2018 in review: A year of reckoning for powerful religious figures

(RNS) — A year ago Bill Hybels was the well-respected pastor of one of the most influential megachurches in the nation. Theodore..

Voices

Confession and assurance at the border

Guest commentary by Jonathan Freeman This is my confession. Earlier this month I joined a delegation of fellow Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary..

Looking into the lectionary

1st Sunday after Christmas Day — December 30, 2018

1 Samuel 2:18-20; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 Christmas 1C “He has a profound, profound faith. All were moved by the depth of..

Book Reviews

Healing Our Broken Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing the World

Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill IVP Books, 208 pages Reviewed by Rachel Cheney Starting conversations about change can be uncomfortable in..

Voices

Resolution to awe and wonder

“And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.” (Acts 2:43) I heard in..

Book Reviews

Simon and the Big, Bad, Angry Beasts: A Book About Anger

Ian De Haes Flyaway Books, 40 pages Anger is spewing out everywhere these days. Actually, rage – which is a notch higher..

Editorials

Gratitude for the year

As we end this calendar year I want to express my deep gratitude for all of the people who make our..

Prayers for the moment

Christmas prayer: “God of fresh starts…”

"No longer do we stumble through the dark valley of death. No longer do we fear evil. No longer do we languish in despair," writes Jill Duffield.

Prayers for the moment

Christmas Eve prayer: We make our way to the manger

"Visit us this night with angels, give us ears to hear the chorus of good news of great joy for all people, grant us the courage to leave what we know in order to encounter heaven come to earth," writes Jill Duffield.

Voices

Advent, pregnancy and the spirituality of bodily functions

Guest commentary by Abbi Heimach-Snipes I am experiencing an Advent like no other. Pregnant with my first child, I’m past my due..

Looking into the lectionary

4th Sunday of Advent — December 23, 2018

Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55 Advent 4C Women blessed by God accomplish the previously unimaginable. “Silent Night, Holy Night!” – one..

Book Reviews

World View from Elenora Giddings Ivory Tower: The Life and Times of a Religious Advocate

Elenora Giddings Ivory Christian Faith Publishing, 178 pages Elenora Giddings Ivory has spent over 40 years serving the church and working with..

Voices

Time for Advent

With respect to Advent Scripture referencing the Second Coming of Christ, William Barclay says Advent is a space to never become so..

Presbyterian News Service

Christians go to worship with one voice at the U.S.-Mexico border in California

Worshipers took part in La Posada Sin Fronteras on the United States side of the U.S.-Mexico border at San Diego. (Photo by..

Presbyterian News Service

Presbyterian Women moderator states plan for organization

Presbyterian Women Inc. installed its first Korean moderator, Jenny Jyungin Lee (center), along with Jo Ann Burrell, (left) as vice moderator for..

Voices

Waiting to join in the song

During this season of Advent, we are waiting. I am personally waiting for calm, for a sense of peace in our world..

Presbyterian News Service

Stated Clerk issues call to prayer for the Democratic Republic of Congo

Dear Sisters and Brothers, This week I invite you to join in prayer with our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic..

Presbyterian News Service

Texas volunteers offer ministry to asylum seekers looking for a new start

McALLEN, TEXAS (PNS) On a warm June day last summer, a small group of volunteers found 40 asylum seekers camping out on..

Benedictory

Being with

Anybody else out there in churchland struggling with a bit of a Christmas hangover? For me, it’s not quite like those who..

Insights columns

Everyone welcome, everyone included

Given the disheartening drumbeat about membership shrinkage in mainline denominations, it’s easy to miss stories about what some of our congregations are..