The service will include a hymn written by the vicar to the tune of "Match of the Day", prayers from the official Golden Jubilee Service Book and a sermon entitled "Make Jesus the centre forward of your life". The vicar, the Revd John Hartley, has invited people to come in football strip or national celebration dress, and to bring flags.

The hymn includes the lines: Before I met the Saviour Jesus, my life was full of holes: I couldn't do the good I wanted, I couldn't score my goals. My field was open to attackers, the enemy got through - But when Jesus came to be my Lord, he made my life all new.

The service will take place on June 2nd at 3pm to allow supporters to watch the match at home and have Sunday lunch beforehand. John Hartley says, "The world cup kick-off clashes with the usual 10.30am service at St Luke's so we wanted to release people from the dilemma of whether to watch the football or come to church and we also wanted to do something creative. We have some keen football supporters in our congregation, as well as leading members of political parties, and we want to make a special effort to give God thanks for our national life and our sport."

A celebration tea, which is assisted with a grant from Newlands Partnership, will follow at 4.30pm in the newly reopened basement rooms, and will include competitions and games for the children.

A full text of the schedule and the hymn can be found at the church's web site www.stluke-eccleshill.org.uk

ENDS

For futher information contact the Revd John Hartley 01274 636403.
or send him an email to: vicar@stluke-eccleshill.org.uk.

Hymn (to the tune of "Match of the Day")

How great is God, the Lord Almighty, who has made all things well!
How great is Jesus Christ the Saviour, who rescues us from hell!
How great is God the Holy Spirit, who makes us want to tell!
We've a great and mighty three-in-one: his praises we will yell!

Before I met the Saviour Jesus, my life was full of holes:
I couldn't do the good I wanted, I couldn't score my goals,
My field was open to attackers, the enemy got through -
But when Jesus came to be my Lord, he made my life all new.

Oh, won't you join the winning captain, and serve him with your life?
You'll find he keeps the team in training, and helps you deal with strife.
He takes the penalties of sinning, and gives you victory,
and his power will help your weakness, and you'll win eternity!

A few photographs of the day: