Good Call / Calling (AM Series)

Sept 3rd. Calling and guidance. What’s the difference? Calling is the big picture, guidance is the detail. How do we know the call on our life, and how do we find guidance in working out our call? Does everyone have a common call, and are there exceptional ‘callings’ and experiences that go with them? How does our individual call mesh with the call of the community we are part of? Jeremiah 1:4-10. Ephesians 1:3-11. Download discussion notes. 

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Sept 10th. Vocation, location, relation - Rob Scott Cook. What should I do, where should I live, who should I be in relationship with are the big three preoccupations for many people around guidance. What principles does scripture hold out for doing life well and making good choices? Does God have specific roles and partners for us or is the choice very open? 1 Corinthians 7. Download discussion notes. 

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Sept 17th. A ‘called people- Hospital, Bride and Army ’ What is the call of the Church? Are we to be an army, bringing God’s kingdom in? Are we to be a hospital, a place of healing? Or are we the bride of Christ, called as worshippers? Woodlands core team leaders will give a perspective on each of those facets of Church. Ephesians 4:16 5:33, 6:10-20. Download discussion notes.

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Like what you've seen? Find more talks and videos on the Woodlands Church sermons & talks page.

Willow Creak GLS Leadership conference 3rd & 4th Nov

The annual Global Leadership Summit is taking place at Woodlands on 3rd & 4th November and is an inspiring conference for those in leadership and wanting to grow in leadership - wherever that might be.

Whether you work in education, business, Church or infact any area that requires you to lead - it’s a grea opportunity to be inspired by literally world-class leaders and speakers.

You can see a list of speakers here: http://willowcreek.org.uk/events/gls/gls-speakers/

To book in visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-global-leadership-summit-2017-bristol-tickets-28527896707 - simply click on tickets and enter promotional /discount code of GLS17HCMR

The Autumn Mix city wide youth celebration 6th Oct

Join us and loads of other young Christians from across the city as we look ahead to Hope 2018 -  we will worship, share stories, play games, pray, have food and celebrate the good news of Jesus together. 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Woodlands Church.

Also save the date: the Christmas Mix celebration Fri 8th Dec 7.30pm - 9.30pm, Woodlands Church Bristol, BS8 2AA.

Mark's Gospel: The Apprentice, Joey Mitchell (7pm Podcast)

Mark's Gospel

September 24th Discipleship is arguably the main purpose of the Church, to grow disciples and make new ones (sounds a bit like ‘reproducing the life of Jesus’?). Yet most Churches would confess to a rather lukewarm discipleship in reality in the culture and practice of their Church. Our new preaching series on discipleship uses a less religious word ‘Apprentice’ to remind us that discipleship is not just a cerebral or intellectual thing. Rather it is immensely practical, no less than an imitation of Jesus Himself! Mark’s gospel will be our text, but I hope there will be plenty of homework. Mark 1 v14-20. Download discussion notes. 

Prophecy in a time of crisis: Prophetic covenant, David Mitchell (11am Podcast)

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’. Our world is a turbulent place. The prophet Jeremiah lived through a time of immense crisis in the nation of Judah. His prophetic messages both gave strong challenges but also guidance and comfort to the people of his day. What can we learn from him about being a prophetic people to our nation today? Over the month four prophetic pictures give us insight into God’s word being delivered through someone very human.

September 24th. Jeremiah’s calling is ‘to pluck up and break down, to build and to plant’ phrases that occur (1:10) throughout the book. The context for that prophetic activity however is enduring covenant. In Old Testament Scripture there are two forms of covenant; unconditional covenants initiated by God’s mercy, and covenants that are reciprocal between God and his people. Even if we break those kind of covenants, the enduring mercy of God is there for us. Though Judah was going to experience the ‘cause and effect’ consequence of their disobedience to God, and consequent exile, they were also objects of his unchanging grace and love and Jeremiah prophetically acts out this covenant relationship in this chapter.(v 40) Jerremiah 31 & 32. Download discussion notes. 

Prophecy in a time of crisis: Prophetic covenant, Dave Mitchell (am)

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’. Our world is a turbulent place. The prophet Jeremiah lived through a time of immense crisis in the nation of Judah. His prophetic messages both gave strong challenges but also guidance and comfort to the people of his day. What can we learn from him about being a prophetic people to our nation today? Over the month four prophetic pictures give us insight into God’s word being delivered through someone very human.

September 24th. Jeremiah’s calling is ‘to pluck up and break down, to build and to plant’ phrases that occur (1:10) throughout the book. The context for that prophetic activity however is enduring covenant. In Old Testament Scripture there are two forms of covenant; unconditional covenants initiated by God’s mercy, and covenants that are reciprocal between God and his people. Even if we break those kind of covenants, the enduring mercy of God is there for us. Though Judah was going to experience the ‘cause and effect’ consequence of their disobedience to God, and consequent exile, they were also objects of his unchanging grace and love and Jeremiah prophetically acts out this covenant relationship in this chapter.(v 40) Jerremiah 31 & 32. Download discussion notes. 

Mark's Gospel: The Apprentice, Joey Mitchell (7pm)

Mark's Gospel

September 24th Discipleship is arguably the main purpose of the Church, to grow disciples and make new ones (sounds a bit like ‘reproducing the life of Jesus’?). Yet most Churches would confess to a rather lukewarm discipleship in reality in the culture and practice of their Church. Our new preaching series on discipleship uses a less religious word ‘Apprentice’ to remind us that discipleship is not just a cerebral or intellectual thing. Rather it is immensely practical, no less than an imitation of Jesus Himself! Mark’s gospel will be our text, but I hope there will be plenty of homework. Mark 1 v14-20. Download discussion notes. 

Free TearFund Food Waste Feast Event / 12th Oct

On Thursday 12th October, 19:00-21:30, Woodlands Church will be hosting a Food Waste Feast. 

This Tearfund-led event will feature local and global stories centred around food waste – we will hear from a panel of speakers including Tom Herbert (celebrity baker), Clare McCarthy MP and Julian Mines (CEO of FareShare). We will share a great meal together (donated by FareShare using food that would otherwise go to waste) as we discuss and explore how we can renew our world by renewing the way we consume our food. 

Sign up today! (The event is free but booking is essential)

Prophecy in a time of crisis: Prophetic comfort

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’. Our world is a turbulent place. The prophet Jeremiah lived through a time of immense crisis in the nation of Judah. His prophetic messages both gave strong challenges but also guidance and comfort to the people of his day. What can we learn from him about being a prophetic people to our nation today? Over the month four prophetic pictures give us insight into God’s word being delivered through someone very human.

September 17th 2017. Prophecy in a time of crisis. Prophetic comfort. Jeremiah 29. Jeremiah ’ s calling is ‘ to pluck up and break down, to build and to plant ’ phrase that occur (1:10) throughout the book. His call is to confront as well as to comfort the people of Judah. Like Jesus Jeremiah was challenging to complacent people, and comforting to broken people. The later parts of Jeremiah are often about messages of hope and restoration. How important is it for the Church to bring hope to our world and nation today?

StudentBBQ Week VoxPops

Literally thousands of burgers were given away as part of our Student Welcome Week. Here's what some of the students had to say about that... #DontTalkWithYourMouthFull

Thanks so much to everyone who made it happen - massive team effort!

A Called People: Hospital, Bride And Army - Rachel, Clare & Nigel (7pm Podcast)

What should I do, where should I live, who should I be in relationship with are the big three preoccupations for many people around guidance. What principles does scripture hold out for doing life well and making good choices? Does God have specific roles and partners for us or is the choice very open?

September 17th A ‘called people- Hospital, Bride and Army ’ What is the call of the Church? Are we to be an army, bringing God’s kingdom in? Are we to be a hospital, a place of healing? Or are we the bride of Christ, called as worshippers? Woodlands core team leaders will give a perspective on each of those facets of Church. Ephesians 4:16 5:33, 6:10-20. Download discussion notes.

A called people: hospital, bride and army - Rachel, Clare & Nigel (7pm)

What should I do, where should I live, who should I be in relationship with are the big three preoccupations for many people around guidance. What principles does scripture hold out for doing life well and making good choices? Does God have specific roles and partners for us or is the choice very open?

September 17th A ‘called people- Hospital, Bride and Army ’ What is the call of the Church? Are we to be an army, bringing God’s kingdom in? Are we to be a hospital, a place of healing? Or are we the bride of Christ, called as worshippers? Woodlands core team leaders will give a perspective on each of those facets of Church. Ephesians 4:16 5:33, 6:10-20. Download discussion notes.
 

Calling all Christmas Choir & Orchestral musicians!

Christmas preparations do feel a long way off, but we start our recruitment for choir and orchestra early, as there are a number of practices and we always want to do the best job we can!

So we are looking for people to join the Christmas choir; the ability to read music, and experience of singing in a choir are very helpful, though not essential, but you do have to be able to sing in tune and hold a part.

For the orchestra: wind players need to be at least grade 7 standard and string players at least grade 6 and you will need to have experience of playing in an orchestra. There are only 2 rehearsals, but you get the music to practise beforehand.

Rehearsals will start 16th Oct for choir; we rehearse every week leading up to the candlelight services on 9th & 10th Dec.

Please contact Hazel at woodieschoir@gmail.com for more information. Registration is essential (by 27th Sept for the choir and 16th Oct for orchestra).

Vocation, location, relation - Rob Scott Cook (7pm podcast)

The new term is a good time to engage with our call as followers of Jesus. God’s call on our lives is a ‘good call’. If we can discover and live in the good plans he has for each one of us we will be happier and more fruitful people.

What should I do, where should I live, who should I be in relationship with are the big three preoccupations for many people around guidance. What principles does scripture hold out for doing life well and making good choices? Does God have specific roles and partners for us or is the choice very open? 1 Corinthians 7. Download discussion notes. 

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’ - Prophetic confrontation, Dave Mitchell (am)

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’. Our world is a turbulent place. The prophet Jeremiah lived through a time of immense crisis in the nation of Judah. His prophetic messages both gave strong challenges but also guidance and comfort to the people of his day. What can we learn from him about being a prophetic people to our nation today? Over the month four prophetic pictures give us insight into God’s word being delivered through someone very human.

September 10th. Prophetic confrontation. We challenge and confront people we love. Jeremiah’s love for his people reflects the love of God for his chosen ‘bride’ as He calls the Jewish nation. The confrontation is strong however! What gives us the authority to confront and how do we do it appropriately?  Download discussion notes.

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’ - Prophetic confrontation, Dave Mitchell (am)

‘How to be prophetic in a time of crisis’. Our world is a turbulent place. The prophet Jeremiah lived through a time of immense crisis in the nation of Judah. His prophetic messages both gave strong challenges but also guidance and comfort to the people of his day. What can we learn from him about being a prophetic people to our nation today? Over the month four prophetic pictures give us insight into God’s word being delivered through someone very human.

September 10th. Prophetic confrontation. We challenge and confront people we love. Jeremiah’s love for his people reflects the love of God for his chosen ‘bride’ as He calls the Jewish nation. The confrontation is strong however! What gives us the authority to confront and how do we do it appropriately? Download discussion notes.

Vocation, location, relation - Rob Scott Cook (7pm)

The new term is a good time to engage with our call as followers of Jesus. God’s call on our lives is a ‘good call’. If we can discover and live in the good plans he has for each one of us we will be happier and more fruitful people.

What should I do, where should I live, who should I be in relationship with are the big three preoccupations for many people around guidance. What principles does scripture hold out for doing life well and making good choices? Does God have specific roles and partners for us or is the choice very open? 1 Corinthians 7. Download discussion notes. 

PrayerWeek: Guide to the 'hour of prayer'

"If we want to leave an indelible mark on the world there is no more powerful way to do it than by joining in God's purposes through prayer. Our prayers can go where we cannot. While many things may seem impossible from a human standpoint in the realm of prayer there are no impossibilities." -  Brother Andrew.
 

One of our hopes is that everyone will find one hour this prayer week to pray. I get goose bumps thinking about all those prayers! 

Praying for an hour can seem a daunting task, so here are some things that may help.

• Print off the 'hour of prayer' guide. 
   
• Plan when and where you're going to do it. I love to walk and pray, the rhythm of one foot in front of the other really helps me. Others like to sit in a favourite chair, some get up early,  others like to pray in the middle of the night, others during their lunch hour. What place and space will work best for you? Book the slot into your diary.
   
• Before you get going take a moment to prepare yourself. You could listen to some worship, or read some verses from the Bible that inspire you. Turn your phone off so you won't be interrupted, ask the Holy Spirit to settle your heart and mind and help you to pray.
   
• If distractions come don't worry about them, pray for them. The hour of prayer guide is just that. It's there to support prayer not limit it, so if other things come to mind that  need your prayer then that's fine.
   
• Make a note of anything that you sense the Holy Spirit showing you. Expect him to speak as you draw near to Jesus. Feedback to Woodies leaders anything that you sense God saying to us a  church, we would love to hear from you. 
   

Let's make space for prayer this week, lets dream big, pray big and trust God for the results.
 
- Rachel Riddal
 

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• Sign up to the Woodlands Church, 24-7 Prayer Room here. This is an exclusive booking for yourself or you and your group.
• Sign up to the Woodlands Church, 24-7 drop in Prayer Room here. Got some spare time? Come in and pray. (Registering will provide you with the door code.)
• For more info visit our Woodlands Church prayer page here.

Sept PrayerWeek is coming!

Prayer can feel a bit of a mystery at times!

And yet Jesus prayed and he also taught his disciples to pray. Matthew 6;6 says, "When you pray..." Jesus assumes we'll be praying too.

Prayer is a brilliant gift from God to us. Maybe one that we haven't fully appreciated.  At any point in our day we can reach out to God in prayer and know that he hears us and longs to answer us.

I love this Pete Greig quote from Dirty Glory:
" I don't pray because I'm into prayer. I pray because I'm into Jesus, so we talk. I don't believe in the power of prayer. I believe in the power of Jesus, so I ask for his help. A lot!"

So, why have a week of Prayer? We need Jesus help. A lot! We need his help in our lives, our church, our city and our world. At the beginning of a busy term it's so great to pray and say to God 'we need you'. In fact that is a good prayer to pray in any and every situation. This is what we're doing this week, were saying to God, 'we need you, we're open to you, we will do whatever it takes to follow you.'

The prayers said this week will change situations and usher in God's kingdom in new ways. But praying will also change us as we spend time with Jesus.

Have a great prayer week, dream big and pray big!

1. Sign up for 24/7 Prayer Room via the website, we have 168 hours to fill!
2. Find an hour to pray through the '1 hour of prayer guide' next week which you will be emailed.
3. Come along to morning PrayerWatch Fri 16th Sept, 7.15-8.15am in the Foyer.

Love Rachel.

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• Sign up to the Woodlands Church, 24-7 Prayer Room here. This is an exclusive booking for yourself or you and your group.
• Sign up to the Woodlands Church, 24-7 drop in Prayer Room here. Got some spare time? Come in and pray. (Registering will provide you with the door code.)
• For more info visit our Woodlands Church prayer page here.

Calling & Guidance, Dave Mitchell (7pm podcast)

September 3rd. Calling and guidance. What’s the difference? Calling is the big picture, guidance is the detail. How do we know the call on our life, and how do we find guidance in working out our call? Does everyone have a common call, and are there exceptional ‘callings’ and experiences that go with them? How does our individual call mesh with the call of the community we are part of? Jeremiah 1:4-10. Ephesians 1:3-11. Download discussion notes.