Teri McDowell Ott
@terimott.bsky.social
Editor / Publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook; Mom of teens, wife of academic
Writing this editorial led me to reach out and reconnect with the pastor who helped me overcome the “I’m not good enough” obstacle to go into ministry.
The seeds we scatter
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence, writes @terimott.bsky.social. God will bring unexpected growth over time.
#SmallMinistry #Editorial
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence, writes @terimott.bsky.social. God will bring unexpected growth over time.
#SmallMinistry #Editorial
The seeds we scatter
Ministry isn’t about perfection but planting small seeds of care, faith, and presence—trusting God to bring unexpected growth over time.
buff.ly
September 18, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Writing this editorial led me to reach out and reconnect with the pastor who helped me overcome the “I’m not good enough” obstacle to go into ministry.
Anybody else need this today? I certainly needed this.
August 18, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Anybody else need this today? I certainly needed this.
I Want This Poem Read Aloud at My Funeral www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Beautiful reading experience of this poem.
Beautiful reading experience of this poem.
I Want This Jane Kenyon Poem Read Aloud at My Funeral
Jane Kenyon’s “The Pond at Dusk” is a quiet, mischievous reckoning with nature and mortality. Our critic A.O. Scott plumbs its depths.
www.nytimes.com
July 24, 2025 at 1:24 PM
I Want This Poem Read Aloud at My Funeral www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Beautiful reading experience of this poem.
Beautiful reading experience of this poem.
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
“Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but, most of all, endurance.” ~ James Baldwin
April 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
“Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but, most of all, endurance.” ~ James Baldwin
Easter as a Word of freedom, preached by the marginalized, felt like the best direction to go this year.
Easter Sunday — April 20, 2025
On Easter, we celebrate freedom in Christ. But who gets the mic? Teri McDowell Ott reflects.
#Easter @terimott.bsky.social
On Easter, we celebrate freedom in Christ. But who gets the mic? Teri McDowell Ott reflects.
#Easter @terimott.bsky.social
Easter Sunday — April 20, 2025 - The Presbyterian Outlook
On Easter, we celebrate freedom in Christ. But who gets the mic? This reflection centers women, poetry, and the oppressed.
buff.ly
April 7, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Easter as a Word of freedom, preached by the marginalized, felt like the best direction to go this year.
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Readers love putting two and two together for themselves, but too often we don't leave them space.✨Join Brevity editor Dinty W. Moore for SMARTER THAN YOU THINK, a lesson on Trusting Your Readers. April 16, 3 PM ET📷Recordings Available. Sign up here: writingcraft.com/event/webina...
WEBINAR | Smarter Than You Think: Trusting Readers with Subtlety, Nuance, and the Pleasures of Uncertainty - Craft Talks
Readers love putting two and two together for themselves, but too often—out of insecurity—writers forget to provide readers the space to discern and discover.
writingcraft.com
April 4, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Readers love putting two and two together for themselves, but too often we don't leave them space.✨Join Brevity editor Dinty W. Moore for SMARTER THAN YOU THINK, a lesson on Trusting Your Readers. April 16, 3 PM ET📷Recordings Available. Sign up here: writingcraft.com/event/webina...
😂😂😂😂
"The key to a successful writing career is to be born brilliant, with flawless work habits, little need for sleep, and wealthy grandparents who own prestigious magazines and publishing houses." - Dinty W. Moore
April 1, 2025 at 12:03 PM
😂😂😂😂
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
The transformative power of Easter joy
A barista’s joy transforms Teri McDowell Ott's routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy — shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
@Terimott.bsky.social #Easter
A barista’s joy transforms Teri McDowell Ott's routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy — shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
@Terimott.bsky.social #Easter
The transformative power of Easter joy - The Presbyterian Outlook
A barista’s joy transforms a routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy—shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
buff.ly
March 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
The transformative power of Easter joy
A barista’s joy transforms Teri McDowell Ott's routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy — shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
@Terimott.bsky.social #Easter
A barista’s joy transforms Teri McDowell Ott's routine Starbucks visit into a lesson on contagious, life-changing joy — shared, uncontained, and deeply felt.
@Terimott.bsky.social #Easter
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Dear Aunt Osibe and Uncle Ernest: A letter to my ancestors
Gail Henderson-Belsito remembers two people who embodied all that is civil and right.
#BlackWriters #BlackExcellence
Gail Henderson-Belsito remembers two people who embodied all that is civil and right.
#BlackWriters #BlackExcellence
Dear Aunt Osibe and Uncle Ernest: A letter to my ancestors - The Presbyterian Outlook
Gail Henderson-Belsito remembers two people who embodied all that is civil and right.
buff.ly
March 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Dear Aunt Osibe and Uncle Ernest: A letter to my ancestors
Gail Henderson-Belsito remembers two people who embodied all that is civil and right.
#BlackWriters #BlackExcellence
Gail Henderson-Belsito remembers two people who embodied all that is civil and right.
#BlackWriters #BlackExcellence
This is one of my favorite photos by @photos-by-jcw.bsky.social
Sunday #stunday
Middletown Springs, VT.
#photography
#EastCoastKin
#Nikon
#Vermont
#autumn
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
Middletown Springs, VT.
#photography
#EastCoastKin
#Nikon
#Vermont
#autumn
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
March 16, 2025 at 4:57 PM
This is one of my favorite photos by @photos-by-jcw.bsky.social
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Good morning! It's time for the #BlueSkyArtShow. This week's theme is #sunlight.
Black Hills, SD (35mm chrome scan)
#photography
#Nikon
#35mm
#EastCoastKin
#SouthDakota
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
Black Hills, SD (35mm chrome scan)
#photography
#Nikon
#35mm
#EastCoastKin
#SouthDakota
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
March 15, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Good morning! It's time for the #BlueSkyArtShow. This week's theme is #sunlight.
Black Hills, SD (35mm chrome scan)
#photography
#Nikon
#35mm
#EastCoastKin
#SouthDakota
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
Black Hills, SD (35mm chrome scan)
#photography
#Nikon
#35mm
#EastCoastKin
#SouthDakota
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
@photos-by-jcw.bsky.social Jonathan takes beautiful photos!
Good morning! If it's Monday, it's #mountainmonday.
Sunset at Hanalei Bay on the North shore of Kauai.
#photography
#EastCoastKin
#Nikon
#Kauai
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
Sunset at Hanalei Bay on the North shore of Kauai.
#photography
#EastCoastKin
#Nikon
#Kauai
Prints: www.jonathancwatson.com/Galleries/As...
March 10, 2025 at 9:11 PM
@photos-by-jcw.bsky.social Jonathan takes beautiful photos!
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
March 9, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Our roundup features insights from @robertdownen.bsky.social, @noelsims.bsky.social, @justinelliott.bsky.social, @josh-kaplan.bsky.social, @amierjeski.bsky.social, @johnphudson.bsky.social, @khoureld.bsky.social, @derosejason.bsky.social, @terimott.bsky.social, @um-insight.bsky.social, & more! (8/8)
Weekly Roundup: March 7
Here’s the weekly roundup from A Public Witness. In addition to a report on new curriculum standards in Oklahoma and a conversation with a Palestinian pastor that are free for anyone to read, paid sub...
publicwitness.wordandway.org
March 7, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Our roundup features insights from @robertdownen.bsky.social, @noelsims.bsky.social, @justinelliott.bsky.social, @josh-kaplan.bsky.social, @amierjeski.bsky.social, @johnphudson.bsky.social, @khoureld.bsky.social, @derosejason.bsky.social, @terimott.bsky.social, @um-insight.bsky.social, & more! (8/8)
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
The @presoutlook.bsky.social staff asked me to record this editorial, and I love what they did with it!
We’re all invited to the freedom party
Silence sustains oppression, writes Teri McDowell Ott. What will we contribute to freedom’s call?
Be sure to listen to this poignant editorial from editor, @terimott.bsky.social.
Silence sustains oppression, writes Teri McDowell Ott. What will we contribute to freedom’s call?
Be sure to listen to this poignant editorial from editor, @terimott.bsky.social.
We Are All Welcome at the Freedom Party
An editorial written and read by Teri McDowell Ott.
buff.ly
March 1, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The @presoutlook.bsky.social staff asked me to record this editorial, and I love what they did with it!
I’m thrilled that my friend Amy Frykholm’s novel is doing so well!
March 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I’m thrilled that my friend Amy Frykholm’s novel is doing so well!
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Struggling with loneliness? Searching for resources to foster meaningful conversations in your community? Our latest Fresh Outlook Bible study guide, "Friendship," is now available.
This four-session study is perfect for small groups and churches.
Get your copy today at https://buff.ly/49zXeda .
This four-session study is perfect for small groups and churches.
Get your copy today at https://buff.ly/49zXeda .
February 22, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Struggling with loneliness? Searching for resources to foster meaningful conversations in your community? Our latest Fresh Outlook Bible study guide, "Friendship," is now available.
This four-session study is perfect for small groups and churches.
Get your copy today at https://buff.ly/49zXeda .
This four-session study is perfect for small groups and churches.
Get your copy today at https://buff.ly/49zXeda .
If you’re looking for a Lent devotional, I hope you’ll consider the Outlook’s. Bobby and Ginna are beautiful writers and storytellers. I loved working with them on this daily devotional. @presoutlook.bsky.social
Grief is a sacred companion on life’s journey.
This Lent, join authors Bobby Hulme-Lippert, Ginna Bairby and Teri McDowell Ott for Grieving Change and Loss, a devotional rooted in Scripture, personal reflection and prayer. Embrace the wilderness of grief and be guided toward the promise of Easter.
This Lent, join authors Bobby Hulme-Lippert, Ginna Bairby and Teri McDowell Ott for Grieving Change and Loss, a devotional rooted in Scripture, personal reflection and prayer. Embrace the wilderness of grief and be guided toward the promise of Easter.
2025 Lenten devotional: Grieving Change and Loss - The Presbyterian Outlook
Navigate grief's complexities with "Grieving Change and Loss", a 2025 Lenten devotional exploring heartache and hope with Scripture, reflection, and prayer.
buff.ly
February 14, 2025 at 1:05 PM
If you’re looking for a Lent devotional, I hope you’ll consider the Outlook’s. Bobby and Ginna are beautiful writers and storytellers. I loved working with them on this daily devotional. @presoutlook.bsky.social
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Chicago honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 19, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Chicago honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Inauguration Day prayer
January 20, 2025, marks the inauguration of America's new president as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Teri McDowell Ott pens a prayer to help us hold all this together.
#Inauguration #MLKJr @terimott.bsky.social
January 20, 2025, marks the inauguration of America's new president as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Teri McDowell Ott pens a prayer to help us hold all this together.
#Inauguration #MLKJr @terimott.bsky.social
Inauguration Day prayer - The Presbyterian Outlook
Inauguration Day prayer: Seek God’s guidance, justice, and peace; pray for leaders' wisdom and strength to build a beloved community for all.
buff.ly
January 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Inauguration Day prayer
January 20, 2025, marks the inauguration of America's new president as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Teri McDowell Ott pens a prayer to help us hold all this together.
#Inauguration #MLKJr @terimott.bsky.social
January 20, 2025, marks the inauguration of America's new president as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life. Teri McDowell Ott pens a prayer to help us hold all this together.
#Inauguration #MLKJr @terimott.bsky.social
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
We are all public theologians
"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
@terimott.bsky.social
"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
@terimott.bsky.social
We are all public theologians - The Presbyterian Outlook
This reflection inspires you to claim your call, use your unique medium, and speak hope into the world as a public theologian.
buff.ly
January 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM
We are all public theologians
"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
@terimott.bsky.social
"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.
@terimott.bsky.social
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Immensely proud to have images included in some of this year’s top stories in this fine publication!
Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2024
Here are the top 10 Presbyterian news stories from 2024 highlighting the questions and concerns shaping the church's future.
Here are the top 10 Presbyterian news stories from 2024 highlighting the questions and concerns shaping the church's future.
Top 10 Presbyterian news stories of 2024 - The Presbyterian Outlook
Explore 2024's top Presbyterian news stories, covering leadership changes, inclusivity, structural shifts, and decisions shaping the PC(USA).
buff.ly
December 18, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Immensely proud to have images included in some of this year’s top stories in this fine publication!
Reposted by Teri McDowell Ott
Christmas Eve — December 24, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the spirit of beloved community. Christ's birth is a symbol of peace and inclusivity, she writes, welcoming even those we might exclude.
#ChristmasEve #pcusa @terimott.bsky.social
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the spirit of beloved community. Christ's birth is a symbol of peace and inclusivity, she writes, welcoming even those we might exclude.
#ChristmasEve #pcusa @terimott.bsky.social
Christmas Eve worship reflection: Beloved Community and Luke 2
A reflection on 'beloved community' and inclusion for pastors prepping for Christmas Eve worship.
buff.ly
December 9, 2024 at 9:00 PM
Christmas Eve — December 24, 2024
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the spirit of beloved community. Christ's birth is a symbol of peace and inclusivity, she writes, welcoming even those we might exclude.
#ChristmasEve #pcusa @terimott.bsky.social
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on the spirit of beloved community. Christ's birth is a symbol of peace and inclusivity, she writes, welcoming even those we might exclude.
#ChristmasEve #pcusa @terimott.bsky.social