This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 23 October 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Tom Wood of England in action during the England versus Wales match.
Reuters/Reuers staff.
WHEN Windsor Rugby Club approached the Revd Ainsley Swift and curate, the Revd Kate Harrison asking if their church could provide a choir for their screening of the England versus Wales match, they jumped at the chance.
"Being a good Greenbelt participant I am no stranger to having 500 drunk people in a tent singing hymns.
When I approached our choir they looked a bit bemused. "Despite their apparent bemusement, the choir, under the leadership of music director, John Halsey, prepared for the event and went on to sing with gusto.
The event was not unlike the Beer and Hymns event at the Greenbelt Festival, which is always oversubscribed and sees hundreds of people belting out hymns while enjoying a pint or two. "I did think if the rugby club were asking us to come along as a church choir we would want to pray during the event.
I did not think the rugby club would go for that but they said yes.
I wrote some light prayers, asking God for grace for each side whether they win or lose. "It is the only time I have led intercessions when I have had to stop half way through to let the cheers die down. "There was a serious side to proceedings as the event opened with a time of silence to remember the tragic deaths of some young people from the club.
"I think they were grateful for that," says Kate, who went down so well at that she and Ainsley are now talking with the club about becoming chaplains. The prayers: Dear Lord who made Twickenham and Cardiff … and saw that they were good … watch over this game tonight. Give the players the will to win and the grace to play fairly. Give their bodies strength and their hearts courage. May the Welsh team be proud to be called men of Harlech and the English proud to be from the land of hope and glory. Make us, their faithful supporters, ready to celebrate whether it's for our own team or with the supporters of the other team. And lord, if it's the other team celebrating, make them ready to buy the drinks. At this harvest time, oh Lord, may we remember that you made barley, hops and yeast for our enjoyment as we raise a glass in memory to all those faithful friends, sportsmen and supporters of the game, who have gone before us to the heavenly scrum. (raise glass) In a moment of silence we remember before God the names of those we miss. (SILENCE) We thank you Lord for all they have meant to us and the precious memories that we will carry forever. In our joy as we gather together and excitement for the game tonight, we offer these prayers to you, oh Lord, and … may the best team win!Amen.
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