Wednesday Message 

March 4, 2026

 

When Faith Is Used to Bless War

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer… Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:38–44

In the last few days, a military watchdog organization has received hundreds of complaints from U.S. service members who say that some commanders have spoken about the war with Iran in religious terms — suggesting that such a conflict might be part of God’s plan or even connected to the events of Armageddon described in the Book of Revelation.

This should give Christians pause.  Because if war is framed as part of God’s plan — if violence becomes something holy, something ordained — then something has gone terribly wrong with our theology.

This idea has a long and troubling history.  Again and again, people have tried to wrap political power and military conflict in the language of faith.  They claim that God stands behind their nation, their army, their cause.  They claim that violence will usher in God’s kingdom or hasten the end of the world.

But when we look at Jesus, we see something very different.

Jesus lived under an empire far more oppressive than anything most of us have experienced.  Rome ruled through military occupation, crucifixion, and terror.  Many of Jesus’ contemporaries believed that the faithful response was violent revolt.  Some expected the Messiah to lead an army.

Instead, Jesus taught something radical: love your enemies.  Pray for those who persecute you.  Put away the sword.

He did not call his followers to bring about God’s kingdom through violence.  He called them to embody that kingdom through mercy, justice, courage, and love — even when doing so would cost them dearly.

When Christians begin to speak as though war will usher in God’s purposes, we have drifted far from that teaching.  When we imagine that military power might bring about the return of Christ, we turn the gospel upside down.

The kingdom of God does not arrive on the tip of a spear.  It grows quietly, like yeast in dough and seeds in the soil.  It appears whenever people choose mercy over revenge, reconciliation over hatred, and love over fear.

The good news is that we do not need war to bring about God’s future.  God’s kingdom is already breaking into the world.  It does so every time we choose the way of Christ. 

And the way of Christ is always the way of love.

Prayer

God of peace, guard our hearts from any faith that blesses violence or glorifies war.  Teach us again the way of Jesus — the courage to love our enemies, the wisdom to seek justice without hatred, and the hope to trust that your kingdom comes not through power, but through mercy and grace.  Amen.

 

 

You are invited to participate in our upcoming Strategic Planning & Visioning Retreat:

Friday, March 6
Gather at 5:30 pm | Session 6:00–9:00 pm

Saturday, March 7
Gather at 8:00 am | Session 8:30–11:00 am

Both sessions will be held at the church, and a light meal will be provided each day.

Our Church Council and Partners in Vision Task Force have invited Rev. Drew Terry, a strategic planning consultant from the national setting of the United Church of Christ, to guide us in this process.

On Friday evening, we will respond to thoughtful questions about who we are, what we value, and what we believe God is calling us to become.  On Saturday morning, we will begin identifying themes and priorities that can shape a clear and faithful path forward.

A letter has been sent with all information, please read it and plan on attending.

 

Sign up in the narthex if you would like to volunteer to serve coffee on Sunday mornings.

Join us upstairs before church and downstairs in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service

on Sunday mornings for coffee and treats, everyone is welcome.  

Bible Study, the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month at 3pm with Pastor Dustin, everyone is welcome to join us.

 

Every other Thursday of the month Kimmie Schmieg will have her Girl Scout meeting in the 

Fellowship Hall from 6 pm to 7pm.

 

Sunday Coffee; March 8 Lynne Forbush

Remember to change your clocks on Saturday night, spring ahead for   Sunday, March 8th, starts “Daylight saving time”

Church Council Meeting, Monday, March 9, 2026 @ 6:00 pm

Ministerial Association Lenten services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church this year, on Wednesday, 

March 18th, First Congregational Church will lead the worship service and serve the lunch.

 

Saturday, March 14, 2026, Celebrate National π PI Day, UCC Women’s Fellowship (WINGS) invite all women to come enjoy a slice of pie and get to know other members. 121 1st Ave SE, 1:00 pm,

RSVP by March 8, 605-886-6994 or admin@uccwatertown,com. 

What is your favorite pie? Caramel Apple Crumble, Banana Cream, Chocolate French Silk, Peanut Butter, Wild Berry?

 

 

Money Counters: 

Mar. 01 Kelley Anderson

Mar. 08 Rose Moehring

Mar. 15 Allison Foster    

 

Remember to RSVP by March 8th , and let us know which pie you would like, for the Saturday, March 14th

Celebration at UCC that starts at 1:00pm.