Tonight London enters Tier 3 restrictions.
This week COVID Hospital deaths in London fell by 14 on last week’s high of just over 200, but cases have rapidly increased with over 5,322 positive cases reported in London on 14/12/20. Churches are able to continue to meet under tier 3 rules but all hospitality venues will close. Schools across London have had significant increases in cases and many have moved (or have been advised to move) to online teaching for the final days of term. This is being resisted by central Government who want face-to-face teaching to continue. The vaccine has being given to elderly and vulnerable people through London’s GP surgeries and hospitals.
On other matters, over the weekend, a 23 year old man was stabbed and killed and two teenagers were injured in Harrow and a drive-by shooting in Hackney left three men injured, one severely.
COVID is having a significant social impact as London’s Councils have warned the number of households living in temporary accommodation at its highest point for 15 years; nearly 90,000 children will be in temporary housing over Christmas. London’s Councils are providing emergency accommodation for over 2,500 people and there are over 700 rough sleepers at present in London.
Amen
Jesus, in this challenging time, we invite You to be present with us:
be present as the healer to those who are ill,
be present as the Prince of Peace in communities where violence persists,
be present as the source of wisdom to those making difficult decisions,
be present as an ever-present help to those who feel helpless,
be present as the one “who will never leave” to those feeling lonely and isolated,
be present as the light of the world to those in the midst of dark situations
be present as the one who came “that the world may be saved through Him” to all who are lost.
Jesus, at this time of Advent, we celebrate your coming as Immanuel – God with us.
We thank you that you are present in our City.
