Charlton and Bournemouth football chaplains team up for stadium events

Pictured from left: Matt Baker, Charlton's Club Chaplain and Pastoral Support Director in English Football, Sports Chaplaincy UK, Rev Andy Rimmer, AFC Bournemouth's Chaplain, and Roy Crowne, Director of HOPE, in festive mood at the Cherries' ground in Bournemouth making plans for Sports Stadium Christmas Carol events nationwide this Christmas.

The grounds of Charlton Athletic and AFC Bournemouth are more used to the sound of shouting and chanting but this Christmas they'll be filled with the festive sounds of Christmas.

It may not even be the end of summer yet, but plans are already afoot to hold carol concerts in the clubs' grounds this Christmas.

The concerts are being organised by Charlton's club chaplain and pastoral support director in English football for Sports Chaplaincy UK, Matt Baker, and AFC Bournemouth's Chaplain, Rev Andy Rimmer

Christian mission charity HOPE is supporting the concerts in partnership with Sports Chaplaincy UK in preparation for HOPE's nationwide year of mission in 2014.

Sports chaplains, community groups and local churches will be equipped to host their own Christmas carol services in sports grounds up and down the country.

The first services were piloted two years ago in Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Aldershot Town and Shrewsbury, and last year 15 clubs held carol services.

This year, more than 50 sports stadiums are expected to host the carol concerts for fans and other members of the community.

AFC Bournemouth's chaplain, the Reverend Andy Rimmer said: "I enjoy getting to know the lads and occasionally training with them.

"We have pre-match prayer which a few of them attend. Sport is a tremendous gift from God and it's where people are.

"The carol service is a chance to celebrate Jesus' birth in a completely unique environment. We want this event to have a real community feel as well as being attended by supporters of the clubs."

Resources are available for download at www.hopetogether.org.uk at http://bit.ly/15xg7HK

News
We are the story still being written
We are the story still being written

The story of Christ continues in the lives of those who take up His calling.

Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas
Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas

International Christian Concern reported more than 80 incidents in India, some of them violent, over Christmas.

Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report
Christian killings in Nigeria could double in 2026 if extremist threat is not dealt with - report

Already more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other countries combined.

Church group praying after New Year's fire tragedy in Switzerland
Church group praying after New Year's fire tragedy in Switzerland

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches said it was a "moment of unimaginable grief and sorrow" for Switzerland.