Words from Bede Circuit

Have you have watched the Olympic games over the last week or so?

Did you know that the original Olympic Games, staged in Olympia ran from 776 BC through till 392 AD and was held, like today, every four years in conjunction with a festival to honour the Greek god, Zeus? The Ancient Greeks also had three other Games in honour of gods, Apollo, Elis, and Poseidon making room for a tournament every year. Roman Emperor Theodosius abolished the Olympics in an attempt to rid his empire of paganism, in favour of the widespread adoption of Christianity in 392 AD.

Amazingly it took 1503 years before the Olympics were to return. Organised by Pierre de Coubertin who formed the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the modern Olympics were born and took place in Athens in 1896

In watching the Olympics over the last week, I have boxed, weightlifted. Swam, ran, jumped, been on the BMX track, windsurfed, rowed, been on the shooting range, the badminton court and shot clay pigeons.

The Olympics has always fascinated me, and I have always enjoyed watching them.

I wonder if you have a favourite Olympic moment?

This week has also shown the tremendous pressure that athletes are under as they seek to win medals. This pressure was placed in the spotlight by the plight of Simone Biles the American gymnast and by Dina Asher Smith the British sprinter.

These Olympic athletes train hard and push their bodies to peaks of physical fitness that is out of reach to many of us. They also have a God given gift for which ever particular sport they excel in.

I wonder if you have a God given gift for something? Remember it does not always have to be scaling a mountain or becoming an Olympic champion!

I want to encourage each of us this week whether we are good at chatting, passing on a smile, writing a card or note to someone we have not seen for a while, whatever our gift is let’s use it this week to show the love of God to others.

We may not gain a medal for doing it, but we will gain something far more precious as we seek God and serve God in the world.

May you be blessed as you serve others this week and as you serve the lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Remember, every great feat or world record always begins with just 1 step.

Circuit Prayers continue on Zoom each Wednesday at 10am.
There are still Sunday service sheets for use at home.

With good wishes and prayers

Revd Matt Sheard, on behalf of the Bede Circuit staff team.