“ The largest people group in the
world” said Bryan Mason, over the weekend of 19th 21st May, “are those
who watch, read or participate in sport and leisure.”; His challenge to the
united benefice of St. Botolph’s with St. Edmund’s, Warkton was why we do so
little to reach them?
“Sports ministry is just in its infancy here, but it’s vital elsewhere in the
world.; If our churches reach 10% of their area, they are doing well but
what of the other 90%?; Where are they?”; It was a question answered by another
guest, Derek Jefferson (an ex- Ipswich and Wolves footballer) “ probably
playing football or similar!”
This exchange was typical of the message which was brought home to us over our
“Sporting Chance” weekend.; The reason for the title was three- fold:-
The weekend was an exhilarating one for everyone involved.; It started on the
Friday night with 2 events for young people the Odd Friday Club (for school
years 3 5) met Bryan and Judith Mason first, (who both work with “Christians
in Sport”, a Christian charity seeking to promote Sport as a vehicle for local
Churches to use) and who delighted to put the youngsters through their triple
jump paces!; After that, the Odd Sats Club (year 6- 8) and LINK (year 9 upwards)
have their share of activities, with both groups hearing a challenging address
to keep physical and spiritual health in balance.
Then came the Saturday, which started with a physically strenuous full cooked
breakfast (!), where Bryan interviewed Derek, who spoke movingly on the need
to have a living relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Then onto the highlight for many an hour with Rosemary Conley.; By selling
double tickets, we’d encouraged each other to invite friends from outside church
circles: the result was over 100 ladies, stretched aerobically for the first
30 minutes, and then gently stirred and challenged by Rosemary Christian convictions
as she spoke movingly about “How God’s changed my ;life”.
There were many other highlights 40 youngsters (boys and girls between
7- 14 years) being coached soccer skills by Derek Jefferson; a slightly smaller
number coached tennis by a member of the congregation who’d played junior Wimbledon
(some time ago!); another 40 or so being cajoled to line dance; and over 60
entering into the fun of the weekend by joining in a light hearted sports quiz
meal in the evening.
The weekend was rounded off by two special sports services.; Again, Derek spoke
of his personal experience of God.; Bryan preached from the scriptures, pointing
to Jesus in the midst of many engaging sports stories!
As we look back on the weekend, we’re conscious of God’s goodness to us in a
number of different ways.; Its been a wonderful opportunity to invite friends
into unthreatening activities, and its been thrilling to see many willing to
come and have fun with us: indeed, we hope that some will join us to hear “Christianity
Explained.”
More than that, though: more than one weekend (albeit with good numbers etc.)
we’re now exploring how to utilise sport regularly as an opportunity for
the gospel.; We’re just beginning to explore this whole area if there
are other churches interested to join us, please do
get in touch.
Martin Perris and Steve Davies
St. Botolph’s Barton Seagrave with St. Edmund’s Warkton.