Blackall is excited to host David and Kaswera “Kassie” Kasali of the Congo Initiative for a series of gatherings and church-wide events on the weekend of April 22-24. Please mark your calendar for a panel discussion with Dr. David Kasali, “Can a Divided Society Be Renewed?”, on Friday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This event is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed from Blacknall’s YouTube channel.

The Kasalis’ visit intentionally coincides with the church’s Block Party on Sunday, April 24. David Kasali will preach that Sunday morning and we expect that his message of hope and resilience will help us, as a congregation, to enter into this next season of our life together with joy and faithful endurance as we manage the ongoing uncertainty around COVID and the other significant challenges that confront our community and our world.

Come celebrate the spring and reconnect with Blacknall Presbyterian Church after the second service on Sunday, April 24. All activities and food at this family-friendly block party are FREE!

“Back to the Block” will feature a bounce house, family portraits taken by Imago Dei Media (one per family), burgers and hot dogs, Pincho Loco ice cream, and other surprises.

We are sad to announce that, starting in April 3, Tanya Kronstad will no longer lead our Middle School Ministry. Following much prayer and discernment, Tanya has decided to take a remote position with Student Financial Aid at the University of Washington.

We support Tanya's decision and we are thankful for the 10+ years she has faithfully served our church and its young people. Though we will miss Tanya's presence on our staff, we are grateful that she and her family will continue to be a part of the Blacknall community. If you see Tanya, please thank her for her service!

Blacknall missionary Rich Leary, based in Virginia, has recently returned to Budapest, Hungary to join Cru staff in support of displaced Ukrainian Cru staff and to assist Ukrainian refugees. Rich and his wife, Barb, served in Kyiv, Ukraine for nearly three decades, as well as worked for a number of years in Budapest.

Cru staff are participating in a humanitarian mission to shuttle supplies from western Ukraine to Kyiv and other cities along the frontlines. On their return trip, they will transport refugees, mostly women and children, who are fleeing cities under Russian attack.

Please pray that Rich has smooth travels and productive meetings with the Cru staff in Hungary. If you would like to know more about this program, please visit Charity and Aid Ministry Ukraine.

Starting Sunday, April 3 masks are no longer required in the 8:30 a.m. service, except for in the balcony. Blacknall is also lifting all social distancing requirements on the main floor of the Sanctuary for the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services.

Thank you to the members of Blacknall who attended the Congregational Meeting and voted on Sunday. We are incredibly grateful for all the officer candidates who offered their service.

We are pleased to announce the results of the election