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...]

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...]