The community gathered at Lancaster Gate for a beautiful BCLC Celebration and Thanksgiving event on the 31st of January that brought everyone together, Members, UPA students and the Empower team filled the room with music, prayer and heartfelt messages as they looked back on the successes of 2025 and stepped confidently into 2026
A special moment of the gathering was the presentation of the WCLC Outstanding Family Award, honouring the dedication and spirit within the community. This led beautifully into a meaningful succession ceremony for the BCLC.
The community took time to honour June D. for her many years of service-years filled with commitment, hard work and a genuine heart for unity. Many expressed deep appreciation for everything she has done, celebrating an amazing sister who is now stepping into a well‑earned and very deserved break.
During the ceremony, Russell G. was introduced as her successor. Having supported the community’s efforts for many years, he will now be taking up the reins to help lead forward with the same spirit of dedication and unity. Please hear more about our brother’s experience below.
‘I’m glad to say the Celebration and Thanks Giving gathering today at Lancaster gate proceeded without too many hitches!
The main purpose was to reflect on the successes of 2025 and begin 2026 upbeat and looking forward. We were happy to have some of the UPA students attending as well as the Empower team coming to support. Their youthful spirit really made a difference.
We began with songs, with all engaged. Evangelist Eugene Thompson acted as MC and opened with a prayer, focusing everyone’s mind. Senior Pastor and BCLC director June Darby reviewed events over the last 12 months with thanks to a slide presentation prepared by Dr. Hanna.
This was followed by an inspired update on outreach activities and morality forum work by pastor John O’Neill. We then watched two short videos about the lives of True Parents. It was again time to reflect on the two people who have led our movement and why we were all gathered there in Lancaster Gate. No-one could fail to be moved by the life of attendance, Father and Mother have shown. All watched attentively. I think the ministers could understand well how God has worked in the lives of True Parents.
Our National Leader Bogdan Pammer, then spoke of his vision for BCLC, as a vehicle for clergy in the UK to work together and bring back the parental heart of Christianity, which has been lost, causing division amongst Christians.Following these words, we all joined in a spirited rendition of “How Great Thou Art, leaving Bogdan to led us in prayer. The whole room ignited and a great sense of unity was felt.
We then had the presentation of the WCLC Outstanding Family Award, which on this occasion was presented to our BCLC Assistant Director couple, Pastor Isaac and Evangelist Mary Ayani by our ECLC director Dr. Hanna. Most would agree that, as a pastor couple, they are worthy recipients.
The succession ceremony was conducted by Bogdan, recognising June’s great investments over the years as a dedicated follower and pioneer for our movement and guide for BCLC activities for the last 17. I was then introduced as June’s successor and expressed my desire to look further into our mission as BCLC ministers and our mandate from God and Jesus in 2026.
We took a group photo outside, on the steps of Lancaster Gate and convened for lunch after that. Following lunch, we enjoyed musical offerings from many of the ministers and members gathered as well as introductions by the UPA and Empower teams who then together sang “Way Maker”, to the delight of everyone there.
In all, 32 participants joined today’s event, including 9 ministers or members of their congregation.
In conclusion, I felt it was a good way to kick-start 2026 and I’m looking forward to how the BCLC can give inspiration to True Mother in the months ahead. Many thanks to all dedicated BCLC staff for making today’s event a great success.’
Russell Gough
