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Love Oxford Vision

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I have a dream...

Oxford is not only a city of dreaming spires, it is a city of dreams. Even the University once had a dream, expressed in its motto, 'Dominus illuminatio mea''The Lord is my Light'. As Churches in the city, we dream that our city would be transformed into a place where Christ is its light. We dream ofOxfordbeing a place of safety, refuge and unity. The city is known as a centre for intellectual brilliance, but we dream of it being renowned for the brilliance of the love of God to be found here.

The Vision for LoveOxford

...is strikingly simple. It is to encourage Churches to move their morning service on one Sunday in the year to the heart ofOxfordwith the purpose of:

  • Declaring the praises of Him who brought us out of darkness into Light
  • Hearing the Word of God preached by pastors in our city
  • Praying for the peace of the city in which God has placed us

We believe that this is one of the best ways to love our city: that we show our love for, and dependence on, God; that we speak in a public place about His deep and ever-flowing love; and that we gather His Church together for our city.In this way we want to plant the flag of thegospel again at the very heart ofOxford.

The criteria for a Church joining this growing numberof churches committed to 'Love Oxford'(over 40 were represented by their ministers in 2006) are: a love for God and his Word, a love for this historic city ofOxford, her inhabitants and her destiny, and a love for all other Christians. There are churches from many denominations and groups including Anglican, Baptist, URC, Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, 'New'and foreignlanguageChurcheson board, and more are still joining in. A list of Churches participating may be found on our web sitewww.loveoxford.org.uk

In addition we plan activities which can offer practical help to those in needas we seek to 'loveOxford'not only in words but also in deeds. Last year, the 5000+ Barbecue gave away freefood on Bonn Square for 4 days running and a Youth initiative called 'The Noise'cleaneddisadvantaged areas ofOxford and cleared gardens of those with no means to do so, comfortingand encouraging the lonely. See www.vertigo-ox.com for more details. For 2008 there will be a newyouth initiative called Hope 08.

Scriptures for 'LoveOxford'

Isaiah 58:10 ...'and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings".

John"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one:23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."

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