Weekly Outlook - A turning point in writing a new confession

Dear readers, Most nights at dinner, my husband asks me, “What’s the best thing you read today?” It’s a small question, but a good one — it draws out a specific moment or insight from my workday rather than a vague “it was fine.” Earlier this week, my answer came from Mark Elsdon’s feature in our January issue on church vitality. In “The vital congregation of tomorrow,” Elsdon offers a metaphor that has stayed with me: the church today, he writes, is a bit like Blockbuster in the early 2000s. At that time, more and more people were ordering DVDs through Netflix, and streaming was just around the corner. There was little Blockbuster could do to keep its existing model relevant — and yet, people still wanted to watch movies. In the same way, people will always long for community, purpose and theological grounding. God remains present. What must change is not the heart of the church, but how it moves in the world. “The only way forward in this time of major social and religious change,” Elsdon writes, “is to adapt, change and move forward.” I had never heard our current religious moment named quite this way, but it deeply resonated with me. I suspect I’ll return to this metaphor often — in moments of worry, and as a way of explaining why I remain passionate about, and hopeful for, the church. If this piques your interest, I encourage you to read Elsdon’s feature and to keep an eye on this newsletter as we continue sharing content from our church vitality issue throughout the month. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Our Lenten devotional is out! You can preorder "Discipleship in a divided age" today! The full product will be available by the end of the day today.

Inside the PC(USA)’s shift in mission and ministry by John Bolt What church decline is revealing about vitality by Mark Elsdon Holding the complexities of U.S. involvement in Latin America by Greg Allen-Pickett Why universalism belongs in the Reformed tradition by Lucus Levy Keppel Two pastors will stand for election as co-moderators of the 227th General Assembly by Mike Ferguson A turning point in the church’s search for a new confession by Harriet Riley In case you missed it... The hollow moral core of ‘Marty Supreme’ ‘Marty Supreme’ is an excellent film about a despicable confidence man. It perfectly reflects our historical moment, writes Jana Riess. Why a 50-year-old Presbyterian confession still matters 50 years later, A Declaration of Faith remains clear, poetic, relevant, writes John Williams. Queen Latifah: The theology of dignity From “U.N.I.T.Y.” to “Ladies First,” Queen Latifah refuses disrespect and insists on dignity. In this episode of “Theology of Hip-Hop” explores faith, Chris Burton reflects on Black womanhood and the image of God. Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Condemns U.S. Military Attack on Venezuela The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship calls upon our fellow Presbyterians to join the World Council of Churches and people of faith and goodwill around the world in condemning the military attack on Venezuela. — PPF The Rev. Jihyun Oh speaks out concerning US military action taken against Venezuela Oh cites numerous General Assembly policies calling instead for nonmilitary and collaborative international approaches. — Jihyun Oh Presbyterian Hispanic Latino leaders call for de-escalation after U.S. strike on Venezuela The National Hispanic Latino Presbyterian Caucus denounces the U.S. strike on Venezuela, citing biblical principles, history and calls for peace. — Dartinia Hull

RNS Morning Report - Pope Leo gathers cardinals in first consistory to chart church’s path together

Top Stories Pope Leo gathers cardinals in first consistory to chart church’s path together VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The closed-door meeting comes as Leo inherits a deeply divided church and seeks to set the tone for his papacy by emphasizing unity, shared responsibility and evangelization rooted in listening. Warnock, declaring ‘spiritual crisis,’ urges public, private sectors to help meet needs WASHINGTON (RNS) — ‘Those of us who are people of faith need to lead the way in helping the nation to understand that meeting people’s physical needs is a spiritual project,’ he said. Pope Leo announces second consistory, promising yearly gatherings of cardinals VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV announced plans for a second consistory in June, and pledged to hold such meetings annually — a move widely seen as signaling a more collegial and consultative style of leadership at the Vatican. Indian ‘lost tribe’ believes it is fulfilling prophecy by moving to Israel (RNS) — Since 1989, through special government permissions, about 4,000 Bnei Menashe have been able to make aliyah, but just as many people have spent years, in some cases generations, attempting to move to Israel.  Interfaith concert looks to reclaim Jan. 6 as day of unity, five years after Capitol riots (RNS) — ‘I think that is a beautiful contrast to the violence that took place five years ago,’ one organizer told RNS. Opinion Contrary to Hegseth’s military demands, Christianity requires disobedience against corruption (RNS) — If Hegseth wants a military force shaped by Christian values — a contradiction in itself — he shouldn’t expect absolute compliance. Jews and Hats: A Thousand-Year-Old Love Story (RNS) — Hats are a symbol, and nowadays, quite a potent one. ICYMI Liberal Christian denominations condemn US actions in Venezuela, call for peace (RNS) — Four days after the raid that extracted the Venezuelan leader and his wife and brought them to face federal charges in New York, nearly every mainline Protestant group has condemned the US actions. ‘God is using Trump’: Latino evangelicals celebrate Maduro’s capture as divine victory (RNS) — Latino evangelicals maintain that their shared faith was key to Maduro’s capture and that the church will play a critical role in charting the country’s future. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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UM News Digest - Jan. 9, 2026

UM News Digest - Jan. 9, 2026 Reflecting on 2025: The year in photos Bishops urge prayer, peace after federal shootings A plea for ‘costly solidarity’ in Middle East Sister Confianza, a member of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, rides her bike through the village alongside a neighbor. Originally from the United States, Sister Confianza founded the monastery with another woman in 2006. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News. Reflecting on 2025: The year in photos NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists around the world are living into the denomination’s new vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UM News documents a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide. See photos Children perform a skit during vacation Bible school at Hartzell Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. From left are Kobe Nichols, Landry O’neal and Aspen Newberry. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. Dakotas-Minnesota, Greater Northwest area Bishops urge prayer, peace after federal shootings MINNEAPOLIS — Bishop Lanette Plambeck, who leads the Minnesota and Dakotas conferences, calls on United Methodist congregations to be places of refuge and prayer in the days ahead after Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot in Minneapolis during a federal immigration enforcement operation. After federal agents shot and wounded two people in Portland, Oregon, Greater Northwest Area Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth also expressed lament and called for United Methodists to be practitioners of peace while following their baptismal vows to “resist evil, injustice and oppression.”  Read Bishop Plambeck’s statement Read Bishop Bridgeforth’s statement Florida Conference Pastor’s sermons offer inspiration after his death LAKELAND, Fla. — To say the Rev. Tom Price had a way with words shortchanges the man. It’s like saying Rembrandt had a way with paint, or Einstein was good with numbers. Before he died in 2013, Price asked his family to make available his collection of 444 typewritten sermons. Out of that request came a website that showcases his work. Joe Henderson has the story. Read story See the sermon website California-Pacific Conference Marking anniversary of Los Angeles fires PASADENA, Calif. — Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, who leads the California-Pacific Conference, offered a video message to mark the one-year anniversary of the Palisades and Eaton fires that devastated large parts of Los Angeles County. The fires also destroyed the buildings of two United Methodist congregations — Community Church of Pacific Palisades and Altadena United Methodist. The Rev. Catie Coots also shares an update on recovery in the Pacific Palisades, a community started by Methodists. Watch bishop’s message and read transcript Pacific Palisades, one year after fire ADVERTISEMENT South Carolina Conference Church distributes 10,000 pounds of food LADSON, S.C. — Members of Wesley United Methodist Church prayed for a way to help the community impacted by the November delay of U.S. federal food assistance. The prayers were answered when a volunteer offered a large commercial vehicle to pick up food, the local food bank donated 10,000 pounds of fruits, vegetables and other supplies, and church members stepped up to unload and organize food boxes for 400 needy families. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate has the story. Read story Horizon Texas Conference Open Table ministry connects college students GEORGETOWN, Texas — What began as a simple prayer for connection has grown into a thriving college ministry at First United Methodist Church Georgetown. A weekly meal and Bible study at the church has expanded to a gathering, dubbed Open Table, that attracts students from United Methodist-related Southwestern University and other nearby colleges. A highlight of the ministry is the baptism of a basketball player from Southwestern. Horizon Texas staff have the story. Read story THV11 Arkansas church destroyed by fire LONOKE, Ark. — Bethlehem United Methodist Church was destroyed by a fire on Jan. 5, but its fellowship hall is still standing. The fire started at about 2:30 p.m. and was still burning the afternoon of Jan. 6. “At least we were not in the church,” said Ricky Phillips, a member of the congregation. “So, that was a good blessing. … Hopefully by Sunday, we’ll have church again in the fellowship hall.” Carter Thweatt reports. Read story and watch video UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. A plea for ‘costly solidarity’ in Middle East MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (UM News) — How is God calling Christians to respond to the ongoing violence in the Middle East? The Rev. John Wagner, a pastor and former co-chair of United Methodists for Kairos Response, shares insights from the West Bank. What you think you know before traveling to the Middle East doesn’t matter, he writes. Once you’ve seen the plight of the people, “you can’t un-see it.” Read commentary Lewis Center for Church Leadership A look at church leadership trends for 2026 WASHINGTON — As 2026 begins, familiar approaches to church leadership are proving insufficient amid changing communities, evolving teams and growing demands on leaders. The Rev. Jonathan Page, director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, offers guidance for responding to the key shifts shaping the year ahead. Read commentary ADVERTISEMENT Wespath Benefits and Investments Wespath celebrates launch of Compass plan GLENVIEW, Ill. — Wespath has launched the Compass Retirement Plan, a future-focused retirement plan for United Methodist clergy. “Compass marks a new chapter of sustainable retirement benefits for clergy who serve the Church,” said Andy Hendren, Wespath’s general secretary and chief executive officer. “While change can be challenging, the transition to Compass is change rooted in John Wesley’s teachings about stewardship and Wespath’s mission to continue caring for those who serve for many generations into the future.” Read press release Learn more United Methodist Communications Human Relations Day set for Jan. 18 NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Resources are available for United Methodists to celebrate Human Relations Day, which is Jan. 18 this year. Inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of “beloved community,” this special Sunday offering benefits neighborhood ministries, community advocacy and work with at-risk teens. The goal of the giving is to help all God’s children reach their potential. See resources See FAQ Higher Education and Ministry Applications now open for agency’s scholarships NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry 2026-2027 scholarship portal has opened for United Methodist students studying at U.S. institutions and outside the United States. Every year, the agency awards on average $4 million in scholarships. Learn more and apply Photo courtesy of Union Theological Seminary Philippines Bishop Gamboa remembered as humble shepherd Read obituary Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Group zeroes in on number, work of US bishops Read story Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News Equipping men in Africa to make disciples Read story Image courtesy of the Council of Bishops Bishops stand with Latin American Methodists Read statement Monday, Feb. 2 -  Friday, Feb. 13 Online course: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17 United Women in Faith Assembly 2026 More United Methodist events UMNews.org | UM News Photos