Presbytery Assembly Meetings

The Presbytery of Chicago is a Mid-Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), serving as a corporate expression of the PC(USA) in Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties, Illinois, and composed of all PC(USA) congregations and ministers of the Word and Sacrament with these counties.   All Councils of the church (including the Session, Synod, and General Assembly) are tasked to help congregations and the church as a whole to be more faithful participants in the mission of Christ.  We do this by providing that the Word of God is truly preached and heard, the Sacraments rightly administered and received, and the covenant community of disciples of Christ are nurtured.

When the Presbytery of Chicago gathers for meetings, there are referred to as meetings of the Presbytery Assembly.   The Presbytery Assembly typically meets four times each year, and other times as needed.  The Session of each congregation elects a specific number of Ruling Elders to serve as Ruling Elder Commissioners.  When ministers are present for an Assembly meeting they are serving as Minister Commissioners.    These Ruling Elders and Ministers are collectively known as Presbyters.

For additional information, please consult chapter 3 of the Form of Government in the Book of Order.

The Presbytery of Chicago desires to model inclusiveness in our meetings and Assemblies. We continue to explore new ways to overcome the technological challenges of quarterly Assembly meetings that move from church to church, each location having different opportunities and capacities. At the same time, we hold in tension the desire for in-person meetings that build relationships through face-to-face interactions with the goal of fully including those who need a hybrid option.   At our February 27 Assembly, which will be held at Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, we will offer online interaction during portions of the meeting. Our goal is to provide access and participation for those who are meeting in-person and virtually, including voice and vote.   In addition, we are upgrading our childcare/family care policy.  When childcare or family care is needed for anyone to participate in an Assembly Meeting – whether that meeting is in person or virtual, care expenses will be reimbursed by the Presbytery at a current rate of $20 per hour and up to 6 hours. To be reimbursed, please submit a voucher — which can be found on our website. (And, of course, children are always welcome to attend meetings with you!)  Our Assembly planning team started conversations last month on how we can better shape our Assembly meetings in the future — we’re talking about how to achieve full inclusion, consider our locations and themes thoughtfully, deepen relationships with congregations and partners, and get better at building connections with each other.  May we continue to learn and grow together as we live into these changing times. 

Resource List

Date
Info

2 27 Assembly Dinner Menu

CARE Handout

02/21/24
Presbytery Assembly Meeting Packet – February 27, 2024
02/21/24

02/23/24
Presbytery Assembly Orientation Video – February 27, 2024
02/23/24

08/24/23
Request for Child Care / Family Member Care Reimbursement
08/24/23

02/27/24
Request to Contribute to Presbytery Assembly
02/27/24

Meeting Schedule