There is a prayer chain operating within the Church community through which several people offer prayer for those who need them, both at home and overseas. Please contact our minister Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams if you would like to have prayer offered for anyone or anything. If you would like to pray now, the Methodist Church website offers a topical daily prayer with associated bible readings.
Family Occasions
BaptismsWe are pleased to be involved in those special times of life like the birth of a baby, a marriage, even the passing of loved ones.The minister is very happy to talk to new parents about baptising their baby. This usually takes place as part of morning service (10.30am) and then the family can stay and enjoy a cup of coffee after the service.
WeddingsThe church makes a light, attractive and comfortable setting for a wedding. Check us out as a convenient local venue with easy access to venues for the reception.
Funerals and Memorial ServicesGive your loved ones a Christian funeral in a relaxed and peaceful setting. You can sing their favourite hymns and songs before going on to the crematorium or cemetery.
Our Sunday weekly services start at 10.30 am and last for about an hour. Sometimes they are led by our Minister, Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams, and on other occasions we have visiting preachers from Coventry and Nuneaton, and sometimes from further afield.You would be made very welcome at any Sunday service.If you would like to see the worship plan for the next few weeks, please touch orclick on this button:
As a Christian community we are committed to sharing God's love in the Woodside area and beyond. Worshipping together each Sunday lies at the heart of all that we do. We see it as a privilege to offer praise and thanks to God through Jesus Christ.We see it as our responsibility to love and care for each other, especially as we go through difficult times. We see this care as going beyond the church family and into wider areas.We offer ourselves in service to others in many ways, locally and further afield and not least byoffering our premises as a community resource, for the many and varied activities that take place here.
“All are welcome in this place”
Worship Plan
WeworshipeverySundaythroughouttheyear.Inaddition,therearespecialservicesatChristmas, Easter and on other occasions. Sometimesourworshipisledbyourownoranotherordainedminister-sometimesitisledbyaLocal Preacher or Worship Leader from the Coventry area.The worship plan for Woodside until the end of May is as follows:24 March10.30amAlison Gee31 March 8.00amRev Koffie-WilliamsEASTER DAY10.30amRev Clive Fowle 7 April10.30amThe Ghanaian Fellowship14 April10.30amKaren Brooks 4.00pmCircuit Service at Balsall Common21 April10.30amRev Doreen Koffie-WilliamsHoly Communion28 April10.30amRev Graham Gee 4.30pmCircuit Service at Bedworth 5 May10.30amAlan Bennell12 May10.30amDavid Kershaw19 May10.30amRev Doreen Koffie-WilliamsHoly Communion26 May10.30amRev Kathryn Darby
Community Groups
A number of Community Groups have now returned to our premises. TwoofthemainGroupswhousethepremisesareThePre-SchoolPlaygroupandtheElite Dance Academy:
Pre-SchoolPlaygroupThisgivesthechildrentheopportunitytointeractwithotherchildren ofasimilarageaswellasgivingparentsandcarersthechancetosocialisewithothersinthe sameposition. Weprovidechildrenwiththeopportunitytoenjoymessyplay,singingand othernewexperiences.Wehavefullytrainedandexperiencedstaffwhohavecaredfor childrenwithDown’sSyndrome,childrenwithmoderatetoseverelearningdifficulties, CerebralPalsy,AutismandAspergersSyndrome,andhaveundertakentraininginallofthese areas.StaffaretrainedinMakaton,BritishSignLanguageandtheuseofEpipens.Wecater forchildrenfrom2years6monthsto4years11months.PlaygroupmeetsonMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am – 3.00pm and on Thursday 9.00am – 1.00pm.
TheEliteDanceAcademyprovidesclassesintap,ballet,Irish,Street,MusicalTheatre, Acrobatics,Boysonly,adultlessons,Zumbaandmore! WemeetonSaturdaysfrom9.30am– 4.30pm. Finde them on Facebook here.
How to find us
WearelocatedinWoodsideAvenueSouth,justofftheA45KenpasHighway.IfyouaretravellingalongtheA45fromthe FinhamroundaboutinthedirectionofBirmingham,it’seasy.Takethelastleft-handturningatWoodsideAvenuebefore the Kenilworth Road. Look for the signpost. ComingtheotherwayfromtheBirminghamdirectionisabittrickier.YouneedtoturnleftontheKenilworthRoad towardsCoventry,firstrightdownCoatofArmsBridgeRoadandtakethesecondexitfromtheminiroundaboutto Wainbody Avenue, go to the lights and turn right onto the Highway. We are then first on the left, as above.
Weekly Circuit News Thursday 29th February 2024, No. 065Please feel free to send us good news about other friends around the circuit so that we can share these with each other in future news. Please send to the Circuit Office before midday on Thursday for it to be included in that week’s news.Message from our Superintendent Rev. Jill MarshYou may have seen that the President and Vice-President have sent us this statement on the situation in Gaza (see below).I'm including this in our Circuit News to invite you to send this statement to your local MP, either as an individual Methodist, or as a Methodist Church if you agree on this together. Thank you for considering taking this action, Jill Marsh 22 February 2024A Statement from the President and Vice-President on the situation in GazaWe are deeply disappointed that the headlines today are about a parliamentary process and not the horrors of what is happening in Gaza. Such a vote should be above party politics and we urge the UK government to denounce actions that epitomise a collective punishment of the population of Gaza.The scale of the destruction and tragic loss of life in so short a space of time is incomparable to any other conflict in recent times. We grieve for all lives lost on 7 October and in the subsequent fighting. There is no justification for such widespread killing of tens of thousands of innocent people and we are gravely concerned for the entire population of the Gaza Strip.One and a half million people currently shelter in crowded conditions with little food and water in the city of Rafah. The horrific strikes on southern Gaza have killed many in recent days and those injured are unable to get treatment because of Israel’s attacks on hospitals.We were alarmed to hear reports that the Nasser Hospital in Gaza has been shelled, killing patients, staff and others sheltering there. The protection of hospitals during a war is a basic and inescapable requirement in international law.The International Court of Justice has called on Israel to ensure that its forces do not commit any of the acts covered by the Genocide Convention. Yet attacks on Gaza have continued with inadequate regard to the protection of civilians. For those crowded into Rafah there is nowhere left to go. It is disturbing to hear that some in the Israeli government are discussing the possibility of creating settlements across the Gaza Strip. Time will tell whether what we witness in Gaza today is an ethnic cleansing of the present population.Meanwhile, for those sheltering without food and water the situation is critical. To meet the basic human needs of such a large population there is no alternative to an immediate ceasefire. We urge our Government to demand an immediate halt to the shelling for the preservation of innocent life and require that Israel abide by the provisional ruling of the International Court of Justice.We call on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages and urge all governments to work with Israeli and Palestinian parties to achieve an agreement that ensures protection, support and a viable future for innocent victims of this conflict and security for all in the region.In prayer we stand alongside all those in the region whose heart breaks with ours as we witness the unfathomable suffering. With the psalmist we pray:You are my help and my deliverer;you are my God, do not delay. (Psalm 40:17)The Methodist Church in Britain has launched an appeal to support partners of the Methodist Liaison Office who are working in Gaza.Find out more and donate here. Rev. Jill MarshPlease save these dates!14th April 2024 Circuit Service at 4pm, Balsall Common Methodist Church (flyer attached)This will be a Circuit Service of farewell for Rev’d Jane Braund. Please join us as we say thank you and farewell to Rev Jane Braund (one of our circuit ministers) as she begins her sabbatical and then moves on to her next circuit. We will be celebrating Jane's ministry among us and giving her our blessing as she leaves. We will also be saying thank you to Mike Hobbs who will be finishing as Treasurer and Circuit Steward. Lastly, the dedication of our Easter Offering gifts will also be included at the same service. Please bring cakes to share. Donations will be in aid of our circuit project, Coffee Shop Sunday.28th April 2024 IGC Worship at 4.30pm, Bedworth Methodist Church. This is an opportunity for us to come together across the circuit, from all generations, to worship and eat together in the afternoon. Please encourage your families to save the date and come together.Saturday 15th June 2024 Circuit Service at 3pm, Bedworth Methodist Church.We will be saying thank you and farewell to Deacon Sheila Dawson, who is leaving the circuit to retire nearer to her family and thank you to Andy Pinks who will be finishing as a circuit Steward. Andy has acted for an extra year as Senior Steward for which I am thankful. Please bring cake to share.Good News from around the CircuitAt the end of January, we let you know that Peter Dipple from Nuneaton Methodist Church had signed up for a 100-mile walking challenge for Cance Research UK throughout February 2024.Well done to Peter for completed the challenge on Monday 19th February 2024, 10 days ahead of schedule.Wesley Hall Methodist Church Arley – please see here.Please come along to our Games Night on Saturday 9th March, 7pm till 9pm.£10 including jacket potato. Tickets via Joyce Lea - 02476392376.Meriden Methodist Church New GardenWe are trying at Meriden to develop the garden into a peace garden. Through our conversations around the village, people have said they like the idea of a peaceful space for garden gatherings, with some room for produce that can be shared. This is what we will work towards from now on. As spring approaches, we will be happy to receive offers of support and goods. We particularly need compost, some wood primer, and some outdoor paint. Bird feeders and bug houses would be a great addition.We will also be happy to receive plants and pots. We will be holding a bring and drop off with coffee and cakes being offered as a thank you. This will take place at the church on Wednesday 20th March 12.30-2.30. Please come along and meet us. Woodside Avenue Methodist ChurchWoodside FellowshipWe had a very enjoyable meeting last Tuesday. Keith Chapman gave us a very interesting, illustrated talk, using our church screens, about the remarkable pre-historic paintings found in caves throughout Europe. We meet again on Tuesday, 12th March, at 2pm, when we look forward to welcoming Rod Drew again to give us a further talk about his interesting (and at times very funny) career as a Pharmacist. Followed, of course, by a refreshing cup of tea and biscuits. Our friends from other churches in the circuit are very welcome to join us. Extra arrangements in the Circuit during Lent and EasterBalsall Common Methodist Church Lent BreakfastsThis year's Lent Breakfasts are on the Theme of Trailblazers of Faith: Women Spiritual Icons in Christian History. Saturday 17 February: Hildegard of Bingen led by Clive HicksSaturday 24 February: Edith Stein led by Pauline WarnerSaturday 2 March: Evelyn Underhill led by Mark BrattonSaturday 9 March: Teresa of Avila led by Anne McCormickSaturday 16 March: Julian of Norwich led by Susan Mobberley. Open to everyone. Taking place at Balsall Common Methodist Church, 228 Station Road, Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7EE.Breakfast of croissants and tea/coffee at 8.40am. Speaker begins at 9am followed by discussion. The meeting finishes at 9.45am.Small charge of £2 for costs, with surplus going to charity.Maundy Thursday 28th MarchHoreston Grange - 7pm Passover Supper Rev’d Allan SmithMeriden - 7pm Rev’d Ian CoatesNuneaton - 7pm Rev’d Jill MarshRadford & Holbrooks with Earlsdon joining - 7pm Rev’d Doreen Koffie-WilliamsGood Friday 29th MarchArley - 7pm Deacon Sue FryAtherstone - 12 Noon Tony CashmoreBedworth - 12 Noon In town centreEarlsdon - 10am-11am Crafts, 11am AAW Bill Holdforth, 6.30pm ReflectionsMeriden- 7pm Rev’d Jane BraundNuneaton - 12 Noon Rev’d Jill MarshRyton - 7pm Rev’d Ian CoatesAscension Day Thursday 9th May 2024Woodside - 7pm Rev’d Koffie-Williams ALL CIRCUIT INVITEDEquality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)We are running some in person EDI Training in our circuit and sharing with Tamworth & Lichfield Circuit. The Methodist Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) module includes faith and missional reasons for this work as well as reminding us of how the law applies to church life. It aims to prevent discrimination in the church and to help us live out our commitment to a God who is 'for all'. The module is required training for: ministers, preachers, worship leaders, circuit, and church stewards. If you are in one of the roles where the training is required, please let the office know when you have completed the course at office@covnunmethodist.org.uk). Thank you to all those who have completed already. The training will also be of interest to all Methodists and, as we are all experts in being human, we can learn from each other! You are all invited to join us for this training in person, or to do the online module, which you can find at the link below: https://mcb.theologyx.com/course/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-foundation-module/Thank you, Jill MarshYou will need to attend 2 afternoon sessions, or 2 evening sessions or the whole day on Saturday.Available dates:Tuesday 9th April 2024 - 1.30pm - 3.45pm – Bedworth Methodist Church, Mill Street, Bedworth CV12 8JZThursday 11th April 2024 – 7pm – 9.15pm - St Andrew's Methodist Church, Thackeray Drive, TamworthB79 8HYTuesday 23rd April 2024 - 1.30pm - 3.45pm – Bedworth Methodist Church, Mill Street, Bedworth CV12 8JZThursday 25th April 2024 – 7pm – 9.15 pm - St Andrew's Methodist Church, Thackeray Drive, TamworthB79 8HYSaturday 25th May 2024 - 9.30am - 4pm – Woodside Avenue Methodist Church, Woodside Avenue South, Coventry, CV3 6BE (Please bring your own lunch)To register for this in person training please complete the attached booking form and return to the circuit office office@covnunmethodist.org.ukThe Vine at HomePlease click on this link to view the Vine at Home on the Circuit website. This resource is being provided by Twelvebaskets and is provided as a resource for home worship.https://www.covnunmethodist.org.uk/news/vine-at-home-4th-june-2023.html
The Woodside Fellowship
We are a friendly group which welcomes all ages, men and women, to our Fellowship. We meet in the Church on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday afternoons of each month. The programme for the next few weeks is as follows:26th MarchMembers Afternoon: we will listen to poems/readings/music, thinking about Spring, Holy Week and Easter. Hot cross buns will be served with our cup of tea. 9th AprilMusical afternoon: we welcome Margaret Oliver agaon who will big her keyboard to entertain us with songs and music.23rd AprilA talk from Ray Williscoft14th MayA talk from Rev Jill Marsh, our Superintendant Minsiter28th MaySheila Bannister will entertain us with music from Andre Rieu
Our Parish Nurse
My name is Paula McClenaghan and I am the Parish Nurse based at Woodside.Parish nurses are Registered Nurses, working in churches or other Christian organisations. We offer individuals and communities personal health advice, advocacy, support, heath education and spiritual care. We offer this support to people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs. You can find out more about Parish Nurses, and what they do, by accessing the Parish Nursing website here.I attended the Parish Nurse course in 2019 and completed my certificate in 2023. I am fully registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, having previously specialised in children’s community nursing. So I am here to offer support with your health needs. These may be just to talk through your health and wellbeing, or it may be to support you in seeking the most appropriate care for your particular needs. I am also able to offer the opportunity to explore the spiritual aspects of your health. I am working out of Woodside for two days per week (between Tuesdays and Thursdays) and will have some drop-in sessions and also time set aside for home visits. I shall be attending some church groups in the near future.So do drop in to see me to discuss your health and wellbeing, or that of someone you feel would benefit from a home visit. Or email me at : Nurse@covnunmethodist.org.uk(At a recent service at Woodside Paula gave an explanation of her work, which you can view here.)