Both / And: Ruth & Samson | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 14th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

14 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both / And: Ruth & Samson

This Sunday we continue our preaching series Both / And with a message from Rachel Riddall on ‘Ruth / Samson’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Luke Addison will be sharing with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Judges 14:2 & Ruth 1:16

Key thought: How do you leave a spiritual legacy?

Samson is a ‘hero’ figure with a call an anointing from birth. Ruth is from a country who are traditional enemies of Israel, she has lost her husband and as a childless widow might have been regarded as cursed. In the Old Testament, the first words that a person speaks in the narratives are clues to their character. This is so true of Samson.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If weSamson is a miracle child. He is gifted. In what ways is he like John the Baptist? Luke 1:5-17 c.f. Judges 13:2-5.

2. Ruth is a ‘foreigner’ and a widow. She doesn’t have power or status when arriving in Israel with her mother-in-law. In what ways does her character contrast and critique Samsons?

3. How does the way they both handle their sexuality affect their spiritual legacy?

4. Samson is a very famous biblical character. Ruth is much less well known and celebrated. Why? What is the legacy that Ruth & Samson leave in the history of the people of God?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Ruth & Samson make interesting comparisons.

1. They both live in the period of the Judges in Israel’s history. They both represent

   surprisingly opposite characteristics around faithfulness and leadership.

2. Samson should have everything going for him. Ruth’s life doesn’t seem to start

   with much blessing.

3. True greatness and leadership are more to do with character and gift. God can

   work through vulnerability and apparent weakness where people have good hearts, than with showy strength and power. Let’s make sure that we discern true greatness in character as well as gift.

4. How much does Christian celebrity culture focus on the things that speak of spiritual greatness, or do we celebrate the wrong things?

Both/And: Ruth & Samson | Angela Moseley at 8.30am | 14th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

14 February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Ruth & Samson

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

Angela Moseley shares a message on ’Ruth & Samson’ from our preaching series Both/And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Want to Study Theology?

If you are interested in going deeper in your understanding of the Bible and theology, and want to learn around your everyday commitments, based at home, the WTC Hub at Woodlands is hosting a number of ‘taster’ events this spring:

• Kingdom Theology Events (KTE)

• Online Open Days

• Hub Open Evenings (HOE)

All these events are open to anyone who is thinking of studying with WTC, or who wants to know more about who we are, and what defines WTC as a college.

Visit the WTC website for more information:
https://wtctheology.org.uk/events/come-and-meet-us/

Woodies Kids | Jesus Calms the Storm

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we Think About when…

jesus calms the storm

You can read about it in

· What do the children think about this story?

· How did the disciples feel in the storm?

· How did Jesus feel?

· How did the disciples feel after the storm was over?

· What’s amazing about this story?

Sometimes things happen in our lives that might feel like storms. Can they suggest anything? Write down their suggestions eg. falling out with your friends, moving to a new town, parent losing a job, etc.

· What do they think Jesus can do about these storms in our lives?

· At the very end of the story, what does Jesus say is the most important thing to do? [Trust God]

· Is it easy or hard to trust God in our storms?

Tell God what your favourite cuddly toy or blanket is. Can you picture it in your mind? Tell God who you love getting cuddles from. Ask God to show you what it feels like to get a cuddle from God.

Jesus was with the disciples through the storm. He promises to never leave us either. Challenge the children to try and remember next time they face a “storm” that God is there with them.

Ash Wednesday Prayers with Christian Climate Action

Christian Climate Action Bristol invites you to an Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer for the Earth on Wednesday, 17th February 2021.

There are two ways you can get involved:

• A day of prayer – From 7.30am to 6.30pm in your home
  We are encouraging people to pray in their homes, or wherever they are. People can sign up for a one-hour slot on the prayer rota, if you would like to do that please email: christianclimateactionbristol@gmail.com
  

• Evening service – 6.30pm - 7.30pm live on Zoom
  An opportunity to come together for an hour to share prayers, readings and silence as we reflect on the Earth, our common home. Acknowledging the climate and ecological crisis, giving space for repentance and climate grief. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, is a good time to consider our failings and pray for the future. Register in advance for this service.
  
  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the service.

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Jacob & Esau

This Sunday we start our new preaching series Both / And with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Jacob & Esau’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Clare Thompson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Genesis 25:20-34 (Chapters 27-33)

Key thought: Seeking blessing.

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we describe the characters of Jacob and Esau briefly. Who do we identify with most? Who do you warm to most?

2. Esau is clearly a man of appetite and seems impulsive. It’s reflected perhaps in the way he takes various wives as well as food! Jacob’s marriage by contrast could be described as one of ‘delayed gratification’. How much is instant gratification part of our culture today? Why might this trait seeking instant gratification cause people to miss the most important and sacred things of life?

3. Why does God bless Jacob?

4. How is Jacob changed by his ‘blessing’? What does God use to shape his life?

5. Have you ever ‘wrestled with God’ for a blessing? How does this relate to Jesus teaching on prayer in Luke 18?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Jacob gets to be the one who carries the covenantal blessing of God (28:3-4). He flees to a far country, where he finds refuge wives and children. His blessing isn’t instant or easy however. Who do you think has the easier life, Esau or Jacob?

1. God is going to work on your character if you seek his blessing however as he does with Jacob. It’s not just a case of ‘bless me, but leave me unchanged’!

2. Family favouritism causes trouble, but Jacob doesn’t learn that lesson (c.f. Jacob & Joseph). It’s a problem through the generations of his family.

3. Jesus must have had this story in mind when he told his own story of the prodigal son. He inverts some of the characteristics of the two sons but his story lands with the question ‘do you want the father’s blessing’? No matter what our character or gifts are ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ seeking blessing is the route to becoming part of God’s kingdom story, place and purpose.

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | Clare Thompson at 11am | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both/And: Jacob & Esau

This Sunday we start our new preaching series Both/And with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Jacob & Esau’.

In this series, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Dave Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Genesis 25:20-34 (Chapters 27-33)

Key thought: Seeking blessing.

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we describe the characters of Jacob and Esau briefly. Who do we identify with most? Who do you warm to most?

2. Esau is clearly a man of appetite and seems impulsive. It’s reflected perhaps in the way he takes various wives as well as food! Jacob’s marriage by contrast could be described as one of ‘delayed gratification’. How much is instant gratification part of our culture today? Why might this trait seeking instant gratification cause people to miss the most important and sacred things of life?

3. Why does God bless Jacob?

4. How is Jacob changed by his ‘blessing’? What does God use to shape his life?

5. Have you ever ‘wrestled with God’ for a blessing? How does this relate to Jesus teaching on prayer in Luke 18?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Jacob gets to be the one who carries the covenantal blessing of God (28:3-4). He flees to a far country, where he finds refuge wives and children. His blessing isn’t instant or easy however. Who do you think has the easier life, Esau or Jacob?

1. God is going to work on your character if you seek his blessing however as he does with Jacob. It’s not just a case of ‘bless me, but leave me unchanged’!

2. Family favouritism causes trouble, but Jacob doesn’t learn that lesson (c.f. Jacob & Joseph). It’s a problem through the generations of his family.

3. Jesus must have had this story in mind when he told his own story of the prodigal son. He inverts some of the characteristics of the two sons but his story lands with the question ‘do you want the father’s blessing’? No matter what our character or gifts are ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ seeking blessing is the route to becoming part of God’s kingdom story, place and purpose.

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | David Mitchell at 8.30am | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Jacob & Esau

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

David Mitchell shares a message on ‘Jacob & Esau’ from our preaching series Both / And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Woodies Kids | Jesus calls the Disciples

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we Think About when…

jesus calls his disciples

You can read about it in

· In this passage who chooses to follow Jesus?

· What were they doing when Jesus called them?

· What did they leave behind?

· Why do you think they left everything behind?

· What changed for them after they chose to follow Jesus?

Share with God who your friends are. Tell God what your favourite activity to do with them. Ask God to highlight one of those friends to you. Ask God to bless that friend. What might that look like?

Resolute: The Father's Heart | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 31st of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

31 January 2021 - 7pm Service

Resolute: The Father’s Heart

This Sunday we finish our preaching series Resolute with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘The Father’s Heart’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Rob Scott-Cook speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Resolute: The Father's Heart | Rob Scott-Cook at 11am | 31st of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

31 January 2021 - 11am Service

Resolute: The Father’s Heart

This Sunday we finish our preaching series Resolute with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘The Father’s Heart’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Dave Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out!

Both/And Series

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Our preaching topics during this series are:

• Jacob and Esau - 7 February

• Judas and Mary - 14 February

• Mary and Martha - 21 February

• Ruth and Samson - 28 February

• Paul and Barnabas - 7 March

Download the series discussion notes to help you go deeper with these topics, either on your own or in a mid-week group.

---

TALKS FROM OUR BOTH/AND SERIES

Woodies Kids | Stories about Jesus

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we Think About…

stories of Jesus

· What is your favourite story of Jesus from the Bible?

· What does that story tell you about Jesus?

· Why do you like it so much?

Family Challenge

Can you ask your parents what their favourite story about Jesus is? Why not read it all together as a family

Spend some time with God. Picture in your head your favourite story about Jesus. Thank God for that story and what it teaches us about Jesus. Ask God “what is your favourite story about me?” or “Do you have a favourite moment in my life?” “Why?”

Student + Young Adult Worship Night

We’d love you to join our Student and Young Adults Worship Night online. Amy, our Student Pastor, and Steve, our Young Adults Pastor, are hosting this special time of worship with the Woodlands Worship team. So tune in at 8pm on Tuesday, 26 January and be sure to say hi in the comments!

Thanks everyone for your hard work to make this online event happen in lockdown.

Resolute: Speak of the Devil | Clare Thompson at 7pm | 24th of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

24 January 2021 - 7pm Service

Resolute: Speak of the Devil

This Sunday we contineud our preaching series Resolute with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Speak of the Devil’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Resolute: Speak of the Devil | Tim Dobson at 11am | 24th of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

24 January 2021 - 11am Service

Resolute: Speak of the Devil

This Sunday we continued our preaching series Resolute with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Speak of the Devil’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Clare Thompson l will be sharing with us. Check it out!

Bible School: The Devil and The Nature of Good & Evil

Woodlands Bible School is on Monday evening, 25th January at 8pm on the Woodlands Facebook Page:

• https://www.facebook.com/woodlandschurchbristol

Bible School gives the opportunity to think through in a bit more depth about a Theological issue or a Bible book.

Building on Sunday’s messages on ‘Speak of the Devil’ - Tim Dobson will be leading on the topic of ‘The Devil and The Nature of Good & Evil.’

Hope you can join us!

Woodies Kids | Jesus is Baptised

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we Think About…

Jesus is Baptised

Today we will look at another part of the life of Jesus. Do you remember when we looked at the Christmas story – Mary went to visit her cousin Elisabeth who was also expecting a baby? Well, that baby was John – known as John the Baptist, and he spent his life going around teaching about the One who would come – the Messiah – who do you think that might have been?? Do you know anything else interesting about John the Baptist?

Time To Think

 Jesus was baptised, even though He had done nothing wrong, and this confused John, as we heard in the story. In His baptism, Jesus was demonstrating that He was ready to begin the work Father God had for Him to do and that, like us human beings, He too was making Himself humble to be obedient.

Ask how Jesus' baptism was different to other people's baptisms? The Holy Spirit landed on him like a dove. Explain that the Holy Spirit is the way that God lives inside of each of us if we ask him to. He helps us live in the way that God wants us to.

Sometimes, when God speaks to people, it is loud and clear, like the way Father God spoke over Jesus. More often, God speaks to us, or leads us, by His Holy Spirit, in a quiet whispering voice. In the story, the Holy Spirit came down on Jesus like a dove. The same Holy Spirit can come and live in us, helping us to follow God's ways, when we choose to put our trust in Him.

· what do you think about this story?

· which bit did you like the most?

· do you have any questions about the story?

· what might God want to tell us, through this story?

Holy Spirit came on Jesus in a special way in the story – as a dove. The Holy Spirit is God's way of coming to live inside each of us to help us live like he made us to.

Resolute: Standing Strong | Rachel Riddall at 7pm | 17th of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

17 January 2021 - 7pm Service

Resolute: Standing Strong

This Sunday we contineud our preaching series Resolute with a message from Rachel Riddall on ‘Standing Strong’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Dave Mitchell speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Resolute: Holding On | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 17th of January 2021

How can we do the New Year well?

17 January 2021 - 11am Service

Resolute: Holding On

This Sunday we continued our preaching series Resolute with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Holding On’.

As we enter into 2021, we’re asking the question: “How can we do the New Year well?” January is renowned for people setting resolutions - but these are often hard to stick to. Change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either. The beliefs and habits we have and the decisions we make influence who we are becoming on a day to day basis.

In this series, we’ll be looking at the foundations we build our lives upon and what happens when everything is shaken. Are our resolutions built on our wisdom, our ability - or His? Self-reflection is really useful tool and we'll be looking at what we need to hold on to and what we should let go of in the year ahead.

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the topic: ‘Standing Strong’ and Rachel Riddall will be sharing with us. Check it out!