From the Northeast Ohio Synod - monthly devotions for your 2026 meetings or gatherings:
Welcome to 2026: The Way of Love! As our scripture verse for this year reminds us, “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). As we journey together with Jesus, we have the great opportunity to encourage each other to grow in both our appreciation for, and reflection of, the love of God.
What follows is a 12-session collection of devotions written by leaders from across Northwestern Ohio. These 15 to 20 minute devotions are ideal for when church council gathers, when committees or staff meet, or for use at any regular gathering.
Each devotional highlights one of the questions addressed by the twelve chapters of our Book of the Year, Love is the Way: Holding on the Hope in Troubling Times by Bishop Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In these devotionals, the authors from Northwestern Ohio share their own reflections and perspectives on these questions, and we hope they will prompt good conversation among companions who spend time pondering together. Each monthly devotion follows a simple rhythm: a scripture reading around which the author has chosen to reflect, a story, two discussion questions and a closing prayer.
May you know and grow in the love of God in this year and beyond.