"We put more energy into building and maintaining walls to mark our boundaries ... than we put into building relationships, diverse communities and just systems that remove the need for walls." — Teri McDowell Ott
Whether you desire a new building or a new interpretation of Scripture, progress cannot be made if leaders are conflict-averse, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The pressures of our lives can leave us withered and exhausted. But when we remember our story, we will find the wind that helps us take flight, bringing us home, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
The whole church is in decline, but more than 80% of Black Presbyterian churches are without installed pastors. Warren Lesane Jr., Shavon Starling-Louis, Stephen Scott and Teri McDowell Ott discuss vital Black leadership.
"Church vitality is more about spirit than size, and small churches across the country often serve as hubs of connection for small towns and rural areas." — Teri McDowell Ott
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” This knowing can be painful and challenging. The truth often is. Yet God pursues us in love and offers us the truth as a path to healing. — Teri McDowell Ott
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
"We need not understand all the science behind awe to appreciate its gift and join the heavenly host in singing God’s praise," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
“This is no time for a child to be born ... [yet] love still takes the risk.” Teri McDowell Ott reflects on this Advent quote by poet Madeleine L’Engle.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
In a world of doubts, Teri McDowell Ott writes, there are eternal truths that we can cling to.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
"This Advent, the political and social chaos of Jesus’ day resonates a little too well." Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Mark 13:24-37.
"Presbyterians have always valued the intellectual, through our emphasis on biblical study and lifelong learning, but we should also embrace the power of wonder," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
I thought I knew God. Then I went to seminary, writes Teri McDowell Ott. I thought I knew God. Then I volunteered in a prison.
All Dulles Area Muslim Society and Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation have partnered for 15 years. In a letter penned earlier this week, Rabbi Michael G. Holzman emphasizes the importance of their relationship in the face of violence.
Teri McDowell Ott speaks to Doug Dicks, the PC(USA) regional liaison to Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Leviticus 19 through the lens of Netflix's true-crime series, "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal." Two women in the docuseries remind her of the cost of honesty.
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Lord, hear our prayers.
When it comes to theological leadership, we are in borderland, writes Teri McDowell Ott. How do we address change in this space?
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