At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
31 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: Calvary Road | Matt & Tim Dobson at 7pm | 31 October 2021
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
31 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 looking at why Jesus taught by telling stories and we look at the parable of the sower.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 15.
The biggest section of Mark’s gospel is the last week of Jesus’ life in the shadow of the cross.
Paul is convinced that what happened to Jesus on the cross and through to resurrection on Easter Sunday has the possibility of changing everyone’s life for good. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:
Take a few moments to consider the Cross…
What do we understand about the Cross and why is it central to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus seems to reach its climax with these words:
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
Why do you think that the curtain being torn, and the centurion’s declaration are so important to Mark (and us)?
How could you simply share the Good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with a non-church friend in a way that they could understand how it can affect their lives?
Money, Sex & Power: Power Play | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 31 October 2021
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
31 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 Matthew 23:1-12 and Luke 22:24-30.
Power and control are powerful inducements for people. Is it true that ‘power corrupts’?
Jesus confronted power, especially in the last week of his life where the ‘powers’ were gathered and focused in Jerusalem where Jesus embraced the vulnerability and power of the Cross.
His teaching speaks of an upside-down relationship with power. Why is it so hard for his followers to obey his teachings and live them out?
1. How come a humble title like ‘minister’ (which means servant) becomes a power and status word?
How does power flow in a typical organisation around leadership, promotion and seniority?
How does power flow in the life of Jesus?
What powers does Jesus confront in the last week of his life?
What should power look like in the Church, the community of the Kingdom of God?
What are the best motives for seeking power? How can power holders avoid the dangers of being ‘corrupted’ by power or abusing it in some way?
How should the Church challenge ‘secular’ power today?
Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
Apocalypse Now Series
During November at our evening services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.
The word apocalypse means ‘revelation’, things revealed.
The word apocalypse is often used to describe climactic and terrifying events. The 21st Century is a period of time where there is definitely a sense of dystopian doom over the planet. It’s also a time of tremendous innovation, reconstruction and possibility.
This series will help us look at some of the big challenges facing us today and the window of God’s revelation on those challenges and what is truth for humans today.
Talks in this series will cover:
7th November: Living with Climate Change
14th November: In His Image
21st November: A Post-Truth Age
28th November: God’s Story & Human History
Join us for church on Sundays
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!
Passionate about climate justice?
If you’re keen to live in a more sustainable way, you can learn about climate justice and how to take action from these websites:
TALKS FROM THIS SERIES
Featured
In the Beginning God Series
During November at our 11am services, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible.
God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
Talks in this series will cover:
7th November: Who is God anyway?
14th November: Mercy & Judgement
21st November: Long Suffering
28th November: The Father Heart of God
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
Featured
November EcoChallenge: Get Involved with COP26
For our November EcoChallenge, Woodlands People & Planet are keen to see our church family take action as the COP26 conference of world leaders happens in early November in Glasgow. Here in Bristol, there is going to be an online prayer event as well as a climate justice rally that you’re invited to join! Find out more and sign up using the links below.
What is COP26?
In the first two weeks of November, delegates from almost every nation will be gathering in Glasgow, Scotland for a huge United Nations climate change negotiation. Called Conference of Parties 26 (COP26) it will be one of the largest international events ever hosted by the UK, with up to 30,000 people in attendance. Many world leaders, including the Pope and Queen Elizabeth II, will be there, along with policy experts, diplomats, and scientists.
Bristol Rally: 6th November
Tearfund, Christian Aid and other Christian agencies are joining as part of the wider Climate Coalition to organise rallies of support around the country. The P&P group would like to encourage all those in Woodies who are concerned about God's creation and the climate emergency to join us at the Bristol rally on Saturday 6th November at 12 noon.
COP26 Online Prayer Event: 8th November
You’re invited to join us online on the 8th November at 7.30pm for an evening of meditation, reading scripture and praying for COP26. Prayer is a crucial part of our response, and the more we pray, the more passionate we become about joining in with what God is doing and taking action ourselves. Please join with us, as we pray for God to use COP26 to bring restoration to the world.
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:
Hope Has a Name: Telling Tales | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 24 October 2021
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
24 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 looking at why Jesus taught by telling stories and we look at the parable of the sower.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 4:1-34.
People love a good story. When Jesus told parables, they weren’t just memorable stories, they had a point to them that taught people more about the Kingdom of God.
Why do you think Jesus taught through story? What is the power of story today?
The parable of the Sower is in some ways an introduction to all parables, and a story about stories.
How do we understand this parable?
What kind of soil might we be?
Is it possible to change our “soil type”? If so, how? What might a “fruitful” life look like?
Money, Sex & Power: Safe Sex | David Mitchell at 11am | 24 October 2021
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
24 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 Genesis 1: 27-28 and Mathew 19: 1-12. Supporting passages include 2 Samuel 13, John 8:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:40.
Traditional teaching on sexuality is an area of great tension in the Church today, but is in the context of enormous liberal change in wider society. There are at least two currents of thought in the Church. One current is aimed at removing unhealthy shame, and making Church much more inclusive in the realm of sexuality. Another current is around protection and healing from sexual brokenness and with it an emphasis on good and appropriate boundaries.
Biblical ‘first things’ are important. What is the first thing God says to humans in scripture (Genesis 1: 28)?
Why is sex such a difficult subject to discuss?
Why do boundaries exist around sex in scripture? How much of sexual rules and practice in Scripture are contextual to a society that is closely bound up with clan and family and knows nothing of ‘family planning’; and which rules are God’s plan for all time?
What about sex and identity? How do you understand Jesus’ teaching in Mathew 19 verses 11 & 12 ?
What should Church be celebrating around human sexuality? How do we avoid judgemental stereotyping? Why have there been so many sex scandals in Churches and how can these be guarded against?
How do single people acknowledge their sexuality?
How does a ‘secret history’ in the area of sexuality affect the whole of life for good or evil?
Richard Foster wrote a book called Money, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
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.”
What do you think the word “authority” means?
What is the link between power and authority which Jesus clearly had?
How does this story reveal his divinity?
How did Jesus give power and authority to his followers? (Read Luke 9v1-6, and John 20v19-23).
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.
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?
Is it really possible that there could be no needy ones among us? (Deut 15/Acts 4:34)
How do we deal with personal debt? What are good financial practices for wholesome
living?
How do we respond financially to people who beg, including who have addictions
How can we be mentored and mentor others in good financial practice? What are some top
tips?
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:
What do you think it means for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven?
What do you think it is it displacing?
What do miracles of healing and deliverance tell us about God’s kingdom?
What powers oppose God’s kingdom rule today?
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.
What is the basis for Christian giving financially? Do we have the freedom to be generous, free from fear?
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?
How do we give in community, the Church? What is the balance between giving to the poor and giving to ministry?
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?
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!
TALKS FROM THIS SERIES
Featured
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.
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?
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?
What is the link between Money Sex and Power? How does a pursuit of these things affect our relationship with God and other people?
How did Jesus model a different approach to these things? What did he teach?
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?
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
Featured
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