Zion Baptist Chapel
The World Cup - Hoping for Glory!
I LOVE FOOTBALL - and even before the World Cup starts I've enjoyed a
wonderful season. The reason - I'm a Reading supporter, and have been since
I was a kid when I lived just down the road from the ground. In recent years
the team have left their old stadium and the lower divisions behind them - and
this season they broke records and won the Championship. From August
they're in the Premiership, and for the first time in their history
they'll be regularly playing the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and
Liverpool! Bring it on!
As a fan, it's a wonderful feeling when your team wins, when it achieves something that you've long been hoping for. As we approach the World Cup every England fan is hoping for a repeat of 1966, and a share in the glory of "our boys" being crowned world champions.
So come and watch their progress on the big screen at Lode Chapel - we intend to show every England match in a friendly, family atmosphere.
There will be refreshments, face painting and a half-time kick around. We've even got a special service on 11th June to celebrate the start of the World Cup where you'll be able to pick up "KickOff 2006" - your own free pocket guide to the competition.
Some people may ask what football has got to do with God - but those who watched Brazil celebrate their win in 2002 will probably recall that some of the team players and coaches took their shirts off to reveal "Jesus loves you" vests. At the pinnacle of success, and with billions of people watching worldwide, these Brazilian Christians wanted us to know who their hero was! Their example shows that it's possible to have a passion for football and a passion for Jesus too!
The first three matches are:
- Sat 10th June: England v Paraguay - KO 2pm, open 1.30pm.
- Thu 15th June: England v Trin & Tob - KO 5pm, open 4.30pm.
- Tue 20th June: Sweden v England - KO 8pm, open 7.30pm.
Coverage of England matches will continue throughout the knock-out stages all the way to the final, hoping, of course, that we make it that far! Doors open 30 minutes before each kick-off. All the family are welcome. Children under 11 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult.