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Children and family ministry — Feb. 22, 2021

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Faith in the midst of a pandemic has definitely brought challenges, but also opportunities to see the work of the Spirit.  This issue tells the stories of congregations ministering to children, families and strangers. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Children and family ministry Churches are finding creative ways to serve during the pandemic. Effective family ministries in 2021 Traci Smith offers a number of ideas, but says the key is to find ways to simplify. Praying the Lord’s Prayer in the pandemic During COVID-19, Donald McKim explains how this prayer can sustain and nurture. The least of these This is the story of how a congregation in Ohio loved a stranger. Voices at the table at future GAs The Committee on General Assembly heard concerns from the leadership of the General Assembly Committee on Representation. Leslie Scanlon reports. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: children's ministry • COVID19

Spiritual direction — February 8, 2021

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The community of faith is called to support practices of that help discern the movement of the Holy Spirit together.  This issue explores a variety of those approaches – spiritual direction, coaching, spiritual disciplines, studying together – and how they can lead to an awareness of the holy. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Guiding young adults UKIRK Collegiate Ministries invites students into practices of hospitality, exploration, community and service. Compass for the soul In spiritual direction, participants listen for movements of the Spirit to discern a deeper relationship with the holy. Finding God’s purpose through coaching The events of 2020 upset Shani McIlwain’s plans, but eventually helped her operate in her gifts as a coach. Remembering Peter Steinke David Lee Jones remembers 35 things he learned from the noted congregational systems theorist.   … [Read more...]

Tagged With: spiritual direction

Covenant — January 18, 2021

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In the Bible, the story of redemption is built upon divine covenants.  Reformed theology understands all action in these promises as belonging to God. God claims. God seals. God reconciles.  This issue explores God’s covenant of grace – initiated entirely by God on our behalf – and invites the church to consider what it means to live into a covenant community today. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader The self-binding God The covenant of grace reflects God’s will, and binds people to God, to each other and to the world. Promises, promises The divine covenant reminds us of God’s claims on each life and of the covenant relationship within the community of faith. The storm A chance encounter leads to a reflection on truth, love, justice and mercy in these times. Ordination and ministry In the final piece of this series, Paul Hooker offers the reminder that all of God’s people are ministers. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: covenant

Mentoring — December 28, 2020

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“Iron sharpens iron,” Proverbs teaches.  So, too, does a good mentor.  This issue explores the role of mentoring relationships and how they bring new life in places from a college campus to a prison classroom. As you read, consider how mentors have shaped you — and those whom you are called to mentor. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Mentoring with the communion of the saints Karen Marsh looks to “vintage” sinner-saints as conversation partners in college ministry. Mentoring and being mentored Dean Thompson tells the story of what he learned and taught at Sing Sing prison. Orthodoxy and forbearance In the second piece of this series, Paul Hooker explores a tension that characterizes religious life.   … [Read more...]

Tagged With: mentoring

Winter books — December 7, 2020

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What are you reading? Has your list grown, shrunk or changed as a result of this pandemic time? Once again, we offer you our winter book issue, packed with reviews along with the first in a series of three articles on the tensions in our polity and a story on what it is like to live and work from an RV. We hope you will be inspired to read and think as a result of this issue of the Outlook. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Book reviews Spanning leadership to fiction to Advent, here are some new titles to include on your reading list. Shifting gears Here’s a glimpse at what life – and ministry – can look like from an RV. Unity and particularity This is the first of a series of three articles on polarities in Presbyterian polity by Paul Hooker. Presbyterian Outlook Foundation donor honor roll … [Read more...]

Tagged With: reading

Faith in a digital age — November 16, 2020

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We cannot deny the importance of all things digital during this pandemic time. The role of social media within this landscape is ever evolving and varied. How do we harness the power of these tools for good? How do we engage with grace even those who troll us? This issue invites the church to listen and speak as disciples of Jesus Christ, even when we are online. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Feed the trolls, find a human Kerry Connelly discovers humanity in haters on social media. Social listening as a ministry practice Social listening enhances online conversations, bringing vitality and a fresh perspective to ministry. Rebuilding from the foundation up The current pandemic brings new challenges — and new technology. Simplest Gifts Poetry by J. Barrie Shepherd How long, O Lord? A lament   … [Read more...]

Tagged With: technology

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