Weekly Outlook - 2024 election cycle: Lord, have mercy...

Dear readers, "I can feel my blood pressure rising," I texted my coworkers as I looked at my computer screen full of images of both President Biden and former President Trump. I was creating a graphic for Erin Weber-Johnson and Mieke Vandersall's "A prayer before a presidential debate," and the act reminded me how much prayer is needed.  In previous presidential election years, true campaigning was generally understood to begin in the fall. However, this year the candidates have moved things up. The first debate is scheduled for June 27, 2024 — a week from today. As if Presbyterians don't have enough politics to think about next week with the start of GA, right?  Our country is divided. There is a lot of fear, which quickly slides into anger and hatred. And, as is natural, both sides claim to be in line with God's desires. When I think about American politics, I am frequently reminded of the Anne Lamont quote: "You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do." So, join me in prayer, friends. And let us pray in a way that doesn't treat God like a gumball machine, inserting our prayer payment and expecting a return on our investment. Let us pray for unity, for kindness, for peace — in our own hearts, in our own churches, in our own neighborhoods, as much as in the "other camp." We can pray all these things knowing that, no matter the outcome, God is with us and we are not powerless to create change. In Christ, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S. Don't forget to sign up for Outlook's new GA texting service! We'll make sure you're up-to-date with the latest information. Learn more.

Exploring Salt Lake City like a local by Natalily Kyremes-Parks A prayer before a presidential debate by Erin Weber-Johnson and Mieke Vandersall Bridging the gap: Engaging young adults in faith and social justice by Adrian White Our place in queer church history by Erin Angeli  In case you missed it... Co-moderator candidates speak about racism, climate change, inclusion and more On June 6, 2024, Outlook Editor Teri McDowell Ott sat down with #GA226 co-moderator candidates. Catch the conversation, if you missed it, here. Westminster College’s chaplain named a Pennsylvania trailblazer The Rev. James Mohr II, college chaplain and director of church relations at Westminster College, has been named one of Pennsylvania’s trailblazers in the field of education. Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair "Here is a writer applying his personal experience, academic training, as well as his doubts and longing against despair, and finding hope." — Andrew Taylor-Troutman A church where wellness meets spirituality With today’s emptier church pews and fuller yoga studios, churches like The Well are attempting to bridge the two worlds for spiritual fulfillment. — Ellie Davis Southern Baptists pass resolution calling for strictures to curb IVF At their annual meeting, Southern Baptists joined the recently renewed debate over in vitro fertilization, passing a resolution calling for restrictions on the practice. Some leaders went further, condemning the procedure as immoral. — Bob Smietana Let’s talk about sex College chaplain Maggie Alsup on providing safe spaces for students to explore the language of sexuality.