Live at the Well

"HOW CAN we reach ordinary young people in town with something at the Jesus Centre?" That was the question. The answer was to organise 'Live at the Well', a regular Friday night live music event in the Centre's Upper Well Cafe.

"We drew on the talents in our local congregation and the wider church," explains Jesus Centre manager Piers Young. "First there was a lot to do to upgrade the cafe itself and we travelled as far as Cambridgeshire for new (second hand) tables, redecorated, hung novel instruments up, bought an ice cream freezer, moved lights etc. At the same time we worked on the menu, asking Centre visitors for their foodback (feedback) which included milk shakes and new snacks and drinks."

Running since 2003, 'Live at the Well' has included open mike evenings with visitors singing their stuff and a poetry evening run by the Oxford church. The Birmingham church contributed a musical team and Northampton church sent its 'Sweet Waters Sunset Tour.'

Piers comments: "Folks enjoy their cappuccinos and dips and the cafe has done good business (which was part of our aim, too, as it supports the charitable work at the Centre). The best thing is the atmosphere - relaxed, non-threatening, friendly. It is really good for bringing friends along who are sort of interested in Christian things but don't want it too in yer face. 'They'll know we are Christians by our love', as the song says. Early days, but 'Live at the Well' is the fruit of a dream that has been made to happen and it's made a good start."