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Jane Coates Thanksgiving Service

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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

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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 

The blessing of the honeycomb – some thoughts from Gareth Gadd

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A couple of weeks ago our Sunday morning Bible reading was an account of Jesus appearing to the disciples. I was particularly drawn to Luke 24:42
 

THE BLESSING OF THE HONEYCOMB

Reading two versions of the Bible together, while following the reading I wondered why the honeycomb was missing from today’s reading. 

Luke 24:42  GNB  They gave him a piece of cooked fish, 

Luke 24:42  KJV  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 

This is a message inspired by the Holy Spirit for Moortown Baptist Church on the blessing we may have missed.

The honeycomb is a beautiful symbol in Scripture – representing the sweetness, wisdom, and abundant provision found in God’s Word and presence (Psalm 19:10 and Proverbs 16:24). Just as honeycomb nourishes the body with its rich sweetness, God’s truth nourishes our souls, bringing healing, joy, and spiritual vitality. The honeycomb is also associated with enlightenment and renewed strength (1 Samuel 14:27).

Even when it seems like the honeycomb is missing from our daily experience, we can trust that God’s goodness and blessings remain ever-present.

Sometimes, life invites us to seek deeper, to appreciate the richness of His wisdom and love beyond what is immediately visible.

Let us embrace the sweetness of God’s promises, the wisdom that enlightens our path, and the abundant provision that sustains us. 

In every moment, God offers a spiritual feast-full of delight, renewal, and strength-to nourish our hearts and guide us toward a life of harmony and growth.

Remember, the true honeycomb of life is found in God’s enduring presence and the richness of His Word, always available to uplift and inspire us. (Proverbs 5:3 and Song of Solomon 4:11)

Gareth Gadd 

“Share and share a like.” Via email, WhatsApp, Facebook etc. help MBC expand its outreach

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Share and share a like

Did you know that each week, with your help Shelley’s Message, the MBC Newsletter, our live YouTube broadcasts and the numerous Facebook feeds we use, have the wherewithal to reach  literally thousands more people than they currently do.

For example, take for instance the image you see above. Were it not  for us “sharing” a Facebook post and then supplying the YBA (The Yorkshire Baptist Association) with the raw material the wonderful Easter Day service we had here in church would have remained, even locally, our little secret. Then there’s the stories that we’ve recently begun to post on the Alwoodley Ward Residents Facebook page: almost 300 extra likes and/or shares for our Good Friday and Easter Day services.  

So, no matter what you think about social media – whether you  love it or loath it – the one thing you cannot deny is that it neither should not nor cannot be ignored.

You see unlike 2000 years ago when word of mouth and story telling were the order of the day, I believe that today it’s our responsibility to fully embrace today’s technology, and by that I mean that by what ever means possible promote the good news of Jesus.

And that’s why when the News Letter drops into your inbox, or you spot one of our posts on Facebook I urge you not simply to “like” it, but to share it. That way, if enough of us respond not only will MBC’s outreach agenda grow and grow but that old saying… “share and share a like” will take on a whole new meaning.  

  

He is risen! Easter Day at MBC celebrates two baptisms and welcomes a host of new members

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For Anne and Wei Wei (who you see above) April the 20th, 2025 will be a date they remember for the rest of their lives; for that was the day that in front of family, friends and a packed church they were baptised.

There’s a gallery of pictures below taken during the service which we thought you would appreciate seeing, oh and you can also watch it again, in full, on out YouTube channel.

But for everyone who was actually in the room, on the day, no end of still images or “action replays” will ever replace that wonderful feeling that Anne, Wei Wei and indeed the rest of us had knowing that on Resurrection Day 2025 the message of goodness, sacrifice, forgiveness and love that Jesus shared remains as vibrant and as relevant as it was all those years ago.

 

 

ENGAGE… BMS World Mission’s mag takes on a new look

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For those of you that have subscribed to BMS World Mission’s ENGAGE magazine for some time, you’ll immediately notice that the latest issue, number 62, has taken on a whole new look. That’s because it’s changed its format from A4 to what many think is a much more accessible A5.

In fact, accessibility alongside quality are the two things that in her Editorial welcome ENGAGE editor Laura Durrant says she “wanted to maintain.” 

And maintain them she has as once again the magazine travels the globe to report on mission projects both old, new, far and wide. 

Of particular interest to us here at Moortown is a piece on page 4 which under the headline REBUILDING A CHURCH IN THE DESERT tells of the progress made in Bardai, northern Chad, the place our BMS Mission partners the Hotchkins are based, following the damage caused by the catastrophic floods that hit the region in August 2024.  

The magazine and the accompanying Prayer Guide is available free of charge through the post via the BMS website bmsworldmission.org 

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

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