Weekly Outlook - A prayer for parents who are afraid

Dear readers, Across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), faithful people are serving their congregations and communities with courage, creativity, compassion and persistence — often without receiving much recognition. We want to help tell their stories. For our December 2026 issue, the Presbyterian Outlook is seeking nominations for “Faith Leaders You Should Know.” We’re looking for the unsung heroes of the church: clergy, faith formation leaders, ruling elders and others whose ministries are making a meaningful difference. Who comes to mind for you? Using this form, tell us who they are, what makes their ministry distinctive and why more people should know their story. Nominations are due September 7, 2026. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. The Outlook is hiring! Learn more about joining our team as a part-time director of development.

A case for the title 'commissioned pastor' by Janet Benson The patron saint of wholesome by Brittany Harrold Porch Can attending a school board meeting be an act of ministry? by Owen Gray A prayer for parents who are afraid by Naomi McQuiller   Reclaiming Sabbath in a culture of striving by Katy Shevel Nominate a faith leader we should know by Presbyterian Outlook

In case you missed it... When the church chooses to wait Following the General Assembly's referral of a proposed monogamy requirement, Jacob Douylliez reflects on why patient discernment has long been central to the church's search for truth. Three PC(USA) pastors discuss the joy of working toward their certificate in older adult ministry Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network and Columbia Seminary’s Center for Lifelong Learning have partnered to train more than 175 people to date. — Mike Ferguson Kate Bowler on unexpected joy, even in the midst of pain In the midst of a devastating cancer diagnosis, Kate Bowler also found experiences of joy. Now she's written a book about it. — Yonat Shimron You’re Not the Only One Amy Pagliarella reviews Megan LeCluyse's "You're Not the Only One," a compassionate guide helping isolated college students feel less alone. — Amy Pagliarella Religious leaders travel to the Arctic to advocate for protection of sacred public lands Presbyterian leaders joined an interfaith delegation to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to support Indigenous communities and advocate for protecting sacred lands. — EarthKeepers 360 Presbytery of San José raises more than $30,000 for immigrant legal aid Gifts are being made to partner organizations that work with immigrants and asylum seekers. — Presbytery of San José The garden of a PC(USA) church in Georgia feeds the community and earns an Earth Care Congregation certification Kevin’s Garden began in 2011 as a way to remember a young church member who passed away. —  Nancy Crowe Blessed are the peacemakers in a militarized world Mihee Kim-Kort shares what remembering the Korean War, American militarism and the church’s witness can teach us.

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