|
By Peter Biggs
A YOU read this, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games are only a little over a
month away!
The games have had their share of detractors, including some from the Christian
community; and the overall ‘buzz’ that goes with such a world class event has been late in coming. However, as
things are finally gaining momentum, more and more Christians are asking: “What can I do? What can our church do?”
Invitation to serve
More Than Gold (MTG) is now inviting churches and individuals to come and serve
at specific sites and times.
In addition, many churches have already engaged in planning local initiatives in
their communities, such as putting on large-screen events and hosting mission
teams.
Throughout the lead-up to the games, MTG has been working to cast vision for
service and witness, and keeping social concerns front and centre. With a
biblical message of ‘Radical Hospitality,’ the small staff has facilitated ‘Outreach Training’ sessions, and continues to engage churches throughout Metro Vancouver and the
Fraser Valley. A new mobilization opportunity is centred around transportation.
Making it worth the wait
With 300,000 visitors anticipated, transit is a big challenge; long wait times
will be inevitable. TransLink has approached the network, specifically the
Salvation Army (which is very involved in MTG), and asked it to provide warm
drinks at 20 sites.
Along the same lines, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic
and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) has transportation hubs for event ticket
holders. They have asked the Salvation Army to provide warm beverages.
“It’s a huge undertaking, and an amazing opportunity to extend radical hospitality
to thousands,” says Sharon Tidd of the Army, who also heads MTG’s Hospitality Working Group.
Some refreshments will be served out of Salvation Army mobile canteens. Most
visitors will be served from refreshment backpacks carried by volunteers, with
hot coffee and cocoa being made in nearby church kitchens. Training for this
endeavour is being offered January 16, 9 am – 5 pm; check morethangold.ca for venue information.
Adopt a station
In response to this remarkable opportunity, MTG is asking churches to ‘adopt’ slots at the sites for the days of the games.
Rachael Morris, MTG’s ‘Operations Manager,’ has been coordinating church teams to fill the available shifts.
“This strategy is focused on having churches plug into our beverage service
volunteer opportunities by Adopting a Station, Adopting a Shift or Adopting a
Week,” she said.
At press time, the following were the planned service sites (subject to
availability of volunteers):
VANOC Departure Hubs:
• SFU
• BCIT
• Capilano College
• Langara College
• Squamish
Skytrain Stations:
• Stadium/Chinatown
• Main St./Science World
• Yaletown Roundhouse
• Waterfront
• 29th Avenue
• Renfrew
• King Edward
• Burrard
• Vancouver City Centre
• Granville
• Langara
• Broadway/Commercial
• Aberdeen
• Bridgeport
• Brighouse
Continue article >>
|
Bus Stops:
• Hastings @ Windemere (PNE)
• UBC Bus Loop and Trolley Loop
• Lonsdale Quay Seabus Terminal
“Service at the VANOC departure hubs will be offered from 4 – 11 am. Service at TransLink locations will be offered from noon to midnight. Volunteer shifts will be 5 – 7 hours in length, in most cases,” Morris said. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
“If you like meeting and greeting people, extending God’s love through a simple cup of coffee . . . and engaging in friendly conversation, this is an opportunity you can’t pass up!”
Outreach Training
Churches on Vancouver’s west side have requested an Outreach Training session in their area.
As with the previous six sessions last fall, the main speaker will be David
Macfarlane of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Canada.
Two sessions are planned:
• Jan 22, 7 pm: University Chapel, UBC
• Jan 23, 9 am: Cariboo Hill Christian Fellowship, Burnaby
MTG is also partnering with Alpha Canada for evangelism follow-up, both locally and
globally.
Resources
In partnership with Canadian Bible Society, MTG has specific games-related New
Testaments and Gospels. Also available is a handy Pocket Guide, which includes strategic Games information, maps, points of interest, Olympic
program information, athletes’ testimonies. The guide will direct readers to websites with testimonies. A pack
of 100 is only $40. All resources can be obtained at morethangold.ca/store.
MTG volunteers
MTG is urging those interested to go through the short series of questions in
the volunteer registration process, to provide us with your times of
availability and specific preferences for volunteering. Upon completing this
simple process, you will be matched with specific tasks based on the
information you provide. After registering, volunteers will be notified with
regard to the orientation sessions that are being held later this month – at which time they will receive their volunteer MTG lanyards.
Contact: morethangold.ca.
January 2010
|
