Toxic ! | Dave Mitchell & Ash Chambers | 27th of February at 7pm

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

27th of February - 11am Service

Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2

It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.

Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc

The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,

competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?

The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary

Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.

Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to

ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?

Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK

Toxic ! | Dave Mitchell & Ash Chambers | 27th of February at 11am

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

27th of February - 11am Service

Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2

It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.

Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc

The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,

competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?

The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary

Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.

Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to

ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?

Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK

When anxiety attacks | Rachel Riddle | 20th of February at 11am

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

20th of February - 7pm Service

When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9

Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.

1. In every situation.

(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?

2. Think about such things:

What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?

3. Transcendent peace:

Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?

When anxiety attacks| Clare Thompson | 20th of February at 7pm

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

20th of February - 7pm Service

When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9

Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.

1. In every situation.

(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?

2. Think about such things:

What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?

3. Transcendent peace:

Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?

Captive: Had Enough? | Laura Harris | 13th February at 7pm

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

13th of February - 7pm Service

Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!

Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.

What causes Elijah’s breakdown?

(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?

How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?

( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?

How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?

(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.

Captive: Had enough? | Clare Thompson | 13th February at 11am

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

13th of February - 7pm Service

Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!

Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.

What causes Elijah’s breakdown?

(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?

How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?

( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?

How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?

(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.