On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
29th May
Firebreak / Baptisms | Tim Dobson | 29th May 11AM
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
29th May
The priority of Unity | Rob ScottCook | 22nd May 11AM
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
22nd May
The First and greatest commandment, Love | Dave Mitchell | 15th May 11AM
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
15th May
FIRST sit down and estimate the cost | Rachel Riddall | 8th of May at 11am
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
8th May
Seek First the Kingdom | Tim Dobson | 1st of May at 11am
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
1st May
Commission | Clare Thompson | 24th of April at 11am
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTES
April 24th Commission. Luke 24:47-49
The Journey continues beyond Jerusalem to ‘all nations’. That journey is to be in the power of the Spirit, so Jesus commands us to ‘go’ and ‘stay. We are not to go until we have received power.
As we look beyond Easter towards Pentecost what does it mean for us to ‘tarry’ or to start (like the first Sabbath in Genesis) from a place of rest before obeying that commission? How do we go on to live an empowered life?
Kingdom | Tim Dobson | 17th of April at 11am
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTES
April 17th Kingdom: Luke 23:42 onwards Easter Day.
‘Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom’
‘Today- you will be with me in paradise’.
The ‘coronation’ of Jesus is Good Friday, but the power of the Kingdom is expressed in freeing condemned sinners and giving them a place in paradise. That Kingdom power is expressed as inexhaustible life. The transformation of Cleopas and his companion on the road is a continuation of the power that touches the dying thief. It is taking us from despair to hope, so that like them ‘our hearts burn within us’ v 32.
Jerusalem | Philip Jinadu | 10th of April at 11am
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTES
Luke 19:28-21:37 (Palm Sunday)
The Triumphal entry inaugurates Holy Week- a week that the gospel writers devote a significant part of their narrative too. What begins with an extravagant welcome appropriate to the Messiah turns into a series of confrontations by Jesus with the religious, nationalistic, financial and political powers located in Jerusalem, and behind them the unseen spiritual powers of darkness. Prophecy flows from Jesus as each of the 6 days of Holy week increase the crisis that propels Jesus to the fulfilment of his ministry until the last ‘it is finished’ of the 7th day.
How do we welcome Jesus into our hearts, and what does he confront and challenge there?
Jericho | Clare Thompson | 3rd of April at 11am
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTES
April 3rd Jericho. Luke 18:31-19:27.
Just as the Israelites had to go through Jericho to take possession of the land of Canaan, Jesus goes through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem.
Jesus meets people at Jericho. The blind man- who will not be silenced- ‘sees’ Jesus as ‘The Son of David’ and gets his physical sight in healing (a messianic sign e.g. Isaiah 35:5). He meets Zacchaeus – who is ‘saved’ (v 9). The Messiah is turning things upside down and his kingdom is breaking out in mercy and healing.
The parable of the talents speaks of what Jesus is looking for in terms of Spiritual fruit. What will Jesus find in Jerusalem? And what will he find in us?
Journey | Rachel Riddall | 27th of March at 11am
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTES
Luke 13:31-35. 14:25-34
Luke 13 has threatening overtones. Pilate and Herod are both referenced in this chapter as having murderous intent and capacity. Jesus response is definitely not meek and mild. He commits to demonstrating a different kingdom coming (healing and deliverance) as he prepares for the final showdown in Jerusalem.
That sense of going to Jerusalem to die informs his teaching in Luke 14 of the cost of discipleship. That cost is framed in the language of ‘carry their cross’ v 27 and ‘’give up everything’ v33.
Our own journey of discipleship isn’t just a one off experience, but a considered life choice and lifestyle where we count the cost of commitment. Jesus words about ‘hating’ family members (v 26) are metaphors to demonstrate the overwhelming priority of God (it’s a how much more saying- even those we love, compared to the love of God it’s as if they were hated so much higher is our devotion to Him) as well as a non-emotional choice reminiscent of God’s election of Jacob -‘Jacob I loved, Esau I hated’.
The Journey is a narrow road of putting God first in all things, being ‘salty’ people, not losing our savour or backing off from our initial commitments whatever the cost.
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?
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?
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?
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
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”?
Captive: Had enough? | Clare Thompson | 13th February at 11am
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
13th of February - 7pm Service
Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!
Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.
What causes Elijah’s breakdown?
(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?
How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?
( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?
How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?
(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.
Firebreak | Dave Mitchell | 6th February at 11am
6th of February - 11am Service
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
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