WCC News: WCC invites global fellowship to pray for peace in Ukraine

In a series of global prayers for peace, the World Council of Churches (WCC) invites people and churches around the world to join in the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine on 11 June at 13.00 CET. Thousands of Ukrainian flags have been placed at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti/Independence Square - the central square of Kyiv, capital city of Ukraine, in front of the Independence Monument, in memory of those whose lives have been lost since the Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert/Life on Earth 20 May 2026 The WCC series of global prayers for peace, which began with a prayer for the Middle East, is intended to bring the worldwide ecumenical community into a shared rhythm of 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. The Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine is prepared and organized in cooperation with the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which represents more than 90% of all religious organizations and communities in Ukraine.  More about the Global Prayer for Peace in Ukraine Register and join the prayer 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 - Prep for Presbyterian Heritage Sunday

Matthew 28:16-20 Trinity Sunday May 31, 2026 There is a story in Robert Caro’s book The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson, where Caro recounts that when a friend warned Lyndon Johnson not to trade in the Senate majority leader's power for the vice presidency because he'd have no power there, Johnson replied, "Power is where power goes.” I like to imagine LBJ saying that with his deep Texas accent and swagger. Johnson believed that, as he held power as the Senate majority leader, he would carry that power into the vice presidency. The office would become powerful because he was. On this Trinity Sunday, Matthew 28:16-20 has something to say about the power by which the church will do its work of making disciples of all nations. Matthew’s Gospel was written after the chaos of the Jewish Revolt and the destruction of the Temple had passed. For the author of Matthew’s Gospel, the concern of his narrative now lies in the future of the church and what it will need for its mission and ministry. The gospel, compared to Mark’s gospel, is expanded with more of Jesus’ teachings, his birth narrative, and a longer discourse in Galilee after the resurrection. It is this discourse in Galilee from which our passage today comes. We are told in the passage that the 11 disciples meet with Jesus on the mountain and worship him there. But some doubted. Who can blame them? It seems deeply human and understandable to have doubts after all that has occurred. But perhaps the more interesting thing to note is that, despite their doubts, Jesus commissions them. He tells them that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him; surely the resurrection is proof of that! As he has all authority, he commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything he has commanded. ... Thank you to this week's writer, Tara W. Bulger Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 24, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 31, 2026 by Tara W. Bulger   What counts as a disruption in worship? by Katrina Pekich-Bundy A prayer for Presbyterian Heritage Sunday by Rachel Sutfin A fourth set of General Assembly Co-Moderator candidates announces they will stand by Presbyterian News Service

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... What is the E.T. Thompson Award? On May 20, the Outlook will announce the 2026 recipient of the E.T. Thompson Award, a biennial honor recognizing leaders whose scholarship, ministry and public witness have shaped the church. The Gospel of Salome In "The Gospel of Salome," Kaethe Schwehn gives voice to an overlooked female disciple to craft a vivid, humanizing portrait of the historical Jesus. Ross Fogg offers a review. Little birds of prayer Andrew Taylor-Troutman invites readers into a gentle practice of prayer shaped by rhythm, imagination and praise. Krysten Carter Holloway is president-elect of Board of Pensions Holloway will be presented to the 227th General Assembly (2026) and will formally assume the role upon confirmation by the General Assembly on or about July 1. — Board of Pensions Overtures seek Israel embargo, genocide declaration Proposals would be the denomination's most forceful statement in more than 75 years of engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. —Eric Ledermann A pair of prodigious scholars to receive Excellence in Theological Education awards The Rev. Dr. Frances Taylor Gench and Dr. James Hudnut-Beumler will be honored during the 227th General Assembly. — Presbyterian News Service GA227’s Financial Stewardship and Witness Committee will consider the 2027-28 unified budget and the Funding Model Development Team report The committee will also mull an agency pay equity proposal as part of its 11-item docket. — Mike Ferguson MRTI defends engagement over categorical fossil fuel divestment Compared with broad fossil fuel divestment, MRTI’s long-standing approach to shareholder advocacy better supports frontline communities and a just energy transition, write Kerri Allen and Mark Douglas.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for May 17, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, May 17, 2026

First Reading Acts 1:6-14 6So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. Psalm Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 1   Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered;           let those who hate him flee before him. 2   As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;           as wax melts before the fire,           let the wicked perish before God. 3   But let the righteous be joyful;           let them exult before God;           let them be jubilant with joy. 4   Sing to God, sing praises to his name;           lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds —      his name is the LORD —           be exultant before him. 5   Father of orphans and protector of widows           is God in his holy habitation. 6   God gives the desolate a home to live in;           he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,           but the rebellious live in a parched land. 7   O God, when you went out before your people,           when you marched through the wilderness,                 Selah 8   the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain           at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,           at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9   Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;           you restored your heritage when it languished; 10  your flock found a dwelling in it;           in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy. 32  Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;           sing praises to the Lord,                                                       Selah 33  O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;           listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice. 34  Ascribe power to God,           whose majesty is over Israel;           and whose power is in the skies. 35  Awesome is God in his sanctuary,           the God of Israel;           he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! Second Reading 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 4:12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. Gospel John 17:1-11 1After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. 6“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

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

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, May 18 and Sunday, May 24, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, May 18, 2026 - That the leaders of the church maintain their focus on Jesus Christ and his teachings. 
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - That we look past their differences and unite as a country.
• Wednesday, May 20, 2026 - That we have the courage to confront the violence within our society.
• Thursday, May 21, 2026 - That police officers remember  they are servants of their communities.
• Friday, May 22, 2026 - That parents and communities would teach young people the importance of love and compassion.
• Saturday, May 23, 2026 - That those in national authority  receive godly counsel and God-fearing advisors.
• Sunday, May 24, 2026 - That we condemn racism in all of its forms.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, May 10, 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 this...

Sunday's Message - The Resurrected Body (15:35-49)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message - The Resurrected Body (15:35-49): On Sunday, April 19, we started a new sermon series entitled The Good News of Resurrection: An Exploration of 1 Corinthians 15 . During this...

Looking into the lectionary - Preparing for Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost Sunday May 24, 2026 “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me./ Melt me; mold me; fill me; use me.” The words of this simple hymn (Glory to God, #288) are often my prayer before I step into the pulpit to preach a prophetic word, or step into action that requires more talent than I feel like I possess. I pray this prayer like the athlete’s pre-game hype speech, sometimes even dancing around like a boxer before the fight. I need this prayer. I need this reminder that God’s got me and the Holy Spirit can make good use of me — even though my anxiety is spiking and my self-doubt threatening a takeover. Like those first disciples on the day of Pentecost, God is constantly calling us to new and uncharted territory. Fifty days after Passover, Jews from every nation gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, commemorating the harvest and “the first fruits of your labor” (Exodus 23:16). This festival scene in Acts 2 is transformed by the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit, with the sound of a violent, rushing wind and tongues of fire lapping the air. Jesus told them this would happen, saying, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). But who could really be prepared for such a miracle? Such a transformation? The miracle of Pentecost includes the Holy Spirit giving people from “every nation under heaven” the ability to speak new languages, to hear and understand each other. Unity amidst diversity was discovered — a transformation so profound, some cast it as unbelievable, dismissing those blessed as a bunch of crazy drunks. When Peter (now there’s a transformation story) stands up to recite the words of Joel, he emphasizes how the Spirit gives ordinary people (“all flesh”) extraordinary abilities: prophesy, visions, divine dreams (Acts 2:17). Fear and self-doubt too often hold us back from all God’s Spirit can accomplish through us. I wonder what would change if we trusted the Spirit’s power to transform? Disillusionment is easy — mourning the church’s decline, growing frustrated over our failure to create positive change, losing hope in the face of overwhelming problems. But what would you try if you believed the Spirit would fill you, giving you the ability you’d need for the work to which God calls? .... Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for May 17, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — May 24, 2026 by Teri McDowell Ott   Completing a ticket for Co-Moderator by Presbyterian News Service Three overtures ask 227th General Assembly to reckon with the end of World Mission by Eric Ledermann Special commitee proposes confession specific to the times we live in by Harriet Riley

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... A prayer for the day of Pentecost A prayer for transformation on Pentecost by Jay Blossom. In the room of prayer, there’s no “right way” L. Roger Owens reflects on prayer as both practice and way of life, inviting readers to see every moment as participation in God’s presence. Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Charlotte campus has a new Chaplain and Director of Student Life Amanda Shanks began in her new role last month. — UPS Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark Blaine Crawford reviews James K. A. Smith's "Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark," a timely and deeply personal guide to finding faith, love and companionship in life's darkest seasons. Hoping for the ocean Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Psalm 47's call to stillness as both divine command and open invitation — exploring how silence, doubt, and sacred pause open us to the presence of God. Unification Commission approves its comments on General Assembly items of business The UC addresses ordination, pay equity, artificial intelligence and more. — Presbyterian News Service  Responding to mental health crises: A guide for pastors Practical guidance and trusted resources to help pastors recognize mental health concerns, respond in crisis and connect individuals and families to care. Camile Cook Howe, Joseph Feldman and Theresa Nguyen offer their professional advice. Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’ The PC(USA) continues to navigate questions first raised at the 2024 General Assembly as a new overture asks how recently approved amendments shape ordination and freedom of conscience across the church. — Blake Brinegar

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