05 January 2012 London, United Kingdom [Colin Stewart/BUC News; tedNEWS] Ten thousand tickets may have been oversold for synchronised swimming at the 2012 London Olympics but the 10,000+ members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the London area are gearing themselves up to synchronise their witnessing and community activities to coincide with the greatest sporting event that London will have ever seen.
Among the Adventists already committed to volunteer during the Olympics is Pastor Richard Daly of the Croydon church. As part of the chaplaincy team his role will involve working with the athletes, stewards and other volunteers of a Christian faith to provide worship services, prayer and Bible study in the Olympic Village and other venues in the Olympic Arena. He told BUC News, “As a former athlete and one who competed at national level, it is a privilege to combine my joy of sports and my calling as a minister. Above all it is a privilege to represent my Church.” He adds that he is delighted to know that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is represented along with the usual mainstream churches of the UK in this position.
Pastor Colin Stewart is the Adventist representative on the ‘Going for Gold’ organising committee. He states that there are many ways that churches and individuals can get involved. You can find out more in his Olympic Outreach newsletter.
Many churches, particularly in the London area are gearing up for evangelism that will complement the Olympic spirit, as well as opening their church halls during the event so that the communities surrounding their churches can enjoy the Olympic spirit without the kind of spirit to be found in their local pub! Choir performances, drama and street witnessing are all part of the preparations.
South England Conference President, Pastor Sam Davis is encouraging church leaders and members to attend the SEC Evangelism Expo at Newbold College on Sunday, 15 January where ideas and resources will be shared. He states, “We cannot go through 2012 and miss the largest cultural party right on our doorstep – the 2012 London Olympics. Not all of us may be interested in sport, but we are ideally situated to make the most of this cultural celebration.” He adds, “I urge you to be intentional in planning your outreach for July and August,” noting that the diversity of our Church, and the many languages represented may be an asset to witness during the Olympic period. [tedNEWS]
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Photo: Richard Daly & Lord Coe (Credit: Paul Tompkins)
tedNEWS Staff: Miroslav Pujic, director; Deana Stojkovic, editor
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