Weekly Outlook - Fitness studios: Modern sanctuaries? 🚴

Dear readers, Like millions of other Americans, I watched in January 2023 as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin died during a Monday Night Football game after going into cardiac arrest. Thanks to the quick action of close-by medical personnel, Hamlin was revived and — by some miracle — still plays professional football today.  Following Hamlin's collapse, "Pray for Damar" became a slogan used by public figures, teams, players, and fans alike; a moment when faith and popular culture were interwoven with the capitalistic enterprise that is the NFL. I found it fascinating to consider the public theology being presented on social media, the role of team chaplains in crisis, and how we, as a country, utilize prayer.  As the months passed, I knew there was enough depth to this conversation for a full Presbyterian Outlook magazine. Teri McDowell Ott and Dartinia Hull took the idea and curated a fascinating collection of essays. The final result, our October issue on faith and sports, is on its way to you! The magazines are with the USPS, and I'm loading up the content to publish on the website over the next couple of weeks. Articles in this issue include an essay I wrote about how Peloton and other fitness companies fill the void of modern religion for young people, Teri McDowell Ott's reflection that athletics can teach us about meaning beyond talent, and an essay on the spirituality of baseball. Stay tuned as we drop content over the next couple of weeks! Or grab a subscription to read the full magazine (starting Oct. 1). Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Church property conference offers congregations more than prayer to keep their buildings by G. Jeffrey MacDonald How Peloton and boutique studios fill the void of modern religion by Rose Schrott Taylor A queer eye: creating inclusive worship experiences by Mike Ferguson Springfield’s Covenant Presbyterian stands with its Haitian neighbors by Mike Ferguson In case you missed it... Through a glass dimly: Repentance and repair in sacred spaces Shea Watts shares Covenant Presbyterian Church’s decision to remove stained-glass windows depicting Confederate figures. God’s Gift of Generosity: Gratitude beyond Stewardship  "Karl B. Travis reframes the stewardship conversation, moving from a dreaded, annual recitation of budgetary woes to a fully joyful exploration of generosity — God’s and ours." — John Wilkinson Bread from the world: World Communion Liturgy Utilizing breads from around the world, this liturgy by Heather Prince Doss invites congregations into an embodied appreciation for diversity and unity. 2024 Advent devotional recommendations Wade through the overwhelming number of Advent resources with Amy Pagliarella's help. When friendships change Katy Shevel reflects on the challenge and gift of maintaining friendships through adulthood and life's different seasons. Fred Holper, influential figure in American liturgical theology, dies at age 77 Celebrated liturgics and homiletics professor at Austin, Union and McCormick seminaries was a noted authority on ordination and ministry. — Emily Enders Odom The SBC will sell its Nashville headquarters to defray abuse-related legal costs SBC leaders also set up a new department to deal with the issue of abuse, though the fate of a long-delayed database of abusers remains unknown. — Bob Smietana Called to the “also” of a meaningful life Teri McDowell Ott's athletic journey taught her more than just speed. It showed her the meaning that goes beyond talents. Building church community through Fantasy Football Could fun be what we need to draw us closer to each other and the Lord? Tracey Davenport shares her church's ministry of Fantasy Football.