25 Jun 2025, 10:17Zinze Bishop, Communications & Personal Ministries Secretary, Hackney ChurchHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Hackney’s Treasures Lead Out for Children’s Day During 35-Degree Heatwave
During the heatwave on Sabbath, 21st June 2025, Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church saw eighteen children from Junior Sabbath School (JSS) and the Teens Department take part in a specially themed day entitled “Treasured by God.”
As temperatures in London soared, the Beginners and Primary classes shared memory verses and songs, while three children from the PowerPoint class delivered uplifting messages on God’s love for us.
There was singing led by the children, including favourites such as “This Is My Father’s World” and “Jesus’ Love Is Bubbling Over.” Throughout the day, we enjoyed a drummer, a poet, and three inspiring sermonettes by dynamic eleven-year-olds.
The children’s story was interactive, with Sister Myriam (Children’s Department) asking each child to pick a selection of pretend food from the table. One child said they had grape juice and watermelon on their plate, while another had kiwi and oranges.
Sister Myriam went on to share the story of Daniel and his three friends, who refused the king’s meat in favour of their own healthy diet. The story ended with an encouragement to eat healthily, practise moderation, and treat one another kindly.
As the sun beat down in East London, two-year-old Kamani recited his memory verse, while sixteen-year-old Ardina shared her poem. As other children followed with their verses, the audience cheered and clapped at their confidence and excitement. It was indeed a fruitful day of praise, prayer, and worship, followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch.
Before the speakers came up, there were testimonies by the children, including one who stated, “I got my gold award at school,” and another who said, “I am thankful for my brother.” Junior Sabbath School Superintendent Sister Petra Prince shared, “It’s a pleasure working with them and seeing the results.”
Allyssa Reece was introduced by her mother, who spoke of how her daughter gave her life to Christ at the tender age of eight. Allyssa’s maturity and charisma inspired us as she spoke on the importance of staying loyal to God.
Up next was Levi Greaves, whose father introduced him. We heard how he is an affectionate child with a passion for football and making friends. Levi’s sermon, entitled “Chosen by God,” relayed God’s love for us regardless of where we live, what school we attend, or even what football team we support.
As the final speaker, Neriah Adewuyi took to the pulpit. Her mother introduced her as a loving child who always puts God first in her life. Neriah addressed us with confidence and clarity, sharing how we must remain hopeful in this fallen world.
Young budding musician Curtis Jnr played on the drums alongside his dad, also Curtis, who was on the keys, while Curtis Jnr’s aunt sang with them.
“I felt privileged to be surrounded by so much talent from such little people,” shared one member. Hackney’s regular visitor Abigail stated that it was her last Sabbath in the country before she travels back to Gambia. She thanked the congregation for “opening their arms,” said she “will miss everyone,” and was glad to have made it to church today.
We continue to pray for all the children, parents, and carers in Hackney SDA Church, and thank Sister Petra (JSS Leader), Sister Cheryl, Sister Jen, Sister Myriam, Sister Margaret, and Sister Sonia for their hard work, dedication, and encouragement.
Special thanks to our children – Kamani, Jaylen, Dejon, Angel, Jamari, Curtis, Ayvah, De’aira, Liara, Neziah, Cairan, Isaiah, Imani, Acacia, Ardina – and to our speakers Allyssa, Levi, and Neriah.
In the words of sixteen-year-old Ardina:
So let your kindness brightly shine,
A reflection of His love divine,
You are indeed God’s treasures.
During the heatwave on Sabbath, 21st June 2025, Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church saw eighteen children from Junior Sabbath School (JSS) and the Teens Department take part in a specially themed day entitled “Treasured by God.”
As temperatures in London soared, the Beginners and Primary classes shared memory verses and songs, while three children from the PowerPoint class delivered uplifting messages on God’s love for us.
There was singing led by the children, including favourites such as “This Is My Father’s World” and “Jesus’ Love Is Bubbling Over.” Throughout the day, we enjoyed a drummer, a poet, and three inspiring sermonettes by dynamic eleven-year-olds.
The children’s story was interactive, with Sister Myriam (Children’s Department) asking each child to pick a selection of pretend food from the table. One child said they had grape juice and watermelon on their plate, while another had kiwi and oranges.
Sister Myriam went on to share the story of Daniel and his three friends, who refused the king’s meat in favour of their own healthy diet. The story ended with an encouragement to eat healthily, practise moderation, and treat one another kindly.
As the sun beat down in East London, two-year-old Kamani recited his memory verse, while sixteen-year-old Ardina shared her poem. As other children followed with their verses, the audience cheered and clapped at their confidence and excitement. It was indeed a fruitful day of praise, prayer, and worship, followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch.
Before the speakers came up, there were testimonies by the children, including one who stated, “I got my gold award at school,” and another who said, “I am thankful for my brother.” Junior Sabbath School Superintendent Sister Petra Prince shared, “It’s a pleasure working with them and seeing the results.”
Allyssa Reece was introduced by her mother, who spoke of how her daughter gave her life to Christ at the tender age of eight. Allyssa’s maturity and charisma inspired us as she spoke on the importance of staying loyal to God.
Up next was Levi Greaves, whose father introduced him. We heard how he is an affectionate child with a passion for football and making friends. Levi’s sermon, entitled “Chosen by God,” relayed God’s love for us regardless of where we live, what school we attend, or even what football team we support.
As the final speaker, Neriah Adewuyi took to the pulpit. Her mother introduced her as a loving child who always puts God first in her life. Neriah addressed us with confidence and clarity, sharing how we must remain hopeful in this fallen world.
Young budding musician Curtis Jnr played on the drums alongside his dad, also Curtis, who was on the keys, while Curtis Jnr’s aunt sang with them.
“I felt privileged to be surrounded by so much talent from such little people,” shared one member. Hackney’s regular visitor Abigail stated that it was her last Sabbath in the country before she travels back to Gambia. She thanked the congregation for “opening their arms,” said she “will miss everyone,” and was glad to have made it to church today.
We continue to pray for all the children, parents, and carers in Hackney SDA Church, and thank Sister Petra (JSS Leader), Sister Cheryl, Sister Jen, Sister Myriam, Sister Margaret, and Sister Sonia for their hard work, dedication, and encouragement.
Special thanks to our children – Kamani, Jaylen, Dejon, Angel, Jamari, Curtis, Ayvah, De’aira, Liara, Neziah, Cairan, Isaiah, Imani, Acacia, Ardina – and to our speakers Allyssa, Levi, and Neriah.
In the words of sixteen-year-old Ardina:
So let your kindness brightly shine,
A reflection of His love divine,
You are indeed God’s treasures.
