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Big turn out for our Easter Eggstravaganza

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This morning’s Eggstravaganza was brilliant. Upwards of a hundred people, from babes in arms to some very senior seniors came together to celebrate Easter in a whole host of different ways. 

There were Easter gardens to be made, Easter biscuits to be decorated, Easter quizzes to be answered, an Easter bunny’s name to be guessed and even that old chestnut how many sweets in a jar – to name but a few, not to mention some fabulous home baking. 

Many thanks to Claire and her team for organising this great event, and oh if you’d like to join us tomorrow for our Easter Celebration (complete with baptisms) we start at 11am. 

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

Good Friday – an outdoor service of worship, witness, driving rain and gale force winds

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During last year’s Alwoodley Village Green, Good Friday Service it poured down;  this year it went one better, for not only did we have driving rain but the added bonus of gale force winds. 

This however, didn’t prevent more than 100 people from community groups and churches right across LS17 coming together to reflect, to sing and to pray on this, one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar. 

As you can see from the gallery of pictures above many came prepared, but alas some hadn’t heeded the warnings and left somewhat deshevelled. 

Hopefully, at least weather wise, Easter Day will be a little less challenging – currently the forecasters are predicting only gusty winds and light rain. But what ever the weather that won’t stop us and millions of fellow Christians across the world celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. 

If you would like to join us we start of Cafe Style Church Service, which includes baptisms at 11am and you will be very welcome.

“It is better to give than to receive”- Acts 20. 35

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Whether you’re young or old, there’s one thing we all have in common and that is that every single year each one of us has a birthday. And when you think about it what better day than your birthday to think about others, about people less fortunate and donate to the BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) World Mission Birthday Scheme.

But what is the Birthday Scheme, how does it work and who benefits? Well to be honest it’s really very simple…

On a day when we have so much to celebrate, Birthday Scheme members choose to make a donation to help others in need. Your Birthday Scheme Co-ordinator, in our case that’s Roger Robson helps you do this by sending you a birthday card along with a birthday message from BMS. Inside the card you’ll find a bulletin sharing just some of the projects your money will go towards, and a gift envelope to make their donation. You then give the gift envelope back to Roger, who will send it on to BMS.

This really is a wonderful scheme, and one which has been running here at MBC for more years than many of us can remember. 

You can find out more about all this by speaking with Roger or by visiting https://bmsworldmission.org/birthdayscheme

An artistic reflection on Easter

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Many thanks to Krystyna for passing through these words and pictures.

On the 28th of March Liz Pattinson, a retired art teacher and Christian, led a reflection on Holy Week. 23 people came and with Liz’s prompting, created artworks to reflect their thoughts on Holy Week. Take a look in the Sanctuary at what they created.

You will notice a cross too, created collaboratively by the whole group. On the cross is everyone’s self portrait, showing we are part of the cross.

If anyone is interested in connecting with God through creative ways, the next Creative Psalm Writing session is on the 22nd of April 7-9pm. Let Lesley know if you would like to attend. Admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

 

Ladies – sign up now for the second Blossom self defence course

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A message from Simon Phillips the Community Engagement Officer at the Leeds Jewish Housing Association. 

Hello everyone

Following the first session at the start of this month, the next Blossom self-defence and empowerment training takes place on Thursday 16th April from 1.30pm-4.30pm at Moortown Baptist Church near LJHA.

The half-day course is a 50/50 split of theory and physical skills. By end of the course, participants will understand the world in which we live more clearly and be a whole lot better equipped to deal with its challenges. It is for women of all ages – not all of the training is physical, so you benefit from the theory behind the training as well.

  • Is it fun?Absolutely
  • Is it serious?Sometimes
  • Is it physical?Only as much as you want
  • Is it empowering?We guarantee it!
  • Is it for everyone?Yes, all ages and abilities welcome!

Watch this video for more information on what to expect! https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTpqQxJjeQt/

Please let me know if you would like to book or would like more information. If you attended the last session, you are welcome to attend again and please tell your friends and family!

Thank you

Simon Phillips

Howard’s update from our partner churches in Romania

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Following Karen Ross’s visit to Romania in February we are preparing to welcome Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko and who will be spending a week with us in Leeds shortly after Easter.  Zsuzsi and Andor are (husband and wife) pastors at a Hungarian Reformed Church in the middle of Romania.  They are known to a lot of us at MBC as they spent a year here shortly after qualifying as pastors.  They will be accompanied by another Pastor, Lori and his wife Kata.  They will all be joining us for the Sunday service on 12th April after which there will be an opportunity to meet them over a “bring and share” lunch.

We also have links with Manastur Baptist Church in the city of Cluj-Napoca in the northwest of Romania.  We have recently had news from the gypsy church in the suburb of Floresti which we support through Manastur Church and which they say is going well.

“Dear brothers and sisters,

Warm greetings from Cluj. We are thankful to God for the way you partner with us, supporting the ministry in Floresti. The congregation is gathering three times a week. Sunday 10.00 and 18.00; Wednesday 18.00. The church has 38 members. Brother Hoca Iosif (former pastor), whom you supported, is sick in bed. Now they have a leadership committee of three people: Hoca Nicolae; Muza Nicolae; Muza Gavril. 

May God bless you.” 

Many of you will remember Florin Fodor from Manastur Church who together with his wife Dana and daughter Irene visited us 3 years ago.  He works for Campus Crusade in Romania and continues to keep very busy.  He has just returned from a deputation visit to the US and this weekend he is involved in organising a conference in another city for 60 teachers on the subject of “Life Beyond Teaching”, where they will address personal and inner life things that touch our lives.  Earlier this year Manastur Church elected a new leadership team, and Florin is now serving on the committee. 

Last year we sent a total of £4,250 to Romania.  Of this £2,100 was used for young people’s summer camps in the three churches we support and £600 each for people in need, student bursaries and the gypsy church. In addition, we sent £2,000 to help with the needs of Ukrainian refugees who are attending Manastur church and £350 for Campus Crusade.  We will be sending the funds available for this year at the end of April.  Further donations are welcome and can be put in the church offering in an envelope marked ‘Romania’.  If gift aided, cheques should be made out to MBC and again in an envelope marked ‘Romania’.

Reflect on Holy Week. A creative and reflective art session as we prepare for Holy Week. Saturday 28th March.

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On Saturday the 28th of March, we are very pleased to welcome Liz Pattinson to lead us in a couple of hours of reflection before we enter Holy Week. Liz, a retired art teacher of many years who loves encouraging people to be creative, will be leading people into a time of reflection and creative activity. Liz attends Leeds Vineyard Church and over the last 3 years has been leading a group called “Creating with God”.

The art session will be centred on reflecting on Holy Week, the last 7 days that Jesus Christ was on the earth. His entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, His crucifixion and resurrection.

There are a wealth of images and symbols, which can be used either realistically or in an abstract way. Materials will be provided and no previous artistic experience required.

When: Saturday 28th March 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: Sanctuary, Moortown Baptist Church, 204 King Lane, Moortown, Leeds

What: Come relax, contemplate and be creative as we step into Holy Week

Who: Everyone welcome, whatever age – young, middle or mature!!!

Please book your place by emailing Lesley on admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk as places are limited to 20.

Young children please bring an adult

Looking forward to seeing there

God Bless

Krystyna Gadd

Shelley’s news for week commencing Sunday 22 March

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Dear friends

Just a little reminder this week about what’s coming up in the next couple of weeks…

Sunday 22nd March 11.00am

Exploring God through John’s eyes; the healing of the man who could not see (John 9 vs 1-12).  There is a Sunday school during the message so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.

Sunday 29th March 11.00am

Exploring God through John’s eyes; perfume and Palm Sunday  (John 12 vs 1-19).  There is a Sunday school during the message so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.

In the evening of both Sundays Rock Solid Youth Groups  meet in the church building – All youth welcome!  Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan – 7.00pm – 8.00pm.

Every Sunday a small group meet together to pray, about 10.40am in the music room, for Sunday morning and all that is involved.  All welcome to join in prayer.

Lazarus group meet to pray after the Sunday service for half an hour in the corner room.  This is for men and John C is your contact.

The week ahead..

Monday 23rd March 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all.  Food pantry available. 

Shelley is around again late Monday afternoon. 

Tuesday 24th March Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 24th March in the afternoon, house group in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 25th March Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B for more information. 

Then we have..

Wednesday worship 1.30-2.00 in the music room.  Come and join others to sing, pray, share and gather together. This week we focus on Easter and share communion. 

Wednesday 25th March no Wednesday evening House Group this week. Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley/Lesley for more information.

And in the evening…

The ‘Create your own psalm group’ meet (last Wednesday of the month) in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

Thursday 26th March Craft group warm welcome space.  All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill. 

Thursday 26th March Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 27th March Bible Study in the Music Room 10.00 – 11.00am exploring Ephesians. Speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 27th March Funeral and Thanksgiving service for the life of Audrey Elise Cooper (Steve C’s mother) at 1.30pm.  Audrey used to be in the lunch club at Moortown. If you can help with welcoming friends and family on the day, please let me or Lesley know. 

Friday 27th March Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Friday 27th March House group at 8pm in Adel. See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen. 

If you would like to know more about any of the groups, getting involved, giving resource/money to support the work at MBC and in the community do ask a deacon, a group leader or myself or send a message to Lesley.

Looking ahead…

Holy Week

Saturday 28th March Creative workshop We are very pleased to welcome Liz Pattinson to lead us in a couple of hours of reflection before we enter Holy Week. Liz, a retired art teacher of many years who loves encouraging people to be creative, will be leading people into a time of reflection and creative activity. Liz attends Leeds Vineyard Church and over the last 3 years has been leading a group called “Creating with God”.

The art session will be centred on Holy Week, the last 7 days that Jesus Christ was on the earth. His entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, His crucifixion and resurrection.

There are a wealth of images and symbols, which can be used either realistically or in an abstract way. Materials will be provided and no previous artistic experience required.

When: Saturday 28th March 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: Sanctuary, Moortown Baptist Church, 204 King Lane, Moortown, Leeds

What: Come relax, contemplate and be creative as we step into Holy Week

Who: Everyone welcome, whatever age – young, middle or mature!!!

Please book your place by emailing Lesley on admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk as places are limited to 20.

Young children please bring an adult

Monday 30th March 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all.  Food pantry available. 

Tuesday 31st March Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 31st March in the afternoon, house group in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 1st April Easter Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B for more information. 

Wednesday 1st April Space to worship together with songs and silence.  You can draw, write, pray, read, move or just be.  7.30pm – 9.30pm in the Sanctuary.  Come for all or part of this.  Talk to Andy B, Ruth or Shelley for more info.

Thursday 2nd April Craft group warm welcome space.  All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill. 

Thursday 2nd April Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 3rd April Good Friday Service 10-10.45 in the church building. All welcome 

Friday 3rd April Good Friday Half an hour open-air service on Alwoodley Green at 2.30pm joining with other local churches and those who want to pop by.  We’ll be by the park.  Please bring a fold up chair if you would prefer to sit down. 

Saturday 4th April 10-12 Easter café eggstravanza with  Easter treats, crafts including make your own Easter garden. If you are interested in helping or finding out more please get in touch with Clare T or Lesley

Sunday 5th April Easter celebration service, café cafestyle with Baptism and refreshments for all starting at 11am.  If you can bring a cake to share then can you let Karen or Lesley know please? Thankyou 

No beacon cafe on Monday 6th April. 

Tuesday 7th April Deacons meeting and Shelley 7.30pm in the church building. 

No stepping stones on lunch club this week. 

Thursday 9th April Craft group warm welcome space.  All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill. 

Please check with housegroup leaders, Lesley or Shelley to see whether individual housegroups are meeting this week. 

Sunday 12th April 11am church service. We welcome friends and leaders of churches in Romania with us here in Moortown, as they share worship, prayer, stories and time with us.

Monday 13th April 10-12am Easter Beacon café with easter themed craft and snacks

Thursday 16th April Women and girls self-defence class funded as part of the mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund and Leeds City Council Inner North Community Committee with Leeds Jewish Housing Association.1pm-5pm in the sports hall.    

See the link here on Instagram To book please contact Lesley or go directly to  enquiries@blossom-uk.co.uk Please look at our website about a previous workshop.. Be Well and Be Strong… self defence for women and girls. – Moortown Baptist Church No cost. 

Sunday 19th April 11-12 church service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. We welcome Helen Harris, Director of Fundraising and Communications for theBaptist Missionary Society to share stories of God at work worldwide in our service.

Sunday 3rd May 11am Cafe church

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.

Whole Church meeting dates…

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections), Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Please do pray and ask people who you sense God is prompting you about being a Deacon for the next season of church.

Baptisms and memberships… 

We are looking forward to welcoming new members at Easter and celebrating a baptism! 

If you’d like to know about membership and joining them then do ask one of us.  

Thinking about being baptised but not sure what to do next? Come and talk to me tomorrow or send me a message this week (or ask Lesley to pass on a message and I’ll get back asap!)

A reminder…

Some of the operational team having been working to paint walls and fix areas of the church.  We are really grateful for all they do.  If you notice something or would like to help with any of this do let Karen know. Also, we have one off things happening around the building, ares of tidying etc, if you have a spare hour you’d be really welcome to come along and help.

Around the city and beyond.. 

Fresh Streams prayer and fasting day https://baptist.org.uk/Articles/733960/Fresh_Streams_calls.aspx

Global Day of Prayer will take place at Leeds Minster (Kirkgate, LS2 7DJ) on Pentecost Sunday, 24th May, 6pm – 8pm. A flyer will follow shortly

Latest news from Baptists together including reactions to the House of Lords Abortion vote and the conflict in the Middle East.  https://baptist.org.uk/Groups/220248/Latest_News.aspx

Do check out the website for all the latest news and stories.  We are sharing prayers for the middle east, lent and our community on facebook. If you want to join with others to pray or share then do let me know and we can help.

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”  (John 20:30-31)

In Christ 

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

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