4th July 2026

It's winter in Australia, but Sydney has experienced its hottest June since records began, with the city's average temperature at  16.1C, beating the previous record of 15.7C set in 1991.  Prof Andy Pitman, a Sydney-based climate scientist said, “It’s got the signature of global warming all over it.  With temperature, there’s no wriggle room around it any more … We know that the warming is due to the failure of governments around the world to deeply cut emissions.” In the USA extreme heat has disrupted today's Fourth of July celebrations, including the cancellation of a parade in Washington DC. The intense heat led to the closure of the fair on the National Mall for several hours yesterday. At least 11 people were taken by ambulance from the fair.  Philadelphia and Washington DC are expected to reach 104F (40C) and 103F with the humidity making it feel like 112F (44C) and 111F, respectively. IN Europe record-breaking heatwaves in the past few weeks have claimed thousands of lives in France, with reports claiming that deaths surged by nearly a third during the hottest week of a record heat wave last month. 

Loving God, you created a wonderful world with amazing life forms, and eco-systems. Forgive us that we are destroying those systems that sustain our lives. Forgive us that extreme heat, caused by every rising global temperatures is taking peoples lives. May what so many are experiencing around the world be a wake-up call to the leaders of nations and global corporations.  May they work urgently and co-opertively to address the climate crisis, to protected our carbon sinks and move us away for our dependance of fossil fuels. May we leave this world in a sustainable situation for our children and their children. In  the name of Jesus we pray,  Amen.  

Yes there can be friendly football matches between the Scottish rivals, Celtic and Rangers. A friendly match, organised by Chris Findlay. It  brought together Celtic and Rangers supporters for a good cause raising £5,500 for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland. Chris, from East Kilbride, was inspired to support the charity after hearing about its work at a business networking event. Chris is a Rangers supporter while his wife, Stephanie, supports Celtic.  They came up with the idea for the match, which has raised more than £12,000 over  just two years. This year’s event was sponsored by member of the networking group Gavin Kirkwood, owner of Kirkwood Asset Management, along with Precious Time and Headspa with Steph—both run by Chris's wife, Stephanie. Andrew Flynn, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland’s Head of Fundraising and communications,  said: "Giving children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus the chance to be mascots, to hand out medals and to be right at the heart of the action – those are opportunities many of our young people simply don’t get. At SBH Scotland we believe every child should have the chance to feel unstoppable and it is only through the commitment and generosity of supporters like Chris, Stephanie and Gavin, the players, the donors and the supporters, that we can make those moments possible. Of course, the funds raised will make a real difference to families across Scotland but just as important are the memories created and the confidence built on days like this."

You can find out more about Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland here.

Loving God we give you thanks and praise

for all your loving kindness.

We thank you for the food we eat

for homes and those who love and care for us.

We thank you for those who

devote their working lives to providing food,

farmers and growers, merchant seamen, dockers,

hauliers, wholesalers and retailers

We thank you for providers of health care,

education, funeral services,

and daily care to the elderly and frail.

We thank you for the joys and opportunities of daily life,

for all that we find fulfilling

and your reassuring presence

when life is challenging, frightening and demanding.

We thank you for your guidance by the Holy Spirit

who lives within your faithful people.

We thank you for your promise of eternal life

through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.

We thank you for his immeasurable love for us

demonstrated on the cross.

We glorify you for his resurrection

and that he has opened the gates of heaven

that all may go in.

We thank you for this brand new day.

Praise and glory be to you

loving God.  Amen.