Seventh-day Adventist® Church

Clapton Community Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church recently witnessed an electrifying and spiritually uplifting two weeks, marked by three heartfelt baptisms that left the congregation both elated and deeply moved. On the 13^th of July 2024, Pastor Nerine Barrett set the tone with the first baptism, joyfully welcoming Kacia Matthieu and Dominique Mason into the faith. Just a week later, on the 20^th July 2024, Pastor Royston Smith continued the celebration by baptising Lisa D, culminating in an extraordinary period of spiritual revival.

The atmosphere was charged with emotion and joy as the entire church community gathered to support these three vibrant women in their profound commitment to Jesus Christ. The sight of Kacia, Dominique, and Lisa embracing their faith moved everyone, especially their proud parents, family members, and close friends. Known for their active involvement in church activities—Kacia and Lisa with the Junior Praise Team and Youth Ministry, and Dominique with the Communications Team and Youth Ministry—their baptisms were a powerful testament to their dedication and service.

Adding to the excitement, the second week of baptisms kicked off the highly anticipated South England Conference (SEC) Camp Meeting, where local churches united for a dynamic week of worship and fellowship. This year's theme, "Maranatha! Are You Ready?" was brought to life by the passionate and inspiring Dr. Mark Braithewaite, who travelled all the way from the United States to lead a week of revival at Clapton SDA Church in the UK. His messages about the imminent return of Jesus resonated deeply, igniting a renewed sense of urgency and hope within the congregation.

Throughout the week, we were blessed by the singing evangelist Louanne Sampson, whose beautiful voice and encouraging songs uplifted and inspired everyone. Her musical ministry added a rich, spiritual layer to the events, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.

The spiritual feast didn't stop there. Pastor Royston Smith enriched the week with insightful Bible studies on understanding and managing emotions, emphasising how healthy emotions contribute to a thriving church. His practical and engaging sessions provided attendees with valuable tools for personal and communal growth.

For those who missed the live events, the church has made the entire week’s inspiring activities available on the Clapton SDA Church YouTube channel, ensuring everyone can share in the spiritual blessings and joy of this remarkable period.

The baptisms of Kacia, Dominique, and Lisa are a shining beacon of faith and renewal for the entire church community. Their unwavering dedication and service, coupled with the transformative events of the SEC Camp Meeting, have ignited a spirit of unity and spiritual growth that promises to shine brightly at Clapton Community SDA Church for years to come.

Hallelujah!!! In the highest praise, was the atmosphere at Clapton Community SDA Church. The praise and worship service had everyone feeling refreshed and refueled for a new week ahead.

The Bible says in Psalms 150:6 "Let everything that have breath praise the Lord." On 27th, April 2024, Clapton's music department hosted the first in a series of praise & worship nights that are being planned, and promise to lift your spirits.

Clapton Praise Team started the night singing many songs such as; "In The Room." by Mavrick City, "How Deep The Fathers Love For Us" and "It's So Amazing". Walthamstow Praise Team also blessed us with renditions of "I Will Praise Thee Oh Lord" and "Carry Your Candle" which had everyone flashing the lights on their mobile phones. Kandi Cox sang a lovely solo by Jason Nicholson Porter called "Smile Child".

Refreshments were also on sale to raise funds for the church Audio and Visual Department. And the night ended with everyone joining together in singing "My Worship" by Phil Thompson. Attendees were also reminded to "Pray & Praise, Praise and Pray. For one can't work without the other."

The next Praise & Worship Night will be on the 26th October 2024. Save the Date in your Diary!!! #smallspark #bigfire.


By Charrell Philip

Easter is a great time to be reminded of what the death and resurrection of Jesus truly means, and it can be summed up in one of the most popular bible verses. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17.NLT

The Youth ministry and Music ministry joined forces on Saturday 30th March to bring the powerful story of Christs death and resurrection to life through music and storytelling.

The service started with the song ‘When Sunday Comes’ sang passionately by Jason Nicholson-Porter. Followed by the Clapton praise team and youth praise team leading the congregation in songs that brought home the message of why Christ died on the cross for all of us!

In between the songs, were snippets of the crucifixion story acted out by the youth of the church, which ended with Jesus death on the cross beautifully enacted by Jadean Mason.

Pastor Nerine Barret ended the service with a sermonette that beautifully tied the whole message together. Reminding us that Gods love is bigger that we can ever comprehend.

By Lori Skerritt

Sitting in the North Atlantic Ocean between 180 metres and 340 metres (Mount Hillaby) at its highest level above sea, is the beautiful Island in the sun, Barbados!  It is still considered a Caribbean Island despite its geographical position and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean.1

BARBADOS!   Or ‘Los Barbados’ – meaning,  “the bearded ones” - was the name given to this sunshine isle by the Portuguese who visited in 1536.2  The name is said to be derived from either the beard-like roots of the Fig Trees, once found in abundance, or from the long beards worn by the male Carib Indians who were the indigenous people at the time.3  It is also noted that the original name for Barbados, given by the Arawak Indians who were the first occupiers of the Island, was ‘Ichirouganaim’ – possibly meaning one of the following: “Red Land with White Teeth”, “Redstone Island with Teeth Outside (reefs)” or simply “Teeth”.4 

Barbados is comprised of eleven parishes, all of which are surrounded by the sea except two – St. Thomas and St. George.  It is a Christian nation and faith in God is intrinsically woven into the very fabric of Barbados’ vibrant society.  Barbadian people are proud of this heritage, often quipping that, “there is a church on every corner”.  Henceforth, it is no surprise that the Adventist message was first introduced to the island 125 years ago in 1891 and has, by God’s grace, flourished, bringing many souls to Christ.   

The Island’s rich history also encompasses cultures and traditions passed down from their West African ancestors and their British colonial rulers, from whom they gained independence from on the 30th November 1966.5  2016 marks 50 years of independence and celebrations have been held in honour of this auspicious occasion. 

Pastor David Burnett and Clapton Community SDA Church hosted a thanksgiving service on the 19th November 2016.  To commence this special event, Pastor Dr Colin Thorne, one of the leading ministers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Barbados and the Secretary of the East Caribbean Conference, gave the morning’s address.

His Excellency Mr Guy Hewitt, the Barbados High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, was also in attendance and joined with the brethren in giving thanks to God for the 50 years of independence.

His Excellency Mr Lazarus Amayo, the Kenyan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, also conveyed a sentiment of congratulations to Clapton’s Barbadian members and visitors.

In addition, church leaders such as Pastor Augustus Lawrence, a representative of the BUC and Pastor Richard Daly, of the SEC and Area 6b coordinator, joined in the festivities.

The service commenced with a procession of the Pathfinder drum core, in their fine regalia escorting the dignitaries into the sanctuary. 

Barbadian members and visitors were visible as they represented their island, wearing their nation’s colours of blue, gold and black. 

The magnificence of the church building was complemented by the wonderful decor arranged by Sister Gordon and her team. 

Children were given goodie bags filled with Barbados themed items such as an activity booklet, stationary and a Barbados 50th independence pin.  These were lovingly arranged by Sis T. Donaldson and Sis I. Husbands. 

Lunch was served following the morning service, which showcased an array of Barbadian culinary delights.  Most notable were the vegetarian Fishcakes nicknamed ‘Vishcakes’, Rice and Peas and Macoroni Pie, with Coconut Cake, Conkies, Mauby and Sorrell for dessert.

The afternoon program, compéred by André and Eugenie, was full of praise and worship, historical footage of Barbados and quizzes that tested the congregation’s knowledge of all things Barbados.

The day was a delightful display of faith intertwined with culture, unity and joyous thanksgiving to God for the many years that Barbados has flourished.

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Barbados 
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados 
3 http://www.explorefacts.net/12-random-facts-barbados/ 
4 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbados 
5 http://www.explorefacts.net/12-random-facts-barbados/ 

If we don't teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them how not to.

Over the Spring holidays the children's department from Clapton Community SDA church organised a weekend camp away. The children were able to see Gods wonderful creation through hikes, devotions around campfires, and sighting animals. They learned about God's love for them and what His love means to them.

During the summer holidays the department organised a vacation bible school which was open to the public at large. "Knowing God Through Science" was the theme. It was a blast for the children, they were able to take part in a number of experiments relating to creation, the universe and the bible. They enjoyed field trips to parks and museums and we're also active in cooking, crafting and drama. It's a program the department plans to have every year.

The children's department from Clapton Community SDA Church make learning very fun and interesting for the kids consisting of activities planned to deal with every aspect of their spiritual growth.

The bible tells us in Psalms 78:2-4 , that we are not to hide the truth from our children, but tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. As a department and church this is our motto to ensure that this generation and the one to come will stand up for Jesus.

Eric and Monique ended their 4 months 2015 European tour in London, at the Clapton Seventh-day Adventist Church at 5pm on Saturday 28th November.

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?” Isaiah 40:28. Eric and Monique are married singer-songwriters and musicianaries from Australia, spreading the gospel through word and song. They are involved in fulltime self-funded music ministry, travelling the world to share their deep love of our Saviour and testify of Him. This couple have now been married for 8 years, while singing and working together for the past 3 years. After previously quitting their respective jobs to start fulltime music ministry their families, though reluctant at first, offered their blessing. God's grace and provisions are immeasurable and has been providing for their ministry. According to the words of one of their songs, they say of God: "even if I doubt sometimes, I still love you and know you're true; You alone are my strength and refuge; God is creator, our life’s sustainer".

"When our world is shaking, God stands firm still". This couples voices blend together with such fluidity, with Eric playing the keyboard melodiously as they share their piano-driven songs. During the evenings programme Monique spoke to some extent of life changing experiences that led her to music, and in writing some of the words of their songs.

This is the start of many peace marches Clapton church will host in the future to help their local community.