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The Games 2012

Be at the heart of it

The Games will be a massive event.  It will energise communities right across the nation. The message to churches is:
     “Be at the heart of that celebration and involvement; don’t be on the side-lines”.
It’s not simply about putting on events in churches – it’s as much about being involved with what others are doing locally.  So find out what’s already planned by local authorities or other local churches. 
     What are the needs?  How can we help?  How can we be part of it?
It’s not about doing something just because you can.  You do not have to do everything.  
    What are the one or two initiatives that are going to work for us? What’s feasible and what will be fruitful?
 

A summer of celebration and engagement

The Games are a major part of a summer which has many opportunities for celebration and for mission and engagement including the Queen's Jubilee and the Olympic Torch Relay.  Make your plans for the whole summer.  Choose what works for you.


Register with More Than Gold

More Than Gold is an umbrella organisation supported by all major Christian denominations which seeks to help churches to engage with the Games.  It has a wealth of experience, having been involved in the Games and other major sporting events for over 20 years.  There's a mass of brilliant information on their website.

Sign up for the Get Set Day on Saturday 21st April at The Coptic Cathedral in Stevenage hosted by Bishop Paul.

A key action is for each parish to appoint a More than Gold Champion to be a point of contact and a catalyst for action.


Be part of your community celebrations

A brilliant way to do this is to be part of the London Olympic Games Local Leader scheme.  Great suggestions for community events through the summer for big or small groups.


Be inspired 

Churches and other community projects can apply to use the London Games Inspired by mark.  A great way to make an impact.


Get Set Schools

Many schools are already signed up for the Get Set programme; brilliant resources for schools to explore the values and passion of the Olympics and Paralympics across their curriculum.
 

Five Areas for possible Engagement

  • Outreach
    plan events to which friends can be invited such as Quiz, Sports evenings, Big Screen opportunitiessporting themes for special services
  • Social Responsibility
    opportuinities to explore and take action on issues of environment, trafficking, legacy
  • Volunteering
    enable members of churches to take up voluntary roles 
  • Hosting
    encouraging members of Churches to host athlete’s families etc
  • Children and Schools
    some great materials for special events with children and for working with schools


Suggestion of a Way Forward

Keep it simple.  Build on what’s already happening.

  • Appoint a ‘champion’ to liaise with More Than Gold
  • Find out what’s already planned in your area, by local churches or local council
  • See what’s already in the parish diary for the summer
  • Look at what’s already in your Mission Action Plan
  • Look at the five possible areas of engagement
  • Choose two or three initiatives that will take forward what’s already happening
  • Have fun!


Ask for help

​The Hertfordshire County Council has an excellent team dedicated to the Games. 

 

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