walk through change alongside your church is invited to join in.
For more information, click here.
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Volunteer to help with General Assembly
The 227th General Assembly, hosted by the Presbytery of Milwaukee at the Baird Center, needs your time and talents. If you are available between Sunday, June 21, 2026 and Thursday, July 2, 2026 please sign up using this link. You will be contacted with more information about where you can help. They will have spots for all capabilities.
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Presbyterian Women's
Birthday Offering
Presbyterian Women's Birthday Offering was born in 1922 when Hallie Paxson Winsborough challenged members of the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Presbyterian Church in the United States to give a penny for each year of her life as a “birthday gift.” Hallie encouraged the women to offer “a penny for every year you have lived, and if that is a secret, bring a dollar!” Thank you for your continued prayers, celebration of our recipients, and support for our long PW tradition of giving!
To learn more, visit presbyterianwomen.org/birthday.
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February Ordination and Commission Anniversaries
Jennifer Suydam - 2013
Jennifer Hubbard - 2020
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
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Lord, hear our prayer....
Holy and Faithful God,
As we enter the month of February,
we come aware of winter’s quiet persistence—
the cold still lingering, the days still short,
yet the light growing a little stronger each day. Teach us patience in this season,
when change feels slow and hope must be practiced.
Warm our hearts where they have grown weary,
and soften places within us that feel frozen or forgotten.
In this month often shaped by love,
help us to love not only with words, but with action—
to show kindness freely,
to forgive generously,
and to notice those who need warmth, welcome, or rest.
Bless our homes, our churches, and our communities.
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Be near to those who grieve, those who are lonely, and those waiting for signs of new beginnings.
Remind us that even now, beneath the surface,
you are at work bringing new life.
We trust you with the days ahead,
walking forward in faith,
held by your steady presence
and your unfailing love.
Amen.
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Are you doing something new or interesting in your church from which others might learn?
You have a standing invitation to send us articles, pictures or information to share.
Please send them to office@blackhawkpresbytery.org
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Associate Pastor (Christian Education)
First, Joliet
Commissioned Ruling Elder
Fulton, Fulton
Solo Pastor; Installed
Westminster, Dekalb
Solo Pastor; Installed
First, Faibury
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Commissioned Ruling Elder
First, Fairbury
Solo Pastor, Yoked Ministry
First, Mendota
Transitional/Interim Pastor
First, Rochelle
See the CLC for more info - anyone can do an opportunity search
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Blackhawk Presbytery Staff
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Rev. Eric Heinekamp | 779-771-1896 | Email: eric@blackhawkpresbytery.org
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm; some evenings.
works remotely
Associate Stated Clerk
Rev. David Spaulding | 815-677-2801 | Email: revspaulding@gmail.com
Office hours: As needed basis, part-time, works remotely
Treasurer
Pastor Alan Willadsen | 309-683-6981 | Email: awilladsen@att.net
Office hours: As needed basis, part-time, works remotely
Administrative Assistant
Jeannette Sheehan | 779-771-2088 | Email: jeannette@blackhawkpresbytery.org
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Works remotely except for Tuesdays
in which she is in the office.
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CALENDAR
Presbytery Meeting
February 10, 2026
5:30 pm
Zoom only
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PER CAPITA
The per capita assessment for:
2026 is $45.00
Church payments are posted monthly on the website
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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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