SEC - News
Go SEC: A Poetic Call to Mission and Transformation
Commissioned by the South England Conference, the poem Go SEC, written by Anthea Barclay and set to music by Leon Barclay, encapsulates the theme Go SEC: Inspired for Mission. Highlighting Christ’s transformative power in hearts, homes, churches, and streets, this poetic collaboration inspires action, faith, and community unity.
Proclaim! SEC Evangelism Expo 2025
Church members from across the South England Conference gathered at Newbold College on 12 January for the SEC Evangelism Expo 2025. The event featured workshops, opportunities to connect with departmental leaders, and a powerful testimony from keynote speaker Dr. Aaron Chancy, who shared his journey from despair to faith. SEC President Dr. Kirk Thomas encouraged attendees to embrace the mission of Christ in their homes, churches, streets, and hearts.
Plumstead Pathfinder Club Advances to Conference Level in 2025 Pathfinder Bible Experience
Plumstead Community Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted the Area 6B Adventurer and Pathfinder Bible Experience on 11 January 2025. Despite being a newly formed club, Plumstead’s Pathfinders advanced to the next competition stage alongside Blessed Hope Stars. The event showcased the dedication, resilience, and biblical knowledge of young participants, guided by committed leaders and parents.
Reviewing Progress on the SEC Strategic Plan
The South England Conference (SEC) leadership reviewed the progress of their Inspired for Mission strategy during 2024, reflecting on milestones and outlining plans for 2025. Focused on bringing “Christ to our hearts, homes, churches, and streets,” the strategy seeks to deepen connections, grow presence, and impact communities through collaborative, innovative efforts across all church levels.
Seventh-day Adventist Member Enoch Kanagaraj Honoured in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours List
Enoch Kanagaraj, founder of One Vision Charity and a member of the Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2025 King’s New Year Honours List. This prestigious recognition highlights his faith-driven mission to serve communities, promote unity, and address critical societal challenges, inspiring others to reflect Christ’s love in action.”
SEC Hosts Inspiring Night of Prayer and Praise to Welcome 2025
On 31 December 2024, the South England Conference (SEC) Prayer Ministries hosted a powerful night of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving inspired by Esther 4:14. The programme, led by SEC Prayer Coordinator Linda Asare and guest presenters, featured purpose-centred sermonettes, interactive sessions, and heartfelt testimonies. With participants joining from the UK, USA, and Canada, the event marked the New Year 2025 with renewed faith and spiritual strength.
Area 6b Ministers Discuss Youth Violence and Safer Streets March at Year-End Meeting
At their end-of-year meeting on 19 December 2024, SEC Area 6b Ministers reviewed the inaugural Safer Streets, Safer Youth March held in Brixton, South London, on 17 August, addressing gun and knife crime, and outlined plans for future Seventh-day Adventist-led community initiatives and partnerships in and beyond 2025.
ELSOM wow audience in End of Year Classical Music Concert
The East London School of Music (ELSOM) held its classical music fundraising concert on 21 December 2024 at Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hackney. Under Music Director Fiona D. Pacquette, students delivered inspiring performances alongside special guests, including the Windrush Senior Community Choir. Highlights included orchestral hymns, solo pieces, and reflections on resilience, unity, and faith, marking a triumphant end to 2024.
The Festive Season and Mental Health
The festive season, often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness, can also bring significant stress and emotional strain.
Holloway SDA Choir Shines at Nags Head Christmas Lights Switch-On
On 16 November, the Holloway Seventh-day Adventist Church Choir brought festive cheer to the Nags Head Christmas lights switch-on with heartwarming performances that captivated the community. Joined by local performers and the Mayor of Islington, the event celebrated unity, joy, and the spirit of the season, marking the start of a hopeful festive period on Holloway Road.
Dinner with a Difference: Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church Hosts Red-Carpet Event for the Elderly and Special Needs Community
On 1 December 2024, Portsmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Possibility Ministries hosted a red-carpet ‘Dinner with a Difference’ for the elderly and individuals with special needs. Featuring live music, poetry, a three-course meal, and uplifting messages, the event fostered community, inclusion, and joy during the festive season.
Bayanihan! Southampton Youth and Filipino Ministries Church Building Fundraising Show and Concert
On 30 November 2024, Southampton International Filipino Ministries hosted a concert featuring Euphony of Praise to raise funds for the church building project. The following week, on 7 December, the youth and teens hosted a Cultural Talent Show, celebrating the diverse nationalities in the congregation. Both events highlighted faith, unity, and a shared commitment to supporting the church’s mission.
Groundbreaking Workshop Hosted by One Vision Held at Hemel Hempstead Seventh-day Adventist Church
One Vision, in partnership with Hertfordshire Care Partnership NHS, faith leaders, and community organisations, hosted a co-design workshop at Hemel Hempstead Seventh-day Adventist Church. The event focused on fostering collaboration, building trust, and shaping innovative solutions to enhance local health outcomes.
One Vision Hosts Inspiring Faith and Health Network Event at the UK Parliament
One Vision Charity hosted the Faith and Health Network event at the UK Parliament on 5 December 2024. The event united faith leaders, including SEC President Dr Kirk Thomas, NHS professionals, and policymakers to tackle health inequalities and foster collaboration between faith communities and healthcare systems.