Make the most of the 2012 Games
There are many ways to get involved and we as churches - if we are to be at the heart of our communities - have the opportunity to be ready if we respond now! Here are some ideas:
1. Pray
HEB 12:1 "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
A Prayer Baton to pass from parish to parish and be drawn together at a Deanery or Benefice Event.
Each parish can add their own prayers for the world, the sporting community and their own needs before a ‘runner' passes the baton to the next parish at a Sunday morning or midweek service. Liturgy will be available.
See file below for more information
2. Community Involvement
2012 provides many opportunities to raise awareness of the church in the community, for the church to work with community organisations, and for church people to be involved in community events.Here are some examples:
- Festivals and Fetes
- Sports events
- Flower and Vegetable Shows
- Open Gardens
- Big Screen for the Opening Ceremonies
- Holiday Clubs
- Car boot and Garage Sales
- Big Quiz or Board Games evening
- Open Church events with displays
- Concerts
-
Parties, picnics and BBQs, etc
"A young mother had been watching from the edge of the festival for ages.
I offered her a drink and asked her if her little girl might like her face painted.
She wanted to know who was putting it all on. When I told it was
the local churches, she said, ‘So this is what God is like.'"
A story from one of the team in the lead up to the Sydney Olympics
Visit the More than Gold website for further information.
Some Facts:
Eight out of ten people normally watch the Olympics on TV but it could be nine out of ten with the Games being held in London.
One third of the population belong to sports clubs and two thirds of young people play sport. During the Games, the figures will increase.
Advice and support
Publicising your event - Branding
The Olympic Logo along with the words ‘Olympics' and ‘Games' are copyright and should not be used in any publicity.
It is ok to use them in editorial. An event that creates an association with your event and the Olympic Games is where the problem arises.
The More Than Gold logo is available for churches for their events relating to the 2012 Games. Go to http://www.morethangold.org.uk/resources/free-resources.html to download the logo
More than Gold Champion
We encourage parishes to appoint Gold Champions through More Than Gold. This position is the channel for information from More Than Gold to reach churches and to link Gold Champions together to share ideas, plans and opportunities.
Sign up as a more than Gold Champion for your church at http://www.morethangold.org.uk/your-church/church-representatives.html
Local Leader
You are encouraged to sign up to the Local Leaders programme at http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders/ to receive further information on a range of themed celebration ideas focusing on the Opening Ceremony evening, gardening, quizzes and barbecues and to be in the front row to receive free London 2012 event materials.
Mission Support Team
Ready to assist you in your plans are the Mission Support Team who can put you in touch with resources and ideas. (contact the secretary of the Archdeacon of Norwich on 01603 702477 or email at julie.turner@norwich.anglican.org)
This website
will be updated regularly with more information and ideas
Other useful websites:
More than Gold helps churches respond to the Games through programmes of outreach, hospitality and service.
- There is something in the More Than Gold's tried and tested programme of radical Outreach, Hospitality and Service to meet the needs of every church - whatever their size, location or make up.
Hospitality - a generous welcome in Jesus' name
Outreach - reaching beyond the church walls
Service - putting the love of Christ into action
- Sign up as a More than Gold Champion for your church
- More than Gold Resources
Find out about service opportunities at the 2012 games
- More information in the files below
churchofengland.org/clergy-office-holders/themed-services-and-events/2012-olympics.aspx
- Download copies of the useful leaflet 'Games to inspire change?' for your church or diocesan office
- Podcasts and videos to inspire
- register as a local leader and receive advice and support
- Could your church or organisation use volunteer help leading up to the 2012 Games? Time For God, a volunteering organisation, has set up Time For 2012 to assist churches across Britain in engaging with the Games and living out the gospel in their communities. Time For God is matching Christian groups with full-time volunteers to serve alongside them from September 2011 through the end of the Games.
- Christians in Sport aims to reach the world of sport for Christ by helping churches in evangelistic preaching to sportspeople and supporting church members in their sports clubs, school and university teams throughout the UK.
- Many of these events take the form of a professional multi-media sports quiz with a half time gospel talk.
- This site is designed to show the wide range of established sports ministries that are present in the UK and are here to serve you
- The official website of the Olympic movement
- HOPE Together is about churches working together for the purpose of mission. What may impact a town may not suit a village or city, so listening to God is key. HOPE will highlight mission ideas for calendar moments, such as Easter, Harvest, Summer fun, and Christmas, building towards a big year of mission in 2014. The Queen's Jubilee celebrations and Big Lunch in June 2012 is another chance for Christians to be visible, share hope and build community
Torch Relay
On July 4 and 5, the Olympic Flame will be run through Norfolk - providing residents with a chance to experience Olympic excitement firsthand and support the achievements of some of the individuals who have been selected to be Torchbearers.
For more information see the file below
Published on: 08/12/2011
New and updated across the site: