Saturday, May 26
The Presbytery of Blackhawk
Illinois Children are learning at Stronghold's traveling day camp. Photo by Brad Rogers.
The Presbytery of Blackhawk is engaged in growing Christ's church deep and wide through an innovative ministry project in the stateline area of northern Illinois.
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford, Illinois, has partnered with the presbytery, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and the General Assembly Mission Council to grow a new faith community in this rapidly developing area, which has no Presbyterian presence. Building on spiritual and programmatic leadership provided by Westminster Presbyterian, a midweek children's ministry called Stateline Kids Club is attracting area youth and parents. Adults are being welcomed into small groups that focus on study, prayer, community building, and mission. The project has partnered with the presbytery-sponsored Stronghold Camp and Retreat Center in Oregon, Illinois, to host summer day camps through Stronghold's traveling day camp program.
Participants in these growing programs are brought together into a larger community through such group events as mission projects and are introduced to worship experiences. Once a core community is established, regularly scheduled public worship services will be offered.
The Westminster Stateline Ministry is focused and guided by the church's vision for a thriving Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) faith community in the area that is ``Gathered in Love, Centered in Christ, and Empowered for Mission.''
The Presbytery of Blackhawk has 79 churches with 14,166 members.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Rev. Dr. John E. Rickard, general presbyter/interim stated clerk
Ryan Anderson, Stronghold program director
Pat Wakeley, presbytery communication and resources coordinator/staff assistant
Jan Hartman, Stronghold director of operations and program development
Gust James, Stronghold maintenance coordinator
Darlene Kenney, Stronghold kitchen coordinator
Tim Payton, Stronghold coordinator of volunteers and creative services
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Randy Hobson, OGA
Steve Hoehn, GAMC
Let us pray
Holy God, you have called us to make disciples of all nations, and you promise your presence with us as we live into that calling. Be with this new ministry as they seek to bring others to know you, to grow your church, and to nurture the next generations for service. In Christ's name. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 92; 149
First Reading Ezekiel 36:22-27
Second Reading Ephesians 6:1-24
Gospel Matthew 9:18-26
Evening Psalms 23; 114