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Jesus Army holds a party
2:27pm Thursday 4th September 2008
Believers and non-believers alike have been invited to take part in a fun, free festival in honour of Jesus.
The three-day event, held on Oxpens Field beside Oxford Ice Rink, is the first of its kind and is expected to attract as many as 600 people tomorrow.
The Modern Jesus Army, which has a small following in the city, has pitched a giant marquee with a stage and lighting, surrounded by exhibitions and entertainments.
There is a coffee bar and prayer zone, music, poetry readings and art exhibitions.
Outside the marquee, there is a kids' zone with card-making facilities, drumming workshops, pottery demos, skateboarding and giant graffiti boards.
The finale is a big Jesus party in the marquee tomorrow at 6pm.
Event organiser John Pannell, 65, said: "The Modern Jesus Army has held evangelical campaigns for 25 years, but this is the first event of its kind anywhere.
"It's centred on the marquee, but the marquee is only a small part of what's going on - it's a festival.
"We aim to show the Church as something relevant today - something that's alive and fun.
"We believe in loving Jesus and doing the things he wants us to do, rather than not doing the things he doesn't want us to do. "
The Modern Jesus Army has 50 followers in Oxford, with bases in Woodstock Road and Cutteslowe.
Nationally, the Christian movement has about 1,500 supporters.
Pastor Peter Taylor, of Woodstock Road, Oxford, said: "We are holding a people-friendly event.
"Our slogan is free entry, no prejudice. People are very welcome. If they enjoy themselves, they can stick around. If not, then it doesn't matter."
The festival is open tomorrow and Saturday, from noon until late.
Your Say YourOxford
John, says...
3:23pm Thu 4 Sep 08
J O Scarriett, Back of Beyond says...
4:02pm Thu 4 Sep 08
Harsh, Oxford says...
4:13pm Thu 4 Sep 08
He wants you , He wants You He wants you as a new recruit, Bishops Bell End says...
4:53pm Thu 4 Sep 08
J O Scarriett wrote:Perhaps they will declare war on those Moon worshiping bombers
Shame their isn't a Jesus Air Force as well, I do love aeroplanes.
Homer Simpson, Springfield says...
5:53pm Thu 4 Sep 08
Rob, says...
6:24pm Thu 4 Sep 08
Private Pike, Warmington on Sea says...
6:27pm Thu 4 Sep 08
poppy, iffley road says...
9:25pm Thu 4 Sep 08
Alan Page, says...
11:58pm Thu 4 Sep 08
They are formally a cult. Keep away. It took months for my friend to be deprogrammed.
sid, oxford says...
8:32am Fri 5 Sep 08
Homer Simpson wrote:yes,this was particularly noticeable in northern ireland
Muslims take note...see how we can talk about Jesus and have an open discussion without threatning to kill or blow someone up because they have a different view of Jesus.
John, Banbury says...
10:31am Fri 5 Sep 08
sid wrote:Game, set and match to sid l think.
Homer Simpson wrote: Muslims take note...see how we can talk about Jesus and have an open discussion without threatning to kill or blow someone up because they have a different view of Jesus.yes,this was particularly noticeable in northern ireland
Mickey, Oxford says...
1:36pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Alan Page wrote:Isn't that what Jesus told his disciples to do? Leave behind your friends and family and come with me!
A friend of mine got involved with this group. They effectively brainwashed her to hate her family and friend whilst making out cheques for their organisation. They are formally a cult. Keep away. It took months for my friend to be deprogrammed.
Strikes me that Christianity is just a cult that has lasted a bit longer than any of the others.
*All* religion is brainwashing. That's why it's taught at an early age, when the victim is most susceptible to influence!
My advice... Steer clear of ALL religion. Have a life instead!
Mickey
Stout Yeoman, Nowhere near the Oxpens tommorrow says...
3:40pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Del Boy, Nelson Mandela House Peckham says...
6:14pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Rob wrote:Why would one wish to play golf in a furniture shop?
On a par with Al Qaeda i say.
Rodney, my eight iron please!
Joe, says...
6:41pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Graham, says...
7:26pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Jesus was not "traditional" church and they hated him for that.
Jesus was homeless, and had no where to lie his head, he ate and lived with the poor and despised not because he wanted to be different but because he loved and showed outrageous grace. People hated him for that too.
If the world hated Jesus then why should we be surprised if they hate his church now.
Gods peace to the Jesus Army and the people of Oxford.
Daisy, says...
9:30pm Fri 5 Sep 08
Peter, Oxford says...
7:30am Sat 6 Sep 08
Phil, heading for the party says...
9:47am Sat 6 Sep 08
Jess, Brighton says...
4:47pm Mon 8 Sep 08
Obadiah, UK says...
7:40pm Mon 8 Sep 08
Alan Page wrote:
A friend of mine got involved with this group. They effectively brainwashed her to hate her family and friend whilst making out cheques for their organisation. They are formally a cult. Keep away. It took months for my friend to be deprogrammed.
LOL. I'm part of the JA and I love my parents, and friends. Jesus said that He came for the sick, not the healthy. Reaching the needy is what Jesus told us to do. Amen
Obadiah, UK says...
7:42pm Mon 8 Sep 08
Feanor, says...
11:14am Fri 19 Sep 08
I'm a Christian myself and proud to say so. I wasn't taught it at an early age. I had a big conversion experience in my twenties which changed my life. I love God.
And I love my parents dearly too!
Your sayYourOxford
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Pastor Peter Taylor
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Ed, Oxford says...
3:13pm Thu 4 Sep 08
They are affiliated to evangelical organisations who aren't exactly welcoming and have many prejudices. Also beware, what they call "the church" is very different from your "normal" C of E parish church.
They are toward the extreme end of the Christian religion, and should be treated with caution.
My opinion: steer well clear.