“There Is No Place Like Home” – A Sabbath of Worship, Welcome, and Warmth at Clapton

The atmosphere at Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church on 27th December 2025 was filled with warmth, reflection, and community connection as members and visitors gathered for a special Sabbath centred on the theme: “There Is No Place Like Home.” From early morning fellowship to evening ministry for community mothers, the entire day reflected God’s invitation to belong, to grow, and to return home to Him.

Sabbath School: A Morning of Connection and Reflection

The day began with a Sabbath School breakfast, lovingly led by the 2025 Sabbath School Superintendents. Held in the church’s Blue Room, the setting encouraged fellowship as members sat in table groups and shared both food and meaningful conversations.

The programme was anchored in the powerful declaration of Joshua 24:14–15, calling believers to serve God with sincerity and truth.

Participants engaged in thoughtful group and individual activities, including discussions on:

• What makes a place feel like home?

• How do we serve God sincerely in our homes today?

• How can our church family strengthen one another spiritually?

Members were invited to identify potential idols in their lives, pray for forgiveness, and reflect on God’s blessings by completing statements such as:

• God brought me…

• God protected me…

• God delivered me…

A symbolic exercise followed, where each person wrote a word or phrase representing what they wanted their “spiritual home” to stand for in the coming year. These were placed on a “Board of Witness”, reflecting Joshua’s stone of witness for the Israelites. Sabbath School closed with a heartfelt prayer of commitment.

Divine Service: A Message of Return and Redemption

Divine Service opened with a moving introit by the Clapton praise team, setting a reverent tone.

Youth presented a touching skit about a young man nervously returning to church after a long absence—only to be warmly embraced by a praying, supportive member. This powerful drama beautifully illustrated the day’s theme.

Other service highlights included:

• A children’s story on the prodigal son

• Scripture reading from Psalm 150

• A musical meditation, “To God Be the Glory,” performed by Rhian

The sermon, delivered by Adventist Radio London Manager, Ray Patrick, was titled “There Is No Place Like Home.” With his signature blend of humour, relatable storytelling, and spiritual insight, Patrick guided the congregation through Luke 15, touching on the lost sheep and lost coin before focusing deeply on the prodigal son.

The message culminated in an altar call, inviting members to commit—or recommit—their hearts to God.

Evening Programme: A Sanctuary for Community Mothers

The day concluded with a warm and welcoming programme for 12 mothers and 27 children from diverse backgrounds, including two Muslim mothers. This outreach reflected the church’s commitment to being a spiritual home for all.

The Prayer Ministries Leader shared an encouraging thought based on Matthew 6:25–27, reminding the mothers that they, too, are God’s children—and He cares deeply for them.

Mothers were invited to share their private prayer requests, and church pastors, elders, and members prayed individually for each one, offering reassurance, comfort, and spiritual support.

To close the evening, mothers received gifts and refreshments as tokens of love and appreciation before being warmly seen off.

A Day That Truly Felt Like Home

From morning fellowship to heartfelt preaching and evening ministry, the entire day echoed one message: everyone has a place in God’s family. Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church reaffirmed its commitment to being a home of compassion, worship, growth, and welcome—for members, returning visitors, and the wider community alike.