28th February 2026

US President Donald Trump's attempt at a deal with Iran descended into death and destruction this morning as the US, in conjunction with Israel, attacked Iran. At the time of writing little is known.  However, US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the US has launched "major combat operations" in Iran after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel had launched a "pre-emptive" attack on Iran.  News agencies have confirmed that there have been attacks on Tehran and across the country.  Trump told reporters yesterday that “We’re not exactly happy with the way they [Iran] negotiated. They cannot have nuclear weapons, and we’re not thrilled with the way they’re negotiating.” There is concern for the whole region as these strikes follow Israeli air strikes on Lebanon on Thursday night, in the Bekaa area, which the Israeli military believes is the operational base of Hezbollah. 

Loving God we come before you this morning concerned for our neighbours in Iran and across the Middle East.  We pray for restraint.  We pray for the welfare of all who mounr and all who are injured as a consequence of the US and Israeli actions. Move among the leaders of nations that they will be able to persuade President Trump to cease the violence and return to the negotiating table.  We ask you forgiveness when we resort to violence when our deal making breaks down. Across the region, may hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation, that violence. death and destruction may be replaced by love, peace and justice.  Father God we look to that day when swords will be turned into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks. We long for that day when our resources, time and energies do not result in sadness and mourning, grief and fear, but bring delight and hope as we use them to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and heal the sick. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

16 year old George Carrick found a lump in September last year and was too afraid to tell anybody.  However it was eventually diagnosed as testicular cancer just a few weeks ago.  The tumour has now been removed.  George works as a groundsman at Haven's Craig Tara near Ayr, Scotland. George's colleague have been hugely supportive and took on a cold water dip challenge to raise money for Cancer Research. Through an online fundraiser and donations through the holiday park, £3,224.55 was raised for the charity.  Eileen Potter, people administrator for the park, said: "Last year was our first year raising money for Cancer Research. I thought it was the perfect tie. The company as a whole raised over a quarter of a million pounds for Cancer Research, but the charity is now incredibly important for the Craig Tara team.  George is waiting to hear if he will need any further treatment.  Nevertheless he wants to start visiting schools around Ayrshire to encourage young men to get themselves checked. George said: “It seems like a no brainer for people to be having these conversations with young men given girls are shown how to check their breasts for lumps. I think people will be able to relate to me and listen to me because I am still around their age.  They're more inclined to take on board what I'm saying than someone in a random video."

Lord, you are a mighty and powerful God. 

You set the earth within the universe.

The sun rises in the morning

and sinks to its setting in the evening.

You light the night with moon and stars.

Yet, because your are love,

you know and care for each and every one of us.

From deep within our souls

we glorify you with songs of praise.

We are blessed to be filled by your presence.

The blind are filled with your vision.

The dumb are filled with your word.

The weak are filled with your strength.

The oppressed are unchained by your freedom.

People abused and exploited are cherished by you.

You treasure each and every one of us.

We praise, glorify and lift high your Holy name,

Almighty Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

one eternal God.  Amen.