Weekly Outlook - Enjoy that nap; We've got your blessings here

Dear readers, This week's NPR's Throughline podcast traced the beginning of our national Thanksgiving holiday to the Civil War. While most states recognized the historical moment of the pilgrims arriving at Plymouth, the exact day of the commemoration varied. It became a national holiday recognized on the last Thursday in November largely thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor of a woman's magazine, and a letter she wrote to President Lincoln. With the national celebration came the promotion of the now well-known story of the Wampanoag Tribe having mercy on the under-resourced pilgrims. At the time, this history wasn't nationally known. Thanksgiving has never been as simple as it proclaims to be. It was birthed out of conflict. Additionally, it shows the power of story, for even the narrative promoted by the government leaves out how the Wampanoag Tribe's kindness was ultimately repaid with violence.  Last year, I reflected on my love of and conflicted feelings about the Thanksgiving Day Parade in this newsletter. I received a response from one reader saying that I ruined her holiday. I hope I don't ruin any holidays this year. My aim is to create space for all of us and to say: we have capacity for complexity. It's okay if you are conflicted about today's holiday or encounter tension around your table. It seems this has been a part of our national celebration of Thanksgiving from the beginning.  Today is a day with layers. I pray we all find space to flip through them and offer the whole messy package to God, who welcomes us just as we are and grows our hearts along the way. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S.: Are you always called upon to pray at your family gatherings? We've got you covered. Go ahead and enjoy that glass of wine or nap: https://pres-outlook.org/tag/thanksgiving/

A key day of the 227th General Assembly will be spent out in the community by Mike Ferguson Got an empty church lawn? Why not turn it into a dog park? by Bob Smietana Moving in with Jesus: A grilled cheese parable by Eliza C. Jaremko The manger and the inn: A Middle Eastern view of the birth story of Jesus by Ken Bailey A Thanksgiving mealtime prayer inspired by Psalm 104 by Amanda Horan A Thanksgiving benediction by Katy Shevel In case you missed it... Practicing Christ’s patterns Christ not only illuminates our common bonds as humans but shows what we can accomplish when we work together toward the good, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Bishop Gene Robinson, first openly gay Episcopal bishop, preaches defense of McBride Robinson voiced deep frustration with the critics of U.S. Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who is the first openly transgender person elected to Congress and an ordained Presbyterian elder. — Jack Jenkins Holiday reading Whether you’re looking for something to read aloud to a child or want to spend the holidays catching up on some of the year’s best, you’ll want to check out these great books. — Amy Pagliarella Austin Seminary and Schreiner University launch innovative MDiv/MBA dual degree program to prepare future faith-based leaders Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and Schreiner University have partnered to offer a dual degree program blending theology and business education. Upon completing the program, graduates will be awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Austin Seminary and a Master of Business Administration from Schreiner University. — Jeff Sanchez Looking forward to the 227th General Assembly The Committee on the Office of the General Assembly hears how plans are proceeding. — Mike Ferguson Unification Commission consolidates PC(USA) agencies, resulting in program changes and staff reduction ‘Interim Unified Agency’ to be led by Stated Clerk Jihyun Oh. — Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting Resources for grief and loss Amy Pagliarella suggests the resources for grief pastors, caregivers, and loved ones will want on hand, to reference or offer to others in need.  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.