Recommendations for your fall programming
Looking for a book to use as a part of a class or small group this fall? Amy Pagliarella has you covered.
Latest Posts
The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church
Catholic journalist Rachel Swarns digs deep into the shocking story of Georgetown University’s sale of 272 enslaved persons. Amy Pagliarella reviews the new book and recommends it for a spark of meaningful conversation.
A sabbath won’t always save you. Sometimes you need to start something new.
Reflecting on the 1984 fantasy film “The Neverending Story,” Karie Charlton shares her decision to dissolve her call.
Pittsburgh synagogue shooter will be sentenced to death, jury finds
The jurors find gunman Robert Bowers guilty of federal hate crimes for killing 11 worshipers in October 2018.
As churches shrink and pastors retire, creative workarounds are redefining ministry
As older clergy get set to retire, there are few younger seminarians to replace them — and few churches that can afford to pay them.
Sabbath as slowing down
“Slowing down carries with it the risk of boredom, but it also carries the freedom of genuine rest.” — Rachel Young
The Sabbath’s resonance
You can pluck a string on a cello and a nearby cello will sound out with the same chord. The Sabbath works this way too, Nadine Ellsworth-Moran writes.
Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times
"Dancing in the Darkness is a must-read for seminarians and those working to mediate social injustice." — Sterling Morse
The Outlook staff will be off August 7-11 for sabbath
Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott introduces the Outlook's first-ever sabbath shut down.
Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple
"Those interested in tackling Revelation from the pulpit would do well to read Revelation for the Rest of Us, while Bible study groups may find this to be an excellent resource to read together." — Darin Nettleton
Every day will be Sunday: The gift of becoming sabbath
"A 'day of rest' wasn’t going to be enough to heal my brokenness. ... I needed to feel the balm of sabbath on me at all times if I was going to continue living in this world." — Dana Moulds
Romans 14 for purple churches (August 13, 2023)
In Romans 14, Paul writes about how we're going to encounter other Christians who think differently than us on issues we consider important. His response? Welcome them and put up with them.
Order of worship — August 13, 2023
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Discussion guide for July/August 2023 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.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost — August 13, 2023
Instead of focusing on Peter's ultimate sinking in Matthew 14, perhaps we should remember that Peter responded in faith, Philip K. Gladden writes.
Living in unity — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore the opening lines of Psalm 133 noticing the beauty of unity. Then they will wonder about how we might seek and build unified communities.
Washed Ashore: Family, Fatherhood, and Finding Home on Martha’s Vineyard
"Whether preaching or writing, Eville believes the goal of storytelling is 'trying to tell it and live it the best I can.' Could not the same be said of faith?" — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
Poverty, by America
Amy Pagliarella reviews Matthew Desmond's latest book.
A prayer for Manipur
Union Presbyterian Seminary Professor James Taneti and student Nenio Pfuzeh shed light on the violence in Manipur with a prayer.
Growing in God’s Love
In Outlook's 2023 survey about children's Bibles, Growing in God's Love by Elizabeth F. Caldwell and Carol A. Wehrheim was the favorite choice. Jo Wiersema and Amy Pagliarella review it here.
Faith Arts Village Orlando: The artistry of community
Colin Farmer speaks with Helen DeBevoise, co-pastor at Park Lake Presbyterian Church, about Faith Arts Village Orlando and the intrinsic link between faith and art.
The inconvenience of sabbath
Intentional rest is inconvenient, writes Linda Kurtz. How can embrace the challenge?
Meet the Christian creators designing chatbots ‘with a biblical worldview’
Since its launch in November 2022 by the research laboratory OpenAI, the chatbot spurred excitement among Christians, forcing leadership to reckon with this technology and adapting their habits.
Children’s books pastors should have
Pastors should keep some books in their offices “for such a time as this.” Books to help parents support their kids through life’s milestones top that list. Pastor/parents review their recent favorites below.
Mightier than the sword: The power of the written word
What theological rationale do you believe there is for reading books? Chris Currie, Bridgett Green and Lori Raible discuss.
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