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SPACE – on a very special night SPACE became a place for reflection and for hope

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By chance it less than an hour after the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II was announced that MBC’s doors were open for SPACE, an evening set aside for anything and everything: singing, dancing, drawing, crafting, flag waving, doodling, playing a musical instrument, reading the bible or simply praying. 

In total about a dozen of our regulars joined us, plus a man we didn’t know who was passing by saw the doors open and the lights on and asked if he come come in to pray. 

To say the news had shocked us all was an understatment. For the little ones the Queen was perhaps just a portrait that you see on a stamp, a mug or on bunting. To others she was someone they themselves might recall seeing when she visited somewhere local, whilst to some she had been a constant throughout their entire lives. 

Whatever the personal memory and despite the underlying hope for the future this was, nevertheless, a sad night, a night filled – indeed for some overflowing with bittersweet memories. 

I don’t think anyone bothered to look at a clock but I reckon SPACE finished somewhere just after 9pm, but that didn’t matter. Indeed by the time we were all cleared away and everything was back in its cupboard we didn’t lock up until 10.

But that was the beauty of SPACE. You see there was no running order, there was no panic when the live link went down, there were no pregnant pauses in which we figeted in our seats and looked down at our shoes. That isn’t to say there weren’t gaps – there were – plenty of them but they were filled with a mix of sadness for what we were all feeling there and then and of hope.

Ruth and Andy did a marvelous job organising SPACE – an uneviable task at best and to do it under those circumstances deserves even more credit.

As we started to tidy away we all sang the National Anthem – God save the King. For those under seventy this was a first, for those over we were reprising something we no doubt did in our own childhood. 

Thank you for SPACE.

In loving memory… Shelley takes on not just one but two arduous runs in memory of her dad

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Over the course of the next four weeks our Church Lead Shelley Dring is set to face two enormous challenges; this Sunday she lines up for the Great North Run, a half marathon that leads out from Newcastle city centre to the coast and back again and then just three weeks later, on Sunday October 2nd she laces her trainers up again to tackle the daddy of them all the 26 and a bit mile London Marathon.

Obviously it goes without saying that Shelley wouldn’t have entered these two events if she didn’t love running. However, there’s more to it than that. As many of you will recall Shelley’s dad Steve died last November and it’s in his memory that she has signed up with the fund raising site Just Giving to try raise as much money as she can for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

If you would like to help Shelley reach her £2,200 target just click on this link HERE or alternatively I’m certain she wouldn’t be too embarrassed if you were to give her your donation in person.

Thank you.

Make space for space! Thursday 8th September. 6.30pm at MBC.

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If you have ever wondered what a genuine all age event would look like here at MBC? well here’s your chance to find out. And here we’re not just talking about something in which the adults learn one thing and the children and young people learn a slightly more “age appropriate” version in another room… no this is our attempt at hosting a genuine all age, multifaceted event. 

You see here and now, as near as we dare say post Covid, being a Christian and worshipping God is even more about connecting with people, it’s all about being a community that’s outward looking, that’s warm and inviting. It’s all about being people who are prepared to try out new things, to take risks and who knows possibly even unearth new gifts and talents. 

So if you are free at 6.30pm on Thursday the 8th of September why not come up to church, bring something you want to share, to play, to dance to, to sing etc. etc. and enjoy the freedom of space. 

At MBC we are lucky enough to have enough rooms to spread out, so forget the fact that one of them has a sign on it that says it’s a Sports Hall, and that another is called the Music Room; if a bunch of musicians find themselves in the Corner Room and a palette of painters end up setting up in the foyer so be it.

We’d like to think this is the sort of event you could invite your friends and neighbours to, and for those who have been saying “let’s do something new,” well here it is.

So, put the date in your diary now, (either digital or analogue), put your thinking caps on, chat to yur neighbours and friends and if there’s something or anything you, your children or your grandchildren might enjoy come along and be prepared to be church in the broadest and most loving sense of the word.     

Shelley, back home from a week away in Wales welcomes you to Cafe Church

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Dear friends

Just a reminder that we are back in the church building tomorrow at 11-12midday for café church where breakfast, drinks, fruit will be available alongside an informal style of service around tables and chairs.  There will be an art area in the main hall (known as the Sanctuary) for those who want to be creative through art and explore the themes they are hearing in the service.

Tomorrow the theme will be ‘Unfinished masterpiece’ from the first chapter of Philippians and we’ll be finding out how God sees us, how this affects how we see the world and how we are all amazing works in progress whether we feel like it or not.

The service will be online on our YouTube channel at 11am although you’ll need to provide your own breakfast if you are watching on your own screen!

Other things to look out for…

Beacon café is back on Monday 10-12midday in the church building.  All welcome!

‘Space’ takes place on Thursday 8th September in the building at 6.30pm.  Bring an instrument or feel free to sing if you want to join with others to play music, sing songs or draw/dance to what you can hear. All are welcome, just join in with what you want to do. More questions then talk to Andy or Ruth Berry or myself.

Craft group is back at 2pm on Thursday in the building

Mini catch up/meeting after church on 18th September for all to share with and hear from Leadership Team and staff

News about an excellent online course from Parenting for Faith.  Parenting for faith were great supporting me during the pandemic as the Family and Childrens lead and as a mum/aunty.  They support anyone who is a role model to children whether they are your own children or children you look after/teach/encourage.  The aim of the course is for anyone who wants to help children/young people with their two way relationship with God.   (I think the five keys they share help adults too!).  They are hosting the course online on zoom in September starting Monday 26 Sept, 3rd Oct 10th, Oct 17th, 7 Nov, 14 Nov, 21st and 28th Nov 7.45-9pm (no sessions in half term)

Parenting for Faith Course Online 2022 – BRFonline  You can sign up as an individual or if there are a few people interested we can book in as a church.  Do chat with me if sign up as we get a discount if there’s a few of us. 

We’ll be putting together some ideas for the services over the next few weeks so we’ll keep in touch about this but if you want to read or pray or help with children’s teaching or sing or share from God’s word then do get in touch with me.  I’d love to hear from you.

Pray for…

Those we know who are ill or struggling with life

All those going back to school this week and their teachers

Those in Pakistan affected by the floods

Those who are daring to try new things or new ways of thinking in the Autumn

The shortlisting and interviews for the church administrator taking place over the next few weeks

Thanks for those who have received refreshment and support over the school summer holidays

See you tomorrow

In Christ

Shelley

More news and pictures from Romania – these from Pastor Rei Abrudan of VIA church in Cluj, plus a word of thanks to all who supported our cream tea

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Thanks from Howard and the rest of the Romania Support Group to all who attended the Cream Tea a couple of weeks ago. As well as being a good social occasion with our visitors from Romania, Florin Dana and Irene Fodor, £323 was raised towards the support we send to churches in Romania for young people’s camps held during the summer months.

We’ve just off some more money given for the Romanian churches we are linked with to help Ukrainian refugees – £12,000 in total. As well as supporting refugees who have gone to Romania the money will be used to send aid into Ukraine for people who are internally displaced. 

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And here’s a message and some pictures just in from Rei Abrudan, from Via Church, Cluj-Napoca, 

If Christian nations were nations of Christians, there would be no wars. After this war, I’m afraid, there will be no victors, only losers.

After a huge refugee wave during the first two months of war, things kind of calmed down. As a result, our ministry is focusing on those who chose to stay (650 Ukrainians in our area) trying to grow their community stronger by offering social care (finding jobs, meeting basic needs for people with disabilities, integrating children in kindergarten and schools), judicial assistance (legal paperwork, political asylum, immigration status), medical assistance (surgeries, treatment for chronic conditions, etc.), community care (recreation, support groups) and spiritual care.

Also, we are offering support to other communities across Romania, where the number of refugees is larger.

Many of the refugees moved further west, others went back home. Larger and more stable communities have formed near the eastern border.

In Iași, for example, right next to the Ukrainian border, there was a Kids Festival held in June, which we sponsored. It was organised by a local church over there and other partners. Right in front of the mall, they had 1 workshop for parents, 4 workshops for kids and all kinds of fun activities for one day. Out of 3.000 participants, 400 were Ukrainians. The event ended with an evangelistic message from an Ukrainian pastor.

Another way of helping other communities across Romania, was helping a kindergarten in Arad by buying some beds, as they turned into a refugee cen

English courses

At their request, understanding the need, we are offering ESL courses bringing in English teachers. This month they are taking a short summer break, but they will resume starting on September.

Leonid and his family are doing fine. He is travelling more often to UA to visit the shop he is owning there, so that the business doesn’t die, but he is struggling thinking that things are not improving there and they can’t see a future back in UA. They are considering the idea of moving to Cluj permanently, especially for their children.

He is constantly searching for ways to help and care the Ukrainians in Cluj…and he doesn’t seem to get tired or weary of doing this for so many months now.

So this is a modest part of our joyful serving of people in need.

This war will not determine who is right, only who is left. So, we want to be there for those left.

Doing what we can, with what we have, where we are! Thank you for your support!

Rei Abrudan,

Via Church, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

 

MBC plays its part in making Leeds a more compassionate city

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It may be that up to now your diary is empty for November 22, but for our Jewish neighbours that’s a very important day; it’s the date of Mitzvah 2022 – a special day when they host a community event that seeks to make Leeds and its surrounding area a better place to live, work and play. 

Drawing on the city’s rich and diverse traditions, the idea behind Mitzvah 2022 is the notion of selfless giving, giving of yourself and not just your money; a notion which of course isn’t exclusive to Jews but is a central pillar to many other traditions such as Hinduism, Sikhism and of course Christianity. 

And that’s why Shelley Dring was invited to join with representatives of all these faiths, plus local councillors and Mitzvah Chief Exec Stuart Diamond at a recent get-together.

No douby Shelley will be sharing some of what was discussed nearer the time but with MBC’s links going back more than half a century isn’t it wonderful to see and hear that despite differences when it comes to selfless service we can all come together to make Leeds a more compassionate, more caring and more tolerant city.  

Shelley’s post 20 August 2022

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Dear friends

Its been good to catch up with many of you this week.  If you have been away I do hope you have had had a refreshing time.

Tomorrow our service moves onto the next theme of ‘I am not’s’ of Jesus and we move onto ‘I am not of this world’.  Jesus said this a couple of times as recorded by John and one of those times was in front of Pontius Pilate as part of the trial he went through.  It will be 11am until 12midday in the building and on youtube.  There will be activities for our younger friends during the talk. Usually we would have communion on a third Sunday but this has been postponed until next week just this month.  Sorry to those who may be disappointed about this.

Just like Jesus we are called to be in the world but not of it.. I leave you with that thought over the next few days.

Beacon is back as usual 10-12 on Monday and we host the memorial tea to celebrate the life of Margaret Rhodes in the building on Thursday at 1pm. 

I’m away today and tomorrow but I am back again on Monday.

Do pray for the leadership team who have a meeting on Tuesday night to collate reports from the past few years.

A reminder too to put ‘Space’ in your diary, 8th September from 6.30pm in church: a time to play your instruments, draw, sing, dance, relax and worship (no previous experience necessary).

There is a week left to apply for the administrator job at MBC. Do have a look at the website to see the job description and details on application.  Any questions, get in touch.

Thanks for all your prayers for the church.  We gave out two more bibles to people coming to our café and want to read more about God.

Praying we all know the refreshment of God through His fountain of life (Revelation 22)  

Many blessings

Shelley

New BMS Engage magazine out now complete with Prayer Guide and (whisper it) a Christmas catalogue

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At MBC, this last year has been something of a mission special. We started last summer with a visit from our BMS Mission Partners Sue and John Wilson from Paris who joined us on our first day back together. Then at Christmas, rather than holding our traditional toy and gift Service we decided to support a BMS initiative called Protect a Child at Christmas which saw us send almost £1,200 to BMS for their work among children in Uganda. Then of course it’s only a few weeks ago that Andrea and Mark Hotchkins visited us and shared stories and pictures of their life working with BMS in Chad. 

Add to this the two way visits members of our Romania Support Group and our friends in Cluj have made to the UK, plus the extraordinary amount of money we raised to help them assist their Ukraine neighbours and you will see just how much we as a church reach out not only within our own community but also far beyond.

One way BMS World Mission keeps in touch with us is through their Engage magazine and right now Issue 54 is available either online or free through the post. 

The online edition can be downloaded by following this link HERE and the postal one is available by contacting www.bmsworldmission.org

Issue 54’s reports include stories from just about every country BMS is active in, and it also gives you the opportunity to further follow the great work they are doing by signing up to any number of initiatives such as the BMS Birthday Scheme or becoming a Prayer Partner.

Any queries you have about anything to do with BMS World Mission just have a word with Roger Robson, who as I always say will be more than happy to give you more details. 

Oh and one final thought – did you know that as well as our personal involvement with BMS World Mission (for example personal one off donations) year by year Moortown Baptist Church sends them a percentage of its income by way of a tithe.   

Administrator required for MBC

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https://moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Admin-job-church-web-site-versoion.pdf

 

Moortown Baptist Church  

‘Welcoming all. Living the Christian faith.

 Teaching God’s word and sharing His love.

 

Role:                  Church Administrator

Location:            Moortown Baptist Church. Leeds 17

Salary:               £10,799 per annum (£11.54 per hour)

Hours:               18 hours per week    Holiday days:  12.5 days + bank holidays

Moortown Baptist Church is seeking to appoint an office based Administrator for 18 hours per week (days/hours to be negotiated). Training will be provided as necessary.

Role: 

We are seeking a warm, reliable person with good I T skills to be our administrator.

Your role would be to ensure that the admin duties of the church are undertaken efficiently and in line with the church ethos in order to facilitate its overall ministry.

We require someone with personal integrity, resilience, and confidence to offer a warm welcome to all.

Someone with the ability to maintain confidentiality/accountability as they would have access to all church records and certain monies, in conjunction with the treasurer.

Essential skills:

The person should be sympathetic to the Christian faith and the ethos of the Church.

The person should have good working knowledge of Microsoft 365

The person should have recognised and experienced secretarial or similar skills.

The person should be able to communicate well and work in various teams as needed.

Responsibilities:

The person appointed would be responsible for:

  • All work on the office computer, using Microsoft 365.
  • Producing minutes from meetings, some being taped from a Zoom.
  • The typing up and amending of policies.
  • Writing and answering a variety of letters and correspondence as required.
  • Maintaining a yearly calendar and members listings, plus all other admin work as needed e.g. making posters or downloading children’s work.
  • They will have to answer all telephone calls and check recorded messages, passing the information to the required relevant persons.
  • They will need to order and maintain all consumables needed for the smooth running of the Church.
  • They will need to purchase yearly licences and maintain and pay bills to the necessary contractors used in the running of the Church.
  • They will pay expenses to staff and volunteers in conjunction with the Treasurer.
  • They will need to liaise with the cleaning staff and all other persons working in the building, which may change daily.

This list of responsibilities is not intended to be exhaustive and is subject to review in consultation with the Minister and HR Deacon

Please note that two references will be taken up if called for interview in early September. And a full job description is available to view or download via the link at the top of this post.

Please initially send a copy of your CV and a letter stating why you would like this post by August 29th 2022 to: Mrs Karen Ross (HR Deacon) Moortown Baptist Church, 204. King Lane. Leeds LS17 6AA or drop an email to Leadership.team@moortownbaptistchurch.onmicrosoft.com  

 

Art and faith – how Krystyna Gadd reflects on and interprets the word of God

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These pictures have been created by Krystyna Gadd. The words that accompany them, and which are used here with her permission explain how and why in her mind art, or as she calls it doodling and faith go hand in hand. If anybody else would like to share any other images,verses or visions for the church please send them to church email address mbcnewspics@gmail.com or to my email address adaleearg04@virginmedia.com:

It was Shelley’s idea to do the session last week. I can share how I have used art to get closer to God: As long as I can remember I always loved to draw and colour in. As a child, I used to design clothes for my dolls and sew them, hoping to be a fashion designer when I grew up. Science was also a passion and this took me away from considering art as a career, although arts and various crafts have been my hobbies throughout my life.

It’s where I go when I need to empty my busy brain and relax. A number of years ago I got an iPad and discovered an app that almost mimicked how it is to draw and paint, without having to get messy. I started to use it to make visual notes of things I had read or heard. It was a way for me to focus my attention and remember things I wanted to learn. I did this mostly in work situations and even illustrated my own business book that was published a few years ago.

I started to use this technique of note taking in church too, as a way of remembering the teaching. As this has developed, it has sometimes allowed me to hear God, speak through colour and marks when pondering a scripture. My ‘doodling’ as I call it, has helped me to crystallise what God might be saying to me in a scripture or when I have been heading into unknown waters.

The doodle above I created back in 2017, during a period of uncertainty. I feel God is speaking through this to me at this time too. I have also shared it with Shelley and it seemed to resonate with her. I don’t think you have to be an artist for God to speak to you through colour and making marks.

Picture 2 – this one from a lectio divina meditation during a period of fasting and prayer.

And picture 3 – a reflection on Shelley’s teaching on Sunday.

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