Weekly Outlook - Reflections from Bethlehem: One year after Oct. 7

Dear readers, A lot is going on in the world right now. The Southeast is still assessing the tragic damage of Hurricane Helene, the Near East is shrouded in violence, Sudan is on the brink of famine, the U.S. stands in front of a decision that will impact our democracy ... Watching or listening to the news can feel overwhelming. Where am I to spend my time and energy? How will I have enough capacity? At the Outlook, we try to balance the Presbyterian-based news you need to know with articles that are perhaps less urgent but ask thoughtful, engaging questions about our culture. Because if we spend time thinking about the lessons MLB can teach the church, we may recharge ourselves to have the capacity to read an in-depth report from the mission co-worker stationed in Bethlehem. If we spend several minutes contemplating how local sports are a liturgical practice drawing us into community, we be able to comprehend the destruction of Hurricane Helene from a prayerful place.  At least, that's our hope.  Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S. Our pre-order page for daily Advent devotions went live this week!

What baseball can teach the church about faithful change by Matthew Rich Between anguish and resilience: Reflections from Bethlehem by Teri McDowell Ott and Doug Dicks Hurricane Helene makes landfall, putting multiple presbyteries at risk by Darla Carter Enchanted sports in a secular age by Scott Hagley In case you missed it... Lessons from losing Losing is painful. According to professional athletes, it can also lead to growth, writes Andrew Taylor Troutman. How Peloton and boutique studios fill the void of modern religion Is fitness America's new religion? Rose Schrott Taylor explores how boutique workouts like Peloton go beyond physical training, offering community, meaning, and transformation. Christ’s compassion for the suicidal In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, Elana Keppel Levy pushes against the teaching that those who commit suicide go to hell. 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. The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly holds its final in-person meeting As it faces being sunset on Dec. 31, COGA celebrates what it’s accomplished and takes stock of what remains to be done. — Mike Ferguson Despite Vatican’s evasions on ordination, women demand answers at upcoming synod Pope Francis' Synod on Synodality allowed for unprecedented discussions on the future of women in the church. — Claire Giangravé This Sweet Earth: Walking with Our Children in the Age of Climate Collapse The only way to appreciate and care for the earth is to move more slowly through the world. — Elizabeth Doolin on Lydia Wylie-Kellermann's new book 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.

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.