Reflections on the current crisis
“Hell,” Sartre has written, “is other people.” If so, then the current shutdown over the COVID-19 virus must seem almost paradisiacal. For..
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Pandemic will alter Communion rituals for many US Christians
NEW YORK (AP) — Holy Communion will have a different look when in-person worship services resume at the end of May in..
To reopen or not? Some pastoral considerations
As more states loosen their stay-at-home orders, churches must decide whether or not to reopen. My congregation’s session selected a phased approach..
Seeing what really matters
Our life together is not about bigger and more, it is about smaller and less. That’s not a message that will get..
What do we have to do with each other? It depends upon where we put the emphasis
What do we have to do with each other? This question may not be as simple as it seems. What do..
PC(USA) budgets headed to General Assembly reflect impact of COVID-19 on church finances
New budgets reflecting the deep dent that COVID-19 is making on the finances of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are now going to..
Don’t Fixate on What You Don’t Have (Horizons 9)
“Words of Love: Don’t Fixate on What You Don’t Have” Exodus 20:17-21; 1 Kings 21:1-16; Luke 12:13-15 When I was in middle school,..
Video: Practicing self-care during COVID-19
LOUISVILLE (OGA) As churches and pastors have discovered in the past two months, social distancing doesn’t mean putting ministry on hold. The work..
PC(USA) significantly revises budgets in response to COVID-19, proposes no increases to per capita
Because of significant revenue declines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, revised budgets for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for 2021 and 2022 call..
Order of service — 7th Sunday of Easter
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free for..
What’s right about these sister churches in Georgia?
Grant Chapel Presbyterian Church & Darien First Presbyterian Church — Darien, Georgia In October, women from Grant Chapel Presbyterian Church and Darien..
How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season
Susan Beaumont Rowman & Littlefield, 184 pages Susan Beaumont has written a primer for leaders in a time of radical unknowing. Never..
Farm Church feeds others during COVID-19
Farm Church in Durham, North Carolina, is all about getting fresh produce to those who are hungry. “It’s a congregation that meets..
Clergy, scientists grapple with thoughts of worship without congregational singing
(RNS) — They are words the Rev. John Witvliet, an expert on Christian worship, never thought he would hear himself say. “Based..
United Methodists would’ve met this week to consider a split. What are they doing instead?
(RNS) — Were 2020 going as planned, United Methodists from around the world would be wrapping up a two-week meeting in Minneapolis,..
When grief moves in: Pastoral care for grief and COVID-19 through stories
90-minute Presbyterian Outlook webinar Recorded May 28, 2020 On-demand replay Presented by Mindy McGarrah Sharp As 2020 has unfolded, grief has moved..
Online Communion should be celebrated, not shunned, says Diana Butler Bass
(RNS) — On a recent Sunday morning, Diana Butler Bass poured herself some coffee, fired up her computer and sat down to..
Regarding ruling elders: Communion in a time of lament
(OGA) In the last few weeks, I have been gathering virtually with my home church in San Francisco, while I live in Atlanta...
Food insecurity during COVID-19: Faith communities respond with love and groceries
Churches are trying to find ways to respond to rising levels of food insecurity brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. To do..
6th Sunday of Easter — May 17, 2020
Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Easter 6A Jesus tells his disciples: If you love me you will keep my commandments...
Giving back to those who serve: Caring for our faith leaders
(RNS) — We’ve become used to scenes of people applauding the workers who are on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis...
May 17: Promise of the Holy Spirit — family faith formation at home
Welcome Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together. One: ..
Survey shows faith can prosper in online services
(RNS) — As houses of worship remain closed due to shelter-in-place orders across most of the United States, and significant numbers of..
Prayers of the people for the 6th Sunday of Easter (May 17, 2020)
Jill Duffield reads the prayers of the people she crafted for the 6th Sunday of Easter. You are welcome to share this..
Preaching to Teach: Inspire People to Think and Act
Richard W. Voelz Abingdon Press, 134 pages Reviewed by Paul Rowland Jr. When asked what to do about the dire concerns regarding..
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