Weekly Outlook - Bishop Budde, Bill Maher, and the church's future

Dear readers, Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all of the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor P.S. Want a free Ash Wednesday service? We've got you covered.

Inauguration prayers, Bishop Budde, Bill Maher, and the future of the mainline church by Chris Currie Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war provides opportunity for reflection and education by Gregg  Brekke, Outlook reporting Election 2024: Voters of faith overwhelmingly picked Trump by Gregg Brekke, Outlook reporting After Helene, one Asheville church finds a way to step up by Yonat Shimron In case you missed it... More Light Presbyterians denounces anti-trans executive order, calls for action In a statement, More Light Presbyterians stands firm in faith, denouncing discrimination, defending LGBTQIA+ rights, and affirming the inherent dignity and worth of all people. With federal funds stopped, local faith groups plan to redouble private efforts to settle refugees Moving forward, experts say, private donations and volunteers from local faith groups will be more crucial than ever. — Religion News Service The Message "The essays on the author’s trips abroad felt as if I, too, gazed west toward the Atlantic, where (Ta-Nehisi) Coates’ ancestors were shipped into enslavement." — Alfred Walker How do we move past the logo to the logos? "Lord, help us be the people your grace thinks we are." — Rebecca Messman The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids "Each of the 42 stories references themes of belonging, being beloved and delight. Clark frames these stories through this lens, tying them together with the thread of God’s love and delight in humanity." — Jo Wiersema Engaging public theology through art Bethany Peerbolte shares how her TikTok, YouTube and Instagram ministry uses art to provide lessons and comfort, and that art comes in many forms. PC(USA) announces major cuts to mission co-workers amid restructuring The PC(USA)'s plans to cut mission co-workers by 50%, spark concerns about global outreach, transparency, and the future of the church’s mission efforts. — Eric Ledermann Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know From a misattribution of the story about the boy Jesus in the temple to the gospel of Matthew to his handling of Paul, (Mark) Lilla seems more interested in pique than in substance. — Rev. Dr. Rocky Supinger Fresh Outlook Bible Studies: “Friendship” 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.

Pre-order today! How do we hold space for grief while clinging to hope? Grieving Change and Loss, a daily Lenten devotional from Presbyterian Outlook, embraces the complexity of loss in its many forms — from lost health to fractured friendships — and invites you to encounter the resurrection promise anew. Explore grief’s six stages each week with reflections, Scripture, and prayer.