King's Arms Pastorate

2007-07-09T17:05:00.000Z

Hi all, due to the high possibility of inclement weather we have postponed BBQ frolicks until next week.

This Tuesday (tomorrow, 9 July), therefore, will be a 'normal' pastorate in the Crypt at 7.30. Dave Mitchell will be sharing some thoughts with us...

See you then!

P.S. We've tried to text round everyone we had the number of over the weekend. Apologies if we missed you off. I have been on holiday so have only just got back in time for this last minute post!

Pastorate this Tuesday

2007-05-31T11:36:00.000Z

This Tuesday (5 June)
Pastorate is gathering this Tuesday at 7.30 in the Crypt. Amy's smallgroup will be providing delicious desserts.

Looking ahead to the term, we have pastorate this Tuesday (5 June), the Annual Church Meeting on 12 June then smallgroups each Tuesday except 10 July when we're meeting as pastorate (not to confuse you or anything!)

Welcoming this Sunday
We are down to be welcoming this Sunday morning at Woodlands Central. Turn up before 10am to help sort out coffee etc. Speak to Simon if you need more info.

Changes in pastorate life

2007-05-16T21:15:00.000Z

For those of you who weren't around last night, Sam and Amy both said that they will step back from leading pastorate at the end of this term. Looking ahead, Dave Mitchell and Matt Smith will be helping input into pastorate life with Steve and Netty Matthews also be getting more involved.

We are exploring with a number of smallgroups not currently part of a pastorate the possibility of joining us for our monthly gatherings.

With so much going on we are eager to hear your thoughts and ideas, and one way you can share them is via a questionnaire you can download here.

Sunday Social
...this Sunday - we're meeting at the back of Woodies after the service on Sunday morning. A bunch of people will be going to a chinese then the downs for frisbee etc.

Pastorate & Drinks at Halo

2007-05-09T21:05:00.000Z

Pastorate this Tuesday
At pastorate this Tuesday (15 May) Dave Mitch and Matt Smith are coming to share some thoughts with us on "Commitment in Community". Should be a fantastic night - we'll meet from 7.30 in the Crypt and will be eating desserts together (no main meal).

Some guys from some other homegroups (that aren't currently linked in with a pastorate) are also coming along this week so do make a point of being extra friendly :-)

Drinks at Halo this Friday
A bunch of people are going for drinks at Halo this Friday night from 8pm. All pasties and their friends are warmly invited. Speak to Simon if you need more info. Halo is on (141) Gloucester Road.

Link to find it: http://www.halobristol.co.uk/

Downs this Saturday

2007-05-03T11:23:00.000Z

From Sarah Jutsum:

For all those who were not at pastorate last night and haven't heard on the grapevine, we are having a picnic on the downs at 12.30 ish this saturday-bring a plate- meeting across the road from the water tower. We're going to be playing wide games after-like rounders ultimate frisbee football, etc, so if you have a ball/frisbee /bat etc then please bring. Bring as many friends as you like, the more the merrier. we'll be there till about 4, so will still be going for a while even if you cant make the picnic!

It's is forecast to be lovely weather, so should be a great day..hope to see you there!
sarah xxx

We're also Welcoming at church this Sunday morning so do turn up for 10am if you are able. Thanks

A gathering of Pasties

2007-04-26T21:07:00.000Z

Pastorate this Tuesday (1 May)

... is the start of a new series for the term closely following the 3rd Sunday themes. We'll be kicking off with an introductory session this week.

We're going to experiment this Tuesday with not having a main meal together (so come pre-fuelled) but will be having desserts and Coffee. Same time <7.15>, same place [Crypt].

Prayer ministry this Sunday - If you want to get involved in praying for people this week do grab someone who looks sensible (Simon E & Sarah J always looks very sensible for example.) If you want to be involved in praying for God to touch peoples' lives it's a good thing to do :-)

See you Tuesday.

This Week

2007-04-19T18:13:00.000Z

This coming Tuesday (24 April) smallgroups will be meeting up. Hope you all have a fantastic time!

Rob and Holly have just stepped down from leading their group (they've been leading for as long as I can remember) so a big thank you for all their hard work. I'm extending an invite to everyone from their group (and anyone else who wants to come) to my house on Tuesday night. We'll spend a chunky portion of the evening:

praying for one another

reading a bit of scripture and...

making homemade Pizza! (so please bring along you're favourite topping of choice!)

If you don't know ehere I live, give me a shout and I'll let you know. Turn up at 7.15 with some bush tucker.

Simon and Amy have been working hard on an excellent programme for the term which will be kicking off on 1 May in the Crypt.

Go forth and multiply.

Pastorate this Tuesday (3 April)

2007-03-29T20:17:00.000Z

Hola!

Pastorate this Tuesday (3 April)

... is in the Crypt, at 7.15 as usual.

Why don't you come with the aim of blessing others and willing to tell some stories of what God has been doing in your life recently?

Simon and Ruth's group are being lovely and cooking for us.

Welcoming and Prayer this Sunday morning

If you're interested, turn up at 10am at church. Sarah Jutsum is organising with Simon so if you have any questions, email her.

Free Sight tests!

2007-03-25T14:01:00.000Z

A message from our very own opthalmologically gifted James King:

"Hope you're all having a good weekend.

On Wednesday 28th March Dunscombes Opticians on St Augusines Parade in the city centre near the Hipodrome theatre will be offering Free Sight tests for one day only! The Day of free sight tests takes place during National Eyesight Awareness Week, an event which aims to focus public attention on the importance of regular eye health checks and which is sponsored by the National Eye Research Centre (NERC) based at the Bristol Eye Hospital.

Anybody wishing to have a free sight test on Wednesday 28th March (any other day you'll have to pay!) is asked to call in or phone Dunscombes Opticians in the city centre on tel: (0117) 9272155 between 8:30am and 5:30pm. The free sight tests are going to be booked on a first come first serve basis and will be carried out on Wednesday 28th March only so to avoid dissapointment book a.s.a.p!! The free sight tests are open to anyone so feel free to inform friends and relatives.

Take Care, James."

Sunday social

2007-03-21T19:15:00.000Z

Greeting pastorites, last Sunday was mothers day and we missed out on our sunday social.
But fear not, for this sunday we have a pastorate walk planned (groovy).

The walk is from this handy web page:
http://website.lineone.net/~stkittsnevis/bristol.htm#4

With most people thinking of slavery, we'll have a look at some of Bristol's past.
Starting from the Industrial Museum, we'll walk to the Ostrich pub (where we can have a nice lunch), and then think about the rest of the walk.

Pub this Tuesday

2007-03-18T20:16:00.000Z

"Large and recently refurbished single bar pub tucked away at the back of St Michael's Hill. The L-shaped bar serves an upmarket red-carpeted drinking area with a small raised corral in one corner and slate floor by the bar. "

Pastorate this Tuesday (20 March) is a social at the King's Arms Pub - we'll gather there from 8pm.

Do bring your mates - we tried to book some pub skittle action but to no avail - if anyone knows of a central-ish pub that has a skittles alley let us know!
(It's on Little Paul Street - kind of behind Somerfield - text or ring if you get lost!)

Stuff going on this week...

2007-03-01T18:31:00.000Z

Don't forget, pastorate this Tuesday (6 March). 7.15 in the Crypt.

Tom & Emily's group are cooking.

Welcoming and Prayer this Sunday!

We're also doing welcoming and prayer ministry this Sunday morning at Woodies Central. If you haven't been before, do turn up at 10am and lend a hand. It's always a good laugh and vital to making church work well. If you're nervous about praying for others just latch on to someone else and learn from them - you won't regret it! Contact Amy for more info or just turn up.

'A Spirit filled life', this Saturday
See blog for details - see Steve Wray. 11 am - 4pm. Should be well worth a look in.

I (Sam) won't be around this next week as I'm partying it hard on holiday (well I'll probably be being silent in a monastery somewhere near Bath actually). Have a good one.

Philip's party

2007-02-22T21:44:00.000Z

If you haven't been invited already, consider yourself invited. RSVP to Philip. Thanks to Colse for doing the original post.

Social stuff going on this week

2007-02-21T17:46:00.000Z

Wanna watch 'Hot Fuzz' this Thursday night? Have a word with Rob Wilson or Sarah Jutsum for details of what time and where etc.

Wanna go to the King's Arms pub on Thursday night instead? Email James King or turn up at the King's Arms (High Kingsdown, kind of behind Somerfield) for 8pm.

James will also be organising some (perhaps not quite as energetically as pictured) badminton. Get in touch if you want to be part of it.

If you are reading this blog post, you are extraordinarily welcome to frequent any of these activities as you wish.

A Spirit Filled Life

2007-02-18T22:04:00.000Z

The distinguished Steve Wray has passed on the details for the conference happening 3 March. Not only will it be a great opportunity to learn from Simon (biog below) but also to be involved in praying for students through the day.

Simon is the Theological Pastor at St Aldates in Oxford and will be doing the readings at New Wine this year. He wrote a book on the Spirit Filled Life called ‘More’ and has just completed a larger Theology of the Spirit titled 'God Inside Out' which will be published around Easter. He is a Bristol University graduate and also trained at Trinity Bible College.
A number of students have expressed a wish to be mentored: this may also be a chance to strike up a friendship that results in a bit of ongoing mentoring too?

Download the pdf flyer here.

Birds? Where?!

2007-02-15T22:46:00.000Z

In a bid to help the men of the pastorate meet more birds, Diggory is organising a wee trip to Slimbridge this Sunday after church [girls are also welcome].

For those of you not normally orthinologically minded, I gather bird seed can be purchased from the people wearing wellington boots. It'll be a great opportunity to meet some people and have a laugh - do invite any friends friends you have or want to have, cunningly coinciding with the Third Sunday service in the evening.

If you want to come along meet at the back of church on Sunday morning for a lift and holding £6 for entry. If you don't know him, look for the handsome geeza pictured.

CLICK ME FOR MAP!

Pastorate this Tuesday (20 Feb)
Simon and Ruth's group are providing a bountiful number of desserts but no main course - so come ready fuelled if needed but with room for a few naughties.

Same time (7.15). Same place (Crypt).

Pastorate this week (6thFeb)

2007-02-01T16:29:00.000Z

We are joined this week at pastorate by the lovely Mr Philip Jinadu. Philip came and shared some of his wisdom with Pastorate and homegroup leaders last week and was inspireing and witty.

If God spoke to you over the week of prayer and you think it would be good to share do let us know

Join us at 7:15 for food. Looking forward to seeing you.

Pastorate this Tuesday (23 Jan)

2007-01-20T10:17:00.000Z

Hope to see you for another gathering this Tuesday. 7.15 in the Crypt (although we'll be making a trip up to the Upper Hall too so if you arrive and feel distinctly lonely try upstairs!

Sian's group are cooking

For those of you who like to be hyper organised and know things in advanced, the rota for stuff like cooking, welcoming and the like can be downloaded here.

GETTING STUCK IN!!! (by courtesy to Colse!)

Henleaze Congregation is looking to employ a part-time children's worker. For more info, contact Tim Dobson

PA & 'Words of Worship' training... sound like a good idea... sound... oh nevermind... we are looking for more folk to operate the PA & words systems at Woodies. Without these guys, Sunday services wouldn't happen!! Contact Lois (Volunteering Co-ordinator)

Interested in learning more about 'worship'? Woodies will be put on a series of worship training sessions on the 4th Sunday of every month, starting on the 28th Jan, 5.30pm in the crypt. For more info go to Woodies Worship Training Blog

Kuvaka Cafe: "For a more just world" is now open on Stokes Croft, near Ninetree Hill

Alpha Course starts Wed 24th Jan

2007-01-11T22:21:00.000Z

To nab a thought from w3's blog, "Right slap bang" in the middle of the Woodlands prayerweek sees the start of the next Alpha Course.

Alpha is a short course designed for people who are interested in finding out more about the Christian Faith. There is a meal followed by a short talk, then a chance to ask questions in a small group context. This is ideal for those who are asking questions about faith and are genuinely interested.

When: Wednesday 24th Jan 2007 - 7.30pm in Woodlands Upper Hall
For more information, email Josh (Woodies Alpha Co-ordinator)

Some key questions...

2007-01-09T23:14:00.000Z

Thank you all for a great evening tonight. You'll find some questions on the download at the bottom of this post - do give them a bit of thought individually and in your smallgroups. Let's think honestly and creatively about how we go about doing community together.

You can return the attached form to Sam or return them via your friendly smallgroup leader.
DOWNLOAD
{Do be praying for Holly and Karen as they jet off to New Zealand}

{Congrats Emily and Tom!}

Prayer Week

2007-01-08T18:00:00.000Z

View information about prayerweek including details of events taking place during the week and guidance and hints on how to get the most out of the week by clicking here.

If you would like to book a slot to go down to the 24-7 prayer room at Woodies, click on the image below:

Pastorate this Tuesday (9 Jan)

2007-01-04T20:52:00.000Z

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Year. Our first gathering for 2007 kicks off this Tuesday 9 Jan. Should be great!

We're meeting at 7.15 in the Crypt.

Simon and Ruth's group are cooking. See you then!

We are also down for **Welcoming this Sunday** morning. All who can make it do turn up for 10 at church.

Christmas Welcoming

2006-12-16T23:50:00.000Z

With Christmas aproaching far to fast lois's thoughts move to the welcoming rota! Teams are needed over christmas and new year and it would be great if we were able to help. Lois particularly needs a team for the 10.30am service on the 24th and teams for the morning and evening on the 31st. It will be quieter over Christmas, but it's also a time when lots of lost sheep wander back to see what is going on, and a time when we meet lots of visitors who are staying with Woodies people, so it would be great if we could make them welcome. Please do let us know if you can help out.

Woodlands Christmas Services

2006-12-15T22:31:00.000Z

[Click on the cross above for further info]

Christmas Quiz!

2006-12-07T20:37:00.000Z

This Tuesday (12 Dec) at pastorate we'll be having a meal together as usual followed by a Christmas quiz! Our quiz master for the evening will be the one and only Simon Eakins (so it will probably be quite hard - all good practice for the inter-pastorate games however!).

This is a great chance to invite your work colleagues and friends from outside of church to a fun and low key social where they can meet our pastorate community.

7.15 in the Crypt.
Sian's group are cooking.

Prayer Ministry this Sunday
**Also, this Sunday morning we are on ministry team - do take this opportunity to be praying for people. If the thought of praying for others as part of a ministry team scares you, why not ask if you can pray along someone else?**

Simply Christian

2006-12-06T13:54:00.000Z

A thought provoking précis of his latest book, this is a very accessible yet theological look at the Christian Faith by Tom Wright. You may already know his "for Everyone" series on New Testament books...

LISTEN (mp3 file - 18MB)
(This is a large file but if you want to download it, Windows users right click and select 'Save target as')

Welcoming (3 December)

2006-11-28T22:48:00.000Z

This Sunday morning (3 December) the King's Arms Pastorate are on welcoming at church. If you are around to help out you're welcome to speak to Amy... 10pm at church...

Inter-Pastorate Games

2006-11-25T10:23:00.000Z

We have officially accepted the challenge of w3 pastorate... Its obviously NOT a competition but there is nothing wrong with a little gentle rivalry! Perhaps a quiz night challenge or maybe something of a more energetic nature??

PASTORATE THIS TUES (28 NOV)
Same time (7.15), same place (crypt).

Esther Green will be helping us look at the whole issue of 'listening to God'.

Rob and Holly's smallgroup are cooking.

A celebration of Christmas, 3 December

2006-11-19T17:18:00.000Z

This is a really good event to invite your friends to, especially those who don't usually attend church or are asking questions about God.

Intelligent Church

2006-11-19T17:11:00.000Z

Steve Chalke was recently in Bristol talking about 'Intelligent Church'. I think that he said some very insightful things we could take to heart as a pastorate. Have a listen if you like:

(Part 1) DOWNLOAD (Windows users right click and select 'Save target as')

(Part 2) DOWNLOAD

(Q & A) DOWNLOAD

For more info go to the Bristol Region Leaders website.

Bowling...

2006-11-15T22:21:00.000Z

I think it's probably the more energetic, new-fangled 'Ten-pin' type, but if you fancy going bowling a bunch of people are going after church this Sunday (19 Nov) at Long Ashton...

To get a lift hang around at at the back of church after the morning service at Woodies... Do bring along any friends/family/new acquaintances.

Pastorate 14 November

2006-11-09T22:09:00.000Z

Looking forward to seeing you all at pastorate on Tuesday. Do come with something to share with the group - a song, a verse of scripture, something you feel God is saying...

We're meeting as usual at 7.15 on Tuesday (14 Nov) in the Crypt.

Simon and Ruth's group are cooking.

Ben Lilford is still looking for a place to stay and as of 1 December will be homeless so if you're looking for a place to stay yourself, or have a room to offer, do let me know and I'll put you in touch.

Healing & The Kingdom of God Conference

2006-11-05T18:05:00.000Z

A conference to equip ordinary Christians to pray for healing for everyone, everywhere...
November 17-18, 2006
Hosted By: Bristol Vineyard & Woodlands Christian Centre

This looks like it'll be a fantastic conference guys - do get along...

Doors & Registration open Friday Night @ 6:30 and Saturday @ 9:30

To register fill out the pdf brochure (linked) and post to Bristol Vineyard.

just don't bring a buzzer...

2006-11-01T23:28:00.000Z

This Sunday morning (5 Nov) we're welcoming at church - this involves handing out newsheets, serving coffee and tea, chatting to people as they arrive and generally being on hand to help out practically during the service. It's always a good laugh so if you can help out do turn up at 10am at church. Any questions, do speak to Amy Foster or Clair Miller who are organising.

may be of interest...

2006-11-01T21:15:00.000Z

(Richard Dawkins Interview)

Pastorate 31 October

2006-10-25T22:21:00.000Z

Looking forward to seeing you all at pastorate this Tuesday (31 Oct). We're meeting as usual at 7.15 in the Crypt.

Julian Marsh (my Dad) will be sharing some thoughts with us but we will be giving priority in the evening to listening to God, and putting into practice what Dave (who will also again be with us) was sharing last pastorate - do therefore come bringing something to share: a prophecy, a song to sing, a verse to share, a word of encouragement for someone... Do be praying about through this as you prepare to come.

Sian's smallgroup are cooking.

**We (as a pastorate) are also doing Ministry Team at church on Sunday morning (29 Oct) - do take this opportunity to be praying for people. If the thought of praying for others as part of a ministry team scares you, why not ask if you can pray along someone else?**

**********************************************************************************
More than a few Woodies up and coming events:
**********************************************************************************

BISC international reception Saturday 28th October

Worship special Sunday evening 29th October

Wholeness Course starts 1st November

Welcome team lunch November 5th

Half night of Prayer for healing conference 9.30-12.30 Friday 10th November

Healing Conference 17th-18th November

Cathedral Carol service 3rd December

Saltmine Theatre Panto @ Woodlands 5th December

Carols by Candlelight & Crib service December 17th
**********************************************************************************

The quiet, domesticated life

2006-10-23T22:11:00.000Z

Some words from the lovely Ruth Marsh:

"Whilst I was away in Cornwall and had a bit of space to think, I asked God what He might be saying to me from the weeks' experiences, and a couple of pictures and a passage came to mind which I felt were part of God's heart for pastorate that He was sharing with me (us!).

The first picture came from a house-buying TV programme I was watching that morning, and it was of a very sleek-looking fireplace, with metal trimming around it, boxed into a wall. The feature about it that stuck in my mind was that it had a remote control to it, so you could turn the fire up or down as you wished.

The second picture came from a Christian DVD I had also been watching that week called 'Nooma: Flame', and it was one of a HUGE outdoor bonfire; the biggest on I'd ever seen. It was being used in the DVD to illustrate the wildness and enormity of God's love - it certainly was wild and enormous, and you couldn't control it!I felt that God might be speaking to us about the fire of His Spirit - maybe that if we tried to stay in control of things ourselves we'd have a very controlled, domesticated spiritual life at pastorate, but if we dared to invite the Spirit in and obey His leadings and promptings as a pastorate, then fire will burn! (But it might also look quite messy...)

The verse that came to mind was Isaiah 61: 'The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted and to announce that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favour has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the Lord has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.'

Bring it on, God! We love what You do and want to see more of it..."

Amen. A messy life, but a life that brings God's order and God's good news to all who will receive it (me first!)

(Not the band)

2006-10-17T21:57:00.000Z

... but the place...

After church this Sunday, a bunch of people are going for a pub lunch at the Windmill Inn in Portishead followed by a walk along the coast for an ice cream in Clevedon. All welcome!

Do invite your friends - it's a relaxed atmosphere in which we can get to know one another and have a laugh.

Wilson smallgroup are organising - meeting at the back of church on Sunday morning after the service to grab/offer a lift.

Click here for directions to the Windmill...

Photogenic Dave

2006-10-12T21:38:00.000Z

He's a good man that Dave, we'll be looking forward to him hanging around our pastorate the next few weeks. Do say hello.

See you at pastorate on Tuesday 17 October, 7.15pm in the Crypt.

Do come on Tuesday with a word of encouragement for someone, a song to sing or a testimony to give. Do come prepared to share the love of God with one another as we work out how to follow Jesus.

Wilson Smallgroup are cooking. See you then!

You can contribute too!

2006-10-08T21:33:00.000Z

Pastorate Flickr Photo Pool

You can post photos in the PhotoPool too! If you already have a Flickr account, sign in here. If not, it's free to register.

Newcomers Meal

2006-10-03T23:21:00.000Z

Thursday 12 October

8pm
Upper Hall
Woodlands Christian Centre

A chance to meet the leaders and hear about the vision and values of the King's Arms Pastorate: what we're about, why we do what we do.

RSVP with any dietary requirements to Clair or Amy.

Vision Evening

2006-09-27T00:04:00.000Z

Tuesday 3 October: Vision Evening, 7.45pm

The annual Vision Evening is taking place on Tuesday 3 October at Woodlands Christian Centre at 7.45pm. This will be a fantastic chance to share in all that God is doing with our church and hear something of vision for the future - it is one of the key gatherings of the Woodlands group of churches each year.

This replaces our usual pastorate gathering.

Some of you may also have met Ben Lilford either at smallgroup or pastorate. He's currently looking for accommodation in the Bristol area. If anyone can help, you can get his contact details from me.

Housewarming party

2006-09-25T20:48:00.000Z

You are cordially invited to come and warm our house!

Ruth and I are having a get together to meet our neighbours on 1 October.

If anyone would like to come do get in touch and I'll give you directions!

Also, this Sunday morning we are welcoming at church - this involves handing out newsheets, serving coffee and tea, chatting to people as they arrive and generally being on hand to help out practically during the service. It's always a good laugh so if you can help out do turn up at 10am at church. Any questions, do speak to Amy Foster or Clair Miller who are organising.

Alpha: Wednesday 11th October 2006

2006-09-23T18:21:00.000Z

Alpha is a short course designed for people who are interested in finding out more about the Christian Faith.

As an introduction to the Course, there is an Alpha Supper on Wednesday 27th September.

Course starts Wednesday 11th October 2006.

Do consider going along yourself and/or inviting your friends. If you want to get involved contact Joshua Rutere. There are also Alpha courses being run at Highgrove and Henleaze .

This Sunday: Sunday Social!

2006-09-20T23:05:00.000Z

This Sunday (24th) there are two fantastic things to get involved in:

The first is that we are down to do prayer ministry team with Central 1 pastorate in the morning. This basically means that we are on hand during and after the service to pray with and for people. If the idea of praying for people scares you then why not ask a homegroup leader if you can pray alongside them?

The second thing is that after church a bunch of people will be going for a walk and a pub lunch in Chew Magna / Butcombe.

If you'd like to come along just turn up at the back of church on Sunday. If you need a lift we'll sort that out then, and if you have a car do bring it to offer people lifts!

Simon Eakins and Ruth Gifford are organising this so if you have any questions do grab them.

Pastorate Tuesday 19 Sept

2006-09-16T19:00:00.000Z

It would be lovely to see you at pastorate this Tuesday. We are meeting IN THE CRYPT at 19.15.

After eating together (Simon and Ruth's group cooking) we will be taking some time to worship and make use of the 24/7 Prayer Room. I have had some precious times with God in prayer rooms and I'm confident God will speak to us, draw us closer to himself and thrust our gaze outwards. There is a special emphasis this week on healing (hence the 24/7 artwork above), so come expecting God to do some exciting stuff!

Wedding Photos

2006-09-14T23:30:00.000Z

For those of you who may be interested, you can view Sam and Ruth's wedding photos by clicking on the one above.

Pastorate rota now available to download...

2006-09-07T22:17:00.000Z

Ever found yourself sitting at work thinking, 'you know what, I'd just love to know exactly when my smallgroup is next cooking at pastorate'? Well, lo and behold, a downloadable rota is now at your fingertips!!!!

Features include:
- Cooking rota
- Sunday Socials rota
- Church Welcome rota
- Church Ministry Team rota

Benefits include:
- You'll never miss your chance to serve again!
- Forward planning
- That smug sense of knowing exactly what you're doing when and where

You can find it on the right hand side of the blog under the cunningly titled heading 'pastorate rota'. With the effluxion of time, I'll be updating /amending it so do check it periodically. 'Effluxion' - good word that.

ALSO, a message from a good friend of mine called Jon Collins:

"Hi, my name is Jon. I am 22 and moving back to Bristol having studied there for the last 4 years. I am about to start full time work at a Bristol-based wind energy consultancy [same one as our very own Simon Fergason] and am looking for either a flat-share with friendly young professionals between 20-30 or possibly a room in a house if anyone is looking to take in a lodger. I am looking to move in asap or at the end of September at the latest."

If you can help, give me a call and I'll put you in touch.

Welcome back!

2006-08-31T20:58:00.000Z

Hope you had a great summer! I am reacting badly to the transition from 'honeymoon' to 'work' but am very excited by the term ahead. God has proved himself faithful to me this summer in so many ways and I expect him to continue to be doing amazing things in my life and yours in the coming term.

THIS TUESDAY - 5 Sept 06

It would be great for us all to catch up with each other this Tuesday so let's meet at 8pm in the King's Arms Pub rather than our usual Upper Hall. If you don't know where this is, then don't worry, it's dead near Woodlands (kind of behind Somerfield) and you can see a map by clicking here.

Church goings on

• Prayer ministry training. This will run for three weeks from Wednesday 6th September at 7.45 for 8 in Woodlands Crypt. There will be notes, opportunities for questions, and PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE times. Open to all.
• Homegroup leaders induction. For new homegroup leaders or any who would like to attend, especially those who have never been to such an event. Monday 25th September at Woodlands Central with Tim & Dave. A chance for some terms of reference for leaders, practical tools, and comissioning prayer.
• 24/7 prayer plans Ruth is hoping to facilitate a prayer room from 17th-24th of september provisionally.

• Alpha Supper 27th September.
• Global Summitt with Bill Hybels and Bono et al @ Elim @ Bristol on September 29th/390th (well actually they are there by remote transmission) hosted by Mike Hill (who will be there live!)
• Steve Chalke conference on 'Intelligent Church' on Wednesday 1st November (day conference) at Woodlands
• Healing conference at Woodlands on November 17th & 18th with Bristol Vineyard et al
• Carols in the Cathedral guest event on Dec. 3rd
• Word and spirit input from Ken McGreavey over the weekend of 23rd march 07 at Woodlands.

What's happening over the summer??

2006-07-25T23:12:00.000Z

Over the summer, the various smallgroups will be doing their own thing and pastorate meetings won't be happening. But don't despair they'll be kicking off again in September. Do look out for various socially events happening as well though and speak to your smallgroup leader(s) for more info on what they are up to.

Here is a taster of some stuff that will be happening:

Fancy going Camping?

A bunch of pastorate guys are going camping in St Ive's, Cornwall, between Thurs 3th to Sunday 6th August. You may want to go for all or a bit of it. For more info contact Neil Dennison or Amy Foster who are the two main protagonists.

My Wedding

Ruth and I would love you to come to our wedding service: 12 August, 2pm at Woodies. Up there with giving our lives to Jesus, this will be one of the happiest days of our lives - do be a part of it.

Cleaning Church

Whilst on our recent wknd away a few people mentioned that they were aware that cleaning the church over the summer is a big job without a year team being around (it's a big job with them too I guess) and that they'd like to help out.

Without the year team, keeping the church clean over the summer largely falls into Lois' lap. We've therefore offered as a pastorate to give her some assistance. There will be various spring clean projects on the go and lots of other practical things like fence painting and hedge trimming that need doing too.

We'll look to organise something on either a Sunday afternoon or an evening during the week as there are loads of weddings happening on Saturdays.

Watch this space.

Love Bristol

Don't forget: Love Bristol kicks off tomorrow - it's not too late to book in/turn up...

Pastorate 25 July

2006-07-19T00:09:00.000Z

Hello all,

Due to the close proximity of Love Bristol (starting the next day), end of the school term etc we've decided not to meet in the Upper Hall this Tuesday but to meet at 8pm on the Downs (by the watertower) for fun and frolicks (probably involving rounders bats, kites and such like).

We won't eat together - unless a group want to bring their own BBQ stuff along and/or eat in a pub.

If it's raining we'll adjourn in the nearest suitable public house.

Tuesday 25 July 8pm, by the watertower on the Downs

Oh what fun we had...

2006-07-09T17:52:00.000Z

Photos from the Weekend Away:

The girls and the (ever so slightly immature) boys...

On the Gondolas:

Our Rob Scott-Cook appreciation evening went down particularly well...

Top marks goes to Tom for his ingenious "tequila worm"

We even did some serious stuff too (honest)...

What's God like?: The Paradoxes

2006-07-03T17:56:00.000Z

"The God we worship is clothed in mystery. He reveals and He conceals. He invites and He hides. He confounds and He confides. The God who rests but never sleeps; who thunders and whispers, terrifies and befriends; whose anger lasts only a moment, but whose favour lasts a lifetime. All-consuming, yet kind. All-knowing, yet capable of forgetting the sins He forgives. The God who wounds and binds up, who injurs and heals. The King whose footstool is the earth, yet who humbly washed the earth from the feet of those He discipled. Who reigns in righteousness, yet carried our shamefulness...

The suffering servant who commands the universe. The sinless friend of sinners. The Saviour who hung in agony on beams of wood He Himself had called into being. Fearsome, yet welcoming. Unfathomable, yet knowable. The God of kings and beggars, presidents and paupers. Who fathers the fatherless and works through our weakness. Burning with holiness, yet refreshingly graceful.

He who is worshipped by the multitudes of heaven, yet rejoices over a single returning heart. Perfect in every way, yet able to help those who are being tempted...

This is the God we worship - the God of all mystery."(Matt Redman - the quote not the picture!)

The Paradoxes - that's Phil Lawrence's title this Tuesday (11 July).

Cooking: Simon & Jo's smallgroup
See you there, 7.15 for food in the Upper Hall as usual.

Weekend Away 7-9 July!!!

2006-06-28T19:13:00.000Z

Join us for a weekend of fun, relaxation, fellowship, worship, study and going that little bit deeper in friendships and with God.

Where: Standlake Ranch, Downs Road, Standlake, Witney, Oxon, OX29 7UH

For directions see these Maps: Map 1 Map 2

Cost: £32 - includes two nights accomodation, all food and splendid company!

What to bring:

• House Slippers, Socks or naked well kept feet (No shoes allowed indoors, seriously!)
• Sleeping bag and pillow case cover (pillows provided)
• A sense of humour and a personality (just the one will do)
• Clean teeth and trainers/sports gear (for Saturday fun)
• Bible, thermal long-johns (men), jodhpurs (women)

If you haven't already signed up then you can do so by simply sending Amy an email - monies can be collected on the weekend. We'll also be organising people to give lifts nearer the time and looking for cooking volunteers, sports co-ordinators etc!

Healing Tent at Ashton Court:

2006-06-27T20:11:00.000Z

Looking for people willing to pray, decorate the tent and talk to people.

From noon ‘til 11pm on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd of July this year, roughly 30,000 people will visit Ashton Court to listen to live music.

But this year, it will be slightly different. For the first time, the church will be there too. Not on the main stage with a choir, but down in the market place, offering the still small voice and presence of God in the cacophony of sound that fills the air.

The Vision

The Healing Tent at Ashton Court is a place where anyone can come to rest, be prayed for, or simply chill out and listen to some ambient music. We want festival go-ers to have an experience of the shalom of God’s presence, to know His touch on their lives, in short to know that they’ve met, maybe for the first time, the Living God, in whom we live and have our being.

Who’s involved?

A number of Christians from different churches around Bristol, including Bristol Vinyard, Bristol Christian Fellowship, Alma Bethesda, Holy Trinity Hotwells, Woodlands, Fellowship of the King, and, by the time you read this, possibly more.

What will actually happen in the Healing Tent?

What will happen in the tent will partly depend on why people have come in. Some people will just be curious, others might come just to get a free bottle of water. There might be some people who specifically come to receive prayer or just a listening voice. And some might just want to crash out on a beanbag for a while and listen to some DJ-led ambient music.

How do I get involved?

Email either Naomi Knapp or Dez Futak - you will need to send in an application form to him - to get this log onto the website link:

http://www.fotk.org.uk/healingtent

Pastorate this Tuesday (27 June)

2006-06-21T21:51:00.000Z

At pastorate this Tuesday Phil Thomas will be with us looking at 'What's God like? The Titles'. Phil is involved in running a practical theology course that all of our year teamers do, he has an allotment and is generally and all round top bloke.

Cooking: Rob and Holly's smallgroup

See you there, 7.15 for food in the Upper Hall.

A big thank you to all who helped cook, wash up and generally smile a lot at the football yesterday - especially Clair who demonstrated advanced-skill bacon butty making abilities. They went down very well.

England v Sweden, Tuesday 20 June

2006-06-17T00:02:00.000Z

This Tuesday (20 June) we'll be watching England v Sweden at Woodlands. I am reliably informed to expect at least 65 people there so the atmosphere should be great! Do take this fantastic opportunity to invite your mates along to enjoy the footy in a non-smokey and non-threatening environment - a very easy introduction to church!

As a way to serve the wider church we're going to be serving up bacon butties at half time - the lovely Clair Miller is co-ordinating this on the food front and would like as many volunteers as possible to turn up at church for 7.30pm to help slice rolls etc (kick off is at 8pm).

See you then!

Upper Hall, 7.30pm

Sunday Social, 11 June

2006-06-04T01:10:00.000Z

Meeting outside Woodies at 12 on Sunday. Walk starts over in Portbury (map), walk for around 1.5 - 2 hours then finish at the Priory pub in Portbury village for Sunday lunch around 3pm or so.

Depending on the weather it shouldn't be particularly muddy but walking boots would be good if people have them.

We'll need 2-3 cars depending on numbers. Speak to Simon Eakins or Jo Watson for further details.

A non-smokey and generally atmospheric place to watch the footy with your mates.

Tuesday 20th June | England v Sweden | 8pm

... and all England games thereafter.

A guide to the slightly confusing coming weeks...

June 6th - (usually small group) - ACM at Woodies, 7.45pm
June 11th* - Sunday Social
June 13th - (usually Pastorate) - small group meeting or if you don't want to miss it you could watch Brazil vs. Croatia
June 20th - (usually small group) - England vs. Sweden at Woodies BUT we'll commit to serve the church and their friends by giving out bacon butties or something similar at half time (if you dont like football then look at this as an opportunity to serve in a very practical way!)
June 27th - back to the normal routine with Phil Thomas leading the session on 'The Titles'
July 7 - 9th - WEEKEND AWAY!!!

[*June 8th - SMALL GROUP LEADERS MEETING]

Prayer changes things!

2006-06-04T01:03:00.000Z

Many of you will have heard Highgrove Church being mentioned at Woodlands (and you'll hear some more at the ACM on Tuesday). I go there with Ruth on a Sunday mornings. Its local catchment Secondary School, Portway, has just come out of special measures. Thought I'd share what was in the news this week with you as an encouragement to all who meet to pray in the workplace:

2006 has brought about some exciting changes and success for Portway School. Ofsted have said that Portway no longer requires Special Measures and have been given a Notice of Improvement. Ofsted 'have confidence in the schools capacity to make lasting improvements'. Mr Hebden (the new Head) has been said to have 'brought fresh hope to the school and has focused, with great success, on the most urgent issues'. The report mentions significant improvements in behaviour and the management of challenging behaviour by staff.

In recent days, the turnaround at Portway has been in the local press. In the article, Mr Hebden acknowledges the impact of the Pray for Portway events:

...And he was astonished to find dozens of people from local churches, who meet regularly in the school, were praying for it to overcome some of its difficulties. "I'm not a religious person myself, but that was amazing," he said.

Things to note...

2006-05-30T23:43:00.000Z

Sam's Baptism!
Our very own Sam Bridges is getting baptised this Sunday morning (4 June) at the 10.30am service. There will also be a bring and share food in the crypt afterwards! See you there.

Welcoming
It is also our turn to do welcoming this Sunday morning and with the baptisms happening there is likely to be plenty of people to welcome. Do come and be a part of making the meeting happen. Rob Wilson is organsing - all hands on deck. Turn up at church for 9.50am.

Tues 6 June: Annual Church Meeting, 7.45pm

Our annual celebration of all that God has been doing in and around the Woodlands group of churches. Come and hear about all that is going on and maybe even share what God has been doing in your life. This meeting replaces homegroups this week.

Did anyone leave their watch at pastorate tonight? If so, drop me a line coz I have it!

How is God described?: The Adjectives

2006-05-24T20:14:00.000Z

“The most important thing about any person is what they think about when they think about God.” AW Tozer.

Next pastorate (30 May) Steve Wray will be with us (he's the one on the right) looking at how God is described in the Bible.

Please come worshipfully and prayerfully expectant that God will reveal himself to us and help us reveal that to one another through our lives.

7.15 in the Upper Hall as usual.

Sian's small group are cooking.

Could you help a man like Eddie?

2006-05-23T15:14:00.000Z

"... You wouldn't expect a 75 year old to be lost for words... but I am."

Thought I'd share what a small group from Woodlands did for a neighbour on my road last weekend.

Taking advantage of their budget of £50 (available to all small groups) they decided to bless a man who lives on my street by spending a Saturday transforming his back garden. He said that in all the 25 years he has lived in the house, it has never looked so good! This was topped off with a BBQ!

Are there ways in which you could show God's unconditional love to people through your small group?

The end result!

Sign up for the Weekend Away today!

2006-05-16T11:55:00.000Z

If previous years are anything to go by, this should be a cracker!
Sign up early to avoid disappointment by emailing Amy.

Loving our city to life...

2006-05-13T18:27:00.000Z

This Tuesday (16 May) we're going to be taking time to pray and look ahead to the Love Bristol Festival happening this summer. We'll also have plenty of time to worship and pray together. If you bring your cheque books you'll even be able to sign up on the night (and quite possibly by credit card too!)

I'll be off having part of my face surgically removed (my 'nobble' - I'm thinking of pickling it, putting it in a jar and displaying it on my mantelpiece!).

7.15, Woodies Upper Hall (although may be in Crypt at last minute so if you feel a bit lonely upstairs do try downstairs!)

Summer Term Programme

2006-05-10T21:28:00.000Z

Click on the picture to display a larger image.

Spot the deliberate grammatical error!

Smallgroups...

2006-05-10T18:36:00.000Z

You may want to join these guys. If so, speak to one of the two happiest losers in the first picture (Simon and Jo.) They meet off Gloucester Road.

Sian's group (she's on the left) usually meet in the Stoke Gifford / Filton part of town. Sian is lovely, so is everyone in her group!

Rob and Holly's group meet in Bedminster. They are strange.

Our smallgroups provide the perfect smaller setting to meet with friends, a place of support and encouragement, and a place to know and be known. During a typical small group evening you might worship together, pray for each other, and have a time of sharing or teaching. If you would like to go along to any of these smallgroups to see what they're like just drop us an email or grab one of them at church/pastorate.

More info on the smallgroups that make up the King's Arms Pastorate coming soon!

King's Arms Pastorate Blog

2006-05-10T17:35:00.000Z

Welcome to the King's Arms Pastorate blog!

The King's Arms Pastorate is a group of people who are committed to helping one another follow Jesus and reflect him in the way that we live and in the things that we say. We meet on Tuesday nights at 7.15pm either in the Crypt at Woodlands or in smaller groups across the city of Bristol and are part of Woodlands Church. You would be very welcome to join us!

This is where you can find out what's happening in the life of the pastorate and pitch in with your own thoughts and ideas in the comments section. Click on 'comments' link at the bottom of each post.