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Merry Christmas… greetings from Florin and Dana Fodor

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Dear Friends, greetings!

In a world of uncertainty, our hope rests in the giver of peace and joy – Jesus. 

May our faith in Him keep us faithful. May your hearts be filled with joy during this Christmas season! Let us pray that we will have a bright 2015.

From Romania with gratitude and love.

Florin and Dana

Jane Coates – Thoughts and Prayers. Perfect timing…

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Perfect Timing
 
Have you ever felt that you have just walked into the right place at the right time and met the right people? The timing feels to be perfect and precise, -as if it was always meant to be.
 
In the narrative of the birth of Jesus in Luke 2 I was challenged by the two elderly prophets, Simeon and Anna. Clearly, their arrival on the scene, just as the family arrived for Jesus’s dedication in the Temple at Jerusalem, was no happenstance. It was no coincidence or just good timing, because they were frequent attenders to the Temple Court. No. These two faithful worshippers were directed by the Holy Spirit to that very point, on that very day, at that very time, when Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus arrived in the Temple Court.
 
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and prompted by the Holy Spirit he came into the Temple enclosure at the perfectly planned, precise time. ‘Prompted by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple enclosure; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him the custom required by the Law, Simeon took Him into his arms, and blessed, praised, and thanked God’. Luke 2 v 27-28 AMP. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon spoke prophetic words over the child, calling Jesus a Light for the revelation of the Gentiles, and God’s salvation. Simeon then addressed Mary with prophetic words. Simeon had been promised, again by the Holy Spirit, that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Simeon’s arrival, actions, and words at this point, were all directed by the Holy Spirit. He had waited many years for this precise moment in time.
 
Anna spent her days at the Temple serving and worshiping night and day, with fasting and prayers. But, at the precise time that Simeon was speaking with Joseph and Mary, she came along to that very spot, at that very time to the Temple enclosure. ‘She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she also began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem who had been awaiting the coming of the Saviour that the Messiah had finally arrived’. Luke 2 v 38 TLB.
 
The Message version says, ‘At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.’ Anna sang an anthem of praise to God. Anna had waited patiently for many years for this precise moment in time.
 
Simeon and Anna were two faithful worshippers, filled with the Holy Spirit, waiting for the arrival of Messiah. The Holy Spirit prompted their attendance at the Temple when the timing was perfect. They had listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
 
The Holy Spirit will prompt us too, with His peace, and His Presence. We need to be patient as we wait for God’s perfect time. God is never in a hurry and though the waiting is hard we should not rush on ahead. There may be something that we have longed for, prayed for and we have become impatient and even discontented. But trust His timing. He knows the perfect time.
 
 From long ago no ear has heard and no eye has seen any God besides You, who works for those who wait for Him. You meet him who finds joy in doing what is right and good, who remembers You in Your ways. Isaiah 64 v 4-5NLV
 
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3 v 11
 
PRAY for God’s perfect timing and for patience in the waiting.
 
Jane Coates
16 December 2024

Advent 3. The pace quickens. Shelley’s update.

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Dear friends

Katherine May says in her book ‘Wintering’ (not written from a Christian perspective) that communities of spiritual and religious gatherings are ‘awe- inspiring’, ‘elastic, stretching to take in all kinds of people, and bringing unexpected perspectives and insights. We need them now more than ever’.  They challenge us to not stick within tight circles.  This advent, as we move to Advent 3, over half way through our advent journey, we are thankful for the stretchiness of our community and those who provide hospitality, thought and welcome to those who find themselves part of it, even for a short time.

This Sunday we start at 11am for worship together with communion.  There will be a group for our younger friends, looking at Luke 2:8-20.  After the service a small group are going to carol sing at a local home for elderly people and then we have the wreath making workshop 3-5pm.  Rock Solid youth meet 7-8pm in the building.

Please see the website at www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for an update on activities and services.

A couple of things to highlight…

There is a Beacon café at 10-12 as usual on Monday 16th December and a Festive Beacon on 23rd December, when some of our friends from Leeds Jewish Housing association will be coming along and bringing Hannukah snacks along with our Christmas treats.

Next Sunday at 11am we have our all-age nativity service with carols/Christmas songs.  If you want a part, then do let me know, we’d love to have you.  We’ll also be seeing some of our stars from the toddler nativity last week.

No Rock Solid on the 22nd and 29th December and Beacon café takes a break too on the 30th December, back on the 6th January.  If you know someone who is struggling over Christmas do get in touch or let us know.  Food pantry is available if needed but we won’t be running an official session on 30th.

It will be lovely to join together at our All Age Christingle service on Christmas Eve 4.30pm to 5.15pm where there will be oranges with candles and sweets for all.. it’s always a special ‘pause’ moment before the big day and we often have many from our local community and their family and friends. Then we are together on Christmas Day at 10.30 for a short service designed for all ages as we celebrate Jesus on our advent journey together!

In Christ

Shelley

Stepping Stones Nativity… celebration and outreach at its very best!

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I never can remember who coined the phrase “a picture paints a thousand words” but whoever it was, he or she, was oh so right. 

But if proof were needed these images taken at Sunday’s Stepping Stones Nativity certainly prove the point.

Massive thanks to Diane and all her team, to Rock Solid who played a starring role, to the people who served the refreshments and manned the tech desk – in fact to everyone who either contributed or attended.

To view the gallery simply click on any of the images. 

Steel Crazy get our Christmas programme off to a flying start

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What better way to begin our Christmas celebrations than by getting together and singing along to a steel band. And that’s precisely what eighty or so people did last Saturday afternoon when Steel Crazy, the group that our Senior’s Worker Rachel plays in visited MBC.

There’s a gallery of pictures below which, simply by clicking on any of the images you download or view.  

 

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers… WAITING

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WAITING…
 
Waiting can be hard, long, and frustrating. I could not begin to add up the number of hours that I have spent in my adult lifetime to date, waiting – waiting for the birth of a child; waiting at the doctors, clinic or hospital; waiting at the school gate, activity club, church hall; waiting for the production or concert to begin; waiting for the children’s exam results, decisions after interviews; waiting for the much needed holiday, or for long expected news. Waiting involves the expectation or hope that something will happen, being in readiness for its beginning or coming, and waiting with patience during the indeterminate period before the arrival or completion of the expected hope. I am well practised at waiting. But for many people, waiting is hard.
 
In the accounts of the birth of Jesus, there is a lot of waiting by a lot of people – Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, and the elderly prophets at the Temple gate, Simeon, and Anna. For these people, their waiting was longed for, prayed for, and anticipated.
 
Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for and longed for a child. In their old age, Gabriel was sent to them with the news of the birth of their child, John. ‘But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’ Luke 1 v 13
 
Gabriel was also sent to the young Mary with news of the promised Saviour that she would bear. Mary’s pregnancy and waiting could have been a troubling and anxious time as she no doubt faced the questions and quizzical looks of neighbours and villagers. But she would take comfort in the company of her cousin Elizabeth as they waited together. Mary would later endure a journey to Bethlehem, an anxious search for a safe place to deliver her baby, followed by a hurried escape to Egypt. There, Joseph, Mary and Jesus would be strangers and refugees for two years until they were able to return to their hometown. Waiting. Waiting for the right time. The safe time.
 
Simeon, a righteous and devout man, living in Jerusalem, ‘was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.’ Luke 2 v 25-26 Simeon was led to the Temple by the Holy Spirit, at the exact time that Joseph and Mary arrived with the eight-day old infant, Jesus, at the Temple for the ceremony of purification and circumcision. Simeon’s long wait was at an end.
 
Anna, an 84-year-old, widow, and prophet who worshipped daily at the Temple in Jerusalem, was also waiting, as were other worshippers, hoping for God’s intervention in Israel. ‘She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem’. Luke 2 v 37-38
 
From infant to child to man, John and Jesus waited until the time was right for them to begin their appearances and ministries on the world’s stage. We believe that Jesus was about thirty years old before He began His ministry. ‘Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, saying, “The time has come at last—the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news.” Mark 1 v 15
 
Waiting and perfect timing. The time had come at last. God’s timing is always precise, and perfect. He steps in at the right time-the ‘Kairos’ time- “the appointed time in the purposes of God.”
 
Song
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.
Our God, you reign forever
Our hope, our strong Deliverer.
Chris Tomlin
 
Hymn
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Charles Wesley
 
PRAY For those who are waiting-for news, for appointments, for surgery, for an answer to a longing prayer. Help us to trust God’s perfect timing in our waiting.
 
Jane Coates
13 December 2024
 

Advent 2. Shelley keeps us up to date as the big day gets ever closer

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Dear friends

Tomorrow we light our next Advent candle, another light in the darkness as we journey towards Christmas and celebrate Jesus’ arrival.  As we shared last week, Advent means ‘coming’ or arrival and some say for the follower of Jesus, there are three advents; the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem that we celebrate at Christmas, the coming of Jesus individually to each of us as we recognise who Jesus is in our lives as Lord, saviour and friend, and Jesus coming again when …..

This weekend we have a great opportunity to share the hope of Christmas with others at the Carnival Christmas at 1.30-3.30pm, do pop down and again tomorrow morning at 11am in our Advent 2 service and then at 3pm with the Toddler Nativity.  Do pray for all those coming as well as all those who have been planning over the last few weeks and helping over the weekend.    

You can pick up a Christmas Card in church to take home and give to friends and family with some of our Christmas gatherings on.  Do check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for a full list.

This week looks like this..

Sunday 8th December Advent 2 Continuing the theme of  ‘Down to earth’ 11am service with a small group so that younger ones can explore the story creatively

Sunday 8th Stepping Stones Nativity 3-4pm do come along and support them and welcome all those who come on a Tuesday with their little ones.

Sunday 8th December Rock Solid group for youth is earlier this week as many are involved in the Toddler nativity.  They’ll meet after the nativity at 4.30 for a Christmas Escape Room and pizzas at 5.30pm

There’s beacon café, housegroups, lunch club, Stepping Stones Christmas Party and Wednesday Worship Christmas special on Wednesday 11th at 1.30pm.  Craft group is on 2-4pm in the building.  There will be no Friday morning housegroup next week.  All the others are on as usual.

On Thursday the funeral of Julie Ridsdill takes place at Lawnswood Crematorium at 11.30am and at Moortown Baptist Church at 12.30pm with refreshments to follow.  You are invited to come along.  Julie’s favourite colour was purple so you may want to wear something with purple on.  

Next Sunday we have our Advent 3 service with a separate group for younger ones, followed by carol singing (see Rachel) with a small group visiting a local home for elderly people.  Then at 3pm it’s the wreath making workshop.  Its filling up so if you would like to come or bring others then do book in advance with Lesley next week by calling or emailing as we can’t guarantee a place on the day as we like to make sure you have all the resources you need.  £10 a wreath

We have a church nativity on Sunday 22nd December, if you would be up for being involved can you let me know! More news to come.

See you soon

In Christ

Shelley

ENGAGE, the BMS World Mission magazine that reports on the work carried out by its staff and supporters in some of the world’s most troubled regions

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Once again Engage, the Baptist Missionary Society’s magazine features story after story of the work its workers are “engaged” in across no end of countries.

Via contributions either by or about many of the society’s dedicated workforce we visit India, Thailand, Lebanon, Ukraine, Indonesia and Chad to read first hand about some of the enormous problems that many people of many faiths are facing.

As usual the magazine is accompanied by a prayer guide. In this issue the 24 page guide covers from January to April 2025, and like the magazine itself not only addresses the needs of BMS workers “in the field” but many of the behind the scenes supporters such as trustees, fund raisers, recruiters and the like.  

Of particular interest to us at Moortown Baptist Church is a piece in this issue, on page 19 and headed BMS community. This shows a picture of Mark Hotchkin who, along with his wife Andrea, are medical doctors working in Chad. 

The picture, which you can see below, was taken last year here at MBC and it’s good to know that as a result of an invitation we extended to two of our mission partners, our support for BMS is being featured not just on our website but throughout the entire Baptist community. 

You can sign up to receive your free copy of ENGAGE either through the post or online by speaking with our BMS rep Roger Robson. 

Jane Coates. Thoughts and Prayers. Passion and purpose

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Passion and Purpose
 
Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily, from the soul, as something done for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3 v 23 AMP
 
And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Colossians 3 v 23 MSG
 
We recently attended a very formal School Speech Day, with the distribution of prizes awarded to many of the students. Awards are given for the different academic subjects taken at school but there is another prize which is called the School Award for Inspirational Contribution to School Life. This award is for those students who have been involved in school life in a very wide sense-in Music, Choirs, Bands, Scouts, mentoring younger students and being involved in outside of school activities also. These students can inspire others.
 
The students were addressed by the Headteacher and a visiting Speaker who in her long career had worked for the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, been an Advisor to a Prime Minister, a Governor of the BBC, is a Peer in the House of Lords, and who had learned several languages during her illustrious career. But both of their messages to the students emphasized one thing-the importance of ‘going with your passion’. They were encouraged to choose the subjects, the courses, and the career path that would ‘give them a buzz’, that they were fascinated by, and not the things that teachers, parents or peer group would wish you to do. This is a very different message to the one that I received at A level. The path may not the easiest, traditional, may be out of the ordinary, but if it is your passion then you will succeed. It will be the thing that you can put your heart and soul into.
 
In the words from Colossians, Paul was addressing servants- those who had few rights, choices, or entitlements, if any, but he instructed them to work with heart and soul, as if they were working for their God and not for their masters.
 
One of the books that has had the greatest influence on me is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. At the very beginning of his book, Warren states that God uniquely created each person- skills, looks, personality, temperament, abilities, and that each person is created for a purpose. “I am your creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44 v 2. Nothing in our life is arbitrary or accidental. God had very specific purposes for us that would allow us to be fulfilled, secure and happy. He knows our passions. But we must link in with Jesus.
 
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1 v 11-12 MSG
 
PRAY Father, I am not like anyone else. I don’t have to try to be like anyone else. Your design and purposes for me are good. I can trust you with my passions, my  heart, and my soul.
 
All Thinking
 
I would rather be what God
Chose to make me
Than the most glorious
Creature that I could think of.
 
For to be born in
God’s thought
And then made by God
 
Is the dearest, grandest, and
Most precious thing
In all thinking.
 
C. S. Lewis
 
Jane Coates
5 November

Advent! a time of waiting, preparation and much much more. Shelley’s latest update.

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Dear friends

Come along and worship with others and begin an advent journey together at 11am in café church tomorrow.  We’ll be live on youtube too.  Advent is the time before Christmas meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ and looks to the arrival of Jesus.  It’s a time when many people get busy to prepare in terms of decorations, presents and gatherings.  For Christians, there is something far more life changing woven into their Christmas season.  As it says in the popular Christmas carol , Joy to the world,

‘Let every heart prepare him room’.

What does this look like in advent for each one of us?  Last week we heard about David being chosen by God as the next king.  God reminds Samuel that people look on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that it’s our responsibility, to check our own hearts.  It’s where our thoughts, attitudes, motivations come from.  We may do many great things and speak important truths, but we are warned in Revelation 2 to not forget our first love, Jesus, to remember how we felt when we first recognised Him.

As we begin advent let’s start with our own hearts and may this lead to all we do in this season.

What’s coming up…

Today the church is being decorated for Christmas.  Please drop in between 2pm and 3pm if you can help.

Through the week we have all our usual activities, please see last weeks email for information and check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Thank you to those who have helped design cards and get them printed so that we can give them out to invite others to MBC at Christmas.  We’ve worked as quickly as we can and although the cards won’t be ready for Sunday, we will pick them up on Monday so that anyone who leads a group in church through the week can come and get some and give them out please.  If you want to dop in and pick some up, you’d be welcome.  I’ll have them out in the music room and in the Sanctuary.

This year at Christmas a few of you mentioned that you would like to make hampers again for our food pantry users and anyone we feel may value a Christmas hamper this year.  We know of a few contacts locally but anyone else comes to mind, do let me know.

Could you help please by bringing any of the following items before the 16th December? 

Small Christmas cake/slices, mince pies, a nice toiletry for a man or woman e.g shower gel, shampoo, nice biscuits, tea/coffee/hot chocolate, Christmas sweets.

Please put them by the Christmas tree or one of our offices.

We are looking forward to…

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.”  Everyone welcome, drop in or stay for it all.

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 after church, there is a small group going carol singing in a local care home.  Please See Rachel if you want to go.

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 provided.  £10 each.  Could you email Lesley or let me know if you want to book a place.  We already have 14 people booked on so do let us know how many spaces you want to book for you or/and family/friends!  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 Christmas Eve All Age Christingle at 4.30pm

Wednesday 25th December All Age Christmas Day celebration at 10.30am

Looking forward too to seeing some more Jesse tree ornaments come back (see below) after last week.  If you missed it, check out… Jesse Tree: Christian Christmas Tradition

In Christ

Shelley

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