22nd May 2026

Catastrophic! That was the word used this morning by representatives for Oxfam, Save the Children and Refugees International concerning the current situation in Gaza. More than six months after the United Nations endorsed a peace plan in Gaza major gaps remain between Israel's commitments and the reality facing Palestinians. "Israel continues to deny most experienced aid groups from bringing in essential supplies, like pipes to fix water systems, shelters, materials and medical supplies at the levels needed," Oxfam America President Abby Maxman said. Speaking in New York, she added, "This is despite promises of reconstruction, economic development, and long-term prosperity." Teresa Soldner, an American surgeon who recently returned from Gaza said: "Trauma patients continued to arrive every single day that I was in Gaza. I think that the Palestinian healthcare establishment has been absolutely decimated." Children continue to arrive at health clinics with severe acute malnutrition. 600,000 children will be have missed school for three years. Refugees International President Jeremy Konyndyk and the NGOs called on Israel to meet its obligations because the ceasefire deal "is failing, and it is failing because it is being made to fail." 

Loving God, we cry with our neighbours in Gaza.  We abhor that agreements are broken, words given mean nothing, and that children go hungry.  We cry with all who suffer in Gaza because of our inhumanity.  We ask your forgivingness.  We thank you for those who do care, and for those bringing help and aid under difficult conditions.  We are sad that more can be done but is being prevented. God of justice, strengthen the resolve of peacemakers and aid providers in the face of seemingly endless violence.  Guide the leaders of the peoples of the Middle East to know your will and to support a just peace for all of your children.   In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

In the centre of Scotland the Pitlochry Station Bookshop was taken over by volunteer ‘station adopters’ in 2006. Supported through ScotRail’s Adopt-a-Station scheme, the railway station's bookshop has now passed a milestone, raising £500,000 for charity. £504,918 has been donated to a variety of local, national and international charities, including Cancer Research UK, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Highland Perthshire Shopmobility, Mercy Corps, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and Tayside Mountain Rescue. The bookshop first opened following a community call to revitalise unused station space, however, its amazing success saw it expand into larger premises within the station, helping to significantly increase funds raised for charity over time. Paul McKay, ScotRail communications director, said: “Reaching the £500,000 mark is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with Pitlochry Station Bookshop... The dedication of the volunteers, and the continued support from customers donating and buying books, has helped create something truly special.” 

Lord God, heavenly Father,

we thank you for all your benefits.

You have given us body and life

and have graciously sustained us to this day.

Do not take your blessing from us.

Preserve us from greed,

that we may serve you only,

love you and abide in you

and not defile ourselves

by idolatrous love of wealth or goods,

but hope and trust only in your grace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one true God, now and forever.

Veit Dietrich, d. 1549,

Veit Dietrich was an early reformer in the church,

a young associate of Martin Luther