Olympics choir at special Paralympics Mass
The choir that performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games will sing a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the Paralympics. The Dockhead Choir will be accompanied by an orchestra at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, on 8th September. ‘It will be a slightly different version of Jerusalem on this occasion to that sung at the opening ceremony,’ explained Canon Maclean, Dockhead's parish priest, who will be directing the choir. ‘However, above all the young people - and their parents - are both delighted and honoured to be taking part in this special liturgy.’ He added, ‘being a part of the Mass in thanksgiving for the Paralympic Games is equally as great an honour for us all as being the first voices to be heard at the opening of the 30th Olympiad singing in worship of God is what the choir does best.’
Pray: for all Christian messages and activities throughout the Paralympics to touch thousands of hearts, minds and spirits. (Mt.5:16)
Churches see 'incredible results' in outreach
Jon Burns, UK director of More Than Gold said other nations have picked up ‘real gems’ from their London experience. Countless churches have used the Games as opportunities to serve communities. One church in the East End hosted a holiday club that’s been packed with Muslim children, and parents were saying they want their children to ‘hear this stuff.’ Mr Burns commended cross-denominational groups for working together and gave the examples of five churches in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire who attracted crowds of 6,500 to watch the opening night on big screens. Volunteers operated on a ‘traffic light’ system - working in a LOCOG or ‘red area’, they simply served the community - working in a church area ‘green area’ they talked openly about their faith.
Pray: that the Christian legacy of unity will continue long after the Olympic and Paralympics finish. Pray also for even more success as churches build up towards the Paralympics big screen and holiday club events. (Jn.17:20)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/churches.see.incredible.results.in.outreach/30463.htm
Bishop hails Olympics ‘goodwill legacy’
After the spectacular closing ceremony, the Bishop of Chelmsford praised the Olympic Games for the positive impact they are having on community life. The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell welcomed the way in which the Olympics and the Paralympics, due to start in a few weeks, had regenerated a deprived area of East London, saying, ‘The vast and impressive buildings of the Olympic Park and the Olympic Village will indeed bring much needed regeneration. But I am beginning to wonder whether the Olympic legacy may bring a further change as well - a legacy of good will. ‘Last week I met a 17 year old who is on duty at Stansted airport every other morning. There is nothing very glamorous about this. But she wanted to be part of something bigger than herself. She is spending her summer welcoming strangers.’ Bishop Cottrell also said that many people had rediscovered a desire to celebrate with their neighbours through the Games.
Pray: for the volunteers who have learnt new skills and flair through serving the Olympics that they grow as they discover new ways to use and develop talents and gifts. (1Cor.12:4-6)
More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bishop.hails.olympics.goodwill.legacy/30461.htm
The British Armed Forces at home and away
Our British Service personnel have done a wonderful job in maintaining security at the London Olympic Games. Their presence was a blessing and their cheerful and helpful manner enhanced the success of the Games. Half way round the world 9500 more British Service personnel are involved with the security in Afghanistan under very difficult and exhausting conditions. Please pray for our British Service personnel as they continue to serve our country in whatever role that is demanded of them. Pray for them as they continue to provide security during the forthcoming London Paralympics.
Pray: also for those who work willingly and tirelessly under the most difficult and hostile conditions of Afghanistan. (Ps.25:1,2)
