22nd September 2026

In Japan, nearly two million people have been encouraged to evacuate as a typhoon approaches the Pacific coast, bringing torrential rain, violent winds and a heightened risk of landslides. Japan's ministry of internal affairs said 1,908,645 people have been asked to evacuate in six of the country’s prefectures, including Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka and Saitama. Tokyo's disaster prevention agency has asked residents to avoid basements amid a level 3 heavy rain warning. A woman in her 60s is thought to have been buried alive in a landslide in the city of Yokosuka. More than 50,000 households are without power across the country and 500 flights have been cancelled in two of Tokyo’s main airports.  

Loving God, we place our neighbours living in Japan into your care.  We ask your compassion for all who mourn and all who are injured, and all who are fearful.  We ask your protection for search and rescue workers and those restoring power and other utilities. Guide the authorities in making provision for all who are forced from their homes, and particularly for people needing medical care and those with mental health conditions. May this disastrous typhoon bring people together in the challenges they face.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Bernard Gilbert has been dancing for more than 90 years.  He is 100 years old and thought to be Britain's oldest dancer. This week he led more than 200 people in the city of Worcester in a charity flash mob raising funds for an Alzheimer's charity with a target of £500.  Bernard was dancing in perfect timing to Roger Miller's 1960s hit King Of The Road. Bernard broke a leg when he was young which prevented him playing rugby.  He was told to take up dancing and a friend took him to lessons. He said: "I love the dancing, once I get on the floor I forget everything, I just concentrate on what I'm doing - it brings me alive."

Loving God, we praise you

for you are wonderful and mighty,

powerful and Holy,

merciful and gracious.

You are our help in every time of trouble,

you are our guide,

a light to our path.

We praise you for your faithfulness.

We thank you for your presence

and that you never abandon us.

Thank you for your care for us,

and that you provide for our needs.

We praise you that your Holy Spirit fills us,

drawing us close,

equipping and directing us to work your purposes

that your name will be glorified throughout the world.

In Jesus' name, Amen.