It’s not too late to make the most of the Olympics.....

With less than 45 days to go, there’s still time for churches to tap in to mission and community opportunities offered by the Games. Whether it’s an event built around the torch relay, a barbeque held after the opening ceremony, an international meal during the Olympics, a sports quiz in the run-up, or even a full blown community festival, there’s still time for your congregation to go for gold this summer.

To raise levels of enthusiasm amongst your congregation just take a look at our short Olympic film featuring the Revd Ashley Evans (pictured), URC minister at Christ Church, Newham, on the home page of the URC website.

If you’re planning a community festival log on to the Open Crowd Festival website  which includes free access to five videos that show effective community festivals in action – and will help equip churches to deliver them. On payment of a £12 fee, users may download a wide range of practical guides on publicity, how to run games including water balloon volleyball and how to use activities to create a spirit of celebration.

Once you have organised your event, don’t forget to let More than Gold know, so they can get it on their interactive map. Register your event online with More than Gold.

More than Gold is also running a series of practical skills training events, designed to help

You and your team run more unusual activities including clowning, balloon sculpting and face painting. These skills training events are taking place in:

• North London Saturday June 23rd 3pm to 6pm St Michaels and All Angels Hillside, Stonebridge, NW10 8LB.
• Welwyn Garden City - Wednesday June 27th 7pm to 9.30pm.Unit 2, Sterling Court, Mundells, Hertfordshire AL7 1FT.
• Cambridge Saturday June 30th 5 to 8pm Adventist Church, 15-17 Hobart Road CB13PU.
• South London Saturday 7th July 10.30am to 2pm Tooting Junction Baptist Church 158-160 Longley Road SW17 9LD.
• Preston Sunday 8th July 3-6pm, St Mathews Mission, Acregate Lane PR1 5QQ
• For all these events, just turn up on the day and be willing to make a contribution to help cover costs.