Weekly Outlook - Gen Z revival; texting purgatory; haunted houses 👻

Dear readers, My parents' church has a tradition that brings tears to my eyes every time I visit. They attend an Anglican church near the University of Pittsburgh — a beautiful, old cathedral that is usually full on a Sunday, and includes a lot of joyful noise from small children. Each week, a neurodiverse member walks the offering plate from the back of the sanctuary to the front. Sometimes a caregiver follows closely; other times the person walks with noise-canceling headphones, moving purposefully forward. The priest always pauses, smiles, and welcomes them as they arrive. For reasons I'm still pondering, this small act of inclusion makes me cry. It brings to mind visions of Christ calling forward and blessing children (those we often overlook), of the diversity of the kin-dom of God, of the tenderness of our Creator.  Next Wednesday, the Outlook and Big Fatih Resources are hosting a webinar, "Creating neuro-affirming worship: Welcoming neurodiverse children and families." I look forward to learning more about what it looks like to include neurodiverse families. I hope you join us! With hope and delight, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

Encountering the holy at a haunted house by Karie Charlton Does God answer the prayers of a showgirl? by Hannah Lovaglio  "I’m sorry I forgot to text you back" by Katy Shevel Is there religious revival among Gen Z? by Kathryn Post Jürgen Moltmann: Theologian of hope and transformation by Steffen Lösel What happens when ministry becomes a security risk? by Harriet Riley In case you missed it... Why Christians Should be Leftists “Why Christians Should Be Leftists” argues Jesus’ moral imagination pushes Christians toward justice, compassion and a politics rooted in neighbor-love, writes Samuel McCann. Board of Pensions President announces retirement The Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer will retire as President and CEO of the Board of Pensions at the close of GA226 (2026) after 12 years of service. — BOP CREDO cultivates ministers’ wholeness for 20 years Over two decades, the Board of Pensions has offered CREDO gatherings more than 170 times. — PNS Learning to unlearn ableism When an injury stopped Maggie Alsup in her tracks during Holy Week, she began to see her ministry — and her body — in a new light. Theology is for the birds … and for me Andrew Taylor-Troutman explores a “living theology” shaped by attention — to creation, to one another, and to the holy particularities that make us who we are. Creating neuro-affirming worship: Welcoming neurodiverse children and families Equip your church to welcome neurodiverse children and families. Join us for a webinar with Big Faith Resources on November 5.

Available now!  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. Draw Near, written by Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott, is a daily devotional that helps you do just that.