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Poetry & story — January 21, 2019

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God speaks not only through the words of preaching and teaching, but also through fiction and poetry. The Outlook received many ideas and submissions for this issue, and discovered that poets and storytellers abound in the community of faith. We are grateful for all of them and especially thankful for the voices of those included in these pages. We trust you will be blessed through their words. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader.  That something that happens Words matter — and the right words matter even more, according to Andrew Taylor-Troutman. Benjamin A short story by David W. Johnson Scrolls Poetry by Nadine Ellsworth-Moran The dinner party Poetry by Nadine Ellsworth-Moran How to Not Be Afraid Poetry by Charlotte Matthews Blue-Eyed Snake Poetry by Paul Hooker Joseph’s Bones Poetry by Paul Hooker The Steward of the Underside of the Table Poetry by Slats Toole … [Read more...]

Tagged With: poetry • writing

Retiring well — January 7, 2019

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Retirement marks a major life transition — for some it’s welcome, for others it feels imposed one and for many it is a combination of joy and anxiety. This issue highlights examples of living well in later years through the gift of community and sharing gifts of ministry well beyond “official” retirement. No matter one’s age, all are called to serve God and that service has no expiration date. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader.  Presbyterians caring for seniors Presbyterian Senior Living has a faithful history of caring for older adults. Retired pastors enrich congregationsA Presbyterian church in Florida benefits from the gift of retired ministers. Managing secrets maturely Family systems theory offers church leaders a healthy approach for navigating secrecy. Remembering Poetry by J. Barrie Shepherd … [Read more...]

Tagged With: retirement

Healthy congregations — December 17, 2018

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The message of mainline church decline is loud, relentless and familiar. But there is good news, too. Congregations are getting creative, experimenting, reaching out, going deep and recognizing that God is doing a new thing in the world as well as with and through them. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Grace, mystery, beauty and freedom Four themes of Reformed theology contribute to the healing of major wounds in the world. On becoming ecclesial geologists Family systems theory applies a concept from geology: The present is the key to the past. A compassionate church Healthy churches create safe, sacred spaces at the intersection of faith and public life. Robust church rising Something is rising as churches look for greater depth in the postmodern era. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: healthy congregations

African-American Presbyterians (December 3, 2018)

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This issue offers rich portraits of two African-American Presbyterians and one key historically African-American institution that has shaped The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These stories highlight the many ways the denomination is impacted by African-American faith leaders. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. History, impact, future Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is one of the institutional reminders of the PC(USA)’s stated commitment to racial/ethnic diversity She dared to say yes Katie Geneva Cannon was the first African-American female Presbyterian pastor and a foremother of womanist theology. A Presbyterian prophet of black power A profile of Gayraud S. Wilmore, a theological educator and key ally in the creation of black theology. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: African-American Presbyterians

Who is my neighbor? — November 12, 2018

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Christians are called to love others because they were first loved by God. The stories in this issue explore how Presbyterians are called to live out that calling — to immigrants, to refugees, to neighbors in their community. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. The loving work of welcome Kent Annan reflects on the biblical response to immigrants and refugees. Sojourners all Sherry Blackman describes how Presbyterians are involved in international advocacy and how churches may be called to respond. When children pray Tony Lin shares a story of crossing paths with a refugee family at church. What’s next for churches who sell their property?Congregations are selling their buildings and engaging soul-searching about they ministry they are called to.  Leslie Scanlon shares two such stories. … [Read more...]

Fall books — October 22, 2018

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It is that time again: The Outlook’s fall book issue is here. If your reading list needs to be refreshed, you’ll find everything you need in these pages. From new theological reads to essay collections, these pages are filled with reviews of books you will surely want to put on your shelf and go back to often. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader.  Fall books: Briefly noted Outlook book editor Roy Howard helps you build your reading list this season with mini-reviews of a wide range of titles — from theology to children’s books to history to ministry helps. Books in review Six full-length book reviews examine theology in action. Grace in the mechanism Alex Wirth (who calls himself a “millennial”) tells why he now writes sermons and liturgies on a 1950s typewriter. From doing ministry to being community Hsin-hsin Huang (who describes herself as a “recovering Martha”) revisits the meaning of “being church” through the Mary and Martha story in Luke’s Gospel. … [Read more...]

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