In our world, where many journey alone, nameless in the bustling crowd,

Satan and his evil forces seek whom they may scatter and isolate;

but God, by his gracious choosing in Christ, gathers a new community—

those who by God’s gift put their trust in Christ.

In the new community

all are welcome:

the homeless come home,

the broken find healing,

the sinner makes a new start,

the despised are esteemed,

the least are honored,

and the last are first.

Our World Belongs to God #34

India and Pakistan Hold Talks Aimed at Extending Cease-Fire

Indian and Pakistani military leaders held talks on Monday intended to extend a tenuous cease-fire that has halted the most expansive fighting in decades between the two nuclear-armed states. A sense of normalcy began to return on both sides of their border, two days after a U.S.-mediated truce ended their rapidly escalating military conflict. Stock markets in both countries jumped on the first day of trading since the agreement was reached. India announced the resumption of civilian flights at over 30 airports in the north of the country, while in Pakistan, the authorities said that all airports were open. The situation along the two countries’ extensive boundary, however, remained uncertain, with tens of thousands of people still displaced. There were no reports of a major breach on Sunday night, the second evening of the cease-fire. But on Monday, brief drone sightings and explosions were reported in parts of Indian-controlled Kashmir. For most of last week, the two countries were engaged in intense fighting that brought cross-border shelling, drone warfare and claims from both sides that they had inflicted damage on the other’s military bases.

Lord God of mercy and peace, we pray for peace talks that lead to a lasting ceasefire for the weeks and months ahead and starts the process of healing this decades long conflict. We pray for the families of all those who have died in this escalating conflict. Heal us, Lord.

B.C. firefighters arrive in Manitoba to battle out-of-control wildfire

Dozens of firefighters from British Columbia arrived in Manitoba over the weekend to help local first responders battle an out-of-control wildfire in northern Manitoba. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Friday he put out a call to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) for help from other jurisdictions to fight the flames. British Columbia responded, sending 42 firefighters. “I’m just happy to say that B.C. has answered the call. We’re there for other provinces. I know they’ll be there for us,” Kinew said at a news conference Friday. CIFCC confirmed to CTV News Winnipeg two Type 1 crews and an agency rep arrived in Manitoba on Sunday. It’s not clear how long they will be there. “Essentially, they’re there until they’re not needed,” CIFCC communications manager Alexandria Jones told CTV News Winnipeg in an interview on Monday. “The fire situation changes day by day, and you can only forecast a couple days in advance.” According to Manitoba’s fire map, a 20,000-hectare fire west of The Pas was still burning out of control as of Monday morning. It broke out over a week ago, engulfing 100 hectares, with heavy winds and little moisture causing it to more than quadruple in size in 24 hours. Hundreds were evacuated from their homes Thursday in Rocky Lake East Shore, Rocky Lake North Shore, Wanless and the Carrot Valley along Highway 283.

We pray for our common home which is hurting more and more each day. For the 42 B.C. firefighters who have arrived in Manitoba, we pray for safety, wisdom, courage, and protection. God of abundant mercy, we pray you empower and aide the firefighters who can extinguish these fires.

Should Pittsburgh’s Water Stay Public? Residents Will Get to Vote on It

In a state where far more people get their drinking water from private companies than the national average, Pittsburgh voters will decide this month whether to ensure their water and sewer service remains publicly owned and operated. The referendum, on the ballot as part of the May 20 mayoral primary elections, would amend the city charter so Pittsburgh Water could not be sold. State laws that incentivize privatization help explain why one in three Pennsylvanians are served by private water companies, compared to around one in 10 across the country, according to the advocacy group Food & Water Watch. On average, private water companies charge 59 percent more for water service than public systems. The group found in a 2021 analysis that compared large systems—and the difference was even higher in Pennsylvania. “The harms of privatization are many,” said Mary Grant, Public Water for All campaign director at Food and Water Watch. “The key one is that you lose local control over an asset that’s essential for public health and wellbeing.” All nine members of the City Council voted in support of including the referendum on the May ballot. Members of the current Pittsburgh Water board have said they intend to remain publicly owned, but proponents of the ballot measure want to make sure the utility can’t change course down the road. 

God, we pray for a system of pipes, filters, and infrastructure in Pittsburgh that delivers clean water and excellent health outcomes for all residents. We pray that the democratic process might ultimate deliver water as a utility that is affordable, safe, and serves the people.

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

World Refugee Day Toolkit

Marked on June 20, 2025 this day is an opportunity to recognize the blessings of refugees in our communities and to educate ourselves about the growing global refugee crisis. In this toolkit, you will find resources and ideas for celebrating World Refugee Day both as congregations and individuals. Whether you participate through worship, acts of advocacy, building community, or drawing on your own creative ideas, you can actively demonstrate that Christians across North America stand with refugees.

Indigenous Ministry Sunday: Coming up in June

The upcoming Indigenous Ministry Sunday (June 22, 2025) resources highlight ideas to take steps towards reconciliation! Indigenous Ministry Sunday provides an opportunity for everyone in Canada to learn more about Indigenous peoples, their cultures and to celebrate the gifts and richness that Indigenous people bring to life in Canada.  Access prayers, bulletin inserts, litanies and more.