April EcoChallenge: Car Fasting

For our April EcoChallenge, Woodlands People & Planet are challenging you to take a ‘car fast’

We’re not talking about fast cars…! But rather, the challenge to take a break from using your car for a period of time or a particular journey.

This can have a positive impact on our environment, health and social cohesion as well as supporting public transport systems.

We have all probably seen the negative impact of the increasing number of cars on our roads; increased fuel costs; traffic jams; and limited parking. But for lots of us, driving is a part of our way of life, giving us spontaneous travel, a sense of security, and convenience.

But did you know… if 4 out of 5 of short journeys were made on foot, by public transport or bike, we could each save up to £279 a year. Not to mention, helping benefit our environment and our health as well as our wallets. (11% of short car journeys are under one mile, 29% are from one to under two miles).

Why we could all at least try car fasting?

• Transportation typically is the second largest contributor to each persons carbon footprint (responsible for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK).

• Moving away from cars can promote better social networks, improve mental and physical wellbeing and try out alternative modes of travel.

• Like all fasting, car fasting allows us to try alternatives, reflect on our dependencies and feel first hand the benefits of new habits that are better for our health, our neighbourhoods and our wallet. 

Cities across the UK are experimenting with clean air zones in cities. Bristol has its own clean air zone plans, and a number of solutions to support a transition to more sustainable modes of transport as published by Bristol City Council. 

As a former Green Capital city the people of Bristol hold an opportunity to lead by example. The small steps already being taken towards sustainable transport and away from cars all add up when we come together, no matter how small or insignificant our individual actions may feel. For more ideas on how you can improve the way you travel visit and alternative options visit: https://www.bristolclimatehub.org/climate_actions/live-car-free/

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 Road to Easter Series

On Sundays throughout April, we will be considering a series called ‘The Road to Easter’.

For Jesus, the journey towards Easter was that of a lifetime living with the vocation of being God’s chosen redeemer. This carried with it the implications of the Cross and suffering. Jesus joined with the Galilean Passover pilgrims as well as his own disciples to make the journey from the north, through Samaria, to Jerusalem and the final confrontation with the Powers.

On his way Jesus teaches, acts, and responds to questions that prepare us - as well as his disciples - for the meaning behind the journey.

Messages in this series will cover:

• 27th March: Journey (AM)

• 3rd April: Jericho (AM)

• Palm Sunday: Jerusalem (AM) | Cross (PM)

• Easter Sunday: Kingdom (AM) | Coronation (PM)

• 24th April: Commission (AM) | Comfort (PM)

---

MESSAGES FROM THIS SERIES

Working for the Man | Luke Addison | 20th March at 7pm

On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.

March 22nd

Matthew 20: 1-16. Ephesians 6:5-9 Summary.

Useful and creative work predated the fall in the book of Genesis. Mankind was given the earth to steward. ‘Painful toil’ is a symptom of fallenness and a breaking of God’s original design for fruitfulness. Work is celebrated is scripture however both as a creative act, and a place for provision for human flourishing. In the New Testament the relationship of work, authority and the relationship between master and servant are important issues.

The ’protestant work ethic’ may be derived from Paul’s strong words about work (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ‘If a man will not work he shall not eat’ for example).

Questions for discussion

As Christians how do we bring our work into our discipleship? Do we celebrate the influence and fulfilment work brings? Do Churches over celebrate ‘Christian ministry vocations’ at the expense of the market work place?

When is work vocation or toil?

What work culture should we aspire to? What should make us as Christians distinctive in the workplace?

1. How do we relate to bosses, peers and those we employ or manage?

2. How much is work for our sake and fulfilment, how much simply to provide for

   ourselves and others? Why are some people ‘workaholics’?

3. What does good work life balance look like for Christians? What are the tensions

   between the demands of work and the demands of Church?

Belonging & Baptism | Dave Mitchell | 20th of March at 11am

As followers of Jesus we are called to be part of His Church, and to identify with it. Sometimes we are embarrassed about the association with a Church that is flawed, but we are part of a historic, universal and catholic Church that Jesus loves and is head of.

DISCUSSION NOTES

March 20th Belonging & Baptism.

Matthew 28:19 Ephesians 4:5 Romans 6:4 Mathew 3:13-17 

Following Jesus includes a radical commitment to his Church- so much so that the picture of Church is of a body where if one part suffers we all suffer. 

Baptism is a sign of identification-not just with Christ, but with ‘the body of Christ.’ There is an exclusivity about that commitment which has led to Christians being persecuted for taking that step. Yet Baptism kicks starts or expresses a whole life of obedience to Jesus- no sitting on the fence- and is normative for Christian initiation. 

Questions for discussion. 

1. What does baptism symbolise in the bible? 

2. Why is it helpful to go through such a public and physical act? 

3. What is the link between baptism and discipleship? 

4. Why would someone not get baptised in the light of Jesus teaching?

Parenting for Faith

Our insightful, 5-week ‘Parenting for Faith’ Course offers an opportunity to learn key strategies and develop essential parenting tools to parent your children for a life of faith.

This course is designed to help you learn, develop and discuss key tools that will equip you as a parent/carer as you disciple your children for a life of faith: Encouraging and nurturing a vibrant two-way connection with God. Be encouraged, equipped and empowered in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.

• NEXT COURSE: 27th April 2022 | 8pm - 9pm | Online

• COST: This is a FREE course and includes a course handbook.

• WANT MORE INFO? Take a look at the Parenting for Faith website.

Got a question? Contact us here.
Want to join us? Book on the link here below.

Bible School with Jasper Knecht | Jesus in the Gospel of John

This Sunday is Woodlands Bible School during our 7pm service. We are joined by Jasper Knecht. All are welcome.

20th of March 2022

Listen to the session below:

Global Church | Tim Dobson | 13th of March at 11am

As followers of Jesus we are called to be part of His Church, and to identify with it. Sometimes we are embarrassed about the association with a Church that is flawed, but we are part of a historic, universal and catholic Church that Jesus loves and is head of.

DISCUSSION NOTES

March 13th Global Church.

Revelation 7:9 Mark 13:10 2 Cor 8:1-15

The New Testament Church moved from being a Jewish sect to a worldwide multi-cultural movement. Historically Christianity got bogged down in ‘Christendom’ in Western Europe but today’s Church is growing in Asia, Africa and South America.. what does it mean for us to be global Church?

Questions for discussion.

1. Global Church and inclusion.

In Acts 15 the early Church made statements and policies that allowed radical inclusion of non-Jews into the Church. What is the difference between ‘welcome’ and ‘inclusion’? What challenges face us in including people into Church in Bristol from different racial and cultural backgrounds? Why is there still segregation in practice in our city?

2. Global Church and equality.

In 2 Corinthians 8 we read of a Church in Macedonia supporting the Church in Jerusalem and Paul writes (v 13) ‘Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality’, How should our relationship with the global Church affect our finances? How does Woodlands handle this issue?

3. Global Church and diversity.

Revelation 7 speaks of a church made up of people of every tribe tongue and nation. What are the riches of being in a multicultural Church? What can we learn from the Church in the two thirds world? Why is the non western Church growing?

Sex & Relationships Part 2 | Nigel Savage | 13th of March at 7pm

On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.

March 13th. Sex & Relationships .

Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.

Summary

As Christians, we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting out an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing. We also recognize this is as profoundly counter-cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.

Part 2. Further Questions on sexuality

1. Contemporary society has lots of questions about sex and gender. How much of human sexuality is to do with ‘biological hard wiring’ and how much ‘societal constructs? Is there an ‘original design’ that we have fallen away from, or an evolving understanding of human possibility in a post-industrial age?

2. How do we honor one another in our sexual differences? How do we balance ‘freedom’ and ‘not causing someone else to stumble? What do we understand by treating one another as brothers and sisters in Church?

3. What does sexual purity look like in C21 society? What answer would we give to the psalmist who says ‘how can a young person keep their way pure’?

4. Sex was a big part of pagan worship in the society around the people of God in Bible times. What is the relationship between sex and worship? Is there a sex god today, (not Tom Jones) – a fallen spiritual power around sexuality?

Naturally Supernatural with Mike Pilavachi

How do we live lives that are naturally supernatural?

You won't want to miss Mike Pilavachi coming to speak to us about being Naturally Supernatural on Saturday evening, 23rd April 2022.

Join others from across the Woodlands Church Family (Branch, Community Church, Highgrove, Metro, Southside and Woodlands Central) to hear Mike Pilavachi, worship together and be open to the Holy Spirit's action in our lives.

This special event is a great chance to celebrate our unity across the Woodlands Group of Churches.

Persecuted Church | Rob Scott Cook | 6th March at 11am

During this service we experienced a power outage, luckily Rob spoke on the same subject at our 8am Service. Listen to the recording bellow.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Acts 8:1-8, Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12.

The New Testament is written to a persecuted Church - today however the numbers of Christians persecuted is greater than any other time in history.

1. Persecution and Church Growth - Acts 8v1 & v4   
What is the link between Church growth and persecution in this passage? Is there a principle that links Church growth and persecution? What contemporary examples are we aware of?

2. Persecution and prayer - Matthew 5v10-12 & v44  
How much is prayer for persecuted believers part of our vocation as Christians? How can you find out about how to pray for the persecuted Church today? If you were persecuted what would you want prayer for from others, and how would you pray yourself? What is the link in your own life between ‘trouble’ and ‘prayer’?

3. Persecution and Godliness - 2Timothy 3 v12
Do you know any Christians who have experienced persecution for their faith? Often contemporary stories are very inspiring. What does Paul mean by this verse? Have you ever been persecuted? What does persecution look like if it exists in Britain today?

Action:
Check out Open Doors resources online and their monthly prayer guides. Consider praying regularly for the persecuted Church. Which global partners linked with Woodlands work in areas where Christians are persecuted? Can you write to them and find out their prayer needs?

Living in Babylon: Sex & Relationships - Part 1 | Nigel Savage | 6th March 2022 at 7pm

On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.

6th of March

Sex & Relationships .
Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.

Summary

As Christians we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting our an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing.

We also recognise this is as profoundly counter cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.

Questions for discussion

1. What words or phrases would you use to describe our western culture and society’s view of the place of sex? (e.g. ‘ People should have freedom of choice, provided no one gets hurt’, ‘We live in a sexually liberated world’ ‘There is a lot of pain and exploitation around sex’)

2. Do you think sexual expression needs boundaries? If so what should they be?

3. Christianity has celebrated marriage as a life-long partnership between two people

   where sex is exclusively reserved for that relationship. Where does this understanding derive from in the Bible? What issues does this understanding raise for Christians living in contemporary society?

4. The central founder of Christianity (Jesus) and its chief theologian and church shaper (Paul) were both single men. How does today’s Church celebrate singleness? Are single people disadvantaged in Church life? What does it mean to be single and sexual?

1. How do you relate to the ‘high bar’ of teaching on marriage Jesus gives in Matthew

   19? What does Jesus mean by ‘those who can accept this teaching should accept it’?

2. Do you think the traditional Christian view of marriage is good news or bad news?

   Why?

Living in Babylon Series

On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.

The exiled Jewish people in Babylon had to work out what it meant to hold on to their values and practices while living in a pagan culture. For Christians today we live in a post Christendom world. How do we understand and live out our values in an environment that may hold very different beliefs and practices, while seeking the good of everyone? We will look at sex, relationships, work and culture in this series.

Talks in this series will cover:

• 6th March: Sex & Relationships (Part 1)

• 13th March: Sex & Relationships (Part 2)

• 20th March: Working for the Man

---

TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

Toxic ! | Dave Mitchell & Ash Chambers | 27th of 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?

27th of February - 11am Service

Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2

It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.

Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc

The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,

competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?

The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary

Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.

Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to

ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?

Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK

Toxic ! | Dave Mitchell & Ash Chambers | 27th of 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?

27th of February - 11am Service

Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2

It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.

Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc

The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,

competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?

The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary

Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.

Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to

ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?

Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK

Identifying with God's People Series

This March in our morning services, our series Identifying with God’s People we begin a short series on the Church.

St Paul’s favourite image of the Church is a ‘body’. We are a world wide ‘body’ , not just a local expression of it. We will be thinking about what it means to be ‘one’ with the persecuted Church, with the Global Church and the place of baptism in initiation into the Church.

Talks in this series will cover:

• 6th March: Persecuted Church

• 13th March: Global Church

• 20th March: Belonging & Baptism

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!

---

TALKS FROM THIS SERIES

March EcoChallenge: Reduce Food Waste

For our March EcoChallenge, Woodlands People & Planet have come up with some helpful ways we can all reduce our food waste.

According to WRAP, about 70% of the food produced in Britain goes on to be wasted. This is a tragedy when in our city, let alone on the rest of our planet, a lot of people don’t have enough to eat. It’s also a problem as producing food often has a big environmental impact. As another incentive, WRAP also estimate that the average UK family could save up to £700 a year by reducing food waste.

So how can we reduce the amount of food we waste?

SHOP SMARTER
One way is shopping smarter. Plan meals ahead so you know what you want to cook for the week and only have to buy what you need. Be careful with special offers and buy-one-get-one free deals, they can be bargains but they can also trick you into buying things you don’t want. And keep an eye on use by dates before you buy things. Lots of vegetables don’t even make it to the shops because they are somewhat unusually shaped, a lot of greengrocers and supermarkets will now sell fruit and veg which is ‘wonky’ at a discount, these taste the same and are good value so look out for these.

STORE FOOD BETTER
Another way is to store food cleverly. Personally, I have found the most important thing to do is to try and keep some semblance of order in the fridge, rotating food so I use the oldest products first and also know if there are some things which need using soon. Often we can save most of an old vegetable by cutting the bad bit off, or celery or lettuce leaves can be reinvigorated by giving a soak in cold water. And if there is something which looks like it is going out of date before you can get to use it you can always pop it in the freezer.

GET CREATIVE
Finally, having some fruit or veg you know you need to use is a good excuse to try and get creative in the kitchen. When life gives you brown bananas make banana bread! For more tips check out this excellent BBC good food article here.

 
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

Camping Weekend for 11am

The 11am congregation is excited to go camping together this spring! We’re heading to Far Peak Campsite in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, near Northleach, Gloucestershire from Friday, 13th May to Sunday, 15th May and would love you to join us!

It will be an opportunity to build a sense of family and community together as a congregation. It is an hour away from Bristol and we will have plenty of time to chill out, go on a walk in the beautiful area, play games and have a shared BBQ on the Saturday night amongst other activities! 

To take part – simply visit www.farpeakcamping.co.uk and check out the onsite facilities. 

Book your pitch online. Simply add the group name ‘Woodlands Church Group’ into the comments box (which is just after where you enter your name and address).

If you have any questions or queries, email hazel.askew@woodlandschurch.net.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Bible School with Tim Dobson | Understanding the Bible theme of Kingdom

This Sunday is Woodlands Bible School during our 7pm service. We are joined by Tim Dobson. All are welcome.

20th of February 2022

Listen to the session below:

When anxiety attacks | Rachel Riddle | 20th of 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?

20th of February - 7pm Service

When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9

Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.

1. In every situation.

(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?

2. Think about such things:

What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?

3. Transcendent peace:

Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?

When anxiety attacks| Clare Thompson | 20th of 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?

20th of February - 7pm Service

When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9

Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.

1. In every situation.

(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?

2. Think about such things:

What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?

3. Transcendent peace:

Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?