History
 he
first parade was launched on September 11,
1999 in Toronto , celebrating 2000 years of Jesus Christ and recognizing
the new millennium. It featured all the books of the Bible from
Genesis to Revelation with live Gospel music, floats, costumes,
banners and flags. Public and media response was favorable, and
the mayor issued a proclamation.
Since
then Festival of Praise has sponsored a number of public events
including a worship conference, a Revivalists & Reformers
Symposium helping participants better understand their spiritual
roots, and an Ethno Music Gospel Fest bringing together the sacred
music of the nations. It has also organized a Historical Bible
Fashion Show with music and drama from Bible days to the 21 st
Century.
The
Jesus in the City Parade brings people from
many different Christian denominations, churches and charities
together in celebration and praise and has now become an annual
event.
Parades & Processions
 arades
and processions are part of church history. In Bible days, theatrical
productions frequently took place in the open; in fact, seashores
were the amphitheaters of the day. By displaying banners of all
the books of the Bible with the theme of each book, we convey the
relevance of the Word of God in society.
Pick A Story!
 ith
Toronto having so many languages and nations in one place, the
parade shares God’s word in a visual, non-verbal way. Biblical
costumes and floats help tell the various stories. A church or
group can pick a story of the Bible or a theme creatively depicting
its message in drama or on a float. Other participants wearing
colorful T-shirts lend festivity.
Live Gospel music on flatbed trucks
provides a mobile platform leading everyone to enter into worship.
John
Hodge has portrayed Jesus every year since the parade started
in 1999.
|
