Wow wow wow. So London is now in Tier 3 and we're just along for the ride. It's going to be a very different Christmas around here. We'll talk more about that in a few days. Here's an update about where we are...
FAMILY FLOW
We prepared for Tier 3 by taking the kids to Oxford Circus for dinner at Wagamama, brownies from a vendor, and some time to walk around and look at lights. We kept them out later than we have in a while and everyone crashed hard when we got in. We want to celebrate in nights like this and to make the most of opportunities.
Perry and Shepherd are doing great. Each of them have had common cold symptoms in the last few weeks and that meant staying home from school - all of us moving into isolation - and awaiting negative Covid tests before they are allowed back in school. Through it all, they are resilient and we are grateful for them. Elizabeth keeps the house running smooth and has been serving a lot with a charity in Camden Town. Thomas continues leading Redeemer and is working on a new project that releases in the New Year.
TIER 3 RESTRICTIONS
First things first, we know the whole world is in the throes of the coronavirus. We know there are lots of people in tougher situations than we. That might sound like an obvious thing but we mention it as a way of demonstrating that we are mindful of others as we share our story here...
From midnight, London moves into Tier 3 restrictions. This means that pubs and restaurants will be closed for eating in and only takeaway services will be available through Christmas. Entertainment venues are closed as well. Fortunately for businesses shops will remain open with restrictions in place. Traveling is also discouraged. Places of worship should be able to still gather so long as the venue hirer agrees to allow the space.
REDEEMER IS GROWING
Miraculously, Redeemer is steadily growing. By ones and twos, people are connecting with Redeemer and we are so grateful to God for it. It's actually been exciting to hear stories of people who have been searching and wondering for some time and are now coming in touch with Redeemer. There's some unexpected excitement in the midst of the drudgery of openings/closings, moving/slowing, starting/stopping.
WHAT ELSE?
This Christmas will look very different for all of us. In London, we'll be allowed to form a bubble with two other households for a few days. We'll organise some meals and game nights and look to have some fun. More on those plans in a couple of days. For now, please join us in praying for the people who live in this great city. Pray for people who are bracing for an exceptionally lonely and difficult Christmas. Pray for people who are searching for hope and some sort of certainty in these disrupted and distorted times. Pray that people would connect with Jesus and community in this Christmas season.
Thank you for being on this journey with us.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
