Download Olympic Crossover - Uniting Church SA

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OLYMPICS
IDEAS for INTERGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
during the 2008
Beijing Olympics — August 6–24,
and Paralympics — September 6–17
This resource focuses on some points where Olympic themes cross over with Gospel themes.
GENERAL NOTES
OLYMPICS
OLYMPICS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
The summer Olympics — held every four
years as an international celebration of
sporting achievement — is taking place in
Beijing in August and September this year.
Olympic fever may be overtaking your
community. Some people may even be
looking for relief from the hype.
For a month or so, the Olympics, and
political and cultural events surrounding
the games, will be big news for people all
over the world. Many will approach it with
‘a religious fervour’.
As Christians we worship, not the athletes
who compete, but God who created the
athletes: God who ‘knitted them up in their
mother’s womb’, who gave them the
physical and mental strength, drive and
endurance that allows them to be higher,
faster and stronger.
We worship God who can bring true
peace and harmony among nations and
individuals: God who walks beside people
in the ecstasy of success and the misery of
defeat.
So it is fitting that during the month when
the eyes of the world are on the Olympics
in Beijing, we use the events as a way of
exploring our faith and our relationship with
God.
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Your community’s interest in the Olympics
provides you with a wonderful opportunity
to introduce people to Jesus: help them
encounter the good news in a way that
may be meaningful to them.
Before planning your worship, find out
what other groups in the community are
doing about the Olympics.
ƒ
Are school children doing projects
about the Olympics? If so, consider
how you can cross over what they do
into your own event, eg include an oral
project presentation in worship or have
static displays in your hall.
ƒ
Are schools, scouts or other
organisations holding ‘little Olympics’?
Consider making a video of the event
and showing it before or after worship,
or use parts of it during worship. You
might even sponsor a crossover medal
for competitors who demonstrate
concern for others.
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ƒ
Is the library organising a display about
the Olympics? Consider adding a
crossover element to the display.
ƒ
Are service organisations sending herograms? Consider composing and
sending your own messages of
Christian encouragement to Australian
competitors.
ƒ
Are Chinese groups celebrating their
culture? Find out about Christianity in
China today and how you can support
Chinese Christians.
INTERGENERATIONAL WORSHIP
Intergenerational (or ‘all age’) worship is,
first and foremost, worship — an encounter
between God and God’s people, a
dialogue in which God speaks and people
respond.
Intentional intergenerational worship
allows this dialogue to take place through
several of the senses, movement and
activity and interaction among worshipers.
Carefully planned intergenerational
worship focuses on a single theme. It
connects that theme with the lives of the
worshipers. It reinforces the theme by
examining it in several different ways. It
repeats the theme several times. It
presents the theme in language and
experiences that are loud and clear.
Carefully planned intergenerational
worship provides worshipers with an
experience and ideas they can remember
and talk about in their homes. It may
provide resources to encourage that
conversation.
Intergenerational (or all-age) worship takes
seriously the understanding that people of
all ages worship together in the body of
Christ. Worshipers — young, old and inbetween — can also be involved in
planning worship, inviting people to
worship, and leading worship.
Intergenerational worship recognises and
values the children present in the
worshiping congregation and ‘the child
within’ each adult.
USING THIS CROSSOVER RESOURCE
These notes have been prepared by the
Resource Centre for Children’s and Family
Ministry of the Uniting Church (SA) to help
congregations plan worship involving
children and families.You may make as
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
many copies of the notes as needed for
your worship planners. Use of music and
other copyright elements is not covered in
this permission.
Read through all the material. Discuss it as
a planning team. You may use the sample
service, or any of the ideas that are
appropriate in your situation.
If you use the resource, we would appreciate
your letting us know what you do. Send a brief
email to [email protected].
CONTENTS
General notes .............................................. 1
crossover points ........................................... 5
crossover Bible texts .................................... 9
A sample service ....................................... 12
PLANNING TEAM
An intergenerational worship service is best
planned by an intergenerational team,
working with the pastor/minister/priest. If
possible the team should consist of at least
three people: one representing the
youngest, one the middle and one the
oldest third of the worshiping congregation.
The team may also draw on people who
have special abilities, eg in the areas of
hospitality, music, drama and visual arts.
The intergenerational planning experience
can be the most valuable aspect of the
worship.
VOLUNTEERS
Since the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, we
have become aware of the tremendous
role that volunteers play in modern
Olympics. Olympic organisers recruit, train
and show appreciation for the volunteers,
who take on many of the roles necessary
for the smooth running of the events and
the enjoyment of the events by
participants and spectators.
Recruit volunteers of all ages to do specific
tasks in making your service run smoothly.
Train your volunteers. Make sure they know
what they are responsible for — what to
do, where to do it, how to do it, where to
get help, why the job is important.
Discuss with them any ideas they have for
doing their job even better than you had
envisioned. Consider ways they can
enhance the crossover/Olympics theme
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Recognise and show appreciation for your
volunteers. You might ask them to dress in
a ‘uniform’ that will identify them, or give
each volunteer a special badge:
ss e
r o
co
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VOLUNTEER
After the service thank each volunteer
personally and/or at the conclusion of the
worship thank all the volunteers publicly.
INVITATION AND ADVERTISING
An intergenerational team of volunteers
may be responsible for invitations and
advertising.
Consider extending special invitations to:
ƒ
sportspeople from your community
ƒ
members, coaches and supporters of
sports teams affiliated with your
congregation
ƒ
friends and neighbours who went to
the 2000 Sydney Olympics as
spectators, volunteers or team
members
ƒ
family of any athletes from your
community who will be competing at
Beijing
ƒ
people who trained, but missed out on
a spot in an Olympic team.
You will need to shape your worship plans
according to the people you invite.
Be sure that your regular worshipers know
that the service will be extra-ordinary.
HOSPITALITY
VISUAL ARTS
An intergenerational team of volunteers
may be responsible for the visual aspects
of the service. This will include church
decoration, and may also include any
graphics used on screen or in handouts
(coordinating with invitations and notices).
For this service they might consider ‘dressup’ suggestions for worshipers or worship
leaders.
Any special decoration of the church
should support and enhance the specific
crossover/Olympics theme selected by the
planning team.
MUSIC
An intergenerational team of volunteers
(or your regular team of musicians) may be
responsible for the musical aspects of the
service.
Most of the worship music will be
congregational singing that allows the
participation of all worshipers. However,
remember that visitors (and some
members) may not be familiar with, or
comfortable with, the practice of
congregational singing. Invite people to
sing when they are comfortable doing so,
or to just listen.
Choose songs with lyrics that relate to the
theme of worship and music that reflects
and helps to create the mood. Include
traditional hymns as well as more
contemporary songs and songs written
with children in mind.
Briefly explain or illustrate obscure images
or language in the songs. Consider ways of
involving children too young to read or
sing the words, eg
An intergenerational team of volunteers
may be responsible for providing
hospitality for the guests as well as for
regular worshipers.
ƒ
teach Auslan signs or other actions for
some key words in the song and ask
everyone to do the actions when they
come to those words in the song
The hospitality team may enhance the
Olympic feeling as they
ƒ
teach one or two lines that are
repeated and give a cue when
everyone can sing these lines
ƒ
give children a percussion instrument
to play or a flag or ribbon to wave
during a song
ƒ
greet guests and members
ƒ
help guests feel comfortable with your
facilities and practices
ƒ
plan and provide snacks before
and/or after the service, lunch and/or
some after-church fellowship activities.
Remind all members of their responsibility
to provide hospitality for guests.
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Consider extending the mood with music
before and/or after the actual service and
possibly some performance items.
3
Dance, either choreographed movement
to song or an interpretive performance
could be considered as one of the musicrelated aspects of worship.
If someone in your congregation is skilled
at any of the gymnastic events, consider
using those skills as interpretive movement.
Small congregations, or congregations
that do not have strong musical
leadership, may choose to have the
congregation sing with CDs or other
electronic music.
WORSHIP LEADERS
Several people of different ages can share
leadership roles in the worship. You will
need people to serve as
ƒ
WORSHIP LEADER who serves as host (or
compere) leading worshipers through
the service. The role of worship leader
can be taken by a minister and/or lay
person.
ƒ
SONG LEADER who encourages and
leads congregational singing in
concert with the instrumentalists and
other vocalists.
ƒ
PRAYER LEADER who prepares and
leads prayers.
If the sermon is for ‘adults only’ it’s a good
idea to provide a theme-related activity
for children to do during the sermon, either
sitting with their families in the worship area
or in a special area of their own.
If children do a separate activity, allow a
time for them to share what they have
done with the older worshipers.
REHEARSAL
Because this crossover service is different
from your usual worship pattern, a
rehearsal is necessary. A complete walkthrough will pinpoint any logistical
problems, allow the worship leader/s to
fine-tune instructions for the congregation
and ensure that the service itself runs
smoothly.
Some churches find it best to have this
rehearsal in conjunction with the regular
band or choir practice for the service.
Use rehearsal time as an opportunity to
pray together and to remind participants
of the awesome privilege and task they
have in leading worship. It is appropriate to
reflect on the idea of excellence.
ƒ
Olympic athletes honour (worship) God
by striving to do the very best they can
with the strength, agility, and skills God
has given them. As worship leaders you
also honour God by doing the best you
possibly can with the abilities and
knowledge God has given you.
ƒ
At the Olympics, the athletes compete
in front of a huge crowd, but their goal
is not to entertain the crowd. It is to do
their best in their athletic event — for
themselves and their team. As you lead
worship, your goal is not to entertain the
worshipers; it is to do your best to lead
them to have a meaningful encounter
with God.
SERMON
In all-age worship the sermon should be an
all-age sermon. This means that it should
be short and simple — no more than three
points. Using stories, illustrations and
dialogue can be helpful.
It’s a good idea to follow the adage: first
tell people what you are going to tell
them, then tell it, then tell them what you
told them. If you do each step in a
different, engaging way, people of all
ages are likely to remember the message.
Text for a crossover sermon could be any
of the Bible texts on page 9–11.
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croo
ss over
POINTS
On a computer, hovering your cursor over certain words and icons reveals more in-depth
explanations.
g The following are some things we may discover as we hover the cross over various aspects of
the Olympics — points where the message of the cross crosses over the Olympic experience.
You may choose one or several of these points as a starting point for organising your
crossover worship service or as a starting point for a sermon.
CEREMONY
Olympic opening ceremonies have
become spectacular performances, but
quite a number of the traditional elements
of the ceremony parallel traditional
elements of Christian worship. This may be
because they have similar origins.
Consider:
ƒ the gathering of like-minded people
ƒ the procession of athletes — the
procession of priest and choir
ƒ the lighting of the torch that signifies
the start of the games — the lighting of
candles to signal the start of worship
ƒ the speaking of the athlete’s oath and
creed — the speaking of a Christian
creed
ƒ the inclusion of ‘stirring’ music in both
ceremonies.
RINGS
The easily recognised
symbol of the Olympics
is five interlinked circles
in different colours
representing the five inhabited continents
from which athletes gather at Olympics.
g A common Christian symbol
is three interlinked circles
representing the triune God:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
FLAGS
The Olympic rings are featured on the
Olympic flag, which is displayed at all
Olympic games.
National flags are a rallying point for
competitors from each country, and flags
of the medal-winning countries are flown
as the awards are presented.
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Each flag has symbolic colours and images
that are significant for the people from
that country.
g The Christian flag is one of
the oldest unchanged flags
in the world, first displayed
at a Sunday school rally at
Brighton Chapel, New York in 1897.
It is also the only ‘free’ flag in the world,
uncontrolled, independent, and universal,
with no earthly bonds or allegiances. It exists
for all the world's people regardless of sex,
race, national boundary, economic
condition, affluence, or poverty, politics,
slavery or freedom. This unique, universal
quality makes it like the air we breathe,
belonging to all and yet owned by none.
(from www.steve4u.com/christian/facts.htm)
CREED
The most important thing is not to win
but to take part!
This Olympic creed has been displayed on
scoreboards during opening ceremonies. It
comes from a sermon by Ethelbert Talbot,
the Bishop of Pennsylvania, during the 1908
London Games.
This sentiment resonates with Christians
who are concerned more with being
faithful to the calling God gives them than
in being ‘successful’ by any other
standards.
g Christians have creeds (from the Latin
credo: ‘I believe’) that were carefully
formulated to sum up their belief in the
triune God. Best known of the Christian
creeds is the Apostles’ Creed.
5
MOTTO
Citius, Altius, Fortius
The official Olympic motto is Latin for
‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’. Apparently the
motto was coined by a Dominican priest,
Henri Didon, who used it when blessing
athletes at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Olympic awards are given to athletes who
prove themselves to be the fastest, the
strongest and the best in their chosen
events.
The modern torch relay
transports the flame from
Greece to the host city.
Protest during this year’s
torch relay drew attention to
the political situation in Tibet.
g For Christians, light is a
strong symbol. God’s written word is a light
to our path and a lamp to our day. John
described Jesus Christ as the Light of God.
MEDALS/PRIZES
g Christians tend to use superlatives like
‘greatest’ and ‘highest’ when they
describe God, eg in song verses like ‘None
can compare’.
Christians also have ‘mottos’, mostly based
on Bible texts, eg
ƒ The Lord’s my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
ƒ By grace through faith (Romans 8:
Your congregation may have a short
mission statement that is its ‘motto’.
PLEDGE
In the name of all the competitors
I promise that we shall take part
in these Olympic Games,
respecting and abiding
by the rules which govern them,
committing ourselves to
a sport without doping and without drugs,
in the true spirit of sportsmanship,
for the glory of sport
and the honour of our teams.
A pledge like this is spoken at the start of
Olympic Games by one person
representing all the athletes. A similar oath
is made on behalf of all the officials.
g Christians pledge their faith on many
occasions. Often a confession of sins and
the receiving of forgiveness is
accompanied by a promise to strive to
change.
In infant baptism, parents make a pledge
of faith on behalf of their child.
LIGHT/TORCH
The Olympic torch or flame is a symbol of
the games. It is reminiscent of the ancient
Greek myth of Prometheus stealing fire
from Zeus. A fire was kept burning
throughout the celebration of the ancient
Olympics.
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Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are
presented to athletes who achieve first,
second and third place victories in
Olympic competitions.
g These medals can remind us of a
number of Bible passages.
ƒ
Jesus tells us to store up riches in
heaven rather than on earth
ƒ
Paul tells us to keep our eyes on the
goal and strive for a greater prize
ƒ
The design of the medals remind us of
Jesus use of a coin in which he asked his
listeners to look at the picture on the
coin. He concluded: give Caesar what
is Caesar’s, and give God what is God’s.
Athletes wear their medals to show what
they have accomplished. Some Christians
wear crosses to show what Jesus has
accomplished for us.
MASCOTS
The mascots (fuwa or ‘friendlies’) of the
2008 Beijing Olympics have been cleverly
devised by Chinese artist Han Meilin to
bring together a number of different levels
of understanding, as summarised on the
following chart.
Christians have no mascots as such, so
there is no direct parallel between this
element of the Olympics and Christianity.
6
g However when we hover the cross over
some of these characteristics we can
make some interesting observations.
ƒ Each fuwa’s name is designed to look
like the name for a small child. The
Olympic movement, like the church
recognises the role of young children;
their importance for the future and
their ability to lead today.
ƒ
Taken together, the first syllable of
each name forms the phrase Běijīng
huānyíng ni, which means ‘Beijing
welcomes you’. As the friendly
welcomers to the Olympics, the fuwa
remind us of the importance of
hospitality in the church.
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Each fuwa is related to a natural
element. We worship God who
created these elements.
Four of the fuwa represent animals,
also created by God. Three of these
animals are endangered species.
Christians are called to exercise
stewardship of creation.
Each of the fuwa has a particular
character trait or personality. Many of
these are listed in the New Testament
as ‘fruit of the Spirit’ or evidence that
God’s Spirit is working in and through a
person.
Each of the fuwa is linked to a
particular ‘blessing’. Christians
recognise God as the source of every
blessing: every good and gracious gift.
Beibei
Jingjing
Huanhuan
Yingying
Nini
Olympic Ring
Blue
Black
Red
Yellow
Green
Element
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
Sky
Design
Chinese Sturgeon
Giant panda
Olympic Flame
Tibetan antelope
Swallow
Personality
gentle, pure
honest, optimistic
extrovert,
enthusiastic
lively, vivacious
innocent, joyous
Blessing
prosperity
happiness
passion
health
good fortune
Represented sport
aquatic sports
weightlifting, judo,
etc.
ball sports
track and field
gymnastics
Notes
The panda, an
The Chinese
endangered
sturgeon is
species, is a
endangered. In
traditional Chinese Chinese national
symbol and an
culture, the fish
international symbol
represents
of
prosperity, as the
character for fish environmentalism.
sounds the same as
that for surplus.
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The Tibetan
Fire represents the
antelope is an
passion of sports,
endangered
the Olympic spirit of
species, known for
‘faster, higher,
its swiftness.
stronger’, and the
passion of the
Beijing Olympics.
A messenger of
Spring and
happiness in
Chinese culture,
the swallow is a
symbol of good
fortune. The
Chinese character
for swallow is also
in Yanjing an old
name for Beijing
7
EVENTS
Each Olympic athlete competes in the
event for which he or she is best qualified.
A weight lifter does not compete in diving
events; a diver does not compete in
bicycle racing. All work towards the final
medal tally for their country and ‘for the
glory of sport and the honour of our
teams’.
g The Bible gives us a picture of the
church as a body, made up of different
parts, each with different gifts and abilities.
All work together for the glory of God and
for the good of the whole church.
WINNERS AND LOSERS
Olympic competitions are the epitome of
our society’s emphasis on competition and
success. Lip service is given to the idea
that ‘everyone here is a winner’, but in
reality receiving a silver or bronze medal —
or no medal at all — rather than a gold
one is seen as ‘losing’.
If that is the case, we are all losers when it
comes to athletics.
g We are all — to some extent — losers in
life as well. But Christians know that God
loves the losers and the winners. Jesus
walks with us through our failures as well as
our successes; in fact Jesus Christ came to
save losers.
CHAMPIONS
Olympic athletes strive to do their best as
individuals. They are also members of a
team representing their country. Everyone
in the country they represent shares in their
achievements or losses.
That’s one definition of ‘champion’:
someone who goes to battle for someone
else.
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g Jesus is our ultimate champion. He
entered and won the battle with sin, death
and the devil for us.
The behaviour of champions, both on and
off the field, reflects on the people they
represent. As we have seen in the news,
Olympic selectors know that one
competitor’s actions can bring the whole
team (and country) into disrepute.
g All Christians are ambassadors of Christ.
We have seen in recent years how the
actions of some Christians have brought
the church into disrepute. Each follower of
Jesus has a responsibility to behave in a
way that brings honour and glory to God
and does not reflect badly on Jesus or his
church.
PARTICIPANTS AND OBSERVERS
There are hundreds of competitors at the
Olympic Games. They are watched by
thousands of spectators in the stands and
millions of people via the media.
g To be a Christian means to be a
participant in the life of the church: to be
an active follower of Jesus, to commit
yourself to loving God with all your heart,
mind, soul and strength and loving your
neighbour as yourself. Christians are
participants not observers.
INTERNATIONAL, INCLUSIVE
The Olympic movement intends the games
to be international and inclusive.
g The Bible tells us that God’s love is truly
inclusive: in Christ there is no Jew or Greek;
no slave or free person. There is one
church, one faith, one baptism, one Lord
and Saviour of us all.
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croo
ss over BIBLE TEXTS
The Ancient Olympic Games were athletic and religious celebrations held in the Greek town
of Olympia from about 776 BC to 393 AD. That means that Olympics were taking place during
the time covered by the New Testament.
The Bible doesn’t mention the Olympics. In fact it doesn’t say much about sports at all.
The Jews generally did not participate in or support Greek sports because of the religious
connection and because they were done totally nude, which violated Jewish practice.
Although the Bible doesn’t talk directly about sport, Bible principles can be applied to the
way both participants and spectators/supporters approach sports.
The following are some Bible texts that could be used as sermon texts for a crossover worship
service. They may also be helpful for the people who plan the worship.
All passages quoted here are from the Contemporary English Version.
LECTIONARY READINGS
Some readings from the Revised Common
Lectionary for the period of the Olympics
contain thoughts that can crossover to an
Olympic theme.
27 JULY
ƒ Romans 8:26–39
God’s Spirit helps us in our weakness. . .
God works for the good of those who
love him . . . if God is for us, who can be
against us . . . we have full victory
through God who showed his love for
us. . . nothing can separate us
ƒ Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52
Parable of treasure, pearl, fishing net
3 AUGUST
ƒ Genesis 32:22–31
Jacob wrestles with God
ƒ Matthew 14:13–21
Jesus feeds 5000
10 AUGUST
ƒ Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b
Tell the nations what he has done
17 AUGUST
ƒ
Psalm 133
It is good and pleasant when God’s
people live together in peace!
ƒ
Romans 11:1-2a, 29–32
God shows mercy to all people
Matthew 15:(10–20) 21–28
Jesus heals Canaanite woman
ƒ
24 AUGUST
ƒ Psalm 124
What if the Lord had not been on our
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side… our help comes from the Lord
who made heaven and earth
ƒ Romans 12:1–8
Offer your lives as a living sacrifice to
God; each one part of the body and
connected to the other parts
31 AUGUST
ƒ Romans 12:9–21
Real love: honour, work hard, joyful
patient, pray at all times, don’t pay
back wrong with wrong
7 SEPTEMBER
ƒ Psalm 148
Praise him, roll call
14 SEPTEMBER
ƒ Exodus 15:1b–11, 20–21
Victory song of Moses
PAUL’S SPORTING IMAGES
The apostle Paul appears to have been
something of a sports fan. Most of what the
Bible says about sports can be found in
Paul’s writings, where he discusses spiritual
matters using sporting imagery.
You know that in a race all the runners run,
but only one gets the prize. So run to win!
All those who compete in the games use
self-control so they can win a crown. That
crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a
short time, but our crown will never be
destroyed. So I do not run without a goal. I
fight like a boxer who is hitting something
— not just the air. I treat my body hard and
make it my slave so that I myself will not be
disqualified after I have preached to
others. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
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[God said] ‘My kindness is all you need. My
power is strongest when you are weak.’ So
if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will
gladly brag about how weak I am . . .
Because when I am weak, I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:8–11)
You were running a good race. Who
stopped you from following the true way?
(Galatians 5:7)
I have not yet reached my goal, and I am
not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of
me. So I keep on running and struggling to
take hold of the prize. (Philippians 3:12)
I run toward the goal, so that I can win the
prize of being called to heaven. This is the
prize that God offers because of what
Christ Jesus has done. (Philippians 3:14)
We are surrounded by a great cloud of
people whose lives tell us what faith means.
So let us run the race that is before us and
never give up. We should remove from our
lives anything that would get in the way and
the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us
look only to Jesus, the One who began our
faith and who makes it perfect.
(Hebrews 12:1,2)
I have fought well. I have finished the
race, and I have been faithful.
(2 Timothy 4:7)
OLYMPIC CONCEPTS
ATHLETE
A fool with words of wisdom is like an
athlete with legs that can't move.
(Proverbs 26:7)
Athletes work hard to win a crown that
cannot last, but we do it for a crown that
will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:25)
STRENGTH
Finally, Samson told her the truth. ‘I have
belonged to God ever since I was born, so
my hair has never been cut. If it were ever
cut off, my strength would leave me, and I
would be as weak as anyone else’.
(Judges 16:17)
Young people take pride in their strength,
but the grey hairs of wisdom are even
more beautiful. (Proverbs 20:29)
Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord
make you strong. (Ephesians 6:10)
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VICTORY
. . . and so he will let your enemies defeat
you, even if you fight hard. He is the one
who brings both victory and defeat.
(2 Chronicles 15:8)
Look closely at the sky! Stare at the earth.
The sky will vanish like smoke; the earth will
wear out like clothes. Everyone on this
earth will die like flies. But my victory will
last; my saving power never ends.
(Isaiah 51:6)
Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and
shout! Your king has won a victory, and he
is coming to you. He is humble and rides
on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a
donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
In everything we have won more than a
victory because of Christ who loves us.
(Romans 8:37)
But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus
Christ give us the victory!
(1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am grateful that God always makes it
possible for Christ to lead us to victory.
God also helps us spread the knowledge
about Christ everywhere, and this
knowledge is like the smell of perfume.
(2 Corinthians 2:14)
There Christ defeated all powers and
forces. He let the whole world see them
being led away as prisoners when he
celebrated his victory. (Colossians 2:15)
Every child of God can defeat the world,
and our faith is what gives us this victory.
(1 John 5:4)
OLYMPIC EVENTS
Some of the events in the modern
Olympics were necessary skills for war and
commerce in Bible times.
ARCHERY
God blessed Ishmael, and as the boy grew
older, he became an expert with his bow
and arrows. He lived in the Paran Desert,
and his mother chose an Egyptian woman
for him to marry. (Genesis 21:20)
In those days I was strong like a tree with
deep roots and with plenty of water, or like
an archer's new bow. Everyone listened in
silence to my welcome advice.
(Job 29:19-21)
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The LORD replied: Lies come from the
mouths of my people, like arrows from a
bow. (Jeremiah 9:3)
BALL
You may be powerful, but the LORD is
about to snatch you up and throw you
away. He will roll you into a ball and throw
you into a wide open country.
(Isaiah 22:17.18)
EQUESTRIAN
You are a snake that bites the heel of a
horse, making its rider fall. (Genesis 49:17)
Have one of your highest officials place
your robe on this man and lead him
through the streets on your horse, while
someone shouts, `This is how the king
honours a man!' (Esther 6:9)
Jeremiah, if you get tired in a race against
people, how can you possibly run against
horses? If you fall in open fields, what will
happen in the forest along the Jordan
River? (Jeremiah 12:5)
By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse,
we can turn the horse in different
directions. (James 3:3)
ROWING
The sailors tried their best to row to the
shore. But they could not do it, and the
storm kept getting worse every minute.
(Jonah 1:13)
Men from Sidon and Arvad did the rowing,
and your own skilled workers were the
captains. (Ezekiel 27:8)
He could see that the disciples were
struggling hard, because they were rowing
against the wind. Not long before morning,
Jesus came toward them. He was walking
on the water and was about to pass the
boat. (Mark 6:48)
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
RUNNING
Zeruiah's three sons were there: Joab,
Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel could run as
fast as a deer in an open field,
(2 Samuel 2:18)
You make my feet run as fast as those of a
deer, and you help me stand on the
mountains. (2 Samuel 22:34)
Show your wonderful love. Your mighty
arm protects those who run to you for
safety from their enemies. (Psalm 17:7)
In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. It
rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like
a hero eager to run a race. (Psalm 19:5)
Here is something else I have learned: The
fastest runners and the greatest heroes
don't always win races and battles.
Wisdom, intelligence, and skill don't always
make you healthy, rich, or popular. We
each have our share of bad luck.
(Ecclesiastes 9:11)
You know that many runners enter a race,
and only one of them wins the prize. So run
to win! (1 Corinthians 9:24)
SWIMMING
But Captain Julius wanted to save Paul's
life, and he did not let the soldiers do what
they had planned. Instead, he ordered
everyone who could swim to dive into the
water and head for shore. (Acts 17:43)
WEIGHT LIFTING
I lifted the burden from your shoulder and
took the heavy basket from your hands.
(Psalm 81:6)
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SAMPLE
croo
ver
ss o
SERVICE
This is an example of how various crossover ideas can be woven together into an interactive,
all-age worship service.
WORSHIP OUTLINE
1.
Arrival — assemble and make flags
2.
Procession
Song: ‘We are marching in the light of
God’
3.
Opening, Candle lighting
Song: ‘Christ be our light’
4.
Bible Reading
Paul’s life
Paul’s message
5.
Performance item
6.
Creed
7.
Confession and forgiveness
Song: ‘The great Southland’
8.
Sermon
Song: ‘Lift high the cross’
9.
Offering
Song: ‘Lord, I give my life to you’
PARTICIPANTS
People who are selected for specific roles
in the worship service may wear Australian
Olympic team colours of green and gold,
or costumes as noted below.
This service is written to include the
following participants:
ƒ
MARSHALS: wear ‘crossover
VOLUNTEER’ badges and distinctive
clothing, eg cricket (or lawn bowls)
whites. The number of marshals required
depends on the size of the
congregation.
ƒ
FRIENDLIES: Five lively young people
dressed in the colours of the Olympic
rings (see notes on the Beijing mascots)
act as ‘the friendlies’.
ƒ
FLAG BEARER: Honour the oldest
member of the congregation with this
role.
11. Prayers
ƒ
12. Closing — extinguish candle
Closing song: ‘See what a morning’
SONG LEADER: a member of the Music
Team leads the congregational singing.
ƒ
WORSHIP LEADER: The Minister/pastor/
priest or a lay person leads the worship.
ƒ
BIBLE READER
ƒ
TORCH BEARER: Honour a young athlete
with this role.
ƒ
STORY-TELLER OR ACTORS: involved in
various story-telling options.
ƒ
ATHLETES: select three people of three
generations. They wear uniforms of the
sporting teams they are affiliated with.
10. Announcements
13. Blessing
14. Recession
SERVICE NOTES
The church can be decorated with green
and gold streamers and/or a large banner
showing the crossover logo. Another option
is to suspend five coloured hula hoops from
the ceiling forming the Olympic rings.
Have a large candle in a prominent
position.
Have a flag stand ready to display a
Christian flag in a prominent position. If you
do not have a Christian flag, use the
pattern on page x as a guide for making to
make a large cloth flag.
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
MUSIC AND TECH TEAMS have major roles in
preparing for the service and during the
service.
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THE SERVICE
Spoken 'dialogue' is in plain type,
comments and instructions are in italic.
1. ARRIVAL/ BEFORE THE SERVICE
MUSIC is playing in the assembly area. It
may be music played by the worship
music team or a recording of music from
the Sydney Olympics, eg ‘Hand in hand’,
‘Dare to Dream’, ‘Under Southern Skies’.
MARSHALS greet people as they arrive and
usher them into the ‘assembly area’ — the
hall or a corridor outside the worship area.
Marshals in the assembly area assist each
person to make a Christian flag to carry in
the procession into church. See pattern on
page 18.
When people have made their flags,
marshals help them line up ready to
process into the worship area.
FRIENDLIES: entertain people (particularly
children) as they wait in line. They can
chat with them about how good they are
at running, jumping, swimming etc and/or
encourage them to wave their flags or
move to the music.
Friendlies or marshals can give people any
notes or books they will need during the
service.
2. PROCESSION
FLAG BEARER: leads the congregation in a
procession into the worship area. The flag
bearer puts the flag in the flag stand and
then sits with the congregation. If the flagbearer has any mobility problems, one or
more of the FRIENDLIES can assist.
MARSHALS assist worshipers to move into
seats in an orderly way.
PROCESSION SONG
MUSICIANS play the first song — a lively
marching tune, eg ‘We are marching in
the light of God’ (traditional African), #126
in ‘As One Voice for Kids’, #307 in ‘All
Together Everybody’.
When everyone is in place, the song
leader leads in the singing: ‘We are
marching’
3. OPENING & CANDLE-LIGHTING
WORSHIP LEADER: Welcome to this special
crossover Olympics worship.
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
We are here to worship, not the athletes
who compete, but God who created the
athletes — and us. We worship God who
‘knitted them up in their mother’s womb’,
who gave them the physical and mental
strength, drive and endurance that allows
them to be higher, faster and stronger.
We worship God who can bring true
peace and harmony among nations and
individuals: God who walks beside people
in both success and defeat.
READER: The Bible tells us that when Jesus
came into the world, he ‘was the light of
all people. The Light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overpowered it’.
(John 1:4,5)
TORCHBEARER: brings in a lit taper from
which he/she lights a large single candle
or your altar candles.
WORSHIP LEADER: God is with us: Father,
Holy Spirit and Christ Jesus, who is our light.
Let our worship begin!
LIGHT SONG
MUSIC TEAM: leads the congregation in
singing a song with a ‘light’ theme, eg
‘Christ be our light’ (Bernadette Farrell)
#313 in ‘All Together Ok’.
4. BIBLE READING
WORSHIP LEADER: At the Olympics, people
often take time to remember the heroes of
past Olympics.
Today we remember a Christian hero who
lived some 2000 years ago and is still
showing us how to live as followers of Jesus.
A. PAUL’S LIFE
Briefly present the story of the life of
Saul/Paul.
A story teller can tell the story briefly in their
own words or read it from a children’s Bible
story book.
Or use a visual presentation, eg
ƒ a video (or a series of freeze-frame
pictures) prepared, acted and compiled
by a group from the congregation
ƒ pictures drawn by an artist from your
congregation, or downloaded from the
internet. Possibly download colouring-in
pictures and have children from the
congregation do the colouring. In a small
group simply show their pictures; in a larger
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group, scan their work and project it
digitally.
Be sure to include these scenes:
remembered as ‘The Olympic Creed’ — a
brief statement of what the Olympic
organisers and competitors believe.
ATHLETES: Three young people, dressed in
uniforms of sports teams they are involved
in, come to the front and say the creed.
ƒ
Stoning of Stephen
ƒ
Called on the road to Damascus
ƒ
Preaching
ƒ
In jail in Philippi
ƒ
In court
Athlete 2: not to win, but
ƒ
Shipwrecked
Athlete 3: to take part.
ƒ
Writing in prison at Rome
You may project this creed on a screen
and invite people in small/family groups to
discuss their reaction to or thoughts about
this Olympic creed.
B. PAUL’S MESSAGE
Present writings from Paul’s letters that
compare the life of a Christian with the life
of an athlete:
ƒ
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and
ƒ
Hebrews 12:1,2.
Use an easily-understood contemporary
translation.
Choose an engaging way of presenting
the reading, eg:
ƒ
an actor, as Paul, speaks the verses
ƒ an intergenerational (family) group
does a scene in which they have some
letters from ‘the man in the story we just
heard’. Family members read different
parts of the Bible passage. They may make
a brief comment on what they read.
ƒ
A Bible reader reads the passage
ƒ The congregation reads the verses
either from a worship sheet or from the
screen. Do this responsively, with different
groups reading lines in turn.
5. PERFORMANCE ITEM
The music team presents a song about
living as a Christian, eg ‘Turn your eyes
upon Jesus’. A dance or callisthenics
group could perform to the song.
Alternatively, ‘showcase’ the God-given
skills of athletes from your community in
some way.
Or have a special song by/for children, eg
‘I’ve got ten fingers’ (Cheryl Reid) #142 in
‘As One Voice For Kids’.
6. CREED
WORSHIP LEADER: 100 years ago the
Olympics were held in London. At that
time Bishop Ethelbert Talbot preached a
sermon. One sentence from that sermon is
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Athlete 1: The most important thing is
WORSHIP LEADER: Christians also have
creeds — statements of what we believe
about God.
The three athletes each read (or speak)
one article of The Apostles Creed or a
shorter creed of your choice.
You may project this creed on a screen
and invite people in small/family groups to
discuss their reaction to or thoughts about
this Christian creed.
7. CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
WORSHIP LEADER: Olympic athletes don’t
always act as if they believe what they say
in the creed. We don’t always live as if we
believe what we say we believe about
God.
One thing we can always believe about
God is that he loves us. When we confess
that we haven’t lived as we should, he is
always ready to forgive us.
Let’s confess now:
Athlete 1: God, Our Father who made us,
we confess that we don’t always honour
you by doing and being what you made
us to do and be.
(Please say after me: ‘Father, forgive me’.)
Congregation: Father, forgive me.
Athlete 2: Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, we
confess that we don’t always follow your
example and appreciate what you have
done for us.
(Please say after me: ‘Jesus, forgive me’.)
Congregation: Jesus, forgive me.
Athlete 3: Holy Spirit of God, we confess
that we don’t always let you guide our
thoughts, words and actions.
14
(Please say after me: ‘Sprit, forgive me’.)
Congregation: Spirit, forgive me.
WORSHIP LEADER: Jesus, our champion,
won the victory over sin for us. In his name I
tell you that you are forgiven. You are free
to live as a loved, forgiven member of
Jesus team — forever.
Because of the forgiveness Jesus won for
you, you are all winners!
I think you should wave your flags about
that!
At Olympic medal presentation
ceremonies, the national anthems of the
athletes winning Gold, Silver, or Bronze are
played.
Let’s sing a song that has become a
Christian national anthem for Australians.
‘NATIONAL ANTHEM’
MUSIC TEAM leads the congregation in
singing ‘Great Southland’ (Geoff Bullock)
#108 in Australian Worship Collection
FRIENDLIES demonstrate and encourage
people to wave their flags as they sing.
8. SERMON
Use any of the crossover themes or texts
(pages 9,10) as the basis for a brief
message. Or follow the ‘Jesus’ Team’
outline on page 17.
SERMON SONG
At the conclusion of the sermon, the
MUSIC TEAM leads the congregation in
singing a song that relates to the sermon,
eg ‘Lift high the cross’ #271 in The
Australian hymn book and from
http://songsandhymns.org
FRIENDLIES demonstrate and encourage
people to ‘lift high’ their flags as they sing.
9. OFFERING
WORSHIP LEADER: It takes time and
commitment to become an Olympic level
athlete. It takes money and commitment
to put on the kind of Olympic Games we
are seeing this year.
Nobody has to donate money to the
Olympics. But a lot of people and
organisations that want to see the Olympic
tradition carried on help fund the teams.
It takes time, commitment and money for
us to do what we do as a church. [Mention
some initiatives and projects the church is
involved in.]
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
Nobody has to donate to the church, but if
you do want to support what we do
financially, this is your opportunity to do so.
As we sing the next song, committing
ourselves to do our best as Jesus’ followers,
you may also place a donation in the
basket as it comes around.
OFFERING SONG
MUSIC TEAM leads an offering song, eg
‘Lord, I give my life to you’ (Geoff Bullock)
#69 in ‘Australian Worship Collection’.
MARSHALS collect offering in your usual
manner.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
WORSHIP LEADER makes any necessary
announcements. If you have guests, keep
any in-house announcements to a
minimum.
Be sure to explain any activities planned
for after worship.
Encourage people to display their flags at
home and talk about being on Jesus’ team.
11. PRAYERS
PRAYER LEADER can lead prayers for others
and for yourselves in your usual manner or
use the Shared Prayer outline on page 17.
You may follow these prayers with the
Lord’s Prayer — the Christian team prayer.
12. CLOSING
WORSHIP LEADER: Jesus is our true
champion.
Jesus overcame our disobedience by his
complete obedience.
Jesus overcame our selfishness by his
complete unselfishness.
Jesus overcame our sin by taking the
punishment we deserve.
Jesus overcame death by coming back to
life.
Our final song is about Jesus’ great victory
for us.
EASTER SONG
MUSIC TEAM leads the congregation in
singing an Easter celebration song, eg
Resurrection Hymn (See what a morning)
(Getty & Townsend) from
www.gettydirect.com
READER: The Bible tells us what Jesus said
about us — his team: ‘You are like light for
the whole world . . . Make your light shine,
15
so that others will see the good that you
do and will praise your Father in heaven.
(Mathew 5:14,16)
TORCH BEARER lights the taper from the big
candle, extinguishes the big candle and
carries the taper back out through the
entrance of the worship area.
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
13. BLESSING
WORSHIP LEADER: Our worship here is over.
God be with you as you let your light shine.
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
14. RECESSION
MARSHALS lead people out of the worship
area as the
MUSIC TEAM repeats the final song.
16
JESUS’ TEAM
SERMON OUTLINE
FRIENDLIES may distribute pencils/pens to
those who need them.
[You have a flag that’s
the team flag for Jesus’
team. Look at your flag
as I talk about it.]
When you’re on Jesus’ team . . .
ƒ
you’re on it for life
ƒ You’re in a competition (or battle). The
prize is far greater than a metal disk
ƒ you’re following someone who has
already won the battle for you.
That’s why the flag of Jesus team has a big
red cross on it. That cross reminds us that
when Jesus died, he became our great
champion.
SHARED PRAYER
OUTLINE
LEADER: We’re going to pray together. When
I ask you to think about something, if you
have an answer, hold up your flag. When I
point to you, call out what you are thinking in
a loud voice so everyone can hear.
The Friendlies will give us a little
demonstration. Friendlies, I want you to
think about who we pray to.
FRIENDLIES hold up their flags. LEADER
points to GREEN, who says. ‘Jesus’.
YELLOW says: ‘I was going to say that!’
LEADER: When you (or someone else) has
said what you want to say, you can put
your flag down.
OK, Friendlies, we’re thinking about who
we pray to. Any other suggestions?
RED waves flag as high as possible.
When you’re on Jesus’ team . . .
LEADER points to RED, who says: ‘God’.
ƒ you have a loving heavenly Father who
made you, loves you, and gives you
everything you need
LEADER: Good. When we pray, we talk to
Jesus or God.
[On the blue part of your flag, please write
some of the things that God gives you.
If you’re too young to write or don’t want
to write, you can draw pictures or talk with
someone near you, or just think about it.]
When you’re on Jesus’ team . . .
ƒ You’re on an exciting adventure. Your
life from now on is unknown — like that big
blank white part of your flag. ‘You don’t
know what the future holds, but you know
who holds the future.’
ƒ
you can trust God
ƒ you can listen to God: by reading his
Word, by talking with other believers.
ƒ
you can talk to God.
[On the white part of your flag, please
write anything you want to say to God
right now.
If you’re too young to write or don’t want
to write, you can draw pictures or talk with
someone near you, or just think about it.]
(to all) I hope you all have the idea.
When we pray, we can thank God for
what he has done for us. Think about what
God has done for you. You may have
written some ideas on your flag.
If you have an idea to share, hold up your
flag. Don’t say anything until I point to you.
We thank Jesus/God for . . . [Project this
phrase on screen.]
LEADER points to a number of people. They
give their responses and put down flags.
LEADER When we pray, we can ask God to
help us with all sorts of different things. Think
about what you want to ask God to help
you with. You have some ideas on your flag.
If you have an idea to share, hold up your
flag. Don’t say anything until I point to you.
We ask Jesus/God for . . . [Project this
phrase on screen.]
LEADER points to a number of people. They
give their responses and put down flags.
LEADER: thanks for sharing in that prayer.
Now, will you please hold your flags in your
laps, while I finish our prayer.
Dear God, accept our love, our spoken
thanks and requests and the silent
thoughts of our hearts. In the name of
Jesus. Amen.
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
17
MAKE A CHRISTIAN FLAG
What you need
ƒ this pattern sheet
ƒ red marker
ƒ blue marker
‚ scissors
‚ sticky tape
‚ a stick, drinking straw
or skewer.
What you do
ƒ
Colour the cross on the flag red. The red cross is a symbol of Jesus dying on the cross to win
the victory over sin for all of us.
ƒ
Colour the smaller box blue. The blue box is a symbol of God who created the universe and
everything in it.
ƒ
Leave the rest of the flag white. The white flag is a symbol of God’s Spirit and all the good
qualities we have when God’s Spirit controls our lives.
ƒ
Cut the flag from these instructions on the dotted line.
ƒ
Wind the left edge of the flag around the flagstick and secure it with sticky tape.
You’ll be carrying this flag as we process into church today
just as athletes carry Australian flags into the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
18
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY
18