Salvo site identified as Olympic venue, London 2012

I was excited to read of The Salvation Army's link with London's 2012 Olympic Games.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) confirmed yesterday that, subject to final contract negotiations, the venue for the Mountain Biking events will be at The Salvation Army's Hadleigh Farm, Essex.

The venue covers a 550 acre site situated close to the village of Hadleigh and encompasses the outstandingly beautiful grassland and woodland of Hadleigh Farm, land owned by The Salvation Army, and the surrounding countryside of Hadleigh Castle Country Park.

Major David Hinton, Secretary for Business Administration of The Salvation Army UK and the Republic of Ireland said; 'The Salvation Army is delighted to be working with Essex County Council to create the 2012 Games Mountain Biking venue at Hadleigh Farm. Beyond meeting the technical requirements for the event, we are committed to working in partnership with Essex County Council, the London 2012 Organising Committee and the local community to ensure not only a great event in 2012 but also long lasting benefits for the community and the county as a whole after the Games. We look forward to being part of this exciting initiative.'

What an exciting partnership opportunity!

For more detailed info, visit The Salvation Army UK website, http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk

Google Rhythmic Gymnastics

Hmmm....a rhythmic gymnast pig. How bizarre!

Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

As a high school student I remember reading Aesop's fable, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, thoroughly enjoying the story and revelling in the knowledge that the wolf (fraud/liar) was eventually discovered and got what was coming to him. However, it's a different matter when the fable suddenly comes to life and we find ourselves in the middle of a similar situation. A 'wolf' is prowling around seeking to destroy all that we value and hold dear. Our first impressions are misleading and, as time goes by, we begin to sense the real intent of others to spoil the good foundations that have been laid.

The Apostle Peter sums it up this way: "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) When we experience such 'trying times', we would do well to focus on Peter's advice in the preceding verse 7 ~ confident in the knowledge that God will have the victory, eventually.

1 Peter 5:7 ~ "Cast all your care on him (God) because he cares for you."

Google Diving

Champions For Christ

In keeping with the Olympics, this morning's worship was themed "Praise on the podium". We reflected on the Apostle Paul's writings from 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy that contain athletic/sporting imagery.

2 Timothy 2:5 ~ "…if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules."

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ~ “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,…will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

The Bible message compared an athletes' "heart, mind and will" dedication to winning their respective races with that of Christians running the Faith Race. Believers intent on finishing well need to run the race with a "heart, mind and will" faith, focussed on living to the praise of God's glory.

At the conclusion of the service each member of the congregation was presented with a "Champion for Christ" gold medal inscribed with the words, "Fight the fight, Run the race, Keep the faith" - an inspirational reminder to pursue their holy calling to live Christlike lives.

The choir sang Major Howard Davies composition, Praise God For Everything, with its timely reminder:

"Set your sights on things above, know He loves you still

Praise Him with gratitude of heart, mind and will"

Google Weightlifting

Google Olympics

I love these Olympic-themed graphics being featured by Google. Can't wait to add to the collection!

Opening Ceremony

Cycling