Presbyterian Communicators Meet at Stronghold

by Susan E. Lindsey

What better place for professional communicators to meet than the former home of a newspaper owner and publisher?

Nearly 40 Presbyterian communicators from 14 states gathered at the Stronghold Conference Center in Oregon, Ill., in late August for a regional Presbyterian Communicators Network (PCN) conference. Walter Strong, former owner and publisher of the Chicago Daily News, once owned the Stronghold property and used it as a summer retreat for his family.

Conference attendees had the opportunity to hone communication skills, share good ideas and best practices, and network with one another. Plenary speakers included Adam Walker Cleaveland, who spoke on communicating faith in a Web 2.0 world, Dr. Melinda Thompson, who spoke about communicating theology using technology, and Nanette Sawyer, who gave attendees a glimpse into Wicker Park Grace fellowship on Chicago’s West Side. Attendees could also select from several workshops on topics ranging from Web sites, to communication evaluation and networks, to crisis communications and to the power of storytelling.

PCN is a network of professional communicators for synods, presbyteries and churches. Their responsibilities typically include newsletters, Web sites, videos and other communication tools.

Stronghold Conference Center perches above the bluffs of Rock River about two hours west of Chicago and has a range of accommodations for conferences and camping, including a Tudor-style castle with a secret passageway and hidden chapel. Stronghold is operated by the Presbytery of Blackhawk. For information on Stronghold or to schedule a meeting or event, call (815) 732-6111 or visit their Web site.

View 2008 Stronghold Conference resources.

View Craig Shaw’s conference photos on flickr.

View Chuck Compton's conference photos on flickr.