2012 Olympics

The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not that far away. There will be all kinds of opportunities for churches to get involved. We can offer hospitality to visitors and during the training camps and big-screen events, celebrate our international links with churches and schools, do outreach through sports, community festivals, guest events, creative arts and mission teams.

News of the Olympic Torch relay as it passes through our diocese

Next month, June,  the Olympic torch along with a convoy of vehicles and runners will be crossing the diocese on four different days passing through several parishes and past some eighteen Anglican churches.

On Tuesday June 19^th, the torch will go through Wetherby, Knaresborough, Starbeck and Ripon. In Harrogate,  Christ Church is planning to hold games and events on the Stray in front of the church with local primary schools while the bells will be rung from St Peter’s Harrogate as the torch is carried through the town centre.

As the torch goes through Ripon, the Cathedral will be welcoming the convoy on its way through the city.

Dean of Ripon, Keith Jukes said, “We are delighted that the Olympic Flame will be pausing outside Ripon Cathedral on its route through Ripon/Knaresborough/Harrogate.  Seeing the flame is, for most of us, a once in a life-time experience and the Chapter and Mayor and City Council will be joined on the forecourt by both young people and other representatives from the Community.  It promises to be a whole day of celebration for a City that is proud of its traditions and sense of history.!

On Wednesday June 20^th, the torch goes through Aiskew, Bedale, Aysgarth, Leyburn and Richmond. Churches and church schools in Wensleydale are already geared up – last month they held the ‘Wensleydale Games’ with Bishop James opening the games and firing the starting gun, and Henry Olongo, the international cricketer handing out the medals and talking about his Christian faith.

As the torch goes through Leyburn, Methodist and Anglicans are working with  the mayor and local organizations planning  a marquee and refreshments with local school children lining the route.

On  Sunday 24^th June the Olympic torch route takes it through Burley, Kirkstall, Headingley, Potternewton and Harehills.

In Headingley the church is going to town with a community event, the  "St Chad's Olympic Party" from 1.30pm-5pm and then 6 till late. A ‘50s style fete with family sports activities craftsm stalls and teas leads to an ecumenical service at 4.30pm with music from Iona Community and the world church. Then after going to watch the Olympic torch going past the party continues with  a hog roast, jazz and community choirs in the parish centre

On Monday 25^th June the Olympic torch and the Olympic convoy head out of Leeds via the city centre, Hunslet and Beeston.

St George’s Church close to the start of the route  are planning with other churches to host a 24 hour prayer event over the weekend, receiving  the ‘prayer torch relay’ from Manchester and delivering it to Sheffield on Monday

Check the torch route online at www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map.

Why is the Torch Relay important for churches?  More than Gold suggests some reasons:

Each community where the Torch Relay stops is expected by the organising committee of London 2012 to give it a spectacular welcome. This could involve entertainment, shows and concerts with a local flavour.

Most authorities will welcome the help of churches including through –

• Creative and performing arts – using their own talent or bringing it in from outside the area
• Hospitality - including being part of the One Million Cups of Water programme
• Volunteers – from crowd control to specialist advice and help

See More than Gold for more ideas

More Than Gold     

... is an ecumenical organisation seeking to enable UK churches to engage with the 2012 Games. It aims to help thousands of churches taste the excitement of reaching local communities in fresh and ongoing ways in Jesus’ name - by making connections between the many agencies and thousands of churches that can make this level of mission happen, and by coordinating the production of the resources and action needed.

Churches need to start thinking now about how they wish to make the most of this opportunity. 

Leeds 2012

More news about preparations for London 2012 in West Yorkshire here

Invite an international mission team to your church

Churches reaching out to their communities during the 2012 Games are being offered the help of one of many international mission teams coming to the UK.

The teams of between 5 and 20 members offer churches help with children's clubs, street outreach, running a big screen Community Festival, sports clinics and more.

The teams are being coordinated by More Than Gold, the agency established by all the main denominations to help churches make the most of the 2012 Games.
 

Find out more by clicking here

Olympic Games prayer

A special prayer has been written for those preparing for the 2012 Games. It asks God to be with the athletes, their supporters and families, and the thousands of churches preparing to organise Olympics-themed events in their communities.

Eternal God, 
Giver of joy and source of all strength, 
we pray for those who prepare for the London Olympic and Paralympic games.
For the competitors training for the Games and their loved ones, 
For the many thousands who will support them, 
And for the Churches and others who are organising special events and who will welcome many people from many nations.
In a world where many are rejected and abused, 
we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and respect
and for the health and safety of all.
May we at the last be led towards the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and forever. Amen 

Visit the CofE website for more information about how your church can get involved. There are resources, a video and podcasts.