There’s a real feeling of excitement building about the opportunities to share God’s love for people in the mission, service and hospitality openings of the Commonwealth Games. Christian churches have been involved in major sporting events for more than 40 years now. More Than Gold first saw the light of day in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA, in 1996. Since then the More Than Gold brand has been used for Commonwealth, Pan-American, All-Africa, Indian Ocean, Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The More Than Gold team are here to support local churches to harness this moment in our nation’s history, to engage with their communities and visitors, but all these things will only be truly successful if Christ’s churches rise to the challenge. For this to happen we must seek the help of the all sufficient God through faithful and earnest prayer. We ask that all Christians pray for the whole More than Gold 2014 programme, the host City of Glasgow, for all of  Scotland and a successful Commonwealth Games.

The Glasgow 2014 Queen’s Baton Relay will be launched on 9 October 2013 from Buckingham Palace. Over the following 288 days the baton will travel through the 71 nations and territories competing in the Games. On 14 June 2014, the baton will arrive in Scotland where it will spend 40 days travelling all over the country.

Ish Lennox, Church Engagement Coordinator for More Than Gold says, “The Queen’s Baton coming to your part of Scotland will give you an opportunity to make the most of  the mission and discipleship opportunities of the Commonwealth Games and More Than Gold is here to help.”Ish and the team are planning regional events in the autumn to help churches prepare for the Games coming to your area.

To find out how you can book them to visit your church, to learn more and to access free resources and visit their website: www.morethangold2014.org.uk