Weekly Outlook - PC(USA) agency consolidation: Program changes & reductions

Dear readers, We live in a world dominated by binaries. I was reminded of this in August when visiting my nephews. The 3- and 2-year-old constantly sought to categorize the world into bad and good: "You be the bad guy. I'll be the good guy."  This type of classification is natural for young brains seeking some semblance of order, but often we stick to these patterns as adults. One great example is the binary of light and dark that we fall back on this time of year. We speak of Jesus as being the light in the darkness, of a star in the black sky guiding the steps of the wise men, of a new dawn. This is all true — and an easy visual to grasp as our daylight dwindles in the Northern Hemisphere.  But what do we miss out on when we uphold this binary, often without thinking? We need darkness, just as we need light. For in darkness, our imagination and senses are heightened. In darkness, we find restoration. In darkness, seeds dig deep to break through the surface when they are ready.  We limit our experience of God's creative genius when we fall into well-worn patterns of thinking. Teri McDowell Ott explores this in Outlook's 2024 Advent devotional, Patterns of Divine Possibility. With daily reflections, she encourages readers to see beyond the familiar and embrace the complex, natural patterns of God in the world: Starling murmurations, the fractal of a fern (whose cells mirror the pattern of the larger plant), the healing of a cut finger, the gender spectrum.  The devotional is digital and available today. With one click, you can email it to your congregation or print it to insert into the church bulletin. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S.: If you missed it last week, Outlook Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn had an excellent conversation with Dr. Kimberly Wagner on "Leading and preaching in the storm: (Re)locating ourselves faithfully amid trauma and chaos."

Welcoming all children: Congregations learn how to be in ministry with foster families by Melissa Earley Unification Commission consolidates PC(USA) agencies, resulting in program changes and staff reduction by Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting A Thanksgiving prayer (When we’re tired of giving thanks) by Elizabeth Doolin A Great Thanksgiving around the family table by Shea Watts In case you missed it... Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the PC(USA) votes to change name Members determine Palestine Justice Network better fits group’s values and objectives. — Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting This is our time There will be better times, but this is our time, writes Tim Hart-Andersen. A letter to my Sunday school teacher Sherry Blackman shares how one person can change the trajectory of someone's life. A Corporation President Kathy Lueckert announces her retirement, effective Jan. 31, 2025 She’s not quite done serving the church. Lueckert plans to return to the staff of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. — Mike Ferguson Building Belonging: The Church’s Call to Build Community and House Our Neighbors "(Cleghorn) has immersed himself in the stories of similar journeys, in which people of faith have re-envisioned their use of land and buildings. Anyone who has been down this path knows these decisions are not made lightly or overnight." — Sharon K. Core What Japanese Gardens taught me about letting go Sometimes, you have to say goodbye to something full of potential, writes Karie Charlton. In Mike Huckabee, Israel will have a longtime friend and true believer as ambassador The former Arkansas governor and pastor-turned-Fox News host has been a supporter of Israel since his first visit in the 1970s. He sees the growth of Israel as a sign that biblical prophecies are true. Revelation: Professing Christ Today In a world that frequently promotes hatred, hostility and division, discover Revelation’s call to embody God’s grace, generosity and forgiveness. A new Fresh Outlook study.

An original, daily devotional — perfect for printing or emailing In a world dominated by binary thinking – light vs. dark, good vs. evil – this Advent devotional by Teri McDowell Ott challenges us to see beyond familiar binaries and embrace the complex, natural patterns of God in the world.

RNS Morning Report: House passes anti-terror financing bill that may punish nonprofits

Top Stories House passes anti-terror financing bill that may punish nonprofits (RNS) — Many faith-based organizations fear that if the bill becomes law it might target organizations that support Palestinian rights.   Got an empty church lawn? Why not turn it into a dog park? (RNS) — For some churches, starting a dog park turns underused church property into a place for community.   As Ukraine war hits 1,000 days, Pope Francis renews call for peace (RNS) — The wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marked the milestone by visiting the Vatican to advocate for the victims of the war.   Conservative Christians ‘grieve’ Gaetz nomination, express frustration with leaders’ silence WASHINGTON (RNS) — Critics include a founder of the conservative legal group Liberty Counsel and Boz Tchividjian, grandson of famed evangelist Billy Graham.   RNS Opinion ‘A Real Pain’ gets achingly close to the real quandaries of Holocaust remembrance (RNS) — The film is a commendable effort that falls short by failing to grapple more honestly with modern antisemitism.   The abortion divide has become unbridgeable (RNS) — Thanks to the growing extremism of the anti-abortion movement.   ICYMI Young, observant Jews find a place to protest Israel in the Halachic Left (RNS) — The group, with five chapters across the U.S., believes observant Jews have a particular obligation to oppose what they see as an unjust war — and are uniquely positioned to do so.   Abuse survivors urge the Vatican to globalize the zero-tolerance policy it approved in the US ROME (AP) — The U.S. norms, adopted at the height of the abuse scandal there, say a priest will be permanently removed from church ministry based on even a single act of sexual abuse that is either admitted to or established under church law. In Other News Nairobi archbishop declines Kenyan president’s donations to Catholic parish Antiabortion groups plan new crackdowns, emboldened after election   Talk to Us We want your feedback on the RNS Morning Report — what you think we're doing right and what we should be doing differently. Send us an email at Comments@ReligionNews.com Subscribe to other RNS Newsletters. Forward this email to a friend. View the archive of past newsletters. RNS is free to read, but it's not free to produce. If you value our reporting, please consider making a donation today at religionnews.com/donate. If you prefer to mail a donation, please address to: Religion News Foundation, PO Box 1808, Columbia, MO 65205. Yes, I support the work you're doing! Forward this email to a friend

UM News Weekly Digest

UM News Digest - Nov. 22, 2024 Episcopal elections in the Philippines Philippines typhoons response Top stories from the week “Let us put behind us our debates and disagreements and move forward to lead the church to the best expression of The United Methodist Church that would become instrument of hope, peace and justice in this broken world.” — Bishop Ruby-Nell M. Estrella Photo by Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UM News Philippines reelects 3 bishops CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Bishops Rodel M. Acdal, Ruby-Nell M. Estrella and Israel M. Painit have been reelected as bishops in The United Methodist Church’s Philippines Central Conference during the conference’s Nov. 18-22 meeting. Bishops in the Philippines serve initial four-year terms before they face reelection or retirement. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports. Read story Church responds as typhoons batter Philippines CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — Filipino United Methodists are rising up to help the survivors of a series of strong storms that ravaged the Philippines over the span of several weeks. Tropical Storm Trami (called Kristine in the Philippines), along with two previous typhoons, left more than 160 people dead and over 9 million people dealing with extreme flooding. Three more typhoons followed on their heels, making this the most active November on record for the Pacific typhoon season. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports. Read story Dakotas Conference Pray-grounds multiplying MITCHELL, S.D. — Parents wanting to keep an eye on their children during worship are being accommodated in some Dakotas Conference churches by installing “Pray-grounds.” Those are play areas in the sanctuary with toys, crayons, children’s Bibles and other diversions and worship materials for children. At least seven churches have pursued the concept. Doreen Gosmire has the story. Read story Walker’s Funeral Home World Methodist Council leader mourned CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The former president and chairperson of the World Methodist Council died Nov. 14, and funeral services are planned Dec. 7 at University United Methodist Church. Frances M. Alguire led the World Methodist Council from 1996 to 2001. She was the first woman and lay person to lead the council, which serves as the face of Wesleyan-Methodist theology around the world and encompasses 80 member churches on six continents.  Read obituary New England Conference Pillowcase Project brings comfort to cancer patients WEST BOYLSTON, Mass. — About two years ago, three members of Oakdale United Methodist Church established the Pillowcase Project. Pillowcases are donated to the UMASS Pediatric Oncology Unit because a bright cheery pillowcase can be a comforting gift in such a sterile, scary environment. The pillowcase goes home with the child and can be used again if they return for repeat therapy. New England Conference staff have the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Scarritt Bennett Center Harm to indigenous people recognized NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The board of the Scarritt Bennett Center acknowledged harm done to Native Americans who occupied its land before what is now the U.S. was colonized. In a statement issued Nov. 20, the board stated “we acknowledge that this property was sacred and of primary importance to indigenous people before us — before their forced removal, forced assimilation and even extinction from the invasion of European people.” The Scarritt Bennett Center was formally a college and today is a retreat center working toward women's empowerment, racial justice, spiritual enrichment and transformative education. Read press release 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. Michigan Conference Resist climate change LANSING, Mich. — The story of the resurrection should inspire the faithful to resist and try to reverse climate change that is increasingly bringing destruction to the planet. “We remember that death does not have the final word,” write Audra Hudson Stone and Jacob Stone, co-conveners of the Michigan Conference Environmental Justice Task Force. “Repentance and transformation are possible.” Read commentary ADVERTISEMENT Ask The UMC What is the ecumenical prayer cycle? NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Developed by the World Council of Churches, the ecumenical prayer cycle provides a way for congregations, small groups or individuals to pray for every nation on earth during the course of a calendar year. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, shows how to pray in concert with millions of Christians around the world. View resource Monday, Dec. 9- Saturday, Dec. 14 Online Course: Joseph — An Advent Study Monday, Jan. 13- Friday, Jan. 24 Online Course: Addressing Racialized Crises Through a Spiritual Lens More United Methodist events Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Hurricane Helene recovery in N.C.   BURNSVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — United Methodists are among those helping in the mountains of Western North Carolina after the remnants of Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and spawned tornadoes in valley communities in late September. Specially trained United Methodist Early Response Teams have been working in the affected areas since Oct. 8. Mike DuBose offers a photo essay of that work. See photos Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Our changing climate   CALUMPIT, Philippines (UM News) — The year 2024 will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. United Methodist News is documenting the denomination’s response to climate change through a series of dispatches from sites most impacted by global warming. UM News photographer Mike DuBose offers a photo essay from a recent visit to the Philippines. View photos Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News Filipino United Methodists help fishing communities    TANZA, Philippines (UM News) — Families who depend heavily on the sea for their daily sustenance and livelihood are feeling the effects of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. United Methodists are among those stepping in to offer relief and speaking out on the need for creation care. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports on relief efforts there, with photos by Mike DuBose. Read story Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops Bishops zero in on challenges ahead   ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — As The United Methodist Church starts a new season after this year’s General Conference, bishops discussed ministry needs ahead. Those include faith formation, financial concerns and care for immigrants after the recent U.S. presidential election. Heather Hahn reports. Read story

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