7th September 2026

The populist, far-right, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a signifcant victory in a crucial state election in eastern Germany's  state of Saxony-Anhalt, yesterday.  AfD’s candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, said “we have written history” and the party had a clear mandate to govern. The AfD were three seats short of an overall majority, with 39 members in an 83-member parliament. It is not yet clear how the other parties will respond and whether they will form a multi party coalition to keep the AfD from power.  This is the first significant electoral victory for an extreme far right party in Germany since 1945. 

Loving God, you care for all people regardless of their nationality, race or social standing. We ask that you will move among the politicians in Saxony-Anhalt.  May the new administration of this state govern with integrity, humility, and humanity.  May the new administration have the needs of the economically poor and socially marginalised as key priorities, and work diligently and collaboratively to ensure that no one need be homeless, hungry, abused or exploited.  May the people of Saxony-Anhalt seek unity and community rather than division, that all may live in peace and contentment.  In the life of the people who live in Saxony-Anhalt may your will be done as it is in heaven. Amen.

Rupert is 12-year-old from Altrincham, UK, and has raised over £3,000 for the Abersoch Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) by selling drinks during his summer holidays.  Rupert, is a keen water sports enthusiast who enjoys paddleboarding, kayaking and water polo, and has been inspired by the RNLI. He spent four days each week of his school summer holidays selling soft drinks to thirsty locals and holiday makers raising a staggering £3,282.50 for the lifesaving charity. Rupert presented the funds he had raised to Sue McCann, volunteer Fundraising Chair, Derek Howarth, volunteer Chairman and Martin Turtle, volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager. Sue said: “A huge thank you to Rupert from all the crew at Abersoch for all his hard work and dedication over his summer holidays and thanks must also go to all those who supported him and stopped for a chat along the way.” Rupert was presented with an RNLI ‘Helped Save Lives at Sea’ certificate from Abersoch Coastguard Rescue Team along with a ‘Thank You’ certificate from Abersoch RNLI. 

A Prayer based on Psalm 96 (GNT)

I sing a new song to the Lord!

Sing to the Lord, all the world!

I sing to you Lord, and praise you!

Every day I proclaim the good news that you have saved us.

I sing of your glory to the nations,

your mighty deeds to all peoples.

Lord you are great and highly to be praised;

You are greatly to be honoured.

Glory and majesty surround you;

power and beauty fill your Temple.

Be glad, earth and sky!

Roar, sea, and every creature in you;

be glad, fields, and everything in you!

Lord, the trees in the woods will shout for joy

when you come to rule the earth,

and the people of the world

with justice and fairness.

Amen.