August 1, 2024

Share our flyer!

You are Invited

We are beginning a new outreach effort we are calling “Coffee in Your Corner”. The Presbytery staff (Eric and Loreen) will be traveling around the Presbytery every 4-6 weeks to meet at a coffee shop where folks from surrounding churches (not just pastors!) can drop in for conversation, ask questions and just generally get to know us and each other.

Our first stop will be Tuesday, August 13 from 2-3:30 pm in Princeton at The Coffee Cup.

Next Up: Tuesday, Sept. 10, also 2-3:30 at Mimi's Cafe in Wilmingtion.

Hope to see you then!

Boundary Training for Clergy Leaders

All Registration Links Now Available

If you are a member of our clergy, there are several opportunities to fulfill your requirement to complete training every three years. In addition to three zoom classes, there will be an “in person” event at DeKalb Westminster Church on August 20 from 9 am - 4 pm, and a second in person option at Park Ridge Presbyterian on August 21.

Please visit blackhawkpresbytery.org/2024/07/24/boundary-training-opportunities-in-2024 for information on all the options. Contact the office if you have questions.

Learning Opportunities - Scholarships Available

The Visioning and Assembly Planning Committee of Blackhawk Presbytery is always looking for opportunities to equip our leaders and help our congregations thrive. In that light we encourage you to take advantage of a couple special learning opportunities this Fall.

The Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference from September 23-25th is an excellent resource for those seeking to work on ministry sustainability over time. There is a virtual option for $125.00, great value for those looking into their own continuing education as pastors or wanting to be better equipped as ruling elders on Session or committee leaders. More information here.

The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering a one day virtual training on Healthy Congregations on November 7, 2024, 9 am-4 pm, for $99. The workshop is designed to equip leaders to respond to the presence or potential threat of anxiety in a congregational system in ways that prevent destructive conflict and help the church stay focused on its unique mission and purpose. More information here.

If you are a ruling elder, take note: Blackhawk Presbytery is offering scholarships to cover the virtual attendance conference fee of two ruling elders (from different congregations) for each event. This includes ruling elders serving as CP's if their contract does not include sufficient Continuing Education benefits. Email Loreen at office@blackhawkpresbytery.org to request the assistance and register. First come, first served! >>>TWO SCHOLARSHIPS REMAIN<<

From the Board of Pensions

Learning about Healthcare Coverage Options for You and Your Family  

August 8, 2024

1:00 PM-2:30 PM (CDT)

Register Now

The Synods of Mid-America and Lincoln Trails (MALT) have joined together to provide Transitional Mid-Council Leadership training on November 4-8, 2024. The in-person program will be hosted at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. Class size is limited. SEE MORE

Clockwise from Top Left: Elgin First Pres, DeKalb Westminster, Ridgefield-Crystal Lake, Woodstock First Pres., joint effort by Dixon, Sterling and Morrison Presbyterians. Great Job, All!

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.