Looking into the lectionary - Communion without bread?

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time November 1, 2026 Back in 1997, Fred Rogers was honored with a Daytime Emmy award for his work on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” As he stood to accept the award, he started with these words, “So many people have helped me to come to this night. Some of you are here. Some are far away. Some are even in heaven. All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are — those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life? I'll watch the time.” The story goes that, within a couple of seconds, the packed auditorium was filled with the sounds of sniffles and muffled sobs from the glitterati of Hollywood. Rogers’ slow, soft, loving, parental voice had given them permission – had created a safe space – for them to become like children. It is no surprise many were moved to tears by a glimpse of the love that knows no end made manifest in a cardigan-clad Presbyterian minister.  Remembering the people who formed us has the capacity to wrench at something deep within us. For preachers struggling to bridge the gap between the 23rd Sunday of Pentecost and All Saints' Sunday, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 is a gift: Offering the opportunity to remember those saints whose lives particularly shaped our faith as we consider the words of Paul, exhorting the Thessalonians using familial language to “Lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” In response to Paul’s exhortation, nothing less than the sound of sniffles and muffled sobs will do! ... Thank you to this week's writer, Baron Mullis. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for October 25, 2026? You can find them here. We've got daily Advent devotionals and a long list of holiday liturgies to make your worship planning easier!

Order of worship — November 1, 2026, by Baron Mullis “We will catch you”: A church’s response to a school shooting by April H. Cranford Polity matters: Faithful governance and the Book of Order by Kyle Walker Communion without bread by Rachel Sutphin

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Faith leaders on the ballot: 11 races to watch Two Presbyterians, James Talarico and the Rev. Lindsay James, are among a wave of faith-forward Democrats challenging Republicans in unexpectedly competitive congressional races. — Jack Jenkins Seminaries: This is your moment Two Presbyterian seminary presidents envision a more collaborative, accessible future for theological education that equips the church for a changing world. — Andrew Pomerville & Dr. Jacqueline E. Lapsley Presbyterian peace leader: Gun violence prevention is our lane Third annual Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage reasserts the church’s role in gun-violence prevention. — Rich Copley Vanderbilt Divinity School is under receivership. No one seems to know why. One of the most prominent centers of theological education in the country, Vanderbilt Divinity School has been known for its social justice advocacy. Now students, faculty and alumni wonder what the future holds. — Bob Smietana Theological education begins with human beings The future is something we are being invited to notice, writes Emma Jordan-Simpson, and love is the curriculum. — Emma Jordan-Simpson Hope amid uncertainty Presbyterian seminary classes are shrinking, but Naomi McQuiller says theological education offers something nothing else can. — Naomi McQuiller 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.

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WCC news: WCC conveys heartfelt prayers to Pope Leo XIV

World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay conveyed heartfelt prayers, fraternal solidarity, and warmest wishes for the speedy and full recovery of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.  Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC  16 October 2026 “Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers during this time,” wrote Pillay. “We pray that God will grant you renewed strength, peace, and healing, and that you may soon return to your ministry with restored health and vitality.” Pillay noted that the shared Christian faith calls us to uphold one another in prayer, compassion, and hope, especially in moments of vulnerability. “May the healing presence of our Lord Jesus Christ surround you, sustain you, and bring you comfort and renewed strength,” Pillay wrote. “We pray that you will experience the loving care of God and the encouragement of all those who hold you in their hearts and prayers.” Read the full letter 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 October 18, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 18, 2026

First Reading Exodus 33:12-23 12Moses said to the LORD, “See, you have said to me, ‘Bring up this people’; but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13Now if I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways, so that I may know you and find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15And he said to him, “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.” 17The LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18Moses said, “Show me your glory, I pray.” 19And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, ‘The LORD’; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20But,” he said, “you cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live.” 21And the LORD continued, “See, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock; 22and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by; 23then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back; but my face shall not be seen.” Psalm Psalm 99:1-9 1   The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble!           He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! 2   The LORD is great in Zion;           he is exalted over all the peoples. 3   Let them praise your great and awesome name.           Holy is he! 4  Mighty King, lover of justice,           you have established equity;      you have executed justice           and righteousness in Jacob. 5   Extol the LORD our God;           worship at his footstool.           Holy is he! 6   Moses and Aaron were among his priests,           Samuel also was among those who called on his name.           They cried to the LORD, and he answered them. 7   He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud;           they kept his decrees,           and the statutes that he gave them. 8   O LORD our God, you answered them;           you were a forgiving God to them,           but an avenger of their wrongdoings. 9   Extol the LORD our God,           and worship at his holy mountain;           for the LORD our God is holy. Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. 2We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, 7so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming. Gospel Matthew 22:15-22 15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?“ 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” 21They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

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Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, October 19 and Sunday, October 25, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, October 19, 2026 - That we remember those who died in service to their country.
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - That we remember the dedication shown by our teachers. 
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - That we live our daily lives with both faith and focus.
• Thursday, October 22, 2026 - That our leaders have the courage and wisdom to confront the racial divisions within our country.
• Friday, October 23, 2026 - That we renew our commitment to life.
• Saturday, October 24, 2026 - That our leaders would be honest, humble and God-fearing men and women who recognize that they are accountable to God for each decision and action.
• Sunday, October 25, 2026 - That God brings peace to the Middle East.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, October 11, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Even though life can seem threatening and overwhelming, Isaiah 40:10 reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid: Don’t be afraid. I am with ...

Sunday's Message (His Relationship - “I am your God.”)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message (His Relationship - “I am your Go...: Even though life can seem threatening and overwhelming, Isaiah 40:10 reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid: Don’t be afraid. I am with ...

The Wedding Service for Joe Cancel and Felicia Shotts on Tuesday, October 13, 2026

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, I officiated the marriage of Joe Cancel and Felicia Shotts in Alameda Park, Butler, Pennsylvania. Below is a picture and a podcast of the service. If you're planning your wedding and need an officiant, please give me a call at 304-479-3402.