6 Nov 2025, 07:08Zinze Bishop, Communications & PM Secretary Hackney SDA ChurchHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
A Mother’s Joy: Hackney Church Rejoices in the Baptism of Regular Attendee
On 1st November, as the sun set down over the church on the hill, God welcomed His child back into His arms. Brother Dave Miller, a regular attendee of Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church, was seated in the congregation like a man on a great mission. Behind him sat his overjoyed mother and proud siblings.
In the morning, Elder Brenda Rutherford gave a heart-warming message on loneliness, reminding us: “Do not give up on your children.” A fitting statement which led us back through the doors of church in the late afternoon.
Elder John Mathieu opened in prayer, reminding us to think about those affected by Hurricane Melissa and giving thanks for the opportunity we had to be worshipping together.
As we waited with warmed hearts for the musicians to arrive, the lively congregation sang a cappella with songs including the favourite “I’ve Got My Mind Made Up.” The atmosphere felt harmonious, as if angels were singing along with us.
Elder Chris Brooks, addressing the church, spoke highly of Brother Miller, who we learned was always on time for church and had a peaceful and pleasant character.
Hackney’s resident Pastor, Vaughn Thorpe, welcomed the congregation, giving special thanks to Brother Miller’s mother and family for attending from near and far. Pastor Thorpe reminded us that we were at a “wedding reception” and that it was “an exciting time” to be at such an occasion as today.
As Brother Miller’s mother embraced her son, we heard she had been praying earnestly for him to return to the fold. As she wept and hugged her son, the congregation was invited to pray for all parents crying out for their children.
Stepping forward to face the sea of faces in the audience, Brother Miller responded “I do” in agreement to each baptismal vow read. Sister Lynette spoke about first meeting Brother Miller and how she was taken aback by his eagerness to serve God and the community.
Elder John Locker gave a thanksgiving prayer, reminding us how much we are loved by our everlasting Saviour.
We heard Psalm 23 and then Matthew 6:9–13 being read beautifully by Brother Miller’s sisters. Sister Myrtle O’Keefe sang sweetly, her voice reaching every part of the church.
Earlier in the service, we learned Brother Miller had spent three years in regular Bible studies with Pastor Thorpe. Now stood faithfully in the baptismal pool, we were seeing a man willing to give his life to God.
The service ended with a benediction by Elder John Mathieu, and Hackney’s members, friends, and family passed on their words of appreciation to the now baptised Brother Dave Miller. In a world full of pain, hurt, and devastation, we as God’s children must stand up, stand strong, and stand together for Jesus.
On 1st November, as the sun set down over the church on the hill, God welcomed His child back into His arms. Brother Dave Miller, a regular attendee of Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church, was seated in the congregation like a man on a great mission. Behind him sat his overjoyed mother and proud siblings.
In the morning, Elder Brenda Rutherford gave a heart-warming message on loneliness, reminding us: “Do not give up on your children.” A fitting statement which led us back through the doors of church in the late afternoon.
Elder John Mathieu opened in prayer, reminding us to think about those affected by Hurricane Melissa and giving thanks for the opportunity we had to be worshipping together.
As we waited with warmed hearts for the musicians to arrive, the lively congregation sang a cappella with songs including the favourite “I’ve Got My Mind Made Up.” The atmosphere felt harmonious, as if angels were singing along with us.
Elder Chris Brooks, addressing the church, spoke highly of Brother Miller, who we learned was always on time for church and had a peaceful and pleasant character.
Hackney’s resident Pastor, Vaughn Thorpe, welcomed the congregation, giving special thanks to Brother Miller’s mother and family for attending from near and far. Pastor Thorpe reminded us that we were at a “wedding reception” and that it was “an exciting time” to be at such an occasion as today.
As Brother Miller’s mother embraced her son, we heard she had been praying earnestly for him to return to the fold. As she wept and hugged her son, the congregation was invited to pray for all parents crying out for their children.
Stepping forward to face the sea of faces in the audience, Brother Miller responded “I do” in agreement to each baptismal vow read. Sister Lynette spoke about first meeting Brother Miller and how she was taken aback by his eagerness to serve God and the community.
Elder John Locker gave a thanksgiving prayer, reminding us how much we are loved by our everlasting Saviour.
We heard Psalm 23 and then Matthew 6:9–13 being read beautifully by Brother Miller’s sisters. Sister Myrtle O’Keefe sang sweetly, her voice reaching every part of the church.
Earlier in the service, we learned Brother Miller had spent three years in regular Bible studies with Pastor Thorpe. Now stood faithfully in the baptismal pool, we were seeing a man willing to give his life to God.
The service ended with a benediction by Elder John Mathieu, and Hackney’s members, friends, and family passed on their words of appreciation to the now baptised Brother Dave Miller. In a world full of pain, hurt, and devastation, we as God’s children must stand up, stand strong, and stand together for Jesus.
