Our Moderator, Rev. Dr. Anita Stuart-Steva and the Assembly Planning Committee have chosen to focus the learning opportunities at the 2021 assembly meetings on the Matthew 25 initiative. We are pleased to present Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson as she addresses the topic of dismantling structural racism. Rev. Wilson's presentation is entitled "Envisioning a New Way of Life Together", focusing on how we think about race and the equality of all people created in the image of God. Discussion groups will follow. Please encourage your members (especially session) to attend the morning program which will also include worship. See the docket for timing.

Rev. Dr. Barbara Ann Wilson is the Director, Collaboration and Community Partnerships, Presbytery of Chicago. She facilitates building sustainable partnerships to strengthen vitality and mission.

Barbara is an adjunct professor at McCormick and Bexley Seabury Seminaries, an ACEs and Trauma-Informed for Faith Communities master trainer. She is a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), and Healthy Congregations Facilitator. She is ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC).

She holds B. A. and M.S degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Administration, respectively. She received the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from McCormick Theological Seminary.

The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Blackhawk will be held on February 9, 2020 via Zoom. Our featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson (see above) will begin our year of spotlighting the Matthew 25 initiative. Many of our congregations have formally committed to one or more of the three areas of focus (poverty, congregational vitality and racism) highlighted by this ongoing PCUSA initiative. If you haven't investigated how your church may meet the Matthew 25 challenge, please visit our webpage for more information.

In addition to our special speaker, we will also view greetings from Rev. Gregory Bentley, the General Assembly Co-Moderator. All are welcome to join us in worship, featuring Pastor Dottie Morizzo with the message on Matthew 25: 31-46, the Sacrament of Holy Communion (please assemble your own elements) and the new Matthew 25 hymn, recorded by Mr. Dean Potter of Sandwich Federated. An offering will be received for One Great Hour of Sharing - it can be mailed to the Presbytery office or sent via our DONATE button, where you may contribute to this (or other) funds.

Meeting reports can be found on our website when they become available.

Please update your zoom account as several features have changed. To update your zoom version, go to zoom.us.

meets every Wednesday at 2 pm and every Thursday at 9 am on Zoom.

from Presbyterians Today

Restrictions for Use and Back Issues found here

The editors and writers of the POAMN Winter newsletter have assembled a thoughtful and interesting selection of topics: Suggested techniques for addressing societal and political rifts. And “Spirituality: Our Most Valuable Resource in Our ‘Third Thirty’".

Is your church ready to issue a challenge? Contact Jill Sunday with Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery if interested.