CofE seeks to keep Olympics goodwill spirit alive

The Church of England has launched a campaign to harness the goodwill spirit seen during London 2012.

The 2012 Games inspired hundreds of churches to host free community events like big screenings, family festivals and sports competitions.

But the Church doesn't want it to end there. It is sending out a call to change to 20,000 clergy this week.

'Love Life Live Lent - Be the Change!' has been written by Dr Paula Gooder and her husband, the Reverend Peter Babington.

The booklet leads people through simple daily activities to make small but revolutionary changes to the world around them during Lent 2013.

An adults version and kids version will be made available featuring fun activites.

Adults are encouraged to try something new or pick up the phone and call someone they have not see in a while.

The kids version suggests giving pocket money to a charity that works with children overseas, or saying sorry for something they have done wrong.

The #livelent hash tag will help Twitter users to encourage each other as they seek to increase the goodwill they share with others.

There will also be regular tweets of encouragement from @LiveLent.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said in his foreword to the booklet: “When there are Christians around, that should be good news for everyone because we are making the love and grace of God real in everything we do.

"Why not use Lent and this little book to catch a glimpse of what is possible when we take a risk of grace? With God’s help, each of us can be the change we want to see in the world.”

Christine Ohuruogu recommends the booklet, saying: “The 2012 Games inspired millions to join together and celebrate everything that’s good about life.

"Love Life Live Lent offers an opportunity to take the feel-good factor a stage further by being the change we want to see in our own lives and communities.

"You’ve seen the athletes play their part. Now it’s your turn!”

Published by Church House Publishing, Love Life Live Lent – Be the Change! is available to pre-order, individually or in packs (of 10 or 25 for the adults’ version ISBN 978 0 7151 4311 7, and 10 and 50 for the kids’ version ISBN 978 0 7151 4 3148), from www.chpublishing.co.uk