The Presbyterian Outlook

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Welcome to GA — June 11, 2018

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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...]

Tagged With: GA223

Letting the Spirit lead — May 21, 2018

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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...]

Tagged With: family life • parenting

Life together – May 7, 2018

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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...]

Music — April 16, 2018

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The psalmist instructs: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Music and singing are a crucial aspect of not only worship, but life. Hymns shape worshippers’ theology from an early age. Congregational singing forms and strengthens community. Music moves believers in unique and powerful ways. This issue explores a sampling of the many roles music plays in the life of faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Music with a mission A congregation asked: Is there a way we can celebrate God’s gifts of music to achieve mission goals?  This concert series was born. Through the church the song goes on As contexts change, church choirs are reimagined. Collaborative worship planning How does prayerful, thoughtful, creative and collaborative worship take shape? The GA marathon Advice for commissioners and delegates before, during and after attending General Assembly. 2020 Vision Team The team has approved its draft guiding statement and report … [Read more...]

Tagged With: music

Spring books — March 26, 2018

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Presbyterians have long appreciated the process of learning. As “people of the book,” church leaders are reliant on the Word revealed in Scripture first, and committed to learning about the Triune God through education and practice. This issue explores the significance books have in lives of faith and offers many titles that may make their way onto spring reading lists. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. Books briefly noted Prayer, poetry, biography, theology. Roy Howard offers glimpses of a wide array of new titles. Books in review Five full-length book reviews focus on issues and questions facing the church and her leaders. Book recommendations What are younger Presbyterian leaders reading? Here, they share which books have been transformative and recently captured their attention. What’s on your bookshelf? Elizabeth N.H. Link reflects on the personal impact of the written word in her life and faith. NEXT Church The annual gathering encouraged … [Read more...]

Worship — March 5, 2018

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“We are gathered in worship to glorify the God who is present and active among us— particularly through the gifts of Word and Sacrament” (W-1.0101). This issue of the Outlook digs deep into the Reformed understanding of worship – particularly the sacraments and prayer. In these pages, articles consider the theology of Reformed worship and some approaches to practice the faith. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. In this issue: What about the sacraments? Ronald Byars explores the sacraments throughout the history of the Reformed tradition and enacted in churches today. Sacraments in the revised Directory for Worship David Gambrell lifts up some key features of the revision in relation to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. A Reformed view of prayer There is not a single Reformed understanding of prayer, but David W. Johnson shares how the varied understandings converge in thankfulness. The practice of prayer with children Traci Smith offers a number of … [Read more...]

Tagged With: worship

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