10th May 2026

Since the beginning of March, thousands of bombs and missiles have fallen on oil refineries, military bases, industrial areas and nuclear facilities in Iran, Israel and across Gulf states. Each explosion creates a human and environmental catastrophe. Fires released soot, smoke, oil particles and sulphur compounds, which dissolved in a low-pressure systems to fall as black acid rain.   On Friday it was reported that aviation emissions continue to increase despite industry pledges to decarbonise. Emissions from flying in Europe have exceeded pre-pandemic levels.  the EU’s Copernicus monitoring project ranked last month as the third-hottest April on record globally, with some countries such as Spain recording their hottest April on record. Researchers found that in Europe alone high death tolls from extreme heat and cold were associated with several indicators of economic inequality, exacerbated by climate change. Alexandra Bell, CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, has expressed a “complete failure in leadership” in the US and other countries.  She says little is being done to address global, catastrophic threats, even as they feed into one another. 

Loving God,  we thank you for the wonder of the world, for it's beauty and diversity. We thank you that you have given us everything we need.  Forgive us that we are causing great harm to your creation and causing great harm to our neighbours.  Help all of us to take the climate crisis seriously.  Help us to understand the environmental impacts of our daily lives and the wars we rage. Inspire us to treasure the natural world and cherish all life. Help us to change how we live, to share the burdens of others, to give one another support in times of trouble, comfort in times of sadness.  Help us to be people of joys and hope and to tread lightly upon the earth that all your creation may flourish.  Amen.

Seven-year-old Sameer Santana is a life saver. Earlier this month one of Sameer's classmates at Stephen Olney Elementary School began choking during snack time. The classroom teacher moved to call for help and calm the students, but Sameer reacted instantly.  “I saw him choking,” Sameer recalled. “And then I came and ran and did the Heimlich [manoeuvre]”; something he had learned the year before in kindergarten health class.  The apple slice lodged in the boy's throat was dislodged. This week, Sameer was honoured by the town of North Providence during a special celebration attended by firefighters, police officers, classmates, and local leaders. Sameer was presented with a Citizen’s Award and named him honorary rescue captain for the day. The town also issued an official proclamation recognizing Sameer's bravery. The school's Principal, Stephen Pacitto, said:  “We're just super proud of Sameer and the initiative he took and kind of helping that situation out."

Almighty and living God,

thank you for this new day.

Thank you for the opportunities it provides.

Thank you for being with me

in the ups and downs of today,

lifting me when I am down

and rejoicing with me when I am happy.

Thank you that when I am weak you make me strong.

Thank you for sharing my load

when the burdens I carry weigh heavy upon me.

Thank you for all the blessings of life,

and thank you for life itself.

Thank you for loving me.

Thank you for Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour.

Amen.