Weekly Outlook - In the face of violence ...

Dear readers, As I watch a wide variety of reactions to Charlie Kirk's murder pass through my timelines and newsfeeds, I am reminded that today is a day steeped in memory, both personal and communal. I find my mind wandering to my view of the world as a fourth grader in 2001. I remember teachers whispering, being sent home from school, my father asking me to leave the room while footage played on the TV. It was perhaps my first lesson that the adults and institutions in my life were fallible. I'm sure you have your own memories of 9/11: quiet offices, huddling around small, dorm room TVs, looking out your window to see smoke, calling loved ones, full of fear and unknown.  Looking back, the world of the early 21st century seems so different — and yet the same. We're still rocked by violence, by the power of words. We still encounter hatred that knocks us off our feet, that pulls our eyes away from God's active reconciliation. We're pondering all these things at the Outlook. What's rising to the top this morning is the conviction that violence isn't the answer. We invite you to join us in "A prayer against violence." I'll only add the benediction: 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 Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. What music are you listening to and why? In 100 words (or less), name an artist or song that brings you hope, joy, or whose prophetic wisdom helps you make sense of our current time and place. Your response can be earnest, lighthearted or in-between.   We will share some responses in the pages of Outlook, on our website, and/or on social media.

A prayer against violence by Teri McDowell Ott Chicago Presbyterians push back on Trump’s troop plan by Harriet Riley Gen Z’s complicated return to faith — and what Presbyterians are seeing by Gregg Brekke For churches, simply surviving is not enough by Phillip Blackburn Our fork in the road: On the end of the Presbyterian Mission Agency by Stanley Skreslet The future of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Decline, renewal and shifting trends by Gregg Brekke In case you missed it... Most Americans don’t believe God played a role in the presidential election Most Americans say God plays no role in presidential elections, Pew survey finds, with views consistent across 2008–2024 results. — Religion Unplugged Food insecurity on campus: What churches can do to help college students flourish Three college chaplains invite churches to help tackle campus food insecurity. — Eliza Smith DeBevoise, David Coffman, Tim Drum The Presbyterian Church Growth Network announces inaugural fall conference Join PCGN’s first Fall Conference, Oct 7–8 in Englewood, NJ. Equip church leaders with tools, insights & strategies to strengthen Sunday worship. One year after Helene: A prayer for healing, hope and remembrance Esta Jarrett pens a prayer to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, offering hope, healing, and remembrance. Practical communication strategies for churches — Join us October 1, 2025 Former Nike executive John Olinger will offer practical advice to help church leaders reach and engage their communities. A daily Advent devotional by Presbyterian Outlook Each Advent, we are invited to slow down and pay attention — not just to Christmas on the horizon, but to Christ’s presence with us here and now. This daily devotional by Teri McDowell Ott helps you do just that.