What are you reading this summer? What books will expand your outlook, make you question your assumptions and push you into needed conversations? We asked some folks to tell us what they are reading and reviewed new titles. We pray our reading shapes our discipleship and moves us to act in ways that glorify God. Let us know what you are reading and what you are learning as a result! Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Summer reading Roy Howard asked a number of Presbyterians: What are you reading? Here are a number of titles you may want to add to your summer reading list. Book reviews Reviews of “I Am Not Your Enemy,” “Ministry with the Forgotten” and “Transforming.” not/me Poetry by Igmara Sanchez Prunier A vital congregation A congregation viewed as a system is radically different from the typical institutional view. … [Read more...]
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Commentary 2 days ago
Could the “Second Sunday” series save Sunday school?
Guest commentary by Sheryle Dixon Like many churches of all stripes, the First Presbyterian Church of Alma in Michigan has been facing dwindling Sunday school attendance for years. The Sunday school landscape had gone from five Sunday School classes serving 25 students 20 years ago, to one class with two students in 2016. In August 2016, the church’s education committee distributed a survey to the congregation asking, “What would you commit to?” — with regards to educational programming. Thirty-five surveys were completed and the responses showed they would like a… continue reading... -
Looking into the lectionary 2 days ago
5th Sunday after Pentecost — July 5, 2020
Matthew 11:15-19, 25-30; Romans 7:15-25a Ordinary 14A; Proper 9 This week we are grateful to pastor John Wurster for providing a guest lectionary reflection. In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus reflects on the tasks and challenges of discipleship — a balance between action and openness, between grasping truth and being grasped by grace. Jill Duffield’s lectionary reflections are sent to the Outlook’s email list every Monday. Following in the way of Jesus is not easy. It’s hard work, wearying at times and even burdensome. Thankfully, the one who commissions us… continue reading... -
Worship Resources 3 days ago
July 5: God is gracious — Family faith formation at home
Welcome Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together. One: Come, let us gather around and see how the Spirit will nurture our faith today. All: Who is with us? One: Christ, the light of the world. (Place a candle on a table in your gathering place and light it.) All: Who is with us? One: The Love of God, who came to meet us in the world. (Place a cross on a table in… continue reading...
Parties in Stamford case had tried to expedite process in order to get a ruling on the merits of the case January 1, 1995 Uncategorized102 views The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission -- in sidestepping the question of exactly how deeply a session should be required to probe into the private life of a gay elder who has acknowledged being in a committed, life-long relationship but has declined to say whether he is sexually active -- has put the question off but has not put it to rest.- Ministering with the Earth January 1, 1998 Book Reviews115 views By Mary Elizabeth MooreChalice. 1998. 226 pp. Pb. $19.99. ISBN 0-8272-2323-4 Ministering with the Earth is a quiltwork, both the on-the-ground activity and Moore's book about so ministering. Moore, professor of theology and Christian education at Claremont School of Theology, is fond of the metaphor, suitably pastoral and feminist.
- Remembered Voice: Reclaiming the Legacy of 'Neo-Orthodoxy' January 1, 1998 Book Reviews96 views By Douglas John HallWJKP. 1998. 145 pp. Pb. $18. ISBN 0-664-25772-0 It was in this order. I first read Tillich's Dynamics of Faith. Riveting. Next came The Courage to Be. Gripping. Then I went back and read the first volume of the Systematic Theology. Things began to make sense. Next came Biblical Religion and the Search for Ultimate Reality. Positive.
Debate over relationship between San Francisco Theological Seminary and the PC(USA) may rise at General Assembly June 9, 2020 Outlook Reporting5 comments When is a historically Presbyterian seminary no longer a "Presbyterian seminary”?
That question is on the docket for the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), although not in that clear of form.
The question at hand is the relationship of the San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) to the General Assembly of the PC(USA) — an institutional relationship that goes back to the seminary’s founding in 1871 by local Presbyterians, in association with the synod. In the past few years, the seminary had been looking for ways to remain sustainable and to expand its programs. That culminated wit...
New recommendation headed to GA: “On Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic” June 14, 2020 Outlook Reporting5 comments A recommendation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic is being presented to the 2020 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a matter of new business – asking for the church to be a gospel witness for the healing of the world in these difficult times.
When it meets June 18 – the night before the assembly convenes – the assembly Committee on Business Referrals will consider whether to send the recommendation “On Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic” to the assembly for its consideration.
It’s not cle...
Assembly debates business to be considered, postpones moderator election June 20, 2020 Outlook Reporting4 comments The 2020 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) got off to a somewhat turbulent start June 19 — with the first plenary of this first-ever virtual assembly going so long that the election of co-moderators didn’t happen, delayed until June 20 and slated now for a newly-scheduled evening session that wasn’t supposed to be.
That added plenary session – with the election of co-moderators as the only item of business – now is set for 7 p.m. EDT on June 20.
The assembly made the decision to convene the assembly for an extra night, on Saturday, after roughly three hours of debate and considera...
Summer reading — July 13, 2020
Tagged With: reading
STATED CLERK
Mission Presbytery. “Better Together.” A part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Applications are being received for the full-time position of Stated Clerk with offices in San Antonio, Texas. This person will serve as an ecclesiastical officer of Mission Presbytery and requires ordination as a Ruling, Commissioned Ruling, or Teaching Elder. For a job description and application requirements, please go to mission-presbytery.org/stated-clerk-search. Deadline for Applications is August 1. Mission Presbytery. 7201 Broadway #303. San Antonio TX 78209. … [Read more...]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Outreach Foundation, Nashville, Tennessee, theoutreachfoundation.org, a synergistic global ministry helping God’s church live out its missional calling is seeking an Executive Director. This person will be the primary leader for this highly relational organization as it builds the capacity of churches in the Presbyterian and Reformed family of believers to proclaim, embody, and bear witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Candidates should send a cover letter of interest, résumé and references, brief description of your faith journey, personal statement of faith (theological beliefs), statement on your philosophy of mission, and your view of The Outreach Foundation and its potential to: [email protected] Click here for a Full Position Summary . … [Read more...]
IN CELEBRATION: REV ROBERT S. OWENS JR.
Rev. Robert S. Owens, Jr. July 1, 1930 - June 21, 2020 The Rev. Robert Sanford Owens, Jr. (Bob) — Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and pastor passed away on June 21, at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is survived by his beloved wife Norma; five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Rev. Owens served congregations in Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, and Hawaii, and completed nine interim pastorates in California, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Beaconsfield, England (UK). An online memorial page with remembrances and other details may be found at bobowensmemorial.com. … [Read more...]
Could the “Second Sunday” series save Sunday school?
Guest commentary by Sheryle Dixon Like many churches of all stripes, the First Presbyterian Church of Alma in Michigan has been facing dwindling Sunday school attendance for years. The Sunday school landscape had gone from five Sunday School classes serving 25 students 20 years ago, to one class with two students in 2016. In August 2016, the church’s education committee distributed a survey to the congregation asking, “What would you commit to?” — with regards to educational programming. Thirty-five surveys were completed and the responses showed they would like a potluck-type gathering after church, one Sunday a month, with an educational program afterward. With a dwindling population of children, a meal after church was a good way to invite families to stay and then provide a children’s program for the children there. Middle schoolers and older youth would join the adults in an educational program after lunch. Offering lunch would also meet the needs of the large number … [Read more...]
5th Sunday after Pentecost — July 5, 2020
Matthew 11:15-19, 25-30; Romans 7:15-25a Ordinary 14A; Proper 9 This week we are grateful to pastor John Wurster for providing a guest lectionary reflection. In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus reflects on the tasks and challenges of discipleship — a balance between action and openness, between grasping truth and being grasped by grace. Following in the way of Jesus is not easy. It’s hard work, wearying at times and even burdensome. Thankfully, the one who commissions us to serve also cares for us in all things. The call to discipleship includes an invitation to rest. The passage begins with Jesus voicing lament over peoples’ reactions to him and his forerunner, John the Baptist. We hear Jesus’ disappointment, and we are left to wonder how our generation compares. Have we missed the moment, denied the truth, ignored the signs? Have we settled on platitudes, shirked responsibility, diverted our gaze? Have childish views led to immature expectations and simplistic … [Read more...]
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