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Thanksgiving 2020: Give thanks for those who have helped us weather this pandemic

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Scarcity, rather than abundance, may strike many as the keynote of Thanksgiving 2020, given the absence of family and friends who are following public health guidance during the pandemic and staying home. But perhaps we could redirect our thanksgiving reflection this year, for there are many other people who have been present for us, who have placed themselves at risk to do “essential” work that meets our daily needs and keeps our communities up and running. Think of all the remarkable, courageous people who are staffing hospitals, pharmacies and grocery stores. Think of postal service workers and delivery truck drivers. Farm workers and others laboring in the food industry. Biomedical researchers at work on developing new vaccines. Journalists and news outlets that have kept us abreast of events. Park service employees supervising a surge of visitors in need of the solace of nature. Civic leaders monitoring pandemic circumstances on the ground. Election officials and poll … [Read more...]

Tagged With: COVID19 • thanksgiving

Feed the trolls, find a human: On finding the humanity of my social media haters

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  The post on my public Facebook page from the man I did not know started out innocently enough. George said that his daughter had told him he was a racist, and he didn’t think he was. He looked for a book to find out, so that if he was a racist, he could change. He found my book, “Good White Racist: Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice.” He thought it might be just what he needed. Let’s just say the book was not his forever favorite. He bemoaned the $12 and the time he’d spent reading it. Things seemed to escalate when he blamed himself for not doing his research on me and called me a “white woman libber communist Never-Trumper.” His rant ended in mock concern that I might “off myself” in November. (Though his words said he hoped I didn’t kill myself come election season, the implication was that was exactly what he hoped for.) These types of attacks are not new to me, nor are they unexpected, given the fact that I work in anti-racist spaces. In fact, a Lifeway … [Read more...]

Tagged With: technology

Introductions: A letter from Roger Gench

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Dear Outlook reader, To introduce myself: In June of 2019, I retired from 17 years of service as the senior pastor of The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Before that, I served for 12 years as the senior pastor of Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. I am currently serving Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, part time as their theologian in residence. Over the last 30 years, I have devoted myself to connecting the contemplative arts and theological reflection to the practice of community organizing and ministry. I have written two books trying to make the connections between these disciplines: “Theology from the Trenches: Reflections on Urban Ministry” and “The Cross Examen: A Spirituality for Activists.” The latter book, hot off the press, explores the essential relationship between spirituality and activism — I contend that they share the same footprint: the theology of the cross. The cross of Jesus Christ reveals … [Read more...]

Getting social for the sake of the gospel

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What is your relationship to social media? What about the congregation’s use of social media? I confess to having a love/hate relationship with it. In exasperation after one too many hurtful comments, I deleted my Facebook account and felt utter relief as a result. While I occasionally miss seeing pictures of friends and their families, never once have I wanted to reengage with the platform. I do, however, have Instagram and Twitter accounts. I suppose I am more than ambivalent but less than enthusiastic about social media. However, I do recognize the importance of using every medium available to us to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. I also recognize that digital forms of communication are here to stay. I am utterly convinced that we need to use these channels with intention and skill and not cede them to those who wish to spread false, sinister or hate-filled narratives. To that end I try to educate myself and seek out people not in my normal spheres of influence. I listen … [Read more...]

Tagged With: technology

Meet the Outlook’s interim leadership: Roger Gench and Jay Blossom

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Dear Presbyterian Outlook reader, On behalf of the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation Board of Directors I am pleased to share the news that Roger J. Gench and Jay S.F. Blossom have accepted the call to serve as our interim editors.  In this period of transition, we are committed to providing our readers and supporters with denominational coverage, excellent commentary and theologically sound church resources at the level of excellence to which you have been accustomed. Roger and Jay are well positioned to provide strong leadership during this interim time and are both committed to maintaining the rich legacy of the Outlook. They each bring complimentary gifts, which will serve us well in the interim and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition once a permanent editor is selected. Roger received his Th.M. and Ph.D. in theological ethics from Union Theological (now Union Presbyterian) Seminary in Virginia.  He is honorably retired from the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in … [Read more...]

What’s right about Carter-Westminster United Presbyterian Church?

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Carter-Westminster United Presbyterian Church — Skokie, Illinois I am a totally blind individual from birth — no color and no light perception. With immense pride I would like to share that I feel wanted, needed and loved – and no longer socially isolated – due to the support of my church family. I am part of the alto section in the chancel choir under the leadership of music director Pat Radosavljevic. Whenever needed, church pianist George Radosavljevic leads me to the piano to play a prelude or postlude. Frequently, Lindsay Mecher, alto section leader, comes to my home to help with memorizing hymns and rehearsing music. Pastor Kenneth Hockenberry encourages me to read in Braille Scripture passages for special celebrations. After every Sunday worship service, he makes sure to exchange a few words with me while shaking my hand. My church family feels proud of me as an open water swimmer in Lake Michigan, and as a Suzuki piano teacher for sighted and blind children. From the … [Read more...]

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