23 Sep 2026, 14:19Zinze Bishop, Hackney Communications Leader & PM secretaryHackney, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
BUC President Dr Kirk Thomas Makes Surprise Visit on Hackney SDA Church’s International Day
It was an unforgettable Sabbath on September 19th as the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its International Day ‘Unification of Nations’. Organised by the Sabbath School department, the sanctuary became a vibrant tapestry of global cultures as members wore traditional garments representing Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Ghana, Nigeria, Guyana, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
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The day commenced with an engaging Sabbath School session focused on the theme of togetherness. Members learnt songs in the native languages of Ibo and Saint Lucian Patois, and there were vibrant discussions regarding how the early Christian church found strength in unified purpose.
Following this, the Junior Sabbath School (JSS) and JSS leader, Ss Petra highlighted that going to heaven will be just like a grand family reunion, where people of all backgrounds, languages, and cultures will attend together. Through songs the children reminded us that International Day teaches people to love those who may look different to them.
The congregation joined their voices in unity to sing the cherished hymn ‘Seeking the Lost’ led by Elder Herminia and Sister Lukaki. Sister Volta prayed over for the needs of the church family during the ‘garden of prayer’ time. The Speaker of the hour, Elder Andrew Imbrah preached a timely and stirring message titled "Take a Step Back Before You Go Forward." His sermon centred on the necessity of developing and reflecting the character of Jesus Christ in our daily walk. He challenged the congregation to pause and examine their spiritual foundations, reminding them that despite varying cultural backgrounds and language differences believers are one people serving one sovereign God.
As the divine service drew toward its conclusion, the atmosphere shifted from deep reflection to sudden excitement. The congregation received an unexpected visitor: the British Union Conference (BUC) President, Dr Kirk Thomas. His arrival brought an immediate wave of joy across the pews. Taking to the pulpit he shared an update on the strategic movements taking place at union level. He told the congregation that something deeply exciting was happening within his offices, stating that "there is a new wind blowing" across the BUC. He then led the congregation in the final benediction, offering up a heartfelt prayer for the members of the church, their households, and extended families.
The spiritual feast inside the sanctuary concluded, but the fellowship continued well into the afternoon. The congregation was invited to the church hall for a special banquet featuring an abundant spread of traditional foods and dishes from around the world.
During the luncheon, an extra layer of celebration was added when it was revealed that it was none other than Dr Kirk Thomas’s birthday. The room erupted into a joyous rendition of the traditional birthday song, dedicated not only to the BUC President but also to Sister Volta—who had delivered the morning's prayer—and her relative who also happened to be celebrating their birthday. One of the members pointed out that all three celebrants were born on the beautiful island of Guyana which made the moment even more special.
Reflecting on the day, Sister Vivian, the Sabbath School Superintendent, shared, “During the planning phase, we were faced with some adversities; however, because we were in one accord and had willing hearts, we were able to overcome and had an enjoyable time.”
She further highlighted how the day's events perfectly mirrored the morning’s message, adding, "This resonated with the sermon in that, although we may originate from different countries, the only identity that matters are that we are all children of God."
It was an unforgettable Sabbath on September 19th as the Hackney Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated its International Day ‘Unification of Nations’. Organised by the Sabbath School department, the sanctuary became a vibrant tapestry of global cultures as members wore traditional garments representing Saint Lucia, Trinidad, Ghana, Nigeria, Guyana, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
The day commenced with an engaging Sabbath School session focused on the theme of togetherness. Members learnt songs in the native languages of Ibo and Saint Lucian Patois, and there were vibrant discussions regarding how the early Christian church found strength in unified purpose.
Following this, the Junior Sabbath School (JSS) and JSS leader, Ss Petra highlighted that going to heaven will be just like a grand family reunion, where people of all backgrounds, languages, and cultures will attend together. Through songs the children reminded us that International Day teaches people to love those who may look different to them.
The congregation joined their voices in unity to sing the cherished hymn ‘Seeking the Lost’ led by Elder Herminia and Sister Lukaki. Sister Volta prayed over for the needs of the church family during the ‘garden of prayer’ time. The Speaker of the hour, Elder Andrew Imbrah preached a timely and stirring message titled "Take a Step Back Before You Go Forward." His sermon centred on the necessity of developing and reflecting the character of Jesus Christ in our daily walk. He challenged the congregation to pause and examine their spiritual foundations, reminding them that despite varying cultural backgrounds and language differences believers are one people serving one sovereign God.
As the divine service drew toward its conclusion, the atmosphere shifted from deep reflection to sudden excitement. The congregation received an unexpected visitor: the British Union Conference (BUC) President, Dr Kirk Thomas. His arrival brought an immediate wave of joy across the pews. Taking to the pulpit he shared an update on the strategic movements taking place at union level. He told the congregation that something deeply exciting was happening within his offices, stating that "there is a new wind blowing" across the BUC. He then led the congregation in the final benediction, offering up a heartfelt prayer for the members of the church, their households, and extended families.
The spiritual feast inside the sanctuary concluded, but the fellowship continued well into the afternoon. The congregation was invited to the church hall for a special banquet featuring an abundant spread of traditional foods and dishes from around the world.
During the luncheon, an extra layer of celebration was added when it was revealed that it was none other than Dr Kirk Thomas’s birthday. The room erupted into a joyous rendition of the traditional birthday song, dedicated not only to the BUC President but also to Sister Volta—who had delivered the morning's prayer—and her relative who also happened to be celebrating their birthday. One of the members pointed out that all three celebrants were born on the beautiful island of Guyana which made the moment even more special.
Reflecting on the day, Sister Vivian, the Sabbath School Superintendent, shared, “During the planning phase, we were faced with some adversities; however, because we were in one accord and had willing hearts, we were able to overcome and had an enjoyable time.”
She further highlighted how the day's events perfectly mirrored the morning’s message, adding, "This resonated with the sermon in that, although we may originate from different countries, the only identity that matters are that we are all children of God."
