“To ease my brother’s pain, even for a mere five minutes, would be my greatest achievement.” – Designer Chappell Ellison on creating objects for people like her brother who suffer with obsessive compulsive disorder (in Design Observer) … [Read more...]
Rachel weeping (20 years ago)
20 years ago — April 27, 1998 “She was remembered by her students as a teacher ‘who always looked out for us.’ At around 12:42 p.m. on March 24, Shannon Wright of Jonesboro, Arkansas, threw herself in front of 12-year-old Emma Pittman to shield the young girl’s body from a sniper’s bullet.” Two male students, a 13-year-old and an 11-year-old lay in ambush for students and teachers at Westside Middle School after luring them into the schoolyard with a phony fire alarm. In the aftermath of the carnage, a news commentator asked Americans to wake up to the “fact that we live in a culture that glorifies violence.” A great deal of that violence is directed to females. “Of the five dead and 10 wounded, all but one were female. … Rachel weeps for her children (see Matthew 2:18). In schoolyards in Jonesboro, Arkansas; Paducah, Kentucky; Pearl, Mississippi – 11 bloodstained playgrounds since 1993 – Rachel weeps for the young boys who have turned their rage into revenge.” She weeps for her … [Read more...]
Over- or under-function? — a constant challenge
In a previous Outlook article, I noted several key points about Murray Bowen’s family systems theory: It’s based on cellular biology, not psychology. Bowen said his “cornerstone concept” was “differentiation of self.” He explained that he arrived at his theory by comparing how humans mature by comparing it to how cells “differentiate.” For Bowen, the terms “highly differentiated” and “highly mature” are synonymous Bowen describes 12 “core capacities” of persons who are “highly differentiated/highly mature.” One of those capacities is to live a reasonably balanced life — a life with no prolonged “over or under-functioning.” It’s this crucial capacity that I want to address here. Take a moment to ponder your life — its daily practices, rituals, routines and rhythms. After being away from home for a while, have you ever had the epiphany: “When I get back home I’m going to change some aspect of how I live or work” — and then, despite your good intentions nothing … [Read more...]
The other side of the Table
Guest Outpost blog by Jordan B. Davis I remember it so clearly: standing at the table I once slept under during a lock-in, as I looked out at the faces of Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders. The retired pastor who baptized me at the age of 10 years old smiled back at me. I could feel the warm embrace of those who once held me close upon receiving the news that a dear friend and youth member had died in a car accident, the same tragedy that eventually pulled me away from not just this congregation but, for a few years, also from God. I thought of the last time I had been in this sanctuary, receiving Communion at my older sister’s wedding only a few years before. Knowing that I was in seminary and a time of discernment, the Disciples of Christ congregation in which I was raised from birth until 8thgrade called me back, in need of someone to help lead worship and assist with communion over the Christmas break. I was hesitant, having left that congregation (and … [Read more...]
Letting the Spirit lead — May 21, 2018
This issue of the Outlook introduces the candidates standing for co-moderator, moderator and vice moderator, digs deep into the latest data on Presbyterian pastors, and explores what it means to be a member of the household of God. No matter the configuration, how do our communities reflect the character of the One we follow, Jesus Christ Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Meet the moderator candidates Those standing for co-moderator and moderator and vice moderator share their sense of call and hope for the PC(USA). Vocation within the PC(USA) Frank Spencer offers a review of the data on newly ordained pastors and benefits. Adoption Adopting a child mirrors God’s adoption of us all. Embodying parenting and faith Like faith, parenting is just theoretical until it is put in action. Singing the faith Singing with children is an important part of faith formation. The power of family mottos David Lee Jones applies family systems theory to family … [Read more...]
What’s right about Carmichael Presbyterian Church in California?
Youth mission trips have been a big part of the church for more than 30 years. This congregation has enabled hundreds of youth to learn and serve from Carmichael to Belize and many, many places in between. These trips are life-changing for the youth mission team members. By working together, our youth bond and learn more about the people they serve and the world in which they live. Our youth mission team members (current and past) are grateful to CPC for their prayers and contributions that give them opportunities to serve and to see the bigger world outside of Carmichael. This year we were able to go to Honduras with members of University Presbyterian and the pastor and his wife from Elk Grove Presbyterian Church. This was an amazing trip. It was hot, hard and one of the most rewarding trips we have ever been on. We are grateful to Students Helping Honduras and the Presbytery of Sacramento for making it possible. — Lisa Torgerson, director of children and youth … [Read more...]
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