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Month: February 2023

25th February- Shelley’s news update

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Dear friends

We are back in the building tomorrow at 11am and on youtube.  We’ll be hearing more about Peter in the bible and who He thought Jesus was.  There will be practical activities for our younger friends during the talk.

It’s been a full week in the life of Moortown Baptist Church with the church meeting, a new bible study, restarting Stepping Stones after half term and all the regular activities.  We welcomed Rod Russell and Krys Gadd as new Deacons, voted in by the church last Tuesday.  Do pray for them and for the Leadership team as they discern next steps.  They meet again in person on the 7th March. This meeting will include follow up from the church meeting.

There have been lots of changes to the building too as the foyer and corridors are decorated and thanks to those who have contributed in different ways.  Other spaces around the building are being looked at according to need and if you have any thoughts, want to join in then do let me or the deacons know.  There may be a set date when we tackle certain areas so watch out for this but again if you are willing then let us know.

We have decided to start refreshments again on the 3rd Sunday of the month after having some feedback after last week from some of you.  Thanks to those who have offered help. Lesley/myself will be in touch this week. This means that we will have refreshments every 1st and 3rd Sunday. Next week is café church where we look at glory on the mountain from luke 9 (28-36) so if you can help with this and you haven’t let Karen, Lesley or myself know yet then can you let us know very soon.  

Continue to pray for our new members Jan, Matt and Mandy.

This Wednesday, the Wednesday night housegroup in church are hosting Krys Gadd who is leading a session called ‘Mining for Gold’ that looks at purpose in God and practically what this can look like in our own lives as a whole both out and in church.  If you would like to go and you don’t usually go on a Wednesday, the group have said they would be really happy for you to come along.  Its starts at 7.30m and finishes at 9pm.   I’d highly recommend the session.  Come ask me  or Krys if you have any questions.

This Thursday a new bible study started at 7 in church looking at an overview of the whole bible and what it means to us today.  It was decided on the night that they would like to continue again this Thursday coming so if you would like to know more or go along then do speak to Gareth Gadd or myself.

There will be more news about Easter soon but if you have any ideas or thoughts about Easter this year then do share them with us.  It will be a combination of what we as God’s people want to bring to Him, and listen to Him in pray and worship over that time and how we share this with our community.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Shelley

Turkey/Syria earthquake disaster fund

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If you missed the email Shelley sent out last weekend and you wish to give a donation towards the cost of providing humanitrian aid to the people of Turkey and Syria so recently caught up in one of the largest and most catastrophic earthquakes in living memory may we recommend you to do so via this website. 

Already with upwards of 35,000 people killed and millions more losing their homes DEC works alongside 15 different charities – each specialists in their own particular field and best prepared to respond in the most appropriate way. 

The Turkey – Syria page of the DEC website can be reached at Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal 2023 | Donate Now | DEC from where you can also make your own, private donation. 

Thank you. 

Shelley’s news for 18th February

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Dear friends

Tomorrow, we meet at 11am in the church building and on zoom to pray, worship, meet together and see what God wants to say to us through an epiphany moment for Peter when he walks on water (Mark 6:45-56). We are excited to share communion and also to welcome new members to MBC.  We’ll have tea and coffee afterwards as you stay and chat and maybe say hello to someone you don’t yet know. If anyone is able to help with this do let me know.

Next week many churches observe the beginning of Lent, a word from the old English meaning ‘Spring season’ or from the Latin meaning 40th. This links to the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday following Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday where people traditionally used up left-over eggs and sugar.  Some people like to read something new or follow prayers or readings.  Here are a few in case…

Books…

Images of Grace by Amy Scott Robinson. A journey from darkness to light at Easter                                       

Failure by Emma Ineson… What Jesus said about Sin, mistakes and messing up  (connected to this is Emma’s study guide for Lent called ‘Dust and Glory’, there is also a children lent journey too).

A place for us by Lavinia Byrne and Jane Mc Bride. ..  A course for small groups or individual reflection for Lent based on the musical west side story

If you prefer to use your phone or have it read to you, the Lectio 365 app is following the whole of Marks gospel through Lent beginning on the 22nd February.  See details here or ask me if you need a hand getting it on your phone or ipad.  

As well as the usual groups and warm spaces next week (please see the website or pick up an A4 guide in the foyer) we host the church meeting at 7.30 in the building and online on Tuesday 21st February.  Everyone welcome.  Agendas have gone out but if you need to talk to anyone beforehand get in touch with Lesley our administrator, Shelley or one of the deacons.  Please pray for what God is doing and wants to do on earth by the power of His spirit.

Thanks to some kind donations and your giving we have been able to start re decorating and re designing the foyer at church and one of the corridors.  We are looking at all the spaces in church over time.  We are keen to make MBC a safe, positive, clear and welcoming space for all our community.  If you want to chat to me about ideas, artwork, words…I’d love to hear from you.

February 24th marks 1 year since a full-scale invasion of Russia into the territory of Ukraine. There will be prayer and time to pay tribute to those who gave up their lives for freedom in Dortmund Square in Leeds City Centre at 7.30pm on Friday 24th February.  All welcome.

Please continue to pray for and give to those involved in the Syrian/Turkish earthquake. Donatiomns can be made via  Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal 2023 | Donate Now | DEC  

 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor 5:7)

In Christ 

Shelley

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Church Meeting – 7.30pm Tuesday 21st February

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MBC’s next Church Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday February 21st, in the building and for those who can’t get there on zoom.

Setting the 2023/24 budget will be one of the main items on the agenda as will electing some new deacons. 

Learn the Bible in 24 hours! An exciting new course starts here at MBC on February 23

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You can’t possibly Learn the Bible in 24 Hours, however, starting on February 23rd you can gain an overview of the entire Bible in 24 one-hour sessions.

So are you ready to embark on a detailed yet thoroughly enjoyable study of the most profound book ever written? If you are then come and join us as we use Chuck Missler’s “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” series to guide us on our journey.

How often will be meet? The format is straightforward: we will meet once a fortnight at MBC to watch a video together and then to share our thoughts.

What do I need to bring?  You do not need to buy books or even to make notes, but we would like you to participate! Having said that there is a study guide available if you would like one.

What is included in the content of the sessions? Reading the Bible is the ultimate literary adventure. Using sound scientific facts, historical analysis, and biblical narrative, acclaimed teacher Dr. Chuck Missler weaves together a rich tapestry of information that provides an accurate understanding of scripture’s relation to itself, to us and to the world at large. Together we will examine the heroic tales of Exodus, and the lasting wisdom of Proverbs. We will examine the enigmatic imagery of Revelation with the simple, scripturally sound insights and fresh perspectives found in Learn the Bible in 24 Hours.

What’s in it for me? Whether you want to explore some of the less-discussed nuances of scripture or you feel you need a comprehensive refresher course on the Bible’s themes and stories, Learn the Bible in 24 Hours is a great guide.

Dr. Missler combines his life-long love of Bible teaching with more than thirty years in the business world and a distinguished military career to bring you this unique perspective for attaining Biblical knowledge. In just twenty-four hours you can have a rock-solid foundation for a lifetime of spiritual enrichment.

If you are interested in joining us or would simply like more information please contact Gareth Gadd on gareth.gadd@gmail.com

Some testimonials from Amazon

“This is a very good format, and the information is easy to understand.”

“How can one critique work like this! An amazingly indescribable and exciting study, a preposterous extra-terrestrial adventure that even a child could understand yet a scholar such as me is fascinated by.”

“I’ve studied theology as an Anglican and was healed miraculously in church in 1983 when I became a reluctant charismatic and have been learning about and reading the Bible for many years. I even THOUGHT that I understood what The Bible was about. When I first saw the title of this book I was put off; how can anyone learn the whole Bible in 24 hours? Surely this is merely a marketing ploy to get the attention of people who aren’t prepared to invest years in Bible study? Oh boy was I in for a shock! I suppose that you COULD read it in 24 hours, but you’d be the poorer for doing so.

This is simply the best summary of each book in the Bible that I’ve ever seen; written in such a way that anyone can understand. It has opened my eyes to a new dimension in understanding the Scriptures. I cannot recommend this enough.

If you want to understand the Bible; buy this book, if you have friends or relatives who need to understand the Bible, give them this book. Keep a spare copy in your library to lend to people so they can understand that they need to get a copy for themselves. I would willingly exchange a theological library of traditional commentaries for a single copy of this. It will encourage you to do your own homework and to study in depth and will give you the tools to do so. I would go so far as to recommend that every person who goes to Bible School, theological college or even a humble home Bible study needs this book; mine is already underlined and highlighted! Exceptionally well written, fun to read (yes, Chuck has a delightful sense of humour) and if this doesn’t change the way you see the Bible, nothing will.”

“It’s a game changer! I’ve read the bible like I’ve never read it before, understood much more. Simply brilliant book. A must read for every Christian.”

“I first saw & heard of Chuck Missler on a programme on GOD TV, I more or less googled his name and found a wealth of books and DVDs all about religion and in particular religious subjects I was presently studying…

Learn the Bible in 24 hours is an incredibly well thought out course, okay so some people may not agree with Chuck’s interpretations that are mentioned in the various sessions within, but they will find themselves more understanding what the great book of the Holy Bible is all about.”

“For anyone doing a serious Bible Study, I can say that after 40+ years of study, I know of no better mentor that Dr Chuck Missler. This will provide you with an insight you will not find anywhere else, take it from someone that has done the miles, a lot of miles.”

“Excellent for group study or prayer groups. Encouraged to delve into the bible. Points things out that were not given much thought, an easy and very interesting way of learning the bible.”

“The knowledge I’ve taken in from going through this book has opened a hunger for more… highly recommend to anyone who wants to know.”

Shelley’s news – 9th February

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Dear friends

The pictures and reports from Syria and Turkey this week have been so difficult to see and can leave us with a sense of what can we do? Pete Grieg released a basic prayer guide that might be helpful… see the link below…

Pray for Earthquake in Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon – 24-7 Prayer International

Also it may help to pray for the 4 p’s

People affected comfort for those grieving, losing homes, injured, scared

Peacemakers – resilience and resources for frontline workers, rescue teams etc

Politicians – wisdom to coordinate and communicate well, making speedy but good decisions

Pastors – strength as they process their own trauma whilst seeking to support others to care for the poor, bind the broken hearted, lead funerals etc

You may want to give money too… here are a couple of links..

Earthquake response – BMS World Mission

Choose Love

DEC Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal | British Red Cross

Tonight ( 9th February) at Space we’ll be ‘holding a space’ to pray together for those affected in the disaster between 7.30pm and 8pm.  Space is a place to play songs together, pray, worship, draw, read, move, just sit and be.  It takes place between 6.30 and 9 in the Sanctuary, there’ll be tea and coffee and cold drinks. Do come for part or all of it. 

Prayer is listening and talking to God so let us let God guide us in what and how we pray. At the beginning of the bible, Genesis 4:26 mentions people ‘began to call on the name of the Lord’ and right at the end of the bible, Revelation 22:20 closes with a prayer ‘Come Lord Jesus’

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says ‘Don’t stop praying’. If you are unable to get to the building maybe you would like to stop and pray between 7.30-8pm wherever you are.

Here are some useful dates…

Sunday 12th February – service at 11am (and online) with linked creative activities.  Epiphany moments continued! This week we look at Mark 4:35-41, Jesus in the storm

Monday 13th February – 9.30-12, Beacon café and warm space with breakfast and drinks, everyone welcome to drop in.

No Stepping Stones or lunch club this week

Thursday 16th February – 2-4pm warm space and drop in crafts

Sunday 19th February – 11am (and online) with linked creative activities.  Epiphany moments continued!  Jesus walks on water Matthew 22-33 with communion

Monday 20th February– 9.30-12, Beacon café and warm space with breakfast and drinks, everyone welcome to drop in.

Tuesday 21st February – Stepping Stones under 5’s group 10-11.30

Tuesday 22nd February – church meeting in the building and online at 7.30pm

Thursday 23rd February – 7pm new bible study starts with Gareth Gadd.. (see website)

Thursday 24th February – 2-4pm warm space and drop in crafts

Sunday 26th February – 11am-12 service in church and online with linked creative activities.  Epiphany moments continued!  Peter’s confession

Sunday 5th March – 11-12 midday café church.  Epiphany moments continued! Shape shifting…glory on a mountain

We continue to hand out food to those who need it through the week.  We are often giving out basics like soup, tinned meats. tea, coffee and sugar.  If you would like to donate any then do bring them to Lesley on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday morning or at other times please give to Shelley, a deacon or Rachel Beadle.

This Saturday at 11am, Adam is sharing his knowledge on visuals on the sound desk with two people who have asked to find out how they might be able to help.  If it’s something you’d be interested in can you let me know and I’ll help you with the next steps.  If other members of the tech team want to come along you’d be very welcome.  

I have attached a statement written by Krys Gadd as she has prayerfully put herself forward to serve as a deacon in church.  I have talked and prayed with Krys over a few months about this and the Deacons are aware too and some of them have prayed and chatted with Krys too to discern how God might be speaking to her about a leadership role in the church.  Do pray for her in this process. This will be on the agenda for the church meeting.

If you want to talk to me about how God may be speaking or calling you or if you are thinking things through and want someone to help discern and chat things over with, even if you are not sure what role that might be, then do get in touch with me. 

Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ.

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8)

In Christ

Shelley

See some of you later  

9th February, 6.30pm onwards… SPACE

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Sit, read, pray, draw, play, chill… in fact join us in church to do exactly what you want.

From 6.30pm onwards on Thursday 9th of February MBC opens in doors for you to simply be. 

No agenda, no plans, no timetable just a time to be.

Do please join us.

Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, as much a part of MBC as anything else we support

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L&MFS Mission Statement

Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store exists as a practical demonstration of Christian commitment to socially and economically disadvantaged people. Our mission is to relieve poverty by distributing donated furniture.

As much a part of Moortown Baptist Church as anything else we do the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store this year is well on the way to clocking up four decades of helping people in need. Still, however, there is still much confusion and dare we say a little ignorance.

That’s because from its roots here in 1986 until today there has been an unbroken chain: from Hilary Willmer right the way through to today’s Chair of trustees and two serving board members, the names of MBC and L&MFS have been synonymous. In fact John Gamson, who until he retired last July had been the charity’s General Manager for well over ten years. This of course prompted the arrival of a new manager, Hannah Metcalf, who has joined us with over twenty years’ experience of working in the charity sector and who from what we have already seen appears to have lots of new ideas in her locker.  

Funding, of course is always difficult. That’s why a number of years ago and in response to an urgent request from Leeds City Council the Store set up a trading arm – a social enterprise called LMFS Trading Ltd which sources new furniture and white goods. To keep the whole thing going and as a massive part of the charity’s funding strategy LMFS Trading Ltd also pays over a management charge and any profit it may happen to make.  

So what does L&MFS actually do? Well, to put it bluntly it cares for people and it protects the environment. It is based in a 10,000 square foot warehouse at Seacroft from where it runs two charity vans (supplied by LCC) and its own trading van. It employs a total of six people and enjoys the services of three full time volunteers. It receives a grant from LCC which when  combined with the trading company’s management charge just about covers the annual running costs. 

As you can imagine dealing with any local authority is never easy, particularly when your total annual grant is near to £80,000. However, we’re pleased to say that after a long, long wait LCC did eventually pay their 2022/23 dues in full.  But alas that doesn’t help with bringing in stock: the sofas, tables, chairs, wardrobes, beside cabinets, beds, mattresses, cutlery, crockery etc. etc… things that you and I take for granted but for some are absolute luxuries. No! that’s where we rely on you.

If you have any furniture which you are due to replace please give us a call on 0113 2739727 or drop us an email at info@leedsandmoortown.org.uk and we’ll be glad to arrange for one of our teams to call round and collect it. There is of course also our website www.leedsandmoortown.org.uk which gives you much more detail of the way we work.

Over the years we have tried out quite a number of catchy straplines including Addressing the needs of the people in Leeds, and alongside an image of a young girl with a baby staring through a window Help us turn this house into a home but with little success. That’s why now, at the start of a new year we are reaching out to you.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re not downhearted and although well down on the past this last year’s stats were nevertheless still good i.e. to the clients of more than 50 or so voluntary and statutory agencies, and in a totally non-discriminatory way L&MFS completed 780 deliveries, made up of 4,970 separate items. That’s 4,970 items that if we hadn’t been there may well have ended up either being incinerated or buried in landfill. 

So the next time  someone asks you if the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store still has anything to do with MBC you can say with pride yes – for nigh on forty years.

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