Weekly Outlook - How to live out mutual mission

Dear readers, I am the aunt to four brothers. We call them many things: The tiny Texans; The sons of thunder; Tornados; Pterodactyls; A bunch of ninnies; and, most importantly, ours. The oldest brother started kindergarten this week. His graduating year? The seemingly make-believe number 2039. My sister sent a picture of him on the front stoop, smiling with his tiny, chiklet teeth and oversized backpack. He was ready, not noticing that this moment marked the end (and beginning) of something. It seemed to his one aunt, many miles away, that he had fully transitioned into being a kid, and this shift had ripples for their whole household.  I've been thinking about that precious boy this week, and the next-youngest brother who felt lost at home without his favorite playmate. The 'back-to-school' season is full of many transitions and ripples for families across the country. It may masquerade as an ordinary moment full of mundane tasks, but if we stop to dwell on it, perhaps we can acknowledge all the hope, loss, excitement and anxiety it holds. Will you join me in a prayer for all students, staff and families? Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

The marvel of mutual mission by Greg Allen-Pickett Sensory rooms remove barriers for neurodivergent worshipers by Kathryn Post ‘Shiny Happy People’ returns to examine the Christian culture war pioneer Teen Mania by Kathryn Post Blessing of the backpacks by Jess Rigel House Chaplain Margaret Kibben on what makes military chaplaincy important by Adelle M. Banks Are AI sermons ethical? Clergy consider where to draw the line by Deena Prichep In case you missed it... Learning from telephones: Rethinking ministry for a changing world Churches must embrace adaptive change to disciple beyond walls and engage communities, writes Dave Coles. Presbytery of San Gabriel returns ancestral land to Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council The Rev. Jihyun Oh preaches during a worship service as part of Saturday’s historic land back transfer. — Kristen Gaydos Faith250: Healing the nation’s soul through words Reviving America’s moral language — Faith250 invites faith leaders to heal divisions through study and community, writes Becca Messman. Abundance Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s "Abundance" offers a hopeful, critical look at policy, politics and possibility, writes Amy Pagliarella. Reading in a frenetic world Dartinia Hull reflects on the lasting power of words to awaken truth, dignity and freedom. Free hymn: “God Is Our Only King” A free hymn with sheet music by Scott Barton. Summer reads: Faith, formation, and spiritual growth Amy Pagliarella recommends a list of books that explore theological insight, spiritual practices, or faith-in-action in personal and communal life.