Purposeful Presbyterians
A former moderator reflects on the purpose of General Assembly.
Summer can feel synonymous with “gathering.” And at the height of the 2020 pandemic, the almost collective lament at the inability to gather – in worship, with family, for birthday parties and weddings, around the coffee pot at work, or even at a funeral – made the eventual togetherness both sweet and bittersweet. We didn’t realize before, it seems, how much community can mean. But Jesus told us: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them (Matthew 18:20).” This issue of the Outlook explores what it means to gather, to be in community with one another, and to find the Holy Spirit there and waiting.
A former moderator reflects on the purpose of General Assembly.
Wallis writes with urgency and passion, and his straightforward and anecdote-packed book is an accessible choice to inspire discussion (and activism) for such a time as this. — Amy Pagliarella
Mouw encourages us to think that – just maybe – divine mercy is more generous than our human capacity can conceive. — Blake I. Campbell
(Brous) relays a common exchange with parishioners. “Can’t I just grieve alone in my home? people often ask. No, says the tradition, you can’t, because no one should walk alone through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.” — Emily McGinley
Micha Boyett has learned that you can’t do it all, and thanks be to God, you don’t have to. She invites parents and others operating in high-achievement “hustle” culture to live into a value system embodied by Jesus and exemplified in the Beatitudes. — Sarah S. Scherschligt
Gathering and singing along with members of her community, Katherine Douglass understands more deeply that congregations are uniquely positioned to do the work of communal reconstruction.
If the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, mind and soul, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves, then we must stay in community with one another, writes Shani McIlwain.
Our culture breeds an assumption of separation: "they" are the problem. How can the church stand against this, asks Teri McDowell Ott?
The Outlook received 10 awards, including honors for their design, professional resourcing, theological reflection, and critical review.
Teri McDowell Ott interviews Acting Stated Clerk Bronwen Boswell as she wraps up her time in the position.
The Advisory Committee on the Constitution evaluates the Olympia overture, POL-01.
Several PC(USA) committees have submitted advise and counsel to GA on the Olympia overture.
Rosalind Banbury's first reflection on the 2024-2025 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
Rosalind Banbury previews the next Horizons Bible study offered by the Presbyterian Women.
13th Amendment still allows slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for people who are incarcerated.
The decision to have no exhibit hall for the General Assembly in Salt Lake City sparks strong reactions. Greg Allen-Pickett reports.
Business before 226th General Assembly seeks to further denomination’s commitment to peace in Israel/Palestine.
A new law in Utah bars transgender people from using, in certain places, restrooms that correspond to their gender identities.
This summer, General Assembly commissioners will vote on amending the "Book of Order" to include sexual orientation and gender identity among the categories against which the PC(USA) will not discriminate.
Kelly Beeland has worked with organizations small and large, including the Transportation Security Administration and NASA.
While free time at #GA226 might be limited, don't miss out on these Salt Lake City classics. Utah native Natalily Kyremes-Parks shares her top recommendations.
Beverly Brewster shares a commissioners' resolution that will be introduced this summer at General Assembly.
Brian Ellison calls for inclusive leadership in the PC(USA) and support of the Olympia overture.
Jack Haberer remembers a past PC(USA) polity decision that resulted in a massive exodus. What can we learn from our past, he asks?
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