Order of worship — October 26, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
More Stories from this Author
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost — October 26, 2025
True worship requires more than showing up — it asks for humility, honesty and openness to God’s transforming grace, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Why theological education matters
As seminaries and religious studies programs shrink, the responsibility to nurture theological imagination is shifting to our congregations. Are our churches ready, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
A prayer for all who suffer in the wake of October 7
For October 7’s anniversary, Teri McDowell Ott offers a collect to grieve, remember, and pray for peace, justice, and healing in the ongoing conflict.
A prayer against violence
"Teach us a better way, a holy imagination of justice, mercy and reconciliation," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 21, 2025
Luke 16:1–13 is one of Scripture’s toughest parables. Why would Jesus praise a dishonest manager—and what does it mean for our faith? Teri McDowell Ott reflects.
Order of worship — September 21, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The seeds we scatter
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence, writes Teri McDowell Ott. God will bring unexpected growth over time.
Litany and prayer after the Minneapolis shooting
Teri McDowell Ott offers a litany of lament and intercession after the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
The Outlook staff will be off August 4-8 for sabbath
Outlook Editor Teri McDowell Ott shares why the Outlook plans to close for a week — and where you can find the worship resources you still need.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost — August 10, 2025
When the future feels uncertain, God invites us to look up, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Beneath a sky full of promises, faith finds its next step.
Order of worship — August 10, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
O God, be near: A Lament after the flood
A heartfelt prayer for communities devastated by sudden floods, asking God to comfort the grieving, strengthen first responders, and sustain all who rebuild.
For such a time as this
Oftentimes, we read but do not act. How can we leverage our positions to thoughtfully expose injustice and protect the vulnerable, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost — July 13, 2025
What melts your heart shapes your faith, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — July 13, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Making neighbors
Let's reclaim community—because loving God means loving each other, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Pentecost Sunday — June 8, 2025
Acts 2 offers a Spirit-filled vision of diverse community, holy imagination, and prophetic action to transform the world for good and for God, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — June 8, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The principles of Kingian Nonviolence
Nonviolent resistance requires more courage and strength than violence, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
The power we hold to make peace
"Peace often requires more of us than violence: more courage, more creativity, more strategic thinking, more faith," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — May 11, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fourth Sunday of Easter — May 11, 2025
On Mother’s Day and the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Tabitha’s story and the vital, often unseen, work of women.
Stated Clerk Jihyun Oh on leadership, cuts, and accountability
Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott sat down with Stated Clerk Jihyun Oh to discuss public statements, program cuts, and leadership decisions.
Order of worship — April 20, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.