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Month: June 2023

24th June – an update from Shelley

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Dear friends

A few weeks ago we started to look at Romans 12:2…. be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

It simply means that we see things more through Gods eyes, we interpret life through His truths and this shifts how we see the world, ourselves, others and God. It means that we see life not just through our own experiences, learnt behaviour, preferences or traumas.  It’s sometimes described as having a kingdom perspective over all perspectives.  Not that our own isn’t important, but there is a lens that we see our own experiences through.  It’s about making a moment-by-moment choice and living as a new creation with Gods spirit to help us. Some people find it hard to see how their mind is transforming over time so that’s why its good to encourage others with things we see, let the bible speak to us or to take time out to ask God to show us what he has been working on or helping us with and how we have changed.  It’s a big topic and we aren’t finished there…

Last week we looked at seeing strength in our weakness.  This week we see how the mind as it is renewed, can find peace in the midst of a storm looking at Philippians 4:4-7.

We’ll meet at 11am in church and online. The service will include communion and have some activities for our younger members.  

Thanks to those who took part in leading Wednesday worship last week and all who came.  The topic they felt God wanted to speak about was ‘flourish’ and some shared about how God shows he is with them and what a plant needs in order to flourish.… do ask about it if you missed it and are interested.  There will be another in a month’s time.  Next time, fruitfulness.  I’ll check the date with Rachel.

In Christ

Shelley

Heading off for pastures new – Nicky Gibb sets off for a new life in Cambridge

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Like many of us do Nicky Gibb has decided that now is the right time to leave Leeds and head off to a little village in Cambridgeshire to spend more time with her family. That’s why this last week has been one long round of farewells.

On Monday she said goodbye to all her friends at Beacon, on Wednesday it was the turn of Lunch Club and the ladies housegroup to say their farewells and on Thursday is was the Craft Group who swopped knitting needles for cake knives to mark Nicky’s departure. 

The picture above with Nicky sitting in the centre was taken on Wednesday evening at the ladies housegroup.

 

Terefe speaks about his mission trip to France and to Belgium

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For the second time in just over three months MBC member Terefe Tadesse is heading across to France and to Belgium to not only offer much needed comfort and support but to preach the word of the Lord.

Last Sunday Terefe spoke to church giving us some detail about his trip. Taking with him food, clothes and as he says the word of God his ministry, which you can read more about at www.lovegospelmissionintl.org he believes is absolutely crucial for the survival of many of the hundreds of migrants he will meet. 

Please pray for Terefe and his mission.  

Church news

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Dear friends, we’ll be meeting this Sunday at 11 – 12 and online continuing on the theme of Be transformed.  We are looking for the ways in which our minds are being renewed by God’s spirit over time.  One sign of this is that we see strengths even when we are weak because God works through our weaknesses.  We’ll have a few people sharing about what this looks like in their own lives.  It’s counter cultural and not a message that we hear often in our world but 2 Cor 12 says that God’s power works through weakness. There will be a group for our younger members.  Do come along and hear what God has to say through those who have prayerfully been considering this and through the worship on Sunday.

Next Sunday 25th June we continue to look at another aspect of this, as another way our minds are being renewed is to recognise God’s peace in difficult times, looking at Philippians 4 v 4-9 and Colossians 3 v 12 – 17.  Again, peace in a storm isn’t the norm but its something that can help our minds move from panic mode into peace, looking for where God is in all situations.  We’ll also share communion next week and have a group for our younger friends.

Café church will be the first Sunday in July

Other things to note…

Beacon warm welcome café 10-12 on Mondays

Warm welcome craft group on Thursdays 2-4pm

Stepping stones under 5’s group and their carers is Tuesdays 10-11.30

Rock Solid for our youth is on Sunday night 7-8pm

A thanksgiving service will take place at Moortown Baptist church for the life of Gwen Bucktrout at 10am on Friday 30th June followed by a crematorium service at 11.30 at Lawnswood and then 12.15 at the Lawnswood Arms for buffet and refreshments.  Her sons say all are welcome but they may need an idea of numbers at the Lawnswood Arms for food so if you know you are definitely going can you let Rachel Beedle or myself know? If you aren’t sure though don’t let it stop you. Thank you.

Wednesday 21st June – Wednesday worship after lunch club at 1.30pm in the building, all welcome.

Thursday 22nd June – Dementia friends’ training session online for those who would like to do it but missed previous in person sessions.  Its 45 minutes exactly and led by Dementia friends’ trainer Rachel Beedle.

Friday 7th July – Deacons prayer and leadership day

Saturday 8th July 10-1.30pm in the church building.  A relaxed session on self care including lunch for all those who support others.  More information from Jane Coates, Mandy Russell or Shelley.

21 July 2023 – a reflection and discussion based on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s letter of 21 July 1944 at 7.15pm in the church building with refreshments.

On 20 July 1944, the plot to kill Hitler failed, and Bonhoeffer knew immediately that some of his companions in the resistance were already dead, and he and others were in even more danger.  He wrote a remarkable letter from his prison cell to his friend Eberhard Bethge.  It says a lot about being human, and being Christian, in real life.  Introduced by Haddon Wilmer on why he finds the letter both instructive and inspiring.

Prayer day

Saturday 22nd July. Please make a note in the diary, it’s in the planning stages so do have a word with Krys Gadd if you have ideas.

Saturday 7th October 10-1.30pm in the church building.  Loss, grief, and bereavement course led by Care for the family www.careforthefamily.org.uk for all those who would like help to support others going through loss. Limited places available so please book in with Jane Coates or Lesley in the office.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

Ephesians 6:18. 

In Christ

Shelley

An update on Jane’s Encounters and Journeys book

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Thank you so much to everyone who has taken a copy of the book ‘Encounters and Journeys’ a collection of almost three years’ worth of weekly encouragements and devotional messages. I was more than happy for people to have the book without payment so that it would encourage and bless them, but I also hoped that by sharing the book, it might also help Wheatfields Hospice and Sue Ryder in a small way. Our second daughter Charlotte was a Sue Ryder Nurse at Wheatfields Hospice, but sadly died at the young age of thirty-six. 

You will be delighted to learn that we have just transferred £150 as a donation to Wheatfields in relation to the books now distributed, some of which travelled as far afield as Australia and the USA. We have also been able to Gift Aid the donation that was kindly given in lieu of the book, which means that the benefit to Wheatfields is even greater. If you were not able to take a book, then please do wait for the reprint. I am hoping to have more books printed (100 copies were first printed) and we are in the process of getting an ISBN for the book. The journey is not over yet! 

Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness. 

You may also be interested to learn that a beautiful Memory Tree will be installed in the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice gardens in memory of Charlotte Joyce and her husband Richard, who died aged forty, a year before Charlotte. The Garden and Memory Tree will provide a space and comfort for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The Memory Tree is a handcrafted art installation and every copper, silver and gold leaf on the tree is engraved with the name of someone special. By dedicating a leaf to the memory of a loved one people can also help to ensure that the hospice continues to be there when it matters most for other families in the future. 

Jane Coates

10th June – news from Shelley

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Over the last few weeks we have been looking at the theme of how and why our mind is transformed over time when we look to Jesus as our guide and the spirit to work in us.  I wanted to let you know that tomorrow morning at 11am both in the building and online we’ll be looking at this again.  The focus will be ‘love hopes all things’ (1 Cor 13:7) and we’ll be reflecting through songs and words how love and hope are connected and this helps to transform our thoughts, plans, and emotions.  There will be a group for our younger members tomorrow where we will be exploring this practically using clay.  I’ll have some clay suitable for our littlest ones too if they want to have a go at some free play alongside us on the same theme.

What’s on next week…

Sunday 18th June – Sunday service 11-12midday ‘Be transformed’ series

One sign of a transformed mind is that you like yourself despite the difficulties you have.  You rejoice in your weakness, knowing that when and where you are weak, He is strong (2 Cor 12:1-10).  There will be a separate group for our younger members.  Communion will take place on the 4th Sunday this month, not the 18th, so if you are down to help and you can’t make the 25th can you let Lesley or myself know please.

7-8 ‘Rock solid group in the church building for young people.

Monday 12th June – warm welcome café ‘beacon’ 10-12 in the building, free snacks and drinks, open to all

Tuesday 13th June ‘ stepping stones’ for under 5’s and their carers, 10-11.30

Thursday 15th June – warm welcome craft group and drop in drinks 2-4pm in the building

For bible studies do get in touch.  There’s no bible in a year on Thursday.  Do talk to myself and the deacons about what you think you might like to learn, spend time doing or offer to help with for example, you might want to find out about some of the basics of the Christian faith.

Wednesday 21st June – Wednesday worship after lunch club at 1.30pm in the building, all welcome.

Thursday 22nd June – Dementia friends’ training session on zoom for those who would like to do it but missed previous in person sessions.  Its 45 minutes exactly and led by Dementia friends’ trainer Rachel Beedle.

Sunday 25th June – Be transformed service with communion 11-12.15pm

7-8 ‘Rock solid group in the church building for young people.

Friday 7th July – Deacons prayer and leadership day

Baptisms

Thanks to those who offered to help. We’ll be welcoming people from All Nations Community Church at 2pm on Saturday 17th June and some from Christ Temple of Worship at 3pm on 24th June.  If you are around on Sunday (today) after the service we can have a quick chat.  If you aren’t around then I will make sure you all get an email on Monday and we can work out who is doing what.  There are also two deacons helping out, Phil Commons on 17th and John Sherbourne on 24th. Help so far involves – filling the pool on the morning of the baptism, opening up and locking up afterwards and someone to welcome people. Afterwards we will need to drain the pool but that can be done on Sunday or Monday afterwards.  There could be a few people doing each thing.  I have chatted to both churches about risk assessment/details.  The cleaners have kindly agreed to clean out the baptistry on the 16th June.  

Administration job at the Yorkshire Baptist Association

I have been approached by Debbie Gamble at the YBA to see if we know anyone in our congregation or known to us who would be interested to apply for a 15 hour administration assistant job based in Leeds city centre with the YBA.  Hours are flexible and can be done for example on either two long days or shorter days to fit in with school hours. The link is here Yorkshire Baptist Association | Seeking a new Administrator (yba.org.uk) but if you would like a chat about it you can get in touch with Debbie on email at debbie.gamble@yba.org.uk

Training sessions

Saturday 8th July 10-1.30pm in the church building.  A relaxed session on self care including lunch for all those who support others.  More information from Jane Coates, Mandy Russell or Shelley.

Saturday 7th October 10-1.30pm in the church building.  Loss, grief, and bereavement course led by Care for the family www.careforthefamily.org.uk for all those who would like help to support others going through loss. Limited places available so please book in with Jane Coates or Lesley in the office.

21 July 2023 – a reflection and discussion based on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s letter of 21 July 1944 at 7.15pm in the church building with refreshments.

On 20 July 1944, the plot to kill Hitler failed, and Bonhoeffer knew immediately that some of his companions in the resistance were already dead, and he and others were in even more danger.  He wrote a remarkable letter from his prison cell to his friend Eberhard Bethge.  It says a lot about being human, and being Christian, in real life.  Introduced by Haddon Wilmer on why he finds the letter both instructive and inspiring.

Prayer day

Saturday 22nd July. Please make a note in the diary, its in the planning stages so do have a word with Krys Gadd if you have ideas.

Couple of things to pray for…

It would be great if you could pray for our young people and children this week, that they will know the truth of God’s love and purpose for them right now.  Please pray for all those who lead them and support them in some way in church.  Pray we get more people who will pray and come alongside them.  Thank God that we are a church of all ages and experiences and let’s ask God for His inspiration and heart as we grow together as a community.

Also, thanking God that we were able to host community leaders across Moortown and Alwoodley last Tuesday.  Let’s pray that God will help us to keep working together for the good of our community, praying for our area and asking Him for His guidance in all we do.

“How beautiful on the mountains
  are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,” (Isaiah 52)

Shelley

Shelley: latest news

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Dear friends

Tomorrow we look forward to café church at 11-12midday so come along as we meet together in the building and online.  We’ll be looking at Acts 16:11-15, the story of Lydia and seeing how the holy spirit transformed the disciples and how the news of Jesus spread rapidly through the land, as part of our Be transformed series.  Tomorrow is designed for all ages together so there’ll be a mixture of sung worship, video, stories,art and prayer as well as pastries, fruit and drinks to share.

After the service there’s a get together in the music room for all the yellow badge prayer team to share how its going so far and to pray.

Other dates…

Beacon café is back on Monday 5th June from 10-12midday

Deacons and Shelley meeting on Tuesday night on zoom

Most housegroups are back next week.  Do ask me or a deacon if you need any information

Stepping Stones Toddler group for under 5’s and their carers is back on Tuesday 10-11.30 in the building

Lunch club meets again on Wednesday

On Thursday, craft group/warm welcome space takes place in the building 2-4pm

There will be no ‘bible in a year’ group on Thursday next week

8th July – 10-1.30pm Self /wellbeing session at church.  More details from Jane Coates and Mandy Russell.  A relaxed sessions designed for all those who support others.

Saturday 22nd July – Day of Prayer.  Its in the planning stages so do chat to Krys Gadd if you are interested in supporting in words or music or art or anything else…

Saturday 7th October 10-1.30pm Loss, Grief and bereavement course led by Care for the family www.careforthefamily.org.uk in the building for all those who feel that the course would help them to support others going through loss. Do let Jane Coates know if you would like to come as places are limited and a trainer from Care for the family has been booked.

In other news…

The Yorkshire Baptist Association are looking for a part time administrator based in Leeds City Centre.  If you are interested please email Debbie Gamble at debbie.gamble@yba.org.uk  more information at Yorkshire Baptist Association | Seeking a new Administrator (yba.org.uk)

As supporters of Caring for Life (particularly at harvest time but I know many of you support throughout the year) you are invited to their supporters day on Saturday 8th July. Click HERE to view the Supporters Day flier with details about the day and how to get access passes.

Individual and family access passes are essential for entry and can be obtained (June onwards) from the Caring for Life office 0113 2303600 , via info@caringforlife.co.uk  

Thanks to some of our volunteers who have been working on the tech side of the digital hub this week.  We are still waiting for some of the equipment to arrive but you did a great job looking at where we need wifi and how its been installed in the past and how we can put the new equipment in to make it better in the future for all.  We’ll soon have a guest log in for you to use when you are in the building…more news to come.

More work has gone on this week in terms of mending the base and the cross for the roof.  Thanks to Rod and others for working on this over the last few weeks.

This week is National Volunteers Week and we are thankful for the ‘body’ of people who are the church following God’s call here in Moortown.  Many may not call yourselves volunteers, it’s what you do as a Christian but it’s a good opportunity to say a big thank you to you all.  As it says in the bible, the church is the ‘ekklesia’, referring to the ‘called out ones’ in Greek.  So thank you to you all for praying, encouraging, serving, discipling, visiting, leading worship, administration, teaching and all the many other things done to support others of all ages as we pray “Let your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven” Amen

I had a couple of days away at the beginning of this week and the second half of the week was pretty busy with church things so if you messaged and haven’t had a full reply then I will get back to you in the next few days.  As ever If you have anything you want to share, pray, chat about do get in touch and I will get back over the course of next week.   

In Christ

Shelley

Our new cross puts MBC firmly back on the community map

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Who would have thought that two pieces of wood, blown off a roof could cause as much commotion as it did? But that’s precisely what happened when some weeks ago now, what many of us refer to as our disco cross blew down – or to be more accurate became seperated from its base. 

Almost immediately the rumours started; was it because the church was upsetting it’s neighbours, or perhaps it was its twinkly lights that sparkled from dusk to goodness knows when, or maybe simply its ever presentness that was being missed.    

Anyway as your leadership team were busy WhatsApping one another having been invited to suggest both the colour and the positioning of the lights, and as the issue was even brought up in a Church Meeting Rod Russell and his trusty second in command didn’t allow any such distraction to deter them from the task in hand. 

To us here at MBC the cross, of course is a symbol of our faith and our beliefs, however, to many of the thousands of others people who pass by each and every year (in a car, on a bus, on foot) and who might never dream of setting foot in a church it had become much more than that. To them whether they were aware of it or nor something was different, something they may not be able to put their finger on but they were right, what was missing was the symbol of what MBC stands for, what it projects… the love of God. 

Thanks Rod for helping us all realise the message we attach to something as simple as two bits of wood which, without us even saying a word mean so very much to our outreach. 

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