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The Holy Spirit for Everyone Series
The Holy Spirit for Everyone Series
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May Prayer Calendar
May Prayer Calendar
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Vacancy for Children's Ministry Coordinator
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Our Culture Series
Our Culture Series
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April Prayer Calendar
April Prayer Calendar

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 And if there is something which looks like it is going out of date before you can get to use it you can always pop it in the freezer.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:

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!

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”?

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.

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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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

Woodlands Church, Belgrave Road, Bristol BS8 2AA