Weekly Outlook - A new Rachel Held Evans collection

Dear readers, This week, we’re celebrating some recognition for the work the Presbyterian Outlook published in 2025. At the Associated Church Press annual awards, the Outlook received five honors for reporting, criticism and theological writing. Awards are never the reason we do this work. But they do remind us why independent church journalism matters: thoughtful reporting helps the church better understand itself and the world God calls us to serve. We’re grateful to our writers, editors and readers for making this work possible, including: “Presbyterian Outlook reports on the PC(USA)’s mission restructuring” — ACP Award of Merit for in-depth coverage “Chicago pastors confront escalating violence at ICE detention center” by Harriet Riley — ACP Honorable Mention for long-format news writing “What Donald Trump and I have in common” by Patrice Gaines — ACP Award of Merit for personal experience writing “Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of 2025” by Brendan McLean — ACP Award of Merit for criticism “Public theology and the many faces of Jesus” by Rachel Baard — ACP Award of Merit for scholarly writing Join Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn and me tomorrow at 1 pm to pull back the curtain a bit on the work behind these stories. We'll dive into highlights from the awards, the stories that mattered to us in 2025, and the current state of church storytelling and the Outlook's work. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Want unlimited access to the Outlook? We're running a General Assembly special for first-time subscribers. A year of the Outlook for $9.95. Learn more.  P.S.S. Need help catching up on the issues coming to this year's GA? Download our free GA227 guide.  Hear from 2026 E.T. Thompson awardee Jimmie Hawkins! Join us on Facebook next Thursday at 12 pm ET.

Adapting together: A small church and Buddhist monks by David Williams   Thinking about prayer and posture by Brenda Moten Overture requiring PC(USA) ministers to be monogamous generates debate, confusion by Gregg Brekke Presbyterian Outlook wins five honors at Associated Church Press awards by Rose Schrott Taylor  Prayer and the problem of evil by Tara W. Bulger Overtures seek Israel embargo, genocide declaration by Eric Ledermann

In case you missed it... Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning With and Reimagining Faith  In "Braving the Truth," Rachel Held Evans’ essays continue to guide doubters, seekers and exvangelicals toward hope-filled faith. — Amy Pagliarella Prayer and poetry: Proclamation and pause  Poetry is not proclaimed in a vacuum. Neither is prayer. Both teach us to construct our words with care and intention. — Kathryn Lester-Bacon How the Board of Pensions prices the Medical Plan Two principles guide the approach to pricing. — Todd Ingves The Presbytery of Milwaukee is just about set to host the 227th General Assembly The Committee on Local Arrangements practices its warm welcome on PC(USA) national staff. — Mike Ferguson Beyond the altar: Prayer as devotion, discipline and public witness Winterbourne Harrison-Jones reimagines prayer as activism, insisting that true communion with God must move beyond the sanctuary and into the streets.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Join us for a discussion with the General Assembly Co-Moderator Candidates!

Join Presbyterians for Earth Care and the Creation Action Network for Presbyterian Young Adults for a conversation with candidates standing for Co-Moderators of the 228th General Assembly of the PC(USA). Attendees will hear candidates reflect on the future of the church, young adult leadership, creation justice, and the role of public witness. Audience members will also have the opportunity to submit and upvote questions during the event. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 7:00pm EDT / 4:00 PDT CLICK HERE to Register JUNE WEBINAR Climate Migrants: Neglected Victims of Climate Injustice In recent years the United Nations, the European Union, the US government, and the media have indicated that there could be 200 million people displaced from their homes and livelihoods by effects of climate change by the year 2050, but my research finds that 500 million is a more likely estimate. This would be about 5% of Earth’s population. Global responses to climate change have always been inadequate and today international cooperation generally and development assistance in particular are in deep crisis. Nevertheless, it is important to aim for climate justice. This presentation will address five topics: (1) international cooperation on climate change since 1992 and its neglect of climate migrants, (2) estimates of potential climate migration through 2050, (3) the problematic focus of the American climate justice movement on injustices within the US, (4) the stronger global government needed to address the climate crisis, and (5) how Americans could take responsibility for impacts of our carbon pollution. WEBINAR DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 7:30 pm Eastern (6:30 Central, 5:30 Mountain, 4:30 Pacific) PRESENTER: Dr. Paul Clements, Western Michigan University SPEAKER BIO Paul Clements is a Professor of Political Science at Western Michigan University where he directs Master of International Development Administration and graduate certificate in Climate Change Policy and Management programs. He received a BA in Social Studies from Harvard University and a PhD in Public Affairs from Princeton University and has published widely on development project evaluation and climate justice. In 2014 and 2016 he was the Democratic candidate for Congress in Michigan’s Sixth District and in 2024 he was lead organizer for an on-line symposium on Climate-Driven Migration: Challenges, Responses and Future Pathways with over 100 presenters and 392 participants from 52 countries. CLICK HERE for Info & Registration How can we help you care for God’s creation?  Drop us an email and let us know at presbyearthcare@gmail.com Help us grow! Please let us know if there is anyone we should add to our list!  Just reply to this email.  Thank you! Please help us to continue to assist individuals and churches in creation care work by donating to PEC through our website by CLICKING HERE.  Thank you!

Copyright (C) 2026 Presbyterians for Earth Care. All rights reserved.

Embodying Hospitality - Planning a Fall Retreat

Planning for Fall Retreats As summer begins to fill our calendars with vacations, family gatherings, and long afternoons by the pool, planning for a fall retreat may not be top of mind. Yet, for retreat leaders preparing to gather in Montreat later this year, taking advantage of the summer as a time to organize your event and stay ahead of important deadlines can help your group avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs, ultimately, leading to a smooth and successful event once you arrive… READ THE FULL ARTICLE NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Make a Visit to Moore Center During Your Next Retreat Centrally located in the middle of Montreat’s campus, Moore Center (located at 303 Lookout Road Montreat, NC 28757) is a great place to meet up with friends, look for souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat. Make sure to visit the following during your event: The Montreat Store Here you’ll find snacks, t-shirts, and other Montreat-branded goods. The Good Steward A new retail experience located on the third floor of Moore Center. This store features goods from local and global artisans. The Huckleberry Also known as “The Huck,” this restaurant serves coffee, ice cream, and other quick eats. Click here to view the current menu. A Beautiful Stone Retreat Located directly across the lake from Assembly Inn, the Winsborough is a large stone lodge which can accommodate groups of 20-50 people. Guest rooms include a mix of twin beds, bunk beds, and double beds with shared connecting baths. Because the Winsborough is not air-conditioned, it is a great choice for a fall retreat! Click here for more information or fill out an event inquiry form to check availability. Sign Up for This Week in Montreat During the summer months, Montreat Conference Center releases a special publication each Friday called This Week in Montreat which highlights weekly summer events and activities in the Montreat valley. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter, we encourage you to go ahead and sign up on our website. The first edition will be published on Friday, June 5. Host a Retreat in Montreat From mid-August through mid-May, Montreat Conference Center welcomes a wide range of groups for retreats, conferences, and special gatherings. Thinking about hosting your own event? Explore our “Retreat at Montreat” webpage to learn more about our facilities, accommodations, and planning support. RETREAT AT MONTREAT One of Montreat Conference Center’s core values, “embodying hospitality” refers to our belief that our witness is grounded in welcome and belonging and that all people are created in the image of God and possess great capacity for growth and transformation. You can learn more about Montreat’s mission and values by clicking here.

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