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Month: October 2026

Leeds Furniture Mission hits the ground running!

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More than sixty staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters gathered last night (Tuesday) to celebrate forty years of the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store turning “houses into homes”. However, this was no ordinary celebration.

That’s because the event which took place at Banyan in City Square, exactly four decades on from when Hilary Willmer urged Moortown Baptist Church to set up such a venture, took the opportunity of not only totally revamping its image but for the first time ever to promote itself as never before.

By commissioning a marketing consultant and a professional film maker (you can see the video by clicking HERE) each of whom were at the very top of their game the charity’s CEO and its five trustees not only came up with a new name – Leeds Furniture Mission – but a snappy logo and several new ways of attracting corporate sponsors, individual or teams of volunteers.

Rachel Dodson, who manages LFM told guests that the charity’s fortieth anniversary not only marked an incredibly significant milestone but gave her and what she calls her “brilliant team” the impetus required to build on four decades of service to socially and economically disadvantaged people.

Likewise, Chair of Trustees, Gareth Davies, reiterated the board’s commitment to its original Mission Statement by saying that whilst for some people the new name may take a bit of getting used to it does, nevertheless, reflect the charity’s Christian roots.

Finally, John Sherbourne a long serving Chair of Trustees paid tribute to Hilary Willmer the lady who all those years ago spotted a weakness in the benefits system, which she feared might lead to some people being unable to cope with such a change falling into debt.

Sadly, Hilary was unable to attend the function but as she reads this she can rest assured that her efforts were not in vain.  

A message from BMS World Mission about Andrea and Mark in Chad

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Thank you so much for your ongoing support for Andrea and Mark.  You may be aware of the disruption that areas of Chad have been experiencing in recent weeks.

Andrea and Mark have brought forward their holiday plans and have left Bardaï temporarily.  

There have been some security issues in surrounding areas to Bardaï which lead to their temporary relocation to N’Djamena whilst we monitor the situation with them.  

Please pray for safety for their colleagues and friends and that the town of Bardaï can remain peaceful.

We will let you know of any further developments.

Church Engagement Team

Another step back in time

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Watching last week’s Communion Service (on YouTube) I was struck by just how much things have changed. 

The picture above shows Rev Ralph Drake, who was with us between 1967 and 1979 and four of MBC’s Deacons beginning our regular, third Sunday in the month Communion Service and would I suspect have been taken in the mid nineteen seventies.

Change of course is inevitable, it happens rather like a candle burning down or an ice cube melting: slowly, almost without one knowing, and it’s not until years later when you come face to face with an old image that you realise just how big the change has been.   

After last week’s sermon Phil Commons asks if you and I are letting our cup overflow?

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“He makes me lie down in Green Pastures” Psalm 23

This week’s sermon was on Psalm 23 and we thought about the way in which walking close to God and being responsive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance blesses us beyond measure so that “our cup overflows”.

As I listened to the reading of the psalm and especially to verse 2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures”, in my thoughts I journeyed back to the patients I had seen when I first entered Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, Nepal. I was working at the time with the BMS and one of their all-Asia regional conferences was being held in Pokhara. We visited Green Pastures Hospital – a missionary hospital run by international Missionary fellowship (INF) with whom many of our BMS missionaries serve.

Green Pastures Hospital.

Green Pastures hospital was established in 1957 by two ladies – Eileen Lodge and Betty Bailey (pictured in the gallery above) who both individually answered God’s call to serve the people of Nepal. Initially it functioned as a leprosarium offering refuge and treatment to some of the poorest and most marginalised people in Nepal. Today, it is the biggest rehabilitation centre in western Nepal, serving around 20,000 patients each year.

I remembered walking into the hospital and seeing the patients, and sitting in MBC this morning I began wondering why it was called Green Pastures. The thought came to me that the founders were Christians who were familiar with Psalm 23 and knew the overflowing grace of God in their own lives. It also occurred to me that their experience moved them to let God’s grace overflow to others.

The result is what we see today – something in their lifetime they perhaps could never have foreseen!

Following the sermon we shared communion together and contemplated afresh what Jesus did: We heard the words read from Matthew chapter 26 v 27- 28 “Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, drink from it, all of you … this is my blood of the covenant”. It was here that once again I was reminded that Jesus had mankind in his thoughts when he chose to lay down his life for us.

Psalm 24 v 1 follows on from Psalm 23 and verse 1 tells us “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it”. He was at that point overflowing with love for His world and all who live in it.

As I pictured this scene the thought came to me… who knows what could happen if, led by His Spirit we follow the example in listening to God and responding to his voice as Krys encouraged us to do, and as Eileen and Betty did all those years ago. What would happen if we who are so very blessed let the grace we have received overflow to others? I sat quietly as communion was shared asking myself if I was letting my cup overflow into other lives?

Let us encourage one another to listen quietly to God and see where the Good Shepherd may be guiding us today… there may be a few surprises ahead.

Shelley’s news – 16th October

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Dear friends

A big thank you to the Leadership Team and to you all for your prayers, messages and words last Sunday.  It meant a lot to me and my family.  It is a privilege to  be on this journey with you and I ask and thank God every day for his guidance and love as we share what Jesus has shared with us at Moortown and beyond.  This weekend there has been a lot of preparation going into our Sunday service on ‘What is it about Psalm 23?’ and I have loved hearing what it means to some of you.  On Sunday, I run the Amsterdam marathon for the Roy Castle lung Cancer Foundation then next week I go to the Yorkshire Baptist ministers conference for two days to hear and pray for the churches across Yorkshire but you will be in my prayers. I look forward to seeing you over the week.

Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of things going on including Harvest festival, church meeting and AGM, mission group, the deacons away day, buildings, health and safety and website meetings and hosting the Love Leeds project with the Moortown and Meanwood community and Leeds City Council on Thursday.  Thanks to those who helped sort and distribute our harvest gifts.  This is alongside our weekly groups including housegroups, bible studies, open space drop in cafes, under 5’s groups, youth, and children’s groups, services and visiting to name just a few.  Do keep praying for the spaces and people we welcome and connect with as church.

This week, lunch club enjoyed a musical feast as well as some great food, with music performed by some of church family. This was followed by a Wednesday Worship service focusing on the psalms where Rachel asked people to share what their favourite psalm was and why.

If you want to find out more about whats been happening, do follow the link at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ.

If you want to find out more about Love Leeds then follow this link Love Leeds | Leeds.gov.uk There will be a follow up meeting in a couple of weeks to make a shared plan with members of the council and our community about what we are going to do together and how we can support each other in different ways.  We’ll share more over the next week or so.  Thanks to those who came along to share ideas and get to know others in the community better.  We had some good conversations with people who had been in the church building a long time ago and this was there first time back in a while.

Last Sunday we welcomed Leeds Vineyard church during the afternoon as they held a baptism service.  Thanks to those who helped host, get the baptistry ready and lead on tech for the afternoon.  Alex Harbour, the assistant minister at Leeds Vineyard passes on his grateful thanks for the wonderful way they were welcomed and Vineyard church has given a kind donation towards the work at MBC.

This week…

Sunday 18th October Church service with younger group following the same theme.  We’ll share communion together 11.00am. Psalm part 4: What is it about psalm 23?  

Sunday 18th October Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building

Monday 19th October Beacon Café and warm welcome space 10.00 – 12.00 midday with food pantry available.

Tuesday 20th October Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers.  10.00 – 11.30am.  All welcome.

Tuesday 20th October Bible study in the music room – 12.30 -2.30 Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Tuesday 20th October Alwoodley Community forum meets next door at the Ziff centre. We are part of this group and will be sharing what we have planned and what people can come to with partners across Alwoodley ward.

Wednesday 21st October Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30.  Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 21st October Bible study in the music room and on zoom at 7.30pm.  Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley.  All welcome.

Wednesday 21st October House group in the corner room at 7.30pm.  See Diane S.

Thursday 22nd October Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions or see Karen.

Thursday 22nd October Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 23rd October Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 23rd October Friday night house group in Adel.  See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or ask Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 23rd October Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm.  See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Sunday 25th October Psalms Part 5: being a disciple in the psalms

It’s the Craft Fair on Saturday 31st October 10.30-2.30pm with money going towards a girls refuge in Sri Lanka.  Please talk to Krys for more information.  Do bring your friends or just come along, beautiful hand made crafts, get ready for Christmas!

Sunday 1st November Café church Psalms part 6: worship in the psalms

Sunday 1st November Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building. Positive pumpkin party night!

Sunday 8th November Remembrance Sunday service Psalms part 7: remembering in the psalms

The next Psalms art group takes place at 7pm in the sports hall on November 4th.  See Krys or Cas for more information or just turn up.

We’ll be having out next get to know you lunch on 8th November after the service.  If you feel new to MBC or know someone who does then do let Mandy or Claire know and you’d be very welcome to come to lunch and get to know a few more people and a bit more about the who the church is.

Next church meeting is November 10th 7.30pm.  Look forward to seeing you there!  Sharing thoughts including Christmas!

Its half term week the week of Saturday 24th October so there will be a few changes to our usual activities.  Stepping Stones, Lunch club, craft group warm space and youth group on the 25th October will pause but Beacon will happen as usual.  Do check with Lesley or myself or the house group leaders about bible studies/housegroups that week.  If you are a house group leader and you are pausing that week, can you let Lesley or myself know this week so that we can let people know if they ask, please? 

Do pray for the trustees, staff and volunteers at the Leeds Furniture Mission (previously Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store) who have their 40 year celebration on Tuesday night!

If you are interested in baptism, membership, joining a group or anything else then do get in touch with myself, Lesley, a deacon, a leader of a group or someone you feel comfortable asking and we can chat or point you in the right direction.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

LEEDS AND MOORTOWN FURNITURE STORE. 40 YEARS – A NEW NAME – THE SAME MISSION

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A charity helping more than 30 Leeds households furnish their homes in a typical week is marking its 40th anniversary with a new name and identity. 
 
Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, established in 1986, is becoming Leeds Furniture Mission. The new name reflects its ongoing work supporting individuals and families across the whole of Leeds. 
 
The charity collects good quality unwanted furniture from homes and businesses and passes it on to people in need, keeping around 9 tonnes of furniture in use and out of landfill each month. 
 
It works with professional referral partners including housing officers, support workers, charities, social services and NHS services. Following a referral and assessment of need, people who may otherwise be moving into accommodation with little or no furniture can choose up to 5 essential items for their homes for free. 
 
Rachel Dodson, CEO at Leeds Furniture Mission, said: 
 
“Furniture is something many of us take for granted, but when you find yourself with very little, having a bed to sleep in, a table to sit around or a comfortable chair can make an enormous difference to their physical and mental health. 
 
“A piece of furniture that someone no longer needs can be just what another person is missing. Our donors and volunteers help us make that connection, giving furniture a second life and people a more comfortable place to call home.” 
 
Alongside household donations, the charity can collect furniture from businesses, offices, hotels and student accommodation, giving organisations a practical way to support their local community when replacing unwanted furniture. 
 
Looking ahead 
 
The rebrand comes as Leeds Furniture Mission seeks to reach more people, build stronger business partnerships and welcome new volunteers. 
 
Gareth Davies, Chair of Trustees of Leeds Furniture Mission, said: 
 
“We’re proud of what this charity has achieved over the past 40 years, and grateful to everyone who has helped make that possible. Our new name reflects the charity we are today. It’s a new name, but the same purpose. 
 
“The need for our service continues, while rising costs and pressure on funding make it harder to meet that need. We’re positive about the future, but we need more people and businesses alongside us to ensure we can continue to meet the ever-growing need.” 
 
Individuals can get involved by donating furniture, volunteering regularly or making a financial contribution. Businesses can help through fundraising, sponsorship, furniture and product donations, professional skills and team volunteering days.  
 
The charity will mark its 40th anniversary at Banyan in Leeds on Tuesday 20 October, thanking supporters who have helped make its work possible over the years and introducing its new identity. 
 
To arrange a free furniture collection, call 0113 273 9727. To find out more about supporting Leeds Furniture Mission, visit leedsfurnituremission.org.uk. 
 
About Leeds Furniture Mission 
 
Leeds Furniture Mission, formerly Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, is a registered charity established in 1986 at Moortown Baptist Church. It collects and redistributes donated furniture to people in need across Leeds through professional referrals. 
 
Registered charity number: 1061705 
 
Address: Unit F, Seacroft Industrial and Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ 
 
Website: leedsfurnituremission.org.uk – new website launching soon. Current site: www.leedsandmoortown.org.uk 
 
 
In the gallery below you will see Rachel Dodson, the charity’s General Manager, Gareth Davies – Chair of Trustees – Rachel with Trustees Nick, Steve, Mike and Gareth and one of the mission’s newly branded vans.

Minister’s Appreciation Day, and Shelley shows just what it feels like to be appreciated

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Sunday the 11th of October was Minister (or to use its Sunday name Pastor) Appreciation Day, which meant that we, that’s those of us who know and love Shelley could come together and show our appreciation for everything she does but most of all for who she is. 

At the end of our Service and surrounded by Deacon’s and family Shelley was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a specially made Thank You box into which we all dropped heart shaped cards bearing a very personal message. 

It really was a very special occasion, one which gave us all the opportunity to show Shelley and her family just how much everything they do for MBC, so much of it unseen, really is appreciated.

 

Harvest Festival – thank you all for your generosity

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On the 4th of October we held our Harvest Festival, which this year coincided with our monthly Café Church. It was an occasion that saw the whole church come together to bring or send produce and money to support our own food pantry, the Leeds North and West Foodbank and Caring for Life. 

From each of them we simply say thank you. 

 

 

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