Woodies Kids

Weekend Away Photos

2007-11-13T13:17:00.000Z

I hope you enjoyed the weekend away - I had a great time. Who can remember the three Keys to Friendship that we learned about?

Here are some pictures
xxx

Camp is nearly here!!!!!

2007-10-22T21:35:00.000Z

3 more sleeps until Camp. Esther and I have spent the day planning and getting excited. If you still haven't booked but want to come do let us know. (children@woodlandschurch.net). Here is a reminder of last years camp.

I really enjoyed childrens church on sunday i hope you did. Having been away for two weeks and not seeing you all it was great to catch up. If you are not on camp, have fun with Alice on sunday.

Holiday club caption competition

2007-09-27T13:00:00.000Z

CaN YOU THINK OF SOME FUN CAPTIONS FOR THESE GREAT PHOTOS OF HOLODAY CLUB?

"Worshippers of God"

2007-09-27T12:55:00.000Z

It was good to see you all getting creative in your worship a couple of weeks ago. I love these pictures and a lot more that I saw being created. This Sunday we are having a worship special with a band. We shall be thinking about why we sing in church and the part that plays in worshipping God.

A New Start

2007-09-11T20:13:00.000Z

Well its been a while! But with a new term started we decided it was time to start up this blog again and attempt to keep you informed about whats going on! Its been a busy summer - especially with a great holiday club set in the okey dokey space station and touring the planets learning how to be on mission for the miracle maker. I hope that those of you who were there are finding what you learned helpful now that you have returned to your real mission field of school!! (I shall post some photos for you as soon as i have got them off rhys!)

Anyway our new term at children's church has started with looking at who we are as childrens church. So far we have looked at being followers of Jesus and people who live and act in faith and this sunday Matt will be leading us in a really creative session as we think about being worshippers of God.

Homegroups will be starting in October and we also have our weekend away at the end of October so keep your eyes peeled for more info about them.

Meanwhile don't forget its the Max a week on saturday - that is the 22nd sept - with a brand new theme and look - 'The K-factor!'

Bob takes over the world!

2007-06-18T22:19:00.000Z

Well, Bob has his own sign, does anyone else? There will be a prize for the best sign with your name on it!

Half pipe in church

2007-06-12T21:59:00.001Z

Matt found this on the bbc website and i thought you might enjoy it!!

It is from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/6733737.stm

Are you listening?

2007-05-23T21:58:00.000Z

Hi guys!

Just thinking about what we got up to last Sunday. It was great to be with you lot again! We made a BIG mess with LOADS of glitter all over the crypt! Fantastic! Why not?

The Writing on the Wall story can seem a bit weird but I think it helps us to see how God can speak to us in so many different ways. Recently God's been doing some great stuff in my life and it's made me think more about how God touches us in different ways. Sometimes dreams, sometimes pictures, other times words, thoughts, ideas, feelings, things around us, bits of the Bible and so on. The point is that just because you don't hear or feel God like your friend or the people around you it doesn't mean He's not bothered with you.

God wants to talk to everybody!

No matter who they are or how old they are. God loves how we are all different and that's why God talks to us each in our own special way.

Here are some of the pictures you drew or painted about what you felt God was saying or what you thought was important. Fantastic stuff!

Baptism

2007-05-14T15:57:00.000Z

Hello!

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm geting baptised next Sunday at the start of the 10:30 service! Although I've been a Christian for nearly six years now, for one reason or another I have never been baptised. But I have felt recently that God was calling me to be baptised and to commit my life completely to God. I am really quite excited at the thought of being born again and a little bit nervous beause my non-christian firends and family will be there to see everything - please pray for me and I hope to see you there!

Listening To God

2007-05-13T15:06:00.000Z

Today in Children's Church we learned about the prophet Jeremiah and how God spoke to him through images of ordinary things such as a clay pot or a fig tree.

Today God also often speaks to people by giving them a picture or image of something either in a dream or vision or just as a thought that pops into their head. In children's church many of us have been asking God to speak to us more and for me it has been really exciting this week to hear stories of him doing this. Lets keep asking God for more and lets keep sharing our stories with each other and celebrate what God is doing

Quick Change Artists

2007-04-30T22:24:00.000Z

I know it was a couple of weeks ago, but does anyone recognise these dodgy looking people?

or how about these?

and how about this character?
....coming soon to a vacuum near you!!

more photos of camp

2007-03-27T19:08:00.000Z

Heres a couple more photos - if you want more then there are some on our flickr account and you need to email Clair to access that

And whose idea was the shaving foam???

Adrian gets very messy!
Friday evening banquet
The Prayer Room

CAMP

2007-03-19T13:48:00.000Z

Wow, I hope you have all got some sleep now. We are all still exausted. It was great to spend the weekend with you. When I look back it is amazing how much we managed to fit in. I think some highlights for me were seeing you all pray for each other, the joy on Meg's face when we smashed an egg on Adrians head and the wind at the top of the hill. I have taken loads of pictures, here are two, we will show you the rest at childrens church.
Coment below and tell us some of your highlights.

March Madness

2007-03-06T18:18:00.000Z

Hi Guys

Thought I would give you a bit of an update with what is coming up.

THIS SATURDAY

The Max - 6 - 8pm Don't miss it.

There was a real buzz at the last max and we had an awsome time.

16th - 18th March

CAMP - need i say more. If you haven't booked in still let us know.

Saturday 24th

Fun Day

The adults at church are haveing a teaching day so get your parents to book in for that and if they do you can come on our FUN DAY. Booking forms are at church.

It's a busy month, If you try hard enough you can see us on both saturday and sunday for the next 3 weeks!!

Barton Camp

2007-02-15T12:42:00.000Z

We are beginning to plan for our weekend away. (16th-18th March) If you have ideas of things you would like us to do then let us know. If you havn't got your booking forms back to me then get onto your parents to do that!!!

Messy Church!!!

2007-02-15T12:13:00.000Z

Dave Mitchell did a talk in church a couple of weeks ago titled 'being part of messy church' After last sunday in children's church we decided that our need kids church motto should be - woodies childrensc church - messy church with style!!! Seriously it was lots of fun last

sunday and it was great to see you all being creative and having fun (even if i did get in a little bit of trouble for paint on clothes, faces and carpet!!) It is also great that childrens church can be messy inthe Dave Mitchell way too. as we all come together from different homes, schools and backgrounds we don't always fit together too easily and it can feel messy as we learn to accept and understand each other. I find it helpful if someone

is not behaving in church the way that I would like or

want them to, to remember that I have no idea what the

rest of their morning or week has been like and to try and accept and welcome them as Jesus would. I don't want childrens church to be a place where you have to conform to a set mould of behaviour, but rather a place of safety, trust, acceptance and fun. Lets all try to worl towards making it this. XX

Caption Competition

2007-01-28T17:03:00.000Z

I hope you all got your February newsletter this sunday - or get it through the post this week. Here is the photos from the caption competition. They show for me the highlights of last term. What is or could be going on? There will be prises so click on comments below and add your captions.

3.

4.

Prayer Week

2007-01-23T10:59:00.000Z

yes it is prayer week at church thus week. There is a 24-7 prayer room in the upper hall where people from church will be praying all this week, you will be able to use it on Sunday morning. Why don't you try and take some time to pray for children's church this week. Here are some things you could pray about.

... That each child that comes to church will know a real friendship with Jesus
... That we can al be welcoming to new children
... that our four homegroups continue to be places of fun, friendship and growing in God
... for new leaders, particularly for the homegroups
... for our weekend away in March

Caption competition

2007-01-17T19:50:00.000Z

What do you you think Matt is thinking?

remind you of anyone?

2007-01-16T16:08:00.000Z

Does this remind you of anyone???

The New Year

2007-01-16T09:45:00.000Z

Well Esther and I are back and can't wait to get into this new term. It was great to see all of you on sunday. Haveing been in India i have been really encouraged to pary for the people we met. Thank you for praying on Sunday. here are the photos so you can keep praying.

This is Tarshi and Kim, the tibetem couple who need a visa.

This is the family in Amedabad who's church are being perscuted. Please pray for their safty

This is the family in Jodpour. Pray for them as they continue to work with Lepours in the area.

This is the church in Jesselmear. Please pray that people in the area would come to know Jesus and that they get then new building they need.

REMEMBER that it is The Max on saturday. see you there 6pm!

india

2007-01-02T04:59:00.000Z

Hi guys,

Just a quick one to say that esther and i are haveing a great time in india. I hope you all had good christmas's and enjoy going back to school. I have seen camels and all sorts of things out here.

i hope you are having fun and that you enjoyed the familly service on sunday. we are back for the service on the 13th and there is decipleship group then to.

see you soon
Esther and Clair

p.s. sorry for my spelling no time to check. Matt or Rhys if you have a moment you could change it!!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-24T14:54:00.000Z

Hi Guys and Gals

its christmas eve and i've been wrapping presents in front of the fire and generally getting in a christmassy mood. I would love to give you all a present but sadly time and money do not allow for that - i'll bring some sweets back from India for you all. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and New year and I look forward to starting a new term with you in January. Clair and India go to India on Thursday and hopefully we will be able to do a bit of blogging from there to keep you up to date with what we are doing. - Lots of train rides and camel trekking are on the agenda.

love from Esther

p.s thought you would like these pictures of the last week - we have been busy!!!

Feel that smoothness...

2006-12-20T21:37:00.000Z

So you did it in the end!!!!

It feels SO weird with no beard. Ooh that rhymes! I had a great time tonight. The carol singing on the streets was very very cool ( in many senses of the word!) I was a little nervous during my 'magic' stuff, so sorry if it didn't all go according to plan!! Your fancy dress was great!

I hope you all had a great time and hey, look after those cacti!

I'm off to my parents now after frantic packing and tidying of my room.

I'm going to Finland! Yay!

See you in January!

P.S. The new SMOOTH Rhys:

Has anyone lost their legs?

2006-12-10T17:25:00.000Z

I hope everyone enjoyed Saltshakers this morning - we were preparing for next week, when Children's Church are running the main service! At the end of the morning, we found this pair of legs lying around: does anyone recognise them? do they belong to you? we're sure someone must be missing them, so please get in touch if you know anything about them.

Also, I was shocked to hear some less than complimentary words said about my beard! I think this calls for another Blog Vote - please post a comment saying which of the two beards below you think is worse:

Only you can decide!!!

See you all next week

Matt

Clock's ticking...

2006-12-09T20:27:00.000Z

This is the countdown to B-Day. The day my chin feels the cold Bristol air again after a year of covering. More importantly though, it's the Megafeast.

Fun, Fancy Dress, Food,

Flying Giraffes (if available), so come!

megafeast

2006-12-03T21:19:00.000Z

I'm well excited about this - ive been ordering my costume on ebay and planning menus with Clair. This will also be the event at which Rhys shaves off his beard (I hear you all shout hooray!) There will also be some great performances from some of the team as they seek to outdo wach other in being voted 'childrens church worker of the year' by you. (mind you we all know already that i'm the favourite.) Don't forget to book your place and invite a friend.

Three things

2006-11-29T23:28:00.000Z

1. My beard

Well, what can I say? I think it's fairly clear. The beard must go. You have won! I won't lie to you, I don't think it's THAT bad but I have thought about it a bit and maybe it's time it went.

BUT, let's not let all that hairiness go to waste! As Esther hinted at, we are thinking of shaving it off to raise money. Exactly what the money would be spent on is not 100% clear yet but you can help us get sponsors!

I'm glad you don't think I'M evil. That's good!

2. Silent Film

We are starting thinking of stuff for the Christmas services and we have some things in mind that maybe you'd like to be a part of. One thing that I thought about was a film. A silent film. Silent does not mean boring. For example the earliest comedy films were silent. Also silent just means that the actors don't speak. There can be music and maybe voiceovers and stuff. Depends what style we choose I think it'll be really fun.
The topic is "The King is coming" or "Royalty". Something like that. I have some ideas but if you have anything you think would work for a 3-5 minute film it would be great to hear from you!

3. Subscribe

You can subscribe to this blog you know! Just enter your email address where it says subscribe, follow the instructions and you'll get an email every time there is a new post! Cool!
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Sorry for the xtra long post. Just as a last thing I want to say that I'm so SO glad that I know you guys and my life would be a lot emptier without you! Just felt like letting you know...

See you Sunday (or Friday some of you)

P.S. If you're coming to the Megafeast and it's not a secret, what's your costume?

Ups and downs

2006-11-23T13:28:00.000Z

Hmm...I'll deal with Matt later...

In 19:14ers right now we are dealing with relying on God. It can be really hard sometimes! Especially when everything seems to be going wrong. Sometimes it can be scary because you don't know what's coming.
The good thing is that the Bible says that God always has good things planned for us and even though things might be tricky God will never leave us. Something I've been thinking about recently is how much God thinks we're worth. We are priceless to him. Sometimes I feel sad and upset and I think I'm a bit rubbish and useless but if I concentrate on what God thinks of me I can't be upset any more! Remember that next time you're feeling a bit down!

Ok Matt, I'm coming! Run for your life!

Good or Evil?!

2006-11-21T19:14:00.000Z

This Blog is definitely going downhill - these days they're letting just anyone post a comment - even me!!

Last Sunday we were looking at Good vs Evil, and talked about how we all have a choice between doing good or bad things. Sometimes it isn't as easy as you'd think to make the right choice - but God will always help us if we ask him!

We also had a bit of a vote on whether one particular thing was good or evil - can you remember what it is? The picture should give you a clue.....So what I want to do is have Woodies Kids first ever Blog vote, or 'Blote' for short. Post a comment telling us whether you think Rhys' beard is good or evil (and why) and then tell all your friends to come and Blote as well. I'll count the blotes before church on Sunday and announce the results at saltshakers.

See you all on Sunday (as long as Rhys doesn't get hold of me first!!)

Quotes

2006-11-20T23:48:00.000Z

Wehay! I get to post now too!

Following on from Esther's post, here are some quotes that I wrote down:

Stop, in the name of me! - David M.
Choose a wife Max! - Clair
I'm going to marry Jo. - David M.

Can you remember any more?

P.S. My beard isn't THAT evil isn't it...? ;-)>

Our Tongues

2006-11-14T15:26:00.000Z

In 19:14ers this fortnight we have been thinking about how we speak and how powerful words can be both to bless and worship and to hurt and bring people down. Lets be careful to think before we speak! Our words also have the power to make us laugh. What funny quotes from childrens church can you think of? Post them here as a comment. My favourite this sunday came fromm bob who said 'in the olden days... when my mum was young...'

the MAX

2006-11-14T15:04:00.000Z

Were you at The Max this Saturday? Despite a few tecnical difficulties we had a great time thinking about the commandments 'do not misuse God's great name' and 'honour your father and your mother' Both of these commandments are a challenge to keep in a world where God's name is often abused and many familoy relationships are difficult and broken. As we seek as individuals to obey God's commandments it allows a bit of God's Kingdom to break into our world and gives us and those who see us, a taste of what relationship with God and with our families was intended to look like. If you missed it this time then the next Max is on January 20th so make sure you come along.

Day Out

2006-10-29T17:20:00.000Z

Well it didnt rain but it was very muddy! congratulations to rachel for winning the muddiest child award and i think Bob was a close second (with the rumored addition of something rather more smelly!) We had a really great day hanging out in the woods, picnicing and scaring the driver and passengers on the number 358 bus! I had lots of fun and i hope you did too!

Prayer Request

2006-10-24T21:49:00.000Z

Hi Guys - could you all pray for Kirsty from Church. She's 22 and has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. She used to help with 19:14ers at adh with her boyfriend Jack. The whole church is praying for her - lets make sure that includes us. Esther x

Half term madness

2006-10-24T16:16:00.000Z

What crazy things are you all up to this half term? Has anyone got any ideas about how to while away the wet days? If you can think of some leave them as a comment and the craziest will get a prize. Here is mine, Try and create a desert that looks better than this -

Spiritual Blindness

2006-10-15T21:56:00.000Z

This morning we looked at the story of Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Although none of us are physically blind, many of us are spiritually blind to the things of God. This can be especially true for us during the week when we are not at church. How aware of God are you when you are at church or home? How active are you in remembering how he wants you to live? This week pray that God will open your spiritual eyes to see your world from his perspective. To see him at work in you and through you. Please share your stories of what happens when you do this on this blog!

Day Out

2006-10-12T11:29:00.000Z

Woodies Children’s Church Half Term Day Out
Explore the woods from Leigh woods to Pill. Get the bus back to Woodies for food and film

THURSDAY
26th Oct
11-6Meet at Leigh Woods at 11
Bring a coat and wear good shoes

Please book a place by e-mailing children@woodlandschurch.net
Pick up from woodies crypt at 6
Cost £3 to cover lunch, bus and tea
Bring Your Friends!
Please book a place by e-mailing children@woodlandschurch.net

Church History

2006-10-09T13:32:00.000Z

We know that some of you need to know about the church history so here are some bits. If there is information that you want added do let us know.

Woodlands central that you know now started in a small church in Sea Mills in 1983 (the year I was born!) The church had been in the past an old brethren building but had been closed for 8 years. Rob and Pam Scott Cook saw it as an opportunity for community evangelism and growth so the building was bought and Highgrove Church, Sea Mills was born. By 1988 the building was full

The leadership decided to plant out to a neighbouring community. Henleaze had no obvious public evangelical church so a group began meeting as a home group. The church went public in 1992, first of all in Henleaze junior school, and then in its current location. This building above came on the market within the first 6 months and didn’t meet its reserve price at auction, so we were able to buy it. Henleaze and Westbury community church began to meet on Sunday mornings. The church decided to stay one church but two congregations and met together in the evening alternating venues between Sea Mills and Henleaze. Henleaze grew rapidly, within 18 months we needed to have two services on a Sunday morning.

We began to meet in a more central venue in the evenings, in the Hawthorns Hotel in Woodlands Road, reflecting the need to accommodate a growing student dimension
widening geographical area of attendees.

Woodlands came on the market in 1995 (just down the road) and failed to sell quickly. Rob prayed in it and had vision for it. We offered half the price as it continued to fall and were able to purchase on the back of that offer for £125k. The building was used for evening meetings initially and then in 1996 Dave Mitchell took 60 people from Henleaze to open morning congregation.

Woodlands group of Church’s is one Church with 3 congregations. The whole church grows at around 20% per year and across the 3 congregations there are nearly 1000 people meeting each week.

Smelly Feet

2006-10-08T14:20:00.000Z

Not only did we learn about being servant-hearted leaders at discipleship group but we also discovered who has the smelliest feet! I shall not name them! Twinkle toes Bob however has feet that smelt lovely!

It was great to see you guys really up for being servant-hearted leaders. Spending time washing each other’s feet and praying for each other is fantastic. If you have any thoughts this month about how we lead like Jesus did do let us know.

Woodies Kids

2006-10-04T16:38:00.000Z

Hi guys -esther here - a big well done to clair for getting this up and running - i can't say much about her spelling though - any chance of a few corrections clair??? i am currently at 19:14ers in south Bristol and we are about to look at the topic of temptation. what are the temptations children face these days - im interested to know so that i can be praying for you all to stay strong

love Esther

Woodies Kids

2006-10-04T14:46:00.000Z

In partnership with parents we aim to provive a quality children's provision that inspires, trains and equips children to become disciples of Christ. We want our children to be:
- Followers of Jesus
- Worshipers of God
- Bringers of the kingdom
- People who live and act in faith

We are commited to serving them, supporting them and standing by them on this journey.

We currently have a team of arround 40, working with children at woodlands. We are always looking for people to join the team as the more people involved, the more we can achieve. If you would like to join the team email
Sue.

Saltshakers—8-12 years
We aim to give these children information about God and the world in a fun and interactive way. As they get older we want to give these children an opportunity to develop their own faith, to think and choose rather than copy and accept. They are also at this age, increasingly aware of the motives and consequences of wrong doing and so we aim to teach them about God’s acceptance and forgiveness and demonstrate this in the group. We also provide opportunities for prayer and worship. It is an age where children are beginning to find their own identity so the group places an emphasis on individual growth and the nurturing of gifts and talents.

Elements of a Sunday morning in saltshakers are
• Social, creative, activity time
• Teaching
• Small groups for discussion and prayer

Lightbeams—3-7 years

We aim to give these young children a place where they can have fun, learn about Jesus and find friendship and belonging. We want to give them a Godly demonstration of security and affection as well as opportunities to learn. Their Learning is very much grounded in experience so we do lots of singing, creating, playing and acting. We want to nurture the children's discovery of the world and make God a natural part of this. As they get older reinforcing the reality of God in the world and in their lives

The structure of a Sunday morning in Lightbeams is:
• Small group time, welcome and snack
• All together worship and story
• Age appropriate activities

T-Lights—18m-3y+
For very young children, spiritual nurturing comes from the security and affection of parents and other significant adults. Learning comes from play and stories and singing. In t-lights we want to support parents in this nurture and learning by providing a safe and simulating environment during the morning services where parents can leave their children or stay with them

NliveN
This is a monthly service for families under the age of 7. As well as enjoying cakes and drinks together we consider it important that children share their experience of church with their parents. With a range of interactive worship stories, activities, puppets and games, NliveN is an informal expression of church for young families.

Midweek Groups

Childrens small groups : 19:14ers
These are run to encourage and disciple children who have made a commitment to following Jesus. We share a meal together followed by a time of learning and praying. The groups run fortnightly on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening, one based in the south Bristol pastorate and one centrally, one in Coombe Dingle and one in Easton. We also run a discipleship group once a month on a Sunday lunchtime for children in years 6 and 7 who want to get involved in helping out at childrens church.

Wednesday drop in
We want to support parents with young children by providing a child friendly, café style environment where parents can meet and relax and children can play. It runs from 10-12 on each Wednesday morning

2006-10-02T15:45:00.000Z

Hi guys,

I have now worked out how to add a photo so here is my first offering. let me have any other photos you have.

Clair

2006-09-25T19:58:00.000Z

cool i think this works - wow childrens church hits the 21st century - thanks clair. Estherx

We have a blog spot!!

2006-09-25T18:36:00.000Z

Welcome to the Woodies Kids blog. This is a place to find out what's going on and to leave us your comments about things that have happened.

19:14er's started last week for some of you and this week it is Easton on Tuesday and ADH on Wednesday. Drop us a line if you want more info and let us know what you thought.

What did you think of the family service? It was great to hear Esther share some really honest things. Its hard to praise God when things aren't going well but It says in Romans 8 V 28 that 'God works for the good of those who love him'. This is true so there is always something to praise him for.

see you soon
Clair