Captive: Had Enough? | Laura Harris | 13th February at 7pm

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

13th of February - 7pm Service

Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!

Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.

What causes Elijah’s breakdown?

(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?

How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?

( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?

How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?

(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.

Captive: Had enough? | Clare Thompson | 13th February at 11am

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?

13th of February - 7pm Service

Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!

Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.

What causes Elijah’s breakdown?

(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?

How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?

( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?

How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?

(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.

Firebreak | Andrew Street at 8.30am | 6th February 2022

6th February 2022 - 8.30am Service

Firebreak | Dave Mitchell | 6th February at 7pm

6th of February - 7pm Service

Firebreak | Dave Mitchell | 6th February at 11am

6th of February - 11am Service

Wholeness Course starts on 1 March

THE WHOLENESS COURSE IS A 6 WEEK COURSE LOOKING AT THE FOUNDATION OF FREEDOM AND IDENTITY, WHICH HELPS PEOPLE TO FIND GOD’S LOVE, HEALING AND FORGIVENESS.

Are you considering whether now is the time to deal with those recurring issues? Refocus your purpose, know your significance, be confident in who you are. Live free from irritation, annoyance, fear, anxiety. This life is available, and the Wholeness Course can help us to find it and start living it.

 I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

The Wholeness Course includes:

• Testimony from those who have found breakthrough

• Teaching rooted in the Bible and in our experience and inspired by the Spirit

• Pointers on how to tackle those things which seem to hinder us and hold us

• Prayer time with God, and with a prayer minister if you choose

The next course begins on Tuesday, 1st March 2022 and runs for 6 weeks on Tuesday evenings in the Main Hall at Woodlands.

Simply register online for the Wholeness Course. All are welcome.

Disciplines of Celebration | Dave Mitchel | 30th January at 11am

As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you

30th of January - 11am Service

The Spirit & Worship | Tim Dobson | 30th January at 7pm

As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.

30th of January - 7pm Service

Captive Series

This February, our Captive series will look at common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom with the help of God.

Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. Jesus approached those trapped in hopelessness with compassion and empathy.

Mental and emotional distress often prompts people to search for answers and for God. We want this series to enable openness and authenticity in our conversations about mental health in church. We know we can’t solve everything, but Jesus can bring hope and offer freedom.

Talks in this series will cover:

• 13th February: Had enough?

• 20th February: When Anxiety Attacks

• 27th February: Toxic

Additional well-being resources
Woodlands has a wealth of resources to support our church family to pursue well-being including:

• Whole Minds website: Online well-being resources including meditations and practical tips

• Wholeness Course: Free course starting on Tuesday, 1st March 2022

• Head_Space: Well-being groups run by Woodlands Metro

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. We hope to see you soon!

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TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

February Bible Memory Challenge

Are you up for a challenge?

Our thinking is shaped by what we feed our minds and imaginations. Why not take up the February Bible Verse Memory Challenge and, with others, memorise 28 verses from the Bible that will challenge your thinking and inspire you to live well.

The challenge starts on 1st February, with a new verse each day. Do join in and see how God's Word can change your life.

You can take part on social media using the link below:

• Facebook: Memorising God’s Word

• Instagram: @timjdobson

The Spirit & Witness | Dave Mitchell | 23rd January at 7pm

As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.

23rd of January - 7pm Service

Disciplines of Holiness | Rob Scott Cook | 23rd January at 11am

As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you

23rd of January - 11am Service

February EcoChallenge: Support Fairtrade

For our February EcoChallenge, Woodlands People & Planet are asking us to all get involved with Fairtrade Fortnight 2022. Learn more about Fairtrade and get involved from 21 February to 6 March 2022.

It’s only fair!

Fairtrade is how we should do trade all the time, but once a year, the world shines a spotlight on the importance of paying a fair price to people and communities in the far-flung places across the world, who mine our gold, grow our food and drinks, make our clothes and a myriad of other products.

As Jesus Followers we want to be a part of a just world, where all humans are equal, have access to work, fair pay, education, food, health and other resources – these are basic human rights after all. But we know that in reality, the most vulnerable communities in developing countries are exploited everyday and do not earn enough to take care of their families, access medical care and many of the things we take for granted here. 

Fairtrade seeks to redress the trading and power imbalance that the Global North through the mechanism of multinational corporations have over the Global South by distributing profits more equitably by paying a fair price for raw materials and goods. By practicing Fairtrade, we can help to transform the lives of millions of people simply buying Fairtrade products online and instore.  

The truth is we can all make a difference, just by tweaking our buying habits, because a little bit goes a long way if we all join in. A good place to start is by celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight which takes place from 21 February to 6 March 2022. The theme this year is Choose the World you Want. 

There are other ways to celebrate Fairtrade too, why not visit the Fairtrade UK website and read about their efforts to secure a living wage for cocoa farmers, the UK chocolate industry is worth £4 billion but too little of this makes its way to the farmers.

There are lots of way you can contribute to Fairtrade’s work - here are some ideas:

• Make a timely donation to Fairtrade

• Register for Fairtrade events

• Join your local Fairtrade community in Bristol

• Support local stores and cafes that stock Fairtrade products and are ethnical businesses.

• Encourage your family and friends to support Fairtrade

• Look for the Fairtrade logo on products in the supermarket

Fairtrade doesn’t have to stop here, once Fairtrade Fortnight is over, why not add at least one Fairtrade product to your regular shopping list? Bananas, tea and chocolate are easy ones!

To explore how to live a more sustainable life and support equity and human rights, join People + Planet, we meet to pray, share ideas and take action. We are activists for Jesus. 

 
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 Spirit & Anointing | Rob Scott Cook | 16th January at 7pm

As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.

16th of January - 7pm Service

Healing Disciplines | Rachel Riddall | 16th January at 11am

As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you

16th of January - 11am Service

Bible School with Phil Thomas and Claire Fenner-Crawley | 2 John

This Sunday is Woodlands Bible School during our 7pm service. We will be joined by Phil Thomas and Claire Fenner-Crawley as they take an in depth look at 2 John. All are welcome.

16th of January 2022

Listen to the session below:

The Spirit & Prayer | Tim & Ella | 9th January at 7pm

As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.

9th of January - 7pm Service

Celebration of Discipline: Devotions | Hazel Askew | 9th January at 11am

As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you

9th of January - 11am Service

Prayer Week: 9-16 January 2022

It’s Prayer Week from 9th - 16th January 2022 - let’s get praying and fasting!

You are invited to join the Woodlands Group of Churches for a dedicated week of prayer and fasting for our city, nation and the world. We have felt strongly impressed for us the words from Matthew 6 v 33:

'Seek first His Kingdom'.

As we start 2022 with the pandemic continuing to be a big part of all our lives, if feels wholly appropriate to gather together in one spirit to fast and and cry out to God for his kingdom to come here, as it is in heaven. It is a brilliant way to start the New Year, surrendering ourselves to God's goodness and power and his will for ourselves, our church and our world, which so desperately needs it. 

There are a few key ways you can get involved throughout Prayer Week and we’d love everyone to take part. 

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A Week of Prayer & Fasting

There are lots of ways to join in at home and in person. We’d love it if everyone in our church community got involved…

1. Book a slot in the 24/7 Prayer Room
   You can sign up to pray in hour long slots in our creative Prayer Room space in Woodlands Central. Bookings start on Sunday, 9th January at 7pm.
   

2. Logon to the Woodlands Group of Churches Prayer Evening on Zoom
   Join us on Monday, 10th January from 8pm - 9.00pm for an evening of prayer as we hear each of our congregational leaders share what’s on their hearts so we can pray for the year ahead. The Zoom code is 879 5882 3538 passcode 925374
   

3. Come to Morning Prayer Watch on Zoom from 7.30am - 8.15am
   Join us online from Monday to Thursday for daily sessions hosted and led by different members of our staff team and church community as we pray for ourselves, Church, our City and the World each morning. Zoom code is 790410830 (no password needed).
   

4. Join us for a Southside prayer walking event in Bedminster
   Come along on Tuesday, 11th January to Bedminster Methodist (British Road, Bedminster, BS3 3BW) at 8pm for a prayer walking event in the local area.
   

5. Watch our Daily Devotionals on Facebook Live at 9.05 
   Our daily devotions will inspire and challenge us to pray and fast. So be sure to tune in! You don’t have to be a Facebook member, as they appear on our public page.
   

6. Come along to an Evening of Worship & Prayer
   On Thursday, 13th January from 8pm - 9.30pm we’re having a special prayer and worship event in the Main Hall at Woodlands Central. (COVID restrictions dependant).
   

7. Come to Prayer Watch in person on Friday Morning
   We will be meeting in foyer to pray 7.30am - 8.30am (COVID restrictions dependant).
   

8. Fast during Prayer Week
   The Bible teaches the value of fasting in order to focus on prayer and seek God’s will. We would like for our church family to think about fasting and make a plan for this could fit into your routine during Prayer Week. It could be that you decide to fast a single meal, or fast for a day or even longer. To learn about fasting, watch this preach from Tim Dobson on Spiritual Disciplines: Fasting & Feasting.

9. Download our Families Prayer Guide for helpful ways to pray each day with your children.

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Praying for Our Churches

To help us pray for across the Woodlands Group of Churches during Prayer Week, we asked the leaders of each church to share their prayer requests so that we can pray specifically for each of their needs. We’ll be posting these on Facebook once a day from Monday through Saturday.

Please take some time this week to be praying for:

WOODLANDS 

HIGHGROVE 

METRO

COMMUNITY CHURCH

BRANCH

SOUTHSIDE

Dave Mitchel | 2nd January at 8.30am

2nd January 2022 - 8.30am Service