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Worship — March 5, 2018

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“We are gathered in worship to glorify the God who is present and active among us— particularly through the gifts of Word and Sacrament” (W-1.0101). This issue of the Outlook digs deep into the Reformed understanding of worship – particularly the sacraments and prayer. In these pages, articles consider the theology of Reformed worship and some approaches to practice the faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: What about the sacraments? Ronald Byars explores the sacraments throughout the history of the Reformed tradition and enacted in churches today. Sacraments in the revised Directory for Worship David Gambrell lifts up some key features of the revision in relation to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. A Reformed view of prayer There is not a single Reformed understanding of prayer, but David W. Johnson shares how the varied understandings converge in thankfulness. The practice of prayer with children Traci Smith offers a number of … [Read more...]

Tagged With: worship

Partners in service — Feb. 12, 2018

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Presbyterian leaders, congregations and Young Adult Volunteers are building strong interfaith relationships. Just as Jesus who crossed religious and cultural boundaries, faith communities are finding new pathways to service and relationship in increasingly diverse communities. Here are just a few stories of how Presbyterians are demonstrating the love of Christ with interfaith partners. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: Interfaith service Jonathan Freeman reflects on his YAV year in Indianapolis and what that taught him about embodying Christ’s teaching. Interfaith hospitality Julie Bird shares the story of a Presbyterian congregation in South Carolina who sponsored a Syrian refugee family. Reorient, reform, reconcile A “language event” could be a tool for the denomination to clarify words used in worship and articulate faith. BiG partnership creates community An interfaith group in Vermont shares the 500th anniversary of the … [Read more...]

Tagged With: interfaith

Church leadership — January 29, 2018

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Leadership in Presbyterian churches involves pastors, elders and deacons — and also Christian educators, youth directors, Bible study teachers and all members of the congregation. This issue explores how churches and presbyteries are following the Spirit as they mentor and rise up leaders to serve Christ’s kingdom. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: Church leadership amid a cultural storm Gary Charles and Jill Duffield reflect on leadership development after seminary and the importance of mentoring. Revitalizing church leadership PneuMatrix partners with congregations for the Spirit-led work on discernment. Leadership and power and prayer A stated clerk envisions the calling of the church in unsettling times. Going after the one Karen Rohrer offers leadership lessons for church planters. Leadership of saints and sages George C. Anderson describes two kinds of leaders needed in the church today. Who will you disappoint? Victoria … [Read more...]

Tagged With: leadership

Prayer — January 8, 2018

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This issue marks the Outlook’s 200th year of ministry! What better way to start volume 200 than a close exploration at the spiritual discipline of prayer that has marked Presbyterianism. This issue explores different models of prayer – from that of Luther, to lectio divina, to embodied prayer. Two articles explore the disciplines and practices that support the faith of aging members of the family of faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Pray like a Reformer Martin Luther and John Calvin offer models of prayer for modern Presbyterians. Learning to accept the gift of prayer It can be difficult to grasp the fullness of prayer. Here are a few prayer practices to develop a regular spiritual discipline. Movement as prayer Embodied prayer can enliven an incarnational faith in which bodies are meant to be holy offerings to God. Welcome to the Memory Café Churches support their communities by hosting individuals with memory loss and their care … [Read more...]

Tagged With: prayer

Encountering home – December 18, 2017

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The familiar phrase “home for the holidays” conjures a wide range of emotions depending on the circumstances. For some, warm feelings of comfort. For others, stress at the thought of complex family dynamics. For still others, a distant hope as they sleep in shelters or on the street. This issue shares stories of congregations providing housing as well as the theological implications of finding home in Jesus. All in time for Christmas. In other words, home for the holidays. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Be the church Heidi Armstrong shares her story of listening to God and finding ways for the church to support sustainable housing in Seattle. Building Naomi’s House C. Michael York recounts how faith communities united to offer rapid rehousing in their Florida community. Musings on home Marianne Meye Thompson considers Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John. Pastoring a purple church In politically charged times, the purple church is more art than … [Read more...]

Winter books – December 4, 2017

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There’s no better time of year to curl up with a good book than when the days are shorter and the temperatures drop. The Outlook’s winter book issue arrives just in time to hunker down under a warm blanket and read or find some Christmas gifts for your bookish friends and family. Once again, Outlook book editor Roy Howard offers a wide variety of good reads in his "in brief" reviews and you get a whole bevy of longer reviews that are sure to expand your reading list. Read on! Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Books in review Six full-length book reviews offer theological insights on issues facing the church and its leaders. Books briefly noted Create your winter reading list with this selection of new titles for everyone in the church. The emerging PC(USA) vocational landscape Lori Archer Raible explores how the traditional call system may need to update to serve the needs of pastors and churches. Pastoral renewal programs As director of the Lilly … [Read more...]

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