The Presbyterian Outlook

News and Articles from the The Presbyterian Outlook

Top Search/Contact Area

Worship for all abilities — April 15, 2019

by Leave a Comment

Church ought to be a place where everyone feels fully welcomed and wanted. Nonetheless, radical hospitality requires intentionality, listening and planning. This issue of the Outlook shares stories of congregations seeking to be church for everybody. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Everybody’s church A warm welcome is essential, but moving from welcome to belonging is vital. Cindy Merten shares practical tips for including people of all abilities in the life of the church. Building community from the inside out TrailPraisers invites all ages, stages, faiths and abilities to be church together. Katy Stenta describes a new worship service in New York. Living creatively with diminishments Kent Ira Groff explains seven lessons he’s learned after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: Welcome

Faith & gender — April 1, 2019

by Leave a Comment

The topic of gender identity is prevalent in our culture, and yet the church talks little about it. Many in our congregations know what it means to wrestle with gender identity — personally or alongside a family member, friend or parishioner. How equipped are we to have thoughtful theological, pastoral and biblical conversations about what it means to be transgender, gender fluid or nonbinary? Are we prepared to offer informed pastoral care? This issue of the Presbyterian Outlook offers insights and resources that begin to address these questions. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Biblical abundance & gender Understanding God as abundant removes limits on an understanding of whom God loves and welcomes into community. The importance of languageA church in North Carolina sought to better understand the transgender experience and walk faithfully with these children of God. Loving the foreigner In New Mexico, a congregation opened their doors to … [Read more...]

Tagged With: gender

Mental health, small churches and hope — March 4, 2019

by Leave a Comment

Social isolation is growing. Studies reveal that fully half of Americans report being lonely. Rates of suicide in the United States are higher than they have been in half a century. Research also reveals that strong ties to community contribute to better health and even longevity. The church, therefore, can play a critical role in addressing the well-being of not only those in our pews, but those living all around us. This issue of the Outlook offers resources, stories and insights on how communities of faith can address issues of mental health and belonging. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Continuing the dance of faith and service A small congregation in San Antonio and a nonprofit partner to keep step with their community.  Leslie Scanlon reports. Caring for veterans Communities of faith can play an important role in helping combat veterans achieve post-traumatic growth. Sharing stories to reduce stigma Resources and approaches for talking about … [Read more...]

Tagged With: mental health • small church

Stewards: Caring for all creation — February 11, 2019

by Leave a Comment

Scripture says human beings are to be stewards of all that is entrusted to us by God: relationships, creation, resources, skills and gifts. Do we see all we have and do in this light? Are we servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God each day and with all things? This issue of the Outlook challenges us to lead with love as we interact with one another and all creation. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. The core of stewardship is love Stewardship isn’t an event or a campaign — it’s a spiritual practice. Cultivating food for life Shalom Farms and Union Presbyterian Seminary partner to held address issues of food justice in Richmond, Virginia. Borrowed Time Lenten poetry by J. Barrie Shepherd Care for creation Presbyterians share stories of how they are being stewards of the earth. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: creation stewardship • stewardship

Poetry & story — January 21, 2019

by Leave a Comment

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 • poetry & story • writing

Retiring well — January 7, 2019

by Leave a Comment

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

CONTACT US: