The opioid epidemic. Gun violence. A local tragedy. All across the country, congregations are responding to issues in the headlines that impact their communities. This issue of the Outlook examines how Presbyterian churches are addressing national issues in ways particular to their local contexts and the complicated dynamics of deciding how to act in faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Addiction and recovery Presbyterians are responding to the opioid epidemic in many thoughtful and crucial ways. Here’s how a few congregations are meeting their community’s needs. Leslie Scanlon reports. Leaves of the tree A community uses worship service and the planting of a tree to respond to gun violence in Savannah, Georgia. Communities in transition The practice of organizational imagination can help develop new forms of communal life and Christian discipleship. A family systems approach to parking lot meetingsFew things in ecclesial life have the potential … [Read more...]
The 223rd GA – July 30, 2018
General Assembly: 538 commissioners from 170 presbyteries gathered for a week in the heat of St. Louis to work in 14 committees, worship, pray, march, discuss and debate. They voted on issues ranging from climate change to mental health, heard about mission around the globe, created task forces and restructured the denomination. The depth and breadth of their work is too big to be contained in these pages, nonetheless this issue gives you a sense of the scope of the decisions made by the 223rd General Assembly. Visit pres-outlook.org/223GA for more stories and videos. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Voices and votes of the 223rd General Assembly How big of a voice does the PC(USA) have? Commissioners grappled with this and related questions as they made decisions about issues facing the church. Hands and Feet The new initiative inspired Presbyterians to learn and serve in St. Louis. GA impacts the PC(USA)The assembly voted against fossil fuel … [Read more...]
Priesthood of all believers – July 9, 2018
Can a Reformed understanding of the priesthood of all believers transform how Presbyterians live? If every encounter is recognized as God at work among us – bringing priests to us – and enabling us by God’s Spirit to be priests to others, just think how energized life could be! This issue explores what it means to live this calling in community. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. A priest at every elbow Donald McKim considers the vision that all Christians are priests. A letter to watch over you Andrew Taylor-Troutman writes letters to each child about to be baptized in the congregation he serves. Serving the world at a truck stop Sherry Blackman gives a glimpse into ministry at a truck stop in New Jersey where she serves as chaplain. Living sermons Three ruling elders share stories of discipleship and faithful living outside church walls. … [Read more...]
Welcome to GA — June 11, 2018
St. Louis will know the Presbyterians are in town — not just because restaurants are busy and hotels are booked, but because as the commissioners make decisions inside the convention center, others will be on the streets, marching and serving. The Outlook’s“Welcome to GA” issue gives you a glimpse of what to expect as we meet in St. Louis for the 223rd General Assembly. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. (Almost) 104 weeks later Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston reflect on their term as co-moderators of the 222ndGeneral Assembly. More than church as usual in St. Louis Presbyterians attending GA will be involved in Bible study and assembly-related events focused on alleviating systemic racism and injustice in the community. Prayer practices for GA There are several ways to pray for the assembly – in person and from home. Discerning the way through GA Commissioners are called to discern God’s will for the national church. GA and climate changeTwo … [Read more...]
Letting the Spirit lead — May 21, 2018
This issue of the Outlook introduces the candidates standing for co-moderator, moderator and vice moderator, digs deep into the latest data on Presbyterian pastors, and explores what it means to be a member of the household of God. No matter the configuration, how do our communities reflect the character of the One we follow, Jesus Christ Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Meet the moderator candidates Those standing for co-moderator and moderator and vice moderator share their sense of call and hope for the PC(USA). Vocation within the PC(USA) Frank Spencer offers a review of the data on newly ordained pastors and benefits. Adoption Adopting a child mirrors God’s adoption of us all. Embodying parenting and faith Like faith, parenting is just theoretical until it is put in action. Singing the faith Singing with children is an important part of faith formation. The power of family mottos David Lee Jones applies family systems theory to family … [Read more...]
Life together – May 7, 2018
Living in community is a gift, a responsibility, a challenge. What does it meant to love one’s enemies? To deal gracefully with those whose default mode is "no"? To do your part, but not do more than is healthy for yourself or the system? This issue looks through various angles at how to have a healthy, faithful life together. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. What does Jesus mean by “love your enemies”? Thomas Currie digs deep into one of Jesus’ toughest commandments. Dealing lovingly with the roadblockers Christian leaders are called to cultivate and practice empathy, even with those who say “no” to everything. Over- or under-function? Family systems theory offers resources for ministry leaders seeking a healthy life balance. GA overturesHere’s a round-up of overtures going to the 223rdGeneral Assembly. Inferno Poetry by Paul Hooker … [Read more...]
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