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Month: November 2024

23 November, Shelley looks back on a busy week, and forward towards Christmas.

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Dear friends

This Sunday is ‘Stir up Sunday’.  It’s a name associated with stirring up all the ingredients of a Christmas cake before the first Sunday of Advent.  However, the name ‘Stir up Sunday’ actually comes from a prayer that is often said in traditional churches on the Sunday before Advent.  The prayer goes like this..

“Stir up O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

In other words,

“Stir us up afresh to seek your will and play our part in bringing the fruit of good works, not because of us but because of you Jesus. Amen”

What would it look like to have our will ‘stirred up’ by Jesus to be more fruitful?  The ingredients of a Christmas cake need to be stirred up for the smells of the fruit and spices can be released and so that the ingredients can be moulded, shaped, and formed.  What is stirring us up lately?  How is this affecting us? Where is God in this?  

On Sunday, there will be time for all ages to consider this in our service at 11am in the building and on YouTube.  There will be a group where children can explore creatively together.  We’ll be continuing with looking at how the story of Ruth points to Jesus and focusing on Jesse who was ‘stirred up’ by God to respond.

In the afternoon at 4pm we welcome Sue and John Wilson over tea as we hear how God is moving in France and how they were stirred up to serve there for 36 years. All ages welcome.  Food and drink are included.  Rock Solid youth group are invited, and Sue and John are looking forward to meeting them so there will be no separate meeting in the evening.

Do come with your questions. 

Here’s what’s coming up in the week…

Monday 25th November 10am-12 Warm welcome space and beacon café.  Food pantry available.

Tuesday 26th November Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers, 10-11.30am

Tuesday afternoon there’s a house group in church.  See Howard Dews.

Tuesday evening 7.30-9pm Deacons and Shelley meeting in church

Wednesday 27th November Lunchclub for those registered and the volunteers.  See Rachel Beedle for more information. 

Wednesday 27th November 6.30pm PACT meeting in church (Policing and Community Together for Moortown ward)  All welcome.

Wednesday evening there’s house group at 7.30pm in church, see Ruth and Andy Berry.  Also, a house group with Diane Sunter.

Thursday 28th November is warm welcome space craft group 2-4pm in church.

Thursday evening there is a bible study with Gareth Gadd at 7pm in church

Friday 29th November there is a house group at 8pm in Adel, see Jonathan and Hilary Darling.

Friday morning at 10am there is a bible study in church.  See Shelley or Lesley if you are interested.

Saturday 30th November at 2pm Christmas Decorations go up in church!  If you would like to help, we’d love to see you.  We’ll be decorating the Christmas tree in café church on Sunday morning.

Sunday 1st December 11am Advent café church, all ages together with fruit, pastries, and drinks.  We start our advent theme ‘Down to earth’ and look creatively at John 1:1-14

Rock Solid youth meet 7-8pm in church

Extra Christmas dates in December…

Saturday 7th December at 1.30-3.30pm “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.”

Sunday 8th December 11am Service together with children’s group and then at 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

Wednesday 11th December Christmas Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with refreshments.

Sunday 15th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments will be provided.  £10 each.  Please invite your friends.  Wreath making is pretty popular, and we provide both fresh foliage and bought decorations for you to use so please book in with Lesley.  For those who haven’t been before we walk through the steps with you so come along and try something new or build on your skills from last year. If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway.”

Sunday 22nd December 11am All age Nativity

Monday 23rd December 10-12 Festive Beacon

Tuesday 24th December afternoon Christmas Eve All Age Christingle at 4.30pm

Wednesday 25th December morning all age Christmas Day celebration at 10.30am

We’ll produce some little Christmas cards this week with some of the services/events on so you can invite others to come along!

Some new advent books to consider for the coming season…

Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation – 15 Aug. 2024

by John Hayward (Author)

Women of the Nativity: An Advent and Christmas Journey in Nine Stories – 30 Aug. 2024

by Paula Gooder (Author)

Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear: The Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2024 – 19 Sept. 2024

by Rachel Mann (Author)

There are photographs on facebook and on our website showing some the events of last week including our interfaith Beacon and Mitzvah Day.  Do have a look on facebook or www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

In Christ

Shelley

4pm this coming Sunday, afternoon tea (and no doubt lots more) with newly retired BMS stalwarts John and Sue Wilson

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After growing up here at MBC, it was more than thirty five years ago, and following a pastorate in Falmouth, that John and Sue Wilson signed up with the Baptist Missionary Society and began working in France.

Now, newly retired, this coming Sunday that’s the 24th of November the couple return to Moortown, the final stop on a tour around the UK  that has been expressly mapped out in order for them to thank their many supporters.  

John, who between 1981 and 1983 served as our first ever Youth Pastor is the son of former MBC Deacons David and Robina Wilson, who were themselves BMS missionaries.

This Sunday’s event which starts at 4pm takes the form of a tea, but besides there being plenty of food and drink, it will also be a great opportunity for us to hear firsthand what, during more than three decades serving in France they believe God has been doing.

Do come along, that’s everyone, young and the not so young. David and Sue’s connection with MBC is not only long standing, but its a wonderful demonstration of how down the generations God finds ways and means of enabling us – no matter who we are – to spread the good news of Jesus both here at home and abroad.  

The picture above shows John chatting with Beacon regulars when he and Sue last visited MBC in 2023. 

The Painting Machine’s art sale combines appreciation of a fine talent with providing vital support for Parkinson’s UK

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With more than 200 of his artworks on show, the late Ralph Bainbridge’s family really did him proud. 

As oils vide for space with water colours,  and powders and pastels jockeyed for position the eclectic mix of Ralph’s catalogue is truly staggering.

As far as subject matter was concerned, this too was incredible, ranging from a giant, three part city scape of London to a vase containing a single yellow tulip. 

The exhibition cum sale which was held here today (Saturday) at MBC raised several hundreds of pounds much of which Tricia and her family intend to donate to Parkinson’s UK.  

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. Jane – Family, family and family

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We are very privileged to belong to several families. We have our own nuclear family, our son and daughters, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and several distant relatives. We love them dearly and keep in regular contact as much as possible, even though distance from Leeds can present challenges.
 
We also have our church family at MBC which has become a very significant part of our lives, and particularly very recently. Our Christian family at MBC has begun to feel like a real family. We have felt a deep ’ground swell’ of love developing in our fellowship, which has become almost tangible. One of our newer members calls me ‘sister. ‘There is a sense of a shared awareness of the needs within the congregation and a willingness to respond to those needs practically, prayerfully, with numerous methods of contact, and connection. There is a deep change that has been happening.
 
Then we have our China family. For many, many years we have had connections with key Research colleagues, men and women who are Leaders and senior members of several top Universities and Institutions, in Sichuan, Beijing, and Changchun. Through many years of regular contact, communication, support, visits to China, research exchange visits to Bradford and China, and their visits to our home, we have established a close connection- a family connection. We are regarded as family members, and we know many of them as family. When the news of my illness and surgery was shared with them, they immediately responded with messages of love, concern and even prayers. “Jane is a very important member of our AMRI family, and we are always with you.” When Phil returned from his most recent trip to China, he brought back with him a bag of Chinese medicine and many other personal gifts – tangible demonstrations of their love.
 
Over many years we have connected with some wonderful Christian individuals and families and have become involved with them, their challenges, successes, work and witness. It is a joy and a challenge to know so many people and to stay in connection. Family is about connection-real connection. I am so thankful that I am a part of these different families.
 
So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith. Galatians 6 v 10 GNT
 
A nighttime prayer
The peace of God be over me to shelter me.
Under me to uphold me.
About me to protect me.
Behind me to direct me
Ever with me to save me.
The peace of all peace be mine this night
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
 
Jane Coates.  November 2024

Shelley’s update for w/c Saturday 16 November

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Dear friends

Here’s a reminder of whats going on this week and some dates to come.

Tomorrow, on Saturday 16th November there will be an Art Exhibition in church 11-3pm with refreshments, all welcome.  It’s called Ralph Bainbridge: The painting machine.  Click on this link for more details. 

The Painting Machine – art sale pays tribute to an extraordinary talent – Moortown Baptist Church

On Sunday 17th November we meet at 11am to share communion, sing, share and look at Ruth 4: 13-22.  There will be a group for our younger friends.  We look forward to hearing in the service about the recent visit to Romania from Bela and Jean.

Rock Solid for young people is on Sunday evening 7-8.00pm in church.

On Monday 18th November it’s Beacon warm welcome café. It’s the end of interfaith week and we have this week invited, along with the support of Simon from Leeds Jewish Housing Association, those from other faiths who meet in the local area to see if they would like to come and share a drink and food. We pray the space will be a welcoming space, where people can get to know each other.  It’s also Mitzvah day, a Jewish led day of social action so Simon has encouraged those Jewish friends he knows and works with to bring food for the café as an action on this day.  If you are free, do come along too as we show hospitality and offer spaces for people to come alongside each other.  We are currently in receipt of funding from the church Urabm Fund to support things like Beacon and craft group.  If you want to know more about the positives of places of welcome, the project they run, then click on the link here Your stories — Places of Welcome

On Tuesday, its Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers, 10-11.30am

Tuesday afternoon there’s a house group on church.  See Howard Dews.

On Wednesday, its lunchclub for those registered and the volunteers.  See Rachel Beedle for more information.  Wednesday evening there’s house group at 7.30pm, see Ruth and Andy Berry.

Thursday is warm welcome space craft group 2-4pm in church.

Thursday evening there is a bible study with Gareth Gadd at 7pm in church

Friday evening there is a house group at 8m in Adel, see Jonathan and Hilary Darling.

Friday morning at 10am its bible study.  See me or Lesley if you are interested.

On Sunday 24th November we have our service in the morning at 11am with a group for our younger friends.

At 4pm on the same day you are invited to come together to meet Sue and John Wilson, BMS missionaries from Paris. It’s designed with all ages in mind around tables with food and drink provided.   Sue and John are retiring from their work in Paris but are coming to share what God has been doing there over the years.  There will be chance to ask questions too so do come along with your questions for Sue and John.  Everyone welcome.

Meeting’s coming up…

Tuesday 26th November 7.30pm Deacons and Shelley meet in church

Tuesday 21st January 2025 Church AGM.  It will be a good time to thank God for all He has done in the year and to pray expectantly for the year ahead!

A little look to Advent and Christmas…

We’ll be producing some cards to give out about Christmas at MBC to help us share the good news of Jesus.  For now here’s some dates for your diary and chance to share with others

Sunday 1st December at 11am Advent café church

Saturday 7th December at 1.30-3.30pm, “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.”

Sunday 8th December 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

Wednesday 11th December Christmas Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with refreshments.

Sunday 15th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments will be provided.  £10 each.  Please book in with Lesley so that we can provide the right number of wreaths and resources.  If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway!”

Sunday 22nd December 11am All age Nativity

Monday 23rd December Festive Beacon

Tuesday 24th December afternoon Christmas Eve All Age Christingle

Wednesday 25th December morning all age Christmas Day celebration

Do continue to check the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk or ask a deacon or Lesley in the office or Shelley about anything that is going on so we can point you in the right direction.  There are also information sheets in the foyer of church. 

I have also been asked to pass these onto you…

A job vacancy for a part time admin role with the Yorkshire Baptist Association (click on link)

Admin Job pack 22 October 2024

And a lecture at the Grammar School at 8pm on November 27th organised by the council of Christians and Jews entitled ‘Religion and the Future of Europe’.  Bishop Nick is regularly heard on Radio 2 and 4 and before he became Bishop he worked as a linguist at GCHQ. 

Bishop Nick to give annual Leeds Council of Christians and Jews lecture – Diocese of Leeds

“You have heard that it was said, ‘ Love your neighbour’ and Hate your enemy’.  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

Let us keep responding to Jesus radical call of love in all we do

In Christ

Shelley

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Christmas is coming, but MBC’s Christmas programme is coming even sooner

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In six weeks time Christmas 2024 will be all but over, and we will have moved into that period of time that airlines and tour operators market as “Twixmas” – the days between Christmas and New Year. 

However, here at MBC, while December 25th is one of the defining days in the Christian calendar, the build up right the way throughout Advent can be almost as exciting as the big day itself. 

And that’s because our first “Christmas” event takes place on December 7th when between 1.30pm and 3.30 the Steel Crazy Band return to Moortown Baptist Church to once again host an afternoon of sing along carols and festive songs, book-ended by some seasonal treats and a Christmas Quiz. 

The following day at 3pm (Sunday December 8th) it’s our Stepping Stones Nativity to which you are all invited. 

Then the following week (15th December, starting at 3pm) we have what is fast becoming a hardy annual and that’s our wreath making workshop.  

Add to this a festive Beacon on the 23rd, a Christingle Service on the 24th and the following day our traditional Christmas celebration and you’ll see why once again MBC is throwing its doors wide open and saying to everyone within earshot that God loves them, and that’s the reason for Jesus. Of course, and actually it goes without saying, at the heart of that message is an invitation for them to come along and join us any time they like. 

Do look out for more information about Christmas 2024, either here on the MBC website or in Shelley’s weekly update. And remember what I told you, no matter how much or how little preparation you have made it won’t be long now! 

There are a few pictures from previous Christmas events in the gallery below. To look through them simply click on any of the images. 

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. The gate and the gatekeeper.

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He strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.
He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
Psalm 147 v 13-14 NIV
 
Some years ago, I had the opportunity to serve on several of the BMS World Mission Short Term Placements. Perhaps the most memorable and significant for me, and where there was also a measure of risk, safety concern, and culture adaptation, were the times spent in Herat, Afghanistan, teaching in the International School, and teaching in the Pre School-Education Projects, in Luanda, Angola.
 
In Herat, the accommodation was securely behind high walls and there was always a gate keeper on duty, especially at night. Before I left the compound in the morning to walk to school, the gate keeper’s job was to open the heavy wooden and barred gate. He would walk down to this gate at the end of a long passageway, look out, then walk to the main road, to check that everything was safe. In the early weeks it was safe to walk alone to school or to go by tuktuk. But on some days, he would have to walk me to the school- a job which he hated as he did not want to be seen by others with a westerner. He would walk a long way behind me. But his main job was to guard that heavy gate to the compound. There’s a picture of The Herat Gate at the top of this article.
 
In Angola, a nurse, a teacher and I shared a house. My role was to teach in the newly established Pre School-Education Projects (PEP’s) placed in Luanda. The PEPs were often a two-hour drive away on dreadful roads. At night, there was a gate keeper at the door of the house. He sat all night in a small marquee in front of the house, and his role was to look out for anything suspicious or any threat. Many of the houses on the road had a similar night guard or gate keeper, and we would often hear them whistling and calling to each other through the night, alerting other guards to any possible threat. His was a nighttime role only, as during the day the driver of the jeep provided the protection needed as we travelled to the different projects in the areas where few westerners would be allowed to go, but where the need for the PEP was greatest.
 
I remember that heavy wooden gate with its strong bars across, the high walls of protection around the compound and the gate keeper. The gate keepers and guards were essential to safety and a measure of calm and peace of mind.
 
Psalm 147 begins and ends with the words’ Praise the Lord!’ It is a psalm which encourages us to praise Him for His protection and care. He is the all-powerful, creative God. Our God is the One who provides for us, gives security, strength, and peace. He strengthens the bars of our gates so that we can always feel safe and secure. He protects those that are within. He grants His peace to our borders
 
In heaven, there will be no need to lock or guard a gate as the gates will be permanently open. The gates will never be closed. There will be no need to feel unsafe or vulnerable, there will be no darkness but only light.
 
“The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there.” Revelation 21. V 25
 
But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. Yes, I am the Gateway. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.  John 10

Shelley’s update – 8th November

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Dear friends

This Sunday we meet a little earlier at 10.50 for a service together and a group for the children exploring the themes of remembrance.  Over the last few weeks, we’ve been looking at the story of Ruth and last week at café church looked at what a redeemer was and how restoration started to come back to Ruth and Naomi.  They were people who experienced tragedy, but we also see Gods restoration beginning to shine through, we planted seeds of hope.  As we look to Remembrance Sunday we see the sacrifice, we remember Jesus ultimate sacrifice and we are reminded that God is able to bring restoration through his love and grace.

Next week is also the United Nations Climate Summit known as COP29.  As we were reminded last week that Boaz restored both the people and the land, we pray for our planet.  Here are some prayer points and thoughts…

COP29: Is climate change a Christian issue? – Evangelical Alliance

Locally, Leeds had some climate action hubs so you can find out about how people in our city are trying to look after the planet.  Here’s a link to the Alwoodley Climate hub,

Alwoodley 2030: Climate Action Hub

They have  an update meeting on how to help nature in Yorkshire, at St Barnabas Church on 19th November.  You need to book a place to go but its free.  See link below.

Alwoodley 2030: Climate Action Hub – Nature & Biodiversity

Through the week, all our regular groups take place as usual, see the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk or ask a deacon or Lesley in the office.  There are also information sheets in the foyer of church. 

Rock Solid is back on Sunday evening 7-8.00pm for young people in church.

Wednesday 13th November is Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with drinks for those who arrive before 1.30pm.  The theme this week is Exciting God.  All welcome.

Next Saturday 16th November there will be an Art Exhibition in church 11-3pm with refreshments, all welcome.  It’s called Ralph Bainbridge: The painting machine.  The exhibition will include a large collection of canvases, framed paintings and unframed ink and powder abstracts.  Ralph was Trisha’s late husband, and he painted all his life.  Trisha and friends have organised the exhibition in aid of Parkinsons UK.  There’s more information on the website or you can ask Mandy or Trisha for more details.

On Sunday November 17th we meet at 11am to share communion, sing, share and look at Ruth 4: 13-22.  There will be a group for our younger friends.

On Sunday 24th November we have our service in the morning at 11am and then welcome Sue and John Wilson, BMS missionaries from Paris at 4pm in church around tables with tea provided.  Designed for all ages to come along, share food, hear how Jesus is working in France.

A little look to Advent and Christmas…

We’ll be producing some cards to give out about Christmas at MBC and to help us share the good news of Jesus.  These will include some of our services but also some festive events.  I’ll share more about Advent and Christmas next week as there’ll be opportunities to help, get involved and come along.  Here’s some of them for your diary…

1st December at 11am Advent café church

7th December at 1.30-3.30pm, “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.”

8th December 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

15th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments will be provided.  £10 each.  Please book in with Lesley so that we can provide the right number of wreaths and resources.  If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway!”

22nd December 11am All age Nativity

23rd December Festive Beacon

24th December afternoon All Age Christingle

25th December morning all age Christmas celebration

Finally…

The church AGM will take place on January 21st 2025.  It will be a good time to thank God for all He has done in the year and to pray expectantly for the year ahead!

In Christ

Shelley

The Painting Machine – art sale pays tribute to an extraordinary talent

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To Ralph Bainbridge painting came as effortlessly as breathing. Whatever the medium, be it pastels, oils, acrylics, inks or charcoal Ralph, known to friends and family alike as The Painting Machine was little short of a genius. 

A lifelong painter, much of the work of this former Leeds engineer is soon to go on show here at Moortown Baptist Church as between 11am and 3pm on Saturday November the 16th, Ralph’s widow Tricia shares (and hopefully sells) some of more than 200 of his works. 

For many years, Ralph who died aged 72 and whose funeral was held here at MBC last January had Parkinson’s Disease, and whilst he’d always painted it was in fact the medication he was taking for this illness which, says Tricia, “turned a hobby into an addiction.” 

And that’s no doubt why no matter what the subject – portraits, landscapes, seascapes or merely something quirky that happened to catch his eye, the combination of Ralph’s imagination, that keen eye and above all his delicate touch made everything he approached come alive.

Looking back, the first exhibition he himself staged was eleven years ago, that was in 2013, and it was very much a home grown affair. That’s because one sunny Saturday, and out of the blue he decided to take his easels and a selection of paintings outside and  invite passers by in to his front garden to view his work.  From that modest start, and later, with the aid of a local school teacher The Painting Machine’s art work is now shown throughout Horsforth each July in churches, schools and community centres.

So, with much of the  money raised from the sale being donated to Parkinson’s UK it’s now our turn to show our appreciation of Ralph’s work.

Don’t forget 11am until 3pm, Saturday the 16th of November here at Moortown Baptist Church. Oh and I know there will be refreshments available because my wife and I are part of a team “manning” the kitchen. 

There’s a gallery below showing just a very small selection of Ralph’s work. If you would like to view it simply click on any of the images.  Oh would you also please note that we will only be able to take payment for pictures in cash and not by machine. 

 

 

A big “Thank You” from North Leeds Foodbank

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Shelley Dring, our Minister writes ” I’d just like to share with you a message of thanks we have received from Simon at North West Leeds Foodbank.  In it he mentions “gleaning” which is something we too have been focusing on in our Harvest Festival.

Over the last few weeks we have been reminded that Ruth was a “gleaner” – a gleaner in Boaz’s field. The reason that she was able to glean was because Boaz was intentional about leaving a margin around his fields; his workers would not keep every scrap they picked but would allow others to glean from what was left… a perfect example of God being intentional and not wanting us to keep more than we need.

Simon wrote:

Dear Shelley I’m writing to Thank You and the congregation for your generous harvest donation of food and toiletries to our foodbank . Trusell fooddbanks rely almost entirely on donations (of food or money) to meet the increasing needs of people in our area in these challenging times.

Your donation of 54KG will provide about 128 individual meals.

Bishop Nick Baines, in a recent “Thought for the Day” talked of the Biblical principles of tithing and “gleaning” (Leviticus 19:9-10).

That is, not keeping everything God has given to us ourselves, but building community by allowing the people who have least to collect what they need from  what others have to spare. 

That’s what were doing by offering a warm welcome and practical support, as well as food, to all who come to our centres.

Thank You again! 

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