Worship resources for January 1, 2023

Worship resources update Providing accessible, sound worship resources has become an essential part of Presbyterian Outlook's identity over the past several years. We often hear that these materials support small and over-extended church staff. We also frequently hear that it would be helpful to have these worship resources available earlier. Because we value our readership and desire to serve the church to the best of our ability, we're listening to you. In January 2023, we will begin releasing our worship resources two weeks in advance rather than one week in advance.

January 1, 2023 New Year's Day Psalm 148 COMMENTARY John Calvin begins his Institutes of the Christian Religion with God’s revelation being found in all of creation. For the spiritual but not religious, a growing number in the United States, general revelation is a relatable beginning point. Looking back to my youth and early young adulthood, I can see that I was more of a Calvinist than I realized. I loved finding the Divine while hiking in the Weminuche Wilderness of southwest Colorado or playing the trombone to Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” surrounded by a symphonic orchestra. It wasn’t until I found myself working at Mo-Ranch Conference Center in Hunt, Texas, that I began to find words that aligned with the feelings I would experience in those places. In my rhythm of waking up early to open the dining hall for breakfast, I committed to read a Psalm a day for the summer. Although I would have laughed at you if you told me then that I would be a Presbyterian minister someday, I can see that reading those psalms is what brought authenticity to my faith and made me interested in Scripture. I find nothing performative about these lyrical expressions of the heart in the psalms. When Psalm 148 pulls forth images of nature, it is almost like a director of the orchestra nodding her baton; first, toward the planetary strings; then, toward the star struck trumpets; next, the brass sea monsters; followed by the snowy, fiery percussion; and then at last but not least the windy flutes and clarinets. Reading the psalmist’s progression, I find myself starting to reach for my trombone to join in the bolder and bolder praise of God! Psalm 148 reminds me that this crescendo of praise happens not just in nature and within the walls of an orchestra hall but out in the rest of the world as well. You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. Thank you to guest writer Kyle Walker. An order of worship for Jan. 1, 2023. This liturgy is free to use. A prayer for 2023 and 2024 by Allysen Schaaf  God in a box — A Uniform Standard Lesson for Jan. 1, 2023, by Richard Boyce The changing landscape in theological education by Victor Aloyo IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Thinking theologically for the renewal of the church In this issue of the Outlook, we explore the changing landscape of theological education — both challenges and opportunities. — Teri McDowell Ott Co-Moderators of the PC(USA)’s 225th General Assembly share their work and their hearts The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis and the Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace are the final guests for 2022 on ‘Leading Theologically.’ — PNS Introducing the Outlook’s new managing editor Presbyterian Outlook welcomes Dartinia Hull to our editorial staff. — Teri McDowell Ott Books briefly noted: Bible and theology Amy Pagliarella recommends some new books that explore the Bible and theology. An ode to diverse joy Based on Psalm 100, this free hymn can be sung to the tune of "Ode to Joy" and celebrates diversity and inclusivity. — Daniel Heath William Barber launches new center at Yale, will retire from church The Rev. William Barber said the center's goal is to 'prepare a new generation' to create 'a just society both in the academy and in the streets.' — RNS Why early Christians wouldn’t have found the Christmas story’s virgin birth so surprising The idea of virgin birth has been part of Christianity since the start, but its significance has shifted over time. — The Conversation Presbyterian Outlook is hiring a group of remote, paid interns for summer 2023. Learn more. After more than 20 years of service to the church, Rev. John M. Semmes has announced his retirement, effective February 2023. Alton B. Pollard, III, president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, announces retirement Diakonos Solutions Awards Four Women DMin Scholarships Make your own post for free! Click here.