Friday, August 29, 2025

Weekly Outlook - A litany and prayer after the Minneapolis shooting

Dear readers,

We’d like you to participate in our November issue on modern-day music prophets in a way that is simple, meaningful and fun. Simply answer this question: 

What music are you listening to and why? In 100 words (or less), name an artist or song that brings you hope, joy, or whose prophetic wisdom helps you make sense of our current time and place. Your response can be earnest, lighthearted or in-between.  

We will share some responses on the pages of Outlook, on our website, and/or on social media. We’ll even create a Spotify playlist for our readers!  

Here's a sample response from Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella: 

What I’m listening to:  “Go West” by the Pet Shop Boys

Why? I was a college student when I first heard the Pet Shop Boys’ remake of this ‘70s classic, and they sang of a Utopian future available to anyone willing to take a risk and head west.  All summer long, my community theatre friends and I drove around the suburbs, belting out their wistful lyrics filled with promises of "sun in wintertime” and a space to "be what we want to be.”  Now in middle age, I need hope more than ever—and singing “we’ll find our promised land” never fails to uplift!

I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Peace,
Rose Schrott Taylor
Digital Content Editor
Presbyterian Outlook 

Young Presbyterians share a vision for the church at Triennium 2025 by Harriet Riley
Litany and prayer after the Minneapolis shooting by Teri McDowell Ott
Creating a period-positive church: Hospitality, advocacy, and sacred care by Karie Charlton
“No Kings” should include Jesus by Jimmy Hoke
James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder and ‘family values’ advocate, dies at 89 by David Mark and Adelle M. Banks
For a small Charlotte church, selling some land has meant finding its soul by Yonat Shimron

In case you missed it...

Comma, humility
In his review of Ellen Jovin’s "Rebel with a Clause," Andrew Taylor Troutman highlights how grammar, approached with humor and humility, can foster empathy and connection.

A quieter, grounded faith: Discoveries on a Celtic Cross pilgrimage
A pilgrimage through Scotland with Presbyterian College allows M.C. Dailey to renew her faith, rethink leadership, and reimagine the church’s future.

Thin places, full hearts: A pilgrimage toward healing, calling and communion
Presbyterian College graduate Kennedy Elise Perry finds renewal and a vision for a more inclusive church during a pilgrimage to Scotland.

D.C. churches respond to federal show of force
D.C. churches unite against heightened federal policing, defending vulnerable neighbors and calling for justice over fear-based governance. — Harriet Riley

From crisis to community, then back to camp
Camp Grier enables hurricane relief, economic renewal and summer camp. — Beth Waltemath

Leading while waiting: A pastor’s call amid immigration uncertainty
Presbyterian Pastor Gary Noonan’s future in the U.S. is at risk because of a federal visa backlog. Amid a season of uncertainty, he finds holy ground.

DHS is using the Bible to promote ICE, claiming ‘righteous’ fight against immigrants
The agency refers to Scripture as it seeks to recruit agents who are pivotal in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
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byFaith Magazine - Looking Forward Together: What We’re Doing & Why You Should Come

Looking Forward Together:
What We’re Doing & Why You Should Come
By Stephen Spinnenweber
How can the PCA as a whole, but especially its rising generations, meet the needs of our day and the days to come?
READ NOW
Elder in California Church Charged With Sexual Assault
By Megan Fowler

A PCA ruling elder has been charged with 18 felony counts of sexual assault involving a minor, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times.

READ NOW
Ohio Brothers Plant Sister Churches
By Zoe Erler

The Piland brothers are working to establish sister churches around Akron, Ohio. 

READ NOW

Kevin DeYoung | The Nicene Creed: Why Creeds Matter
By Staff

In this episode of "What Christians Believe", host Derek Rishmawy and guest Kevin DeYoung explore the Nicene Creed, its historical context, and its significance in Christianity.

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Trusting God’s Transforming Providence
By Heather Roth

Chris McNerney wasn’t sure he wanted to live any more, the day his life changed.
READ NOW
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The Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on Charitable Giving

The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several changes to the Internal Revenue Code that relate to charitable giving and may effect a giver’s timing and strategy.
Iranian Christians Should Not Be Detained While Seeking Asylum

ICE began detaining Iranian asylum seekers after the bombing of Iran’s nuclear refinement facilities on June 22.
Ned Bustard Announced as Artist in Residence and Visiting Professor

Award-winning children’s book illustrator, graphic designer, author, and printmaker Ned Bustard will be joining the Covenant College faculty as artist in residence and visiting professor of art and graphic design for Fall 2025. 
Easing Comer’s Fears on Penal Substitution

Best-selling author and former pastor John Mark Comer has worries about evangelical views of the atonement.
Don't Get Caught Dead in Church

Every time we sin, we are putting something else ahead of God’s glory.
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RNS Morning Report - Black faith leaders march on Wall Street to denounce anti-DEI campaign

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Top Stories

Black faith leaders march on Wall Street to denounce anti-DEI campaign

(RNS) — Protesters led by the Rev. Al Sharpton descended on Manhattan’s financial district to decry efforts by the Trump administration and corporations to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
 

In Kendrick-inspired turn, Mexican Catholic band Jésed calls on fans to ‘live in sanctity’

(RNS) — Fede Carranza, who wrote and produced the record, draws on inspiration from California rapper Kendrick Lamar and British musician Jacob Collier.
 

American Bible Society funds AI assistant, YouTube shows to boost Gen Z Bible use

(RNS) — At Los Angeles Pacific University, scholars were awarded $15,000 to introduce a ‘Bible Engagement Assistant’ that builds on ‘Spark,’ an AI course assistant that the online university already uses.
 

Minneapolis Catholic schoolchildren listened to a prayer, then ducked for cover from gunfire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two children, 8 and 10, were killed in the latest horrific school shooting in the United States, this time inside a church emblazoned with the words “This is the house of God and the Gate of Heaven."

 

RNS Opinion

Labor Day and Catholic teaching esteem a better kind of politics. Militarizing our cities isn’t it.

(RNS) — Believers know that this is not how we are meant to live with one another. 
 

First day of school in DC: Armed troops, terrified families, missing parents

(RNS) — What happens in the nation’s capital will have repercussions for the whole country and what comes next.

 

ICYMI

How Johnnie Moore, evangelical PR guru, became the face of Gaza’s embattled aid effort

(RNS) — ‘There’s nothing more Christian than feeding people,’ said Moore of the unexpected turn in his career. ‘How could I say no?’
 

Christian nonprofit in Honduras battled gangs and corruption. Now it’s inspiring Chicago.

(RNS) — The Association for a More Just Society believes justice goes beyond charity and development work to tackle the structural barriers preventing communities from thriving.

In Other News

 

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