Worship resources for Jan. 8 AND Jan. 15, 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. Beginning today, we will release our worship resources two weeks in advance rather than one week in advance.

January 15, 2023 Second Sunday after Epiphany John 1:29-42 The congregation I serve is a gem. The members are some of the most incredible people you’ll ever meet, dedicated to following Jesus and showing God’s love. They are welcoming and inclusive and committed to ministries of justice and compassion. Together, we ask big questions; we support each other in challenging times; we pray together, march together and stand in solidarity with undocumented neighbors. When I was in the call process, I thought, “this is precisely the kind of faith community I want to help with the spiritual formation of my children.” And yet sometimes, I think we’re one of our city’s best-kept secrets. Our lack of evangelism, which can sometimes feel like self-promotion, means that our Christ-centered communities can fade into the background. We want to let our actions speak louder than words, to witness through our works. There is a lot to be said for that, certainly. If we’re witnessing with our words but our actions don’t match up, that’s a problem. For instance, I think of the many modern messages that are being proclaimed in the name of Jesus that are not reflective of God’s expansive and inclusive love. If we remain silent, people may not realize that the love we show in our lives is the fruit of our faith in Jesus Christ. Since it can feel like a tricky tightrope to walk between proclaiming Christ and demonstrating love, maybe we should look to Jesus for guidance. “What are you looking for?” These are the first words that Jesus speaks in this John’s Gospel.  You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. Thank you to guest writer Stephanie Sorge. Want the Looking into the Lectionary reflection for January 8, 2023? You can find it here. In it, Rose Schrott Taylor wonders if the servant in Isaiah 42 is a prophecy for us as well as Christ. Orders of worship for Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Free hymn in support of asylum seekers by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Uniform Standard Lessons for Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, 2023, by Richard Boyce Weekly Christian ed lessons for Jan. 8 and Jan. 15 by Joelle Brummit-Yale IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... The top 10 Outlook stories of 2022 We've covered a lot of ground this year. Here are the website's most popular stories from the past 12 months.  Thank you, Leslie Scanlon Outlook's national reporter Leslie Scanlon will be moving on to new opportunities and challenges in 2023. We are grateful for her many years of faithful service. — Teri McDowell Ott Mountain biking as a spiritual practice Anna Kendig Flores shares how she picked up mountain biking as a 36-year-old, and what the activity has taught her about herself, the world, and God. Who were the 3 wise men who visited Jesus? The details in Matthew's story about the wise men are slim, and so it raises more questions than it answers. Where were the wise men actually from? Why were they interested in Jesus? And, above all, who were they? — The Conversation  How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now Jo Wiersema reviews James K. A. Smith's new book.  Grateful for our 2022 donors  A word of gratitude and acknowledgment for the many donors who make the Outlook’s ministry possible. Hard times in Texas: Transgender Presbyterian minister Remington Johnson and her ministry of visibility and presence I feel the anxiety. I feel the fear. I’ll still show up. — Leslie Scanlon 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.

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