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Good Friday… two services, one at MBC the other on the Alwoodley Village Green

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Following a short morning service here in church, a number of us moved just down the road to join in the afternoon Gathering to Witness on Alwoodley Green. 

The hundred or so somewhat eclectic congregation for this Good Friday get together was made up of clergy, members, parishioners, park goers and even a couple of dogs from churches and community faith groups right across LS17. 

Throughout the thirty minute service there were hymns, a worship song, meditations, readings, prayers and as a token of love the handing out of seed crosses.  

There’s a gallery of pictures taken at the Gathering in the gallery above. To view them simply click on any of the images. 

A special evening of worship and prayer

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Last Wednesday, mid way through Holy Week we held a special evening of Worship and Prayer.

It was a time, a space, with no boundaries.

It was a time and space to be, to sing, to pray, to draw, to write or simply to think.

Shelley’s Easter message

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Dear friends

The church began this last week with MBC’s joyful 70th birthday celebrations, thanks again to all who helped and came, and then we moved into Palm Sunday’s café church gathering.  We were reminded again of the radical love and humility of Jesus who chose to enter Jerusalem on a young donkey.  Jesus actions were the same as his words. The one who said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’ (Mark 9:35) was the one who washed his disciple’s feet. So many more things happened in the last week of Jesus life.  I wonder what stands out to you, to us, whether it be your first holy week or something you have been part of for many years?  On Wednesday, and again here in church we were able to share some of this, but I encourage you to find opportunities to share and pray and make a note. And then yesterday we joined in a truly ecumenical, outdoor service in which many if not all the churches and faith groups in LS17 took part.

So, here’s what’s coming up for the rest of Easter..

Sunday 20th April 11am All Age Easter Sunday celebration with baptisms, refreshments, and Easter egg hunt after the service. Please pray for Anne and Wei Wei who will be baptised on Easter Day. 

(Rock Solid youth group has a break this week but is back the week after)

The week ahead

Monday 21st April No Beacon café today (back the week after)

Tuesday 22nd April Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30 in church.

Tuesday 22nd April House group in church in the afternoon.  See Lesley or Howard for more information.

Tuesday 22nd April 7.30pm in church Deacons meeting

Wednesday 23rd April Lunch club, see Rachel B

Wednesday 23rd April 1.30pm Easter Wednesday worship with communion, everyone welcome.

Wednesday 23rd April House groups and bible studies on in the evening.  See Andy or Ruth B for bible study in church or Diane S for the Wednesday house group.

Thursday 24th April 2-4pm Craft group welcome space in church, see Karen or Diane

Thursday 24th April 7pm bible study in church with Gareth G

Friday 25th April bible study in church 10-11.15 See Shelley for more details

Friday 25th April 8pm House group see Jonathan or Hilary D

Sunday 27th April 11am Easter Communion.. on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 with a group for younger ones.

You can still see King of Kings on Good Friday and on bank holiday Monday in selected cinemas.  It’s a film based on the novel by Charles Dickens and starring Kenneth Branagh, Pierce Brosnan and Uma Therman.  See the trailer here  https://youtu.be/HkGZ4ykhYPg 

What else is coming up?

Sunday May 4th 11am All Age Café church

The next church meeting is Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm including deacons’ elections.  A reminder that the last date to nominate a new deacon is Sunday 27th April.  Please email them to Lesley or post paper copies to Lesley’s office.

The plant sale takes place at MBC on Saturday 10th May! There will be an email going out about this next Tuesday.  In the meantime, can you put it into your diary as something to come to or maybe help at?  There will be opportunities for both.  The sale will start at 1pm on the day with set up during the morning.  If you have any boxes or big bags for people to put plants in can you please bring them to Lesley during the week or bring them to church on Sunday and put them in the music room and we will move them through. 

Worship and tech team Play Day on 17th May 10.30-2.30 in church.  This day is for anyone on the tech or worship teams to explore the new sound system and try things out together.  Details have been sent out.  If you are interested in finding out more about the teams or want to be involved, then get in touch with Andy B or myself.

Prayer and worship Day Saturday 7th June Save the date for now…

If you are aged around 11 to 35, have a heart for young people, parent/grandparent/carer, a group leader or want to pray and support them to be encouraged to live a life for Jesus then come along with us to the Send worship night at North church 7-9.30pm on 9th June.  Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church  Get your free ticket here, we hope to sort a group visit.  This will be a smaller gathering before a larger gathering at Leeds Arena on November 22nd 2025.

A hope filled Easter to you all

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Easter greetings from the Hungarian speaking church in Cserefalva

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Dear Howard
 
We wish you the blessing of our God for the 70th anniversary of the founding of your church. Let God bless and guide you in the future as He did before. 
 
Thank you very much for your kindness, for your support this year also. This will be a great help for our congregation. 
 
Please forward our greetings to the congregation for the anniversary at Easter. God bless you and the Easter celebration and the Anniversary.
From Reformed Church of Cserefalva.
 
Pastor Márton Előd
 
The picture above shows Pastor Előd with his wife Kinga

MBC’s 70th Anniversary kicks off with a barn dance

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Last Saturday, seventy years on from the service at South Parade that marked the formation of Moortown Baptist Church dozens of our current members came together to mark the occasion with a Barn Dance. 

With a band put together by John and Megan Hornby, and sustained by some wonderful food, our guests had a whale of a time celebrating this memorable milestone.

Sadly MBC stalwart and founder member Joan Baxter (nee Shaw) was away and couldn’t attend, however, Christine Blood, who records show initially transferred from Kings Lynn, was, and she is pictured above with two of our life-long attenders Rod Russell and Roger Robson.

Jane Coates – Thoughts and Prayers – Two men, thirty miles apart, called by name

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Two men, thirty miles apart, called by name
 
I have often been aware of meeting someone or connecting with someone who seems to have been brought into ‘my orbit’ or linked with our family, at just the right time. The timing of the meeting or the connection, just seems to happen at the most perfect time. This feels to be a ‘God thing.’ It just feels to be right somehow- the perfect timing and the most supportive and significant of meetings and connections. As I read in Acts 10 there is one such God meeting where God speaks to two individuals, who would have no obvious connection, opposites in so many ways, in two unique ways, at a precise time, calling each by name and bringing them together, with the most significant consequences for the early church.
 
Cornelius is a Gentile, from Caesarea, the Roman city on the shores of the Mediterranean in Judea, and the headquarters of the Roman governor of the province of Judea. “There was a man in Caesarea by the name of Cornelius, a centurion in what was called the Italian Regiment. He was a deeply religious man who reverenced God, as did all his household. He made many charitable gifts to the people and was a real man of prayer. About three o’clock one afternoon he saw perfectly clearly in a dream an angel of God coming into his room, approaching him, and saying, “Cornelius!” Acts 10 v 2 JBP God was getting his attention and giving clear, exact instructions.
 
Simon Peter is a Jew, a Jesus disciple, and an apostle.  Peter was in Joppa staying with “Simon the tanner, whose house was by the sea.” and Cornelius was instructed to send for him, and to invite him to come to Caesarea. At the exact time that Cornelius had dispatched his men to search out Peter, God spoke to Peter in a vision. Peter’s vision was of a sheet being lowered down to him, full of animals and creatures that were not permitted to be eaten as they were considered unclean. The word to Peter was. “Get up Peter. Kill and eat.” “While Peter was still thinking about this confusing vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So, get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Simon invited his gentile visitors in, offering overnight hospitality, and then travelled with them the following day to Caesarea. The Spirit’s instructions were clear and despite any reservations about the Jew/Gentile prohibitions, Peter went with them.

The outcome of this amazing God choreography was that Peter preached Jesus to Cornelius and those gathered with him heard the Jesus message. Cornelius and his household became believers, received the Holy Spirit and were baptized as Gentile converts. Peter realized that God was calling Gentiles into His kingdom on an equal footing with Jewish believers. There was no difference, no discrimination or partiality. Noone is unclean or excluded but all are welcomed and fully accepted into the Jesus family. This was a major turning point for the young church.
 
Two men were brought together to further God’s purposes on that day.
 
“I think angels watched that house that night, with the despised tanner a fellow-disciple, the great apostle, and the three Gentiles as they lodged there.” (Morgan)
 
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60 v 13
 
Jesus also promised, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself. John 12 v 32
 
PRAY
For family and friends who do not know Jesus that God may place someone in their orbit who will influence and attract them towards Jesus.
Be thankful for our Christian friends and influencers.

Shelley, Holy Week and Easter at MBC

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Dear friends

A lot can happen in a week.  As we approach holy week, we have the opportunity again to journey through the events leading up to the empty tomb.  It’s a week of community and wilderness, promise and protesting, violence and forgiveness, grief and joy.  You may want to pray this short prayer this week, “Holy Spirit, clear my cluttered soul.  Let my life and my plans and the place I rest my head speak of your love, Amen”.

On Palm Sunday we will be giving out some ways to journey with Jesus this week, things for all ages (for our younger ones there are stickers involved!) Do come along and pick something up to take home.

More about Sundays

Sunday 13th April 11am is Palm Sunday all age café church (café church is on the 2nd Sunday just this month) looking at Luke 19:28-40

Sunday 20th April 11am Easter Sunday celebration with baptisms, cake and refreshments and Easter egg hunt after the service. 

Sunday 27th April 11am Easter Communion.. on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 with a group for younger ones.

Sunday May 4th all age Café church

70 years of MBC

Saturday 12th April (Tonight!) is the Birthday barn dance for all ages in church at 7pm with live music and a meal. All ages welcome! Thanks to those who have taken a ticket and those who have helped so far with the preparations.  It’s a great opportunity to come together, eat, say hello, dance if you want to and celebrate.  The event is free.

The nearest Sunday to the official ‘beginning’ of MBC is Easter Sunday so we will have extra cake on that day and will thank God for all He has done, what He is doing and what He wants to do as well as for the family of God here in Moortown.

If you have anything that relates to when the church began do pass it on and we’ll share them over Easter. 

Have a look on the website to find out the first 50 years here… thanks John S for putting this up.. https://moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk/with-a-barn-dance-beckoning-and-with-mbc-approaching-its-70th-anniversary-we-invite-you-to-step-back-in-time-and-relive-our-first-50-years/

Holy Week

Please pick up your Easter cards this Sunday to hand out and keep. 

No youth group meeting on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

Sunday 13th April after the service, there will be a get together for the group who originally did the prayer course with Krys but also ANYONE who wants to go along.  The group are now called ‘Discovering prayer’ and continue to meet to look at different ways of exploring prayer.  This Sunday Krys is running a session called ‘Mining for Gold’ an opportunity to dig deeper into the gifts you have or may discover. Feel free to bring your lunch.  Meet in the music room after the service

Monday 14th April  A special Easter beacon café 10-12midday with Easter crafts and snacks! All ages welcome. 

Tuesday 15th April Stepping Stones for under 5’s are not having a group but the volunteers are meeting for a sort out and social at church.  See Diane S or Hilary.

Wednesday 16th April Lunchclub has a break today

Wednesday 16th April ‘Easter worship and prayer’ in church 7.30-9pm. Some songs to start with, time to pray, draw, write, fill in your thoughts in a book you can take away. 

Thursday 17th April 2-4pm in church ‘Warm welcome craft group’.  All welcome, no previous experience necessary, there’s things to make or just come for a drink and a snack or bring your own projects to do or share.

Friday 18th April 10-11am Good Friday service and reflection in church

Friday 18th April 2.30pm Join with other churches on Alwoodley Green on King Lane for a Good Friday outdoor service (opposite the little Tesco).  Feel free to bring a chair and grab a drink.  The craft group have kindly been making ‘seed crosses’ that we can give out on the afternoon to help people remember the story of new life in Jesus at Easter.

Sunday 20th April 11am All Age Easter Sunday celebration with baptisms, refreshments, and Easter egg hunt after the service. Please pray for Anne and Wei Wei who will be baptised on Easter Day. 

A look ahead

Monday 21st April Beacon café has a break today.

Tuesday 22nd April 7.30pm in church Deacons meeting

Wednesday 23rd April Lunch club is back on, see Rachel B

Wednesday 23rd April 1.30pm Easter Wednesday worship with communion, everyone welcome.

The next church meeting is Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm including deacons elections. 

The garden and carpark continue to be improved, thanks so much! We now have more space to park in too.  A reminder that the well-loved community plant sale takes place at MBC on Saturday 10th May! Talk to Jenny D or Lesley in the office for more information. 

Note a date change!  Now on 9th June.  If you are aged around 11 to 35, have a heart for young people, parent/grandparent/carer, a group leader or want to pray and support them to be encouraged to live a life for Jesus then come along with us to the Send worship night at North church 7-9.30pm.  Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church  Get your free ticket here, we’ll hope to sort a group visit.

You might want to have a look at this article too from the Bible Society…

The Baptist Union of Great Britain : The quiet revival – new study shows Gen Z leads rise in church attendance

Part time Safeguarding role at the YBA

Debbie Gamble at the Yorkshire Baptist Association has been in touch with me to pass on information about a Part-time safeguarding Lead to join the YBA team. The full information pack is available on the YBA website at https://www.yba.org.uk/work-with-us .  If anyone wants to ask me or Debbie about the role then get in touch with myself or Debbie Gamble in the YBA office on 0113 278 4954. 

King of Kings is a film based on the novel by Charles Dickens and starring Kenneth Branagh, Pierce Brosnan and Uma Therman.  This animated film comes to the cinema this Easter.  See the trailer here  https://youtu.be/HkGZ4ykhYPg 

In Christ

Shelley

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Jane Coates – Thoughts and Prayers… Breath and Bones

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As MBC approaches its 70th anniversary, we invite you to step back in time and relive our first 50 years

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On April 22 1955, at a service held at South Parade Baptist Church in Headingly, forty nine Foundation Members became Moortown Baptist Church. 

Fifty years on, and to mark that golden milestone Roger Robson, who in 1955 was just ten years of age researched, wrote and published a compelling account of the first five decades of MBC’s life. 

Printed in book form, and also copied to a CD Roger’s work chronicles the comings and goings of five ministers,  innumerable officers and deacons plus many of the local, national and overseas projects that MBC had either launched or was heavily involved in. 

Below there’s a very short extract from Roger’s book, which we hope will whet your appetite. If it does you can continue reading the entire book by clicking on this LINK.  

Barn Dance… never a church to miss out on a celebration, to mark the church’s 70th Anniversary we’re holding a Barn Dance in the building starting at 7pm on Saturday 12th of April. Tickets are free and are available from Shelley, Lesley, Karen or Rachel. So do come along.

I leave you with a quote from that Foundation Service in 1955, when the brand new church was reminded “You are Christ’s Church; you belong to Him; you are not just a voluntary human association, responsible to yourselves alone… What kind of church Moortown is in the future depends on what you are now; how you worship, work and live”.

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