Jesus Talk

What can we learn from the stories Jesus told?

This November, we’re doing a short series called Jesus Talk.

Walking with Jesus meant he was always telling stories, illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of God from experiences on the road. If we are walking with Jesus today, his stories speak life giving wisdom that can help us on our own journeys too.

We'll be examining three different parables, looking at Jesus’ stories on the road as he was teaching on his way from Galilee to Jerusalem.

Our preaching topics during this series are:

•  Good Neighbour - 15 Nov

•  Persistent Prayer - 22 Nov

•  True Riches - 29 Nov 

You can go deeper with the topics at home by using our simple study notes - coming soon!

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TALKS FROM OUR JESUS TALK SERIES

Woodies Kids | Old Testament Characters Week 9 - Elisha

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we focus on…

Elisha

You can find the story in

Elisha had trust and faith in God to pass on God's words to Naaman, and to believe that God would heal Naaman as God had promised. Elisha showed great trust and obedience in God. He was also brave as Naaman was an important man politically – any mistake could have been disastrous.

Elisha was Elijah’s apprentice. He also heard from God. He was a prophet. Remember, back before God sent Jesus, not everyone could hear directly from God. But we can! Anyway, Elisha also helped others encounter God. This time, he wasn’t even directly involved with the man! But, in this story there are 3 people who help Naaman meet with God. Listen to the story and tell me if you can work out who they are!

Time to Think

Naaman spent a lot of time deciding whether he should stay on the bank or jump into the river seven times to be cleansed. In the end Naaman obeyed Elisha's instructions and was healed.

In the story today, there were many people who helped Naaman by pointing him to God or people who could hear from God.

· Who told Naaman about Elisha? (His little servant girl)

· What might have happened to Naaman if she hadn't told him about Elisha? (He might have died)

· Did Naaman want to wash in the Jordan? (No, he wanted to do something grander, not wash in a dirty river!)

· Did God heal him? (Yes because Naaman did what God told him to)

Response

Explain that both the servant girl and Elisha Totally Trusted God. They knew God had good things to give to people. We can totally trust God to help and bless us. We can ask God to give good things to other people too.

Ask them to sit quietly and ask God to show them someone or something He would like them to pray for, before sitting down and doodling their prayer to God.

Have some sheets of paper, and colouring pens.

Suggest that as a way of praying the children doodle the name of someone they would like to pray for, or a situation e.g. school, on the piece of paper. The children can then decorate the paper in whatever way they wish – but in silence. They can pray and listen to the music as they doodle. A way of staying in God's presence and bringing a situation to God.

We can trust God to help us. Ask the children to think of one thing that God could help them with and then pray with them asking for God's help and His blessing.

United We Stand: Equipping the Saints | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 8 November 2020

8 November 2020 - 7pm Service

United We Stand: Equipping the Saints

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Equipping the Saints’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Ephesians 4:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 14

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we are one part of a body to use Paul’s image how do we discover our part, our gift and calling?

2. How would you identify five-fold ministry in Woodlands Church? How much do you feel people who carry a strong gift and calling in one area are able to equip someone like you?

3. Woodlands has a mantra ‘everyone a minister’. Do you think this is a real and possible practice, or just a slogan? How would you define your ministry?

4. How do you feel you need to be ‘equipped’? What methods would suit your personality? If this isn’t happening how could you feedback that to those charged with the task of ‘equipping the saints’?

5. Is there someone you are seeking to ‘equip for ministry’ right now? Who and how?
   

United We Stand: Equipping the Saints | Tim Dobson at 11am | 8 November 2020

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8 November 2020 - 11am Service

United We Stand: Equipping the Saints

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Equippin the Saints’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Amy Viner will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Ephesians 4:1-13 and 1 Corinthians 14

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we are one part of a body to use Paul’s image how do we discover our part, our gift and calling?

2. How would you identify five-fold ministry in Woodlands Church? How much do you feel people who carry a strong gift and calling in one area are able to equip someone like you?

3. Woodlands has a mantra ‘everyone a minister’. Do you think this is a real and possible practice, or just a slogan? How would you define your ministry?

4. How do you feel you need to be ‘equipped’? What methods would suit your personality? If this isn’t happening how could you feedback that to those charged with the task of ‘equipping the saints’?

5. Is there someone you are seeking to ‘equip for ministry’ right now? Who and how?

Woodies Kids | Old Testament Characters Week 8 - Elijah

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we focus on…

Elijah

You can find the story in

Elijah knew what it was to hear the word of God and to be compelled to speak it out – even when it meant his life might be at risk.  He wasn't perfect – he got scared too (see 1 Kings 19) but his default behaviour was always to cry out to the Lord Almighty – the One who always has the answers.

Time to Think

Remind the children that Elijah was a prophet.  Tell them that that means he was someone who was tuned into God's voice and could hear Him clearly.  Encourage them that God wants to speak to all of us – we just need to listen carefully.

Explain that sometimes we might hear a voice in our heads, or get a picture in our minds, or be reminded of something from the Bible, or just know something that we can't explain, or have a feeling or emotion.  All of these can be ways of God speaking to us.

Response/prayer time

Get the children to lie down and get comfy.  Play some soft music you have chosen and ask them to listen carefully and ask God to speak.

Afterwards, try to keep the atmosphere calm and quiet and give the children some time to write down or draw anything that they heard or saw. 

If there are any children that say they didn't hear or see anything.  Encourage them that sometimes God just wants us to enjoy being in His presence and that He doesn't need to say anything particular.

Explain that God always listens to us when we pray, and that one way of praying can be to write things down.  Give them some time to write a letter to God.  It might be to thank Him for something or to ask Him for something.  If the children struggle with writing, they could draw the things they want to say.

Tiny Treasures (under 5’s) did a different part of Elijah’s story about how God provided for him….watch it here along with a recipe to make.

Lockdown News: We're Going Back Online

With the recent Government announcement that we are going back into a nationwide lockdown from Thursday, 5 November until 2 December 2020, all church gatherings due to be held in person will be online only. All face-to-face services and events will be delivered online instead throughout lockdown.

Just when things had started to feel a bit normal again, we’re going back to virtual gatherings so we can do our part to help keep everyone safe. We are allowed to have a small number of team use the building to live-stream our services, socially distanced - so you can expect the feel of our Sunday worship to stay the same.

This means that the following services, courses and events will be live-streamed:

• All Sundays services

• Alpha course (in progress)

• Wholeness course (Starting 3 November)

• Mid week church leaders meeting (9 November at 8pm)

• Devo youth (Friday evenings)

• Monthly family service (22 November)

• All mid-week groups
  

PASTORAL CARE & SUPPORT
We do hope and pray for all of our church family to stay safe in these unprecedented times. Find out how you can connect online with us.

We expect many people will feel fearful and anxious. If you are feeling this way, why not sign up to our Wholeness Course which will be running online starting on 3 November? It helps participants to live in the freedom only God can provide.

The lockdown rules do allow two people to see each other outside for pastoral care support, so if you are struggling, do get in touch with your mid-week group leader or email our Pastoral Care team. If you aren’t in a group, but would like to join one, simply contact Tim Dobson and he’ll link you into a group that meets virtually.

If you or someone you know from church is experiencing financial hardship, do get in touch with us or speak to your mid-week group leader about our Needy Saints fund.

United We Stand: Put It On | Amy Viner at 7pm | 1 November 2020

1 November 2020 - 7pm Service

United We Stand: A House Divided

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Amy Viner on ‘Put It On’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Clare Thompson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Ephesians 4:24-26 and Colossians 3:10-15

Unity begins at home! It’s also not a passive thing, it is an active way of life that needs to be embraced and pursued, particularly in our closest relationships. New testament teaching often lands on household relationships. It encourages pro-active Christian living (so pro-active it might feel we are just ‘putting it on’). 

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. These bible passages emphasis the power of speech in guarding unity or creating disunity. What part does speech and other communication (like social media) have in guarding or hurting unity?

2. What are the tensions between being ‘real’ and living with integrity, and the choices to speak well of others, even when you have felt hurt by them or critical of them?

3. What particular discipleship challenges are there for you in your household or family?

4. How do you define the kind of ‘love’ that you ‘put on’?

5. Greg Boyd said ‘It’s more important to treat people right than be right’ What does he mean? Do you agree?

United We Stand: Put It On | Clare Thompson at 11am | 1 November 2020

1 November 2020 - 11am Service

United We Stand: Put It On

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Put It On’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Amy Viner will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Ephesians 4:24-26 and Colossians 3:10-15

Unity begins at home! It’s also not a passive thing, it is an active way of life that needs to be embraced and pursued, particularly in our closest relationships. New testament teaching often lands on household relationships. It encourages pro-active Christian living (so pro-active it might feel we are just ‘putting it on’). 

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. These bible passages emphasis the power of speech in guarding unity or creating disunity. What part does speech and other communication (like social media) have in guarding or hurting unity?

2. What are the tensions between being ‘real’ and living with integrity, and the choices to speak well of others, even when you have felt hurt by them or critical of them?

3. What particular discipleship challenges are there for you in your household or family?

4. How do you define the kind of ‘love’ that you ‘put on’?

5. Greg Boyd said ‘It’s more important to treat people right than be right’ What does he mean? Do you agree?

Woodies Kids | Old Testament Characters Week 7 - Jonah

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we focus on…

Jonah

You can find the story in

Time to Think

· Why did Jonah not go to Nineveh when God asked him too?

(Jonah wanted to see the Ninevites punished as they were Israel's enemies)

Why did God send Jonah to Nineveh?

(The Ninevites were doing wicked things and God needed that to change – He is a just (fair) God. However, God's love and compassion is so great He wanted the Ninevites to have chance to change their ways so they could be forgiven).

What did Jonah learn from his experience of going to Nineveh (including being inside the fish)?

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Service of Lament

Watch our Service of Lament online as we looked at how we can walk with God through disappointment, loss and suffering.

As we invite God to bring healing and hope to our troubled world, we take the opportunity to spend time in reflection and prayer bringing our experiences to God. It is a time to remember loved ones, to grieve, and to be comforted. A time to lament. 

"Nothing can separate us from the love of God."  - Romans 8

We hope this service brings you hope and healing. You can use this ‘Restored, Refreshed’ reflective meditation in your own time - thanks to Jane Reeves for putting it together.

United We Stand: A House Divided | Nigel Savage at 11am | 25 October 2020

25 October 2020 - 11am Service

United We Stand: A House Divided

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Nigel Savage on ‘A House Divided’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Jon Wilcox will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Luke 11:17

Jesus taught that division weakens and destroys a ‘household’ or organisation, and that it will lose power through division. Has todays Church lost power through its divisions? Historically the Church has divided over apparently trivial things, and theological niceties (e.g. Do we baptise in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit, or in the name of Jesus?). Churches divide most over passionately held beliefs- which is a challenge to zealous Christians!

STUDY QUESTIONS

How can Church celebrate diversity and mutual respect of others, especially when people believe passionately on a particular issue?

1. What things do Churches divide on? Which of these are vulnerabilities for us? (Check out 3 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Cor 11:22, James 2, Galatians 2:11, Acts 6:1)

2. Why do you think it is said ‘the biggest enemy of revival is the revival that preceded it’? How open are we to the new and fresh?

3. What are the particular problems that Churches face as they grow large around divisions?

4. What does Luke 9:48/Luke 22:24 tell us about division and how to avoid it?

5. How much was the power of the early Church in Acts 4 onwards linked to their unity?

United We Stand: A House Divided | Jon Wilcox at 7pm | 25 October 2020

25 October 2020 - 7pm Service

United We Stand: A House Divided

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Jon Wilcox on ‘A House Divided’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Nigel Savage speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Luke 11:17

Jesus taught that division weakens and destroys a ‘household’ or organisation, and that it will lose power through division. Has todays Church lost power through its divisions? Historically the Church has divided over apparently trivial things, and theological niceties (e.g. Do we baptise in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit, or in the name of Jesus?). Churches divide most over passionately held beliefs- which is a challenge to zealous Christians!

STUDY QUESTIONS

How can Church celebrate diversity and mutual respect of others, especially when people believe passionately on a particular issue?

1. What things do Churches divide on? Which of these are vulnerabilities for us? (Check out 3 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 3, 1 Cor 11:22, James 2, Galatians 2:11, Acts 6:1)

2. Why do you think it is said ‘the biggest enemy of revival is the revival that preceded it’? How open are we to the new and fresh?

3. What are the particular problems that Churches face as they grow large around divisions?

4. What does Luke 9:48/Luke 22:24 tell us about division and how to avoid it?

5. How much was the power of the early Church in Acts 4 onwards linked to their unity?

Woodies Kids | Old Testament Characters Week 6 - Daniel

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we focus on…

Daniel

You can find the story in

Daniel was a humble, hardworking, Godly man from Israel that was captured when Jerusalem was defeated by the Babylonians. God knew that Daniel had a very strong faith and belief in Him; God also knew that Daniel would give all of the glory to Him for whatever happened in his life.

Time to Think

· Who did Daniel love more than anyone?

· How did that get him into trouble on two occasions?

· How did Daniel respond to being in trouble?

· What did God do in each situation?

· Have you ever done something different because you knew it was what God wanted you to do?  What happened?  (Your own stories might be encouraging for the children to hear here.)

· Why was Daniel not hurt?

· Do you think believing in God made Daniel any less scared?

· Do you think God will look after us and protect us if we have to make scary choices for Him?

· What sort of choices might we have to make?

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Response

Ask the children to suggest why Daniel was able to be different.  Explain that Daniel's heart totally belonged to God.  Ask them to suggest what kind of things might be found in Daniel's heart – for instance, love for God, loyalty, courage.

Ask the children to think about their own hearts.  Get them to write down things (qualities) that they would like to have in their hearts.

Ask the children to think about whether they would like to be different for God like Daniel was.  Ask them to think about where and how they need to be different.  If you could give them some examples for your own life, so much the better – for example: ‘I want to be different in the way that I talk to my friends – I don't want to join in with their gossiping any more'.

Lorraine's Story

Lorraine tells her story of following Jesus.

Spirit Filled with Dave Mitchell is online

Did you miss our Spirit Filled refreshing evening at Woodlands? Don’t worry! You can watch it online.

It's always good to be reminded of our Holy Spirit 'DNA'. Dave Mitchell shared inspirational teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and ministries. We looked at Who is Holy Spirit is?  How do we get filled?  Who gets to minister in power? 

This is an opportunity to listen to Dave teach and to experience the filling and refreshing of the Holy Spirit again.  Many of us are increasingly aware of our need of the Spirit's power for life and witness in these times, and we want to invite all who are part of the Woodies family to be refreshed.

The service starts with some prayer and worship followed by some teaching and ministry time. Enjoy!

United We Stand: Welcome and Inclusion | Matt Dobson at 7pm | 18 October 2020

18 October 2020 - 7pm Service

United We Stand: Welcome and Inculsion

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Matt Dobson on ‘Welcome and Inclusion’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Rachel Riddall speak on the same topic. Go heck it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Acts 15

Much of the New Testament wrestles with issues around inclusion- of the Gentiles becoming part of the (Jewish heritage) people of God. 

Acts 15 is a key chapter exploring how the early Church managed to incorporate the Gentiles into the Christian family and how they were willing to modify deeply held and cherished practices in the light of what God was doing and deeper revelation and understanding of their mission and calling.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between ‘welcome’ and ‘inclusion’?

2. What inclusion issues are there for the Church today?

3. What principles guided practices towards inclusion in Chapter 15 of Acts?

4. How do we in our small groups make space for and include people? What is our strategy for this? How central to our purpose is growth, welcome and inclusion?

5. What biblical guidelines are there for inclusion while holding on to key non negotiables? What might ‘non-negotiables’ be in your understanding? 

United We Stand: Welcome and Inclusion | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 18 October 2020

18 October 2020 - 11am Service

United We Stand: Welcome and Inculsion

This Sunday we continue our preaching series United We Stand with a message from Rachel Riddall on ‘Welcome and Inclusion’.

As a Church, unity is one of our defining values. Without unity, we are unlikely to see our city transformed. In practice, there can be a ‘drag’ away from unity into parochial mindsets and divisions. As a body of believers, we want to actively seek to be unified, and in doing so, see positive transformation.

Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Matt Dobson will be sharing with us. Check it out!

You will find discussion notes below to help you go deeper with this topic during the week.

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Read Acts 15

Much of the New Testament wrestles with issues around inclusion- of the Gentiles becoming part of the (Jewish heritage) people of God. 

Acts 15 is a key chapter exploring how the early Church managed to incorporate the Gentiles into the Christian family and how they were willing to modify deeply held and cherished practices in the light of what God was doing and deeper revelation and understanding of their mission and calling.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between ‘welcome’ and ‘inclusion’?

2. What inclusion issues are there for the Church today?

3. What principles guided practices towards inclusion in Chapter 15 of Acts?

4. How do we in our small groups make space for and include people? What is our strategy for this? How central to our purpose is growth, welcome and inclusion?

5. What biblical guidelines are there for inclusion while holding on to key non negotiables? What might ‘non-negotiables’ be in your understanding? 

Prayer Ministry after Church on Sundays

Throughout lockdown, we have been doing prayer ministry online using Zoom. Now that we are gathering again for services on Sundays at 11am and 7pm, we are able to offer socially distanced prayer ministry in person. From 18 October, we will no longer be offering prayer ministry via Zoom after our services.

If you would like prayer, please request it directly from your mid-week group leader. If you aren’t in a group and would like to join one, contact Tim Dobson and he’ll link you into one.

Otherwise, you can email our Pastoral Care team at any time, or you can post prayer requests in our private Church Family group on Facebook. 

Woodies Kids | Old Testament Characters Week 5 - David

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog.

this week we focus on…

David

You can find the story of David here:

The story of David and Goliath to help the children understand, no matter how small they are, with God's help they can do BIG things. After the story you can point out to the children that David believed God would help him defeat Goliath.

Message:

It doesn't matter how big we are, we can be like David if we remember that we are on God's team and that he wants to help us. God is bigger than any giant, the Boogie man, or a monster on TV.

Time to Think

What made David so brave? (He knew what the Israelites had forgotten: with God's help little people can do big things too!)

Was King Saul brave? (No. He looked good in his armour but inside he was too scared to face Goliath.)

Why didn't David use King Saul's armour? (David knew he was not big enough to wear the heavy armour. He wisely chose to use tools he was familiar with.)

Can everyone who trusts in God do big things, or was David special?

Response:

Is there anything that is a Goliath to you today? Can you share that with us? We can always come to God with our Goliaths. Shall we pray now?

This week we learn about David, have a song from Sarah and we hear from Ruth about ways we can pray and hear from God.

Bible School: Making Disciples of All Nations

BIBLE SCHOOL

Making Disciples of All Nations | 19th October 2020 at 7.30
Join in from home on Facebook Live

We run a monthly Bible School which focuses on helping people to go deeper with God, study and understand the Bible. We often have special guest speakers and theologians join us to share their knowledge. This month, we are very excited to have the session be led by two of our Global Partners living and working in the Middle East.

Making Disciples of All Nations:
A theological exploration of the risk and reward of living cross-culturally for Jesus.
Monday, 19th October from 7.30pm to 8pm on Facebook Live

To take part, simply visit our Woodlands Church Facebook page (not the Church Family group)

If you have any questions, please email tim.dobson@woodlandschurch.net.