A New Devotion - A Warning

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: A New Devotion - A Warning: Here's a new devotion that I wrote. It's based on the passage below. You can find a recording of this devotion at the bottom of the ...

Sunday's Message: The Parables in the Gospel of Luke - The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: The Parables in the Gospel of Lu...: During the months of October and November, we'll discuss the following parables unique to the Gospel of Luke: October 16 – The Good Sama...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, October 23, 2022

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the months of October and November, we'll discuss the following parables unique to the Gospel of Luke: October 16 – The Good Sama...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, October 31 and Sunday, November 6, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, October 31, 2022 - That we resist those forces that seek to divide us.
• Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - That those in business, government and media would resist exploiting human fear or greed to shape public opinion. 
• Wednesday, November 2, 2022 - That churches fulfill their purpose as lighthouses for Christ.
• Thursday, November 3, 2022 - That those in the arts would be open to biblical world views and principles.
• Friday, November 4, 2022 - That we strengthen our global unity rather than casting blame and sowing divisions.
• Saturday, November 5, 2022 - That there'll be peace between Russia and Ukraine
• Sunday, November 6, 2022 - That we put aside our self-interest for the sake of our neighbors.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - A Worship and Music Conference with plenty of both on display

Witness, Share and Evangelize: Today in the Mission Yearbook - A Worship and Musi...: The Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson shines her light from the pulpit during opening worship October 25, 2022 The Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson When on...

Attending to Advent: poetry, prose and prayer

Are you looking for theologically sound, inspiring and affordable Advent devotions for your congregation? The Presbyterian Outlook is once again offering accessible and inspiring daily devotions for Advent. Poetry and prose reflections, curated and written by editor Teri McDowell Ott alongside contributing editors Kathryn Lester-Bacon and Arlin Buyert, will help readers attend to this sacred season of waiting. Learn more What do you get with your order? A digital, daily devotional that you can print and insert into your bulletin, email out to your congregation, or read like a book at home while drinking your morning coffee Color, black and white, and large print versions of the devotional All files in your inbox on November 7, 2022 Intrigued? View a sample of week one.

Worship resources for October 30, 2022

October 30, 2022 Twenty-first Sunday of Pentecost Luke 19:1-10 COMMENTARY Every year around All Saints Day, as a pastor, I can’t help but think about the many saints of the church whose lives I’ve had the honor of celebrating in services of witness to the resurrection — saints like Mary Louise Fisher. Mary Louise was such a deeply spiritual, loving, dear soul who managed to be both Mary and Martha. She might go from worship to washing dishes after a potluck, from scooping dog poop in the churchyard to organizing the church library (after washing hands, of course!), from protesting a proposed oil pipeline to studying Cynthia Bourgeault’s latest book, all in the same week. All Saints Day notwithstanding, it’s the story of Zacchaeus that brings Mary Louise to mind. I often find myself wondering if it is possible to be a wealthy and faithful follower of Jesus. When I start to get especially cynical, I think of Mary Louise. She didn’t want for financial resources, but she was far from ostentatious. She gave quietly but generously to people, to the church and to other important causes. She was a faithful steward of her time, energy and resources. One bequest she left to the church, earmarked for creation care, inspired a matching bequest from another saint of the church, Nancy Caperton. Of course, it’s easy to affirm the faithfulness of saints like Mary Louise and Nancy. They follow in the footsteps of Lydia (Acts 16), and other individuals who provided extensive financial support for the early church. Most of us can name several saints – wealthy, comfortable, or simply frugal – whose faithful stewardship has enabled the ministry of the church in the past, through the present and perhaps into the future. Then there’s Zacchaeus. ... You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for Oct. 30, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. A prayer for Reformation Sunday by Chris Currie Unexpected friendships — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Rejection and election— A Uniform Standard Lesson for Oct. 30, 2022, by Richard Boyce.   IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Should the Presbyterian Church invest in companies that make or sell guns? A recommendation on that is likely to come to the 2024 General Assembly. — Leslie Scanlon Princeton Theological Seminary Launches Master of Arts in Theology & Ecology Degree Program The 13-month program will attend to the intimate connections among land, space, justice, soil, place, and neighbor. What does it take to become an ordained pastor in the PC(USA)? Timothy B. Cargal, who helps to oversee the development of new pastors for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), outlines the basic process for becoming a minister of Word and Sacrament. Response Mixed to PC(USA) Labeling Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Lands as Apartheid While the Jewish community in the U.S. is largely disappointed or outraged by the use of the word apartheid, responses within the denomination are generally positive. — Eric O. Ledermann Word and sacrament as a springboard Word and sacrament are central to the church, but they need to point us outward rather than inward, says Chip Hardwick. Princeton Seminary president set to retire in 2023 Diakonos Solutions Awards Four Women DMin Scholarships New Pastor for Broadmoor Church in Daly City, CA Have an update? Make a post.

Copyright © 2021 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 1 N. 5th St., Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219

Sunday's Message: The Parables in the Gospel of Luke - The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message: The Parables in the Gospel of Lu...: During the months of October and November, we'll discuss the following parables unique to the Gospel of Luke: October 16 – The Good Sama...

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, October 16, 2022

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the months of October and November, we'll discuss the following parables unique to the Gospel of Luke: October 16 – The Good Sama...

A New Devotion - A Lucky Guy

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: A New Devotion - A Lucky Guy: Here's a new devotion that I wrote. It's based on the passage below. You can find a recording of this devotion at the bottom of the ...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, October 24 and Sunday, October 30, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, October 24, 2022 - That fathers and mothers in every American household would exercise godliness.
• Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - That American students would have a passion for God.
• Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - That nations work to secure and enhance international peace.
• Thursday, October 27, 2022 - That we chose to show generosity and compassion to the poor and the needy.
• Friday, October 28, 2022 - That Americans would lead the world in protecting the natural environment that's been entrusted to our care.
• Saturday, October 29, 2022 - That Americans be thankful for the opportunities and responsibilities we've been given.
• Sunday, October 30, 2022 - That those in business, government and media would cherish honesty, integrity and humility.

Worship resources for October 23, 2022

October 23, 2022 Twentieth Sunday of Pentecost Luke 18:9-14 COMMENTARY Recently while waiting to board an airplane, I stood near a group of “elite” fliers – people who have racked up so many frequent flyer miles that they walk red carpets, board early, and get first dibs on overhead luggage space. Near them was a woman who caught my attention because she wanted my attention. Loudly enough for everyone to hear, she struck up a conversation with nobody, or anybody, announcing, “Well, I’ve got a half million miles on one airline and a half million on another, but I don’t have a million on one, so I can’t walk down their silly red carpet!” Smiling wide, she caught my eye and nodded as if I would understand. I smiled back even though I, someone who only just entered the miles race, really did not understand. One of the other elite fliers said, “You don’t want another half million miles, because then you’d never get to see your family.” She laughed, then declared with pride, “I already don’t see my family.” All who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted. The parable in Luke 18:9-14 describes two people who have gone to the Temple — a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both these men are Jews, but neither are right with God. The tax collector works for the Romans, squeezing his needy neighbors on behalf of the empire and his own personal profit. The Pharisee distinguishes himself from this wretched tax collector, praying loudly, “God, I thank you that I am not like him,” exalting himself for everyone to hear. I’ve noticed a new form of exaltation today. Like the high-mileage flyer, I hear people exalt themselves by declaring how busy they are. I am so busy, they say. I have so many miles. I never see my children. They cry, “Woe is me; I am always on the go!” But their proud tone belies their lament. ... You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for Oct. 23, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. Princeton Theological Seminary names Rev. Dr. Jonathan Lee Walton as its eighth president Rebuilding with hope — Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Who’s in charge? — A Uniform Standard Lesson for Oct. 23, 2022, by Richard Boyce.   IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... One parish one prisoner: Every church a local resurrection community Chris Hoke describes the genesis of a program creating relationships between releasing prisoners and churches. Cultivating an experiential church When churches focus solely on growth, they are asking the wrong questions, Graham Standish writes. What if, instead, we focus on experiencing God? Reformation Sunday resources for Oct. 30 The Presbyterian Historical Society commemorates the Confession of Belhar. Why was Miriam punished for speaking out? Katy Shevel wrestles with Numbers 12 where Miriam is punished by God for questioning Moses. What Biden’s new deal for Venezuelans means for other refugees Faith-based refugee resettlement agencies welcome the new program while advocating for refugees who have gotten less media coverage of late. Princeton Seminary president set to retire in 2023 Diakonos Solutions Awards Four Women DMin Scholarships New Pastor for Broadmoor Church in Daly City, CA Have an update? Make a post.

Copyright © 2021 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 1 N. 5th St., Suite 500 Richmond, VA 23219

A New Devotion - Two Ears and One Mouth

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: A New Devotion - Two Ears and One Mouth: Here's a new devotion that I wrote. It's based on the passage below. You can find a recording of this devotion at the bottom of the ...

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, October 17 and Sunday, October 23, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Sunday, October 16, 2022 - That Russia and Ukraine find a peaceful resolution to their conflict.
• Monday, October 17, 2022 - That governments recognize that their nations will be judged based on how they treat the poor and the powerless.
• Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - That children be protected from those who are not seeking their best interest.
• Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - That American businesses, unions and government officials would be ethical in all tax reporting and financial transactions.
• Thursday, October 20, 2022 - That people are sensitive to the vulnerability of their neighbors.
• Friday, October 21, 2022 - That loving families would be valued and protected by all authorities in this nation.
• Saturday, October 22, 2022 - That people reflect the love and mercy of God in their daily lives.
• Sunday, October 23, 2022 - That people take seriously God's call to be good stewards of creation.

WCC NEWS: Churches prepare for weekend of prayer and action against hunger

Churches across the world are preparing for a weekend of prayer and action against hunger on 15-16 October. Prayer during the Week of Prayer  at the Ecumenical Centre Chapel.Photo:Ivars Kupcis/WCC 12 October 2022 The special weekend coincides with World Food Day, observed 16 October this year, and the Churches’ Week of Action on Food. The World Council of Churches (WCC) is providing prayers and resources that include local and national opportunities to engage in prayer and action. The prayers focus on the invitation from Jesus to follow him: “Feed my sheep.” The reflections offer the assurance that God sees, knows. and hears the cry of each person experiencing hunger in the world today. The prayers also invite us to ensure that the daily needs of all people can be met. WCC deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri said that churches not only hold the power of prayer but are capable of taking action that will profoundly improve the lives of children who are in danger of going hungry. “Preventing hunger and working for economic and climate justice go hand-and-hand as churches advocate, act, and pray,” said Phiri. “We can all be a catalyst for change at the local, regional, and global levels.” Across the globe, up to 828 million people were affected by hunger in 2021. The number has grown by about 150 million since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conflict and violence, inequality, and the impacts of climate change have left them even further behind. Healthy diets are unaffordable for almost 3.1 billion people (40% of the world's population). More than 41 million people–around half of them children–are at risk of falling into famine in 43 countries. Food prices have also increased in the past year due to bottlenecks in supply chains, soaring transport costs and other disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine, involving two of the biggest producers in agriculture and staple cereals globally, is disrupting supply chains and further affecting global grain, fertiliser, and energy prices, leading to shortages and fuelling even higher food price inflation. But if we share this burden, God gives us hope and courage for being part of a global transformation. The Weekend of prayer & action against hunger is a vital opportunity to mobilise ourselves, our congregations, churches and communities to overcome hunger in our different contexts, appreciating and contributing to the local church  and  church related organisations in their good work. So let us pray, do justice and act, to feed the hungry and serve the needy as we follow Jesus. Week of Prayer & Action Against Hunger 14-16 October, 2022 REGISTER FOR PRAYER GATHERING AT 9 AM GMT REGISTER FOR PRAYER GATHERING AT 5 PM GMT See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC acting general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, from the Orthodox Church in Romania.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland