05 July 2011
Lord Mawhinney fires up Methodists for the 2012 Olympics
The Rt Hon Lord Mawhinney Kt told the Methodist Conference that
the 2012 Games will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for
Churches to engage in the largest logistical event in peacetime
Britain.
Speaking at the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre today, the
chairman of More Than Gold backed the Methodist Church's response
to the Olympics and Paralympics. Lord Mawhinney said that next year
will provide the single biggest opportunity for people to see what
Jesus can do in communities.
"The Olympics creates an opportunity for all of us in our
communities," said Lord Mawhinney, former cabinet minister and
current Honorary President of the Football League. "It will provide
a once in a lifetime opportunity for churches, either separately or
together, to serve their local communities thereby witnessing to
the power of the Christian Gospel. Next year this country is going
to be totally bombarded with sport. The choice is not complicated:
either be part of it or barricade yourself off from the rest of the
country for a few months. And we don't do barricades as Christians.
More Than God's job is to inspire, encourage and train church
workers. We are facilitators. We are going to make it
happen."
Ish Lennox, Olympic and Paralympic Coordinator for the Methodist
Church, is a member of the More Than Gold executive; the umbrella
group for Christian outreach during the Games. "Now is the time for
churches to get involved in what's happening," she said. "Churches
need to appoint a Gold Champion to find out all the latest news and
there are lots of resources out there that can help. The Games are
an exciting mission and discipleship opportunity that we cannot
afford to miss. The Shetland district is already engaged and they
are the furthest from any of the Olympic venues - other districts
can engage too as the Games take place across the country."
Gold Champions act as a link between More Than Gold and churches.
They receive dedicated eNews updates and invitations to briefings.
People can sign up to become Gold Champions by emailing
Games@methodistchurch.org.uk and find out about resources via the
More Than Gold resources website.