The Presbytery of Blackhawk
Illinois
The Rev. John Hamilton, First Presbyterian Church, Rochelle, and Elder Dale Hammond, First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, lead deacon training at Gikuruni, Kenya. Photo by Dale Hammond. The people of the Presbytery of Blackhawk rejoice in seeing evidence of God’s activity in a variety of ways. They celebrate the work of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford as it expands its ministry to a second campus with presbytery and synod support. The church is attracting new families through its expanded Logos program and intentionally finding ways of being of service in and with the residents. Brad Rogers is the project coordinator for this work.
In a similar way the growing Hispanic ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Marengo is a cause for rejoicing. Associate pastor Jack Lilley leads this effort, which provides English as a second language classes, worship, and pastoral services. Recently, after-school tutoring, in cooperation with the school district, has been added.
God’s activity is also seen as members of the presbytery come together to be in service to others. Mission trips to Slidell, Louisiana, in a continuing effort to help in Katrina recovery have been made for the last three years. Teams have helped neighbors clean up and recover after flooding in Iowa and have come together to do work within the presbytery itself.
The presbytery has a long-standing partnership with the Imenti Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa. Kenya Partnership members travel to Kenya regularly to provide training to pastors and deacons. Some fifteen congregations are in direct partnership with parishes in the Imenti Presbyteries.
The Presbytery of Blackhawk consists of 81 churches with 15,925 members and is the home of Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center in Oregon, Illinois.
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Dr. John E. Rickard, general presbyter
Rev. John C. Huff, stated clerk/treasurer
Barbara Kirchner, administrative assistant
Pat Wakeley, communication and resources coordinator
Stronghold Center Staff
Jan Harman, program and operations director
Ryan Anderson, special programs director
Gust James, maintenance supervisor
Darlene Kenney, kitchen supervisor
Pat Manasco, guest services coordinator
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Lisa Houston, GAMC
Theodis Howard, BOP
Robin Howell, PPC
Almighty and gracious God, you are active everywhere. We ask that you give us eyes to see your activity, hearts with a passion to join you, and the gifts of your Spirit to make disciples and witness your good news that Christ’s church may grow deep and wide. Amen.
Ps. 57, 145 and Ps. 85, 47
Eccl. 2:1–15
Gal. 1:1–17; Matt. 13:44–52
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