30 Jul 2025, 09:49Maxine Chambers
Leicester Central Hosts Windrush Thanksgiving Service
Leicester Central Seventh-day Adventist Church had the privilege of hosting the Windrush Thanksgiving Service as part of the 2025 Windrush Day celebrations.
The church was invited to participate by Kainé Management and the Leicester Windrush Consortium, the organisations that co-ordinate events in the city. The service became an inspiring and joyful occasion to celebrate, commemorate, and congratulate the Windrush Generation who chose Leicester as their home.
Many in the community, including some who had never been inside the church before, came together for a programme that received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It was a clear example of how the church and the community can work together for the greater good.
The programme featured performances by Gloria Rejoice Singers, St Kitts Singers, and Sisterhood, as well as scriptural presentations by Pathfinders and poetry by The Archipelagos and the Better Together Windrush Group.
A presentation by Antonio Belgrave highlighted the significance of the Windrush Generation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. The entire programme was expertly hosted by Elder Williams and his wife, Denise.
The service was honoured by the presence of dignitaries, including:
Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Teresa Aldred, and Consort Rendall Munroe
Councillor George Cole and Pro Chancellor Vijay Sharma from the University of Leicester
High Commissioners from across the Caribbean: Ms Karen Mae Hill (Antigua & Barbuda), Mr Mackie Holder (Barbados Deputy High Commissioner), and Mr Alexander Williams (Jamaican High Commissioner)
These guests addressed the congregation and made presentations to local Caribbean Island Associations.
The message of the day was delivered by Pastor Dr Patrick Herbert, who preached a powerful sermon on the resilience of the Windrush Generation, reflecting on 2 Corinthians 4:8–9:
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Amongst the clergy present were Bishop Jackson and Rev. Bailey from the New Testament Church of God, showing the spirit of unity across denominations.
The success of the event was the result of a true team effort. Thanks were expressed to all the church departments who contributed, including the Leadership Team, Audio Visual, Hospitality, Youth, Pathfinders, and Caterers.
Notes
Kainé Management is a local charity delivering arts community and education programming, whose board includes church members and community representatives.
Leicester Windrush consortium, are a conglomerate of local community and public sector organisations who seek to raise awareness of the Windrush Generation.
The Windrush Generation are identified as those who travelled to post war Britain from the Caribbean, between 1948 and 1970. The journey was not an easy one and they faced many challenges, but their resilience and determination paved a way for future generations to grow. We honour their legacy which help to build and sustain our church community.
Leicester Central Seventh-day Adventist Church had the privilege of hosting the Windrush Thanksgiving Service as part of the 2025 Windrush Day celebrations.
The church was invited to participate by Kainé Management and the Leicester Windrush Consortium, the organisations that co-ordinate events in the city. The service became an inspiring and joyful occasion to celebrate, commemorate, and congratulate the Windrush Generation who chose Leicester as their home.
Many in the community, including some who had never been inside the church before, came together for a programme that received overwhelmingly positive feedback. It was a clear example of how the church and the community can work together for the greater good.
The programme featured performances by Gloria Rejoice Singers, St Kitts Singers, and Sisterhood, as well as scriptural presentations by Pathfinders and poetry by The Archipelagos and the Better Together Windrush Group.
A presentation by Antonio Belgrave highlighted the significance of the Windrush Generation to Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. The entire programme was expertly hosted by Elder Williams and his wife, Denise.
The service was honoured by the presence of dignitaries, including:
Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Teresa Aldred, and Consort Rendall Munroe
Councillor George Cole and Pro Chancellor Vijay Sharma from the University of Leicester
High Commissioners from across the Caribbean: Ms Karen Mae Hill (Antigua & Barbuda), Mr Mackie Holder (Barbados Deputy High Commissioner), and Mr Alexander Williams (Jamaican High Commissioner)
These guests addressed the congregation and made presentations to local Caribbean Island Associations.
The message of the day was delivered by Pastor Dr Patrick Herbert, who preached a powerful sermon on the resilience of the Windrush Generation, reflecting on 2 Corinthians 4:8–9:
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Amongst the clergy present were Bishop Jackson and Rev. Bailey from the New Testament Church of God, showing the spirit of unity across denominations.
The success of the event was the result of a true team effort. Thanks were expressed to all the church departments who contributed, including the Leadership Team, Audio Visual, Hospitality, Youth, Pathfinders, and Caterers.
Notes
Kainé Management is a local charity delivering arts community and education programming, whose board includes church members and community representatives.
Leicester Windrush consortium, are a conglomerate of local community and public sector organisations who seek to raise awareness of the Windrush Generation.
The Windrush Generation are identified as those who travelled to post war Britain from the Caribbean, between 1948 and 1970. The journey was not an easy one and they faced many challenges, but their resilience and determination paved a way for future generations to grow. We honour their legacy which help to build and sustain our church community.
