Weekly Outlook - Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2024

Dear readers, Do any of these headlines ring a bell? Louisville Institute dismisses entire staff in restructuring move PC(USA) Board of Pensions announces pricing for new benefits structure POL-01 approved with amendment What about: The future of the PC(USA) is pastor-less, and that’s OK. God did not save Donald Trump When it comes to fertility and reproductive rights, consider mercy December offers insightful opportunities to reflect on the year. The headlines above are some of Presbyterian Outlook's most popular news articles and opinion pieces from 2024. Faithful readers likely recall where they were when they heard about the passage of POL-01 at General Assembly or the gut reaction they felt when reading Catherine Neelly Burton's argument that churches can be vital even when they don't have the resources to hire a pastor.  As we wind down 2024, join us in reflecting on the news and opinions that have impacted our thinking this year, and let's pray together for 2025. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S. If you're like me and love end-of-year lists, you may also be interested in our "most popular products of 2024," top lectionary reflections, and more.  P.P.S. Sometimes, the most popular articles don't tell the full story of the year! That's why we've also published a list where the Outlook staff highlights our personal favorite articles of the year.

Staff picks: Our favorite Outlook stories of 2024 by Rose Schrott Taylor Finding unity in a polarized church by Ron Byars A prayer for walking into a new year by Karen Rohrer Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2024 by Rose Schrott Taylor The Outlook’s most popular products of 2024 by Rose Schrott Taylor Religious traditions can help with holiday blues, mental health experts say by Audrey Thibert In case you missed it... All is not calm: Surviving Advent and looking for John In a busy season, the prophet John helps Maggie Alsup organize her to-do list. A collect prayer for the shortest day of the year Daniel Health offers a prayer examining sunlight and son-light for December 21, the shortest day of the year. Holy yearnings: a prayer for the end of the year This prayer by Katy Shevel is for anyone feeling the weight of nostalgia, the ache of loss, or the hope of new beginnings. The most popular lectionary reflections of 2024 Each week, Presbyterian Outlook publishes a lectionary reflection related to the Revised Common Lectionary's suggested readings. These are our 10 most referenced reflections of 2024. — Presbyterian Outlook At-home Christmas liturgy Here is a tool to invite the holy into the day. — Rose Schrott Taylor  Aspiring high school Christian leaders encouraged to apply to Open Call Hastings College is now accepting applications for Open Call, a residential experience for current high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors exploring a call to Christian ministry. Beginning next month, meetings of the Unification Commission will be more accessible to the public The UC will move away from its previous pattern of working as a committee of the whole. — Mike Ferguson

Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel.