Weekly Outlook - A misunderstood Mr. Rogers quote

Dear readers, The lion and the lamb, the antichrist, a city with foundations of precious stones, the rider on a white horse with a tattoo on his thigh, the tree of life, the dragon: Revelation is a book filled with images, both comforting and horrifying. It is a book frequently called on in conversations about judgment and hope, but what does it mean? In our new four-session study “Revelation: Professing Christ Today,” we hope to offer the groundwork for youth leaders, college chaplains, and churches to explore this often-referenced book. In a world that frequently promotes hatred, hostility and division, author Mark Hinds wants teachers and students to discover Revelation’s call to embody God’s grace, generosity and forgiveness. With the pending U.S. presidential election (and fallout — whatever the outcome), we hope this offering can create an inclusive environment for discussing and reflecting on the political ramifications of following Christ. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Montreat Conference Center and community grapple with effects of Helene by Darla Carter The power of local sports by Scott Hagley What baseball can teach the church about faithful change by Matthew Rich Black Mountain Presbyterian shines bright in the darkness by Fred McCormick On a misunderstood Mr. Rogers quote by Brendan McLean Presbyterians pray as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida by Darla Carter In case you missed it... Reformation Sunday resources for Oct. 27 Presbyterian Historical Society highlights the remarkable contributions of a Protestant reformer, Argula von Grumbach. —Emily Enders Odom High Hawk What are the boundaries of complicity? To whom does the church “confess” its sins? How does it atone for harm inflicted? Author Amy Frykholm explores these questions in her new book of fiction. — Amy Pagliarella Charlotte clergy organize to deliver help and hope in Hurricane Helene’s aftermath Grassroots efforts by North Carolina congregations witness to Christ’s love in the midst of widespread devastation. — Emily Enders Odom Jemar Tisby on ‘The Spirit of Justice’ and the Black Christians who pursued it ‘I have a burden to continually remind people that we should be learning from the Black Christian tradition,’ said Tisby. — Adelle M. Banks Between anguish and resilience: Reflections from Bethlehem As we mark one year since the Israel-Hamas war began, Teri McDowell Ott checks in with Bethlehem-based mission co-worker Doug Dicks. Journey to Eloheh: How Indigenous Values Lead Us to Harmony and Well-Being Based on their experiences of Native American cultures and U.S. churches, the authors offer guidance for anyone “seeking a better way of living in this troubled world ... a way that Indigenous people have known about from time immemorial.” — Brent Anderson In a new film, 12 pastors take a leap of faith — hoping friendship can overcome their divides Inspired by Mr. Rogers' timeless question, ‘Won’t you be my neighbor?,’ pastors come together in a new film to explore if friendship and faith can bridge polarization in an increasingly divided world. — Bob Smietana

Pre-order the Outlook's daily Advent devotional today! In a world dominated by binary thinking – light vs. dark, good vs. evil – this Advent devotional challenges us to see beyond familiar binaries and embrace the complex, natural patterns of God in the world.