In May I enjoyed leading worship with the folk at The Church at the Centre at Tonge Moor. As they celebrated their 10th anniversary we reflected on the lectionary Psalm 97 and a focus on verse 11 (The Message translation by Eugene Peterson):

"Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people,

Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil."

Within the service we planted Russian Giant sunflower seeds. I am grateful to Sue for this wonderful picture that showed just how tall the sunflowers could growth. The world needs those "light-seeds" within God's people to see lives transformed, and for communities to experience the justice, joy and peace of the Kingdom of God.

Please pray for:

• the world as (whatever your political views) it comes to terms with the election today of Mr Trump as the next US president
• for the “light-seeds” to be planted and rooted in the lives of God’s People that we will grow in discipleship as we walk more closely with Jesus as individuals and as Christian communities
• for the light of our congregations within the Synod to plant seeds of the Gospel in the communities where they are – please think of the 3 nearest URC congregations to you and pray particularly for their life and witness as part of God’s mission in their localities
• for God’s people to be renewed by the joy of the Gospel, and equipped for works of service in response to God’s love in Christ for all people