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
More Stories from this Author
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.
Change in the borderlands
When it comes to theological leadership, we are in borderland, writes Teri McDowell Ott. How do we address change in this space?
Order of worship — October 1, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost — October 1, 2023
You can't argue anyone out of their fear. You have to love them out of it. That's what we are reminded of in Matthew 21, writes Teri McDowell Ott.
Faithful cooperation across differences
Teri McDowell Ott, Editor of the Presbyterian Outlook, sat down with author, speaker, educator and interfaith leader Eboo Patel for a faithful conversation about his recent book, "We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy."
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.
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.