The Presbyterian Outlook

2 months ago | pres-outlook.org | Patrice Gaines |Rose Taylor

When I was 21 and – in many ways – not at all who I am today, I was convicted of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and possession of a needle and syringe. That was 54 years ago. I didn’t sell drugs; I used them. I was teetering on becoming an addict. I was in love with a man who had already entered the land of addiction, who had crossed that border between his stint in Vietnam and his return to a country that still blatantly discriminated against Black men. My charges were felonies.

2 months ago | pres-outlook.org | Patrice Gaines

In the 33 years of Jesus’ life, his reputation spread by word of mouth. Two thousand years later, the book about his life is still the bestselling book of all time. Jesus has done well without a public relations firm, commercials, or apps inviting believers to know him. Maybe that’s because his disciples – and most Christians throughout time – lived in a pre-tech world. Today, would Paul have produced a series of television commercials instead of writing letters-epistles?

Jan 15, 2025 | pres-outlook.org | Teri McDowell Ott

God, where do we go from here? The chaos we have seen. The fighting. The violence. The disrespect. Our nation remains divided. Our politics partisan. We recognize the need for change but are paralyzed by fear of uncertainty. We seek justice, healing and restoration, but are stymied by entrenched patterns, broken systems and the innate power of our tribalism. God, save us from the tyranny of chaos. Order our collective lives. Renew our spirits. Turn us to your holy work of building beloved community.

Jan 13, 2025 | pres-outlook.org | Rose Taylor

Third Sunday after the EpiphanyLuke 4:14-21Year C“Start as you mean to go on.” I often think of this old adage while beginning a new ministry. Starting as I intend to go on means the way I conduct myself in the beginning sets the groundwork for future actions — good or bad habits follow initial motive. In our passage from Luke’s Gospel, Jesus begins his ministry as he means to go on — with the power of the Spirit.

Jan 2, 2025 | pres-outlook.org | Teri McDowell Ott

I named my first blog “Something to Say” because I needed the reminder, the affirmative mantra, that I actually had words worthy of publishing. Writing for the internet felt riskier than preaching — I trusted my congregation to be kind, to say “thank you” at the door after worship whether I hit the high mark I set for myself or not. I don’t remember the content of my first post. It was likely a reflection on Scripture, the start of a Sunday sermon, or a cute story about my kids.