When we embrace visibility and vulnerability, we can find a God-given sense of belonging in the make-up aisle, at a civil protest, and – if we allow it – in the church, writes trans woman and pastor Lucinda Isaacs.
Barbara Wood Gray on opening the gate of the heart.
Eric Barreto interviews Willie James Jennings on what it means to belong.
When Phillip Blackburn began as the director of the University of the Ozarks’ Thriving in Rural Ministry Program, he expected to serve small, dying churches. Instead, he has found livelihood and wisdom.
What does belonging feel like? Teri McDowell Ott ponders this as she introduces the April issue of Presbyterian Outlook.
Karie Charlton writes about grief, dementia. and love.
Julie Raffety confesses her appreciation for "Dateline" and what it teaches her about how to comfort those who mourn.
During his days interning as a hospital chaplain, Eric Nolin found a new understanding of life in Christ, even though it felt like death to get there.
"Everyone else was grieving, but I was busy."
“Sadness can feel sky high. Yet, the Holy One, who stretched the heavens, walks with us.”
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
Walter Canter shares two poems and a micro essay on grief and the struggle of sorting out personal pain as a pastor.
After grieving the deaths of several students, college chaplain Maggie Alsup finds that Ash Wednesday offers a release for students.
Christianity has too often been a death-denying religion. Christian theology moves quickly beyond death to a life after (or an afterlife). The funeral service is titled “Witness to the Resurrection,” avoiding even the word “death.”
Meet our 2023 summer interns: Jo Wiersema, Colin Farmer and Dana Moulds.
"We have to pay attention to get to the new life that comes after a death, but it takes work and intention to get there."
“Your courageous planning and preparation are gifts,” writes Vern Farnum, “to those who will grieve your departure from this realm.”
It can be tempting to harden our hearts as protection. What would life look like if we lived like daffodils blooming in late winter? Like a middle schooler wearing a top hat and tails to a dance?
How can your financial resources bless others after you die?
Outlook editor Teri Ott explores burials that are kinder to the environment: No vault, no embalming, but sometimes, there are ducks.
Old Testament Professor Eric A. Seibert encourages pastors and lay leaders to redeem violent Bible verses by using them responsibly in church.
Dana Moulds taps into her deep intuition to find her calling as a death doula.
Cynthia Rigby writes about perichoresis or "mutual indwelling." This term is usually used in theological circles to reference the relationship of the Trinity, but can it also reference how we belong to one another?
By acknowledging and admitting the reality of death, we put our own lives into proper perspective, writes Aaron Neff.
Teaching children about justice is important for their faith, but it can feel like a daunting topic. Christian educator Sara Pantazes recommends three tips.
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