Weekly Outlook - A surprising shift in PC(USA) membership

Dear readers, I saw my first back-to-school commercial the other day — one of those ads aimed at moms and kids — and it instantly transported me back to childhood. I can still remember the strange mix of excitement and dread those commercials stirred up. How could summer already be ending when it felt like it had just begun? What would this school year bring? I can still smell the freshly polished tile floors of my elementary school and remember the confidence of a brand-new first-day outfit and a pencil case stocked with fresh pencils. We're entering that stretch of summer that's equal parts savoring late evenings and preparing for the season ahead. So, in that spirit, we're getting a head start, too. Beginning tomorrow through July 31, all of our Advent devotionals, liturgies and hymn collections are 10% off with the code XMAS. It's a chance to check one thing off your fall to-do list while saving a little along the way. And if you're still catching up after General Assembly, we've got you covered there, too. Our new post-GA bulletin inserts summarize the assembly's major actions in a format that's easy to share with your congregation. Available in both full-page and half-page versions, they're designed to help your church understand what happened in Milwaukee—without having to sort through hours of reports and debate. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

When Ella Langley and Lil Wayne join the benediction by Maggie Alsup Presbyterian patriotism: Honestly honoring our history by Matthew B. Warren   A Presbyterian founder's antidote to our divided moment by James Calvin Davis PC(USA) membership decline slows, but congregations continue to close by John Bolt New website will enable churches and mid councils to easily prove their federal tax-exempt status by Mike Ferguson Polity Matters: What’s in a title? by Carson Rhyne

In case you missed it... Becoming Neighbors Loving our neighbor sounds simple — Aram Feinberg reviews Amar Peterman's "Becoming Neighbors" and asks if it's as easy as it sounds. The state of our union On America’s 250th anniversary, faith communities model a fragile but hopeful vision of unity grounded in truth, repentance and shared responsibility, writes Teri McDowell Ott. New ministry books for preaching, pastoral care and congregational life Whether crafting sermon series, accompanying grieving people or forming communities of radical welcome, these books offer practical wisdom for church leaders, writes Amy Pagliarella. Why Christians should care about science denialism When misinformation fuels disease outbreaks and deepens inequality, science denialism becomes more than an intellectual debate. It becomes a social justice issue that Christians cannot ignore, writes Elizabeth Haswell. Amid ICE killings, more than 100 clergy from across the US stage protest at Delaney Hall 'I am sick and tired of waking up every morning to see another loved one is dead,' said Charlene Walker, head of Faith in New Jersey. It's like SparkNotes but for General Assembly...

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