WCC News: Churches in southern hemisphere will celebrate Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Churches and Christians in the southern hemisphere are invited to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 17-24 May, following the tradition to center this special time around Ascension and Pentecost. Ecumenical prayer service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Geneva, Switzerland during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 21 January 2026. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 06 May 2026 The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for 2026 comes from Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Eph. 4:4). In a world with diverse and often divided traditions and expressions of Christian faith, Ephesians 4:4 reminds us that all believers are part of the “one body” of Christ. “Let us embrace this divine calling to unity, not as an abstract ideal but as a vital expression of our faith,” invites the theme of this year. “By living in unity, we not only witness to the love and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, but also embody the essence of His teachings.” For the year 2026, the prayers and reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity were prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. The resources are jointly published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches (WCC).  The 2026 resources are available online in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic. Enabling millions of Christians around the world to join the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the resources are available also on the Bible App by YouVersion, offering a daily Bible reading plan, prayers, and questions for reflection. Mindful of the need for flexibility, organizers of the Week of Prayer invite everyone to use this material to pray together for the unity among churches throughout the year. Learn more about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 Reading plan on the Youversion Bible app Social media cards and photos 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

Looking into the lectionary - Digital ministry isn’t optional — it’s inclusion

John 17:1-11 Seventh Sunday of Easter May 17, 2026 When I was in my late 20s and feeling invincible, I made an ill-advised decision to load myself up like a pack mule with luggage. As I recall, I decided not so much to carry my bags as to wear them slung across my body. That is when I felt and heard the crunch. Within a few days, I learned I had compromised my C-5 vertebra. While it was a painful and protracted recovery, I was confident that I had managed to maintain the illusion of my invincibility until congregation members started asking after my well-being. Eventually, one member totally blew my cover and let me know, in no uncertain terms, “You didn’t cover up anything. You’ve smelled like Icy-Hot since November.” I was chastened but unbowed! Unbowed, that is, until the words of another member let me know, in no uncertain terms, that God’s tender mercies are even for me. She was a woman with whom I had spirited theological disagreements and happened to be at the church’s reception desk one day when I hobbled into the office. She inquired about my injury and then added, “I have been praying for you.” I replied that I was deeply moved to hear that, to which she answered, “I always pray for you because you are my pastor, but now I pray specifically for your healing as well.” People of faith have varying viewpoints on prayer. Some believe that praying for others causes our own attitudes to change. Some believe that we change the world with our prayers. As Pope Francis famously said, “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That is how prayer works.” However disciplined or undisciplined our prayer lives may be, we know that prayer is part of being a Christian. .... Thank you to this week's writer, Baron Mullis. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 10, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 17, 2026 by Baron Mullis   Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’ by Blake Brinegar Responding to mental health crises: A guide for pastors by Camile Cook Howe, Joseph Feldman and Theresa Nguyen Why digital ministry is inclusion by Brittany Harrold Porch

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... PC(USA) to consider policy rejecting White Christian nationalism A proposed General Assembly policy would formally repudiate White Christian nationalism, urging congregations and leaders to confront its theology, examine its influence and respond through teaching, public witness and practice. — John Bolt Discussion guide for April 2026 issue In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation. — Donald Griggs More Light Presbyterians retreat centers rest, belonging and resistance At Ferncliff, queer Presbyterians named harm, shared stories and reclaimed rest as essential to the church’s ongoing work for justice, writes Bethany Peerbolte. General Assembly committee leaders gather at the Presbyterian Center for training and for fun Seventy-three leaders from 11 committees learn from national staff and from one another. — Mike Ferguson Why one Presbyterian group is advocating for Palestinian women prisoners Paul Seebeck shares how a multi-denominational campaign is drawing attention to reported abuses — and why it matters as the General Assembly takes up Israel/Palestine issues.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, May 4 and Sunday, May 10, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, May 4, 2026 - That we offer God thanks for all his blessings.
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - That we approach our differences with both faith and common sense.
• Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - That our leaders work for unity and cooperation.
• Thursday, May 7, 2026 - That our public officials accept that great leaders are servants. 
• Friday, May 8, 2026 - That families read their Bible and attend worship services together.
• Saturday, May 9, 2026 - That our judges value the principles reflected in the Old and New Testaments.
• Sunday, May 10, 2026 - That doctors and nurses communicate compassion and concern to their patients. 

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: On Sunday, April 19, we started a new sermon series entitled  The Good News of Resurrection: An Exploration of 1 Corinthians 15 . During thi...

Sunday's Message - Why the Resurrection Matters (15:12-19)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Why the Resurrection Matters (1...: On Sunday, April 19, we started a new sermon series entitled  The Good News of Resurrection: An Exploration of 1 Corinthians 15 . During thi...

Looking into the lectionary - A new pastor enters the moderator race

Sixth Sunday of Easter May 10, 2026 John 14:15-21 I’m thankful for this text two weeks before Pentecost because I’ve often lamented that we dedicate only one Sunday a year to talk about the Holy Spirit. I will talk about the Holy Spirit, the undersold third person of the Trinity, every chance I get. I’m also thankful that this text occurs on Mother’s Day, for it is often our mothers who, like the Holy Spirit, are our constant supporters, biggest cheerleaders, and strongest advocates. The context for the words in John 14:15-21 is Jesus’ Last Supper Discourse, continued from last Sunday. Jesus has washed his disciples’ feet and given them a new commandment. His heart is aching, for one of his closest friends will betray him and another will deny him. Yet, his deep concern is for them. Jesus says the wonderful things he says and makes the amazing promises he makes to encourage his followers through the next horrible 24 hours and beyond. These words are an exhortation to persevere in times of difficulty and persecution. We are not left on our own. We have a constant companion. The God who made us, and is for us, will now be in us. Jesus promises to send an advocate (paraclete – called to our side), who will be with us and in us forever. What do you think of when you hear the word advocate? A defense lawyer? I’ve been watching “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Netflix this year, a courtroom drama series about a lawyer named Mikey Haller who works out of his car, a Lincoln Navigator, usually chauffeured by a past client. Haller provides protection for, argues on behalf of, and guides his clients, never giving up, never abandoning them, even when they ignore his advice or become difficult. I love to think about the Holy Spirit like that — tenacious and willing to get dirty. Paraclete has also been translated as helper or comforter. Isn’t it great to have someone on our side to help and comfort us? Someone who listens to us and speaks words of peace? This is a great promise, especially when it feels like the whole world is against us. We can do almost anything if we know we are not alone. Jesus has not left us orphaned. I call my mom almost every day, because I know she is that advocate in human form. “What is the recipe for banana pudding?” I ask, forgetting where I put that card. She gladly repeats it to me again. “Should I call Uncle Harold?” I ask. “Yes,” she says, “he would love to hear from you.” “I’m really tired,” I explain. “Work is taking a toll on me.” “I know,” she gently responds, “but I also know you are called to be there and do what you are doing. Why don’t you take a day off and get some rest?” How often do I ask my holy advocate for directions, guidance and support? .... Thank you to this week's writer, Tracey Davenport. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 3, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 10, 2026 by Tracey Davenport   West Virginia pastor will stand for Moderator of the 227th General Assembly by Mike Ferguson Special committee proposes confession specific to the times we live in by Harriet Riley Horizons — The Road to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35 by Rosalind Banbury Presbyterian leaders to weigh next steps on fossil fuels by Harriet Riley   Former mission co-workers go public as PC(USA) severance conditions expire by Eric Ledermann

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... A surprising intersection: Queer theology and disability theology  Tony Stiff explores how disability and queer theology together challenge the church to expand belonging and reimagine true inclusion. Beyond inclusion White supremacist institutions cannot be reformed to realize Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. New structures are needed, writes David F. Evans. Climate Justice, Climate Hope: Building a Moral Economy In "Climate Justice, Climate Hope," Michael Malcom and abby mohaupt connect Scripture to today’s climate crisis — casting a vision for a moral economy rooted in care, community and faithful stewardship, writes Amy Pagliarella. Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center awarded nearly $2 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. The camp with PC(USA) connections will use the grant to support critical capital improvements, including facility restoration, expanded capacity, and enhanced accessibility. — Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center A pastor’s clarity is a congregation’s gift Responding to Gary Noonan, Josh Robinson encourages candidates to bring clarity, conviction and self-knowledge into the pastoral search process. Church support and care for transgender congregants Through stories of exclusion, resilience and welcome, Patrice Gaines examines how transgender Christians are finding and reshaping belonging within the church.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

WCC News: Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss: Who are we to stand in God’s way?

Approaching Pentecost, let us be open to God’s work in our lives in unexpected ways and ask ourselves: are there boundaries of faith in our life that God invites us to reconsider? Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss of the Christian Unity Commission of the Pentecostal World Fellowship encouraged all to consider this question.  Dr Jean-Daniel Plüss, president of the Global Christian Forum Foundation in Switzerland and member of the Christian Unity Commission of the Pentecostal World Fellowship during the prayer service at the Ecumenical centre in Geneva. Photo: Ivars Kupcis/WCC 27 April 2026 The World Council of Churches (WCC) continues to invite leadership and representatives of the various Christian world communions that work closely with the WCC to take part in its Monday morning prayers. This week’s reflection was shared by Plüss, president of the Global Christian Forum Foundation in Switzerland and member of the Christian Unity Commission of the Pentecostal World Fellowship. He reflected on Acts 11:1-18 as an account of another conversion in the life of apostle Peter. “This is an account of an ecumenical conversion,” said Plüss. Peter was encouraged when he realized that God was working in others in the same way as he had experienced: “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” “Let this be an encouragement in our lives and work when we discover the Holy Spirit’s work in other Christians, in other churches, in other human beings,” said Plüss. “The Holy Spirit is just as much at work in the other person than in you: Let us be open to God’s move in unexpected ways: in our lives, in our work, in the life of the church.” As we anticipate the celebration of Pentecost, let us pray that the Spirit of Pentecost can work in and through us in new ways, encouraged Plüss during the prayer service. Following the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, the WCC invites all to pray this week for the churches and people of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Learn more about the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle 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