Weekly Outlook - A murmuration of clergy

Dear readers, This March, during the season of Lent, Presbyterian Outlook is dedicating a special issue to grief and loss.  Lent invites us to slow down, to sit with what is broken, and to tell the truth about what hurts. It is a season shaped by dust and tears, by confession and longing, by the ache for what has been lost and the hope for what might yet be made new. In a world full of layered grief — from personal loss to collective trauma — this issue meets readers, not with easy answers, but with faithful companionship. Our contributors include pastors, theologians, writers, chaplains, counselors, and professors who teach and tend in the midst of sorrow. Together, they offer: Theological reflection on grief and loss Reflective writing prompts for healing and self-understanding Prayers shaped for seasons of sorrow Personal essays that name what loss feels like from the inside An exploration of anticipatory grief A “grief bookshelf” of trusted resources for pastors and church leaders This is not an issue that rushes people through grief. It walks with them. It names sorrow without trying to fix it. It offers language when words are hard to find. And it holds space for lament, remembrance, and quiet hope. Lent reminds us: we do not heal by skipping the hard parts. We heal by walking through them — together. Orders placed by Wednesday, February 4, will be delivered in early March. Supplies are limited, so reserve your extra copies at this low price today — the cost per copy will increase after this initial promotion. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

A murmuration of clergy: Presbyterians and partners gather in Minneapolis by Harriet Riley  Why the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions is too long — and how to fix it by Charles Aden Wiley, III A prayer after the killing of Alex Pretti by Teri McDowell Ott Faith leaders call for action after violence in Minneapolis by Harriet Riley When Jesus feels absent — and the work feels impossible by Kate Murphy 2026: A year for the rural church by Phillip Blackburn In case you missed it... Meeting Jesus on the Road: A Lenten Study With weekly walking prompts, reflection questions and a pastoral tone, "Meeting Jesus on the Road" encourages us to meet Jesus in our neighborhoods, writes Amy Pagliarella. Rapsody: The holy work of formation In this episode, Chris Burton explores how Rapsody pairs uncompromising lyricism with a lived commitment to community, mentoring young artists, and investing in others as an act of faithful formation. Holy Disruption: A Manifesto for the Future of Faith Communities  In "Holy Disruption," pastors Amy Butler and Dawn Darwin Weaks tell bold, hopeful stories of congregations that looked outward, listened to their neighbors, and invested their resources for justice. — Amy Pagliarella Unification Commission approves the majority of a proposed Organization for Mission The remainder will be addressed during an online UC meeting Feb. 12. — Mike Ferguson We Can Be Brave In "We Can Be Brave," Bryan Bliss adapts Mariann Budde’s call to courage for young readers — weaving faith, fear and hope through stories both sacred and familiar. Amy Pagliarella offers a review of the book. Inside the effort to organize clergy nationwide to resist ICE Hundreds of clergy from around the country gathered in Minneapolis to learn from Minnesota faith leaders how to protest against ICE enforcement. Then they took to the streets and helped block the city's airport. — Jack Jenkins

Order today!  Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.