Friends
December 17, 2009 by irishmark
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Dear Oaks,
I have found myself watching episodes of the American comedy “Friends” over the past few weeks. It has been around for years but like so many things had managed to pass me by.
I must admit to mixed feelings about it. The sexual morality it portrays is certainly not consistent with following the way of Jesus. That sometimes spills over in to a cruel view of others and more than a few lies and deceits along the way. Yet in places I find it hysterically funny and there is something very attractive about the community of friends that is made up by Ross, Chandler, Joey, Monika, Rachel and Phoebe.
Here are six single (most of the time!) young adults living out their lives up close. The theme song to the show perhaps gives us a clue to part of its great attraction. Part of the lyric says something like “I’ll be there for you when the rain starts to pour”.
A recent study of young adults brought to light just how lonely many in our society are. And it crosses every age group. Mother Teresa is famously quoted as saying that “the greatest pandemic in the world is that of loneliness”.
This whilst such a sad state of affairs is also potentially a great opportunity for the church. One of the descriptions of the church is that it is the “family of God”. We are called both in to friendship with Jesus Christ (John 15) and with each other. This is a relationship that should always have as its default position that it is seeking to be inclusive and not exclusive.
Jesus described the kingdom of God as a wedding banquet prepared for His son. In Matthew 22:9 Jesus says “go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find”. Look at verse 10 and see just how inclusive it was.
Oak Tree must be a community of friends. Friends of God first and friends of others, no matter whom, next.
So in that spirit may I invite you to come and show the friendly face of the church on the Mount on Saturday for our carol singing, market stall and live and un-rehearsed nativity play. As I said last Sunday if all you can do is smile that would be great.
Oh and then invite someone from work or home or market place to come and be with us for the carol service on Sunday afternoon.
Let us build a community of true friendship so that we are there for each other when the rain starts to pour or when the sun shines or the snow falls!
Every blessing,
Mark
Choir Bass Parts
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Market Church
December 15, 2009 by MarkB
Filed under Market Church
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Market CHURCH
Hello Marketeers
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Team and all!! Thank you again for all you have given over this festive period and throughout 2009!
We have full shifts this coming Saturday but as many as are welcome to come and carol sing (11-12.30+1-2.30) and to see the nativity (12.30)…ho ho ho!
and a HAPPY NEW YEAR
(essential new) TRAINING DAY on the 9th Jan!
PLEASE, if you can get this date in your diary! We will be starting back on the 9th Jan with training and then on the market the 16th Jan.
Training will be from 10-12.30 Saturday 9th January.
It will involve some new bits and some basics with even more comedy, and there will be free tea, coffee, hot chocolate and DOUGHNUTS!
God bless you with rest this Christmas and New Year.
Mark Bishop
LOOK! There’s an advent calendar in an Acton window!
December 11, 2009 by MarkB
Filed under Market Church, Outthere
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Once upon a time there was a Christmas message…
We believe there still is a deeply true, compellingly relevant, infectiously kind and lovingly humble message that is behind Christmas. Every three days or so a new window at 216 the High Street, Acton will be opened to show the next part of a contemporary telling of the Christmas story. This is a group of artists, who are part of our church community, and their interpretation of the events leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. We believe that our world is full of negative stereotypes and labels, maybe you have been told you fit one of those. Through all of this we believe Jesus is hope, and more than that, God has hope in you.
Come and celebrate Christmas with us as a church:
Acton Market: 11-3pm on the 19th December
Carol Service: Twyford School, Uxbridge Road 4.30pm on the 20th December
Why those windows?
Our church (explore the website to learn more about who we are and why we’re here) has been in and around Acton for 16 years. In 2010 we will be moving into and taking on 216 the High Street Acton. We are committed to serving and growing in the diversity that is Acton. Our hope is that this building will allow us to bless, work and be open to every person in W3 and beyond!
Watch this site for our move in date and then come and visit us!
Once upon a time there was a Christmas message… and it is still for you.
If you’d like to read more about the creative process look at Thalie’s Website.
Market Church – 12th Dec 2009
December 8, 2009 by MarkB
Filed under Events, Market Church
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Market CHURCH
Hello Marketeers
Only two more Market Saturdays of 2009 to go!
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has given so generously of their time to the Market stall in 2009.
It really wouldn’t have happened without you. I really value you, thank you!
This week there are spaces that need filling 2-4 and one from 12-2… can you spare the time if you haven’t signed up already?
Merry Christmas!
I pray you will find time this Christmas
To relax and unwind
To feel the thanks for your service this year
To aspire to the call of your God
To know the heart of your Father
To hear the call of Jesus
And to be filled with the food of the Spirit.
Mark Bishop
Torch Challenge Prize Giving
‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.’ Psalm 199:105
The Torch Challenge encourages the children of Oak Tree to read their bibles regularly at home outside of Sundays. Those who have completed the Torch Challenge successfully will be awarded their prizes today!
Shoots – Christmas Craft & Cooking
December 1, 2009 by RuthR
Filed under Children's Church, Events
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Shoots Group (school years 1, 2, 3 and 4) get into the festive spirit with some craft and cookery!
More details to follow….
Kids Christmas Party
November 28, 2009 by RuthR
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It’s the party season! So the kids of Oak Tree are celebrating in Twyford School Basement during the service.
Women’s Event – Soak
This is the Advent Season! Christmas is on the way! Families will be reunited!
Contact the office for venue information.
Carol Service
November 24, 2009 by RuthR
Filed under Events, Sunday Service
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The Oak Tree carol service. Our opportunity to celebrate the fabulousness of Christmas and Jesus being born as a human being…awesome!
More details to follow….
