Login

Avatar photoJohn Sherbourne

Shelley’s update – 29th June 2025

by

Dear friends

It will be good to see you on Sunday morning as we continue to explore the theme of the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit brought transformation to new communities of believers.  We read in the bible that…

“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:39)

We pray as we continue to explore that we will recognise the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our communities both far and wide in bringing good news and transformation.  The promise is for everyone.  Despite the many challenging and heartbreaking stories we hear, including decisions in government that appear to only harm life rather than support it, poverty and loneliness, and global escalating wars, stories of increased persecution for Christians in different parts of the world and disregard for the world that God told us to look after, there are encouraging reports of an increase in people wanting to know about Jesus and read the bible.  We hear of Jesus meeting people in dreams and visions as promised at Pentecost.  We have stories of change from here too in Moortown, some of which I will share at the church meeting.  It’s a reminder to do what Jesus did inspired by the Spirit; to love our communities, share with those in need, show hospitality to the stranger, continue to pray, and worship together in all its forms and to pass on a legacy of love to younger generations.  As you look at the dates below, we pray you see them as opportunities to continue to journey together. 

Sunday 29th June 11am    Service with a small group for children exploring the same theme.  “The coming of the Holy Spirit like a dove” Matthew 3: 13-17

Sunday 29th June Get together after church for all those who help with children’s work on a Sunday morning or anyone who would like to help.

Sunday 29th June 7-8pm Rock Solid youth groups in the building.

Monday 30th June 10-12 Beacon warm space café.  All welcome for a chat, pastries, fruit and drinks.  Prayer also available.

Tuesday 1st July 10-11.30am ‘Stepping Stones’ for under 5’s and their parents and carers

Tuesday 1st July Afternoon group meets to share and study the bible in church.

Wednesday 2nd July Lunch club for those booked in and the volunteers.  See Rachel B for more information

Wednesday 2nd July 7.30pm Bible study in the building

Thursday 3rd July 2-4pm Warm space drop-in craft group in church.

Friday 4th July 10-11.15 bible study in church

Friday 4th July 8pm house group (see Hilary and Jonathan D)

Sunday 6th July 11am Café church with breakfast pastries and drinks.  “The Holy Spirit’s presence like fire”

Sunday 6th July 12.45-1.45pm Church meeting in church.  All welcome.  If you haven’t received the agenda please contact Lesley in the office.  We are looking forward to hearing more about where the church has agreed to give money as part of the tithe and the impact its having, from those who are directly involved (2 minutes from each!) including the Leeds and Moortown Furniture store, Pathways counselling and Romania project.  (Feel free to bring lunch to keep you going if you want to).   

Sunday 6th July 7-8pm Rock Solid youth groups in the building

Other dates coming up…

Tuesday 8th July 7.30pm Deacons meeting in church

Sunday 13th July 11am Service for all with a group for children exploring the theme.  “The Holy Spirit as oil”

Sunday 13th July after church ‘Discovering prayer’.  All welcome whether you have been before or want to drop in for the first time!  The sessions are following Pete Grieg’s second prayer course exploring why some prayers seem to be unanswered.  It is a safe place to share although you do not have to share anything.  The course is being led by Krys G.  The course continues on August 10th, September 14th and October 12th.

Tuesday 15th July is the last Stepping Stones group before the Summer holidays.

Wednesday 16th July 1.30-2pm Wednesday worship in church for all.

If you have any questions on groups please ask myself, Lesley in the office (admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk) or a group leader.

Other things you may want to explore..

Prayer Lunch: Rough Sleeper and Aggressive Behaviour on the Streets Focus
Wednesday 2nd July, 12:10 – 1:30pm    Venue: Holy Trinity Boar Lane, LS1 6HW
Light lunch provided; any small financial donations are welcomed. Message hello@holytrinityboarlane.org if you wish to attend.

Rev Jon Swales of Lighthouse Church, Andy Muckle of St George’s Crypt and Dave Paterson of Leeds Homeless Charter will be sharing on the topic of rough sleepers and homelessness. This gathering is being held deliberately in summer because it is at this time of the year when we find that aggressive behaviour on the streets increases due to the warmer weather.

September seems to be a time when several organisations are calling people to pray.  National Week of Prayer is just one movement. There is information here including online information sessions on July 2nd at 2pm and 8pm. This year so far we have joined with others in Gather25, Global Day of Prayer, Prayer for Leeds, Thy kingdom Come week of prayer and UK Worship on the Streets as well as praying as the Spirit leads us here at Moortown.

Want to find out more about the ‘Quiet Revival’ Bible Society Research on the rise of church attendance over the last couple of years? The Church Mission Society are hosting an online webinar looking at the latest findings and what this may mean for mission, innovation and working on the margins of church. Follow this link to book a free online space Webinar: Exploring the Quiet Revival – Church Mission Society (CMS)

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley’s latest update – posted 13th June

by

Dear friends

Last week we celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit in power to the early disciples of Jesus.  This was something that Jesus had actively encouraged them with several times.

“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you” John 16:7

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” John 14:16

Over the next few weeks, we will look at how the person of the Holy Spirit transformed not just the disciples but those who were classed as outsiders.  We’ll consider what this means to us and our communities as well as sharing our own stories.  If you do have something that you think may encourage others do get in touch with me in the week.

On the 5th June, the author, professor, writer and theologian Walter Brueggemann died at the age of 92.  I had the privilege of hearing him talk on the Old Testament about 15 years ago.  His work on prophetic imagination really spoke to me.  He wrote that sometimes feelings of being ‘an outsider’ or keeping at a distance can allow us to think that things have to stay as they are, that we are hopeless.  However, he writes “The Spirit works through us, among us, and even against us. The Spirit in these days would indeed work against our hopelessness to let us hope.” 

So we see the realisation of hope on the horizon in the book of Acts, emerging in ways that the new apostles could only begin to imagine.  This brought both a life of joy and suffering but weaved throughout it all was hope that another world was possible.  We continue the journey together..

Sunday 15th June 11.00 Service with communion.  Group for our younger friends to explore the theme together.  Looking at Acts 3:1-12

Sunday 15th June ‘Rock Solid Youth’ in the church building.  Only the younger group are meeting this week.  Do talk to Val, Adam, Ruth, Nathan or Martyn for more information.

Monday 16th June Beacon café warm welcome café 10-12

Tuesday 17th June Stepping Stones group for under 5’s and their parents and carers 10-11.30am   See Diane S, Hilary or Lesley

Tuesday 17th June afternoon house group in church, see Howard Dews

Tuesday 17th June Deacons meeting

Wednesday 18th June lunch club See Rachel B or Lesley for more information

Wednesday 18th June Wednesday Worship in the afternoon at 1.30-2pm Theme ‘Pentecost’ All welcome

Wednesday 18th June 7.30 Bible study in church See Ruth or Andy B or Shelley

Thursday 19th June 2-4pm Warm welcome craft group in church See Karen

Thursday 19th June Bible study with Gareth in church building at 7pm

Friday 20th June Bible study in church building at 10am See Shelley for details

Friday 20th June House group at 8pm See Jonathan or Hilary or Steve or Helen

Sunday 21st June 11am Service with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme together.   

Other dates..

Wednesday 25th June 6.30-7.15 PACT meeting (Police and Communities Together) for Moortown.  Meet local police and have your chance to share what going on in the community of Moortown in the music room.

6th July is café church followed by a church meeting.  Agenda will be out 2 weeks before this date. The meeting will be shorter than the Tuesday night meetings but chance to get together at a different time.

If you want to talk about baptism or to be a member at Moortown then do get in touch with me or email Lesley at admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk or ask a deacon and we can sort out an informal chat.

Last Sunday a group met after church to start Pete Grieg’s ‘Unanswered prayer’ course.  The course will continue every second Sunday of the month.  There are 5 sessions altogether and everyone is welcome. Especially those who are struggling with the reality of unanswered prayers.  You don’t have to come to all the sessions so if you missed the first one you can still come another time.

The group meet after church (please bring your lunch) and finish just after 2pm. The dates for the next 4 sessions are:

July 13th

August 10th

September 14th

October 12th

Speak to Krys or ask Lesley or myself if you want any further information.

Do keep your eye on the website and also our Facebook page for updates.

Blessings

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

A relationship with Jesus (John 21:25) – Gareth Gadd shares more of his thoughts

by

A relationship with Jesus (John 21:25)

The other day I saw a book in Oxfam called “An Introduction to Kant”. Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher who died in 1804. 

It got me thinking: when someone famous has passed away, people tend to collect every story and detail about them, since that’s all that’s left. “Memorabilia” is a term we often hear. Commentators may write biographies, while others try to explore the purpose of their existence from different angles.

With someone who’s still alive, you simply share enough to introduce them. Familiarity develops within a relationship with them. You get to know people really well by living with them or spending extended periods of time together. That’s what familiarity is all about.

That’s exactly what John is getting at in his Gospel. He even says, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written” (John 21:25). John isn’t trying to tell us everything about Jesus; he’s inviting us to get to know Him personally and let that relationship grow.

The Bible gives us everything we need to trust in Jesus and begin our walk with Him. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. As we read about Him, pray, worship, and follow Him day by day, we get to know Him better and better.

In short: John reminds us that no book could ever contain all there is to know about Jesus. The real way to know Him is to live with Him, walk with Him, and let Him shape our lives—every single day.

Shelley’s weekly update – 1 June 2025

by

Dear friends

We meet today at 11am for café church as we continue with our series looking at the person of the Holy Spirit.  It’s an all-age service with drinks and breakfast snacks and creative activities in the service to explore the theme.  We’ll be looking at John 7 when Jesus spoke about the Spirit bringing life like living waters to the landscape.  “Is anyone thirsty?” says Jesus.  How does Jesus promise to satisfy our thirst and the dry throats of our world and how are we part of this?

The next week… journey to Pentecost

Sunday 1st June 7-8pm Rock Solid youth group in church building

Monday 2nd June Beacon café warm welcome café 10-12

Tuesday 3rd June Stepping Stones group for under 5’s and their parents and carers 10-11.30am   See Diane S or Lesley

Tuesday 3rd June afternoon house group in church, see Howard Dews

Wednesday 4th June lunch club See Rachel B or Lesley for more information

Wednesday 4th June 7.30 Bible study in church misses a week but back on

Wednesday 11th June See Ruth or Andy B or Shelley

Thursday 5th June 2-4pm Warm welcome craft group in church See Karen

Thursday 5th June Bible study with Gareth in church building at 7pm

Thursday 5th June ‘The Send’ Worship and prayer for younger generations at North Church (See details below)

Friday 6th June Bible study in church building at 10am See Shelley for details

Friday 6th June House group at 8pm See Jonathan or Hilary or Steve or Helen

Saturday 7th June Pentecost Creative Prayer and worship for us and the nations in church…2.30-5.30pm We encourage to take some time and come for the whole afternoon but also you can drop in…

2.30 welcome, refreshments, collective prayer and sung worship.

3.00 taught art/prayer activity based on hearing from God.  All materials provided but feel free to bring things to use if you would like.  A few moments of teaching ideas and lots of space to play.  Join in or continue to pray in the space in your own way.

3.45 movement and worship.  Taught session; a chance to try movement and prayer in a safe space, including the use of flags and props for those who want to try.  

5.00 Collective worship and prayer. If you want to bring an instrument do mention it to Andy Berry. Designed for all ages, everyone welcome, no previous experience needed.   

Sunday 8th June 11am Pentecost Celebration and prayer for the nations based on Acts 2.. “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” with a group for our younger friends to creatively explore the theme together.

Sunday 8th June after church Prayer course part 2, ‘Unanswered prayer’ written by Pete Grieg of 24/7 prayer Home – 24-7 Prayer International see Krys Gadd.  There are 5 sessions altogether and everyone is welcome, especially those who are struggling with the reality of unanswered prayers.   Meet after church (please bring your lunch) and finish just after 2pm in the music room.  Dates to be confirmed but we are looking at 5 sessions, every 2nd Sunday starting in July.   Open to anyone with lots of no previous experience.

Sunday 8th June 7-8pm Rock Solid youth group in church building

More information about The Send…If you are aged around 11 to 35, are a parent/grandparent/carer who want to encourage young people you know in their walk with Jesus, you are a young person’s group leader, or simply want to pray for young people 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 5th June.  Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church  You can book your tickets here.  If you are a young person who would like a lift or have a young person who would like a lift, then let your youth group leader know or myself.  We will have a group going from MBC and will have a meet up point at Moortown and then at North Church.  Following this gathering, there will be a larger gathering and worship night at Leeds Arena on November 22nd 2025. 

A deacons meeting will take place on 9th June at 7.30pm in the church building.

The next Wednesday worship is the 18th June 1.30-2pm in the building.

The Thanksgiving service of Jane Coates and the Crematorium service have been recorded and are available online when you click on a specific link.  If you would like the link to take you to the service, please get in touch with Lesley and she can email you the link that you need.  Do continue to pray for the family at this time.

Jesus has always encouraged his church to pray, but it seems there is an increase in ways in which you can join with others in prayer at this time.  Some of this will be in response to the painful conflicts and confusion we see in our world, some as a response to Pentecost and a greater awareness that the Holy Spirit is for the healing of all nations and some are connected to what seems to be an increase in renewal in seeing people come to Jesus, particularly in younger generations.  I encourage you to gather with others in all sorts of ways to pray.  Here are a few wider gatherings that allow you to pray with others beyond Moortown…

Leeds Global Day of Prayer, Pentecost Sunday 8th June, 6 – 8pm. Global Day of Prayer this year in Leeds will be hosted by Bridge Community Church, Rider Street, LS9 7BQ. Come together with other Christians from different international heritages and pray together for different nationalities and people groups both here in the UK and abroad. They’ll be times of Prayer facilitated from the front and prayer led from prayer stations as well as vocal worship and a very large banner made up of many flags. (free parking)

The Send (see information above) THE SEND | ACTIVATING A GENERATION

Thy Kingdom Come | Thy Kingdom Come  Our event is registered here Creative prayer and worship | Thy Kingdom Come but do have a look at what else is going on…

Pray with others across the Baptist Union.. next live prayer is the 17th June 7.30-8pm online The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Prayer Broadcasts

June is also the National Month of Prayer for toddler groups, recognising the vital work done week by week by our toddler group leaders.  Have a look here or you may want set aside a few minutes each Tuesday in June to pray for Stepping Stones!

National Month of Prayer – 1277

We love to hear from you! We have been talking about the Holy Spirit over the last couple of weeks so that we can help each other understand more about why Jesus said ‘It will be best that I leave you, for if I don’t go the Helper cannot come to you but if I go, the Helper will come’ (John 16:7).  If you have a story about the Holy Spirit in your life that might encourage others, then do let me know and we would love to help you share it in our services.

Also, a heads up that there will be an activity in our prayer event on Saturday and in the service on Sunday where you will have the opportunity to write the name of a nation or people group/draw a picture representing a nation or people group on a paper leaf, that you would like to pray for/are praying for you so that others can pray too over the next few weeks.  There could be many people groups on your heart, that’s ok too, we’ll have lots of leaves! (Rev 2:22)

“My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations” (Matthew 21:13)

Blessings

Shelley

 Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update for w/c 25 May

by

Dear friends

Tomorrow, we meet again at 11am and continue our journey from Easter to Pentecost, when the promised Holy Spirit came.  There will be a group for our younger friends too as we look more at who the person of the Holy Spirit is and why Jesus said it will be good for the Holy Spirit to come (John 16:7). 

Coming up over the next 2 weeks..

Sunday 25th May 11am Service with group for our younger friends Looking at Genesis 1:1-2 and John 20:19-23

Sunday 25th May Rock solid youth group has a break this week

Monday 26th May Beacon café has a break this week due to the bank holiday

Tuesday 27th May Stepping Stones group for under 5’s and their parents and carers has a break this week due to half term

Tuesday 27th May afternoon house group in church, see Howard Dews

Wednesday 28th May No lunch club this week

Wednesday 28th May 7.30 Bible study in church See Ruth or Andy B or Shelley

Thursday 29th May 2-4pm Warm welcome craft group in church See Karen

Thursday 29th May Bible study with Gareth in church building at 7pm

Friday 30th May Bible study in church building at 10am See Shelley for details

Friday 30th May House group at 8pm See Jonathan or Hilary or Steve or Helen

Sunday 1st June All age café church with pastries, fruit and drinks 11-12midday Continuing with Hope in the Holy Spirit

Sunday 1st June 7-8pm Rock Solid youth group in church building

Monday 2nd June Beacon café warm welcome café 10-12

Tuesday 3rd June Stepping Stones group for under 5’s and their parents and carers 10-11.30am  See Diane S or Lesley

Tuesday 3rd June afternoon house group in church, see Howard Dews

Wednesday 4th June lunch club See Rachel B or Lesley for more information

Wednesday 4th June 7.30 Bible study in church See Ruth or Andy B or Shelley

Thursday 5th June 2-4pm Warm welcome craft group in church See Karen

Thursday 5th June Bible study with Gareth in church building at 7pm

Thursday 5th June ‘The Send’ Worship and prayer for younger generations at North Church (See details below)

Friday 6th June Bible study in church building at 10am See Shelley for details

Friday 6th June House group at 8pm See Jonathan or Hilary or Steve or Helen

Saturday 7th June Prayer, worship, art and dance in church.. 2.30-5.30pm This will involve a movement workshop for all ages, giving you some confidence and ideas on how to move in prayer on your own and with others.  It will include a bit of time with props including flags and ribbons. There will also be an art prayer activity that everyone can have a go at.  If you want to bring an instrument do mention it to Andy Berry.  We will send a separate message about it this week.  All ages welcome.   

Sunday 8th June 11am Pentecost Celebration and prayer for the nations

Sunday 8th June after church Beginning of the prayer course part 2, ‘Unanswered prayer’ written by Pete Grieg of 24/7 prayer Home – 24-7 Prayer International see Krys Gadd.  More details below.

Sunday 8th June 7-8pm Rock Solid youth group in church building

More information about The Send…If you are aged around 11 to 35, are a parent/grandparent/carer who want to encourage young people you know in their walk with Jesus, you are a young person’s group leader, or simply want to pray for young people 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 5th June.  Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church  You can book your tickets here.  If you are a young person who would like a lift or have a young person who would like a lift, then let your youth group leader know or myself.  We will have a group going from MBC and will have a meet up point at moortown and then at North Church.  Following this gathering, there will be a larger gathering and worship night at Leeds Arena on November 22nd 2025. 

 A deacons meeting will take place at the beginning of June.  Date to be confirmed next week.

Prayer course part 2 by Pete Greig called “Unanswered Prayer”. There are 5 sessions altogether and everyone is welcome. Especially those who are struggling with the reality of unanswered prayers.   Meet after church (please bring your lunch) and finish just after 2pm in the music room.  Dates to be confirmed but we are looking at 5 sessions, every 2nd Sunday starting in July.   Group facilitated by Krys. This is open to anyone, even if you haven’t been part of a group before.

I wanted to say a heartfelt thankyou to all those who came to the Thanksgiving Service of Jane Coates and for the many who contributed in all sorts of ways including practical and prayer support, readings, tech, worship, sharing personal stories and prayers, catering, carpark, welcoming, tidying.  Phil has also written an initial thankyou and update and you can see it here on the website Jane Coates 15 July 1950 – 28 April 2025. Thanksgiving Service on 22 May 2025 – Moortown Baptist Church  Let us continue to hold the family in our prayers. 

Thankyou also to the team that made the lunchclub trip to Murgatroyd’s for fish and chips last Wednesday happen!  Lunchclub have a break this week but are back the first week in June.  

“The Spirit shows what is true and will guide you into the full truth.  The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own.  He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen.” John 16:3

In Christ

Shelley

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Jane Coates 15 July 1950 – 28 April 2025. Thanksgiving Service on 22 May 2025

by

On behalf of my family, my heartfelt thanks to the many who contributed to making the Thanksgiving service for my dear wife Jane, led by Shelley, such a special event. Laura and Lucy, John and Ricki, Sam and I felt this greatly honoured Jane and as she wished, it pointed so clearly to Jesus who she had followed faithfully from the age of 17. The funeral director said that in all of the many funerals she had been in, this showed the most love and faith, and was beautiful to behold. The service was brilliantly streamed, in high resolution, around the world.

Before the event we had overwhelming responses from hundreds of people, many with very full appreciations of how Jane touched their lives, ministered to and with them, and helped so many in so many ways, as the appreciations in the service also showed.

We will bring much of this together in ways which can be shared, along of course with aiming to have Jane’s second book available soon.

We are on a mission to honour Jane: her impact will continue to grow.

Donations can be made to Wheatfields Hospice, Leeds – Jane’s Special Memories Tribute enables family and friends the opportunity to donate online by going to https://jane-coates.muchloved.com/

The Committal service also led by Shelley at Rawdon
Crematorium was also videod, and included Faure’s
Pavanne as requested by Jane, with a live flute performance by Ruth Berry to an arrangement by our daughter Laura, which also included clips of Charlotte playing this piece with Laura in 2000!

Links to the recording of the thanksgiving service at MBC and the Crematorium will be made available soon.

Love
Phil

What Caterpillars can teach us. A personal reflection from Gareth Gadd

by

This reflection came to Gareth Gadd during Jane Coates’ Thanksgiving Service on Thursday.

Caterpillars and butterflies are, quite literally, worlds apart; so different that it’s astonishing that they are the same creature at different stages of life. 

The caterpillar is a stubby, terrestrial eating machine, with tiny eyes, short antennae, and a singular focus on consuming leaves. In contrast, the butterfly emerges as a delicate winged marvel, long-legged, with large, compound eyes and the ability to soar through the air. Their bodies, habits, and even diets are utterly different; it’s hard to believe one becomes the other.

This dramatic change, called metamorphosis, is a powerful illustration. In the chrysalis, the caterpillar’s old body breaks down almost completely, and a new creature forms from the inside out; a process so radical that biologists describe the adult butterfly as essentially a new organism, emerging from where the first one lived and died.

For Christians, this remarkable transformation mirrors the hope found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Just as the caterpillar becomes something entirely new, the Bible promises that those in Christ will be raised with glorified, incorruptible bodies; transformed beyond recognition, yet still themselves (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). 

This is not just a spiritual idea but a real, bodily resurrection, guaranteeing forgiveness, eternal life, and victory over death through faith in the risen Christ.

While the Bible doesn’t use butterflies as a symbol, the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is a vivid way to picture the believer’s transformation. The change is not superficial but total; a new existence, just as profound as a crawling caterpillar becoming a flying butterfly.

Ultimately, the caterpillar’s journey reminds us that God’s promise is not for mere improvement, but for a miraculous new life; eternal, holy, and in perfect fellowship with Him. The analogy helps us grasp just how complete and astonishing this transformation will be. 

Once again MBC’s plant sale raises more than £1,000

by

On what could easily have passed as mid-summer’s day MBC’s annual plant sale once again proved to be a great event.  

This year our two chosen charities: Caring for Life, a Leeds based project which provides “hurting, at risk and homeless” people with long term support, and the Women’s Development Centre in Kandy, Sri Lanka a centre that cares for girls who have suffered gender based violence, will each benefit from the £1,000 + raised here at Moortown.

This magnificent sum is a combination of money raised through the sale of plants and donations made for refreshments. 

Led again by Jenny Dixon the entire Plant Sale team deserve a huge round of applause. 

Jane Coates Thanksgiving Service

by

Dear family and friends

We would like you to feel that you are able to come along and join us in the thanksgiving service – no matter which faith or no faith group you belong to. We are on a mission to honour Jane, and
the service will aim to be a celebration of Jane’s very full life, and will be inclusive of the many people she helped, connected with and loved – her family, work, pastoral care and international roles.

There will be plenty of time afterwards to share together for those who wish to stay. Moortown Baptist Church has a very informal building, congregation and ethos – it is very inviting! We promise you that you will not feel at all uncomfortable. You are so welcome to join us.

We are so grateful for the loving responses and depth of care which has been shown to us at such a difficult time, from family, church family, international family and community, reflecting
the many people at home and worldwide who were touched by Jane.

We have had an overwhelming number of heartfelt responses, reflecting the love for Jane and esteem for her. Some of these will be included in the service. This is not the end! 

I can’t express how precious Jane is to me (to us), how much I love her and how greatly I respect her, and I will do all in my power to honour her – as I said, we are on a mission to honour her!

She is at rest now after a very difficult year, but a year where she continued to be as focussed as ever on family and others in our church and community. I could not stop her – and would not want to, it was her life. Jane continued every day to follow Jesus, her Lord, and to give herself away to others, being kind to all she met often despite her own pain. I am humbled by such devotion, which I hope encourages all of us to do the same.

Her journey here is finished – but the impact of her life will most certainly continue, and grow. We encourage any donations, including those in lieu of flowers, to be made to Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds (one of the Sue Ryder hospices) where Jane and Phil’s daughter Charlotte worked as a palliative care nurse until her early death in 2014.

Charlotte and her husband Richard both died too young, leaving their son Samuel in the loving care of Jane and Phil, who donated the funds to install a memory tree at Wheatfields giving loved ones one way of remembering and honouring those they had lost.

Jane’s first book, Encounters and Journeys a devotional collection of her weekly encouragements to those undertaking pastoral care, was given away, but donations were requested for Wheatfields. Copies of this book will be available at the Thanksgiving service for Jane. Her sequel book is finished and being prepared for printing. Donation details will be available at the service.

With love,
Phil Coates & family

Keeping it in the family: MBC and the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store – closer than ever

by

It’s almost forty years since Hilary Willmer and some friends here at MBC began collecting and giving away unwanted items of furniture as a Christian response to helping people in need. Last year, whilst the core principle hasn’t changed that faith driven kindness has seen the Store grow into one of Leeds’s most respected charities, which in and out handled a total of 8,478 sperate items: from three piece suites, wardrobes and beds to cups and saucers.

Back in 1986 such was the demand that it soon became clear that what had begun as an ad-hoc initiative to support individuals and families who were socially or economically challenged needed to be run in a much more structured way. This in turn led to the founding of the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store. 

That link between L&MFS and MBC has rarely if ever been broken. Whether that be by members volunteering to work on the vans, in the office or on its board of trustees. And today I’m delighted to report that this relationship is as strong as ever for as the picture above shows, five MBC members (that’s Nick, Steve, Gareth, Rod and Mike) now make up it’s entire board of directors, with a number of other MBC regulars helping out as and when they can. 

Recently, as part of a restructure the Store has sold its 10,000 square foot warehouse at Seacroft and moved into a smaller but much more efficient rental space little more than a stone’s throw away. It also recruited a new General Manager, a lady with vast knowledge of both the commercial and the charitable sector. 

So, at least for the foreseeable future, and provided the local authority continue to provide support, this home grown and still much needed facility looks to be in a far healthier state than it has for a long time.

One final thought, however. For all its new found (if somewhat guarded) optimism, the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store still needs your support. In fact it needs your support in a number of ways: firstly by donating any furniture you may have, secondly by encouraging Nick, Steve, Gareth, Rod and Mike whenever you see them and thirdly in your prayers. 

You can contact L&MFS by telephone on 0113 2739727, by emailing info@leedsandmoortown.org.uk Or of course you can visit their website which you will find at www.leedsandmoortown.org.uk 

Subscribe to the MBC Newsletter

Weekly news and stories about everything that is happening at Moortown Baptist Church

PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com