WCC News: Ukrainian churches hold National Day of Prayer for just peace

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, on 24 February, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will hold a National Day of Prayer for just peace, and is inviting various religious traditions in Ukraine and beyond to join in prayer. Church tower shines through the remains of the Russian military equipment destroyed during the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, displayed at the Mykhailivska Square, Kyiv, August 2022. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 24 February 2026 “The war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of international norms and rules has brought immense suffering, grief, and losses to the Ukrainian people,” notes the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) in its call for prayer.  “The war has caused the deaths of thousands upon thousands of Ukrainians, the brutal violation of human rights and freedoms in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including targeted religious persecution; the abduction of Ukrainian children, horrific treatment of military personnel and civilian prisoners, the destruction of cities and civilian infrastructure in our country”, states the UCCRO call, adding that the war has triggered the largest migration crisis in Europe in the 21st century. “At this time, we honor the memory of every defender who gave his or her life and health for Ukraine, and we offer prayers that God may strengthen and comfort their families.” Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations calls on representatives of various religious traditions in Ukraine and beyond to turn to the Almighty on this day, asking for a just peace for Ukraine: “God the Great, the One, protect Ukraine for us! We invoke God’s blessing upon Ukraine and the Ukrainian people!” Appeal of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations on the occasion of the Fourth Anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the National Day of Prayer for Ukraine On fourth anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine, WCC urges just, sustainable peace (WCC news release, 20 February 2026) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for February 22, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, February 22, 2026

First Reading Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 2:15The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.16And the LORD God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” 3:1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; 3but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” 4But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; 5for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Psalm Psalm 32 1   Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,           whose sin is covered. 2   Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,           and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3   While I kept silence, my body wasted away           through my groaning all day long. 4   For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;           my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.               Selah 5   Then I acknowledged my sin to you,           and I did not hide my iniquity;      I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”           and you forgave the guilt of my sin.                                                                                                                              Selah 6   Therefore let all who are faithful           offer prayer to you;      at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters           shall not reach them. 7   You are a hiding place for me;           you preserve me from trouble;           you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.                        Selah 8   I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;           I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9   Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,           whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,           else it will not stay near you. 10  Many are the torments of the wicked,           but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD. 11  Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous,           and shout for joy, all you upright in heart. Second Reading Romans 5:12-19 12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned — 13sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law.14Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. 15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many.16And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification.17If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. 19For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. Gospel Matthew 4:1-11 1Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.2He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”4But he answered, “It is written,      ‘One does not live by bread alone,           but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written,      ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’           and ‘On their hands they will bear you up,      so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” 7Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” 11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, February 23 and Sunday, March 1, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, February 23, 2026 - That we have the courage to deal with the violence within our society.
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - That artists and entertainers avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness in their craft.
• Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - That the racial, ethnic, religious, and political divisions within the United States be healed.
• Thursday, February 26, 2026 - That the Ukrainian refugees are protected and sheltered.
• Friday, February 27, 2026 - That we reject the politics of division and hatred and join together as we work to solve the problems we face.
• Saturday, February 28, 2026 - That the body of Christ would fervently pray for our nation and its leaders.
• Sunday, March 1, 2026 - That people put the needs of others before their own wants.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, February 15, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During the season of Advent, we talked about how we might unwrap some of the gifts given to us by God through Jesus Christ. Well, now that C...

Sunday's Message - Offering Our Gift of Love

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Offering Our Gift of Love: During the season of Advent, we talked about how we might unwrap some of the gifts given to us by God through Jesus Christ. Well, now that C...

Looking into the lectionary - An Ash Wednesday lament

John 3:1-17 Second Sunday of Lent March 1, 2026 John 3:16 may be Christianity’s elevator pitch, but I have always been more drawn to the verses around it, where Jesus describes salvation in a way that is layered, mysterious, and more than a little confusing. Salvation, Jesus says, is like being born. Not a quick transaction or a single decision, but a long process of becoming: gradual, uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and often complicated. But it is the only way to life. Jesus suggests that we undergo two births in our lifetime. We are born of the flesh, and we are born from above, of the Spirit. We know how physical birth transpires, but this second birth is mysterious. Salvation is not a formulaic prayer or a ticket to paradise. It is the ongoing work of God that keeps us alive each and every day. Barbara Brown Taylor reflects on this in her memoir Leaving Church. She recalls being asked, “Tell us what is saving your life now.” She writes that it was such a good question, she has kept asking it ever since. What is saving your life now? I have borrowed that question often. But when I invite people to consider salvation, I usually begin one step earlier: What is killing you now? Because, in my experience, naming what is killing me often leads to recognizing what is saving me. ... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for February 22, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — March 1, 2026 by Teri McDowell Ott What we lose when confessions are treated as optional by Keanu Heydari  Why we need “Heated Rivalry” now by Brittany Harrold Porch As universities shutter DEI offices, progressive Christian groups open their doors by Kathryn Post Horizons – The Woman Bent Over, Luke 13:10-17 by Rosalind Banbury Even now: an Ash Wednesday lament by Jennifer L. Aycock IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Kendrick Lamar: A theology of thirst, doubt and redemption Chris Burton offers a wide-ranging theological conversation on Kendrick Lamar’s music, tracing how doubt, trauma, faith and responsibility shape one of hip-hop’s most searching moral voices. Our faith calls us to share in letting empathy loose Alfred Walker shares how a 1989 letter from a man who was imprisoned opened a path for ministry. Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference Amy Pagliarella calls "Christlike Acceptance Across Deep Difference" a generous, honest invitation for churches to keep listening and learning across deep disagreement. Union Presbyterian Seminary expands hybrid learning to increase student access Union Presbyterian Seminary will shift its Richmond campus graduate and certificate programs to a fully hybrid model starting September 2026. — Union Presbyterian Seminary Charges dropped against some clergy arrested for protesting DHS in Chicago The state attorney’s office of Cook County, Illinois, announced it was dropping charges against 19 of the 21 people who were arrested at a demonstration in Broadview, Illinois, in November. — Jack Jenkins Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation Board names Ian Hall as A Corp president Hall has served as interim president and in two other roles for the past 13 months. — Mike Ferguson Task force will propose amendments to the PC(USA)’s 1984 Divestment Strategy This summer, commissioners to the 227th General Assembly will consider updated divestment criteria. — Mike Ferguson A daily Lenten devotional Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.

WCC News: “You are not alone,” prayer for the Caribbean region affirms

A joint prayer for the Caribbean region with ambassadors and staff from various Caribbean Permanent Missions in Geneva was held on 16 February at the office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay provided reflection during the prayer at the office of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 16 February 2026 Organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Moravian Church in Switzerland, the prayer brought together representatives from several Caribbean Permanent Missions to the UN and International Organizations in Geneva. Included among them were representatives from the Permanent Delegation of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN, the Permanent Missions of the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica. Clergy representatives from the Moravian Church in Switzerland were also present in person and online, and led parts of the morning prayer along with the Caribbean staff from the WCC.  H.E. Colin Murdoch, permanent observer of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN in Geneva, offered words of welcome. An online greeting was delivered by Rt. Rev. Philip Wright, archbishop, primate, and metropolitan of the church in the Province of the West Indies and WCC regional president for the Caribbean and Latin America. Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus takes his disciples up a mountain to witness his transfiguration, WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay invited those gathered to consider the mountaintop as a place of prayer, vision, and clarity. “It is the place of movement from fear to faith, from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from sorrow to joy, from discouragement to renewal,” he said. “The mountaintop is a place of empowerment and strength,” Pillay continued. “As we climb a difficult mountain, when we reach the top and speak with the Lord, we find strength and empowerment to face the giants of this world.” He assured participants: “We are here today to pray with you and to say that you are not climbing this mountain alone.” He reminded them that Jesus called his disciples to go and fulfil their mission. “We are not called to escape the world; we are called to carry the light of Christ into a broken and suffering world.” In the midst of despair, disasters, war and climate catastrophe, we as disciples of Christ are called to work for justice and peace, to bring relief and aid, and to reach out to the poor, the displaced, and those in despair, Pillay said. “We are called to challenge the powers that be, saying strongly and prophetically: might is not right.” Photo gallery: Ecumenical prayer for the Caribbean region  WCC member churches in the Caribbean Participants of the Ecumenical prayer for the Caribbean region included representatives from the Permanent Delegation of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the UN, the Permanent Missions of the Bahamas, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, and Jamaica, as well as clergy from the Moravian Church in Switzerland and the WCC staff. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland