18th June 2026

US President Donald Trump and Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian have signed a14-paragraph agreement to end the war between the USA and Iran.  Further talks aimed at reaching a final agreement will be held in the next 60 days.  The agreement includes a ceasefire arrangement, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a $300bn (£224bn) plan for Iran's "reconstruction", and the US terminating "all types of sanctions" on Iran.  Additionally, the ceasefire  includes Lebanon, a key Iranian demand, which would restrain Israel from conducting military operations in the country, according to a senior administration official. It also included a clause ensuring the “territorial integrity” of Lebanon.  Israel and hardliners in the US Republican Party will be angered by the agreement for they had urged President Trump not to make a deal with Iran.

Loving God, we give you thanks for this agreement between Iran and the USA.  We rejoice that it potentially ensures peace for the next 3 months and in the longer term.  So, we ask you guidance on all negotiating the detail through the comming weeks and that a reuming of hostilities will be avoided.  We thank you that shipping can once again move safely through the Strait of Hormuz so world trade might recover and livelihoods might become more certan. May all who wanted to see the violence, death and destruction continue see the benefits of peace and work for achieving a lasting peace across the Middle East.  Loving God pour out you Holy Spirit across the region and hold its people, our neighbours, in the security of your hand. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.  

13-year-old Joey has been applauded for saving the life of his friend by  stopping him falling from a bridge in Bromyard, Herefordshire, UK.  

Local police spoke of Joey's "remarkable actions" by holding on to his friend to prevent him falling from a bridge, Chief Superintendent Edd Williams said: Joey, "showed bravery and courage beyond his years, putting himself in possible harm's way to help another. ... Faced with an incredibly distressing situation, he showed exceptional courage, maturity and determination to keep his friend safe until emergency services arrived." He added, "Joey's actions that afternoon was nothing short of remarkable. His quick thinking undoubtedly helped prevent a tragedy, and he should be immensely proud of what he did." Joey, who was described as "a true credit to his local community", was presented with a Chief Superintendent Commendation by PC Hamilton and PC Jones. 

God of life and love

we lift your name high,

we give you glory and honour.

You are creator of all that is.

You made us and breathed life into us.

You placed us in the garden of delight.

But in our weakness we disobeyed you;

in our sinfulness we broke our relationship with you.

But, we praise you

for your love for us was so strong

that you redeemed us in your son, Jesus Christ.

We thank you that he died and rose again for us

opening the gates of heaven.

We praise you for your Holy Spirit living within us.

All glory, honour, power, and majesty

be yours

eternal, loving, merciful and wonderful God.

Amen.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pexels