WCC News: Ukrainian churches appeal for Worldwide prayer as expression of solidarity

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations is appealing for churches everywhere to join a Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August, which also marks the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Prayer during the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organisations on 16 July 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine, attended by the ecumenical delegation from the World Council of Churches. Photo: Deacon Andrii Sydor/Orthodox Church of Ukraine 13 August 2026   The prayer will serve “not only as a spiritual expression of solidarity with Ukraine but also as an affirmation of the values of freedom, human dignity, peace, and the right of peoples to determine their own future,” reads the appeal. World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay invited WCC member churches and all people of good will to join in the prayer.  “United through prayer, we stand in hope that the pain, trauma, and suffering of innocent people will at last come to an end,” said Pillay. “As we said in June, at our previous Global Prayer for Ukraine, light always triumphs over darkness.”  A WCC delegation visited Ukraine from 14-17 July, witnessing the unity and dedication of religious leaders from different churches and faiths as they minister with and serve  the people of Ukraine in a time of war. Pillay reiterated that the WCC remains committed to journeying with the faith communities and people of Ukraine in their struggle against an illegal and immoral war. We pray that the war will end and peace will return and lives will be saved from further deaths and destruction.  Information and materials related to the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine are available at www.prayforukraine.org.ua. Appeal of the UCCRO concerning the Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on 24 August 2026 WCC delegation makes solidarity visit to Ukraine (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) In Ukraine, churches “sustain hope when hope has been tested” (WCC news release, 17 July 2026) Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine: “Light always triumphs over darkness” (WCC news release, 11 June 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

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, August 17 and Sunday, August 23, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, August 17, 2026 - That we all recognize that our actions impact others.
• Tuesday, August 18, 2026 - That the world unites in care for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
• Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - That workers be paid a living wage.
• Thursday, August 20, 2026 - That youth value honesty and respect in all their relationships.
• Friday, August 21, 2026 - That those who have power address that humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
• Saturday, August 22, 2026 - That leaders put aside their pride and ambition for the good of their country.
• Sunday, August 23, 2026 - That the leaders of the church maintain their focus on Jesus Christ and his teachings. 

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, August 9, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Jesus reframes the ten commandments from a list of external rules into matters of the heart. He taught that true righteousness is not merely...

Sunday's Message (The 10 Commandments Through the Eyes of Jesus: Keep the Sabbath Holy)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message (The 10 Commandments Through the ...: Jesus reframes the ten commandments from a list of external rules into matters of the heart. He taught that true righteousness is not merely...

Looking into the lectionary - Back-to-school faith resources

Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138, Romans 12 and Matthew 16:13-20 13th Sunday after Pentecost August 23, 2026 A folk adage describes how our prayer lives develop over time: First, you talk and God listens. Then God talks and you listen. Finally, no one talks, and you both listen. Isaiah 51:1-6, Psalm 138, Romans 12 and Matthew 16:13-20 speak to the ways God is revealed to us and to God’s desire for us to connect deeply enough to hear what God is trying to tell us. Learning to discern God’s voice is one of the greatest challenges of a faithful life because God communicates in so many ways: through prayer and inspiration, through Scripture and through our fellow human beings — often those we would least expect to serve as God’s messengers. In Isaiah 51, the prophet shares God’s profound encouragement, reminding the people who they are and what God has promised them. Three times the people are charged: “Listen to me, you who pursue justice” (v. 1); “Listen to me, my people” (v. 4); and “Listen to me, you who know righteousness” (v. 7). Each charge is followed by examples of God’s guidance, justice and deliverance. It is understandable that the people, suffering near the end of the Babylonian exile, might feel that God had stopped listening. Through the prophet, however, God calls out, assuring them that God has never stopped hearing their cries. In fact, God yearns for them to listen in return. In Psalm 138, the psalmist echoes the benefits of remaining in conversation with God: “On the day I called, you answered me; you increased my strength of soul” (v. 3). Amid our praise and thanksgiving, God not only hears but responds, drawing close to those who are at their lowest and most in need of reassurance and grace. Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that God also communicates through our gifts and callings. Each of us is meant to grow into the fullness of who God created us to be: “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us” (v. 6). Vocational discernment is another challenge of faith because our call may lead us to a particular career or a specific way of serving our community. Sometimes we are invited to take on more than we can handle, especially in churches, where there always seems to be a need for more volunteers, deacons and elders. Yet God does not desire our exhaustion or burnout. Faithful discernment requires us to listen carefully for God’s call so we know when to say “no.” ... Thank you to this week's writer, Jeny Carlson. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for August 16, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — August 23, 2026 by Jeny Carlson   Board of Pensions approves 2027 benefits changes by BOP The patron saint of wholesome by Brittany Harrold Porch PC(USA) membership decline slows, but congregations continue to close by John Bolt 10 things ruling elders should know by Alyson Janke Reclaiming Sabbath in a culture of striving by Katy Shevel

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Director of development The Presbyterian Outlook is hiring a part-time, remote position. How Spider-Man shaped my Christian ethics Brendan McLean explores how Spider-Man taught him lessons about responsibility, service and loving his neighbor long before he recognized them as Christian morals. Presbytery of San José raises more than $30,000 for immigrant legal aid Gifts are being made to partner organizations that work with immigrants and asylum seekers. — Presbytery of San José Religious leaders travel to the Arctic to advocate for protection of sacred public lands Presbyterian leaders joined an interfaith delegation to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to support Indigenous communities and advocate for protecting sacred lands. — EarthKeepers 360 You’re Not the Only One Amy Pagliarella reviews Megan LeCluyse's "You're Not the Only One," a compassionate guide helping isolated college students feel less alone. Kate Bowler on unexpected joy, even in the midst of pain In the midst of a devastating cancer diagnosis, Kate Bowler also found experiences of joy. Now she's written a book about it. — Yonat Shimron Presbyterian response to gun violence across the decades General Assembly overtures, magazine articles and interviews, special action alerts and more illustrate a history of activism. — McKenna Britton When the church chooses to wait Following the General Assembly's referral of a proposed monogamy requirement, Jacob Douylliez reflects on why patient discernment has long been central to the church's search for truth. Help your congregation understand what matters at the 227th General Assembly — and why it matters for your church.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Sacrament Education through the World Communion Offering

Four-Part Communion Resource Deepen your experience of Communion through better understanding.  We have created a four-part series of resources that you can use with your congregation to help enhance your congregation’s understanding of communion. This series was created by the Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner and the Rev. Jon Brown to use as part of the Season of Preparation, which is the time leading up to World Communion Sunday.

Part 1 — Take Offering — Gathering the gifts of God’s creation focuses on the rhythm of communion. Featuring a section of worship liturgy, different activity suggestions, fun facts and where to find additional resources.

Download Part — 1 Take

Part 2 — Bless Thanksgiving — Giving thanks for God’s grace focuses on what blessing means and reviews various examples from the Bible of God’s blessings. Liturgy to use in worship and activity suggestions are included.

Download Part 2 — Bless

Part 3 — Break Breaking bread — Lifting up the body of Christ focuses on what it means when we break bread during communion and Jesus’ first experience of this with his disciples. Liturgy to use in worship, activity suggestions and three bread recipes are included.

Download Part 3 — Break

Part 4 — Give Communion — Sharing the bread of life with all focuses on partaking of the elements and why this is an important communal act. Liturgy to use in worship, hymn suggestions and activities you can include are available in this session.

Download Part 4 — Give

We hope you find these resources helpful as you prepare for World Communion Sunday and receive the World Communion Offering. Thank you for supporting this Offering so that resources like these can be free for all.

If you have any questions, reply to this email or call us at (800) 728-7228, Ext. 5047.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for August 09, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, August 9, 2026

First Reading Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 1Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as an alien, the land of Canaan. 2This is the story of the family of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was shepherding the flock with his brothers; he was a helper to the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. 3Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. 12Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” He answered, “Here I am.” 14So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock; and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron. He came to Shechem, 15and a man found him wandering in the fields; the man asked him, “What are you seeking?” 16“I am seeking my brothers,” he said; “tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.” 17The man said, “They have gone away, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, “Let us not take his life.” 22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him” — that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers agreed. 28When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. Psalm Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b 1   O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,           make known his deeds among the peoples. 2   Sing to him, sing praises to him;           tell of all his wonderful works. 3   Glory in his holy name;           let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4   Seek the Lord and his strength;           seek his presence continually. 5   Remember the wonderful works he has done,           his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered, 6   O offspring of his servant Abraham,           children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 16  When he summoned famine against the land,           and broke every staff of bread, 17  he had sent a man ahead of them,           Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18  His feet were hurt with fetters,           his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19  until what he had said came to pass,           the word of the Lord kept testing him. 20  The king sent and released him;           the ruler of the peoples set him free. 21  He made him lord of his house,           and ruler of all his possessions, 22  to instruct his officials at his pleasure,           and to teach his elders wisdom. 45b  Praise the Lord! Second Reading Romans 10:5-15 5Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that comes from faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7“or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 11The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. 13For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Gospel Matthew 14:22-33 22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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