Reading in a frenetic world
Dartinia Hull reflects on the lasting power of words to awaken truth, dignity and freedom.
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Discussion guide for July/August 2025 issue
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
Summer reads: Faith, formation, and spiritual growth
Amy Pagliarella recommends a list of books that explore theological insight, spiritual practices, or faith-in-action in personal and communal life.
Free hymn: “God Is Our Only King”
A free hymn with sheet music by Scott Barton.
In temples and churches, sensory rooms remove barriers for neurodivergent worshipers
Located in underutilized classrooms, storage spaces and former nurseries, these spaces are empowering families to return to faith communities.
Order of worship — August 17, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Are AI sermons ethical? Clergy consider where to draw the line.
Much of the debate involves grappling with the question of whether AI is being used as a replacement for a sacred human project or whether it's a tool in the service of that project.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost — August 17, 2025
Jesus’ words in Luke 12:49–56 challenge the myth of unity at all costs — reminding us that the gospel can bring division, discomfort and truth, writes Ginna Bairby.
Summer reading: Public life, justice and the common good
Amy Pagliarella recommends a list of books reflecting on societal structures, history and collective responsibility.
Beloved Presbyterian composer Hal Hopson dies at 92
Over his remarkable career, Hopson published more than 3,000 works.
The Rev. Jihyun Oh calls for urgent accountability in the devastating crisis in Gaza
In a letter, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency calls for 10 actions ‘grounded in the Gospel.’
Aligning money with mission: The future of church space
As church buildings empty, congregations are finding new ways to align mission with property, transforming sacred space into community-serving hubs.
Finding home: How love, faith, and community made my nursing dream possible
Alejandra Barrera's journey to become a nurse was transformed by unexpected friendships, a loving church, and God’s quiet provision.
Unification Commission approves job descriptions for restructured board
The final report in the PC(USA)'s mission-ecclesial merger is due in February, prior to GA 227.
Summer reading: Grief, healing, and the search for meaning
Amy Pagliarella offers a list of memoirs and novels that grapple with suffering, memory, and personal transformation.
Blessing of the backpacks
Jess Rigel offers a blessing for students, families and educators as a new school year begins, honoring all they carry.
Black Elegies: Meditations on the Art of Mourning
"Black Elegies" attempts to make visible the seen and unseen registers of grief in those marked by the transatlantic slave trade. — Jordan Burton
The Outlook staff will be off August 4-8 for sabbath
Outlook Editor Teri McDowell Ott shares why the Outlook plans to close for a week — and where you can find the worship resources you still need.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost — August 10, 2025
When the future feels uncertain, God invites us to look up, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Beneath a sky full of promises, faith finds its next step.
Order of worship — August 10, 2025
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Union Theological Seminary President Serene Jones to retire after 18 years of leadership
Following a sabbatical, she’ll return to Union to teach and write.
Horizons — Mary Magdalene, the Tower, John 11:17-27
Rosalind Banbury's first reflection on the 2025-2026 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
The Emperor of Gladness
"Vuong’s richly imagined characters push back against the material and spiritual scarcity of their surroundings, recognizing collective strength in shared rejection." — Ross Fogg
What a wisdom text taught me about online dating
A modern search for love meets ancient insight as Katy Shevel seeks wisdom for navigating friendship, faithfulness and dating apps.
Big truths for little readers
Three new children’s books explore big faith questions with beauty, joy, and hope — from Miriam’s dancing to a magical lunchbox and what the Bible really is.
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