29th October 2026

Yesterday morning a high-speed train travelling from Madrid to Seville, in Spain, hit another train which was stationary on the tracks with such force that several carriages were derailed and sent tumbling down an embankment. At least 68 people died in the incident and dozens more were injured. Passengers being thrown out of their seats, trapped in the wreckage and had to resort to breaking windows to get out of the train.  Spain's Civil Guard said it that in order to identify some of the casualties DNA samples from relatives would be required. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said; "The whole of Spain is grieving. Lives have been shattered, families have been torn apart, the pain is immense."

Loving God, our hearts gfo out to our neighbours in Spain. MAy all who are grieving today as a consequence of yesterday's train crash find comfort and consolation in your loving embrace. Bring peace to troubled hearts and minds. Bless the medical teams working with people injured that swift and full recoveries may be made. Bring your still small voice of calm to all who have been traumatised by the events they experienced. Guide the authorities in the investigative work they need to do.  May the needs of rail staff not be forgotten as they live with the aftermath of this disaster.  May all who travel be safe and may we all know that you walk with us as we travel through the valley of death. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Secret Angels, is a not for profit organisation based in Wolverhampton, UK.  The charity works with the most vulnerable members of the community and seeks to support those struggling with the challenges of fuel and food poverty. On Sunday 27th September, Secret Angels held a fundraising event at Dunstall Hill Community Centre which brought together hundreds of people for an afternoon of fundraising, entertainment and cancer awareness. The event featured food and drink stalls, cakes, tea and coffee, bubble tea, face painting, henna art, games, raffles, family activities, and an the opportunity to get information and discuss oral health, the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, risk factors and the importance of early diagnosis. The day raised £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Alvina Ali, founder of Secret Angels, said she was proud of the community effort behind the event: "Raising £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support is an amazing achievement. I feel incredibly proud and, more than anything, grateful." Thanking Secret Angels for their work and donation, Hannah Lumb, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said the £5,000 raised could fund 122 hours of a Macmillan nurse's time, allow the charity to answer its support line for 65 people, or help run its online community for 156 hours.

You can find out more about Secret Angels here.

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,

you are the most Holy One,

enthroned in splendour and light.

We give you thanks and praise,

for by your word all things have come into being.

You fashioned us in your image

and placed us in the garden of your delight.

We praise you,

for despite our waywardness

and our failure to live according to your will,

you never abandon us.

We praise and thank you

that you sent your Son Jesus Christ

to embrace our humanity,

reveal the power of your love,

and to show us the way of salvation.

We glorify you for the love Jesus shows us

and that by his sacrificial death on the cross

he set us free from the bonds of sin,

that we may rise and reign with him in glory.

All praise and thanksgiving be to you heavenly Father.

Amen.