Hospitality with a moral punch
“Not everyone understands God in the way I understand God” is an important lesson, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Even more important: we can honor, welcome and respect those who understand God differently.
More Stories from this Author
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost — September 17, 2023
The writer of Psalm 103 sings for joy not only because he is gifted with steadfast love, but also because he is freed by it — free to shelter during life’s storms, free to flourish and grow as a child of God, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Order of worship — September 17, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost — August 20, 2023
In Matthew 15, we see a Canaanite woman teach Jesus something about mercy. What does this mean for us?
Order of worship — August 20, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The Outlook staff will be off August 7-11 for sabbath
Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott introduces the Outlook's first-ever sabbath shut down.
Order of worship — July 23, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost — July 23, 2023
Looking at the parable of the weeds in Matthew, Teri McDowell Ott discerns two calls for those who read the text.
A purposeful gathering
What does it look like to gather people with intention? Teri McDowell Ott explores this question in her editorial for the July/August issue of the Outlook.
Order of worship — June 25, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost — June 25, 2023
Editor Teri McDowell Ott engages one of the notoriously difficult passages in Matthew where Jesus says, "I came not to send peace, but a sword."
Fostering love, not fear
For her June 2023 editorial, Teri McDowell Ott goes to her local gun shop to learn a different perspective. Afterwards, she wrestles with fear and love.
Trinity Sunday — June 4, 2023
Editor Teri McDowell Ott notes that the Great Commission calls us to go do — and to teach.
Order of worship — Trinity Sunday 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Order of worship — May 28, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Pentecost Sunday — May 28, 2023
For Pentecost Sunday, editor Teri McDowell Ott wonders what we would venture to do if we trusted the Holy Spirit to use us.
Innovators in ministry you should know
The folks who are finding ways to do church differently — and in ways that might have a faithful impact.
The church as creative space
For Outlook's May 2023 issue, Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott thinks about innovation.
Sixth Sunday of Easter — May 14, 2023
What would faith look like if we embraced "unknowing"?
Order of worship — May 14, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fifth Sunday of Easter — May 7, 2023
In this lectionary reflection, editor Teri McDowell Ott highlights the danger of refusing to hear dissenting voices and the effectiveness of listening well.
Order of worship — May 7, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fourth Sunday of Easter — April 30, 2023
In this lectionary reflection, editor Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the meaning of awe and the day-by-day pace it sets for the early Christian community.
Order of worship — April 30, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Order of worship — April 16, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.