Heart of David Series: Courage | Luke Addison at 7pm | 11 July 2021

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

11 July 2021 - 7pm Service

The Heart of David Series: Worship

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18

1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.

We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.

Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.

For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.

1. What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)

2. How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)

3. What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)

4. What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?

5. How are we trained for spiritual warfare?

6. In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?

As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count)

Heart of David Series: Courage | Jo Appleton at 8.30am | 11 July 2021

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

11 July 2021 - 8.30am Service

The Heart of David Series: Courage

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18

1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.

We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.

Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.

For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.

1. What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)

2. How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)

3. What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)

4. What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?

5. How are we trained for spiritual warfare?

6. In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?

As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count).

What to expect at church on Sundays

There are some changes to how we are doing Sundays services at Woodlands Central over the summer.

We recognise that changes in government guidance as of the 19th July have been welcomed by some and are causing anxiety for others, particularly the more vulnerable. We are also aware that rates of COVID cases in Bristol are currently very high.

With that in mind we want to encourage everyone to “consider the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) as we seek to find ways of opening our services to more people with less restrictions whilst keeping some mitigations in place to reduce the risk of you contracting COVID-19 at a church service.

Before attending, please read the guidelines below.

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WHAT TO EXPECT ON SUNDAYS
IN JULY & AUGUST 2021

WHO CAN JOIN?
Everyone is welcome to join, but to ensure we are being safe, our capacity is limited and we ask that you book in advance to attend a Sunday service. If you have any COVID symptoms, please do not come to Woodlands. Ring 119 and get a test.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE I ARRIVE?
Before coming to church, please make sure you have been observing good hygiene to keep us all safe, following common sense and government guidelines to avoid infection.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET TO CHURCH?
Please arrive 30 minutes before the service so you can enjoy a hot drink and catchup with friends outside - please bring a keepie cup with you. Everyone must sanitise their hands on entry to the building. The services are live-streamed and we close the doors 15 minutes before the service starts. Simply wait outside the Foyer until you are admitted.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK?
We want to be loving towards all those who still feel that some Covid restrictions are necessary (and so that our team and volunteers don't have to self-isolate at holiday times), so we would like people to wear masks as they enter and exit the building and are moving about inside the church. Let's be careful and respect each other's space. We will have disposable masks available if needed, but we would much prefer if you could bring your own.

WHERE WILL I SIT?
During July & August, you can choose between two different seating areas when you book online:

Covid Safe Area
Located at the back half of the main hall, maintaining all prior Covid safety precautions:

• Seating is 2m apart

• Masks are required during the service

• No singing allowed

Relaxed Worship Area
The front area of church will have fewer precautions:

• Household/bubble groups are sat 1m apart

• Masks not required during the service (except to sing)

• Singing is allowed (with masks on)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE SERVICE?
There will be a briefing 15 minutes before the service starts. Then we’ll pray before the service starts, enjoy worship and hear a message. Our services are being live-streamed for those at home who are unable to be with us.

WHAT IF SOMEONE AT CHURCH HAS COVID?
If someone from the service comes down with COVID, you won't have to self isolate (unless you have the NHS app and have your bluetooth enabled on your phone). If you give us permission, you will be contacted with the recommendation that you get tested, if more than two people test positive in any one service. 

WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IS THE CHURCH TAKING?
Our spaces have all been risk-assessed and capacity has been appropriated in line with Government guidelines for places of worship. We will be sterilising surfaces before and after the service. The toilets will not be available - apart from in a case of emergency - so please ensure that you go before you leave home.

CAN I SIT WITH MY ‘HOUSEHOLD’?
If you are in a household or bubble, please add a comment in the Notes section of the Booking Form online and ensure that you arrive together so that you can be seated together. If possible, please book your tickets at the same time using the "add ticket" option.

We look forward to welcoming you to church on Sundays.

Heart of David Series: Worship | Nigel Savage at 7pm | 4 July 2021

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

4 July 2021 - 7pm Service

The Heart of David Series: Worship

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145

2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).

1. Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?

2. David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship? 

3. Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?

4. Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?

5. David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?

Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?

As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?

Heart of David Series: Worship | Clare Thompson at 11am | 4 July 2021

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

4 July 2021 - 11am Service

The Heart of David Series: Worship

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145

2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).

1. Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?

2. David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship? 

3. Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?

4. Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?

5. David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?

Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?

As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?

Heart of David Series: Worship | Dave Mitchell at 8.30am | 4 July 2021

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?

4 July 2021 - 8.30am Service

The Heart of David Series: Worship

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.

Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145

2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).

1. Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?

2. David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship? 

3. Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?

4. Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?

5. David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?

Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?

As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?

July EcoChallenge: Get a Water Butt

At Woodies, we are keen love God's creation and our People + Planet group is key in helping us to reduce our impact on the environment as a church. Our monthly EcoChallenges help everyone in church to take part from home. This month, David Parker shares the some helpful tips for how to get involved.

July 2021: EcoChallege - “Get a Water Butt”

This month’s challenge has been on my to-do list for a while – get a water butt! I’m increasingly aware as we go into the summer months that we use a lot of tap water watering our garden and that seems a shame when so much rainwater flows down our gutters into the drains throughout the year.

Water butts are a great way to save water, this also can lower your carbon footprint because treating and pumping water does use a significant amount of energy. Your plants will grow better too - most plants actively prefer being watered with rainwater, which contains some of the natural minerals they need to thrive. Finally water butts can even reduce flood risk by holding water from summer storms which would otherwise go quickly into the drains and then rivers.

A few practical tips:

• You can buy them from most DIY stores, online or even order them from Bristol Water

• Keep the lid securely fastened to stop wildlife or debris getting in

• Use the water on established plants, but now new seedlings (to prevent possible fungal infection)

• One thing you need to be aware of is legionella bacteria, which can multiply if the water temperature gets above 20ᵒC. If possible, site a water butt in the shade, or you can get a reflective jacket for it to keep it cool. Do use a watering can, but don’t use water from a water butt with a spray or a hose as they make it much more likely that bacteria could be inhaled. Washing your hands after gardening is always a good idea too.

• It’s recommended that you clean your water butt every year (once the summer is over) 

If you want to read up more here is an article from the Royal Horticultural Society:

• https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=313

GET INVOLVED WITH PEOPLE + PLANET

If you’d be interested in finding out more about the Woodlands People + Planet group, or have some feedback about the challenges, connect with us:

• Email lydia.klimecki@bristol.ac.uk 

• Find us on Facebook

The Heart of David Series

How can we all be people after God’s own heart?  

In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.

The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship. What does it mean to fight battles as followers of Jesus? How does our heart for God affect our relationships with others? How do we keep a soft contrite and repentant heart when we inevitably mess up? How do the Psalms add a dimension to our prayers around these things?

This series will look at an aspect of David’s heart each week, including both some narrative scriptures and a Psalm linked with each unique attribute.  

Here’s what our preaching topics during this series are:

• Worship | 4th July 2021

• Courage | 11th July 2021

• Friendship  | 18th July 2021

• Repentance | 25th July 2021

We hope you can join us in person or online throughout July for this exciting series.

Remember you can book in advance to attend church in person. Capacity will be limited and COVID safe precautions will be taken. We’re also serving hot drinks before each service. Simply book online here:

• Sunday Services - Online Bookings

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TALKS FROM OUR HEART OF DAVID SERIES

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 27 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

27 June 2021 - 7pm Service

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers

Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13

We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.

We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!

1. The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?

2. I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?

3. Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?

4. As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?

5. Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?

6. Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 27 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

27 June 2021 - 7pm Service

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers

Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13

We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.

We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!

1. The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?

2. I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?

3. Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?

4. As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?

5. Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?

6. Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers | Neil Edbrooke at 8:30am | 27 June 2021

27 June 2021 - 8.30am Service

After the Fire Series: Community of Believers

Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13

We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.

We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!

1. The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?

2. I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?

3. Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?

4. As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?

5. Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?

6. Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?

Woodies Kids | Saying Sorry

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week are thinking about…

saying sorry

Today we are thinking about saying sorry and being forgiven.

Even though it’s not always easy, when we do something wrong it’s important to

say sorry, and Jesus will always forgive us! In the Cheeky Panda treehouse, Benji is

enjoying his favourite pizza and leaves one slice in a labelled box in the fridge to enjoy later. CJ finds the slice and eats it, and learns that it's important to say sorry, just as the woman said sorry to Jesus in the bible.

When was the last time you said 'sorry'? Saying ‘sorry’ can often be one of the hardest things to say. In today's, Elle reflects on when she’s upset someone or has disappointed God, she feels like she has let people down. Elle notes pride as something that gets in the way of her saying sorry to other people, or to God. We need to say sorry when we’re in the wrong – breakthrough and freedom comes, when we say sorry.

I wonder why we find it so hard to say sorry? Vote on the top reason:

1) I don’t like being wrong

2) I am scared I might get punished

3) I feel guilty if I own up

4) It is easier to say “It wasn’t me”

5) No one really knows that I did it anyway so it doesn’t matter.

Choose five friends you could pray for this week. Draw around your hand and write their names in each finger! Is there anyone you need to say sorry to?

Chat and Catch: Tell God what upsets or disappoints you. Ask God to help you to say sorry when you need to.

Amy's Story

We hope you enjoy this story from Amy, our Student Pastor, which she shared as part of our Pentecost service. It's encouraging to hear first hand stories of the Holy Spirit at work in amazing ways.

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor | Andrew Street at 8:30am | 20 June 2021

20 June 2021 - 8.30am Service

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor

Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:

• Support our fund for an IJM Mission

Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 4:32-36 and Galatians 2:10

One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities. 

1. Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.

2. What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?

3. What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?

4. The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?

5. Care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?

6. What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?

7. How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 20 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

20 June 2021 - 7pm Service

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor

Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:

• Support our fund for an IJM Mission

Also - remember our 7pm service looked at the same topic and Matt Dobson shared a message with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 4:32-36 and Galatians 2:10

One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities. 

1. Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.

2. What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?

3. What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?

4. The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?

5. Care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?

6. What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?

7. How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor | Matt Dobson at 7pm | 20 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

20 June 2021 - 7pm Service

After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor

Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:

• Support our fund for an IJM Mission

Also - remember our 11am service looked at the same topic and Dave Mitchell shared a message with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

Read Acts 4:32-36. Galatians 2:10

One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities. 

1. Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.

2. What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?

3. What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?

4. The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?

5. If care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?

6. What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?

7. How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?

Woodies Kids | Giving Thanks

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week are thinking about…

Giving Thanks

In the Cheeky Panda treehouse the pandas are trying to think of a gift to get CJ for her birthday. They order pink ice skates, but pink iced cakes arrive and are all broken.

They are really sad that they messed up her birthday, but CJ reminds them that it's their friendship she is most thankful for! They learn that there is always something to be thankful for, because every good gift comes from God.

The Birthday Gift I wonder how you might have felt if your

birthday gift had arrived all broken? How might you feel if the gift you had given to

someone arrived all broken? What did you think about CJ’s response to her friends?

I wonder how you might have felt if your birthday gift had arrived all broken? How might you feel if the gift you had given to someone arrived all broken? What did you think about CJ’s response to her friends?

After the Fire Series: All Nations | Tim Dobson at 7pm | 13 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

13 June 2021 - 7pm Service

After the Fire Series: All Nations

Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

It’s our Global Partners Weekend and we are celebrating the forty different ministries we support around the globe. Remember, our 11am service looked at the same topic and Hazel Askew shared a message with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

One of the big themes of the New Testament is that of ‘Inclusion’; of the inclusion of the non-Jewish or Gentile world into the community of the people of God. 

Acts 10 tells the story of one Gentile household becoming part of the Church, as evidenced by a remarkable flow of supernatural signs and a Pentecostal outpouring in the home of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion.

This weekend we have focused on our own global partners, and I hope you can pick up on things they shared on Saturday and Sunday. Some questions you could consider are

1. If you have been on a global mission trip can you tell your story to your group? What short term or long term affect did it have on you?

2. Is ‘missionary’ a rather negative word nowadays, associated with imperialism? What is your perspective on the role of global mission?

3. What is a ‘reverse missionary’? Have you met one? What is that movement about?

4. What do you think is the link between global mission and God’s ultimate plan of Salvation- including Jesus’ return!?

5. Should we still encourage people to travel on mission? Isn’t it cheaper, more relevant and more environmentally appropriate for mission to be local and indigenous?

6. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in sending people to all nations?

Consider ‘adopting’ a global partner as a group, and inviting them to your group on Zoom and finding out about their story and calling.

After the Fire Series: All Nations | Hazel Askew at 11am | 13 June 2021

What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?

13 June 2021 - 11am Service

After the Fire Series: All Nations

Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.

We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?

It’s our Global Partners Weekend and we are celebrating the forty different ministries we support around the globe. Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Tim Dobson will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION

One of the big themes of the New Testament is that of ‘Inclusion’; of the inclusion of the non-Jewish or Gentile world into the community of the people of God. 

Acts 10 tells the story of one Gentile household becoming part of the Church, as evidenced by a remarkable flow of supernatural signs and a Pentecostal outpouring in the home of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion.

This weekend we have focused on our own global partners, and I hope you can pick up on things they shared on Saturday and Sunday. Some questions you could consider are

1. If you have been on a global mission trip can you tell your story to your group? What short term or long term affect did it have on you?

2. Is ‘missionary’ a rather negative word nowadays, associated with imperialism? What is your perspective on the role of global mission?

3. What is a ‘reverse missionary’? Have you met one? What is that movement about?

4. What do you think is the link between global mission and God’s ultimate plan of Salvation- including Jesus’ return!?

5. Should we still encourage people to travel on mission? Isn’t it cheaper, more relevant and more environmentally appropriate for mission to be local and indigenous?

6. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in sending people to all nations?

Consider ‘adopting’ a global partner as a group, and inviting them to your group on Zoom and finding out about their story and calling.

Woodies Kids | Praising God

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week are thinking about…

praising god

Even on bad days, it does us good to praise God because it reminds us of how good he is, and how much he loves us. In the Cheeky Panda treehouse the pandas have been nominated for an award but don't win it. They learn that praise is important in every situation, because it shows God how much we love him. Just as Paul and Silas praised God when they were locked in prison, we should praise God because he is good every day!

Let’s make!

Find a small, empty plastic bottle with a screw top. Half fill it with either dried beans, rice or lentils. Seal the top, tightly. Make sure it makes a great sound when you shake it. Decorate your shaker with stickers, glitter, paper shapes etc!