Order of worship — February 18, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
More Stories from this Author
First Sunday of Lent — February 18, 2024
"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
Purple church possibilities
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.
Order of worship — February 4, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany — February 4, 2024
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.
Black Presbyterian leadership and churches
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.
Small is beautiful
"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
Second Sunday after the Epiphany — January 14, 2024
“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
Order of worship — January 14, 2024
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation
Order of worship — December 24, 2023/Advent 4B
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 24, 2023
"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.
Christmas is just the beginning
“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.
Order of worship — December 10, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Second Sunday of Advent — December 10, 2023
In a world of doubts, Teri McDowell Ott writes, there are eternal truths that we can cling to.
Order of worship — December 3, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
First Sunday of Advent — December 3, 2023
"This Advent, the political and social chaos of Jesus’ day resonates a little too well." Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Mark 13:24-37.
The wonder of art
"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.
Order of worship — November 12, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Order of worship — November 5, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost — November 5, 2023
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.
Interreligious respect and care: A Virginia rabbi’s letter to a local Muslim society
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.
PC(USA) mission co-worker shares an update from the Holy Land
Teri McDowell Ott speaks to Doug Dicks, the PC(USA) regional liaison to Israel, Palestine and Jordan.
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost — October 29, 2023
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.
Order of worship — October 29, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
A prayer responding to war in Israel and Gaza
Lord, hear our prayers.