What's So Amazing About Grace? Series

What’s So Amazing About Grace? Series

What does living in God’s grace look like?

Grace is the foundation for so much of the Christian life.

In John’s gospel, we read:
’From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.’

We live in a time where ideas around grace and truth are hotly debated. This series explores how the bible’s ancient wisdom is still relevant, powerful and essential, as we navigate following Jesus in our complex world.

Here’s what we’re hearing about each week in our messages on Sundays:

• 3rd November: My Truth Your Truth

• 10th November: Amazing Grace

• 17th November: The Grace Givers

• 24th November: 21st Century Grace

Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week. This also includes recommended reading and a video to watch as well:

• What’s So Amazing About Grace? - Discussion Notes (PDF)

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MESSAGES FROM THIS SERIES

Coming soon!

Tiny Treasures Toddlers

At Woodlands Church, our very popular Tiny Treasures Toddlers group meets weekly on Wednesdays, from 10am to 11.30am during term time.

Our friendly and relaxed church-run toddler group is a great place for parents / primary carers to meet one another and enjoy time with their babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

We are looking forward to getting to know you and your little one/s better. Our hope is that we can support and encourage you during your mornings with us.

Many of our Tiny Treasures team are volunteers from Woodlands Church and anyone on the team will always be ready to listen and pray for you if you would like that.

At Tiny Treasures toddlers we will:

• Provide a safe and happy environment for children to play, learn and interact.

• Be a welcoming place for all parents and carers to make friends and feel supported.

• Show the love of God in our community.

• Care for the whole child and parent/carer – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

What to expect

Arrival:
On arrival, you will be greeted by a member of our welcome team. If you’re new, they will ask you to fill out a registration form.

A donation of £2.50 per family with up to two children, then 50p for each additional child. If cost is prohibitive for you, please speak to a member of the team.

Buggies:
Please park your buggies on the far side in the Main Hall towards the rear.

Tea and Coffee:
Hot drinks are available throughout the morning - any time you would like! Please bring a keep cup with a lid to keep all the little ones safe, and make sure to have a chat with our friendly refreshments team!

Snack time:
Snacks will be served at 10.45am in the foyer. Please keep snacks out of the main hall and do let us know if your child has any allergies or intolerances. It would help our refreshments team if you could clear your cups and plates after snack time.

Nappies:
Nappy changing facilities can be found in the Disabled toilet at the rear of the main hall.

In case of fire:
In the event of a continuous fire alarm sounding, please leave the building by your nearest exit with your children and assemble at the assembly point across the road.

Eyes Peeled!:
Our team will always keep a watchful eye on children as they play, however children will always remain the full responsibility of their parent/carer at all times.

Tidy Up Time:
It would really help us if you could help tidy the toys when the bell sounds for tidy up time.

Singing Time:
We love singing and dancing! We finish each session with a time of singing and story telling. Once a term we will a focus this around a specific holiday or event and one of our church team will join us.

Join our Parent Team:
We would love some parent volunteers on our team. This may mean that you help with setting out the toys, bake for snack time, facilitate craft, sweep the hall or even help lead the singing. Please speak to a member of the team if you are able to help in any way.

The Last Word:
Wondering why our logo is a pearl, or why we are called Tiny Treasures Toddlers? We believe that your children are treasures, loved and valued by God.

In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, we read about a merchant looking for beautiful pearls, but he found just one single pearl of such value that he sold everything he had just to have it. We believe that there is treasure far greater than we can see here on earth. To find out more, please speak to a member of the team.

Get in touch:
If you have any questions/feedback or prayer requests, please email the toddler team at Woodlands Church.

October Prayer Calendar

Pray each day

Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.

Jesus Stories: The Kingdom of God is a Party | Jo Demcolli | 29th September 2024 at 6.30pm

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: The Kingdom of God is a Party | Clare Thompson | 29th September 2024 at 11am

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: Unmerciful Servant | Tim Dobson | 22nd September 2024 at 6.30pm

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: Unmerciful Servant | Nigel Savage | 22nd September 2024 at 11am

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

The Way Series

The Way Series

Thoughts on being a disciple and follower of Jesus

How did Jesus make disciples?

Jesus’ priority was to make disciples who made disciples. The challenge to make disciples of ‘all nations’ was one given to the Church - and it is still our mission 2,000 years later. So we’re exploring what is a disciple, how do we become one and help others along The Way?

We’ll be looking at how Jesus made disciples so we can learn from his ancient ways in how we live our life today. Here’s what we’re hearing about each week in our messages on Sundays:

• 6th October: Follow

• 13th October: Close

• 20th October: Act

• 27th October: Gather

Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week. This also includes recommended reading and videos to watch as well:

• The Way - Discussion Notes (PDF)

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MESSAGES FROM THIS SERIES

Host a Student Sunday Lunch

Every September, thousands of students come to study at university in Bristol. What better way to welcome these lovely Freshers than with free food? We gave away 3,000 hot dogs during Freshers Week and had an amazing time getting to meet lots of new people.

One of the most impactful things we can do as a church family to support students is to help them feel at home. Student lunches are a great opportunity for you and your family/friends to invite a student(s) into your home, provide them with a hot lunch and help them to feel connected with the wider church family.

The feedback and impact from previous years has been phenomenal - we’d love to have another great impact this Autumn. If you are able to invite a student for lunch one Sunday in September or October - sign up below!

Jesus Stories: Lost Sheep & Little Ones | Rachel Riddall | 15th September 2024 at 6.30pm

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: Lost Sheep & Little Ones | Matt Dobson | 15th September 2024 at 11am

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Vacancy for Assistant Children's Minister

The Woodlands Church Family (WCF) is a vibrant, growing family of churches with six sites located across the city of Bristol and a vision to plant more. As we’ve grown, so too has our team, and we have an exciting opportunity for within our Children’s Team.

The position of Assistant Children’s Minister at Woodlands Central and Children’s and Community Worker at Branch Community Church can be delivered as a 4.5 day a week role, working across both sites. Alternatively, the individual roles could be filled separately at 2.5 days for the Woodlands Central position and 2 days for the Branch position.

Candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic, able to take initiative, work well in a team and be passionate to see children grow in their faith.

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The Role

The Assistant Children’s Church Minister at Central role will include the following duties, for example:

• Planning and leading groups working with children aged 0-11.

• Helping to support a strong team of volunteers, and resource the different Sunday morning groups.

• Working with the children's team to review and develop processes to ensure the ministry continues to grow.

The Children’s and Community Worker at Branch role will include the following duties, for example:

• You will be responsible for working with the Branch Leadership team to coordinate and oversee our children’s provision, both on a Sunday and during the week.

When undertaking this role there may be times when you come across confidential information, therefore it is imperative that you are highly discreet and maintain confidentiality.

Terms

• This is a permanent position contracted with the option of:

  • 4.5 days / 33hrs 45mins per week (both roles)

  • 2.5days / 18hours 45mins per week (role at Central)

  • 2 days / 15hours per week (role at Branch)

• The salary band for this role is £23,550 - £24,500 pro rata, depending on experience.

• The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days pro rata plus 8 days bank holiday pro rata.

• The role will be based at Woodlands Church in Clifton and Branch Community Church in Henbury, Bristol. Travel between the two sites will be required.

• The post is subject to satisfactory references and DBS check.

• We have a legal responsibility to ensure that all our employees have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Therefore, please only apply if you are eligible to work in the UK as we will have to verify this before you can start work.

• For full details, please see the Role Summary & Terms.

Occupational Requirement

As a group of churches our vision is to continually reproduce the life of Jesus. We therefore seek to create a culture and environment in our churches where every team member and volunteer is able to encourage and challenge one another and the many people who pass through the doors each day, to pursue that vision. 

As a member of the staff team, you will be joining a faith community that meets to worship and pray together every week and we share prayer and worship moments throughout the day. Around the building, you’ll often come across teams or individuals praying over their work and really speaking the language of faith. 

Therefore, the role has an occupational requirement that the post holder be a follower of Jesus and a worshipping member of either Woodlands Church Family or another local church to ensure protection of our strong Christian ethos and values, and our charitable objective of advancing the Christian faith. We also want to ensure all team members thrive and flourish in this environment.  

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How to Apply

• JOB DESCRIPTIONS

  Read through the two documents below to find out more:

  • Job Description for Children’s Minister at Central (PDF)

  • Job Description for Children’s & Community Worker at Branch (PDF)

• QUESTIONS?
  Please contact our lead recruiters Nigel Savage (nigel.savage@woodlandschurch.net) at Central and Matt Smith (matt.smith@branchcommunity.church) at Branch if you have any questions about the role.

• APPLICATION FORM
  For an application form, please email our HR team at hr@woodlandschurch.net

• CLOSING DATE
  The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday, 22nd September 2024. However, this vacancy will close once we have sufficient applications.

• EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION
  Please send your completed application to our HR lead julia.shrimpton@woodlandschurch.net copying the lead recruiters nigel.savage@woodlandschurch.net and matt.smith@branchcommunity.church.

• INTERVIEW DATES
  If shortlisted, interviews will take place at Woodlands Church from week commencing Monday, 30th September 2024.

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Jesus Stories: On This Rock | Dave Mitchell | 8th September 2024 at 6.30pm

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories : On this rock | Dave Mitchell | 8th September 2024 at 11am

jesus Stories

On this Rock

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: Seeds of Faith | Nigel Savage | 1st September 2024 at 6.30pm

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Jesus Stories: Seeds of Faith | Rachel Riddall | 1st September 2024 at 11am

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.

Commissioning Sunday

This month, Dave Mitchell will be passing on the baton of leadership of Woodlands Central to Rachel Riddall and Nigel Savage. We'll be marking this on a special Commissioning Sunday on the 8th September at all of our services. We’d love everyone to come along to support and pray for them.

Nigel and Rachel have been part of the Core Leadership Team at Central working closely with Dave Mitchell for many years. Practically speaking, Dave Mitchell has been handing over the operational leadership of the Woodlands Central congregations to Rachel & Nigel and their team over the summer. In addition, his Executive Assistant Abby Harvey has also transitioned over to supporting Nigel and Rachel at Central and we’ve recruited Catherine Penn as Dave’s new Executive Assistant.

Here’s what Dave Mitchell, Senior Lead of the Woodlands Church Family, recently wrote in his email to the church:

”My own role as leader of the Woodlands Church Family means I will still maintain a presence and involvement with Woodlands Central but will be released to have time for congregations on the other seven sites that represent the Woodlands Church Family, as well as for our wider connections in the City.

It might be worth reminding you of exactly who Woodlands Church Family is, and some of the nomenclature involved.

• Woodlands Central covers the congregations that meet in the Woodlands Christian Centre on Belgrave Road itself. This includes the 8am, 9.15am, 11 am services, the 6.30pm service and monthly Quiet Service also at 6.30pm.

• Highgrove is our Sea Mills congregation meeting at 10 High Grove with services at 9.30am and 11am.

• The Community Church meets at the Greenaway Centre on Doncaster Road, Southmead at 10.30am.

• Branch Community Church meets at Emmanuel Church Satchfield Crescent in Henbury at 4pm.

• Southside meets at Victoria Park Baptist Church on St John’s Lane at 3pm.

• Woodlands Metro meets at the Cathedral School (Cresswell Centre) at 11am on Sundays.

• Hillside will be the name for the congregation meeting in Backwell meeting in Fairfield Primary School at 11 am on 3rd Sundays.

• From the end of September Woodlands Church Family will be stewarding Chelsea Christian Centre in Easton, name tbc.

Thanks (I think) to everyone who has congratulated me on retirement, but that is still a little way off though I do become eligible for my state pension at the end of September!”

September Prayer Calendar

Pray each day

Each month, you’re invited to pray for church and all that is happening with our monthly Prayer Calendar. You can view and download the calendar below as a PDF.

Jesus Stories Series

Jesus Stories Series

Unpacking Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom

Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.

Our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!

The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Here’s what we’ll be talking about each week on Sunday…

• 1st September: Seeds of Faith

• 8th September: On This Rock

• 15th September: Lost Sheep & Little Ones

• 22nd September: Unmerciful Servant

• 29th September: The Kingdom of God is a Party

Download our discussion notes to go deeper with the topics each week. This also includes recommended reading and videos to watch as well:

• Jesus Stories - Discussion Notes (PDF)

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MESSAGES FROM THIS SERIES

Prayer Week 2024

At Woodlands Central, we love to pray and each September we celebrate Prayer Week, where we come before God together and offer him what is on our hearts.

Prayer Week is happening from the 15th - 22nd September 2024. It is a lovely time of fellowship, where we look forward and prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming season. The week consists of daily events and a 24/7 Prayer Room that can be booked by individuals or groups.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Book a slot in our 24/7 Prayer Room

• Pray the Lord’s Prayer at 12 noon every day

• Come to Morning Prayer Meetings from Monday to Friday from 7.15am - 8.15am in the Foyer

• Come to an Evening of Prayer & Worship event on Tuesday, 17th September at 7.45pm

• Fast on Tuesday, 17th September before coming to our evening event (Learn about fasting)

• Try using an app to help you pray, such as Lectio 365, Prayer Mate or Inner Room