Outlook Reporting

A day in the life of a committee at the hybrid 225th General Assembly: Technology glitches, grace, and the movement of the Holy Spirit

What does an average day look like for a committee in a hybrid General Assembly? As a second set of committees begin their work with pandemic precautions still in place, they are attempting to faithfully discern the will of the spirit in a participatory and transparent way utilizing technology and old-fashioned methods together

Outlook Reporting

Committee recommends worship resources for the military, changes to the Directory for Worship, and closes their time in prayer

The Theology, Worship and Education Committee concluded its work by considering how to support soldiers and veterans through the creation of worship resources for military chaplains and pastors and by debating and voting on multiple changes to the Directory for Worship.

Outlook Reporting

Moving towards a new confession, and the role of Christian Education in the 21st Century

The Theology, Worship, and Education Committee considers a new confession, hears from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation on book bans and anti-racism, and discusses Christian Education in churches.

Outlook Reporting

Theology, Worship, and Education Committee begins deliberation on its expansive agenda

With a docket of 19 resolutions to consider at General Assembly 225, the Theology, Worship, and Education Committee began diving into issues and discussions that will influence faith practices of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members.

Outlook Reporting

Louisville events connect the dots between the work of GA225, Juneteenth celebrations and Pride

Louisville waterfront parks host Funk Fest Juneteenth Celebration and Kentuckiana Pride as Presbyterians kick off their 225th General Assembly nearby. Clear ties bind these events with shared concerns.

Outlook Reporting

Juneteenth Worship Service offers reflection, inspiration and a challenge to continue the work of racial reconciliation and justice

The Juneteenth worship service wove together prayers, liturgies and songs in multiple languages from many voices to remind those gathered of the Christian call to racial justice and reconciliation. Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson preached a rousing sermon on the call story in Isaiah 6 that challenged those gathered to continue the prophetic work of their faith.

Outlook Reporting

The 225th General Assembly opens with worship: Bentley preaches on “From religiosity to righteousness”

The 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church opened in the same way that the last 224 General Assemblies have begun, with worship.

Voices

Talking with kids about the events of January 6

I’m the father of an 11-year-old and one of the pastors of a church that has more than 100 children who participate..

Voices

Christian discipleship and individual rights

Guest commentary Over the last few months, I have heard a lot of people talking about “individual rights” or “individual liberties.” As..

Outlook Reporting

Appointments, nominations and mid-council commission passes quickly and smoothly at GA

The assembly passed the consent agenda at the Plenary 2 meeting of the 224th General Assembly on June 26 after removing five..

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Profile of a first-time commissioner: Tuning into GA from Central Nebraska

Brian Johnson never dreamed of being a commissioner to the General Assembly. As a cradle Presbyterian, Johnson served in almost every role..

Outlook Reporting

Hands and Feet Initiative goes digital with a Poor People’s Campaign virtual rally

A central feature of the 224th General Assembly was going to be the Hands and Feet initiative, which would have moved the..

Outlook Reporting

Stated clerk offers pastoral comfort and prophetic challenge in his opening remarks at general Assembly

  On June 19 at the opening plenary of the 224th General Assembly, stated clerk J. Herbert Nelson shared an opening address..

Outlook Reporting

Energy, intelligence, imagination, and love: Co-moderators’ report opens GA224 by calling the church to confession

On June 19 at the opening plenary of the 224th General Assembly, the co-moderators of the 223rd General Assembly, Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and..

Outlook Features

Hands and Feet initiative gains traction and picks up speed

What does it look like when more than 1,000 Presbyterians come to a city for the biannual General Assembly? How can they..

Voices

Fearless generosity and radical hospitality

In January 1828, a bunch of men sitting in a palace in Mexico City signed the “Treaty of Limits,” a document that..

Outlook Features

Hands and Feet initiative inspires Presbyterians to learn and serve in St. Louis 

St. Louis - Stated clerk J. Herbert Nelson articulated a vision for the 223rd General Assembly well before Presbyterians arrived in St...

Outlook Reporting

Youth group serves in St. Louis as part of the Hands and Feet initiative

FERGUSON, MO. – When J. Herbert Nelson, stated clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) put out the call for Presbyterians to come..

Outlook Reporting

Spirited worship follows spirited assembly debate

ST. LOUIS – Following more than two hours of spirited debate over how the church should respond to climate change and fossil fuels,..

Outlook Reporting

Presbyterians put their hands together and stomp their feet for the Hands and Feet initiative at a concert by jazz musician Kirk Whalum

ST. LOUIS – On Thursday, June 21, the General Assembly was treated to a live concert by Kirk Whalum. This was billed..

Outlook Reporting

Good biscuits and the bread of life: General Assembly worship with Floretta Barbee-Watkins

ST. LOUIS – Water remained a central theme of worship General Assembly worship on Thursday, June 21. The opening hymn, “Take Me to..

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Turning doors into tables

Doors are designed to divide spaces, and people; locked doors keep people apart from each other. Tables are designed to bring people..

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Convention center dinner in a windowless room or service and relationship building in the streets?

Two years ago, Tony Aja and the leadership of the Hispanic/Latinx National Presbyterian Caucus had a vision. Aja is the moderator of..

Outlook Reporting

Assembly affirms Moffett as next PMA director, passes mental health overture

ST. LOUIS –A new executive director for the Presbyterian Mission Agency.  Support for mental health education. Theologically-driven acts of justice. As plenary..

Outlook Reporting

Has the church found a new way forward? Bail bond march at General Assembly exemplifies the “Hands and Feet” initiative

  ST. LOUIS – Hundreds of Presbyterians gathered in the convention center on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 19. However, instead of..