Inauguration Day prayer
January 20, 2025, marks the inauguration of America's new president as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Teri McDowell Ott pens a prayer to help us hold all this together.
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Order of worship — January 19, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany — January 19, 2025
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on John 2:1-11 and the joyful feast of communion.
We are all public theologians
"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Baptism of the Lord — January 12, 2025
On Baptism of the Lord Sunday, Teri McDowell Ott reflects on God’s call to listen, pray, and remember: “You are mine.”
Order of worship — January 12, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Order of worship — December 24, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Christmas Eve — December 24, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the spirit of beloved community. Christ's birth is a symbol of peace and inclusivity, she writes, welcoming even those we might exclude.
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 22, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott explores how the lectionary passages for the fourth Sunday of Advent invite us to embody hope.
Order of worship — December 22, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Practicing Christ’s patterns
Christ not only illuminates our common bonds as humans but shows what we can accomplish when we work together toward the good, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — December 1, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
First Sunday of Advent — December 1, 2024
The goal of Advent is clear, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — November 17, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost — November 17, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott writes about the power of imagination.
A prayer for peace and justice on Election Day
Join us in prayer for peace, dignity, kindness, and justice on election.
Bound by love to bear witness
"It pains me to witness those I love in pain. But that is the nature of love, and its responsibility," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost — November 10, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the challenge and opportunity to preach after a national election.
Order of worship — November 10, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Order of worship — October 20, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost — October 20, 2024
In Mark 10:35-45, Jesus flips the script on power and status, calling us to serve, not seek seats of glory. How can we resist today’s systems of domination? Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Jesus’ radical call to community and humility.
Between anguish and resilience: Reflections from Bethlehem
As we mark one year since the Israel-Hamas war began, Teri McDowell Ott checks in with Bethlehem-based mission co-worker Doug Dicks.
Called to the “also” of a meaningful life
Teri McDowell Ott's athletic journey taught her more than just speed. It showed her the meaning that goes beyond talents.
Turning toward the work of healing
Outlook Editor Teri McDowell Ott introduces our issue on reparations.
Order of worship — September 8, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.