Friday, July 31, 2026

Weekly Outlook - 2027 benefits changes from BOP

Dear readers,

This September, we're turning our attention to youth ministry — not by talking about young people, but by listening to them and to the people who know them best. Created in partnership with the Presbyterian Youth Workers' Association, this special issue explores what it's like to be a young person in the church today and what it looks like for congregations to walk alongside them with humility, curiosity and care.

Inside, you'll find thoughtful reflections from pastors, youth leaders, educators and nonprofit leaders on everything from mental health and youth leadership to the gifts of Black and LGBTQIA+ youth, the realities of ministry in small churches and the growing Youth Solidarity Movement.

One of the themes that runs through every article is simple but important: young people are not just the future of the church. They are the church today. Their questions, wisdom and experiences have something to teach all of us.

Order extra copies by August 5 to get the best price. 

And don't forget our Christmas in July sale, which lasts through tomorrow! Using the coupon XMAS, you can get 10% off our entire archive of Advent resources. We'll start pre-orders for our 2026 Advent devotional in early September, but if you want to get ahead in your planning, I recommend taking a look at our 2025, 2022 and 2021 devotionals, which we've reformatted so they can be used in any year.

Peace,

Rose Schrott Taylor
Digital Content Editor
Presbyterian Outlook 

America at 250: Can the church rise to this moment? by Jennifer Butler
The Outlook staff will be off August 3-7 for Sabbath by Teri McDowell Ott
Polity Matters: What’s in a title? by Carson Rhyne
Board of Pensions approves 2027 benefits changes by BOP
How Spider-Man shaped my Christian ethics by Brendan McLean 
PC(USA) membership decline slows, but congregations continue to close by John Bolt

In case you missed it...

Rural Pacific Northwest churches are sharing pastors across denominations to survive
Rural Northwest churches are sharing pastors across denominations to cut costs, sustain ministries and keep congregations alive as attendance and clergy numbers decline. — Emma Maple

Center of Hope (Haiti) cultivates a new generation of leaders
The Center of Hope partnership has nurtured new leaders for a generation. — Gregg Brekke

Presbyterian patriotism: Honestly honoring our history
In the wake of the PC(USA)'s condemnation of Christian nationalism, Matthew B. Warren explores how Presbyterians can love their country without confusing it with the kingdom of God.

A Sabbath prayer
Teri McDowell Ott shares a Sabbath prayer on rest, play and freedom from productivity guilt.

When Ella Langley and Lil Wayne join the benediction
"Class of 2026, receive this final blessing with some help from George Strait, Sabrina Carpenter, Ella Langley, Wendell Berry, Pope Francis, the prophet Micah and Lil Wayne," writes chaplain Maggie Alsup.
It's like SparkNotes but for GA. Order today!
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