Pastor's Thought

Mothering Sunday is a significant day in the Christian and cultural calendar. It is a time set aside to honour mothers and recognise the profound influence they have on our lives, families and communities. While often associated with the modern celebration of Mother’s Day, the Christian tradition of Mothering Sunday has deeper roots in gratitude for those who nurture and …

Today we mark International Women’s Day, a moment to recognise the contribution, courage and resilience of women across history. Scripture provides powerful examples of women whose lives shaped faith, community and history. In many ways, their stories still speak to the realities women face today. Women throughout history have experienced marginalisation, abuse, neglect and rejection. The Bible does not hide …

International Women’s Day 8 March 2026 calls the world to action under the theme Give To Gain. The message is direct: when we give, we gain. Gender equality does not advance through passive agreement but through intentional generosity. Giving is not loss; it is multiplication. When women thrive, societies strengthen economically, socially and culturally. The Give To Gain campaign promotes reciprocity and collaboration. …

The Reverend Jesse Jackson (October 8, 1941–February 17, 2026) leaves behind a legacy that is impossible to separate from the unfinished work of American democracy. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, under the heaviness of Jim Crow, he turned personal hardship into public purpose as one of the most recognisable voices of the 20th and 21st centuries. Jackson emerged in the …

Valentine’s Day is often seen as one of the most romantic days of the year, with flowers, chocolates and all of the items that represent love. However, Valentine’s Day did not start as a moneymaking fete of romance. Its origins lie in Roman fertility festivals such as Lupercalia and in the commemoration of Christian martyr St Valentine in the third …

BBC News announced on 31st January 2026 of two deadly explosions in Iran. This has served to sharpen regional anxiety, even though authorities responded quickly to deny claims that a senior military figure was targeted. It was reported that at least five people were killed in two separate incidents more than 1,000 kilometres apart.  The explosions come against a backdrop …

It was reported this week that the Walk with Jesus March planned for the 31st of January in Whitechapel was cancelled by our Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer; this would provoke the local Muslim community. Whitechapel, located within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, is widely recognised as having one of the largest and most concentrated Muslim communities in the United Kingdom. The area is deeply …

Following President Donald Trump’s raid on Venezuela, he has now raised renewed interest in obtaining Greenland, bringing geopolitical theatre to the forefront.  Donald Trump has often stated that the United States was interested in acquiring Greenland, whether it be for sale or not. This, by and large, was seen as being political banter or trolling and never given any serious concern or …

We are now approaching the end of the first week of the 2026 21-day fast. Without question, it has been a complex and challenging journey for many, especially as winter weather can make endurance even more difficult. Let’s continue this fast, comparing it to an unknown attempt to draw closer to God. Fasting, repentance, seeking direction, gaining clarity in our …

On Saturday, 3 January 2026, the United States launched a sudden military strike in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.  American President Donald Trump announced that he had been captured and securely removed from the country. In response to the Venezuelans president’s capture, Trump said the U.S. would “run” Venezuela …

At the Old Bailey Court in London, the trial for the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has drawn significant attention as new details emerge. The three suspects fled to Pakistan, after which her father, Urfan Sharif, made a 999 call from Pakistan, informing authorities about the presence of her body at their family home in Woking, Surrey, in August 2023. …

As we approach the 7th of October, marking one year since the bombing in Israel, we are reminded of the profound pain and suffering endured on both sides of the conflict. Families in both Israel and Palestine have faced unimaginable grief, loss, and destruction, and continue to live in uncertainty. Innocent lives—children, families, and entire communities—have been caught in a …