24th September 2026

The Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky, is constantly shelled and cut off from food and water. Only 6,000 people, including 200 children remain of the 24,000 whio used to live in the city. Medical services have also left the city with consequences for children who are suffering from both malnutrition and a lack of education.  Those remianing in Oleshky say that there is no food or sanitary products available; the last food delivery being four or five months ago. Many residents have turned to cooking garden weeds as they have eaten the last of the summer vegetables they grew. There has been no electricity, gas or water since the Kakhovka dam was attacked three years ago, which resulted in thousands of people losing their homes. Roads out of the city are mined which makes even escape on foot a significant risk to life.  The occupying Russian authorities demand that deaths by drone, mine or other un-natural cause are confirmed by post mortem examination carried out by a Russian doctor, which is not possible in Oleshky.  Consequently, bodies are not buried. At the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called on the international community to pressure Russia into allowing humanitarian aid into the city. 

Loving God, we bring to you the needs of the people of Oleshky.  Forgive the Russian authorities for abusing their powers and imposing inhumne conditions upon the civilian population.  We pray for the elderly and frail, and all in need of medical care.  We place before you the needs of the children.  Wrap the people of Oleshky into your loving arms.  May they know htat you love them and that they are not forgotten.  May the international community heed the cries of Andriy Sybiha to bring a change of policy by the Russians so that relief may be brought to desperate people.  We pray that for the people living in the city of Oleshky your will shall be done as it is in heaven.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Data, analysed by the Scottish cycling charity Cycling Scotland, identified that bikes outnumbered cars during a May morning rush hour in Edinburgh for the first time in history. A combination of e-bike rentals and segregated bike lanes has boosted cycling in the Scottish capital. Journey's by bicycle were up 25% over the previous year. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said; “I am pleased to see Cycling Scotland’s latest figures on cycle lane use in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The record levels of use ... demonstrates that the infrastructure we are providing is helping more people than ever travel by bike for everyday journeys.” 

Glory be to you risen Christ,

for whom no door is locked,

no entrance barred.

We thank you that you walk life's journey with us.

We thank you for opening the doors of our hearts.

We thank you for the Holy Spirit,

who opens the scriptures to us

and enables us to be fishers of men and women,

proclaiming your death and resurrection.

We praise you that when we doubt

you are there to reassure

taking us by the hand.

Glory, praise and honour be to you

Jesus Christ the Lord

Amen.