Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
Proverbs
Proverbs
In August we will be looking at the book of Proverbs and reflecting on the theme of wisdom.
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible (along with Job, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs). The Hebrew word for Proverb is ‘Māšāl’ which can be translated as ‘taunt’, ‘oracle’ or ‘parable’ or from a verb meaning ‘to be like’, and so mean a comparison. Proverbs is made up of short, pithy sayings, drawn from everyday life and meant to be memorable.
There are a number of characters who appear throughout the book: the wise and the righteous in comparison to the simple; the fool; the scoffer; the sluggard and the wicked. The examples and illustrations are at times comic, playing with words or creating word pictures which are vivid and memorable.
What is wisdom? Wisdom in the OT is ‘the ability to cope with life’. The book of Proverbs covers a wide range of topics that we face in life. The ability of the individual to conduct their life in the best possible way and to the best possible effect. Not just an intellectual experience of learning, but lived out in the reality of life.
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Introduction to Proverbs - 2nd August
Family, Foundation, Formation - 9th August
The Deep Places - 16th August
Proverbs, Jesus & Paul - 23rd August
30th August
Note - there are no discussion notes this month as all our midweek groups are on a summer break.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Wise Up
Wise Up
In August we will be looking at the book of Proverbs and reflecting on the theme of wisdom.
Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature of the Bible (along with Job, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs). The Hebrew word for Proverb is ‘Māšāl’ which can be translated as ‘taunt’, ‘oracle’ or ‘parable’ or from a verb meaning ‘to be like’, and so mean a comparison. Proverbs is made up of short, pithy sayings, drawn from everyday life and meant to be memorable.
There are a number of characters who appear throughout the book: the wise and the righteous in comparison to the simple; the fool; the scoffer; the sluggard and the wicked. The examples and illustrations are at times comic, playing with words or creating word pictures which are vivid and memorable.
What is wisdom? Wisdom in the OT is ‘the ability to cope with life’. The book of Proverbs covers a wide range of topics that we face in life. The ability of the individual to conduct their life in the best possible way and to the best possible effect. Not just an intellectual experience of learning, but lived out in the reality of life.
Our morning talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Fear the Lord - 2nd August
Come in here - 9th August
Guard Your Heart - 16th August
Watch Your Mouth - 23rd August
Take Correction - 30th August
Note - there are no discussion notes this month as all our midweek groups are on a summer break.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
How to read Galatinas well with Paul Mitchell
July’s Bible School took a look into the book of Galatians.
Youth Minister Vacancies
JOIN OUR YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM
The Woodlands Church Family (WCF) is a vibrant, growing family of churches with eight sites located across the city of Bristol. Our vision is to transform Bristol through the love and power of God as we create spiritfilled, visible communities of faith in neighbourhoods across the city.
Each congregation is distinct in their style, but we all share the same vision, mission and values to be communities which are welcoming of everyone, authentic in our faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit and expectant of all that God will do in us and through us.
Central to our plans to reach this city for Jesus are young people! In Bristol, there are 90,000 young people who don’t have regular contact with church or faith. We would love to see this change!
At both our Woodlands Central and Highgrove Church congregations, we have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our team as a Youth Minister reporting to the Senior Youth Director and Congregational Leaders.
ABOUT THE ROLES
Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, able to take initiative, work well in a team and be committed to see the church community grow in their faith and reach the city for Jesus.
Key areas of work for the positions include:
1. Outreach to the City
2. Develop & Deliver Youth Programmes
3. Youth Discipleship & Development
4. Champion & Grow Youth Ministry
When undertaking this role there may be times when you come across confidential information, therefore it is imperative that you are highly discreet and maintain confidentiality.
Reporting and Line management
Accountable to local Congregational Leaders and Senior Youth Director as line manager.
Occupational Requirement
As a church family we want to make disciples who make disciples. We therefore seek to create a culture and environment in our churches where every team member and volunteer is able to encourage and inspire one another, and the many people who pass through the doors each day, to pursue that vision.
The roles are based at Woodlands Central in Clifton and Highgrove Church in Sea Mills, Bristol. As a member of the staff team, you will be joining a faith community that meets to worship and pray together every week, and we share prayer and worship moments throughout the day.
Around the building, you’ll often come across teams or individuals praying over their work and really speaking the language of faith. Therefore, the role has an occupational requirement that the post holder be a follower of Jesus and to become a worshipping member of Woodlands Church Family, Woodlands Central / Highgrove Church (if not already) to ensure protection of our strong Christian ethos and values, and our charitable objective of advancing the Christian faith. We also want to ensure all team members thrive and flourish in this environment.
View the full job descriptions below for each role:
Woodlands Central - Youth Minister (PDF) Part Time
Highgrove Church - Youth Minister (PDF) Part or Full Time
Benefits
Health and wellbeing programme
Team events
In-house training and support of personal and professional development
Relocation
If relocating to Bristol Woodlands Church Family will reimburse reasonable relocation expenses.
Terms
Permanent full and part-time contract positions for on the basis of 5 days (37h 30m) or 2.5 days (18h 45m) per week.
Hours on a Friday evening and Sunday morning will be required.
The salary band is £26,300 - £27,000 pro rata, depending on experience.
The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days pro rata plus 8 days bank holiday pro rata.
The roles will be based at Woodlands Central in Clifton and Highgrove Church in Sea Mills. Travel between the different sites will be required.
The detailed terms and conditions will be contained in the post-holder’s Contract of Employment and the staff handbook.
There will be a three-month probationary period with a review point after six weeks. An appraisal will take place to confirm completion of the probationary period and appraisals will take place annually thereafter.
The post is subject to satisfactory references.
Right to Work in the UK
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, please only apply if you are eligible to work in the UK as we will have to verify this before you can start work.
HOW TO APPLY
To find out more about a Youth Minister position please contact our HR Team at HR@woodlandschurch.net for more information, a full job description and an opportunity to have an informal conversation with one of our team.
To apply, download and complete the Woodlands Church Family application form.
Send your completed application to our HR Team at hr@woodlandschurch.net.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 6th September 2026.
If shortlisted, the first interviews will take place online on Tuesday 15th September 2026.
If you are taken through to the second stage in the interview process, in-person interviews will take place on Friday 18th September and Sunday 20th September 2026 (we hope successful candidates will attend on both dates). We will consider other interview dates for candidates not able to make either of those.
Summer Resources
As we head into the holidays, our Woodies staff team came up with some book and podcast recommendations to keep us busy this summer. There’s a wide range of topics, themes and views, so why not check them out!
BOOKS
Beauty Will Save the World by Brian Zahnd
“Brian Zahnd felt his relationship with Jesus was unsatisfying and dry, and didn't seem to match the kind of experience Jesus seemed to offer. This is the story of a pastor's journey into a deeper more authentic faith, exploring the meaning of the cross of Jesus and asking the question 'what kind of faith can sustain and heal us in our complex world?” - Clare Thompson
Why do you believe what you believe about the Spirit by Graham McFarlane
“Brilliant, yet very accessible book written by a top systematic theologian offering a theological 'why' to our belief around the Spirit.” - Jake Perrins
Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta
For centuries, discussions of early Christianity have focused on male leaders. But there is ample evidence in the New Testament that women were respected leaders at the frontier of the gospel ministry. This book shines light on the inspiring contributions of women like Phoebe, Prisca, Junia, Nympha, and more. - Matt Dobson
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs by Ellen F Davis
“Ellen F Davis' commentary is accessible and enlightening about these ancient wisdom texts. She's a brilliant guide, with any easy to read style. I particularly enjoyed her reflections on the Song of Songs.” - Nigel Savage
1 Corinthians for Everyone by Tom Wright
Recommendation from Tim Dobson and a good book to read in preparation for Summer Bible School.
Paul: A Biography by Tom Wright
Recommendation from Tim Dobson and a good book to read in preparation for Summer Bible School.
PODCASTS
Inspired with Simon Guillebaud
Great podcast full of encouraging stories of what God is doing throughout the country and beyond.
The Bible Project
A conversational podcast, hosted by Tim Mackie and Jon Collins (founders of bible project) diving into key themes, characters, and stories of the Bible.
The Orchard with Amy and Rachel Hughes
Recommendation from Hazel Askew
Hope you can enjoy some quiet time with month and be encouraged with a new book or podcast!
Finance Manager Vacancy
JOIN OUR FINANCE TEAM!
The Woodlands Church Family has grown from one small church plant to over 2,000 people across eight sites, but we remain one church sharing one vision:
To see Bristol transformed by the love and power of God.
We have an exciting opportunity and are looking to appoint a Finance Manager to join our WCF Finance Team.
ABOUT THE ROLE
You will be working with our WCF Finance Committee to provide high-quality financial information and support to the senior leadership team, trustees and finance committee of Woodlands Church Family.
This role also manages the day-to-day record keeping and financial management of the charity, produces accurate and timely reports and oversees the key financial processes and controls of the charity.
Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, able to take initiative, work well in a team and be sympathetic to our goal to see the church community grow in their faith and reach the city for Jesus.
Find out more about this role:
View the Job Description (PDF)
Terms
The role will be part time, up to 4 days a week with a salary of £35k - £40k F.T.E. depending on experience. The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days pro rata. The role can be based at Woodlands Church in Clifton, Bristol or delivered remotely, with occasional in person meetings by arrangement.
The post is subject to satisfactory references.
We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, please only apply if you are eligible to work in the UK as we will have to verify this before you can start work.
Reporting and Line management
Accountable to the WCF Finance Committee and line managed by a member of that committee
Benefits
In-house training and support of personal and professional development
For more detailed information, including key areas of work:
HOW TO APPLY
The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 6th August 2026. However, this vacancy will close once we have sufficient applications.
If you would like an informal conversation to discuss questions about the role please contact the Lead Recruiter, Dave Roderick at dave.roderick@woodlandschurch.net.
Please download and complete the Woodlands Church Family application form.
Please send your completed application to our HR Team at hr@woodlandschurch.net, copying in the lead recruiter Dave Roderick at dave.roderick@woodlandschurch.net.
July Prayer Calendar
Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
Friend of God
Friend of God
In our Sunday evening services this July we are exploring what it means to become a friend of God. Friendship with God is our original inheritance, tarnished at the fall and fully restored by Jesus who said to his disciples. 'I no longer call you servants but friends'. What are the characteristics of friends of God as described in various characters in the bible? Can we grow in our friendship with God, and do we need to be warned about rival 'friendships' (James 4:4) that could spoil our friendship with God?
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Prophetic Intercessor - 5th July
Servant Leader - 12th July
Intimate Home Builder - 19th July
Risk Taker and Willing to Suffer - 26th July
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Set Apart
Set Apart
On Sunday mornings in July, this series is exploring 1 Peter 1 & 2 where Peter is writing to the scattered believers, who are mostly non-Jewish, in modern day Turkey. He wants to encourage them to live for Jesus in the face of hostility and suffering. Peter’s letter has a lot to teach us about living as Christians in a culture where Jesus’ followers are in the minority as we navigate the pressures of our identity as a community of believers who are distinct and set apart for Jesus. Peter wants to emphasise that we are chosen by God to be holy witnesses to a watching world.
Our morning talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Chosen by God - 5th July
Be Holy - 12th July
The New Community - 19th July
Witnesses to a Watching World - 26th July
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
The Trinity and John 1 with Dr Jack Johnson
At Bible School this month Jack investigates the idea of the Trinity and how John 1 informs the discussion.
June Prayer Calendar
Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar.. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
1 Thessalonians Series
Kingdom Living in A Hostile World
In our Sunday evening services this June we are exploring the book of 1 Thessalonians, which is probably the earliest New Testament document we have and speaks to encourage new believers living in the context of opposition and persecution.
It is timelessly helpful as we reflect on what it means to live counter cultural lives yet lives that are appealing to the secular world.
This book also deals with Christian hope and the context of the return of Jesus, an issue which pre-occupies many in our own generation as we see societal instability and global challenges.
Watch this short animation from the Bible Project to get an overview of the book
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Faith in a Pressured Environment - 7th June
Global Partners Weekend - 14th June
Counter Cultural Living - 21st June
Hope in the Return of Christ - 28th June
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Jonah - Spring Bible School with Catherine Penn, Tim Dobson and Phoebe Smith
Tonight we are looking at the book of Jonah, and Phoebe will be leading us through a mediation from Amos
The Jesus Manifesto
The Jesus Manifesto
This series explores Jesus declaration in Luke 4 that he was the fulfilment of an ancient Jewish prophecy outlined in Isaiah 61. Often described as a statement of intent at the launch of Jesus’ kingdom mission, John Wimber referred to it as Jesus’ “Messianic Manifesto.” When Jesus enters the synagogue in Capernaum it is a provocative beginning to his ministry. The moment ultimately leads to him being driven out of town, as the local people and religious leaders react with anger.
Jesus announces that He has come to bring good news to the poor, freedom to captives, healing to the broken, and restoration to all. This marks a turning point in the biblical story: God’s Kingdom is no longer distant, but present and active through Him. The manifesto is not just about Jesus - it becomes the calling of His followers. Christians are invited to both receive and carry this transforming work of the Holy Spirit into the world.
Our morning talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Kingdom Now - 7th June
The Spirit for All - 14th June (Global Partners Weekend)
Freedom Carriers - 21st June
Sent to Restore - 28th June
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Spring Bible School - Haggai and Zechariah with Tim Dobson and Rebekah Holden
This week Tim and Rebekah highlight the difference between two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah. Both prophesied at the same time in the same place, but they had very different styles.
May Prayer Calendar
Pray each day
Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.
The Living Presence
The Living Presence
In May we will be preaching on the Holy Spirit. Our conviction is that we need a deeper work of the Holy Spirit in our lives together. We too often reduce the role and scope of the Holy Spirit to church gatherings only. We want to look at the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and how this still has relevance in our lives today. Join us as we pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.
Our evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
The Creating Spirit - 10th May
The Empowering Spirit - 17th May
The Anointing Spirit - 24th
The Prophetic Spirit - 31st May
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
The Living Presence - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Pentecost Power
Pentecost Power
It's impossible to overstate the importance of Pentecost and the work of the Spirit. Jesus is introduced in all four gospels as the one who will 'baptise in the Holy Spirit' and his promise to the disciples before his ascension in Acts 1 is that in a few days they will be baptised with the Holy Spirit. The work of the Spirit is essential in all Christian life and ministry and in the imitation of Christ in character and conduct. We can do nothing on our own. This mini-series looks at preparing for power, the experience of empowering and living an empowered life.
Our Evening talks in this series at Woodlands Central will look at the below topics:
Preparing for Power - 17th May
Pentecost Power - 24th May
Transforming Power - 31st May
Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week.
Pentecost Power - Discussion Notes
See you on Sundays or catchup on the Livesteam!
Spring Bible School - Hosea with Meg Nurcombe and Evy Quin
Meg takes us through the book of Hosea as we see the loving-kindness of God declared through words, and acted out by the prophet Hosea. The study is followed by a devotional reflection led by Evy Quin
