This week’s post comes from my counterparts in Catholic 2012, in conjunction with More than Gold. I’ve changed a bit to include Anglican prayers and liturgy, these ideas are easy to manage with not very long to prepare.
Seven things you and your church can do with only seven days to go before the 2012 Games begin
The world’s largest combined sporting event is on our doorstep. For the next six weeks, the eyes of the world will look to London. Here are seven simple suggestions that local churches can select from as a way of connecting with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
1. Get Praying
A 70-day cascade of prayer has been taking place across the British Isles since the arrival of the Olympic Torch on 18 May. Contemplative communities, churches, and individuals have been gathering to pray that God’s light would shine, that everyone will be safe, that headlines will be positive, that the Olympic and Paralympic Values will be owned by all.
Practical ways to engage:
- Use some of the Olympic collects or prayers in your service, or have an Olympic-themed Sunday. Liturgy available here.
- Pray daily at 08:12 and/or 20:12 for peace and legacy – join hundreds of others who have already committed to praying at these two points each day of the Games.
I urge you then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be offered for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1)
2. ‘Olympify’ your building and grounds
The Olympic and Paralympic Games have the power to cause people to stop and reflect on their own God-given potential. But what if the Church seems indifferent to the Games? Parishes in previous host nations that chose to join in have had positive responses from inside and outside of their local communities. Foreign visitors chose to attend church services, feeling that their passion for the Games was understood and even celebrated.
Practical ways to engage:
- Decorate your building with bunting or different flags from the competing nations. Make a simple ‘welcome’ sign even in as many languages as you can find. See www.flags.net.
- Map of the World – Invite anyone who visits your building to mark where they are from on a big map. See www.mapsinternational.co.uk and www.elstead.co.uk.
- Sporting wisdom – many theologians and inspirational writers have been inspired by sport. Why not consider placing some sporting quotes into the parish newsletter or onto the parish or school website for the duration of the Games?
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22)
3. Put on a simple big screen event
People love getting together to celebrate major occasions in front of a big screen. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great opportunity to gather people to watch key moments. Or if you’d prefer something smaller, you may wish to invite a few people round to your own home to share the excitement.
The BBC is waiving the need for a special licence to show live footage during the Games. However, you must have a valid TV licence, mustn’t charge to watch the broadcast, and it must be broadcast live with no tampering.
A practical guide to help churches plan large events is available to download at www.morethangold.org.uk/free-resources.
4. Volunteer to help local events
The service of others is a basic rule of the Christian faith. Offer what you can with your time and energy, and not what you can’t. All sorts of wonderful doors open up when we put ourselves at the service of others.
Practical ways to engage:
- Local Councils are likely to need additional people to help set up, staff and clear up at local Games-themed events. Pick up the phone and find out what help may be needed.
- Homeless Shelters - transport and parking complications mean that regular food distribution centres may have to relocate within central London during the Games. If you could provide a central London venue for the fortnight of the Olympics, please get in touch with Sally Leigh. (Email: S.Leigh [at] HousingJustice.org.uk)
- Church Projects – find out what is happening to support the Games in churches and community groups in your local area and get involved.
I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40)
5. Plan an activity for ‘Super Saturday’
Many people are focused on the Opening Ceremony as the big night of the Games, but research shows that the biggest day is actually the second Saturday, 4 August. 25 gold medals will be awarded, including rowing, swimming and cycling. This is a great time to throw a party, with lots of ideas at www.london2012.com/join-in/local-leaders/.
Practical ways to engage:
- Book the church hall or local community centre – an indoor backup venue with parking is a winner come rain or shine.
- Open up your own home – whether you’re dusting down the BBQ or decorating the sitting room with bunting and flags, it’ll be a day to remember.
- Visit your local pub - invite friends, colleagues or fellow parishioners to join you, and enjoy the events with others from your local area.
Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find (Matthew 22:9)
6. Quiz night for the community
A great way to build community around the Games is to put on a pub-style quiz, with questions based on the Olympics. This is an easy event to invite someone to who plays or coaches sport, or who simply supports their team. This can be a fantastic evening of friendship, fun and meaningful conversation. See More than Gold’s website, Local Leaders, or Quiz Zone for ideas.
7. Be hospitable!
Britain is expected to host the world’s largest sporting event only once during all of our lifetimes. Let’s not miss the opportunity to use the 2012 Games to see strangers and acquaintances become friends and for us to welcome Christ into our midst through others.
Practical ways to engage:
- Athlete Family Homestay – host accommodation for families Paralympic athletes is still required. If you could host one or two people within your home then find out more.
- Simple Refreshments – who knows which visitors the Games might bring into your area?
- Put on a Festival – for your neighbours, or for the whole neighbourhood. For tips visit the Fusion website.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2)
For further information on engaging with the Games, visit: www.london.anglican.org/olympics, www.morethangold.org.uk or www.london2012.com. If you’ve just started planning, ring our Olympic helpdesk on 020 7932 1251 for help and advice.
