Learn how to Mentor and disciple others in this discussion with Tim Dobson
Listen to the session below:
Naturally Supernatural
How do we live lives that are naturally supernatural?
On April 23rd, we welcomed Mike Pilavachi - Senior Pastor of Soul Survivor Watford church and co-author of “Everyday Supernatural: Living A Spirit-Led Life Without Being Weird” - to share with us at Woodlands.
Global Partners Weekend - 12 & 13 June
You’re invited to join us for our annual Woodlands Global Partners Weekend on the 12th and 13th June 2021.
Jesus said, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
Join us on Zoom as we hear encouraging stories from our Global Partners. We’ll have seminars about bringing together climate change and mission plus breakout sessions for different regions.
On Saturday, we are running morning and evening sessions on Zoom and then on Sunday we will have a global theme at all our services.
book your place below…
Morning Session:
Dare to care for God’s world
Saturday, 12th June 2021
from 10.30am - 12.30pm
Join us as we take a fresh look at what the Bible says about creation care, plus enjoy conversations with our Global Partners on what that could mean for us all.
Evening Session:
Meet our Global Partners & hear stories of faith
Saturday, 12th June 2021
from 7.45pm - 9.15pm
Join us as we host eight world ‘rooms’ so you can meet our Global Partners, hear stories of faith and find out what's been happening in their lives as they serve God across the world.
All Services at Woodlands Central
Sunday, 13th June 2021 at 8.30am // 9.30am // 11am // 7pm
Join us as we worship and share words and testimonies on the theme of world missions, we’ll also be taking an offering for short-term global outreach.
Bible School: The Devil and The Nature of Good & Evil
Woodlands Bible School is on Monday evening, 25th January at 8pm on the Woodlands Facebook Page:
Bible School gives the opportunity to think through in a bit more depth about a Theological issue or a Bible book.
Building on Sunday’s messages on ‘Speak of the Devil’ - Tim Dobson will be leading on the topic of ‘The Devil and The Nature of Good & Evil.’
Hope you can join us!
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Everyone is Invited | 27 December 2020
27 December 2020 - 11:00am Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Everyone is Invited
Welcome to The ELEVEN AM at Woodlands Church Online. Join us online for a special pre-recorded service (so the team can all have this final Sunday of 2020 off!) This week we conclude our Christmas series with a talk on 'Everyone is Invited' from Dave Mitchell.
Christmas at Woodland's Church: Home for Christmas | 25th of December 2020
25 December 2020 - 10:30am Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Home for Christmas
Join us online for a special half-hour service on Christmas morning! We’ll be celebrating the birth of Jesus – the Saviour of the world! You can expect some joy-filled fun (and shenanigans). We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! God bless you.
Christmas: A Star is Born | Clare Thompson at 11am | 20th of December 2020
20 December 2020 - 11am Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: A Star is Born
This Sunday we continued our Christmas Series with a talk from Clare Thompson on ‘A Star is Born.’
Our 11am services will be live-streamed online until January. We hope you enjoy Christmas with us!
Remember to have a quick look at our 7pm service. We had a lovely ‘Folky Christmas’ service planned but due to Covid this had to be cancelled. Instead Dave Mitchell shared a short talk with us. Check it out!
A Folky Christmas at 7pm | 20th of December 2020
20 December 2020 - 7pm Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: A Folky Christmas
Welcome to what was supposed to be our very special ‘Folky Christmas.’ As some of our key staff members involved in the service had to self isolate, we had our very own Dave Mithcell share a lovely message with us instead.
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Clare Thompson speak on the topic ‘A Star is Born.’ Go check it out!
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Carols by Candlelight at 7pm | 13 December 2020
13 December 2020 - 7pm Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Carols by Candlelight
Welcome to our special Carols by Candlelight service at Woodlands Church! We're live-streaming this evening and so happy to celebrate the story of Christmas with you at home. It's guaranteed to make you feel all Christmassy! If this was a normal year, our church would be packed with hundreds of people feeling festive and ready for the holiday season. We'd be enjoying mince pies and singing our hearts out. During the service, you can join in and sing along at home. The lyrics to the carols will appear on the screen. It's so great to have you with us!
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Laura Harris speak on the topic ‘Surprising the Strong.’ Go check it out!
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Surprising the Strong | Laura Harris at 11am | 13 December 2020
13 December 2020 - 11am Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Surprising the Strong
This Sunday we continued our Christmas Series with a talk from Laura Harris on ‘Surprising the Strong.’
Our 11am services will be live-streamed online until January. We hope you enjoy Christmas with us!
Remember to have a look at our 7pm service where w had a lovely carol service with talented musicians and inspiring messages. Check it out!
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Light in the Darkness | Matt Dobson at 7pm | 6 December 2020
6 December 2020 - 7pm Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Light in the Darkness
This Sunday we started our new Christmas Series with a talk from Matt Dobson on ‘Light in the Darkness.’
Our 11am services will be live-streamed online until January. We hope you enjoy Christmas with us!
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Rachel Riddall speak on the same topic. Go check it out!
STUDY NOTES
The four gospels each give a particular perspective on the life of Jesus. Unlike Matthew and Luke John’s gospel doesn’t give a nativity account. His gospel starts with the perspective of the eternal relationship between God and the Word, or as we understand that, the Father and the Son. The incarnation is introduced in those terms ‘the Word became flesh’ so we have no doubt that the Jesus we worship is also divine.
Big idea: The word becoming flesh speaks of a ‘divine humility’ which is staggering! Is your view of God big enough to grasp the immensity of this act?
In what way are human beings ‘in darkness’? Is that true for our present age as well as 1st Century Palestine?
How is the darkness affected by Jesus becoming human?
Why did so many of the highly religious, biblically educated people of Jesus time fail to recognise Him?
Jesus ‘incarnate’ reveals to us exactly what God is like, (e.g. that God can self-limit, embrace suffering, allow his will not to be done for the sake of giving us the opportunity to freely turn to him and know him). How does your understanding of Go and relationship with Him resonate with those truths?
Jesus once said to his followers ‘You are the light of the World’. How can we be that light today?
Jesus commissioned his followers (e.g. Paul in Acts 26) to call people from darkness to light. Ask God to show you how you can point people to Jesus this Christmas.
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Light in the Darkness | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 6 December 2020
6 December 2020 - 11am Service
Christmas at Woodlands Church: Light in the Darkness
This Sunday we started our new Christmas Series with a talk from Matt Dobson on ‘Light in the Darkness.’
Our 11am services will be live-streamed online until January. We hope you enjoy Christmas with us!
Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Matt Dobson will be sharing with us. Check it out!
STUDY NOTES
The four gospels each give a particular perspective on the life of Jesus. Unlike Matthew and Luke John’s gospel doesn’t give a nativity account. His gospel starts with the perspective of the eternal relationship between God and the Word, or as we understand that, the Father and the Son. The incarnation is introduced in those terms ‘the Word became flesh’ so we have no doubt that the Jesus we worship is also divine.
Big idea: The word becoming flesh speaks of a ‘divine humility’ which is staggering! Is your view of God big enough to grasp the immensity of this act?
In what way are human beings ‘in darkness’? Is that true for our present age as well as 1st Century Palestine?
How is the darkness affected by Jesus becoming human?
Why did so many of the highly religious, biblically educated people of Jesus time fail to recognise Him?
Jesus ‘incarnate’ reveals to us exactly what God is like, (e.g. that God can self-limit, embrace suffering, allow his will not to be done for the sake of giving us the opportunity to freely turn to him and know him). How does your understanding of Go and relationship with Him resonate with those truths?
Jesus once said to his followers ‘You are the light of the World’. How can we be that light today?
Jesus commissioned his followers (e.g. Paul in Acts 26) to call people from darkness to light. Ask God to show you how you can point people to Jesus this Christmas.
Jesus Talk: True Riches | Hannah Mitchell at 7pm | 29 November 2020
29 November 2020 - 7pm Service
Jesus Talk: True Riches
This Sunday we hear the final talk of our current preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Hannah Mitchell on ‘True RIches’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Richard Pollard speak on the same topic. Go check it out!
Go deeper with this topic with the study notes!
Jesus Talk: True Riches | Richard Pollard at 11am | 29 November 2020
29 November 2020 - 11am Service
Jesus Talk: True Riches
This Sunday we hear the final talk of our current preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Richard Pollard on ‘True Riches’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Hannah Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out!
Go deeper with this topic with the study notes:
Jesus Talk: Persistent Prayer | Rachel Riddall at 7pm | 22 November 2020
22 November 2020 - 7pm Service
Jesus Talk: Persistent Prayer
This Sunday we continue our preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Rachel Riddall on ‘Persistent Prayer’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Rob Scott-Cook 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 | Luke 11:1-13 & Luke 18:1-8
In Luke’s gospel there are two key passages where Jesus teaches on prayer. The Lord’s prayer in Luke 11 is followed by 2 parables about being bold and persevering in prayer. Luke 18 is another parable about persevering in prayer, about bringing requests to God.
Big idea: How we pray determines what we believe about God.
Folk religion, or human default ways of thinking, tend to project on to God our fears. We see God as a harsh father or harsh judge. In the two parables here in Luke, Jesus tells us that God is the opposite of a harsh father - He is a good father who wants to bless his children. He is not like a harsh judge, he will give justice ‘speedily’.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Key Questions: How does my view of God affect the way I pray?
Why do we tend to project harsh authoritarian pictures of God on to Him?
How does knowing Jesus change the way I see God?
Other questions:
Why do we need to persevere in prayer, to keep ‘asking, seeking and knocking’? If Jesus says God will grant his chosen ones swiftly (Luke 18) why do we need to wait?
Jesus asks questions about our faith. ‘Will the Son of Man .. find faith on earth?’ What is the link between our faith and answered prayer?
What is the link between intensity of need and prayer? In the parables on prayer those asking have a strong sense of need. Do I have a sense of how much I need God?
How can the Lord’s Prayer be applied to my life without just becoming a ritual form of words?
In small group life are there things that we are ‘persevering’ in asking God for? Why not keep a group prayer journal, to help us remember to ask but to keep a record of answers too?
Jesus Talk: Persistent Prayer | Rob Scott-Cook at 11am | 22 November 2020
22 November 2020 - 11am Service
Jesus Talk: Persistent Prayer
This Sunday we continue our preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Rob Scott-Cook on ‘Persistent Prayer’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Rachel Riddall 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 | Luke 11:1-13 & Luke 18:1-8
In Luke’s gospel there are two key passages where Jesus teaches on prayer. The Lord’s prayer in Luke 11 is followed by 2 parables about being bold and persevering in prayer. Luke 18 is another parable about persevering in prayer, about bringing requests to God.
Big idea: How we pray determines what we believe about God.
Folk religion, or human default ways of thinking, tend to project on to God our fears. We see God as a harsh father or harsh judge. In the two parables here in Luke, Jesus tells us that God is the opposite of a harsh father - He is a good father who wants to bless his children. He is not like a harsh judge, he will give justice ‘speedily’.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Key Questions: How does my view of God affect the way I pray?
Why do we tend to project harsh authoritarian pictures of God on to Him? How does knowing Jesus change the way I see God?
Other questions:
Why do we need to persevere in prayer, to keep ‘asking, seeking and knocking’? If Jesus says God will grant his chosen ones swiftly (Luke 18) why do we need to wait?
Jesus asks questions about our faith. ‘Will the Son of Man .. find faith on earth?’ What is the link between our faith and answered prayer?
What is the link between intensity of need and prayer? In the parables on prayer those asking have a strong sense of need. Do I have a sense of how much I need God?
How can the Lord’s Prayer be applied to my life without just becoming a ritual form of words?
In small group life are there things that we are ‘persevering’ in asking God for? Why not keep a group prayer journal, to help us remember to ask but to keep a record of answers too?
Jesus Talk: Good Neighbour | Tim Dobson at 7pm | 15 November 2020
15 November 2020 - 7pm Service
Jesus Talk: Good Neighbour
This Sunday we start our new preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Good Neighbour’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Dave Mitchell 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 10: 25-37
Loving God as we claim to, is intimately tied up with us loving our neighbour. But the concept of Love and Neighbour take on a richer and challenging intensity as Jesus gives us an example of what this loving looks like, in the Good Samaritan story.
STUDY QUESTIONS
What must I do to inherit eternal life? That’s a big question! Have you ever asked it? What is the answer? How connected is our love for God and our love for people in practice? Does this imply salvation through ‘works’ not faith’?
Why do the religious characters in Jesus story not help the victim?
Why is it so surprising that the Samaritan helps the victim?
How does this story shape our understanding of what Jesus means by ‘Love’ as well as what he means by ‘neighbour’?
Can we think of and share times when our religiosity has stopped us helping someone in urgent need? Are we guilty of only helping people who are part of our community and how could we change to include others not like us, even people we may feel as a threat?
Pray that this week Jesus helps you notice people around you with His eyes. Pray that the Spirit would teach and help you how to love your neighbour.
Jesus Talk: Good Neighbour | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 15 November 2020
15 November 2020 - 11am Service
Jesus Talk: Good Neighbour
This Sunday we start our new preaching series Jesus Talk with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Good Neighbour’.
Jesus is on the move. In Luke 10 Jesus appoints 72 to go ahead of him ‘to every town and place he was about to go’. In Luke 13:22 we read ‘Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem’ (13:33). In 14:25 we read ‘large crowds were travelling with Jesus’.
Jesus ‘way’ lies through Samaria from Galilee to Jerusalem and corresponds to Luke 9:51-19:44. It’s not always welcoming territory (9:51-56)- the disciples might feel like sheep amongst wolves at times.
Jesus teaching, usually in parables, is sometimes provoked by questions, sights and sounds on the road. The Good Samaritan is based around a risky journey through bandit territory. The three ‘lost’ things parables of Luke 15 have journeying and seeking in them. Not all the teaching and sayings in these chapters from 10-19 are chronological. But perhaps there is a body of teaching that teaches us how to live ‘with the end in mind’. How do we live out our discipleship on this journey of life with the Kingdom as our goal and destination?
Remember, our 7pm service is also looking at this topic, and Tim 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 Luke 10:25-37
Loving God as we claim to, is intimately tied up with us loving our neighbour. But the concept of Love and Neighbour take on a richer and challenging intensity as Jesus gives us an example of what this loving looks like, in the Good Samaritan story.
STUDY QUESTIONS
What must I do to inherit eternal life? That’s a big question! Have you ever asked it? What is the answer? How connected is our love for God and our love for people in practice? Does this imply salvation through ‘works’ not faith’?
Why do the religious characters in Jesus story not help the victim?
Why is it so surprising that the Samaritan helps the victim?
How does this story shape our understanding of what Jesus means by ‘Love’ as well as what he means by ‘neighbour’?
Can we think of and share times when our religiosity has stopped us helping someone in urgent need? Are we guilty of only helping people who are part of our community and how could we change to include others not like us, even people we may feel as a threat?
Pray that this week Jesus helps you notice people around you with His eyes. Pray that the Spirit would teach and help you how to love your neighbour.
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
If we are one part of a body to use Paul’s image how do we discover our part, our gift and calling?
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?
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?
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’?
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
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
If we are one part of a body to use Paul’s image how do we discover our part, our gift and calling?
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?
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?
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’?
Is there someone you are seeking to ‘equip for ministry’ right now? Who and how?