18 April 2012
Church celebrates 100 day countdown to the Olympics
The Methodist Church is encouraging people to take part in the
Olympic and Paralympic celebrations as the 100 day countdown to the
start of the Games begins today.
Preparations for the 2012 Olympics are well under way. A Methodist
church in Cornwall is coordinating a nationwide Praise Bus which
will travel ahead of the official Olympic procession. Musicians
will perform from the top of a half-open double-decker bus as it
embarks on a 70 day journey from Lands End to the Olympic Stadium
on 19 May. Christine Bonfield from Escalls Methodist Chapel in
Cornwall said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to sing
their faith. We still need musicians from across the country to get
involved. People can find out more from our website."
Ish Lennox, Olympic and Paralympic Coordinator for the Methodist
Church, said: "Today is a really exciting day. The 2012 Games
coming to our nation is a great opportunity for the Church to move
beyond its walls and engage with the local community. Every church
can do something, the Methodist Church is working with More Than
Gold to make sure that churches are resourced and equipped for this
historical moment."
The Methodist Church has produced a resource to reach out to
people aged 65 or older by offering them the chance to enjoy a
holiday experience within their own local community. The resource
booklet, priced at £10 (plus postage and packaging), contains the
ideas and inspiration for hosting such an event and can be ordered
from Methodist Publishing by calling 01733 235962 or www.methodistpublishing.org.uk.
There is also the opportunity for people to host an athlete's
family by providing hospitality for eight days or more for up to
two guests. More Than Gold's website contains information about how
to apply to be a host. Find out more here.