First Presbyterian Church —  Waco, Texas Kicking off our 2020 adult education year, our Weaving Science and Faith class led a large gathering called “Matters of life and death.” Over four weeks, we discussed the Western medical model and its commitment to survival of the individual that sometimes competes with quality of life. A ruling elder and family physician led this examination. In the second week, we considered the theology of the healing stories of Jesus through the social and anthropological lens of the ancient world. We highlighted the distinctions from the Western medical model. The last two weeks of the class allowed for facilitated discussion among the participants about issues of mortality and death for their loved ones. Some individuals even talked about what death and quality of life meant for themselves. The weekly gathering of about 55 people culminated in energetic brainstorming about how to better make aging and dying an appropriately communal process for members of … [Read more...]

Frankville Presbyterian Church — Postville, Iowa Each year the Frankville Presbyterian Women host a Fall Fun Day. Community members, both young and old, are invited to come dressed up in a costume if they like, and enjoy food, fun, games and prizes. It’s hard to tell who has more fun – the kids or the adults – especially the PW group! The women always choose a theme for their costumes. They’ve been Wizard of Oz characters, a box of crayons and garden gnomes, to name a few. This year’s theme was Alice in Wonderland! We thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to share the church and give area children a fun and safe alternative to Halloween. – Janine Brandt Share your 150-word story of “what’s right” with the Outlook by emailing it to [email protected] … [Read more...]

First Presbyterian Church — Russellville, Kentucky Once a month, First Presbyterian Church invites veterans of all service eras – whether they served in wartime or peacetime – and their spouses or caregivers to join us for friendship, fellowship and a home-cooked meal. In 2016, Pastor Tom Thompson and Shayna O’Kelley started the First Presbyterian Veterans Group as a way for the church to show appreciation to our veterans by providing them with a welcoming space to spend time together with people who understand — and good food too!   The program began with three veterans, but it has now grown to more than 60 veterans and spouses each month. We invite a representative from a veterans’ service organization (such as Honor Flight and Operation Song) to join us and present their services to the group after the meal. We have also had several veterans share their personal experiences with the group. Our veterans have become a treasured family and we look forward to serving them … [Read more...]

Southminster Presbyterian Church — Boise, Idaho Southminster is a church that takes hospitality seriously. Fair warning: If you don’t like being hugged by strangers, we may not be right for you. In addition to those we welcome in the building, we try to share that welcome in the community. We’ve been attending PRIDE in Boise since 2012, apologizing to people who have been hurt by the church. We recognize some of these people will never darken the door of a church again, and so if we want to extend hospitality we have to be where they are. A retired couple recently attended a same-gender wedding in our sanctuary. I said, “I didn’t know you knew the couple”. They replied: “They were in our new member class and mentioned their family didn’t support them. We decided to be their family at their wedding. Everyone needs family.” That’s what is right about Southminster. – Marci Auld Glass, pastor Read more of this congregation's story here — Small contributions add up: … [Read more...]

    Hebron Presbyterian Church — Staunton, Virginia Hebron Presbyterian Church started a new committee: the GROW team. Our focus is not necessarily to grow the church in numbers, but to get current members more involved in the life and ministries of the church. A favorite ministry: TOY (thinking of you) meals. On the first Saturday of each month, we meet to prepare a meal for those we know are homebound and other Hebron friends. Members of the church deliver the meals and spend time visiting with the recipients. The kitchen crew enjoys fellowship time together while preparing meals and our meal delivery team spends quality time with members of our church and community who cannot join us for worship. We average 25 meals a month. The GROW team has been a true blessing to the life and worship at Hebron! – Theresa Hull Moore Share your 150-word story of “what’s right” with the Outlook by emailing it to [email protected]   … [Read more...]