Looking into the lectionary - Digital ministry isn’t optional — it’s inclusion

John 17:1-11 Seventh Sunday of Easter May 17, 2026 When I was in my late 20s and feeling invincible, I made an ill-advised decision to load myself up like a pack mule with luggage. As I recall, I decided not so much to carry my bags as to wear them slung across my body. That is when I felt and heard the crunch. Within a few days, I learned I had compromised my C-5 vertebra. While it was a painful and protracted recovery, I was confident that I had managed to maintain the illusion of my invincibility until congregation members started asking after my well-being. Eventually, one member totally blew my cover and let me know, in no uncertain terms, “You didn’t cover up anything. You’ve smelled like Icy-Hot since November.” I was chastened but unbowed! Unbowed, that is, until the words of another member let me know, in no uncertain terms, that God’s tender mercies are even for me. She was a woman with whom I had spirited theological disagreements and happened to be at the church’s reception desk one day when I hobbled into the office. She inquired about my injury and then added, “I have been praying for you.” I replied that I was deeply moved to hear that, to which she answered, “I always pray for you because you are my pastor, but now I pray specifically for your healing as well.” People of faith have varying viewpoints on prayer. Some believe that praying for others causes our own attitudes to change. Some believe that we change the world with our prayers. As Pope Francis famously said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That is how prayer works.” However disciplined or undisciplined our prayer lives may be, we know that prayer is part of being a Christian. .... Thank you to this week's writer, Baron Mullis. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 10, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 17, 2026 by Baron Mullis   Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’ by Blake Brinegar Responding to mental health crises: A guide for pastors by Camile Cook Howe, Joseph Feldman and Theresa Nguyen Why digital ministry is inclusion by Brittany Harrold Porch

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... PC(USA) to consider policy rejecting White Christian nationalism A proposed General Assembly policy would formally repudiate White Christian nationalism, urging congregations and leaders to confront its theology, examine its influence and respond through teaching, public witness and practice. — John Bolt Discussion guide for April 2026 issue In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation. — Donald Griggs More Light Presbyterians retreat centers rest, belonging and resistance At Ferncliff, queer Presbyterians named harm, shared stories and reclaimed rest as essential to the church’s ongoing work for justice, writes Bethany Peerbolte. General Assembly committee leaders gather at the Presbyterian Center for training and for fun Seventy-three leaders from 11 committees learn from national staff and from one another. — Mike Ferguson Why one Presbyterian group is advocating for Palestinian women prisoners Paul Seebeck shares how a multi-denominational campaign is drawing attention to reported abuses — and why it matters as the General Assembly takes up Israel/Palestine issues.

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