OAKWOOD 2010

Dear Friend,

If you ask what OAKWOOD 2010 is about, if you have questions about it, or wonder if this is one of those ideas which sounds good but comes to nothing, then the answer, at least in part, is with you.

For one thing, as I have worked with the leaders in introducing this project, there is no fixed agenda. Rather, we have opened a chapter in the life of our fellowship which we can all be involved in writing.

Of course, we have a clear aim, to make Oakwood Baptist Church mission centred in 2010, and lots of creative thinking as we start, but we have much to learn, and we want to know the way to go from the Lord together.

That is why, after bringing this project to the leaders and the church meeting, I feel strongly that we should begin with a Day of Prayer, and this has been set as Saturday 1 December. Please make sure of your part in this important event.

You can take part in two ways during the day, by coming at the beginning and end of the day to join in prayer together, and by coming for an hour during the day to spend time in quiet prayer.

The day in the church begins with a gathering from 8am to 9am, and closes with a gathering for praise and prayer at 7pm. In between the church will be open, with a leader present, and a leaflet of suggestions to encourage quiet prayer.

So, in the context of prayer, OAKWOOD 2010 is already underway. For example, we need to review our young people’s work, Oakwood Adventure, for practical reasons, but this is now the first area we are looking at in a new way. Also, we will be sharing through the church meeting from the exciting and extensive list of possible evangelistic activities named by the leaders, on their recent day of prayer and discussion. We want to start to identify together what we believe the Lord is showing us to do. As well, although 2010 is a while yet, we need to plan ahead for special mission events where we may invite guests to speak. Please pray for these things.

Remember OAKWOOD 2010 is about becoming a mission centred church. We will work to make mission the priority in our work as a fellowship by that year. Any plans for the year itself will stand or fall by our change and development between now and then.

On the Day of Prayer I will be there for most of the day, and look forward to seeing you on Saturday 1 December, whether you call in for an hour and wait in the Lord’s presence, or join in as we voice aloud our prayers for his blessing on our future together.

Your Pastor,
Gordon

‘HE WHO BEGAN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL BRING IT TO COMPLETION’ Philippians 1v6