Tower Hamlets Council are encouraging residents, local organisations and faith groups to take part in ‘Marking the Pandemic’ in the week commencing Sunday 17 October. This will be a time to commemorate those that have lost their lives during to pandemic, but also to reflect upon the outstanding work done by frontline workers, community groups and volunteers.
We could never have foreseen that so many people would lose loved ones, suffer ill health, or face social isolation and financial worries. Marking the Pandemic will be a way for the borough to come together to acknowledge the huge challenges that we all have faced.
On Monday 18th a formal civic event will be held with representatives of the key frontline workers and volunteers and the Council is planning a number of tree-planting ceremonies in parks across the borough on that day and later in the week.
Other Tower Hamlets organisations are being asked are being asked to contribute events though the week and THIFF is co-ordinating the faith strand. We invite all faith groups to mark the pandemic by doing the following:
To incorporate a reflection of the pandemic into your usual service, or to hold a separate ‘event’ – ideas could include:
Planting a tree
Recording a message
Creating some art, for example in children’s groups.
We ask you to do some (or all!) of the following:
- Take photographs of your service/event
- Record a short video at your service/event
- Ask for reflections from your worshippers
- Share your version of marking the pandemic on social media using the hashtag #THRemembers
We want to highlight the response of faith groups by sharing your images and thoughts on this website and on social media, to show that faith groups are taking part in this reflective occasion. Please do get in touch if you feel you require assistance with photographs or filming.
Get in touch at info@faithintowerhamlets.org to share your plans for the week!
Upcoming #THRemembers faith events:
Ashaadibi Centre, 167 Cannon St Rd, London E1 2LX
Ashaadibi Centre are working with the young deputy mayor of Tower Hamlets to film a video aimed at young people, highlighting how well they have coped with the pandemic.
A sermon, taking place on Friday 22 October will contain a special prayer in remembrance of those who have lost their lives.
Christ Apostolic Church, Top Floor, Devons Hall, Powis Street, E3 3HJ
The church will dedicate their Sunday service on 24 October to marking the pandemic. All are welcome to join them at 11am.
East London Mosque, 82-92 Whitechapel Rd, E1 1JQ
East London Mosque will be holding special sermon to remember people that died during the pandemic, during their Friday prayers on 22 October at 12.50pm. People of other faiths are welcome to watch the sermon from the viewers gallery. The sermon will also be recorded and available on East London Mosque’s social media.
St George in the East, Cannon Street Road, E1 0BH
St George in the East are marking the pandemic by holding two services: On Sunday 31 October, they will remember those lost during their All-Saints service, at 9.30am and 10.30am service. On Tuesday 2nd November the church will also hold an All-Souls’ service, 7pm, with a ceremony for remembering those who died during the pandemic.
St John on Bethnal Green, 200 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA
St John on Bethnal Green are holding a dedication festival; the church first opened 193 years ago – and will be marking the pandemic in Mass on Sunday 17 October at 10am. This will also be filmed and streamed online.