Ministry Matters - A surprising gift for the Great Fifty Days

You've been preparing for Easter since Ash Wednesday. Maybe earlier, if we're honest. You've planned Holy Week services, coordinated volunteers, written sermons that hold both grief and hope, and somehow tried to maintain your own spiritual life while leading everyone else's. By Easter evening, you'll be depleted. And then you face fifty more days of resurrection preaching. What if this post-Easter season could be different? What if the Great Fifty Days became a source of renewal rather than another marathon to survive?

Starting the Tuesday before Easter (during Holy Week), join author and pastor Jim Harnish for a 7-week journey through the often-neglected season between Easter and Pentecost. "Great Days for Great Living" weaves together three strands: → The intimate resurrection stories - Mary at the tomb, Thomas's doubt, the Emmaus road, and the small, ordinary places where Jesus shows up → Harry Emerson Fosdick's WWII preaching - how a pastor preached hope during genuinely dangerous times → Your actual life in 2026 - political tensions, cultural anxiety, and the challenge of sustaining ministry when the world feels ghastly This isn't another program to add to your exhaustion. It's a companion for the journey. Each Tuesday during the Great Fifty Days brings a new reflection—about 1000 words, perfectly timed for your sermon prep for the following Sunday. You'll find: Insights you can borrow for your own preaching that Sunday Wisdom for your soul, not just techniques for your ministry Hope that's real rather than manufactured The series takes its title from a sermon Fosdick preached during World War II: "This is certainly a ghastly time to be alive. Nevertheless, this is a great time to be alive, and alike the personal and the public issues of it depend on whether we see that." Eighty years later, we still need that pastoral imagination—the ability to name what's ghastly while proclaiming what's great, to be present to people's real fears while pointing toward genuine hope. Here's what's coming, Easter Sunday through Ascension Day: Week 1 (Holy Week): A Ghastly and a Great Time to Be Alive Mary weeps at an empty tomb. Week 2: No Dry-As-Dust Religion Will Do Now Thomas and the gift of honest doubt  Week 3: Starting With Trouble and Ending with Hope "We had hoped..." - the Emmaus Road journey  Week 4: Why Is God Silent While Evil Rages? When God's power is quiet and evil is loud  Week 5: The Light That No Darkness Can Put Out Enduring hope in dangerous times  Week 6: Taking Jesus Seriously Discipleship vs. admiration  Week 7: Christianity Not A Form But A Force Preparing for Pentecost power  FOLLOW THE SERIES HERE You're not alone in the Easter-to-Pentecost stretch. The resurrection didn't end on Easter morning. Neither does our proclamation of it. Let's walk these fifty days together. Grace and peace, The MinistryMatters Team   P.S. - Know a colleague who's dreading post-Easter preaching? Forward this email. We're all in this together.

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, March 23 and Sunday, March 29, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, March 23, 2026 - That peace will be restored in the Middle East.
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - That those in business, government and media would cherish honesty, integrity and humility.
• Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - That Americans have the courage to address that violence present in our society. 
• Thursday, March 26, 2026 - That we remove social barriers that are preventing people from thriving as Jesus intended.
• Friday, March 27, 2026 - That we resist those forces that seek to divide us.
• Saturday, March 28, 2026 - That those in business, government and media would resist exploiting human fear or greed to shape public opinion. 
• Sunday, March 29, 2026 - That churches fulfill their purpose as lighthouses for Christ.

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

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: During this season of Lent, we're moving through a sermon series entitled “Preparing for Easter.” In these five services, we're cons...

Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Preparing for Easter (Praying)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - Preparing for Easter (Praying): During this season of Lent, we're moving through a sermon series entitled “Preparing for Easter.” In these five services, we're cons...

WCC NEWS: Churches invited to join global Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and Discrimination

Churches around the world are being invited to unite in prayer, reflection, and action during the Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination, taking place 19–25 March.  19 March 2026 Through worship resources, scripture reflections, and intercessory prayers, the week offers congregations an opportunity to confront injustice and renew their commitment to the Christian vision of unity, dignity, and justice for all people. The week of prayer is closely connected to important international observances in March that highlight the ongoing global struggle against discrimination. This week came about due to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March) and the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. March also includes Zero Discrimination Day (1 March), which emerged in the context of HIV and AIDS but has since been embraced more broadly to spotlight discrimination faced by minorities based on work and descent. Throughout the week, churches are invited to reflect on scripture passages and prayers that highlight the many dimensions of discrimination and the Christian call to overcome them. One reflection focuses on racism and the role of young people in building a more just future. Drawing on the apostle Paul’s message that “there is no longer Jew or Greek… for all of you are one in Christ Jesus,” the resource reminds believers that faith calls Christians beyond racial and social divisions. Young people today often experience racism and discrimination in ways that lead to anxiety, distress, and exclusion, yet they also possess the energy and vision needed to challenge injustice and build new paths toward reconciliation. Another reflection centers on the call to love one’s neighbour, inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan. In a world increasingly shaped by an “us versus them” mentality, Christians are reminded that the gospel calls them to embody compassion and solidarity that transcend boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or social status. Gathering under the banner of God’s love and grace, believers are invited to witness to a unity rooted not in uniformity but in shared faith. The prayer resources also confront the injustice of caste discrimination. Reflecting on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, worshippers are reminded that Christ consistently crossed the rigid social boundaries of his time. His ministry reveals a kingdom where hierarchies collapse and where dignity is restored to those pushed to the margins. The church is therefore invited to confess its own complicity in systems of exclusion and to become an agent of reconciliation and healing. Other reflections challenge believers to recognize the “gates” that divide societies, drawing from the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. The story warns against the danger of indifference—seeing suffering yet doing nothing. It invites Christians to examine how historical and contemporary systems, including colonialism, economic inequality, and social privilege, continue to separate communities and deny justice. Additional prayers emphasize the inclusion of persons with disabilities as indispensable members of the body of Christ. Inspired by the apostle Paul’s teaching that “if one member suffers, all suffer together,” the reflections affirm that diversity within the church is not a weakness but a gift. True inclusion means recognizing that every person carries gifts essential for the life of the community. The week also highlights the dignity and rights of children, recalling Jesus’ command: “Let the children come to me.” In a world where conflict, displacement, and discrimination deprive many children of their childhood, churches are encouraged to protect, nurture, and listen to the voices of young people. The Week of Prayer concludes with a call to deep solidarity and transformation. Through lament, thanksgiving, and intercession, believers remember the painful histories of slavery, racism, and exploitation while recommitting themselves to justice and reconciliation. Churches, ecumenical partners, and faith communities are encouraged to organize worship services, prayer gatherings, and educational events during the week. By praying together and reflecting on these themes, Christians around the world can bear witness to the gospel’s promise of reconciliation and help build societies rooted in dignity, justice, and peace. Download resources for the Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination, 19–25 March 2026 (in english) Learn more about the WCC work on overcoming Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia WCC offers new anti-racist and anti-bias material for churches and communities Download the full publication "Anti-Racist Churches: Ecumenical Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, and Anti-Discrimination Contextual Bible Studies" Download the full publication "Anti-Bias Churches: An Ecumenical Anti-(Un)Conscious Bias Toolkit" 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

WCC NEWS: WCC invites global ecumenical community to prayers for peace

The World Council of Churches (WCC) invites people and churches to join in global prayers for peace, starting with the Middle East on 26 March. The WCC invites people and churches all over the globe to join global prayer for peace in the Middle East. File Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 17 March 2026 In a world marked by growing conflict, suffering, and uncertainty, the WCC reaffirms its calling as a fellowship of churches to stand together in prayer for peace.  As part of this commitment, the WCC is initiating a series of global prayers for peace, to bring the worldwide ecumenical community into a shared rhythm of spiritual solidarity, intercession, and hope.  Rooted in faith and grounded in the conviction that prayer is both witness and action, the initiative reflects the vocation of the churches to accompany those who suffer and to uphold the dignity of all people. Middle East the focus of first global peace prayer The first focus of the global prayer initiative is on the Middle East, in light of ongoing war, the destruction of lives, and the deepening humanitarian suffering affecting communities across the region.  The Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East will be held online on 26 March at 15:00 CET, inviting churches, congregations, and other people and partners around the world to join in a shared act of prayer across traditions and contexts. The moment of prayer responds directly to the voices of church leaders who have called for strengthened spiritual solidarity and accompaniment in this time of crisis.  Through the initiative, the global fellowship is invited not only to pray for those affected, but to pray with them—drawing from the spiritual traditions and lived faith of the churches of the region.  A common prayer resource will accompany the gathering, offering prayers from the Middle East to guide in shared moments of intercession and hope. The WCC invites all churches and people of goodwill to take part in this ongoing commitment to prayer, bearing witness together to a shared longing for peace, justice, and reconciliation. Attend the Global Prayer for Peace in the Middle East (26 March 15.00 CET) WCC hosts consultation with heads of churches in the Middle East Joint statement on widening conflict in the Middle East raises deep concerns for humanitarian and social impact Peacebuilding in the Middle East 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 - Expanded support for congregations and pastors

Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday March 29, 2026 Like many children of the 1990s (and, I suspect, of many generations before), I found Palm Sunday to be one of the most fun days of the church. The children’s choir would gather on the porch, where we were handed long palm branches. The goal was always a sweet, melodic procession of children waving palms to the beat of “Hosanna, Sweet Hosanna.” The result was always palm sword-fights, broken stems, and mass chaos. But no matter what mayhem we caused, the congregation always beamed at our arrival, happy to see the tradition continue. Which, I think, is where I got the idea that everyone was happy to see Jesus. Our Palm Sunday liturgical practices were so steeped in praise that I missed entirely that the crowds in Jerusalem were not united in their acclaim. After all, I reasoned as a child, who wouldn’t be happy to see Jesus? Especially on a cute little donkey? But the Gospel of Matthew makes clear that not everyone was happy to see Jesus. In fact, the crowds that sing his praises seem to be the ones that have been gathering all along his ministry, or at least this latest leg of it. But inside Jerusalem, the emotional response is very different. “When he entered Jerusalem,” the gospel tells us, “the whole city was in turmoil.” In this year in particular, with new wars and new worries, old wounds and old evils, continuing division and intensifying distrust in our communal life, I find myself caught up in the word “turmoil.” The triumphal parade – with a humble leader and the cloaks strewn joyfully upon the road – seems like the fairytale, while a city, or church, or family, or world in turmoil is all too easy to imagine. This word itself, it turns out, is a key piece of vocabulary. ... Thank you to this week's writer, Carol Prickett Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for March 22, 2026? You can find them here. Order of worship — March 29, 2026 by Carol Prickett What do we do with the Bible’s most troubling texts? by Brandon Grafius Board of Pensions expands support for congregations and pastoral leaders by Board of Pensions March Madness reminds us what belonging feels like by Brittany Porch IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Why we grieve losses that haven’t happened yet Even joyful transitions can stir grief. During Lent, Christians learn how to face the losses we know are coming and walk toward the cross with hope, writes Vern Farnum. Tending to ever-present needs: A conversation about teaching and learning grief Mindy McGarrah Sharp and Leanna Fuller discuss why grief is more visible today — and how congregations can learn to listen, lament and support one another without rushing past the pain. Board of Pensions announces additional support for pastors and families A new grant can help families with their childcare costs. — Board of Pensions Austin Seminary student James Talarico wins Democratic U.S. Senate primary The Texas Presbyterian and state representative has spoken publicly about how his Christian faith shapes his challenge to Christian nationalism.— Harriet Riley Still born Aaron Pratt Shephard writes that even when a child’s life seems to end before it begins, faith in Christ’s resurrection offers hope that every life will yet be born into eternal fullness. Writing your lament and loss, discovering God’s grace Julie Hester offers writing prompts for you to try during this season of Lent. Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America Beth Macy’s return to Urbana, Ohio, reveals a community shaped by fear, resilience, deep roots and limited opportunity. Amy Pagliarella's review explores how Macy's reporting helps readers see neighbors more clearly. A new four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Studies In a moment when empathy is often misunderstood — and sometimes dismissed as weakness — “On the Road to Empathy” invites churches to return to Scripture and rediscover empathy as a deeply Christian practice.