Weekly Outlook - Three overtures address the end of World Mission

Dear readers, Every General Assembly feels a little overwhelming. Overtures. Elections. Committees. Amendments. Breaking news. Big questions about the future of the church. It can be hard to know where to begin — or how to keep up. That’s why, this year, we created something new. Our new GA227 landing page is a one-stop hub for all the different ways the Presbyterian Outlook is covering the 227th General Assembly. We’re expanding our coverage this year and wanted to make it easier for commissioners, pastors, church leaders and curious readers alike to follow what’s happening and why it matters. On the page, you’ll find: The Presbyterian Outlook’s Guide to GA227 (free!) Pre- and post-GA bulletin inserts for congregations Registration for our co-moderator webinar on June 17 Our free SMS breaking news updates Email registration All our GA reporting in one spot A discount for first-time digital subscribers Whether you want deep analysis, quick updates or tools to help your congregation follow along, we hope this page makes it easier to stay connected throughout the assembly season. Explore all of our GA227 resources here. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

Three overtures ask 227th General Assembly to reckon with the end of World Mission by Eric Ledermann   Welcoming neurodiversity in worship by Jen Bluestein Bay Area pastor joins co-moderator ticket by Mike Ferguson Responding to mental health crises: A guide for pastors by Camile Cook Howe, Joseph Feldman and Theresa Nguyen A prayer for Mother’s Day by Tracey Davenport Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’ by Blake Brinegar

In case you missed it... In the room of prayer, there’s no “right way” L. Roger Owens reflects on prayer as both practice and way of life, inviting readers to see every moment as participation in God’s presence. Hoping for the ocean Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Psalm 47's call to stillness as both divine command and open invitation — exploring how silence, doubt, and sacred pause open us to the presence of God. Unification Commission approves its comments on General Assembly items of business The UC addresses ordination, pay equity, artificial intelligence and more. — Presbyterian News Service More Light Presbyterians retreat centers rest, belonging and resistance At Ferncliff, queer Presbyterians named harm, shared stories and reclaimed rest as essential to the church’s ongoing work for justice, writes Bethany Peerbolte. Former mission co-workers go public as PC(USA) severance conditions expire A year after the Interim Unified Agency eliminated 54 mission co-worker positions, former co-workers are describing what they endured — and two GA227 overtures are calling for accountability. — Eric Ledermann Special committee proposes confession specific to the times we live in As the 227th General Assembly approaches, PC(USA) leaders say a proposed new confession is meant to help the church speak truthfully about sin, justice and faith in this time and place. — Harriet Riley

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May in Montreat

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter May in Montreat. Please find updates from our president, highlights on programmatic offerings, and ways that you can engage with Montreat below. Specifically, in this issue we are talking about the new lodge project, our Summer Worship Series, and the grand opening of The Good Steward.

New Paths and Shared Plans by Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center Last month on a sunny Montreat afternoon, the Mountain Retreat Association held an open meeting in the Melvin Center at Upper Anderson Auditorium to discuss its latest plans for the new lodge on its campus. (You can view a recording of that meeting, which was also livestreamed, here.) In that meeting, before a gathering of community members both present in person and online, I reported on our Board of Directors’ actions at its recent meeting, which included 1) the approval to begin construction on the new lodge as soon as appropriate financing and permits have been secured, and 2) enthusiasm an alternative plan for the project which would pair a smaller, 24-room lodge with two residential-style facilities along Georgia Terrace… READ MORE PROGRAMS & EVENTS Montreat’s Summer Worship Series begins on June 7! Each Sunday morning during the summer months, it is our privilege to host members of the community for weekly worship. Everyone is invited to join this holy gathering beginning each week at 10:30 am in Anderson Auditorium. See the lineup of guest preachers here. There is still time to sign up for Montreat Youth Conference this summer! Weeks 1 & 2 will feature Seth Lovell and Cedric Portis, Weeks 3 & 4 will feature Erin Hayes-Cook and Daniel Heath, and Weeks 5 & 6 will feature PJ Craig and Kate Haynes Murphy. Learn more about each of them on our website. Planning a fall retreat? Don’t forget about your deadlines! If you are hosting an event in August, September, or October, your 90-day deadline will take place during the summer. Make sure to reach out to our event and retreat staff early to ensure a smooth stay for all of your guests. Find out more about hosting a retreat in Montreat here. We share updates related to offerings for youth & young adults, adult conferences, and retreats in a series of topical email newsletters each month. Sign up to receive one, two, or all three directly in your inbox by clicking here. EXPERIENCE MONTREAT As we close out year one of our five-year strategic plan, Montreat is moving from planning to action — and there's much to celebrate! We've clarified our identity, strengthened our staff culture, completed 21 strategic deliverables, and received a $1 million grant to continue our Thriving Congregations work through 2029. Year two brings an exciting shift toward implementation which includes new programs, facility improvements, and financial initiatives that will help Montreat thrive for generations to come. We're glad you're part of it! You are invited to join us for the grand opening of The Good Steward, Montreat’s new retail experience located on the third floor of Moore Center. The Good Steward is an extension of The Montreat Store and a mission of the Montreat Conference Center offering curated goods from local and global artisans, emphasizing conscious shopping and the human stories behind each item. Stop in after 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23 to check it all out! Share your love of the Montreat Wilderness with the greater Montreat community! We are looking for volunteers to serve as hiking guides for some of our public hikes this summer. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to our wilderness director Jason Nanz at jasonn@montreat.org or click here to learn more! Registration for our annual Wee Kirk Conference opened on May 5. Wee Kirk supports pastors serving small-membership churches by providing opportunities for inspiration, community, and encouragement. Plus, learn new skills to enrich your ministry by participating in one of a variety of themed tracks during the event. Learn more or sign up now. We share updates for locals, news about the Montreat Wilderness, and information pertaining to spiritual exploration in three monthly email newsletters specific to each topic. Select which ones you would like to receive in your inbox by clicking here. Thank You Montreat Patrons! The Montreat staff joins in deep gratitude for the generous community of donors who contributed to Montreat Conference Center in the 2025-2026 fiscal year! Each gift received ensures that Montreat remains a place of welcome and hospitality for all. READ MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFTS IN 2025 Summer is Right Around the Corner Montreat’s summer season will begin very soon! We hope you will join us for one or several of our programs and experience for yourself all that Montreat has to offer. Visit our website to explore all of our upcoming conference and retreat offerings. VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS Montreat Conference Center, a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, is a national conference center located in Western North Carolina with roots in the PC(USA). Learn more at www.montreat.org.

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