Mission Yearbook: The Offer’ spurs a conversation on innovation

Jack Hess, the president and co-founder of CivicLab, recently shared the remarkable story of one man’s architectural vision and the effect it has had on the landscape and civic life of Columbus, Indiana. 

Hess presented one of the plenary session addresses at the inaugural Luminosity Conference, sponsored by the Presbyterian Foundation in Orlando, Florida. The conference was designed to offer pastors and other church leaders’ inspiration and thoughts on innovation.

Image

The crowd attending last month's Luminosity Conference takes in what Jack Hess of CivicLab has to say about design innovations in Columbus, Indiana.

CivicLab teaches collaborative community teams how to approach complex social problems by redesigning the way they work together. Since 2012, the organization has served more than 300 communities across the country and trained more than 14,000 leaders and community stakeholders.

In the mid-20th century, Columbus was a typical small Midwestern city, Hess said, with a looming problem: the Baby Boom. In 1950, Life Magazine had featured the city in an issue about such cities; the writer said the one word that best described Columbus was “average.”

“We were average at best,” Hess said with a grin. “Our city was very similar to many cities in the Midwest. And we had not built a new school in 22 years.” The first babies born after World War II were about to reach school age. “This was the greatest sea change this community would face. How we responded would say a lot about what our future would be.”

Enter J. Irwin Miller, the scion of the Cummins industrial family business. Miller held a degree from Yale, but not in business or economics. He studied Greek and Latin and then completed a master’s degree at Oxford University. A Renaissance man of sorts, he was a Bible scholar who served as the first lay president of the National Council of Churches. It was this background that became the foundation for renewal in his hometown.

After two new, identical, prefabricated schools began experiencing significant maintenance issues, Miller made the first proposal in what would become known as “The Offer.” If school officials would agree to solicit proposals from five well-known architects and choose one of them as the design for a new school, Cummins would pay for architectural design fees. Starting with school design was an intentional decision to focus on the constituency that was never at the table but most directly represents the future – children.

Image

Attendees of the Presbyterian Foundation's Luminosity Conference took in a number of speakers, including Jack Hess of CivicLab.

“Miller had a two-fold problem,” Hess explained. “He needed talented engineers, executives and other employees for his growing company, but he knew they would not move to where the schools were not good. He understood that family and education would be crucial to the Baby Boomers. He was also inspired by a statement from Winston Churchill: ‘We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.”

The Offer has dramatically shaped Columbus in the decades since. More than 70 buildings have been designed by such architects as I. M. Pei, Eero Saarinen, Eliel Saarinen, Harry Weese and Kevin Roche. The program expanded beyond schools to other civic buildings, including the county jail. “We call that the jail test,” Hess said. “In Columbus, we believe in excellence for all. Our jail is a reflection of a commitment to restorative justice.” 

While not eligible for The Offer, leaders of banks, manufacturing facilities and colleges joined in the enthusiasm, choosing to follow the model of excellence in design and construction. Churches joined in the spirit of The Offer as well, also hiring renowned architects of the time, working to support the collective vision of the community and showing how churches can join efforts of civic inspiration. 

“So how did Miller’s offer work out?” asked Hess. “I would say The Offer did indeed pay off in profound ways for Columbus.” The city was recently ranked first in the nation for the growth in the percentage of college graduates, according to economist Richard Florida, and recorded a 62% increase in its diversity index, the highest in the nation, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Offer, Hess said, validated what Miller asserted: “Every time any public building is built, that building is a statement to anyone who used it, anyone who passes by, as to what this city thinks about itself, what standards it sets for itself, what it aims to be.”

Chuck Toney for the Presbyterian Foundation (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

David English,  AVP Financial & Investment Planning Professional, Trust Services, The Presbyterian Foundation
Michael Fallon, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Finance, The Board of Pensions

Let us pray:

Gracious God, we thank you for the opportunity to share your love in real and tangible ways with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Minute for Mission: Veterans Day

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” — Matthew 25:35–36

Nov. 11 was originally set aside as “Armistice Day” to honor veterans of World War I. Congress sought to set aside time to “commemorate with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through goodwill and mutual understanding between nations … with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” In 1954, the word “armistice” was replaced with “veterans” to remember those who served in World War II and Korea. 

Image

But when the “goodwill and understanding” that so many sought to perpetuate between nations failed, the names and places and their impact on our friends and families increased with time: Vietnam, Grenada, Beirut, Panama, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. And the experiences in those places profoundly impacted the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our personal lives and those of our friends and families for many generations. In some cases, the stories and experiences and subsequent recognition became well documented in books, movies and television shows. But for others, the impact was without recognition or fanfare. No books. No miniseries. No individual monuments. The impact of those experiences was firmly retained behind an emotional wall. While some thought they were hidden from view, the impact was evident to friends and family for years to come. 

So, as we approach Veterans Day, I give thanks to the Veterans Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and military chaplains who serve alongside our veterans. In every situation, a chaplain was there. Whether it was on the beaches of Normandy, a small group in a VA counseling center or a prison chapel service, Presbyterian pastors serving as chaplains in these institutions have for generations sought to faithfully follow the tenets of Matthew 25. 

In addition to our chaplains, I also take time to remember others who also impact our veterans and their families in their local communities and churches: our PC(USA) pastors, elders, deacons and parishioners. I lift up in prayer all called to a life of service and how Matthew 25 guides us to serve and love others: a neighbor, someone from our community or a congregant.   

Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by the tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the veterans impacted by their time of service who hold close the memories, experiences, hopes and fears. I remember you in my prayers. 

Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the families of veterans impacted by the separation of time and distance and who hold close their own memories, experiences, hopes and fears. I remember you in my prayers. 

Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the chaplains who followed their service members onto the beaches, jungles and waterways of our world and whose call to faithfully serve also took its toll on themselves and their families. I remember you in my prayers. 

Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the numerous support organizations, local communities and houses of worship that devote time, prayer, energy and talent to help our veterans and their families adjust to a new frame of life. I remember you in my prayers. 

Today, as I seek to remain faithfully guided by tenets of Matthew 25, I lift up the long line of faithful servants who do more than remember the day as a federal holiday, but actively seek to perpetuate peace, healing, understanding and restoration to our veterans, their families and those communities ravaged by conflict. I remember you in my prayers.

Rev. Dennis E. Hysom, Executive Director, Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies, and a retired Army Chaplain

Let us join in prayer for:

Cynthia Embry, Senior Financial Reporting Accountant, Financial Reporting, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation
Richard Embry, Systems Developer, Digital Strategy & Information Systems, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation 

Let us pray:

Loving God, you know how deep wounds go. You know that many of our veterans, families, caregivers and communities suffer from the trauma of combat, and you feel that pain in their lives. You know the memories that haunt them and the scars that many of them continue to carry. O merciful Savior, bring healing to those veterans who still hurt. Please grant patience and wisdom to those around them who cannot understand but can sometimes help. Permit both physical and spiritual healing to wounds that remain. For this we pray in your most holy name. Amen.

Outlook Lenten devotional available for pre-order!

Although we haven't even yet cooked the turkey, trimmed the tree or lit the first candle of Advent, the Outlook is thinking ahead to the next liturgical season with pre-orders for our 2027 Lenten Devotional — Immediately: Mark's Gospel for an Urgent Time. Short, urgent and startlingly unfinished, the Gospel of Mark was first heard by people living under Roman imperial rule. Read as a whole story, we discover Mark is not primarily a collection of lessons about individual discipleship. It is the story of Jesus launching a renewal movement among subjugated people — and confronting the religious and imperial powers that profit from their suffering. This Lenten devotional by Presbyterian Outlook Editor and Publisher Teri McDowell Ott invites readers to follow Jesus anew through Mark’s Gospel and consider what its vision of courageous community, restorative justice and collective renewal might teach us about faithful resistance and hopeful action today. Drawing on the biblical scholarship of Ched Myers and Sharyn Dowd, this resource places Mark within its original social, political and economic context while inviting readers to consider how Jesus’ call continues to disrupt “business as usual.” Each entry includes Scripture, a focus verse, a theologically rich reflection, a reflection prompt and a closing prayer, along with a weekly visio divina practice. What this devotional offers   A fresh journey through Mark’s urgent Gospel From its opening sentence, Mark moves quickly. Again and again, we encounter one of the Gospel’s favorite words: immediately. Jesus calls ordinary people, crosses boundaries, confronts systems of domination and gathers a community around a radically different way of living. Reflections connecting Jesus’ world with our own By attending to the social, political and economic realities surrounding Mark’s first hearers, these devotions invite readers to consider questions of power, oppression, money, community and resistance — and how following Jesus might reshape our lives together today. Questions that move us from spectators to participants Every devotion includes a reflection prompt designed to help readers step into Mark’s story and consider what following Jesus asks of them, such as: Where do you sense God inviting you to move from spectator to participant? What “center” might God be calling you to turn away from? What might you need to question or let go of to follow Jesus? A weekly visio divina practice Visio divina, or “divine seeing,” invites readers to slow down and encounter God through art. Guided prompts encourage readers to notice what draws their attention, what stirs within them and how the Spirit might be inviting them to see God’s story – and their place within it – in a new way. Who this devotional is for Individuals seeking a Scripture-centered Lenten practice that connects faith with the realities of our world Pastors looking for session, small-group or congregational resources Congregations wanting to journey together through the Gospel of Mark during Lent Anyone wondering what faithful resistance, courageous community and hopeful action might look like today What’s inside 40 days of Scripture-based reflections Daily entries following the Gospel of Mark A focus verse, reflection prompt and closing prayer for each day A weekly visio divina practice Reflections informed by biblical scholarship and Mark’s original social, political and economic context A printable, shareable format for congregational use Why choose a Presbyterian Outlook devotional? Presbyterian Outlook devotionals combine trusted theological insight with practical spiritual formation. Written by Outlook Editor and Publisher Teri McDowell Ott, Immediately: Mark’s Gospel for an Urgent Time blends biblical scholarship, pastoral reflection and real-world relevance, inviting individuals and congregations to read Mark not simply as spectators of Jesus’ story, but as people called to step into it. This Lent, return to the beginning of the good news — and consider where Jesus might be calling you to follow immediately. What do I get when I order? You are purchasing a digital copy of this devotional packet. We will offer the Lenten devotional in multiple forms so that you can use the version that works best for your congregation. Your purchase will include a full PDF book of devotions and individual files for each week of Lent. You can email the devotions to your congregation, or you can print as many as you need. You have the option to print a half-page or full-page booklet. The full-page booklet has a slightly larger font. Each daily entry includes Scripture, a reflection prompt and prayer, with a visio divina practice included each week. We hope these devotions deepen your Lenten journey as you follow Mark’s urgent story toward Christ’s death and resurrection. When will I receive my order? The devotionals will be available for download on January 6, 2027. Those who pre-order will be emailed their devotions on that date. If you order on or after the release date, you will receive the devotions in your inbox within hours of your order. Pre-orders and a sample link are available at the Immediately: Mark’s Gospel for an Urgent Time product page. With expectation, The Outlook Staff We've got daily Advent devotionals and a long list of holiday liturgies to make your worship planning easier!

Advent planning doesn’t have to mean sorting through dozens of books and resources on your own. In this recorded webinar, Amy Pagliarella offers ideas for churches, small groups and individuals.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

More Christmas Joy Offering Resources for Worship and All Ages

Resources for Worship and Christian Education The Christmas Joy Offering offers many free resources your congregation can use this Advent season. Explore the theme of Micah 6:8 and walking humbly with God through these worship and Christian Education resources. Micah 6:8 Worship Liturgy This worship liturgy contains a service themed around Micah 6:8 and walking humbly with God. It is curated by Presbyterian Association of Musicians resource member Kay Keeler. Download Worship Liturgy Intergenerational Session Use this intergenerational session with your congregation to learn more about Micah 6:8 and walking humbly with God. Download Intergenerational Session Activities for All Ages These activities are useful for an extra few minutes of Sunday school, a fellowship event or children’s church. Choose the activities that best fit your context. Download Activities for All Ages Bottle Stickers Print these stickers on sticker paper, sticker labels or regular paper and use tape to adhere these to water bottles, laptops and anything else you can think of. You can also use bottles to create coin banks or use the can wrapper on a metal can. Download Bottle Stickers Check out more sticker designs and other great resources for the Christmas Joy Offering on our website.  Thank you for your generous support of the Christmas Joy Offering.  If you have any questions, reply to this email or call us at (800) 728-7228, Ext. 5047.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, All rights reserved.

Mission Yearbook: Abundance is a counterbalance to prosperity gospel, speaker says

Image

The Rev. Ayana Teter, Associate Dean at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, addresses the Luminosity Conference. (Photos by Gregg Brekke)

“How do you imagine the abundant life?” the Rev. Ayana Teter opened her plenary at the Luminosity Conference with that simple-sounding question, quoting theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

Teter is the Associate Dean for Students and Formation at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a consultant to congregations and nonprofit organizations. She spoke during the plenary on the first day of the Luminosity Conference, a gathering for PC(USA) pastors and church leaders held last spring. The conference was organized and sponsored by the Presbyterian Foundation. 

In American consumer culture, we are tempted constantly by the illusion of abundance. But Teter cautioned listeners to beware of the temptations and desires that draw us away from God.

“When we are overtaken by desire,” she said, “our joy in God is being extinguished in us. We seek joy in the other desire, and in that moment God becomes quite unreal to us.”

Teter then reframed this individual distraction in terms of the American economic system, calling it an “arch-temptation” that places us in a constant cycle of sin and suffering. “Our culture and our communities are defined by this undercurrent of competition. Everything that is, somebody owns; everything we can do, we can charge for or have to pay for.”

This economic system, she reminded those in attendance, is one that leads to a scarcity mentality and a zero-sum game. Our culture has developed into one where everyone is trying to hold on to what they have, she noted. Gains are privatized, but losses are socialized.

Image

The Rev. Ayana Teter is Associate Dean for Students and Formation at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

In this mindset, even the “historic virtues of our faith and the fruits of the Spirit are viewed as finite resources.” These virtues “have been distorted and replaced because they represent abundance.” Now, they have been assimilated into our culture of scarcity. Teter argued that this distortion is something the church needs to recover from.

Citing Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove’s book “God’s Economy,” which was a corrective to the idea of a “prosperity gospel,” Teter explained that in New Testament Greek, the word “oikonomia,” from which we get the word “economy,” relates to the care and management of the family business. 

Thus, in his ministry, Jesus instructed his disciples to “travel light.” Such a discipline helps us remember, in Teter’s telling, “What pours forth from God is generous caregiving independent of our ability to give back or even to steward.”

Teter noted that Paul in Ephesians writes about salvation being freely offered not because we have already created communities with righteous living, but because we needed it. And she gestured to the Communion Table as the place where we receive God’s gift of community.

So, how can we rest in the economy of grace? What do we practice if we are to manage and care in God’s family business? Teter offered four practices to cultivate communities reflective of God’s economy of grace: 

• Liturgies of gratitude
• Extravagant generosity
• Critical solidarity
• “Communing,” a radical sharing of possessions and resources.

Teter suggested that one way we can practice liturgies of gratitude is to read James 1, then give thanks to the people and the ideas and the things that you see God doing in your life.

She explained extravagant generosity by saying, “Thanksgiving is not a commodity that depletes with use. It is lavish and we need to share it with all; it gives us a new view in what could be possible with God.” 

Critical solidarity is a phrase created by the East German church during the Cold War. It is a form of dissent that asserts that freedom and love go together. Freedom in Christ is the freedom to love others as God has loved us, and should lead us to share the goods of the world with everyone, starting with the ones most in need.

The concept of “communing” is related to that sharing. It simply says, “what’s mine is yours.” Teter pointed out that “when we pull things together, we can live more freely in our individual and collective vocations.”

Jody Mask for the Presbyterian Foundation (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Angela Duffy, CFO, Trust Services, The Presbyterian Foundation
Lindy Ebbs, Raiser's Edge Data Administration, Funds Development Operations, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation 

Let us pray:

Creator God, thank you that through your Spirit, creative solutions flow. Help us to let go of practices that no longer serve you or your people and to rise in Christ to the new opportunities to which you call us. Amen.