by Jodi Craiglow It’s that time of year again. It seems like we just put away the purple vestments — and now..
Tony De La Rosa started work as the interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency in December 2015. Outlook reporter Leslie..
by Scott Parker Hadara means “good culture;” it refers to something that’s a positive influence on the community. Education, for example, is..
The Christian presence in the Middle East is both historic and declining. Here are some insights into what’s happening from researchers at..
by Amgad Beblawi In March 2011, I visited partner churches in the Syrian cities of Aleppo, Homs and Damascus. The then-called..
by Nadine Ellsworth-Moran I stared at it for a good 10 minutes, maybe 15, maybe more. I was transfixed by Dali’s painting,..
by Shawna Bowman Creative. Experimental. Curious. Bold. Inviting. Formative. These are the words I want folks who visit the church I serve..
Most photographers talk about taking photos or shooting photos. Not Cathy Newcomb. She receives photos. For her, the experience of contemplative photography..
For many people, retirement means choices and lots of questions to answer. Do I want to stay in my present location or..
By Roger A. Stevens What would you say to a retired couple in your church if they told you that they were..
by Barbara Booth-Jarmon Joan Chittister, in her book “The Gift of Years,” quoted famed Austrian novelist Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach who wrote at..
by Ed Zinkiewicz I was ready to retire. I didn’t want to do the work any longer. Don’t get me wrong. I..
by Cynthia Ray A too-frequent reality A long-time member and ruling elder, Joan is in her mid-60s and retired early from a..
Restructuring. It’s the melody wafting through so many conversations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) these days – and is virtually certain to..
by Frank M. Yamada My mom has always asked a lot of questions. My sisters and I often joke with each other..
Looking back, 2015 hasn’t been an easy ride for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Some of what’s grabbed the headlines this year involves..
by Jerry Andrews We meet separately now. I did not want this. I had worked and prayed that it would not be..
by Julie Coffman Hester I have a problem with elves. Apart from Will Ferrell in the movie “Elf,” and Hermey the dentist..
By Julie Coffman Hester Read her related Outlook feature article “I have a problem with elves” Hope4CE – Columbia Seminary professor Kathy Dawson’s..
Christmas presents pastors and churches with a challenge that Easter does not. Easter bunnies and chicks have only nibbled and pecked at..
by Joseph D. Small YEARS AGO, when I was preparing to leave my pastorate in Rochester, New York, to begin work in the..
Poetry by Julia Crim Waiting for the hours to pass, Longing for the silence to end, I listen to my own breathing,..
by Kenneth Phelps 'Tis the season to be stressed? The holiday season is upon us, predictably filled with both excitement and trepidation...
There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the..
What responsibility do people of faith have to protect the environment? To what extent is climate change — and the impact that..
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