I make no apologies for using the picture above, quite possibly one of the least attractive I have have ever taken, as the lead image in this post. And that’s because what at first glance appears to be a motley mix of Sainsburys, Co-op and Home Bargains bags is in it’s most simplistic form what MBC’s Mission Statement: loving God, living generously and following Christ is all about. 
Planned, co-ordinated and with strict social distancing in place deftly choreographed by Kate Slater Sunday afternoon’s Drive-Thru Gift Drop-Off was, I believe Church just as Jesus envisaged it: His followers being practically compassionate, (i.e. gifting such as nappies and the like) inclusive and most importantly outward looking. 
Naturally there were still many festive trimmings: a cheery banner, a nativity tableau, fairy lights adding some much needed sparkle to a rooftop cross, mince pies and of course an impressive display of Santa hats. But besides the restrictions brought about by Covid-19 the main reason MBC took on the look of a branch of the now defunct Mothercare was that unlike in previous years this time we had been asked by Home-Start Leeds to suggest that we might like to take a more practical approach to Christmas 2020. In other words to focus less on pop guns, selection boxes, yo-yo’s and colouring books and concentrate directly on some essential items that in these extra tough times will save their clients money. 
By three thirty, with Home-Start staff already on site and packing away our gifts there was now time to look at another innovation; our sheep and star bush. On it Kate, Howard and co had hung dozens of home crafted stars and extra cute woolly sheep. Alongside them they had secured several notices which invited passers by to take anything they wanted from our tree, take it home and put it on there’s: again outward looking, and underling a message to our neighbours that even though our building is closed the church’s commitment to the community in which it sits is still very much alive.
With a creditable collection of items for The Leeds North & West Foodbank taking up another corner of the MBC sanctuary 3.30 came and went, and it was time for the team to pack away, lock up and go home. 
I guess we’ll never know who actually receives our gifts, but isn’t that the way it should be for as the apostle Paul says in Acts 20:35 “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus; ‘It is better to give than to receive’.”
There’s also a link here to a short video that we shot during the Gift Drop. It’s nothing special and the sound is all over the place but hey ho such is life. Enjoy.
John Sherbourne