The above photo was taken at about 3am in our last 24/7 Prayer room in 2010. It was amazing looking out the window onto Acton at that time in the morning and I remember praying for all the people who would be awake at that time for whatever reason and thinking how God always sees what happens, even in those hours when most of us are asleep.

I prayed for nursing mums and prostitutes, drug dealers and policemen, people being abused and people working night shifts.

This year, we will be running a 24/7 Prayer room with Antioch and the Acton Vale Missional Community in Holy Week, 1st – 8th April.

More details of how to sign up for a shift will be coming soon, but for now, put the dates in the diary and think about when you might want to take some time out of the hustle and bustle of life and meet with God to pray.

We are running an Alpha Course in our new building, 216 Acton High Street, starting on Tuesday 1 March.

I remember way back in 1999, my flatmate mentioning the Alpha Course to me and I thought – I don’t really fancy doing some course. Reminded me of study and essays and hard work. But she then said ‘I’m doing this Alpha thing want to join me?’ and for some reason I said ‘yes’, probably as she was going too. When I got there, I found friendly people who really wanted to get to know me and listen to me, great food, an interesting talk and an opportunity to chew over and chat about what I thought about the talk. No essays, no homework, just easy going chat!

Alpha became the highlight of my week and I went home buzzing with all I was learning. The stuff I learnt on Alpha and the relationships I made changed my life.

Come along to the first night and see what you think.

If you are planning to come, email me through the staff page so we can cater for you.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Today Oak Tree is thankful for:

so many good memories.

You can join in with us on Facebook or in the forum on the website by telling us:

What are You thankful for?

Here we are on day 21 of our 21Days of Gratitude

Our last day! Here’s a run down of all the things Oak Tree has been grateful for:

1. The joy of technology to build community

2. The support of friends.

3. An awesome staff team.

4. Opportunities to speak God’s truth to others.

5. Days off to rest.

6. Seeing CAP clients getting their lives back on track.

7. The people we’ve met through market church.

8. The fabulous builders working on our new home 216 for us.

9. Our vicar Mark and his lovely wife Kate who are celebrating their wedding anniversary today….

10. Its adventurous, sacrificial, loving and God-chasing members…

11. Half term. What a great opportunity for families to have some quality time together.

12. 3 full Oak Tree villas booked on the Retreat to Advance New Wine Conference in January!

13. Being able to meet at Twyford School on a Sunday.

14. Our wise and committed Church Wardens Sarah Miller and Steve Jupe.

15. Freedom.

16. The plans God has for us.

17. All the diversity of the Acton community.

18. The fact that there is always more to learn and experience of God.

19. Jesus

20. Lots of new people coming on a Sunday.

21. So many good memories.

We’ve loved taking the time to reflect on God’s goodness to us.

Perhaps we can take a moment on Fridays to be thankful every week and encourage each other with the good things God is doing!

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