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Vacancies in our Children's Church Team
Vacancies in our Children's Church Team
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Dinner with Jesus Series
Dinner with Jesus Series
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Prophecy Mini-Series
Prophecy Mini-Series
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March Prayer Calendar
Woodlands Church Family
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Vacancy for Early Years Lead

God with Us: In Hopes & Fears | Hazel Askew | 12th December 2021 at 11am

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

12th December 2021 - 11am Service

God with Us: In Hopes & Fears

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

DISCUSSION NOTES

God With Us: In Hopes and Dreams | Philip Jinadu at 11am | 5th December 2021

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

5th December 2021 - 11am Service

God With Us: In Hopes and Dreams

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

DISCUSSION NOTES

GOD WITH US: Emmanuel | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 5th December 2021

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

5th December 2021 - 7pm Service

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

DISCUSSION NOTES

God with Us Series

During December, our messages will look at the Christmas story in a fresh light.

Emmanuel, God with Us

Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.

Talks in this series will cover:

  • 5th December: Hopes & Dreams

  • 12th December: Fears & Trials

  • 19th December: In the Unexpected

  • 24th & 25th December: Forever

  • 26th December: NO CHURCH SERVICES

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!

TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

In the Beginning God: The Father Heart of God | David Flanders at 11am | 28 November 2021

At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.

28 November 2021 - 11am Service

In the Beginning God Series

“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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

November 28th. ‘the Father heart of God’. Romans 8:14-17 Luke 11:1-11 Luke 15:11-32

Abba is Jesus’ special name for God. It is not a profound sacred mystery YHWH, but the first words an infant might say. To know God is to become like a little child, and acknowledge our need but also God’s compassion and heart for us.

If God is our father his fathering involves

• Intimacy

  • Provision and nurture

  • Discipline and challenge.

  • Celebration and pleasure

  1. Perhaps the key story about the father heart of God is ‘the prodigal son’ (Luke 15). How is God revealed as father there? How have we seen him Father us whether we have been in a ‘prodigal’ phase of life, or in legalistic religiosity? Are we able to respond to Him as children, or do we take the posture of ‘servants’ at the expense of intimacy and grace?

  2. How comfy would you be calling God ‘daddy’? Can you explain your reaction to that?

  3. Does God love us unconditionally? What does that mean in terms of obedience and

    discipleship? Does God love us more if we are more obedient to Him?

  4. What is the connection between love and discipline? Does God discipline us? If so how?

Grace isn’t opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning. (Dallas Willard)

Apocalypse Now: God’s Story & Human History | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 28 November 2021

During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.

28 November 2021 - 7pm Service

Apocalypse Now Series

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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

November 28th Revelation. God’s story in human history. Matthew 24.

Mathew 24:14 says the gospel will be preached to all nations ‘and then the end will come’. Is there a time line for history?
Are we living in ‘the last days’ and if so what does that mean?
What does the Bible say clearly about these things and what we should expect?

What are the priorities of a Christian living with the end in mind? How should we interpret the book of Revelation??

Apocalypse Now: A Post-Truth Age | Luke Addison at 7pm | 21 November 2021

During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.

21 November 2021 - 7pm Service

Apocalypse Now Series

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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

Coming soon!

In the Beginning God: Long Suffering | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 21 November 2021

At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.

21 November 2021 - 11am Service

In the Beginning God Series

“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.

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 13, Genesis 6:6 and Romans 8:26.

The idea that God in perfection, can’t be changed or affected (or limited) by the events of creation is a fundamentally Greek idea that is a philosophical abstraction or deduction, not biblical revelation. God in scripture is passionately engaged with his creation and his people and the prophets reveal that heart of God (e.g. Hosea 11).

In fact the truest thing to say about God is that God is love. And the nature of love involves intrinsically suffering. The more you love the more you have capacity to suffer; vicariously over the sufferings of those you love, and in your own suffering either in intervention in those sufferings or by rejection from the beloved. To love is to risk.

  1. Read 1 Corinthians 13, substituting the word God for ‘love’ and adding yourself as the object of God’s love (e.g. God is patient with me, God is kind to me). Does that match up with how you feel about God’s love?

  2. Is it true that love and suffering go together? Why?

  3. What is the link between loving someone and giving them freedom? (Sting sang ‘If you love

    someone , set them free’) If love always protects doesn’t that imply control? If God loves us

    why doesn’t He control things more?

  4. The idea of a ‘suffering supreme God’ was a challenge to the thinking of the ancient world. How does it challenge our thinking and faith today?

  5. How willing are we to follow a way of love that includes suffering?

Apocalypse Now: In His Image | Clare Thompson at 7pm | 14 November 2021

During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.

14 November 2021 - 7pm Service

Apocalypse Now Series

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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

Coming soon!

In the Beginning God: Mercy & Judgement | Richard Pollard at 11am | 14 November 2021

At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.

14 November 2021 - 11am Service

In the Beginning God Series

“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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read James 2:13 and Luke 18:1-14.

One of the central fears that human beings have is of judgement and condemnation from God. There is a tension here as the bible reveals God as judge of all the earth, the one who uniquely judges rightly, but also reveals God’s heart of mercy. Of course a biblical ‘judge’ is giving good governance, not callous indifference. God being a judge is good news for those who cry out for help and justice. The other key to resolve this tension is God’s forgiveness; not condoning sin or excusing ‘behaviour’ but forgiving confessed sin which allows restoration and removal of shame (cf. John 8).

  1. How do we relate to a God who knows all the secrets of our hearts, our motivations and actions?

  2. Does God judge us through what happens to us in life? (eg. John 9- ‘Who sinned? Luke 13:1- 5).

  3. How does God’s mercy tie up with the laws of ‘cause and effect’?

  4. Is it fair on victims for God to forgive the perpetrators of evil on people?

  5. What is the quality of mercy? What does it mean for ‘mercy to triumph over judgement’?

    Does justice demand ‘consequences’? Can God be good and yet not judger?

The heart of God to save not judge, to show mercy is beautifully illustrated in the book of Jonah. That’s God’s best preferred outcome- mercy! And that is how we live. Jesus came to show mercy, not to judge, and wants us to be known as a community of mercy not judgement as we relate to one another and a watching world.

In the Beginning God: Who is God? | Clare Thompson at 11am | 7 November 2021

At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.

7 November 2021 - 11am Service

In the Beginning God Series

“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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Exodus 33:12-and 34:5.

Genesis 1:27 says God made human beings in his image. However human beings often make God in their (broken) image and so attribute to God qualities that are not his at all.

Our understanding of God has at least in part been formed by philosophy. Ideas about God (theos) were formulated in Greek Philosophy in terms of the ground of our being who is not susceptible to relationship with humanity. We have the idea of God as ‘immovable mover’ for example. Greek thought influenced Jewish & Christian thought, particularly in Alexandria (Philo of Alexandria) and Church fathers (e.g. St Augustine) formed in a classical tradition.

This is in contrast to the Biblical view of God which throughout Scripture is expressed in unfolding self-revelation. God is a God who reveals himself to people. The bible reveals God as passionate, responsive and relational.

  1. How does God reveal himself to people in scripture? How has he revealed himself to you?

  2. ‘The God who is everywhere is somewhere’. Where was God’s presence in scripture? Where

    is God’s presence now? Some people talk about ‘thin places’ where it is easy to encounter

    God. What do you think of that idea?

  3. He reveals himself as personal, with a name, not less personal than we are but more so (C.S.

    Lewis). What name do you use to speak to God and why?

  4. He reveals himself in character. Exodus 34:6-7 ‘The Lord the Lord, gracious and

    compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..’. How would you sum up the character of God?

This Bible contains an unfolding revelation of God who is fully revealed in Jesus, revealing himself to people (Samaritan woman) Emmanuel, dwelling among us (John 1:14), personal with a name (Matt 1:22/25) and character (John 14:9) Colossians 1:15. How true is it for you that God the father is like Jesus, as much as Jesus is the exact representation of the Father?

Apocalypse Now: Living with Climate Change | Special Guests at 7pm | 7 November 2021

During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.

7 November 2021 - 7pm Service

Apocalypse Now Series

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.

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

DISCUSSION NOTES

Coming soon!

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?

  1. How does power flow in a typical organisation around leadership, promotion and seniority?

  2. How does power flow in the life of Jesus?

  3. What powers does Jesus confront in the last week of his life?

  4. What should power look like in the Church, the community of the Kingdom of God?

  5. 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?

  6. 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

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

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.

  1. Why do you think Jesus taught through story? What is the power of story today?

  2. The parable of the Sower is in some ways an introduction to all parables, and a story about stories.

  3. How do we understand this parable?

  4. What kind of soil might we be?

  5. 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.

  1. Biblical ‘first things’ are important. What is the first thing God says to humans in scripture (Genesis 1: 28)?

  2. Why is sex such a difficult subject to discuss?

  3. 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?

  4. What about sex and identity? How do you understand Jesus’ teaching in Mathew 19 verses 11 & 12 ?

  5. 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?

  6. How do single people acknowledge their sexuality?

  7. 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.

Woodlands Church, Belgrave Road, Bristol BS8 2AA