4th June 2026

Yesterday, eight people were killed and 10 others injured after a drone hit a passenger bus travelling through a Russian-occupied Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. Russia has claimed the strike was by a Ukrainian drone, but Ukraine has not confirmed nor denied its involvement. Ukraine did strike an oil terminal near Russia's second largest city of St Petersburg. The strikes follow a day of Russian assault on cities across Ukraine on Tuesday that killed at least 22 people, including several women and children. 

Loving God, we ask for your comfort and peace for all who mourn the loss of their family and friends in these attacks and throughout this on-going conflict. Grant the leaders of Ukraine and Russia wisdom and discernment as they navigate the complexities of this conflict. Fill them with a spirit of humility and a desire to end death and destruction, and move towards reconciliation. Inspire them to seek the welfare of their people over power and pride.. Strengthen and lift up communities that have been affected by violence and destruction. Bring together divided communities that they will find common ground and work towards a future where understanding flourishes and peace blossoms. May the people of these two great countries find commonality in their shared humanity, and may love triumph over hate so the world may witness to the power of love and unity in overcoming conflict and adversity.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Sales of Fairtrade tea increased by 35% in 2025, equivalent to 549 million additional cups, the Fairtrade Foundation announced on International Tea Day, last month. The growth coincides with the Fairtrade Foundation’s Brew it Fair campaign and UK retailer Sainsbury’s decision to convert its own brand By Sainsbury’s black tea to Fairtrade, the charity said in a statement. Research carried out last year by the Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Africa suggests that only one in five tea growers in Kenya earn enough income each month to support their families.  A tea farmer from Momul Tea Factory, in Kenya, Evelyne Cherugut, said that earnings from tea were unpredictable. “I decided to be involved [in the Fairtrade projects] to make additional income to educate my grandchildren.” The UK market accounts for more than two thirds of all Fairtrade tea sold across the world. Consequently, every extra cup of Fairtrade tea enjoyed in the UK translates into real, tangible benefits for the tea growers who are working hard but struggling to make ends meet. Fairtrade tea is sold through regular retail outlets and  supermarkets, including Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose, and by Clipper and Ringtons. 

Lord, your love is like an ever flowing river.

Your love and mercy wash over me and make me clean.

I love you with all my soul.

I praise you, and glorify our name,

my God, my Lord, my Saviour, my King.

Your justice rolls on like a river,

your righteousness like a never-failing stream!

You flood the nations with mercy and grace.

From your throne, O Lord,

flows a river of the water of life, clear as crystal.

On its banks is the tree of life

with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

I praise you that I can draw water

from the wells of your salvation.

Glory be to you Holy, loving, eternal God.

Amen.