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..

Editorials

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..

Outlook Reporting

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..

Outlook Offers & Happenings Home Page

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..

Outlook Reporting

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..

Voices

When do we reopen the church? A pastor considers the questions brought by coronavirus

There are many vulnerable people in the church I pastor. For 15 years, I’ve served at a multicultural urban church in a..

Prayers for the moment

A prayer in a time of pandemic

Guest commentary by Lori Archer Raible ( John 1:1 & Romans 8:18-28) Shut Down Expose Flatten Peak Risk Isolate Intubate O Holy God,..

Voices

Change and opportunities

Guest commentary by Gary Smith Change is hard for everyone. It doesn’t matter what the discipline or occupation; change is hard. I..

Prayers for the moment

A prayer for the singers

Creator God, Since You formed us in Your image, we humans have been singing. After You led them out of slavery, Moses..

Prayers for the moment

Prayer for our country as the pandemic persists

Almighty God, we are weary and anxious. We are exhausted and overwhelmed. Our quarantine fatigue grows even though we want to do..

Voices

Planning for General Assembly in a pandemic: Reflections from the leaders of COGA

Guest commentary by Barbara Gaddis and Stephanie Anthony Nothing can prepare you for a General Assembly in the midst of a global..

Outlook Reporting

Montlure plans “Camp Reimagined” for the summer of COVID-19

So what does an online summer camp look like? That’s what Kellie von Borstel, camp director of Montlure Camp in Arizona, is..

Outlook Reporting

Presbyterian camps respond to COVID-19

COVID-19 has created a precarious and uncertain time for Presbyterian-related camps and conference centers. Will there be summer camp? Will the loss..

Voices

Welcome to Groundhog Day 2020

Being a pastor during this pandemic feels something like the life of Bill Murray’s cynical weatherman character, Phil Conners, in the classic..

Prayers for the moment

A service of remembrance

During this time of social distancing, we are faced with the painful reality of being unable to gather for services of witness..

Voices

Not a hugger: COVID-19 and physical touch

When I went for a walk a week ago, I saw a mom holding her little boy and the leash of her..

Outlook Reporting

224th General Assembly of the PC(USA) will be held virtually

It’s official. The 2020 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be held virtually, with plenary sessions June 19 (to elect..

Voices

Circle back: Sustained by Reformed theology during COVID-19

It is a privilege to work from home. Healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, those still able to work in food service, police..

Voices

Settling in for the long run

Our congregation’s director of senior adult ministries made a scriptural connection several weeks ago that stuck with me and has intensified..

Voices

Ministry moves virtual

It was a Wednesday. I was just four days off a plane from Virginia for a wedding shower with my fiancé’s family...

Outlook Reporting

COGA likely to vote on virtual General Assembly April 23

The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) has made some decisions regarding contingency plans for holding a virtual General..

Outlook Reporting

PMA board discusses how Presbyterians react, respond, recover from coronavirus

The impact of the coronavirus epidemic on Presbyterian churches is real and just beginning to be understood — with congregations reporting declining..