Journeys: The Way in is the Way on | Steve Ballard at 7pm | 13 September 2020

13 September 2020 - 7pm Service

Journeys: The Way in is the the Way on

This Sunday, we continue our preaching series Journeys: People of the Way with a message from Steve Ballard, our Young Adults leader.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, and Philip Jinadu shared a message with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Introduction:
Is becoming a Christian a process or a precipitate moment of decision?

Some people speak as if all that matters is for a person to pray the 'sinner's prayer', secure a place in heaven and that's the job done. Christians are the sum of people who have prayed that prayer and that's all that matters. Others see Christianity as a lifelong journey of discipleship changing from one degree of glory to another!

Of course, I would say, it is both and! It is often a process of hunger for God, which leads to a decision to make Jesus Lord and initiates a life of discipleship. Hence Alpha is both a process but has moments of invitation in it. Sadly, some people seem to stop growing or even go backwards. Maybe the ingredients that help us find God help us to carry on growing in relationship with Him.

The Way in is the Way on:

Read Galatians 3.

1. What things led you to follow Jesus? How conscious were you of your need for 'salvation', of God to help you get free from things too strong for you, and for you to become the best version of you possible? How important is an ongoing awareness of your need for the grace of God in your life?

2. What are the tools that help a Christian grow? How do you use them?

3. What were your spiritual foundations as a new follower of Jesus? How have they helped your ongoing journey of faith? Did you have any 'spiritual parenting'? (c.f. Ephesians 4: 11-13)

4. Hebrews 5:11-14 talks about Spiritual food. What is your spiritual food? Do you feed regularly- can you describe how?

5. Galatians talks about 'beginning with the Spirit.' How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in helping you both begin and continue in the Christian life? 

Journeys: The Way in is the Way on | Philip Jinadu at 11am | 13 September 2020

13 September 2020 - 11am Service

Journeys: The Way In is The Way On

This Sunday we continue our new preaching series Journeys: People of the Way with a message from Philip Jinadu, leader of Woodlands Metro.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Steve Ballard will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Introduction:
Is becoming a Christian a process or a precipitate moment of decision?

Some people speak as if all that matters is for a person to pray the 'sinner's prayer', secure a place in heaven and that's the job done. Christians are the sum of people who have prayed that prayer and that's all that matters. Others see Christianity as a lifelong journey of discipleship changing from one degree of glory to another!

Of course, I would say, it is both and! It is often a process of hunger for God, which leads to a decision to make Jesus Lord and initiates a life of discipleship. Hence Alpha is both a process but has moments of invitation in it. Sadly, some people seem to stop growing or even go backwards. Maybe the ingredients that help us find God help us to carry on growing in relationship with Him.

The Way in is the Way on:

Read Galatians 3.

1. What things led you to follow Jesus? How conscious were you of your need for 'salvation', of God to help you get free from things too strong for you, and for you to become the best version of you possible? How important is an ongoing awareness of your need for the grace of God in your life?

2. What are the tools that help a Christian grow? How do you use them?

3. What were your spiritual foundations as a new follower of Jesus? How have they helped your ongoing journey of faith? Did you have any 'spiritual parenting'? (c.f. Ephesians 4: 11-13)

4. Hebrews 5:11-14 talks about Spiritual food. What is your spiritual food? Do you feed regularly- can you describe how?

5. Galatians talks about 'beginning with the Spirit.' How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in helping you both begin and continue in the Christian life? 

Prayer Week: 13-19 September 2020

Let’s get praying in 2020! It’s Prayer Week from 13th - 19th September 2020.

There are a few key ways you can get involved throughout Prayer Week at Woodlands. We’d love everyone to take part. It's an opportunity to start this new term with some focused prayer, to draw near to God and listen to Him.

There are three main ways to join in and wouldn't it be great if everyone in our church community did at least one thing!

1. Book a slot in the Virtual 24/7 Prayer Room 
   You can sign up to pray for an hour and we’ve created a helpful Prayer Guide to support you to use the hour in a structured way if you wish. The guide has pointers and ideas to pray about and take you through the hour step by step. Download our One Hour Prayer Guide and Christian Aid’s Guide for Praying about Climate Change.  
   
   

2. Come to Morning Prayer Watch on Zoom from 7.30am - 8.15am 
   Join us online for daily sessions hosted and led by different members of our staff team and church community as we pray for ourselves, Church, our City and the World each morning.  Keep an eye out for the code in Dave’s emails.
   
   

3. Watch our Daily Devotionals on Facebook Live at 9.05 
   Our daily devotions will have a prayer focus and also lead us in a way of praying each morning. So be sure to tune in! You don’t have to be a Facebook member, as they appear on our public page.

To find out more and helpful tips, check out our Prayer page

Woodies Kids | Gentleness (Fruits of the Spirit week 8)

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

---

This week we are thinking about…

Fruits of the Spirit: Gentleness

Do you know what the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ are? You can read about them in Galatians 5:22-23.

These fruits aren’t actual fruit, they are ways of acting or being that is pleasing to God. When we spend time with God by praying and reading the bible the Holy Spirit helps grow these fruits within us.

Welcome to our Woodies Kids video! Join Ruth and Lydia this week for a fun-packed episode. We chat to Lorna about what gentleness is.

Dear God,

Please help me to have a gentle heart. Help me to think about how my actions and words can affect other peoples feelings. Help me to show people Your love.

Amen.

Journeys: We Can't Stay Here | Nigel Savage at 7pm | 6 September 2020

6 September 2020 - 7pm Service

Journeys: We Can’t Stay Here

This Sunday we begin our new preaching series Journeys: People of the Way with a message from Nigel Savage.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, and Dave Mitchell shared with us earlier today. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Introduction:
The first Christians called themselves people of 'the Way'. Christians was a nickname given to them by outsiders. Sometimes today Christians choose to use the phrase 'followers of Jesus' rather than Christian; the Christian label has a lot of baggage attached to it, especially in the Middle East.

The Bible of course is full of stories of journeys. Abraham was a nomad, the Exodus is a central Old Testament book, Jesus was always on the move throughout his ministry and the book of Acts describes the missionary journeys of the Apostles. More than that however there are discipleship journeys that are not geographic; Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of biblical heroes of faith 'longing for a better country-a heavenly one'.

Our series is designed to help us look at our faith as a Church community and as individual disciples as a dynamic with movement and growth. We must never stop being pioneers even where we settle.

Why we can't stay here?

1. What's in a name? What name would you choose to identify with as someone with Christian faith? Does a label box you in and define you in a static way, or describe you as someone always with potential for growth? What language would best describe a lifetime of discipleship and growth?
   

2. How would you describe the temperament of a 'pioneer' or a 'settler'? Which describes you best? Can you be both?
   

3. Tim Dobson sometimes speaks on the subject of 'internal and external frontiers'. It implies a growth journey in our Character and internal life and some activity and lifestyle changes that also demand growth. Can you think of areas where you need to grow, go on a spiritual journey in your inner life? What lifestyle or practical things need development and growth in your life right now? What risks is God inviting you to take and why?
   

4. What does our City, society and culture need from the people of God right now? It's obvious with a pandemic that we really can't stay here. But do we want to return to an old 'normal' or is God allowing a disruption to re-ignite a passion for us to see our city transformed? How might Woodlands need to change to fulfil what we are called to do for God in Bristol?

Journeys: We Can't Stay Here | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 6 September 2020

6 September 2020 - 11am Service

Journeys: We Can’t Stay Here

This Sunday we begin our new preaching series Journeys: People of the Way with a message from Dave Mitchell, our Senior Pastor.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

Remember, our 7am service is also looking at this topic, and Nigel Savage, will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Introduction:
The first Christians called themselves people of 'the Way'. Christians was a nickname given to them by outsiders. Sometimes today Christians choose to use the phrase 'followers of Jesus' rather than Christian; the Christian label has a lot of baggage attached to it, especially in the Middle East.

The Bible of course is full of stories of journeys. Abraham was a nomad, the Exodus is a central Old Testament book, Jesus was always on the move throughout his ministry and the book of Acts describes the missionary journeys of the Apostles. More than that however there are discipleship journeys that are not geographic; Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of biblical heroes of faith 'longing for a better country-a heavenly one'.

Our series is designed to help us look at our faith as a Church community and as individual disciples as a dynamic with movement and growth. We must never stop being pioneers even where we settle.

Why we can't stay here?

1. What's in a name? What name would you choose to identify with as someone with Christian faith? Does a label box you in and define you in a static way, or describe you as someone always with potential for growth? What language would best describe a lifetime of discipleship and growth?
   

2. How would you describe the temperament of a 'pioneer' or a 'settler'? Which describes you best? Can you be both?
   

3. Tim Dobson sometimes speaks on the subject of 'internal and external frontiers'. It implies a growth journey in our Character and internal life and some activity and lifestyle changes that also demand growth. Can you think of areas where you need to grow, go on a spiritual journey in your inner life? What lifestyle or practical things need development and growth in your life right now? What risks is God inviting you to take and why?
   

4. What does our City, society and culture need from the people of God right now? It's obvious with a pandemic that we really can't stay here. But do we want to return to an old 'normal' or is God allowing a disruption to re-ignite a passion for us to see our city transformed? How might Woodlands need to change to fulfil what we are called to do for God in Bristol?

Journeys

How can we be ‘People of the Way’?

This month, we’re starting a new preaching series called Journeys: People of The Way.

The Christian life is a journey. It has a beginning, a destination, and things to do, accomplish, and grow in on the way. The early Church was called ‘The Way’ - it implies a way of life, not just a once in a lifetime decision. What does The Way look like?

We'll be examining a variety of scripture during this series. For instance, the Exodus story provides a strong central Biblical idea - but Jesus was also on a journey - to Jerusalem and the Cross – and sent his disciples on a journey to the ends of the earth. Paul’s life exemplifies this.

Our preaching topics during this series are:

• We Can't Stay Here - 6 Sept

• The Way In is The Way On - 13 Sept

• The Wilderness Way - 20 Sept

• Walk in the Spirit - 27 Sept

• Destination Heaven - 4 Oct

---

TALKS FROM OUR JOURNEYS SERIES

Re-Create: Building Back Better | Luke Addison at 7pm | 30 August 2020

30 August 2020 - 7pm Service

Re-Create: Building Back Better

This Sunday we conclude our new series Re-Create with a talk from Luke Addison looking at Nehemiah and how we can be Building Back Better.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, and Dave Mitchell, our Senior Pastor, shared a message and his vision for how we as Woodlands Church can build back better. Do check it out!

Re-Create: Building Back Better | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 30 August 2020

30 August 2020 - 11am Service

Re-Create: Building Back Better

This Sunday we are concluding our new series Re-Create with a talk from Dave Mitchell looking at Nehemiah and how we can be Building Back Better.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 7am service is also looking at this topic, and Luke Addison, will be sharing with us. Check it out!

Woodies Kids | Goodness (Fruits of the Spirit week 6)

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

---

This week we are thinking about…

Fruits of the Spirit: goodness

Do you know what the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ are? You can read about them in Galatians 5:22-23.

These fruits aren’t actual fruit, they are ways of acting or being that is pleasing to God. When we spend time with God by praying and reading the bible the Holy Spirit helps grow these fruits within us.

---

Time to Think

What do you think of when someone says goodness? Sometimes we think of goodness as something a bit boring or like things that we’re supposed to do, (but don’t always want to) like tidying up after ourselves, being nice to our brother or sister or doing homework on time.

What does the bible tell us about what is good?

Check out what Ellie has to say about goodness on our video below (you can skip to 8 minutes 30 seconds for the talk) I think sometimes we forget to do things we know we should because we are in a rush. Try slowing down this week and think about how things you do affect others.

Welcome to our Woodies Kids video! Join Ruth and Lydia this week for a fun-packed episode. We chat to Ellie about what goodness is.

---

Here’s a game you could play with your family!

Dear God,

Thankyou for all the things you do for us. Help me to stop and think about how you would like me to act towards other people

Amen.

Re-Create: Creativity | Amy Viner at 11am | 23 August 2020

23 August 2020 - 11am Service

Re-Create: Creativity

This Sunday we continue our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Amy Viner on Creativity.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 7pm service is live-streamed from Woodies tonight! So do be sure to tune in later...

Re-Create: Creativity | Clare Thompson at 7pm | 23 August 2020

23 August 2020 - 7pm Service

Re-Create: Creativity

This Sunday we continue our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Clare Thompson on Creativity.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, so if you’d like another perspective, Amy Viner preached on the topic earlier today.

Woodies Kids | Kindness (Fruits of the Spirit week 5)

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

---

This week we are thinking about…

Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness

Do you know what the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ are? You can read about them in Galatians 5:22-23.

These fruits aren’t actual fruit, they are ways of acting or being that is pleasing to God. When we spend time with God by praying and reading the bible the Holy Spirit helps grow these fruits within us.

This week we are looking at the story of the good Samaritan.

TIME TO THINK

Do you think it’s important to be kind? Why?

It is easier to be kind to someone who is kind to you, what about being kind to people who are unkind! That’s a bit more tricky. Jesus wants us to be kind to everyone, even when it is difficult.

Have a look at the acts of kindness chart on the resources button below, how many of the things could you do for someone in the next few weeks?

Welcome to our Woodies Kids video! Join Ruth and Lydia this week for a fun-packed episode. We chat to Libby about what kindness is.

Dear God,

Please help me to be kind to people in my life. Can you show me someone you would like me to be kind to this week,

Amen.

Re-Create: New Creation | Joe Cook at 7pm | 16 August 2020

16 August 2020 - 7pm Service

Re-Create: New Creation

This Sunday we continue our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Joe Cook on New Creation.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 11am service is also looking at this topic, so if you’d like another perspective, Rob Scott-Cook preached on the topic earlier today.

Re-Create: New Creation | Rob Scott Cook at 11am | 16 August 2020

16 August 2020 - 11am Service

Re-Create: New Creation

This Sunday we continue our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Rob Scott Cook on New Creation.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 7pm service is live-streamed from Woodies tonight! So do be sure to tune in later...Joe Cook will also be preaching on the topic of new creation.

Woodies Kids | Patience (Fruits of the Spirit week 4)

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

---

This week we are thinking about…

Fruits of the Spirit: Patience

Do you know what the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ are? You can read about them in Galatians 5:22-23.

These fruits aren’t actual fruit, they are ways of acting or being that is pleasing to God. When we spend time with God by praying and reading the bible the Holy Spirit helps grow these fruits within us.

Today we are looking at the story of Jairus’ daughter.

You can find this in Mark 5:22-41

TIME TO THINK

How do you think Jairus felt when Jesus didn’t immediately come with him to heal his daughter?

Many people who came to see Jesus came to be healed. Even when people from Jairus’ household came to tell him his daughter had died Jesus didn’t rush to the house. He knew everything that was going to happen, what a test of faith it must have been for Jairus to trust that Jesus would help him.

Welcome to our Woodies Kids video! Join Ruth and Lydia this week for a fun-packed episode. We chat to Isaac about what patience is.

Dear God,

Please help me to be patient when I need to wait for things. I trust that you know what is best for me and that things happen at the right time.

Amen.

Re-Create: Recreation | Tim Dobson at 7pm | 9 August 2020

9 August 2020 - 7pm Service

Re-Create: Recreation

This Sunday we start our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Tim Dobson on Recreation.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Re-Create: Recreation | Nigel Savage at 11am | 9 August 2020

9 August 2020 - 11am Service

Re-Create: Recreation

This Sunday we start our new series Re-Create and we’ll be hearing a talk from Nigel Savage on Recreation. Clare Thompson is hosting the service, Mandy Addison is leading our prayers and our Woodies band is leading our worship time.

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Remember, our 7pm service is live-streamed from Woodies tonight! So do be sure to tune in later...Tim Dobson will also be preaching on the topic of recreation.

Football is back!

Woodlands FC are now back in pre-season training. We are all really excited for getting back onto the football pitch - it's been a long time since a ball was last kicked.

Last season didn't end how we wanted it to, with our season cut short due to COVID-19. However, that does mean that the players are ready and raring to go again. There have been a few changes behind the scenes - we have a new women's team who will be playing in the Bristol Casual League. That means that now we have 4 mens teams (FC, United, Spartak & Academy) and 2 women's teams (Woodlands Women & Woodlands Women Development).

---

CONNECT WITH WOODLANDS FC

This season we really want to increase our interaction with you.
To do this, we have set up some new social media channels…
@woodiesfc on Facebook
@woodiesfc on Instagram

Follow us for updates about how we are progressing week by week! Who knows, maybe there will be a cup final we could all go to!

Fancy pulling on one of our famous maroon shirts? Woodlands Women are recruiting players ready for next season - no matter what your experience, they will ensure that you are placed in a session which challenges you and teaches you new skills. Great for increasing that post-lockdown fitness too! Why not get involved?

Contact football@woodlandschurch.net to find out more.

For more information about the club, feel free to have a browse of our website: www.woodlandsfootballclub.co.uk

#UpTheWoodies
#WeAreWoodlands

Re-Create

How can we be creatively renewed in our everyday lives as we define a ‘New Normal’? 

In August, we’re starting a new preaching series called Re-Create.

From the beginning of Creation to the coming of Jesus up to today -  it’s clear that we have a Creator God who made us in His image and wants to be at the centre of our lives.  

This series will examine how we can rest in God and be restored, realise our gifts and true identity in Him, and define a ‘New Normal’ that’s better than before. 

Our sermons in this series will look at these topics at both the 11am service and the 7pm online service…

• Recreation - 9 August

• New Creation - 16 August

• Creativity - 23 August

• Building - 30 August

---

TALKS FROM OUR RE-CREATE SERIES

Coming soon!