(PNS) Katherine Johnson, a mathematician and a longtime Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ruling elder who was an important contributor to NASA’s space program, died Monday at age 101, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced. She was 101. Johnson, a central figure in the book and movie version of “Hidden Figures,” was a longtime member of Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church in Newport News, Virginia. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom when she was 97. Obama called her “a pioneer in American space history” and noted the award is presented to individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), said that Johnson “lived a life of courage that ought to be emulated by all of us who profess a faith in Jesus … [Read more...]
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Outlook Reporting 24 hours ago
The Giving Spoon: Caring for those facing food insecurity one meal at a time
BRYSON CITY, North Carolina – This winter’s night, there was a bit of good news. After being homeless for six months, Christy and Jason had finally found a place to live, a trailer to rent halfway up a North Carolina hill – hard to come by in a market in which affordable rental housing is scarce and goes fast. For the first time in a long time, the couple could sleep with a roof over their heads. There was bad news too. “It’s rough,” Christy said, shaking her head. “Really… continue reading... -
Outpost Blog 24 hours ago
Lenten practices
As Lent approaches, I often feel torn between ramping up our opportunities at church and embracing the quiet of this season. In the weeks leading up to Lent, I’ve had a stack of books on my desk — any of which could potentially be our Lenten study. Over the years I have approached Lent in different ways, sometimes I gave things up, some times I have taken things on, sometimes I just try to make it through. I did not grow up in the church, but heard my Catholic friends… continue reading... -
Commentary 2 days ago
Like the Son
Like the son who takes his share, and wanders from his place, so we your wandering children here would yearn to sing of grace. Like the son with heart of stone who dwells in grievance deep, so we your wounded, angry ones would learn to sing of peace. Like the one whose open arms all barriers would remove, so we in havens safe from harm would turn to sing of love. Teach us, Music, Word and Breath, to sing through ages long and never once, in spite of death, to… continue reading...
Parties in Stamford case had tried to expedite process in order to get a ruling on the merits of the case January 1, 1995 Uncategorized132 views The General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission -- in sidestepping the question of exactly how deeply a session should be required to probe into the private life of a gay elder who has acknowledged being in a committed, life-long relationship but has declined to say whether he is sexually active -- has put the question off but has not put it to rest.- Ministering with the Earth January 1, 1998 Book Reviews122 views By Mary Elizabeth MooreChalice. 1998. 226 pp. Pb. $19.99. ISBN 0-8272-2323-4 Ministering with the Earth is a quiltwork, both the on-the-ground activity and Moore's book about so ministering. Moore, professor of theology and Christian education at Claremont School of Theology, is fond of the metaphor, suitably pastoral and feminist.
- Remembered Voice: Reclaiming the Legacy of 'Neo-Orthodoxy' January 1, 1998 Book Reviews125 views By Douglas John HallWJKP. 1998. 145 pp. Pb. $18. ISBN 0-664-25772-0 It was in this order. I first read Tillich's Dynamics of Faith. Riveting. Next came The Courage to Be. Gripping. Then I went back and read the first volume of the Systematic Theology. Things began to make sense. Next came Biblical Religion and the Search for Ultimate Reality. Positive.
Unpacking Matthew 25 with Lisa Sharon Harper January 31, 2020 Outlook Reporting2 comments LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — “Get out your Bibles.” In order to understand the message of Matthew 25, go back to Matthew 23. This is how Lisa Sharon Harper – author of “The Very Good Gospel” and founder and president of FreedomRoad.us, a consulting group that convenes forums that bring common understanding and action toward a just world – began the plenary session on Jan. 31 at the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual event in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Harper explained that while Jesus in Matthew 25 may give a word of hope and promise, just two chapters prior, Jesus wa...
Transfiguration of the Lord — February 23, 2020 February 21, 2020 Looking into the lectionary1 comment Exodus 24:12-18; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
Transfiguration Sunday
Liminal space seems like prime territory for holy transformations.
Disorientation, an unfamiliar location, limited vision and perhaps even fatigue from the climb up that mountain all break down our normal perceptions and obliviousness enough to open us to the voice of God and the instructions that come with it. Moses is enveloped in the cloud, away from his routine and community for 40 days and nights. Peter, James and John are led up that high mountain by themselves, the writer of Matthew tells us. Mark adds the a...
Special committee likely to ask 2020 General Assembly for denominational restructuring January 15, 2020 Outlook Reporting1 comment LOUISVILLE – It will take more time for the Special Committee on Per-Capita Based Funding and National Church Financial Sustainability to agree on the final wording of what it will recommend to the 2020 General Assembly – but the list right now includes a recommendation that the Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Office of the General Assembly be merged.
The committee has not formally voted, and that recommendation could change. It’s anticipated there may be pushback and questions about the ...
Presbyterian mathematician, Medal of Freedom winner Katherine Johnson dies at age 101
Like the Son
Like the son who takes his share, and wanders from his place, so we your wandering children here would yearn to sing of grace. Like the son with heart of stone who dwells in grievance deep, so we your wounded, angry ones would learn to sing of peace. Like the one whose open arms all barriers would remove, so we in havens safe from harm would turn to sing of love. Teach us, Music, Word and Breath, to sing through ages long and never once, in spite of death, to be without a song. PAUL HOOKER is a teaching elder member of New Covenant Presbytery and associate dean for ministerial formation and advanced studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. … [Read more...]
A snapshot of food insecurity
BRYSON CITY, North Carolina – What does food insecurity look like? First, it’s often invisible, unless you’re paying attention. When you have enough, it’s easy not to notice when other people are hungry. Also it’s pervasive, reaching every part of the country. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that food insecurity affected more than 37 million Americans in 2018 – more than 11% of all Americans, or about 1 in 9. The USDA defines food insecurity in this way: lacking consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life. In other words, food-insecure people don’t have enough money on a regular basis to afford the food their families need. Food insecurity is tied to economics, to inequality and to systemic public policy issues such as a lack of affordable housing, high medical costs, the adequacy of funding for addiction recovery and mental health care, low wages. The Presbyterian Outlook is writing about food insecurity because Presbyterians and other people … [Read more...]
A report finds L’Arche founder sexually abused 6 women
PARIS (AP) — An internal report reveals that L'Arche founder Jean Vanier, a respected Canadian religious figure whose charity work helped improve conditions for the developmentally disabled in multiple countries over half a century, sexually abused at least six women. Vanier died last year in Paris at age 90. According to the report seen by the AP Saturday, the women's descriptions provide evidence enough to show that Vanier engaged in "manipulative sexual relationships" over a period from 1970 to 2005. The report does not rule out potential other victims. During the inquiry, commissioned by L'Arche last year and carried out by the independent, U.K.-based GCPS Consulting group, six adult, non-disabled women said Vanier had engaged in sexual relations with them as they were seeking spiritual direction. According to the report, the women, who have no links to each other, reported similar facts and Vanier's sexual misconduct was often associated with alleged "spiritual and … [Read more...]
Presbyterian Center celebrates Black History Month
LOUISVILLE (PNS) — Carlton Johnson, an associate for Vital Congregations and a worship leader for the Black History Month service at the Presbyterian Center Wednesday, opened the service with a soulful rendition of the hymn “A Charge to Keep I Have.” The hymn served to remind worshipers that during the time of slavery, those enslaved were killed for knowing how to read — and therefore much of the communication had to be done through song. This service also presented the opportunity for the debut of the Presbyterian Center Choir, which started with an updated gospel version of an African American traditional hymn “I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always.” The choir offered songs that covered a panorama of music of formerly enslaved African people on this continent. The choir further showcased its skills with an a capella, “Sing Out, March On.” The speaker for the Black History celebration was Tiffany Walker. For the past five years, Walker has provided spiritual care as an … [Read more...]
A joyful tribute to Beethoven
Guest commentary by Jeffrey Myers Presbyterians (and other church folk) who would enjoy sharing in the Beethoven Jubilee Year – the composer´s 250th birthday is not only being celebrated in Germany, but around the world – need only open their hymnals and raise their voices in singing "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"! (It is hymn #611 in the “Glory to God” hymnal.) Indeed, the text of this "hymn of joy," one of the most popular hymns in the English-speaking world, was written by Presbyterian minister Henry van Dyke Jr., and intended to go hand-in-hand with the final movement of Beethoven´s Ninth Symphony. Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most frequently performed composers in the world, was born 250 years ago in Bonn, Germany. While not all churches might be able or willing to undertake one of Beethoven's major works during this anniversary year, the hymn "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" provides a simple, yet meaningful way to share in the celebration of the composer´s legacy … [Read more...]
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