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Dear Covenant Friends,
Like many of you, I woke up last Saturday to a breaking news alert: “The U.S. and Israel just bombed Iran.” Even though I follow events in the Middle East closely, the headline stunned me. Deep in my bones, I wanted diplomacy to prevail. I wanted peace. But somewhere decisions were made, ordnance was dropped, and ordinary people once again found themselves in harm’s way. Especially people living and working in the Middle East.
I wanted to go back to bed. Instead, I wrote a sermon and composed a prayer—both of which felt painfully small. Lately—perhaps since COVID—I’ve found it harder to be a pastor. The world moves at blistering speed. Outrage bursts into our screens, then is already forgotten. Everything demands immediacy. Everything feels urgent. And I find that I am slower than the world now.
There was a time when I could carry a baby in a sling, balance a toddler on my hip, and cook breakfast for a full household before the school bus arrived. I could multitask. I could keep up. I don’t anymore. I miss handwritten letters, vacations you couldn’t be reached on, and newspaper clips that stayed news for more than a moment.
I believe God’s Spirit moves slower than the lightning news cycle—and yet more surely than any politician’s promise. God’s work is patient. God’s mercy does not depend on tweets or polls.
And so I still long for worship. I still walk into sacred space expecting to be changed. And it is a joy to find you all there. You inspire me and keep me going.
Last Sunday, after our own service, I walked down the street to University Circle United Methodist for their final service in that sanctuary—one hundred years after its cornerstone was laid. Rev. Dr. Ken Chalker preached. At the end, members carried sacred objects from the chancel to the narthex as the space was formally deconsecrated. It was tender and holy, a reminder that even beautiful things end—and that God’s purposes outlast edifices. We stood and sang the Lutkin Benediction: “May the Lord bless you and keep you", a tune I've known since childhood. Two services. One weary soul.
And yet, I left grateful. Grateful for Christians who still gather week after week, even when we don’t know what to say or how to pray. Grateful for people of faith everywhere—Muslims observing Ramadan, Jews welcoming the Sabbath, all turning toward the Source of life.
And I invite you — not just to receive blessing — but to join in prayer.
The PC(USA) Advocacy Office is hosting a 30 minute online Service of Prayer for Peace on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 pm. We can pray together with Presbyterians across the country for those who suffer, for leaders of nations, for the longings of our hearts and the hopes of the world. You can find more information and register here.
This invitation is part of our calling. In a world that moves too fast, let us be people who stop to pray. Let us be people who grieve deeply, love without limits, and proclaim that the God we serve is mightier than war, stronger than fear, and more faithful than the news of the day.
We cannot control the world’s headlines—but we can lift up our hearts. We can gather in prayer. We can speak up. We can bear witness to peace even when there is war.
Peace is not naïve. Peace is courageous.
Let peace prevail on earth.
And may the Lord bless you and keep you.
Pastor Jessie
pastor@covenantweb.org
March 2, 2026
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