John Sherbourne
Anonymous donation pays for solar panels
In 1955 the first part of a brand-new church, Moortown Baptist’s, officially opened its doors to the public. Following a long campaign of fundraising and prayer MBC took its place on the roundabout just where King Lane meets Stonegate Road. I say the first part because to the best of my knowledge only what used to be called the Church Hall, now it’s either the room where Stepping Stones meet or the creche room was complete; much more was to follow.
Well this last week, just days after its 68th anniversary the Church Hall roof has been fitted out with solar panels. A large anonymous donation was earmarked for this project some time a go and now linked up to a number of high-capacity storage units MBC is, in terms of generating its own power well on the road to becoming self-sufficient.
With energy prices soaring the timing of this wonderful donation could not have been more fitting.
Thank you.
The Big Lunch in pictures
I recall Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953 with what to me are clear and quite distinct memories. In truth that’s probably not that accurate as in June 1953 I was 4 years of age – just a month older than the new Queen’s eldest child. What I do remember, though, is a story my dad used to tell for the rest of his long life and that was how on that day being the only TV owners on the street we invited all our family, neighbours and friends to join us as we gathered round this 12 inch bakelite box beaming what to me was magic into the corner of the room. Dad, sadly didn’t see much of it as he reckons that on June 2 he spent at least 3 hours either making rather posh ham sandwhiches or topping up tea cups whilst our guests had a whale of a time.
Last Saturday’s Coronation was very, very different. Wherever you chose to watch it the bakelite box is a thing of the past and has now been replaced with either a giant flat screen or from what I gather the vast majority of those of us under a certain age (not me) will have simply called it up on their digital watch, their mobile, their tablet or a laptop.
Whatever means of communication we used few can deny that those responsible for planning, staging and broadcasting Charles III coronation did a superb job.
As for the Coronation Concert the following evening, that to me was almost beyond description. Ranging from a community choir made of 300 amatuer singers from across the UK to (apparently) the much anticipated rebirth of pop idols Take That. OK so perhaps some of the variety and range was a bit full on but the technical wizardry was at times mesmerizing, in particulat the incredible use of drones.
Sandwiched in between was of course our Big Lunch. Nigh on 100 people, some seemingly determined to eat for a week came together with what little was left being hand delivered to a similar community event on the Lingfields.
Above – without the aid of either drones or lasars you can see a selection of pictures from the event which we hope you all enjoyed.
Running two marathons in three weeks ensures Shelley keeps MBC on the front foot
Dear friends
It feels like a full week.
I sat in the church building on Thursday, and I had a picture in my mind. As I watched people come in and out to vote, some coming to the warm space, some putting up union flags, people fixing on solar panels, people collecting food, putting out chairs, others making crafts, it felt like a lot was going on both physically and spiritually. Praying about it further, the picture that came into my mind was of many coloured threads weaving through from the carpark, through the rooms and down the corridors. I felt each represented a different aspect of life in the country. One thread I saw represented politics, another thread was monarchy, another thread service, another thread compassion. Although we often have many ‘threads’ running through the building, it felt that this week there was more ‘going on’. As we approach Coronation weekend, I am aware that there are many threads influencing our land, some we see and some we simply have a sense of. There are some Christian leaders reminding church again to pray for the land, for King Charles and all those with influence that they may know the truth of Jesus. We pray too for our communities as a church we agree together that we want to see God’s fair rule and reign. We can all pray in different ways, in words, pictures, movement. We pray that God’s kingdom will come, His will be done on earth as in heaven and that He will show us how to be church in this new season.
On Sunday we have an opportunity to come together and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We’ll meet 11-12 for café church and then we have a coronation lunch together starting at 1pm. We have activities for our younger friends. Food has been arranged but if you want to bring some buns to share or something similar then do bring them on the day. Many times, Jesus shared a meal with friends and strangers so do come along on your own or bring friends, neighbours and family at 1pm.
We start a new series this Sunday. It follows on from our journeying with Jesus and the Ascension last week when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to be with us everywhere. The series is called Be transformed and looks at how the Holy Spirit transforms and renews us. This Sunday Romans 12:1-8 sets the scene.
On Sunday evening there will be Rock Solid for young people 7pm-8pm in the church building.
Other dates to remember…
Monday 8th May – No beacon café today. Why not give someone a call or meet for coffee.
Tuesday 9th May – Steppingstones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30. Tuesday afternoon house group in the church building.
Wednesday 10th May – House groups online and in the church building at 7.30pm
(It’s Lunch Club ‘Coronation Special’ today too!)
Thursday 11th May – 2-4pm drop in warm space in the music room, make crafts, have a coffee and cake
Thursday 11th May – 7-9pm Bible in 24 hours bible study looking at the whole bible in the church building
Friday 12th May – 10-11 bible study in the church building
Saturday 13th May – 1-3pm Plant Sale with refreshments. Refresh your garden, brighten a windowsill, buy a gift and raise money for charity, in the church building.
Sunday 14th May – Service 11-12pm Be transformed Part 2 looking at 1 Peter 1:1-12
Sunday is also the day of the first Leeds Marathon in years. In previous years, the Leeds half marathon route has passed Moortown Baptist Church but this year its a new route for a new race so it doesn’t come near to the church although it does include Otley Road so may affect those living nearer Lawnswood and Headingley. See rblm-route-map.jpg (4661×3208) (runforall.com)
Monday 15th May – Warm welcome space/beacon café 10-12. We welcome visitors from MAEcare (Moor Allerton Elderly Care) available for a chat about some of the things that they have going on.
The month of prayer continues through May. Thanks to all who are joining in prayer somehow. Please see the website for topics each day. www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk If you want to join the prayer whats app there are QR codes on the pillars in church to help you join (do ask if that sounds a bit strange or you want help, we are all learning)
Next whole church meeting is 7.30pm on 25th May in church and online. Agenda out soon. See the deacons or myself if you have something new to bring up.
Other things of interest…
This week the Solar panels and the battery were fitted. Thanks to all who helped with this.
Lunch club received funding to help them continue the great work they do. Thanks to all and pray for Rachel, those who serve and all who come along.
One of our members has asked me to share news about a sunset walk at Temple Newsam House to remember loved ones. It’s in association with St Gemma’s. I have attached a flyer.
You might want to check out Harrogate School of Theology & Mission – Excellent theological and biblical training open to all. (hstm.org.uk). I have been to a number of these in the past. There are visiting speakers and you get breakfast pastries and drinks. The next one is May 13th where Bishop Rowan Williams will be speaking on ‘A contemplative life and urban mission’. Sometimes there’s a zoom option too. Click on the link or ask me for more information.
We look forward to seeing you over the weekend
In Christ
Shelley
Who is God? by Gareth Gadd
We recently completed 1 and 2 Peter in our Friday morning Bible study group. These short epistles were written at the end of the apostle Peter’s life and they condensed his thoughts down to what he felt were the most important things to know. They are packed full of good teaching, but I’d like to pick one verse as an embarkation point on what might prove to be a long journey…
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1Peter 3:15 KJV
The word “answer” is translated here from a Koine Greek word ἀπολογία (pronounced apologia) which is where we get the word apologetics: i.e. a reasoned statement or argument (it does not mean to apologise! Sorry). Have you sanctified The Lord in your heart? Can you give a straight explanation for the hope that is within you, and the follow up questions? The key verse being the succinct Gospel found in 1 Corintians:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15 3-4 KJV
So Christ died for our sins. “Christ” means “son of God” (the son of the “Lord God” in the first scripture above – more about Christ will follow in later posts).
So who is the Lord God? It may surprise you that God is not introduced in the Bible.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 KJV
The Bible is full of genealogies but God doesn’t have one. The Old Testament does not build up to the opening verse of the Bible with an explanation of how, why, when or who God is. He just is.
The existence of God is not testable either by proof or disproof, but the big questions in life are more understandable if God exists. Many can argue the existence of God with their head, or intellect, but the key issue is with the heart.
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psalm 14:1 KJV
Within the Bible there are many ways in which we can explain God:
1. Cosmological (from κόσμον = cosmon, “world”). The only sufficient cause for everything we can see is God (Psalm 19:1)
2. Teleological (from τέλος = telos, “purpose”) not only did God make all that we can see but He designed it (Romans 1:18-20). Not only did God create and design the entire universe but He gives it purpose.
3. Anthropological (from ἄνθρωπος = anthropos, “man”). Since man is moral and has intellect, he must have a maker who is moral and intelligent (Acts 17:29). Man’s moral nature argues for an existence of his maker, God. It is curious that our planet is in such a position in our solar system and galaxy that enable mankind to exist.
4. Ontological (from ὄν = on “being). Because man believes that a perfect being must exist. The Most Perfect Being must be God.
The Bible begins with God, but the Bible is not a textbook that is trying to prove His existence. The first proof must however be from God’s word itself:
“Thy word is truth” John 17:17 KJV
The above is very brief, but many of these answers to these types of questions are answered in the Thursday evening Bible group.
The greatest proof though, apart from scripture, for God’s existence is daily fellowship that any born-again person can have with God in prayer and it is encouraging that there is a real thirst in this church for both scripture and prayer.
God bless you.
Gareth Gadd
Adam Argyle explains a little bit more about the new 9pm Prayer Time
Hi, I just wanted to expand a little bit in what I said on Sunday a couple of weeks ago about my journey and the 9pm Prayer Group.
The birth of 9pm Prayers What’sApp group started off with just a few of us praying for things on our heart like the church, Shelley, the Leadership team, the service or more personal things. We have now being praying for the future of the group as Lent has finished it has now been decided to open the group up to others as we are embarking on a “Month of Prayer” which we begin in May.
If you would like to join us there are 2 options, you can join us on the WhatsApp call at 9pm or there are guides in church from which will help you do it in own home. To access the What’sApp group there will be a QR code on the guide, all you need to do is scan the code using your camera on your phone and this should take you directly to the group, if this is not possible please contact either myself, Mandy or Krys and we can send you an invite.
Final thought, I have really felt a change of direction at MBC over the last 6 months, people being a lot more open and more unity, we now have 3 prayer initiatives, the Pastoral Team, 9pm Prayers and the Sunday Prayer Team. Prayer is crucial in a church and I believe we are now reaping the rewards.
I’m not the most academic person and as I said on Sunday I lack confidence speaking out but God is teaching me, giving me encouragement through other people.
You would normally see me on the Tech Desk at the back of church or playing footie with the kids in the sports hall so to be speaking at the front of church is a massive leap of faith which I give thanks to God and your support. Amen
To view every day follow the link below.
How do you keep up with all the news from BMS World Mission?
Keeping up with all the news from BMS World Mission could hardly be easier. You can go online to its excellent website, you can follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter, sign up to receive its weekly email updates or as I do simply wait for it to drop through my letter box.
The issue you see above is Issue 56 and besides its usual mag, Prayer Guide (May to September) and I suspect for the first time its 2023 Impact Report you also get the chance to say hello to Engage’s new Editor Laura Durrant.
There is of course an even simpler way of keeping in touch with all that’s hapening at BMS World Mission, and that is by talking to one another. I don’t just mean seeking out our long standing BMS rep Roger Robson and demanding regular updates (that’s what all the stuff I’ve listed before are for). No I mean talking about BMS at Housegroups, maybe at Beacon or at any of the many other projects we run. You see BMS World Mission isn’t just something to be kept in a box until it takes its turn in our Mission slot calendar; it’s vibrant and active and what we must never forget it’s very much a part of MBC’s long history.
PS I have only just realised there is also a QR Code magically printed into the cover letter which is seeking your views on how you find your supporter experience with BMS Home Mission. It seems like they have all bases covered and we have little excuse to ignore them!
May Day launches MBC’s month of prayer
May Day – the 1st of May sees the start of MBC’s Month of Prayer. Above you will see 2 links from which you are able to download some material or simply read on screen.
We hope you find these helpful. Whether or not you use them at home privately or together via our newly setup WhatsApp group is a matter for you – we simply issue the invitation.
There’s also a QR Code you can scan with your camera phone to join the WhatsApp group.
Shelley’s newsletter looks forward to an exciting few weeks
Dear friends
Thanks so much for your support last week in the London marathon if you supported me. I felt your prayers and encouragement.
I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow as we get to the end of Luke’s gospel following Jesus’ post resurrection appearances. This week we look at Luke 24:50-53 where Jesus goes to heaven. You could say it was a real ‘wow’ moment but what does it mean to us? We will have some activities in a separate group for our younger members to explore the theme as well as the art area and ways of looking at the Ascension in different ways in the service. We start at 11 in the building and on our youtube channel.
Youth meet 7-8pm in the building tomorrow.
There will be a warm welcome space on 1st May bank holiday 10-12midday so everyone come along for a drink, breakfast pastries, fruit, chat or sit quietly in the space.
Steppingstones under 5’s group and their carers meet 10-11.30am on Tuesday and the deacons meet with Shelley on Tuesday night.
House groups are on through the week including Tuesday afternoon in the church building, Wednesday night at 7.30 in the building and on zoom,
Thursday evening is the ‘bible in 24 hours’ group at 7pm and Friday morning at 10am there is bible study in the church building. There are more so for more information about these and other groups talk to myself or the deacons.
After lunchclub on Wednesday we’ll be putting up some decorations for the Coronation so if you are around to help you would be very welcome (from about 1.45pm..sorry I know that doesn’t suit everyone).
There’s a warm welcome craft group 2-4pm on Thursday.
Thursday is also polling day and Moortown Baptist Church is an official polling station so do pray for all those coming in and out of the building that day. The voting will not affect any of our regular groups as they are using the sports hall.
Next Sunday 7th May we have Café church 11-12 and then our Coronation Community lunch at 1pm. Do come along and bring people with you. It’s open to all. Some plates of savouries have already been arranged but if you’d like to bring a cake or something that can easily be shared then it would be welcome but don’t let bringing something stop you from coming. Come as you are. We have crown making and face painting going on but if you have an idea of something you would like to contribute can you let me know? The whole idea behind it is to get together in a relaxed way, open our doors and enjoy good food and company. Our midweek groups have also been invited.
There will be no beacon on May 8th.
Other things to join with..
Throughout May we are having a focused month of prayer for the church and wider community. Krys, Mandy and Adam have supplied some helpful pointers for each day. I have attached a short version and a long version to this email so pick which one is most helpful. You can pray them at home or with others. They have also got a whats app you can join if you want to pray with people that way. Details are in the attachments but we can give more information for those who need that.
The plant sale is coming up on the 13th May 1-3pm
The next whole church meeting is on 25th May at 7.30pm. We’ll email out some information after the deacons meeting this week with some things that will be on the agenda to be thinking and praying about for contributions. If you want to include something can you let myself, a deacon or Lesley know? Lesley will be in the office from Tuesday so you can see her in person on the church number 0113 2693750 or email her admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk.
Finally, we start a new series that builds on the epiphany moments and journeying with Jesus next Sunday. I’ll email out information about this early next week so you can be thinking, preparing, praying..
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
In Christ
Shelley
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church
The Merry Month of May
According to Google the term The Merry Month of May (depending on how many Merrys you want to put in it) is either a song – sung as a duet in Edward German’s Merrie England; the regimental march of the 10th Royal Hussars; a poem by Elizabethan poet Thomas Dekker, a novel penned by writer James Jones in 1971 or a 1955 film featuring Lee Hoi-chuen. However, at MBC The Merry Month of May can only mean one (well maybe two things) and that’s our annual charity plant sale which takes place from 1-3pm on Saturday 13th May at church, but the week before it’s King Charles III Coronation with lunch for all, music and craft all taking place after our morning Service on the afternoon of Sunday May 7th.
As far as we know everything is taking shape for both of these memorable events with Jenny Dixon in charge of the Plant Sale and Karen Ross calling the shots re the Cornation tea.
So any queries or particularly any offers of help before, during or after will be gratefully received by both.
