Our 2026 Theme

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“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  Romans 15:5–7 (NRSVue)

Our theme for 2026 grows out of Paul’s prayer for a divided church.  In Romans 15, he writes about “the God of steadfastness and encouragement.”  God is faithful to every person, and God doesn’t give up on us when things are difficult or when it feels like everything is falling apart.  Real life can be confusing and chaotic; sometimes it’s messy and even tragic.  Real faith isn’t separate from the roller coaster of life.  It provides a pathway to bring God’s grace right into the middle of our human messiness.  It makes room for our loving God who is steadfast and always ready to bring hope and encouragement into our lives.

In verse 5, Paul prays that God would “grant you to live in harmony with one another.”  That’s not a demand that we all think alike.  Instead, it is an invitation to let God reshape us so that, when we disagree, we treat one another with kindness and humility.  It’s a call to make room in our hearts and lives for those who see things differently.  Harmony is not sameness; it’s a shared commitment to stay at the table with one another as we attempt to follow Jesus.  It is a covenant that we make with God and each other.  Where there are diversity and acceptance, there is also wisdom and compassion. 

Verse 6 points to the purpose of this: “so that together you may with one voice glorify” God.  We were created to be beings of worship and love.  Our worship is truly powerful and authentic when it gathers different stories, perspectives, and experiences into one harmonious song of praise.  Real faith is not just a private belief; it’s a life shared with the surrounding community that points beyond itself to God’s faithfulness.

Finally, a beautiful statement in verse 7 concludes the passage.  “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.”  That is the heart of our theme.  Paul wanted the church of Rome to create a culture of welcome in which people of different races and backgrounds could come together to worship the one God and to love all of their neighbors.  Jesus made room for each of us—with all of our wounds, doubts, gifts, and limits.  How can we make that same kind of room for one another and for all of our neighbors?  Our world is broken, but as we follow Jesus together, we can become a living sign of grace when we welcome as we have been welcomed.

Making room for God’s grace in our world is what real faith is all about.