WCC FEATURE: Swedish “Singstunde” invites spiritual encounter with and through music

A Swedish “Singstunde” offered spiritual musical encounters on the opening day of the Commission on Faith and Order meeting 2026.  26 October 2026, Höör, Sweden: Evening prayer in the form of a Swedish Singstunde providing participants in the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order meeting 2026 with an opportunity to experience the spiritual richness and musical depth of the music from the Church of Sweden, with the presence and musical leadership of Karin Runow (at the piano) and Per Harling.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 27 October 2026 Music and song filled the chapel of the Stiftsgården Åkersberg – an 18th century retreat and conference centre of the Diocese of Lund currently serving as venue for the 2026 meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order – on Monday, as some 80 participants representing churches around the globe gathered.  Some 80 participants gathered in the chapel of Stiftsgården Åkersberg.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC The Swedish context and churches having historically played an essential role in global ecumenism, an evening prayer in the form of a Swedish “Singstunde” provided participants in the commission meeting with an opportunity to experience the spiritual richness and musical depth of music from the Church of Sweden. The event also brings together a group of young theologians from the broader regional context of the Nordic churches. Here, Elin Kakko from Church of Sweden and Johan Wahlström, Uniting Church of Sweden. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC The prayer was held with the presence and musical leadership of Karin Runow and Rev. Per Harling, two significant contemporary figures in the Swedish musical church landscape today. Harling has worked closely with the spiritual life department of the WCC over the several decades, starting back in the 1980s – his most recent submission being dedicated music composed for the theme of the WCC 11th Assembly – held in Karlsruhe, Germany, under the theme “Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity.” Runow pictured playing the accordion. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC Runow in turn, among other ecumenical contributions through the years, wrote and composed an arrangement of the Nicene Creed for the recent WCC Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order, held in Egypt in October 2025. As people from churches all over the world gathered in song on the opening day, Harling stressed the simple yet profound role of friendship as a foundation for ecumenism.  Per Harling (right) and Karin Runow (left) leading the evening of song and prayer. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC “After all these years, I am still surprised and amazed, and deeply moved, by the way these pieces of music are being received in ecumenical circles around the globe,” Harling said. “If you talk about joy, and of fellowship, it is one thing to talk about it and a different thing to actually experience it. So my hope is that we can experience this music together, and that it will give us all a feeling of joy and of renewal,” Runow reflected.  People participate in the Swedish Singstunde on Monday. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC H.E. Metropolitan Dr Mor Theophilose Kuriakose of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary was one for whom the evening offered an experience of music quite different from musical life back home.  Yet while the rhythms are different, the faith contained therein is one that unites us, he said.  H.E. Metropolitan Dr Mor Theophilose Kuriakose (2nd from the right) of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Theological Seminary pictured during the Singstunde.  Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC “The melody is different, and the content is different, but you know that the content and the spirit inside and the faith which is inside it unites us, and we feel it,” he reflected.  “For me it is a totally new, and different, the Swedish melody and context, but I do not feel that it is alien, since it is the Christian music and the Christian heritage. The way it was presented here, and sung so beautifully, I was fully immersed in it, because it is our common faith, it is our common story, it is our common pilgrimage. This diversity, it is the real ecumenical faith, the unity in diversity. That, I experienced here today,” he concluded.  WCC Faith and Order meeting opens with path toward deep dialogue (WCC news release, 26 October 2026) Newly launched report reflects rich tapestry of Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order (WCC news release, 26 October 2026) Webinar will offer special glimpse into “Visible Unity in a Changing North” (WCC news release, 26 October 2026) Photo gallery: Faith and Order Commission – Sweden 2026 A small choir supports the musical experience of the Singstunde on 26 October. Photo: Albin Hillert/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

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for October 25, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, October 25, 2026

First Reading Deuteronomy 34:1-12 1Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the LORD showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, 2all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 3the Negeb, and the Plain — that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees — as far as Zoar. 4The LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” 5Then Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. 6He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. 7Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. 8The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended. 9Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. 11He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, 12and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel. Psalm Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 1   Lord, you have been our dwelling place           in all generations. 2   Before the mountains were brought forth,           or ever you had formed the earth and the world,           from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3   You turn us back to dust,           and say, “Turn back, you mortals.” 4   For a thousand years in your sight           are like yesterday when it is past,           or like a watch in the night. 5   You sweep them away; they are like a dream,           like grass that is renewed in the morning; 6   in the morning it flourishes and is renewed;           in the evening it fades and withers. 13  Turn, O LORD! How long?           Have compassion on your servants! 14  Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,           so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15  Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us,           and as many years as we have seen evil. 16  Let your work be manifest to your servants,           and your glorious power to their children. 17  Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,           and prosper for us the work of our hands —           O prosper the work of our hands! Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 1You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, 2but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition. 3For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5As you know and as God is our witness, we never came with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed; 6nor did we seek praise from mortals, whether from you or from others, 7though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. 8So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. Gospel Matthew 22:34-46 34When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37He said to him, “&squo;You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38This is the greatest and first commandment. 39and a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” 41Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them this question: 42“What do you think of the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” 43He said to them, “How is it then that David by the Spirit calls him Lord, saying, 44  ‘The Lord said to my Lord,      “Sit at my right hand,           until I put your enemies under your feet”’? 45If David thus calls him Lord, how can he be his son?” 46No one was able to give him an answer, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.

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

The PC(USA) Store - You still have time to save on the Glory to God Hymnal!

Pew editions are only $20 through December 31, 2026! View this email in your browser

You can still save 20% on pew editions of the Glory to God hymnal, bringing each pew edition to only $20. This price ends December 31, 2026, so adopt the hymnal today! As you make your decision, browse our free resources, including bookplates, liturgies, articles, and more. You can also see a full list of hymns included in Glory to God and copyright information to inform your research. To help those congregations still deciding on whether adopting the Glory to God hymnal is the right decision, we’ve reached out to those who have adopted to see what their experiences are and find out why they’re so glad they switched. Here are their top ten reasons: Beloved favorites return: Glory to God brings back many "golden oldies" and beloved hymns missing from previous Presbyterian hymnals, reassuring congregations that they are not losing cherished songs but actually gaining many favorites. See a list of hymns included in Glory to God that were not included in the 1990 blue hymnal. Most familiar hymns remain: Congregations appreciate knowing that more than 50% of the favorites from the blue hymnal's content carries over, meaning most regularly sung hymns remain available. Strong seasonal and special occasion resources: The hymnal provides a much wider selection of music for Advent, Lent, baptism, communion, healing services, World Communion Sunday, and other special occasions, with its Advent offerings receiving particular praise. More singable and readable congregational music: Many users find the hymns easier for congregations to sing thanks to accessible tunes, guitar-friendly arrangements, and strong harmonizations. They also appreciate the clearer layout, improved spacing, and lighter weight despite the hymnal's expanded content. Inclusive yet thoughtful language: The hymnal takes a nuanced approach to language, incorporating inclusive language while retaining traditional and poetic wording where appropriate. Greater biblical and theological depth: Organized around salvation history and incorporating the Psalms throughout the book instead of sectioned off, Glory to God offers a fuller expression of biblical and Reformed worship. Robust digital and projection resources: High-quality projection slides, including musical notation and harmony parts, along with digital tools for worship planning, Scripture suggestions, tune samples, and hymn tracking, make worship preparation easier than ever. Browse these additional resources that can augment your congregation’s use of the pew editions. Broader and richer hymn selection: With significantly more hymns in a lightweight and manageable volume, Glory to God offers a diverse mix of traditional hymns, global music, Taizé chants, praise choruses, contemporary songs, and spirituals for use throughout the church year. Helpful educational features: The theological, historical, and liturgical notes included at the bottom of hymn pages enrich worship and help congregations engage more deeply with the songs they sing. A resource for spiritual formation: Often described as both a hymnal and a prayer book, Glory to God includes hymns addressing grief, healing, unanswered prayers, memory loss, and many other life experiences. For more information or to place an order, please visit our website or call our customer service team at 800-533-4371.   * Promotional price applies to red and purple pew editions of the Presbyterian edition (with the PC(USA) seal on the spine) and the ecumenical edition (without the seal), while supplies last. Actual shipping costs will be charged for hymnal orders and shipping is only available in the contiguous US. Promotion ends December 31, 2026.

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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 26, 2026 - That people stop expressing their frustration through violence.
• Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - That we put aside partisan differences so that we can address the problem of gun-violence.
• Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - That doctors and nurses claim and use the skills given to them by God.
• Thursday, October 29, 2026 - That Americans celebrate the values on which our nation was founded.
• Friday, October 30, 2026 - That God would protect our servicemen and women both home and abroad.
• Saturday, October 31, 2026 - That international tensions decrease and all nations learn to live in peace with one another.
• Sunday, November 1, 2026 - That we put aside our self-interest for the sake of our neighbors.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, October 18, 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 Support - “I will make you strong.”)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message (His Support - “I will make you s...: 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 ...

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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