John Sherbourne 
To say MBC is a busy church is something of an understatement. In fact what you see above is just a part of our Christmas programme, some events like our wreath making workshop, carol singing in a local care home and numerous parties have already taken place.
You’ll find a full rundown on everything we do by clicking on this link, or of course you can always visit our website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk
Whoever it was that first coined the phrase “act your age not your shoe size” clearly didn’t have MBC’s Lunch Club in mind. Then again maybe they did, but if so, had they taken any notice of him or her today’s Christmas Lunch Club would have been a much more dowdy affair than it was.
With Christmas jumpers, hats and trees, reindeer ears and even flashing lights all adding to the already joyful mood, the balance of seasonal quizzes and carols rounded off with a wonderful lunch was absolutely top notch.
It’s sometimes all too easy to forget just what a blessing Lunch Club is to many of our Seniors. As one said to me this morning “If it wasn’t for Rachel and the team, life would be a real struggle. Thank God that at least once a week I get to come here and meet up with my friends.
11am this coming Sunday, that’s the 21st of December it’s MBC’s all age nativity. If, as in previous years our telling of the greatest story ever ends up coming across a little different to how you recall the original, don’t worry, we’re fairly sure that what took place all those years ago in a stable in Bethlehem was just as chaotic as anything you’ll see today.
Oh and don’t forget, if you fancy being a shepherd, an inn keeper, a king or for that matter any other character mentioned feel free to dress accordingly.
There are few events that can bring together two, three, or possibly even four generations quite like MBC’s annual wreath making workshop. But once again that’s precisely what happened here at Moortown last Sunday.
Starting with exactly the same raw material (that’s with a round twelve inch mossy covered frame) and with exactly the same choice of decorations to choose from (fern, holly, dried fruit and red berries etc) the forty or so enthusiasts that joined us not only had the time of their lives but designed some really fantastic creations.
To witness the expertise with which our visitors handled their secuteres, and to marvel at their speed as they bound their growing designs with near invisible wire was truly amazing.
Well done to you all, particularly to those of you that staged it.
#community
For the residents of Grove Park Care Home in Meanwood a recent visit from a group of carol singers from MBC was we would hope the perfect way to prepare for Christmas.
Our choristers, young and old returned full of praise and enthusiasm, even reporting that they had been invited back to Grove Park next year.
Later that same day it was also the time for our Rock Solid youngsters to party. Adam Argyle who is a member of the team, tells me that they played some good “old fashioned” games such as pass the parcel and word search, and there was of course the customary pizza.
All in all you could say that this last Sunday, like the previous one, when during our community Christmas Cafe we hosted Kevin Sinfield and his team on the last leg of their 7 in 7 Together challenge MBC is now well and truly in the mood.
There’s an extra bonus awaiting MBC’s Lord’s Pantry regulars next week; hampers containing a selection of Christmas goodies, toys and toiletries.
Made up by the team at last Monday’s Beacon Cafe, it’s our sincere hope that whilst they may not be all you wish for, these small tokens of our love show just how much we care.
www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk
Following Jesus and serving the community
Lasting for just over an hour our Sunday Service starts in church and on YouTube at 11am. The first Sunday of each month is Café Church and on the third Sunday we celebrate Communion.
An important part of our weekly worship is Sunday School. Here a small group of young children learn all about Jesus and the love of God.
Rounding off Sunday we have Rock Solid. Meeting between 7 & 8pm and majoring around having fun, Rock Solid regularly sets our teenagers some serious and not so serious challenges and tasks.
Monday… Our free Warm Space Beacon Café, 10am to 12noon.
Tuesday… Stepping Stones, a toddler group 10 to 11.30am.
Tuesday… The first of our Housegroups, only this one is in church between 12noon and 2pm.
Wednesday… 10.30am – 2pm. Lunch Club, games, quizzes and always a hearty lunch for our seniors.
Wednesday… 7.30 to 9.30pm. Our hybrid Housegroup. With half the group meeting at church and the other half online.
Wednesday… 7.30pm – 9.30ish. Ladies Housegroup in the comfort of someone’s home.
Wednesday… 7.30 to 9pm. Country Dancing.
Thursday… 2pm to 4. Open Door Craft Group. Our second Warm Space of the week. No experience needed, Free refreshments and always lots of chat.
Thursday… 7pm to 9pm. Bible Study, in church.
Friday… 10am to 11am. A second Bible Study, again in church.
Friday… And finally, between 8pm – 10pm, another Housegroup, again in someone’s home.
In addition to all this we also host or provide a Pastoral Team, which without overstepping the mark provides confidential support to anyone who needs it, we host a Parkinson’s Exercise Class, two Extend Exercise Classes (ideal for our older friends), Pilates, Pathways, a Christian Counselling team, Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store, PACT (Neighbourhood Policing Teams) and local councillor surgeries. In addition, and particularly at certain times of the year we host special Services such as those associated with Easter, Nativities, Christingles, Baptisms, Mission weekends etc. etc.
For more information about Moortown Baptist Church please email
admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk
Moortown Baptist Church. 204 King Lane, Leeds LS17 7AA
Dear friends
It’s been a week since we hosted our café church and community Christmas café. Thanks to all those who came and supported, planned and prayed for the whole weekend. Here are a couple of thankyou’s…
“On behalf of the MND association, I wanted to send heartfelt thanks to everyone at the church for hosting us last Sunday. We were very grateful for the warm welcome and I know Kev and his team really appreciated all your efforts. It was a very special day ending what was no doubt a tough week for them all.
Thank you for showing up for our MND community! We would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Take great care”
Stacey Kirkpatrick, Relationship Fundraiser for Lancs, Manchester and S and W Yorkshire
“…a huge thank you for your involvement in Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge, you literally went above and beyond for us and it was so gratefully received. We are now around £1.3 million in fundraising taking our total to around £11.5-12 million raised across the 6 challenges so far! You played a really important part in making the week very special for many people and we couldn’t have done it without your support, so thank you, we are greatly appreciative of your support and hospitality”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director, Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All
On Tuesday, the Stepping Stones Christmas party took place and you can see some of what went on at the link here! Now it’s definitely looking a lot like Christmas. Santa visits Stepping Stones – Moortown Baptist Church
We hosted the PACT meeting on Wednesday too, Policing and Communities together. Mainly focusing on what is going on in Moortown. Anyone is welcome to come, and we’ll let you know when the new year dates are.
The week looks like this…
Sunday 14th December 11 o clock service with communion Advent 3: Joy with group for our younger friends to creatively explore the theme.
Carol singing in a local home for the elderly after the service (please bring your lunch if you want to eat in between the service and carol singing to keep your energy up!) Speak to Rachel B or Claire for more information.
Wreath Making workshop 3-5pm in the Sanctuary. It’s £10 per wreath and everything is provided including natural and non-natural materials, Christmas refreshments, and music. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. Last couple of places left. Booking is essential so if you would like to be there, let me know in the morning. All welcome.
Rock Solid Christmas parties 7-8pm in the building with food provided.
Monday 15th December 10-12 Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building
(Making up the hampers after beacon café)
Tuesday 16th December afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley
Wednesday 17th December Lunch club Christmas lunch for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley/Rachel for more information.
Thursday 18th December 2.00 -4.00pm Christmas Craft group with Christmas refreshments and warm welcome space in church building. Come to some or all of it. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.
Thursday 19th December Bible study at 7pm, see Gareth G, John C or ask Lesley.
Friday 20th December Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.
Friday 20th December House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.
Sunday 21st December All Age nativity, Advent 4: Love 11-12 midday. Feel free to dress as your favourite nativity character. If you would be happy to have a little part in this can you let me know please.
Monday 22nd December Christmas Beacon and warm welcome space with Christmas crafts for all ages and Christmas snacks from 10-12midday.
A funeral will take place in the afternoon in the Sanctuary.
Wednesday 24th December at 4.30-5.15pm All Age Christingle Service
Thursday 25th December 10.30-11.30am All Age Christmas Day Service (note the slightly earlier start!) Bring a present to open or show!
Sunday 28th December 11-11.45 All age service
Pick up a ‘wonder’ card in church to keep and one to give out. The card is also available online at www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk Please come and support us as we open the doors to many who don’t usually come to the church building. Do bring people along!
A thought for the day goes out along with the latest happenings around the church community, on our Facebook page each day and the website is updated with all the new stories of the week.
Do pray for all the Christians alongside us who are sharing the story of Christmas with their neighbours and communities as part of the Shine your light weekend (12th -14th December although there are many things going on all across December). Find out more here Shine Your Light – Shine Your Light
We know that relationships are important all year round so thankyou to you all for praying, reaching out and building relationships with those around you. Let’s be creative and recognise and thank God for opportunities to bring God’s light into dark places.
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor 4:6
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church
When it comes to top billing, it can’t be every day that Kevin Sinfield, rugby legend and MND fundraiser extraordinaire finds himself sandwiched between a jazzy saxophone quartet and a contemporary dance troupe based in Mabgate. But that’s exactly what happened today (Sunday the 7th) when Kevin and his team, on the final leg of their gruelling 7 in 7 Together, dropped into Moortown Baptist Church, which for one day only had been designated an official challenge checkpoint.
Some weeks ago, and once the totally unexpected ask was confirmed, MBC minister Shelley Dring immediately set about using Kevin’s visit as the catalyst for organising a one-off Christmas Café. However, typically, this was to be no ordinary Christmas Café – no this was to be special. In fact it was so special that after ringing round her friends and contacts it wasn’t long before Shelley had secured the services of contemporary Dance Tribe and the Leeds Saxophone Quartet.
Of course, in the middle of all this it was important that Kevin Sinfield and his entourage were being fed, watered and for those who needed it massaged in our Music Room.
We’re delighted to say that everything went off well and following a 20-minute stop over Kevin jogged off towards the finish line at Headingley. We meanwhile simply put our umbrellas down, went back inside for more tea, more coffee, more mince pies and more of our excellent in house entertainment.
In addition to all this excitement, for those of us who call MBC home, there were a couple of extra surprises. Firstly a spontaneous invitation to Shelley and Karen to beat the starting drum for this the final stretch of the weeklong challenge. And secondly, as Nathan’s company ND+A had signed up to sponsor Kevin and the MND charities it was his “pleasure” to join the team plus Leeds boxer Josh Warrington and triathlete Jonny Brownlee on something called the Extra Mile, a much less demanding fun run which saw them alongside more than two thousand Santas negotiate four laps of the Leeds Beckett sports ground’s running track.
Last Tuesday and at the start of what for Father Christmas has to be the busiest part of the year, one thing he made sure he didn’t miss was his annual visit to MBC’s Stepping Stones.
For the thirty or so toddlers that were there – some nearly bursting with excitement, others not quite so sure the arrival of Santa meant that all those stories they’d heard of a man with a big white beard, a red suit and lots and lots of gifts weren’t nonsense after all.
After a story from Diane which told all about the first Christmas and some lovely singing it was time for Santa to give our the presents. It would be lovely to think that everyone who was there will remember this special day for the rest of their lives. Sadly, however, I doubt that will be the case; but never mind there’s always some pictures to jog the memory.
Many thanks to all the Stepping Stones team, week in and week out you are all doing a fantastic job. Long may this very special ministry continue.
