Woodside Church Elmira

Jesus modelled how to honour each other by seeing the high value each person holds in God’s eyes and treating them accordingly. We can build a culture of honour in our relationships, with our spouses, and in our families and so pass on the treasure of honour. There is one secret ingredient to fostering healthy honouring relationships without which we will not be successful: the empowering of the H...

Paul writing to Christians in Rome (Romans 8) call them more than conquerors through Christ who loved them. Today, we discover 3 thought processes that are found in this chapter, that enable us to persevere even we we feel like giving up. May we give our children this precious gift of perseverance.

The one word which best describes how God parents us is grace. Today, we look at the greatness of God's grace and how we can daily receive it and then pass it along to our children and others.

Having a loving, connected family is a treasure. As Christians, we reflect God's love for us by responding in love to Him and each other. In 1 John 3 and 4 we find why we should seek after love and how it can be cultivated in our relationships. We want to give some hopeful ideas for imperfect families because all of our families can grow in love.

Putting God at the center of your family is easier said than done. It takes work, but it is so worth it. When you seek to intentionally pass along your faith and values to your children you are giving them the most precious gift. We will look at how we can do this and also give some hopeful ideas for imperfect families.

It is important that we not decide ahead of time what people cannot do. Instead, Barnabas models encouragement, seeing potential and gifting in others and coming along side them to  speak life and hope into their lives. Barnabas’ encouragement, though he seems like a less significant character on the biblical narrative, actually had a major impact in the early church and even in the form...

As Christians, we live in a season of anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. During Advent, we think specifically of His birth but we should be preparing for His return all year round. 1 John 2 addresses how a believer can be faithful in this period of waiting. 

Remaining what he was he became what he was not. The Incarnation is the Grand Miracle. It is the most profound, mind-boggling subject in our universe. God became man, how can this be? John 1:14-18

As John begins his gospel- the good news of Jesus Christ- there is no mention of a manger, shepherds, or even Mary and Joseph. Rather in his prologue (the overview) John begins with the person of Christ. John wants us to see that Jesus is not a mere add-on to life, or a nice way to enhance life, he is life.

In Jesus' conversation with a very religious man who was searching, the gospel comes to a focus. Like Nicodemus, we too, have to decide how we are going to respond to Jesus. If you committed your life to Jesus today or have more questions we would love for you to reach out to us at connect@woodsidechurch.ca

What are you passionate about? As John shares the story of Jesus clearing the Temple Courts we get a glimpse of what the One we are following was and is passionate about. May His passion be our passion.

Jesus came to give joy not to take it. John shares the first sign (miracle) of Jesus to help us see that there is more going on than Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding. This sign points to another wedding. In Christ, the best days of your life are ahead of you.

Jesus invites us to know him, to follow him and to share him. Today we look at what that meant for the first followers of Jesus and we consider what that should look like for believers today.

Who are you? What makes you, you? What is your story? Today we look at how John the Baptist, 2000 years ago responded to this identity question.  We also consider what a life looks like when we find our true identity in Christ instead of trying to create our own identity.

In our last week of our series, Emotions and Relationships, we will look at fear. From the foundation of Psalm 46, we'll ask ourselves three questions: Should we fear or not fear? How should fear move us? How can we overcome fear?

How did David process his feelings of sadness (Psalm 142)? How can we respond to our sadness in a way that allows us to experience real joy as well?

How did David process his feelings of anger (Psalm 109, 1 Samuel 25)? How can we respond to our anger in a way that honours God, reflects Christ and leads to better relationships?

In our 3rd week looking at emotions and relationships, we will look at how gratitude and bitterness can move us. From the Psalms and letters to the churches, we'll see God's call on us to give thanks in all things. By growing our perspective and out connection, we can choose gratitude over bitterness.

How did David process his feelings of stress and anxiety (Psalm 55)? How can we minimize stress and anxiety in our lives?

How did David process his feelings of guilt and shame (Psalm 32)? How can we overcome guilt and shame in our lives?

Why does the unity of his people matter so much to Jesus and what does that look like in real life?

This week we begin a two week series entitled Reset. Why are weekly worship gatherings so important? Sure studies show that people who attend church are happier, healthier and live longer, but there is so much more.

God’s people are called to justice—care for the poor, orphan, and widow.

David Barker speaks about, what are the ultimate values that God expects from his people? Power, wealth, intelligence? Or love, justice, and righteousness? God’s ultimate good (summum bonum) are the latter three.   David is Professor of Biblical Studies at Heritage College & Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario. He has taught at Heritage since 1978. He has served as Academic Dean, Vic...

How big is God; when there is political, economic, and social chaos? The hard questions of Bible heroes are our questions. The answer of Isaiah to the question; how big is God? (chapter 40) God has deliberately chosen things the world considers weak and nonsensical; to confound the worldly wise and powerful. He does it so that none can boast or brag in His sight. Global and personal evidence of th...