The Presbytery of Blackhawk
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| As the Presbytery of Blackhawk enters its thirty-third year, its work is guided by a new and missional vision: Grounded in the biblical image for human community, as disciples of Jesus, following his witness and command for his church, guided by the principles of trust, open communication, and genuine relationships, we will challenge and support congregations to be thriving faith communities by providing competent pastoral leadership, resourcing to energize ministry, and developing networks and partnerships of Presbyterians.
This northern Illinois presbytery is a combination of older and newly established communities—large and small—with areas of declining population and lively growth. Stronghold Camp and Conference Center is one of its ministries. Its 89 congregations range in age from 174 years to chartered as recently as 2003. Building from the strength of its congregations and its 17,954 members, the presbytery is reaching out to create new faith communities and ministries. Christ Cross Cultural Community Church is an intentionally multicultural new church development in the Rockford area. The community includes a variety of cultures worshiping in rented space and focusing on small groups for adult spiritual formation. The Emmaus Road New Church Development began with structured conversations in coffeehouses and bars in the DeKalb-Sycamore area. Organizing pastor the Rev. Won Ho Kim is focusing on those who may have never had experience with a church or who have turned away from church. In a unique partnership between congregations, presbyteries, and denominations, the Rev. Phyllis Mueller and pastoral candidate Neddy Astudillo are exploring possibilities for a regional Latino ministry. Connecting existing congregations in the area with the expanding Latino population, networking with social service agencies, and developing appropriate ministries are goals of this outreach. These new initiatives are living examples of faith in action in the presbytery. |
Elder Jonathan N. Abiera, member, GAC |
 He looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). |
 Ps. 63, 90, 125, 149 Hos. 5:1–7 Acts 22:17–29; Luke 6:27–38 |
