Lighthouse Methodist Church

06/10/2026

This Week's Reflection from our minister Rev Stephanie Njeru

“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4: 8-10)

October is now upon us, and there are two things that are worth highlighting. Firstly, is that October is Black History Month and 10th October is Mental Health awareness.

In recent weeks, we have, once again, seen protests against people who seek sanctuary on our shores. This is not a new concept. Those who came over in the Windrush era, although willing and able to work and help rebuild Britain, many were ostracised and rejected from wider society. The same goes on here and in other places around the world, South Africa are currently going through what can only be called as ethnic cleansing, giving an ultimatum to all those foreign nationals who have worked and lived there for years.

Many discussions I have with my husband end up with me being educated about the colonisation of Kenya. History I was unaware of in my school education. There is a museum been opened in Kenya to remember the colonisation and everything that happened. My in-laws refuse to let me visit because they know I will never be able to un-see what pictures and stories are held within that collective memory.

There is so much we still have to learn, and so much we need to learn from in order that we can strive for all to be treated as human beings and not objects. Lived realities are not the same for us all, and awareness of that is essential.

I was watching a programme a few weeks ago where Professor Peter Fonagy had done research with young people and their mental health. The reporter had asked the question – are young people ‘snowflakes’? And the response was ‘no’, reasoning that lack of guaranteed employment, housing insecurity, social media bullying and fewer safe social groups for a greater sense of belonging and positive encouragement. This should give us food for thought. What is it we can, both personally and as a community offer to young people to help them feel like they belong? How can we recognise the insecurity of their future and help them feel grounded or worthy? Some young people battle with things that didn’t even exist when we were growing up, it is a new and complicated world.

Different worlds, different realities. We may not necessarily understand everything, but it is our responsibility to do everything we can do, to make sure life for everyone is as good as it can be. Start small and watch the ripples turn into positive self-esteem, better mental health, and a knowledge that they are loved. ‘We love because God first loved us’ (1 John 4:19).

To enable people to see beauty in diversity, we must make provision for learning and generosity. To enable others to flourish, we must show them not just humanity, but the spirit of the God of love.

May God bless you with love and generosity of spirit, that all may feel love, accepted and enabled to be who they were created to be.

Rev Stephanie

21/09/2026

Queen Victoria Seafarer's Rest - supported by the Methodist Church.
QVSR is a place of friendship, support and community for seafarers. Volunteers play a key role in helping the organisation to be welcoming and a safe environment. There are many ways to get involved as outlined below. Please note contact details at the bottom of the page...

06/09/2026

This Week's Reflection from our minister Rev Stephanie

Then God said “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”’ (Genesis 1: 26)

A new start beckons many of us in September. Students having received exam grades will be thinking of their next steps, some already certain, some not so.

September is the month when schools welcome new pupils and teachers, Methodist ministers start in new circuits or appointments.

It’s the month where, in previous years, the weather starts to turn cooler, dew on the grass, coats starting to be dusted off and come out of the cupboards. Nights draw in, russet apples appear in the supermarkets and, before long, we are into the changing season of Autumn.

How did we get to September already? Are the teachers refreshed and rejuvenated to start learning names all over again? What do we think our new minister will be like? All questions asked at the beginning of September. Adam and Eve were the start of something. A representation of the start of humanity and how we were meant to live. Sometimes domination is though of as equating to a violent or aggressive, possessive behaviour, but in this context it most certainly doesn’t. The opening words to the creation of humanity was that we were created in the likeness of God. God loves, God cares, God encourages and wishes our life to be lived in abundance. This is what Adam and Eve were appointed as – caretakers, not abusive or possessive controllers.

So, as we continue to be in drought, as we see the devastating effect of the glacial collapse in Nepal and China, as we brace for whatever the most powerful el nino in decades brings us, this year, perhaps, we need to ask different questions. How can we help ease the drought? How can we support our farmers and our firefighters? Are our emergency service workers getting enough of a break, and how do we / can we enable that to happen?

It is a time of change, not just for individuals and families, but this summer has brought into stark reality the change in environmental pressures. The way we have been doing things in the past are no longer acceptable. The climate change which was largely affecting other countries is now substantial in this country, and is shocking in its ferocity.

Accountability is no longer an abstract concept, but a firm reality. Apathy is no longer acceptable. We all have our part to play, no longer are CFC hairspray or coal power the main protagonists. But it is our lifestyle and our priorities. We are reminded in the passage above that it is our privilege and responsibility to look after creation. So, as we celebrate the adopted month of Care of Creation, we are mindful of our actions upon others.

Jesus said the main two commandments are these: To love God with all your heart, soul, mind and body; and to love others as you love yourself. By consciously and pro-actively doing this, we will become aware of the implications our words, actions and decisions have upon others, whether in this country or in another. Something that those in leadership need to carefully consider also.

God loves us all, and nothing can come in between us and God’s love for us. It is that love which we need to embrace and reflect in our lives, which will ultimately help us to protect and care for each other and the environment around us.

May you know God’s love in your life, and seek to reflect that love towards the children of God you know personally, and those you don’t.

With blessings and prayers

Rev Stephanie

04/07/2026

Reflections from our minister - Rev Stephanie Njeru

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me… I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me you will know my Father also.” (John 14: 1,6-7)

When was thinking about what to write for this summer newsletter, I thought about the heatwaves, the gardens, and then my mind went to the sporting events this summer. All topics of conversation within church circles and beyond. But I was also reminded of the passage above from John 14 which has been chosen for three of my recent funerals, and also a passage used recently in Sunday services.

I am writing this the day after Harry Kane was named ‘saviour’ of the England football team, whether that remains the same when you read it, I do not know! But I wonder whether the two streams of consciousness have anything in common. A ‘saviour’ named by others because he got a team out of trouble and was the reason a country can progress in a competition that is held so dearly, a religion to many – and Jesus who said he was the way, the truth and the life, the gate back to God.

You may not know, that when England loses a football game, the domestic violence rate increases by over 40%. It is a devastating figure. So, in scoring the goals he did, Harry Kane saved lives, albeit unconsciously and perhaps unknowingly. Jesus however knew that he did, and was to, save lives both physically and spiritually.

The difference, I think, is about where our conscience and vision is. Is it about winning, about taking a team forward, about doing your best, or perhaps being good enough to earn an absolute fortune? Or is it about spiritual fulfilment and desire to better ourselves for the sake of God and others?

Many Christians enjoy sports, and that is a positive thing, but if it becomes an obsession which turns your eyes away from God, then it is becoming idolatrous. Those who are in the pubs and sports stands who believe that the people in front of them are their ‘saviour’ have not been shown what it is to believe in the Saviour of the world. Their gain is short lived, and Jesus offers us eternal joy and eternal hope.

The flowers and nature that are in abundance over the summer are a testament to the creativity and love of God. As it blossoms and flourishes, it gives us joy. As we watch the world come to life in a different way, we are also seeing the effects of our current and historical impact upon the environment, the heatwaves. When people forget that the earth is the Lord’s and it should be treated with respect, when we let consumerism and individuals guide our lifestyles, we walk in the wrong direction and our principles become skewed. But Jesus counteracts our wandering minds. He calls us to focus upon God and what God offers, and how we can flourish spiritually. Jesus is the gate towards a new and abundant life, he is the gateway to fields of joy, fresh living water and eternal love. When we walk through the gate, when we accept the life that Jesus offers, we gain life itself and life in all its fullness.

Jesus asks us to believe, to receive peace, and to walk with him; and then, he says, you will know the Father, the one who created you, the one who gives you life, the one who welcomes you as a beloved and cherished child.

So, enjoy the summer months, the beauty of creation, and the vibrant spirit which the different sporting events bring, but most of all, enjoy and embrace your walk with Jesus, your true Saviour, brother and friend.

Blessings and prayers
Rev Stephanie

06/06/2026

This Month's Reflection from our minister Rev Stephanie Njeru

“Though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend.” (Phillippians 2:6-10)

Every year in the Methodist Church we have a ‘Bible Month’, many churches have this in June, and this year we study Philippians.
Philippians is a unique letter by Paul as it is written in a slightly different way than his others. This letter has a centre from which he explains what he has written. The centre of his writing is this passage – the story of Jesus Christ, and what he did for us. The rest of the letter takes portions of this story and explains in more detail.
When I was considering this passage, I began to sing some of the songs which use these words. I wonder, if you can find the words of hymns in some of the sentences above? I don’t think it is such a bad thing to do, to search your memory or hymnbook for songs that this passage helps you remember. It is a very Methodist thing to do! It’s not so long ago that it was reported more Methodists had hymn books than had Bibles! I’m not sure how true that statement is, but it reminds us of our history and our beginnings.

This year Wesley Day was on Pentecost Sunday, and, as such it may have been missed. But it is important for us to recognise the importance of what the Wesley’s did for the workers, the servants, the farmers, and those who were not able to read. Just like Paul took the gospel message to different communities, so the Wesley’s and their counterparts took the gospel to those who could not get to church. He taught them in sermons, but, most importantly, he passed the gospel message through song. Tunes and words are easier to remember, you can sing them as you work, as you travel.

Wesley understood this, and utilised this. It is within the Methodist DNA to sing the message of God’s love, forgiveness and grace. It is a beautiful gift of itself, and helps us to remember what Paul and many others were trying to relay as they wrote letters, poems and stories.

As we consider sentences such as ‘at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bend’, then let’s do that, let’s bend our knees and lift our voices high. Let’s give thanks for what Jesus Christ has done for us. Let’s celebrate people like Paul and the Wesley’s, and how they took the message of Christ out to the people.

And then, once we have given thanks, let us remember that we are a part of the story of Christ. Remember that Jesus was Emmanuel, born in human likeness. Why? He was born because he knew he had to die. He had to die so that we might live. He was obedient so that our iniquities might be washed away by his blood. He was obedient to his calling so that we may know life to its fullest, so that we might abide in God’s love, for eternity.

And for that, for his selfless love: his name is above all names; at his name every knee should bow; and, he is exalted, forever exalted, his name is exalted on high. Amen!

With love and prayers
Rev Stephanie

08/05/2026

06/04/2026

Our Easter Message from our minister - Rev Stephanie Njeru

‘As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised, he is not here.”’ (Mark 16: 5,6)

He has risen! Hallelujah!

It is a joy to greet you with those words, that Jesus is Risen! Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian year. The resurrection of Jesus as Christ is the reason that we can have a closer relationship with God, the reason that we can feel God’s full acceptance and forgiveness upon our lives.

Having come through the trials, the violence, the deceit towards him, having carried his cross up the hill and been nailed onto it to die, Jesus is laid in a borrowed tomb and, on the third day he rose again. He did this for love of you and me. He did this because it was the only way of atonement for us. Jesus died so that we may live and have life in its fullest.

Sometimes we romanticise the death of Jesus. But I was reminded recently just how violent it would have been. The Circuit young adults group watched ‘The Passion of Christ’ which some of you may remember when it first came out over 20 years ago. It was groundbreaking, controversial, and brought the harsh reality of the crucifixion into focus.

Bringing things to life, whether that be babies being born, or Jesus’ death, is a messy and painful experience. But it is worth it. Jesus in his humility obeyed God’s wish that we all be reconciled to God, even though that was going to be painful. Jesus knew that God had a plan, and that was his part to play. Jesus was willing because he knew that it was for a greater good, it was for us, for God’s children, that we may be able to be welcomed into eternal life with God.

Love is not always easy, but in Christ we have been shown a way. We have been shown that humility and a willingness to seek out God’s desire, helps others. Jesus’ resurrection that we celebrate this month, shows us that God is all powerful and ever loving. God holds true to the promises made, and wants us to flourish in a relationship with the Risen Christ.

So, as the Easter eggs are given and received, let us think about the gift of new life that they represent. New birth, new life through Jesus’ resurrection and a new and powerful relationship with God. As we look around at the colours filling gardens and fields, may we know that God wants our lives to be full of life and vitality, that God wants us to shine brightly and bring colour into each other’s lives.

We can do that because we know that Jesus loves us so much, gave his life in order that we may flourish through a loving relationship with our Creator. For God’s power to raise Christ and give us power over darkness and death, we give thanks.

Hallelujah! He is Risen!

Happy Eastertide.

Rev Stephanie

04/04/2026

Easter Sunday - Glory Be to God...

03/04/2026

Good Friday

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish? ~ Psalm 22:1

02/04/2026

Maundy Thursday

1 All the room was hushed and still,
and when the bowl was filled
he stooped to wash their feet.
And when it was complete,
he said, this is what I'm asking you to do,
this is why I'm kneeling here beside you.
This is what I want my Church to be,
this is what I want the world to see --
who it is you follow.
Love each other, Love each other
in the way that I have loved you.
Walk together,
and whatever comes,
love each other in the way that I have loved you.

2 Let the room be hushed and still,
let us go to where he kneels
and join him as he serves,
and learn his ways of love.
He said, this is what I'm asking you to do,
this is why I'm kneeling here beside you.
This is what I want my Church to be,
this is what I want the world to see --
who it is you follow.
Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)