Market this week…23rd May 2009

Market CHURCH

Hello Marketeers

Mark Bishop

CAP

Dear Oaks,

At Monday evenings ACC we agreed unanimously to go to the next stage of the
process towards becoming a Christians Against Poverty Centre. I do hope
that by now you have had a chance to watch the promotional DVD (we have
shown it at church twice). If you do want more information please do ask
myself, Katy Willis or one of the ACC members.

The next stage is for me to travel to the CAP HQ in Bradford and to meet the
team there. They need to be convinced that we have what it takes to be a
CAP centre and this is a decision that they most certainly do not take
lightly. They cannot afford to do so and neither can we. I travel up for
this meeting on 16th June and will greatly appreciate your prayers.

Assuming that all goes well there are still further stages in the process
and realistically we are not likely to start for at least 12 months.

One of the keys pieces of the jigsaw will be the appointment (which has to
be from amongst our own church members) of a CAP Centre manager. This person
will be need to have good administrative skills but even more importantly be
able to demonstrate to both us and CAP that they have a proven evangelistic
track record.

CAP is both an exciting possibility and huge challenge of faith. The
financial challenge is daunting and it will require the efforts of us all in
one way or another.

But let our legacy be about what God did in and through us and not what we
did by our own efforts.

The first thing Jesus said after the anointing of the Holy Spirit was that
“The Spirit of the Lord was upon him to preach good news to the poor.” (Luke
4:18). His last full sermon is found in Matthew 25 when he talks about the
sheep and the goats (verses 31-46). Again his theme is the care of the poor
and the needy. Our response to them speaks volumes about the reality or
otherwise of the faith we declare.

Our decision to press on with the CAP vision is one of courage and faith. It
makes me proud, I hope rightly, of friends in Christ who want to live
dangerously for the sake of the King and His kingdom.

It has been so good to be challenged by some members who have asked good and
hard questions. It has helped us to grapple with God and one another. Let
us all continue to play our part in making Jesus known to the poor, needy,
hungry and thirsty of Acton and beyond.

Every blessing,

Mark

We are hoping soon to have the first set of plans for 216! Once we have
them we shall open up the building and have an evening for you all to come
down and explore it, ask questions and dream dreams. We anticipate this may
be as early as the first week of June. I will keep you informed.

It will not be this week as some have thought. Sorry for any confusion.

Protected: Nick Page – OakTree weekend away

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pray for those in authority

Dear Oaks,

I wonder what your view is about expenses paid to Members of Parliament? By now many of you will have read the newspapers or seen the reports on TV. MP’s have been claiming expenses for such diverse items as chandeliers, swimming pool maintenance and horse manure. All of this at the tax payers expense.

In the vast majority of cases they have not broken the rules but simply used the flexibility within the legislation to suit their own purposes. Despite this there has understandably been a public outcry and the confidence of the public in their elected representatives, if polls are to be believed, has dropped to an all time low.

All of this is a significant blow to democracy and will in my view have serious implications. Those aged under 25 are already difficult to engage in the democratic process and as disillusionment spreads at the speed of Swine Flu things are likely to get worse.

I must admit to having had moments of righteous indignation as I have heard of one politician after another ripping Jo(e) Public off. But then as I have reflected other thoughts have come to mind as well.

What does the New Testament teach about government and about our responsibility to pray for those in authority?

Do I sometimes keep within the letter of the law but not its spirit?

I will let you decide for yourself about the question of government and our responsibility. You might like to read Romans 13:1-7. Be sure it will have you beg more questions.

As to the second question, I must confess that like the Pharisees of old I am quite skilled at pushing the boundaries of Gods commandments to the edge without actually crossing them. I can also slip in to a dualistic mindset which allows me to justify certain encroachments and not others in to the land of disobedience.

Twyford Avenue near where I live has a 20 MPH speed limit which I never keep. But there again I do drive down there slower than most others. Oh dear there I go again.

Many of these MP’s have done wrong and it is a serious business. Something must be done. On the other hand it is also true that throwing stones in glass houses is stupid also. Perhaps Jesus was alluding to this kind of thing when he said “remove the log from your own eye before you try to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” No wonder Jesus is the wisdom of God!

Blessings,

Mark

Wonderful news: Jos Melluish is making excellent progress and talking, eating and moving limbs. Just last weekend many feared the worse but he has suddenly made exceptional progress. Praise God!

Market this week…16th May 2009

Market CHURCH

Hello Marketeers

Mark Bishop

Men & Kids Camping Weekend

Though not officially an Oak Tree event, we like to publicise the annual trip away that guys from Oak Tree and Antioch go on where the men can take the kids away for a weekend of fun and give the mums a break! If you want to join them talk to Ed Marriott.

Kew Gardens Outing – for reception to year 3 kids

Hopefully the sun will be shining and you’ll have a great time enjoying a Sunday morning in one of the most beautiful parts of London.

Baptism Service

If you want to be baptised by full immersion – or fancy renewing your baptismal vows, we will be having a service on 12th July and getting the pool out!

Maybe you were never baptised as a child – or maybe you were but you want to renew your vows as a public commitment to Jesus as an adult. It is a fantastic celebration service and many invite their friends and family to witness the event.

If you are interested – please chat to Mark Aldridge.

Church Central

Church Central is a monthly meet up of Oaks to go deeper in teaching, training and ministry than we have time for on a Sunday.

We meet at Acton Green Church, Cunnington Street, W4 at 8pm.

Oak Tree Weekend Away

Oak Tree’s bi-annual weekend away has a history of being significant, both in the life of the church and for individuals. Inspirational speakers, fantastic worship, outstanding entertainment and the luxury of time together. Beyond this has been God’s encouraging presence. He’s met us in marvellous ways – lives have changed, people have been healed, relationships restored.

Nick Page is a writer, information designer, creative consultant and the author of over twenty books, including The Tabloid Bible, Lord Minimus, Blue and The Bible Book. He and his family live in Eynsham, Oxfordshire. He supports Watford FC, but then again, someone has to.

This year we are staying at The Frontier Centre, Irthlingborough, set in 120 acres overlooking the Nene Valley. Afternoon activities include archery, canoeing and climbing. Book now for 2009, miss it, miss out!

The whole church is invited to the weekend and we would like to stress that the specified cost should not prohibit any one from coming. If you would like help in any way with the cost please state on the booking form and we will get in touch. If you would like to contribute to help fund
bursaries please also state on the booking form.
Thank you

ADULT- £111
KIDS 8 & OVER – £44
UNDER 8s – £22

All bookings must include a non-refundable £50 deposit

Accommodation is on a shared basis

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance

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