PASTORAL LETTER March 2026

To all God’s Beloved in the Zion United Church of Christ, Steubenville, OH, who are called to

be saints: Grace to you and peace from our Triune God, the Holy One of Israel.

A am back from Florida and back in the pulpit. As you can see from this issue of Joyful Noiz, some new things are happening around Zion. If you have been away for a while, I invite and encourage you to come back from your time away and find a place in the Zion pews.

We recently started a Bible Study of the Gospel According to Mark, the first and therefore oldest of the New Testament Gospels. We gather around the tables in the office, usually with coffee and a snack, and begin with one of the participants praying a Prayer of Illumination. Participants then take turns reading passages from Mark. I usually ask probing questions about the readings but sometimes others ask questions as well, and sometimes those questions might even get answered, but not always. It’s low pressure. It is not a lecture. It is just people of faith reading and discussing Scripture and exploring how these ancient words can still speak to us today and how they might inform our life and spiritual journey.

I recently finished Veriditas Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator Training, a 17 ½ hour course over Zoom spread across five evenings and am now a Certified Veriditas Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator.  Veriditas is a 501c3 non-profit incorporated in the State of California in 1995 that trains and supports labyrinth facilitators globally and offers programs and events to introduce and engage people with labyrinth walking as a pathway to personal and community enrichment, healing, and growth. Join us in Fellowship Hall, Saturday, March 14 to learn more about this ancient spiritual tool adopted by the church over 1,600 years ago, forgotten until the Middle Ages, forgotten again, and now experiencing a resurgence. A 24-foot portable canvas labyrinth will be available for prayerful and meditative walking. The $20 fee will be waived for members of

On April 19 we will be welcoming what we hope will be our first poet in a series we are calling “Poetry in Season.” We plan to welcome different Ohio poets, one in each season, to read the Psalm in worship and then offer a poetry workshop after worship, tying their workshop to the appropriate season, beginning with Spring. Poetry often serves better than prose as we attempt to express the unfathomable Mystery of the Divine.

I do not know why many Zion members and others who used to worship here stopped participating prior to my arrival back in October 2026, but I would love to hear your story. Please leave a message for me at the church and I will contact you to just listen or address your questions and concerns.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you

John Edward Harris