Hope Has a Name: Authority on Earth | Clare Thompson at 7pm | 17 October 2021

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.

17 October 2021 - 7pm Service

Hope Has a Name Series

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Clare is looking at what it means to live with the authority of Christ in our lives.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Mark 2:1-12.
This evening we are going to look at the topic of Spiritual authority. Mark has already commented on Jesus’ authority in chapter 1.

Mark 1:22 - The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

Mark 1:27 - The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

1. What do you think the word “authority” means?

2. What is the link between power and authority which Jesus clearly had?

3. How does this story reveal his divinity?

4. How did Jesus give power and authority to his followers? (Read Luke 9v1-6, and John 20v19-23).

5. What do you think is the basis of Spiritual authority? How do we receive power (Luke 24:49)?
   How do we minister in healing today?

Money, Sex & Power: Just Giving | Nigel Savage at 11am | 17 October 2021

At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.

17 October 2021 - 11am Service

Money, Sex & Power Series

This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read James 5:1-6 and Deuteronomy 15.

How does the Jubilee tradition speak to our world today?

In the Old Testament law, Jubilee was a 50 year practice to ‘reset’ the economy and redistribute wealth to prevent entrenched systemic disadvantage to the poor. Release of debt spoke to a people who themselves had been released from Slavery by the hand of God.

Should our own story of salvation affect our attitudes to systemic material injustice? The bible seems to suggest it does. The bible frequently calls out for the defence of the most vulnerable in society and the most financially imperilled, Widows, Orphans and resident aliens.

1. How do world systems of trade and finance disempower the poorest people on the planet? What can we do about systemic injustice and financial inequality?

2. Is it really possible that there could be no needy ones among us? (Deut 15/Acts 4:34)

3. How do we deal with personal debt? What are good financial practices for wholesome

   living?

4. How do we respond financially to people who beg, including who have addictions

5. How can we be mentored and mentor others in good financial practice? What are some top

   tips?

6. Should giving to the poor part of our spiritual disciplines (Matt 6)? If so why and how?

Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.

Wholeness 2 Course starts on 2 November

Watch this short 2 minute video to hear from the team what the Wholeness 2 Course is all about….

The Wholeness Course offers an opportunity to identify and remove barriers to growth in our personal lives, deal with gaps in our emotional development, repair the hurts from the past.

On Tuesday, 2nd November we’ll be starting Wholeness 2 - which is a 3-week course exploring how to live in the freedom that God offers to all. The course looks at subjects such as overcoming fear, rejection and disappointment. You'll spend time with the Wholeness team worshipping, hearing inspiration stories, and receiving Biblical teaching on how to live in freedom.

For more information and to register your free place, visit the Wholeness 2 event page.

Bible School with Tim Dobson on 17th Oct

At Woodlands Bible School on 17th October during our 7pm service. we’ll be welcoming Tim Dobson who will be speaking to us on Four Keys to Unlock the Bible.

Hope Has a Name: Kingdom Conflict | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 10 October 2021

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.

10 October 2021 - 7pm Service

Hope Has a Name Series

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Dave is unpacking what Mark says kingdom conflict, the forces of darkness here on Earth and the authority of Jesus Christ.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Mark 1:21-34

The first sign of Jesus spiritual authority in Mark is driving out a demon. Spiritual warfare is a big theme of Mark’s gospel.

Read these passages to see how Jesus went about confronting the works of evil spirits:

Mark 1v12-13, Mark 1v39, Mark 3v11-12, Mark 3v22-30, Mark 4v15, Mark 5v1-20, Mark 6v7, Mark 6v12-13, Mark 7v24-30 and Mark 8v33.

Take some time to think about and/or discuss these questions:

1. What do you think it means for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven?

2. What do you think it is it displacing?

3. What do miracles of healing and deliverance tell us about God’s kingdom?

4. What powers oppose God’s kingdom rule today?

5. How would you describe spiritual powers of evil and how can we resist and overcome them?

Money, Sex & Power: Giving to God | Rob Scott Cook at 11am | 10 October 2021

At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.

10 October 2021 - 11am Service

Money, Sex & Power Series

This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Malachi 3:8, Matthew 6:19-34, Mark 12:4-1 1 and Corinthians 16:1-2.

The Bible talks a lot about giving to God of our material substance, and Jesus spoke about money directly in preaching but also through parables. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament was all about giving back to God from what He gave His people, and the practice of tithing has found its way from Judaism into Christian practice throughout the centuries.

1. What is the basis for Christian giving financially? Do we have the freedom to be generous, free from fear?

2. How do we give to God? How does God want us to give? Is tithing an appropriate model for Christians or an archaic Old Testament legalism?

3. How do we give in community, the Church? What is the balance between giving to the poor and giving to ministry?

4. How do we handle finance at Woodlands? What are the priorities values and practices that are in our culture as a Church around money and giving?

5. How much should Church emphasise giving financially and why?

Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.

Money, Sex & Power: Giving to God | Rob Scott Cook at 8.30am | 10 October 2021

At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.

10 October 2021 - 8.30am Service

Money, Sex & Power Series

This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

Hope Has a Name: Prepare the Way | Matt Dobson at 7pm | 3 October 2021

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.

3 October 2021 - 7pm Service

Hope Has a Name Series

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Matt is looking at what Mark says about God’s plan to prepare the way for Jesus and ultimately His restoration for the world.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Mark 1

Have you ever wondered why John the Baptist needed to come before Jesus? Surely God could have arrived unannounced onto the scene of human history.

1. In what way did Jesus need someone to prepare the way for him?

If the Incarnation was just about God showing us what he was like (Col 1v19 and Heb 1v3) through Jesus’ teaching, healing, miracle and lifestyle then maybe he wouldn’t have needed any preparation. But God is interested in forgiving us, rescuing us and restoring a friendship with him once again.

2. From reading John’s message to people, what was the content and how did he “prepare the way”?

John 1v31 but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
In the wilderness with all the trimmings of life removed, people became aware of themselves and their hearts were softened to realise that they weren’t that good.

3. How do you see these four things working out in your life as you seek to follow Jesus and prepare a way for Him to break into your world?

Repentance

To turn round from going my own way and start following God’s way. Galatians 5v19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5 v3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Confession

To admit and own up to my faults and failings.
James 5v16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Forgiveness

Shame taken away, restored to God, washed clean, guilt removed.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

How can we live a holy life making way for Jesus? We need the power and work of the Holy Spirit. How do you allow Jesus to fill you with his Spirit?

Hope Has a Name Series

During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.

The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us.

We’ll be looking at how Jesus’ life points to God’s big plan of salvation. Mark shows the power and authority Jesus exercised in driving out demons, healing people and performing miracles. We’ll explore some of the powers that oppose God’s kingdom today and how can we resist and overcome them. The biggest section of Mark’s gospel is the last week of Jesus’ life in the shadow of the cross. What do we understand about the Cross and its centrality in the life and ministry of Jesus?

Talks in this series will cover:

• 3rd October: Preparing the Way

• 10th October: Kingdom Conflict

• 17th October: Authority on Earth

• 24th October: Telling Tales

• 31st October: Calvary Road

You no longer need to book to come to church in person. We are asking for parents to book children into their groups at the 9.15am and 11am services to help things run smoothly for the time being. We hope to see you soon!

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TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

Money, Sex & Power: Dethroning Idols | Tim Dobson at 11am | 3 October 2021

At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.

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3 October 2021 - 11am Service

Money, Sex & Power Series

This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

In Job 31, Job gives a searching moral inventory where he declares his innocence from classic human weaknesses and sins, including the areas of abuse of money, sex and power.

Jesus of course spoke and demonstrated a life that was radically different in speaking of and handling money sex and power to the culture around him. He frequently shocked his disciples by his different approach to all three of those things.

Money, Sex and Power can corrupt religion, and become idols - powers that people give themselves to. How should we handle them today?

1. How would you define an ‘idol’? In Old Testament times idols were worshipped as alternatives to the God of Israel. What shape does idolatry have in our world today?

2. What is the link between Money Sex and Power? How does a pursuit of these things affect our relationship with God and other people?

3. How did Jesus model a different approach to these things? What did he teach?

4. What are the things we could celebrate about money, sex and power? Are they dangerous or wrong in themselves or are they simply neutral things that can be used or abused?

5. How should Christians live in relationship with money, sex and power? How can God be involved in those three?

Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.

Money, Sex & Power Series

During October at our morning services, we’re looking at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.

You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three.

Money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God. In contrast, when we’re enticed by them they become rivals to God and can shape and change us in detrimental ways. They can lead us to promote our interests above other people’s and are major causes of human exploitation in our world today. In this series, we hope you can examine your own life and reflect on your relationship with each element.

Talks in this series will cover:

• 3rd October: Dethroning Idols

• 10th October: Giving to God

• 17th October: Just Money

• 24th October: Safe Sex

• 31st October: Power Play

You may also want to read Richard Foster’s book Money Sex and Power, if this is an area you want to learn more about.

You no longer need to book to come to church in person. We are asking for parents to book children into their groups at the 9.15am and 11am services to help things run smoothly for the time being. We hope to see you soon!

---

TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

October EcoChallenge: Go Charity Shopping

The stuff that we buy can have a big environmental impact that we are often unaware of.

Clothes account for a surprisingly big part of this. The Fashion industry is reckoned to be responsible for about 10% of carbon emissions (more than the aviation and shipping sectors combined). It is also behind serious water pollution issues in developing countries where waste water from dyeing fabric is dumped directly into rivers. Moreover there often being questions about how fairlythe people making garments are treated. According to surveys nearly half of the typical British persons wardrobe goes unworn anyway!*

There are lots of things we can do to lower our impact- here is a small selection:

• Simply buy fewer new clothes.

• Buy second hand – in charity/vintage shops or also on online sites.

• A stitch in time– I have a favourite pair of jeans about to go at the knee – I have promised myself to figure out how to patch them up before it’s too late!

• Try to buy good quality clothes that will last for longer. This should prove cost effective in the long term.

• When buying new clothes consider buying ones with higher ethical credentials. For example it is possible to buy from brands who use recycled polymer fibres for coats, or who use organic cotton which has a lower environmental impact and doesn’t expose farm workers to harmful pesticides. It is also possible to buy some items of clothing which are FairTrade.

If you want to know more please do come to our online event on Sustainable Fashion on 11th October at 7.30pm – you can register here.

Since this month’s EcoChallenge is to go Charity shopping here are a few tips on how to get the most out of it. And do remember to donate good-quality items of clothing you are no longer wearing too!

*Source: Can Fashion Ever Be Sustainable? (BBC website

First Things First: Seeking Kingdom | Nigel Savage at 7pm | 26 September 2021

Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…

26 September 2021 - 7pm Service

First Things First Series

This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Nigel is looking at what it means to seek first the Kingdom.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus teaching was all about the Kingdom of God. He told his disciples to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ as their priority. His language and ministry simply a conflict between the ‘kingdom of God’ and the human kingdoms and powers of this world, and the prayer he taught us to pray includes

‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’

• In a world with plenty to worry about, what does it mean to ‘seek first the kingdom’?

• What is your definition of ‘the kingdom of God’?

• What is the difference/link between Kingdom and Church?

• How did Jesus describe the coming of the Kingdom of God? (e.g. Matthew 13, 18 etc)

• What does the Kingdom look like in our experience?

• In what ways can we see more of the Kingdom? What does it look like in our 21st Century generation?

First Things First: Seeking Kingdom | Clare Thompson at 11am | 26 September 2021

Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…

26 September 2021 - 11am Service

First Things First Series

This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Clare is looking at what it means to really seek first the Kingdom of God.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus teaching was all about the Kingdom of God. He told his disciples to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ as their priority. His language and ministry simply a conflict between the ‘kingdom of God’ and the human kingdoms and powers of this world, and the prayer he taught us to pray includes

‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’

• In a world with plenty to worry about, what does it mean to ‘seek first the kingdom’?

• What is your definition of ‘the kingdom of God’?

• What is the difference/link between Kingdom and Church?

• How did Jesus describe the coming of the Kingdom of God? (e.g. Matthew 13, 18 etc)

• What does the Kingdom look like in our experience?

• In what ways can we see more of the Kingdom? What does it look like in our 21st Century generation?

Katie's Story

We hope you enjoy this story from Katie who is part of our church family. She tells us what her experience of exploring faith was like and what she thought of doing an Alpha Course at Woodlands. Thanks for sharing with us Katie!

P+P Sustainable Fashion Online Event

Woodlands People & Planet would like to invite you to join us online for an introduction to sustainable fashion and how our faith plays a part in our response.

We'll be in conversation with Sam Mabley from sustainable, ethical T-shirt company, Yes Friends, and Flo Neave from Treasure boutique charity shop and community hub, as we explore our motivations and methods of dressing sustainably. 

Why do we need to think about what we wear? Here are just a few reasons:

• The fashion industry currently accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions, which is actually more than aviation and shipping industries combined. [1]

• It's responsible for nearly 20% of the world's wastewater, and accounts for 20-35% of microplastic flowing into the ocean. [2]

• The amount of clothes purchased has gone up, but the number of times items are worn has gone down, with three out of five fast fashion items ending up in landfill. [3, 4]

• 1 in 6 of the world's workers are employed in the fashion industry, but very few are paid living wage, and many work in extremely dangerous and exploitative conditions [5]

Our planet, and garment industry workers, pay a high price for our clothing consumption. Come along to this event to discuss this topic further and to get curious about what we can do about it. 

Simply sign up online to attend:

• Sustainable Fashion Event

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

NOTES:

[1] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200310-sustainable-fashion-how-to-buy-clothes-good-for-the-climate

[2] https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion

[3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20201208STO93327/the-impact-of-textile-production-and-waste-on-the-environment-infographic 

[4] https://cleanclothes.org/fashions-problems/waste-and-pollution

[5] https://goodonyou.eco/impact-fast-fashion-garment-workers/

First Things First: Building Community | Rob Scott-Cook at 7pm | 19 September 2021

Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…

19 September 2021 - 11am Service

First Things First Series

This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Rob is looking at what we believe community means at Woodlands and what it looks like to join in and belong.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read 1 Corinthians 3, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47 and John 15:12-13.

• ‘You are God’s building, God’s field’ - 1 Corinthians 3:9.

• ‘I Will build my church and the gates of Hades will not stand against it’ - Matthew 16:18

• ‘Every human being has an irreducible need to be noticed and loved’ - Brene Brown

There are so many verses about community in the Bible! Israel is God’s community; community solidarity is a foundational world view. The twelve disciples Jesus calls reflect a new Israel, renewed community. Jesus clear priority was to build community. We often read the Bible individualistically when in fact community is being addressed. The hallmarks of following Jesus and his commands demand community expression; Baptism is initiation into new community as well as a personal expression of discipleship. Communion is the central rite of the Church, a gathering and sharing of a meal, with Jesus in the midst by His Spirit.

•  Why is being in community vital to being a Christian and following Jesus?

•  What are the attributes of a community that make it ‘Church’, a community of the

Kingdom of God? What distinguishes Church from any other human organisation? What were the hallmarks of the community that Jesus gathered and had in mind for the future?

• 21st Century Western society celebrates individualism. How does this affect our view of Church?

• Being noticed and loved, having a part to play in community is key to the experience of community. How can growing communities retain those values? How big can community be?

• How does Woodies express community? What’s expected of me in the community of the Church? What does it look like to belong?

First Things First: Building Community | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 19 September 2021

Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…

19 September 2021 - 11am Service

First Things First Series

This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Dave is looking at what we believe community means at Woodlands and what it looks like to join in and belong.

You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read 1 Corinthians 3, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47 and John 15:12-13.

• ‘You are God’s building, God’s field’ - 1 Corinthians 3:9.

• ‘I Will build my church and the gates of Hades will not stand against it’ - Matthew 16:18

• ‘Every human being has an irreducible need to be noticed and loved’ - Brene Brown

There are so many verses about community in the Bible! Israel is God’s community; community solidarity is a foundational world view. The twelve disciples Jesus calls reflect a new Israel, renewed community. Jesus clear priority was to build community. We often read the Bible individualistically when in fact community is being addressed. The hallmarks of following Jesus and his commands demand community expression; Baptism is initiation into new community as well as a personal expression of discipleship. Communion is the central rite of the Church, a gathering and sharing of a meal, with Jesus in the midst by His Spirit.

•  Why is being in community vital to being a Christian and following Jesus?

•  What are the attributes of a community that make it ‘Church’, a community of the

Kingdom of God? What distinguishes Church from any other human organisation? What were the hallmarks of the community that Jesus gathered and had in mind for the future?

• 21st Century Western society celebrates individualism. How does this affect our view of Church?

• Being noticed and loved, having a part to play in community is key to the experience of community. How can growing communities retain those values? How big can community be?

• How does Woodies express community? What’s expected of me in the community of the Church? What does it look like to belong?

Prayer Ministry Training in October

Foundation Prayer Ministry Training
Saturday, 2nd October from 9am - 1pm
Main Hall and Foyer at Woodlands Central

You are invited to join us for an inspiring and encouraging day of teaching, testimony, discussion, and practice. Equip yourself with the tools needed to bring the power of the Spirit to bear in the lives of others and learn how to lead them towards the freedom that God promises.

Our Foundation Prayer Ministry course at Woodlands covers how to minister in the power of the spirit and looks at five key areas which regularly crop up in ministry situations:

• Salvation

• Confession

• Forgiveness

• Healing

• Freedom 

We will begin at 9am with coffee; complimentary drinks will be available during the day and we offer the option of a sandwich lunch at £3 (cash on the day).

• Sign up online for the course

Student Welcome: Free Pizza & Ice Cream

You may have been to a "Burger Week" before as we welcomed students to Bristol. Well we are back for 2021 after a COVID break and this time it's Pizza! If you’re a student, come along for some free food and the chance to meet new people.

During Freshers Week on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 21st and 22nd September, students can come along to Woodies for free pizza and ice cream! Just turn up between 12pm - 4pm…and bring friend!

Woodlands is right in the heart of University of Bristol, on the corner of Woodland Road and Belgrave Road. You can’t miss it!

Note: If you’re already part of church and want to volunteer to help out, simply sign up using the link below:

• Sign Up for Student Welcome Week