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.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

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!

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

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...

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.