Weekly Outlook - 2027 benefits changes from BOP

Dear readers, This September, we're turning our attention to youth ministry — not by talking about young people, but by listening to them and to the people who know them best. Created in partnership with the Presbyterian Youth Workers' Association, this special issue explores what it's like to be a young person in the church today and what it looks like for congregations to walk alongside them with humility, curiosity and care. Inside, you'll find thoughtful reflections from pastors, youth leaders, educators and nonprofit leaders on everything from mental health and youth leadership to the gifts of Black and LGBTQIA+ youth, the realities of ministry in small churches and the growing Youth Solidarity Movement. One of the themes that runs through every article is simple but important: young people are not just the future of the church. They are the church today. Their questions, wisdom and experiences have something to teach all of us. Order extra copies by August 5 to get the best price.  And don't forget our Christmas in July sale, which lasts through tomorrow! Using the coupon XMAS, you can get 10% off our entire archive of Advent resources. We'll start pre-orders for our 2026 Advent devotional in early September, but if you want to get ahead in your planning, I recommend taking a look at our 2025, 2022 and 2021 devotionals, which we've reformatted so they can be used in any year. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

America at 250: Can the church rise to this moment? by Jennifer Butler The Outlook staff will be off August 3-7 for Sabbath by Teri McDowell Ott Polity Matters: What’s in a title? by Carson Rhyne Board of Pensions approves 2027 benefits changes by BOP How Spider-Man shaped my Christian ethics by Brendan McLean  PC(USA) membership decline slows, but congregations continue to close by John Bolt

In case you missed it... Rural Pacific Northwest churches are sharing pastors across denominations to survive Rural Northwest churches are sharing pastors across denominations to cut costs, sustain ministries and keep congregations alive as attendance and clergy numbers decline. — Emma Maple Center of Hope (Haiti) cultivates a new generation of leaders The Center of Hope partnership has nurtured new leaders for a generation. — Gregg Brekke Presbyterian patriotism: Honestly honoring our history In the wake of the PC(USA)'s condemnation of Christian nationalism, Matthew B. Warren explores how Presbyterians can love their country without confusing it with the kingdom of God. A Sabbath prayer Teri McDowell Ott shares a Sabbath prayer on rest, play and freedom from productivity guilt. When Ella Langley and Lil Wayne join the benediction "Class of 2026, receive this final blessing with some help from George Strait, Sabrina Carpenter, Ella Langley, Wendell Berry, Pope Francis, the prophet Micah and Lil Wayne," writes chaplain Maggie Alsup. It's like SparkNotes but for GA. Order today!

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

RNS Morning Report - Religion motivates data center opponents in Texas

‘A deal with the devil’: Religion motivates data center opponents in Texas   When Matt Long stood before the Granbury, Texas, city council zoning meeting back in April to oppose the influx of proposed data centers in Hood County, he likened them to a spiritual abomination.   “Do we think that entering into negotiations with Google, Meta and Amazon are closer to making a covenant with God, or making a deal with the devil?” he asked the council.   Controversy surrounding data center construction has roiled Texas in recent months, where at least 248 planned data center projects are planned and 335 are in operation.   Much of the bipartisan opposition focuses on environmental impact and the large amounts of water and power needed by massive facilities that operate AI applications. But opposition has also coalesced around religious appeals from a theologically diverse group of residents, leaders and politicians who see data center development as an affront to their most sacred values.   Some claim the facilities’ construction are a sign of the apocalypse, while others see it as an opportunity to advocate for environmental stewardship. Read the full report from RNS reporters Chloe Landen and Ellie Ashby.         Top Stories ‘A deal with the devil’: Religion motivates data center opponents in Texas (RNS) — Some see the facilities’ construction as a sign of the apocalypse, while others see it as an opportunity to advocate for environmental stewardship. At Vatican peace concert, Pope Leo XIV tells children music can overcome division VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As wars intensify in Ukraine and the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV joined Israeli and Palestinian children, as well as children from other countries, at Castel Gandolfo for an interfaith concert highlighting music’s power to bridge divisions. Photos of the Week: Paraguayan procession, Lindsey Graham’s funeral (RNS) — This week’s photo selection includes an annual Paraguayan procession with unique outfits, funeral services for Sen. Lindsey Graham and more. Opinion My visit to Leonard Cohen’s house on Hydra and its lesson (RNS) — Cohen walked down the steps in Hydra to the port, went to Athens and took a plane to Israel. The rest is rock 'n' roll history. Is Pope Leo a Democratic Socialist? (RNS) — Modern popes tend to stay out of partisan politics, but when Leo speaks, he certainly sounds like a Democratic Socialist. ICYMI Booted from evangelicalism, a progressive, ‘post-evangelical’ church blooms in Texas AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — Led by Zach Lambert, Restore church is part of a small but growing countertrend. Bill Gothard abuse survivors still seek justice, healing as they reckon with his legacy (RNS) — Gothard, subject of 'Shiny Happy People,' has been in a coma since June. At 91, the disgraced ministry leader is also named in an ongoing Texas lawsuit. 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

Copyright © 2026 Religion News Service, All rights reserved.

Fellowship Community - Who's Next?

In 2025, the future of global mission in the PCUSA changed. It was jarring to many mission co-workers, churches, and individuals who gave their time, talents, and treasure to this beautiful ministry that spanned decades, touched many corners of the globe, and brought the good news to those who needed it most. It was jarring to us, too. To highlight and encourage church engagement in the world, TFC has formed partnerships with organizations like Frontier Fellowship, The Outreach Foundation, The Antioch Partners, and Friends of Forman. And it's clear that global mission is alive and well in the PCUSA and beyond. All of these organizations, along with others, sponsored and exhibited at our 2026 National Gathering. Their presence changed our gathering and reminded us that we remain connected to what God is doing in the world and that the next generation of global church leaders is already on the move. Want to learn more? Join these organizations and others at the Connecting Mission Leaders Conference this fall. We'll be there, too. We're also partnering with Frontier Fellowship on a trip to Egypt this fall. If you'd like to join us, read more and reach out. We invite you to pray for God's mission in the world. And please give to TFC so that these partnerships can continue and the next generation of missionaries can get their start. Support TFC The Fellowship Community gathers, equips, and encourages leaders for Christ-centered ministry in the PC(USA). Check out this video from the 2026 National Gathering. Hear from featured speaker Rev. Dr. Scott Sunquist, president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as he reminds us of the importance of "last words." Email us

Fellowship Community | 600 E. State St. | Sharon, PA 16146 US