Weekly Outlook - The Lilly Endowment + the PC(USA)

Dear readers, I've been thinking a lot about kintsugi — the Japanese art of mending precious pottery with gold. It is a way of highlighting scar tissue, praising it as visible history, and uplifting the beauty of repair.  We're all so fragile. I think of my loved ones who have recently been in the hospital. In that space, bodies are seen for what they are: temporary and fallible. Imperfect. In need of repair. I wonder what the world might look like if that knowledge existed outside the walls of a hospital.  At its best, I think the church can be a place that admires and names the kintsugi of the Holy Spirit. We're all in need of work to repair us, and isn't it glorious that what was broken can be mended, and more beautiful for the journey? With hope and delight, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Last night, Presbyterian Outlook host a webinar on neurodiversity. The Big Faith Resources team did a great job talking about the basic framework of neurodiversity and some very practical tips on how churches can become more inclusive spaces.  Attendee Erma Boswell wrote us after the webinar, saying "Thank you so much for organizing, planning and implementing the webinar with Big Faith Resources for tonight. That was so helpful! Our church ... is just beginning to move from knowledge of neurodiversity to creating a place where everyone feels they belong in our worship services and children’s programs.  I learned so much and plan to share it with others in leadership in our church community." We will be emailing out a recording of the webinar by the end of the week. It's not too late to join us in this learning!

Liturgies and Rituals From the Freedom Church of the Poor reviewed by Amy Pagliarella The theology of DMX: Lament, prayer and the God who stayed by Chris Burton Churches prepare for hunger surge as SNAP benefits face historic cutoff by Harriet Riley, Outlook Reporting Lilly Endowment grants foster ministry and mission across the PC(USA) by Gregg Brekke, Outlook Reporting Equip your church to welcome neurodiverse children and families by Big Faith Resources and Presbyterian Outlook  Our fork in the road: On the end of the Presbyterian Mission Agency by Stanley Skreslet In case you missed it... The Rev. Jihyun Oh is among faith leaders opposed to the Trump administration’s new policy on admitting refugees Church World Service, a partner of the PC(USA), condemns efforts to abandon the nation’s historic refugee program. — Church World Service The work of theology is an ongoing pilgrimage Theologians David Jensen, Martha Moore-Keish and Hanna Reichel reflect on the joy, challenge and urgency of forming faithful thinkers today — and why words still matter. Hurricane Melissa prompts appeal from PC(USA) Gifts to PDA will help to meet emergency and long-term needs in the Caribbean. — Darla Carter Music that meets us where we are From gym anthems to humming hymns in a new church pew — music grounds us, lifts us, and reminds us we never sing alone, writes Teri McDowell Ott. San Joaquin Presbytery builds first new church in decades to serve immigrant communities In California’s Central Valley, immigrant families are putting down roots — and new Presbyterian ministries are growing with them. — Beth Waltemath Is there religious revival among Gen Z? There’s a swell in Christian devotion at the University of Pittsburgh amid claims of national revival, but some researchers say ‘revival’ is too strong a word. — Kathryn Post I’m sorry I forgot to text you back: Keeping friendships in a busy world Ever left a friend in text message purgatory? You’re not alone. Katy Shevel explores how to turn unread texts into intentional friendship — one promise at a time.

Unsubscribe sligopc@windstream.net from this list. Our mailing address is: Presbyterian Outlook 1 N 5th Street Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219 Add us to your address book Copyright (C) 2025 Presbyterian Outlook All rights reserved.