The forthcoming Olympic Games have shaped the theme of Armagh’s Diocesan Youth Council’s programme for the coming winter months
The Theme
How amazing would it be to lift an Olympic Gold Medal at London 2012? Can we imagine how it would feel to achieve the highest possible accolade in sport? Surely an Olympic Gold must be one of the greatest prizes anyone can ever hope to achieve. Crossing that line, clinching that vital point, or seeing our name at the very top of the leader board, it must be a heart stopping experience. Imagine hearing the cheers, the applause and the National Anthem played, as we stand on the top podium, with a medal around our neck. There can be little in life to top such a moment!
Such a moment is the dream of so many athletes currently pushing themselves to the limit in preparation for London next August. The prize has to be their focus, 24/7.
It drives them out of their beds to early morning training sessions. It compels them to stick to horribly strict diets. It gives them the determination to train harder, submitting to every detail of instruction from their trainer. The prize shapes their lifestyle in just about every way. Despite the sacrifices, they ‘press on’, as they seek to be ready to perform to their highest possible ability at the critical time.
On a number of occasions, Paul likens living as a Christian as to being in a race. The prize is heaven. As followers of Jesus, like athletes, we too are to ‘press on’ in faith, during the race of life, so that we too will achieve the prize.
It is this theme of ‘Pressing On’ that is shaping our thoughts during ADYC events to come.
To get to the finals of their event at London 2012, competitors need to qualify. Trusting in Jesus grants us entry to the final race. With His help we ‘press on’ as we seek to ‘… reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize …’ (Phil. 3:14).
This heavenly prize is no temporary moment, it is beyond the measure of time. How wonderful this prize is cannot be imagined in our minds. This prize isn’t reserved for those who can go ‘faster, higher, longer’. The wonderful message of our faith is that all who follow the Lord Jesus receive this incomparable prize, it is not for one individual, it is for all who run the ‘race’ with Him as their Lord.
So be inspired to ‘run’! We hope that you will be able to join us at ADYC events during the year ahead. As we approach London 2012 and beyond, may we fix our eyes on the greatest prize of all.
ADYC ‘Pressing On’ Programme 2011/12
Sat 24th Sept (7pm) : Potential – St Mark’s Armagh, Crozier Hall
Games on the Mall, followed by a BBQ
Speaker : Jonny McLoughlin (Curate Assistant, St Mark’s Armagh)
Sun 27th Nov (7pm) : Prepare – Derryloran Parish (Cookstown), Church Hall
Worship : Ten38 Band
Speaker : Lynne Lockhart (Youth and Family Worker, St Mark’s Portadown)
Sun 22nd Jan (7pm) : Participation – St Mark’s Portadown, Parochial Hall
Worship : Mark Ferguson Band
Speaker : Ambassadors in Sport
Fri 16th – Sun 18th March : Promise – ADYC Weekend, Cleenish Centre, Co. Fermanagh
Speaker : James Boyd (Rector of Dromore Parish, Diocese of Clogher)
Sun 8th April (6am) : Easter Dawn Service – The Argory, Moy
Celebrant and Speaker : Archbishop Alan Harper
Sun 29th April (7pm) : Persevere – Killyman Parish Hall
Worship : InFlame
Speaker : Malcolm Kingston (Rector of Kilmore & St Saviour’s)