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Woodside Avenue Methodist Church Centre Coventry

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

Baptisms We 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.

Weddings The 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 Services Give 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 or click 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 by offering our premises as a community resource, for the many and varied activities that take place here.

“All are welcome in this place”

Worship Plan

We worship every Sunday throughout the year. In addition, there are special services at Christmas, Easter and on other occasions. Sometimes our worship is led by our own or another ordained minister - sometimes it is led by a Local Preacher or Worship Leader from the Coventry area. The worship plan for Woodside until the end of February is as follows: Date Time Leader 10 December 10.30am Alison Gee 17 December 4.00pm Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams Carol Service 24 December 10.30am Rev Ian Coates 25 December 10.30am Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams Christmas Day 31 December 10.30am Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams 7 January 10.30am Emily Owen 14 January 10.30am George Jones 21 January 10.30am Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams Covenant Service 28 January 10.30am Barbara Bailey 4 February 10.30am Rev Kathryn Darby 11 February 10.30am Charlene Mukorombindo 18 February 10.30am Rev Rachel Hextall 25 February 10.30am Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams

Community Groups

A number of Community Groups have now returned to our premises. Two of the main Groups who use the premises are The Pre-School Playgroup and the Elite Dance Academy:

Pre-School Playgroup This gives the children the opportunity to interact with other children of a similar age as well as giving parents and carers the chance to socialise with others in the same position. We provide children with the opportunity to enjoy messy play, singing and other new experiences. We have fully trained and experienced staff who have cared for children with Down’s Syndrome, children with moderate to severe learning difficulties, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Aspergers Syndrome, and have undertaken training in all of these areas. Staff are trained in Makaton, British Sign Language and the use of Epi pens. We cater for children from 2 years 6 months to 4 years 11 months. Playgroup meets on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.00am – 3.00pm and on Thursday 9.00am – 1.00pm.

The Elite Dance Academy provides classes in tap, ballet, Irish, Street, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Boys only, adult lessons, Zumba and more! We meet on Saturdays from 9.30am – 4.30pm. Finde them on Facebook here.

How to find us

We are located in Woodside Avenue South, just off the A45 Kenpas Highway. If you are travelling along the A45 from the Finham roundabout in the direction of Birmingham, it’s easy. Take the last left-hand turning at Woodside Avenue before the Kenilworth Road. Look for the signpost. Coming the other way from the Birmingham direction is a bit trickier. You need to turn left on the Kenilworth Road towards Coventry, first right down Coat of Arms Bridge Road and take the second exit from the mini roundabout to Wainbody Avenue, go to the lights and turn right onto the Highway. We are then first on the left, as above.

Our Postcode: CV3 6BE

A45 Kenpas Highway

A429 Kenilworth Road

to Birmingham

Wainbody Avenue

Coat of Arms Bridge Road

Woodside Avenue South

Contacts and Links

Links: We are part of the Coventry and Nuneaton Methodist Circuit www.covnunmethodist.org.uk And we are part of The Methodist Church world-wide. www.methodist.org.uk

Minister Rev Doreen Koffie-Williams Tel: 07756 630672 Email: doreen.koffie-Williams@methodist.org.uk

Lead Steward Ken Holmes Tel: 024 7630 7539 Email: ken.holmes@live.co.uk

Data Privacy: We take our responsibilities for Data Protection very seriously. You may find a copy of our Privacy Policy here

Parish Nurse Paula McClenaghan Tel: 07969 715659 Email: nurse@covnunmethodist.org.uk

Latest News

Circuit News and Activities

Weekly Circuit News Thursday 7 th December 2023, No. 055 If you have anything you would like to be included, please send to the Circuit Office before midday on Thursday for it to be included in that week’s news. Earlsdon Christmas Tree Festival This will be taking from Thursday 7 th December through to Sunday 10 th December. Thursday & Friday 2pm – 4pm and 6pm – 8pm Saturday 9am – 12pm Sunday 1pm – 4pm including crafts for children St Mary & All Saints Church, Fillongley – Christmas Tree Festival 2023 SATURDAY 9th December 11am – 5pm. Christmas Tree Festival viewing, including Turkey batches & punch, tea & coffee, cakes & biscuits. SUNDAY 10th December 12 noon – 5pm. Christmas Tree Festival viewing with refreshments Coventry Central Hall On Sunday (10 th ) at 3pm the annual Carol Service with the City of Culture Orchestra will be taking place at Coventry Central Hall: All are welcome to this service which is always a joyful celebration as Christmas approaches. Come early if you want to hear the jazz band (upstairs) or choir singing Christmas songs (downstairs). More details: Coventry City of Culture Orchestra - 10/12/2023 3:00pm - Christmas Carol Service at Coventry Central Hall (coventryorchestra.co.uk) Information received from the District Office Dear Friends Please see below an invitation extended from the Connexional – Methodist Liaison Officer for Jerusalem, Revd David Hardman, to stand with Palestinian Christians over this Advent & Christmas Season. An Invitation to Stand with Palestinian Christians this Advent and Christmas Our Christian colleagues in Bethlehem tell us that this Advent and Christmas in Bethlehem the lights that normally adorn the birthplace of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have been killed in the current conflict. The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have noted that the traditional festive services in the Holy Land will be somber in nature due to the ongoing war. The second candle on the Advent Ring represents peace, and in some traditions is known as the ‘Bethlehem candle’. This Advent, we invite Methodist churches across the United Kingdom to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ and not to light the Advent Candle on the second Sunday in Advent (10 December) and on subsequent Sundays. The Old Testament lectionary reading for 10 December starts with the words “Comfort, comfort my people says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). As such, it seems appropriate that we take this opportunity to think about Bethlehem and those who have been killed and those who are seeking comfort as they mourn. This unlit candle will serve as a constant reminder that we stand in solidarity with all who are suffering in the Holy Land. The usual Advent liturgies can still be read, but we suggest including a short addition, given below, to underline why this ‘peace’ candle will remain unlit. On Christmas Day we invite you to take a photo of your Advent Ring with the second candle unlit and send to office@mlojerusalem.org. The staff at the Methodist Liaison Office will forward your pictures to local church communities in the Holy Land so our sisters and brothers in Christ can see that we stand in solidarity with them over the festive season. For further information, contact Revd David Hardman, Methodist Liaison Officer, Jerusalem on hardmand@methodistchurch.org.uk Additional Advent Liturgy for the Second Sunday in Advent As we prepare ourselves to welcome the birth of the Prine of Peace, we hear the festive lights that normally shine bright in Bethlehem will not be lit this year in memory of those killed in the recent violence. To stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ, and all who mourn this Christmas, we will leave our second Advent candle unlit during Advent and Christmas. Possible additional Advent Liturgy for remaining Advent services We remind ourselves that this year one candle remains unlit, as the Christmas lights in Bethlehem remain unlit, in memory of those killed in the current conflict in the Holy Land. Praying for peace with justice, Novette Coventry & Nuneaton Circuit Advent Prayer Meeting We invite you to a Prayer Meeting at Horeston Grange on Wednesday 13th December 2023, 7.00 pm - 9.00pm come and go as you can. We invite you to come together with others from the circuit to enjoy some time for prayer and to hear the still small voice of God, during the bustle of Advent. Bedworth Methodist Church Carol Singing at Tesco Once again we will be joining together to sing carols at Tesco, Bedworth as part of our church mission to take the Christmas message out to the shoppers. Please come along and wear something Christmassy. We will be singing on 2 dates:- Thursday 14 th December 6.30pm – 8pm and Tuesday 19 th December 1.30pm – 3pm Collycroft Methodist Church Please come along and join the children of Collycroft Sunday Scene as they present their Wise Owl Nativity on Sunday 17 th December 2023 at 10.30am. The nativity will be followed by Collycroft Methodist Church Christmas Celebration Fundraiser at 12pm please see the attached poster with more information. CIRCUIT CHURCHES CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES 2023 Arley No Service Atherstone 10am Rosemary Clemo Balsall Common 10am Rev’d Jane Braund Bedworth 10.30am joining at Collycroft Central Hall 10.30am Rev’d Stephen Willey Collycroft 10.30am John Prickett – Bedworth joining Earlsdon 10.30am Rev’d Graham Gee Fillongley 10.00am Joining with Corley Horeston Grange 10am Eddie Reubens Meriden 10am Rev’d Ian Coates Nuneaton 10am Rev’d Jill Marsh Radford 10am Penny McAinsh Ridge Lane No Service Ryton No Service Woodside 10.00am Rev’d Doreen Koffie-Williams Woodside Avenue Methodist Church - Beat Those January Blues! – flyer attached All are welcome to woodsides games and craft afternoons on Wednesdays in January. Please prayerfully consider neighbours or anyone that might need transport or warmth or company at this cold and often difficult time of year. If anyone has spare wool, card making materials or games or would like further information, offer to help, or book a place please contact- Paula McClenaghan Parish Nurse nurse@covnunmethodist.org.uk tel/text 07869715659 Hidden Hardship Exhibition at Coventry Cathedral ‘Hidden Hardship: Everyday experience, coping strategies, and barriers to wellbeing in rural Britain’ is a participatory research project funded by the British Academy that has examined people’s experiences of hardship in the rural North Cotswolds. The exhibition will launch in the Chapel of Unity at Coventry Cathedral on Tuesday 30 th January 2024 from 3pm – 4.30pm.

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: 12th December Christmas Celebrations 9th January “Looking Forward” - reflections and anticipation 23 January Rev Penny Hughes

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.)