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r ss v r 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. 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. 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. 1 Is the library organising a display about the Olympics? Consider adding a crossover element to the display. Are service organisations sending herograms? Consider composing and sending your own messages of Christian encouragement to Australian competitors. 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 2 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 ov r 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: sportspeople from your community members, coaches and supporters of sports teams affiliated with your congregation friends and neighbours who went to the 2000 Sydney Olympics as spectators, volunteers or team members family of any athletes from your community who will be competing at Beijing 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. 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 teach one or two lines that are repeated and give a cue when everyone can sing these lines give children a percussion instrument to play or a flag or ribbon to wave during a song greet guests and members help guests feel comfortable with your facilities and practices 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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 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. SONG LEADER who encourages and leads congregational singing in concert with the instrumentalists and other vocalists. 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. 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. 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 4 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: the gathering of like-minded people the procession of athletes — the procession of priest and choir the lighting of the torch that signifies the start of the games — the lighting of candles to signal the start of worship the speaking of the athlete’s oath and creed — the speaking of a Christian creed 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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 The Lord’s my shepherd (Psalm 23:1) 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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. Jesus tells us to store up riches in heaven rather than on earth Paul tells us to keep our eyes on the goal and strive for a greater prize 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. 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. 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. 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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. RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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. 8 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 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 Matthew 13:31–33, 44–52 Parable of treasure, pearl, fishing net 3 AUGUST Genesis 32:22–31 Jacob wrestles with God Matthew 14:13–21 Jesus feeds 5000 10 AUGUST Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b Tell the nations what he has done 17 AUGUST Psalm 133 It is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in peace! Romans 11:1-2a, 29–32 God shows mercy to all people Matthew 15:(10–20) 21–28 Jesus heals Canaanite woman 24 AUGUST Psalm 124 What if the Lord had not been on our RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY side… our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth 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 Romans 12:9–21 Real love: honour, work hard, joyful patient, pray at all times, don’t pay back wrong with wrong 7 SEPTEMBER Psalm 148 Praise him, roll call 14 SEPTEMBER 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) 9 [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) RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CHILDREN’S AND FAMILY MINISTRY 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) 10 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) 11 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: 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. FRIENDLIES: Five lively young people dressed in the colours of the Olympic rings (see notes on the Beijing mascots) act as ‘the friendlies’. FLAG BEARER: Honour the oldest member of the congregation with this role. 11. Prayers 12. Closing — extinguish candle Closing song: ‘See what a morning’ SONG LEADER: a member of the Music Team leads the congregational singing. WORSHIP LEADER: The Minister/pastor/ priest or a lay person leads the worship. BIBLE READER TORCH BEARER: Honour a young athlete with this role. STORY-TELLER OR ACTORS: involved in various story-telling options. 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. 12 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 a video (or a series of freeze-frame pictures) prepared, acted and compiled by a group from the congregation 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 13 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. Stoning of Stephen Called on the road to Damascus Preaching In jail in Philippi In court Athlete 2: not to win, but Shipwrecked Athlete 3: to take part. 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: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1,2. Use an easily-understood contemporary translation. Choose an engaging way of presenting the reading, eg: an actor, as Paul, speaks the verses 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. A Bible reader reads the passage 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 . . . you’re on it for life You’re in a competition (or battle). The prize is far greater than a metal disk 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’. 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 . . . 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.’ you can trust God you can listen to God: by reading his Word, by talking with other believers. 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 this pattern sheet red marker blue marker scissors sticky tape a stick, drinking straw or skewer. What you do 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. Colour the smaller box blue. The blue box is a symbol of God who created the universe and everything in it. 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. Cut the flag from these instructions on the dotted line. 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