Spring 2010

January 18, 2010 by RuthR
Filed under Mark's Blog, Preaching Programme, Sunday Service

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Prayer is both our deepest longing and sometimes the most discouraging aspect of our walk with God. I am convinced that prayer should be what brings joy, peace and freedom as we commune with a Heavenly Father. It was never meant to simply be a duty or even worse be something we associate with drudgery or guilt.

So how can we pray better?

During January and in to February we shall concentrate much of our teaching on how we can grow in deeper relationship with God as we learn to pray. Every Christian I have ever talked to about this subject has confessed to feeling like a beginner. We have so few living guides it would seem but we do have the bible and the Holy Spirit.

But it is not enough simply to teach on this subject. As in most things we learn best by doing. During the first week of February we are challenging every Oak (a member of Oak Tree) to participate in our 24-7 prayer event.

For an entire week and for 24 hours of each day we want prayer to be rising up from our church family from the prayer room in our new building on Acton High Street. In the act of prayer we shall learn and what is more God will hear and respond.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

If you want to learn more about the 24-7 prayer movement look at their website – 24/7 prayer.

I am convinced that nothing is impossible when it comes to what God can do through a people of prayer who follow Christ as Lord. Lord, let your kingdom come in me, in us and in your wider world.

Mark Aldridge

Autumn at Oak Tree

September 17, 2009 by RuthR
Filed under Preaching Programme

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In the film Charlotte Gray the security services interviewed the main character about going behind enemy lines as a spy. She also had another agenda which was to find the man she loved who had been lost in action. She was asked “which is the most important, faith hope or love?” Her reply surprised me, it was “hope”. It was the hope that she would find her lover that drove her beyond feat in order to do whatever it took. But if there was no hope there was no point.

The theme of this term’s teaching is Stories of Hope. We shall learn about the stories of great movements of God throughout history. We shall hear of men and women, Wesley, Edwards, Pullinger, Wimber and others, who have been catalysts of hope. What can we learn from our spiritual ancestors and how can we become dealers in hope for Acton and the wider world?