Shelley Dring – Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s Bank Holiday update

August 23, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely…”

Galatians 5:22-23

We have been exploring the person of the Holy Spirit and the fruit that comes from a life where we allow the Spirit of God to lead us. As we look around our communities and our world, we want to see this fruit, but we know that we can’t pray for something ‘out there’ if we don’t want it to be something that doesn’t happen ‘in here’ in our own lives too. The two go together. Over the next few weeks, we have put some opportunities in place including one off sessions and groups that are starting again after the Summer so that we can push further into prayer and awareness of how God is working and our role in that. More information on whats going on in September next week. Do keep adding to the Art wall too and sharing together.

It was great to meet at the lunch club and rock solid get together on Wednesday, a lovely atmosphere as all ages came together to meet and chat and eat which is really important. Thanks to all those who came and for those who did all the planning beforehand.

We also had the Wednesday worship Songs or Praise last week, a privilege to hear people’s encouragements and challenges around their favourite hymns. Rachel has arranged the dates for the next term and leaflets are now in church.

Sunday 24^th August 11am Service with creative group for kids ‘Kindness’

Monday 25^th August – no warm welcome café/beacon this week. If you know someone who needs the lord’s pantry as any point do let us know.

Wednesday 27^th August ‘Make your own psalm book’ with Krys Gadd. 7.30pm in church building. All materials provided. There may be one space left so do talk to Krys or Lesley if you want to come.

Wednesday 27^th August – training and get together for lunch club helpers – see Rachel B for more information.

Thursday 28^th August ‘Craft group and welcome Space’ 2-4pm

Thursday 28^th August 7pm bible study with Gareth G in church

Sunday 31^st August 11-12 Service with creative group for children. Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Sunday 31^st August Rock Solid and friends social get together! 6pm meet at church, outdoor activities and then barbecue. Finishes at 8pm. Do talk to youth leaders, contact Lesley or myself for more information. Emails gone out to all parents on the list but if you would like to come and you aren’t currently on the youth list then do let them know.

The next whole church meeting and AGM is still booked for the 23^rd September at 7.30pm.

A craft fair organised by Krys G and friends is taking place on 4^th October. More details next week.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update for week commencing Sunday 27 July

July 25, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends.

Here are a few ‘keeping in touch’ things for the next few weeks.

We meet again on Sunday at 11am to continue with our theme of Fruit of the Spirit: love, looking into Acts 2. There will be a group for our younger friends. A live stream will also be available.

A word of warning… there may be local disruption for some on Sunday 27th July due to the Ironman event in North Leeds so check your routes here: https://www.ironman.com/races/im-leeds/traffic-impact You might want to cheer them on (I’m not doing this one!)

All the information for Summer was sent out last week and is available both in last week’s Newsletter (under the heading) Shelley’s update for 20th July – setting out the summer – Moortown Baptist Church and in a seperate post in this week’s issue. There are also paper copies in church, just ask the welcome team. There is also a few new articles including news from the Romanian churches we support.

If you know someone in church who is ill and needs a visit do let Lesley know and she will contact those who support us with pastoral work. This is something we will be in touch about more in a few weeks.

Looking ahead..

You’ll also see on the website a flyer from Krys about the craft fair coming up in October.

Finally, I want to share a statement with you from Baptists Together, BMS and Baptist Union of Wales. Some of you may, like me be finding it hard to put into words and prayers the devastation we are seeing in Gaza at this time. Whilst we acknowledge there are many conflicts in the world right now, most with complex roots, I find it hard not express my heartache when I hear what is going on from organisations such as BMS and Embrace the Middle East about people of all faiths and none suffering in unimaginable ways. Please have a look at the statement and consider finding out more and making a response in prayer or action.

Statement Concerning Gaza, Israel, The West Bank and East Jerusalem

War Child UK who are working in many broken places around the world with children, have a slogan at the moment saying ‘Hold onto Hope’. They say that in the face of suffering, holding onto hope is a rebellious act as they work for peace. We read this too in the bible, Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” or as the message version says, “Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out..”

In Christ

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update for 20th July – setting out the summer

July 20, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

This week we continue to explore the Holy Spirit as we start a series about Fruit of the Spirit, taking us through the summer months. We hope that it is something that you can explore afresh or for the first time over the Summer wherever you are and whatever age. John 15:16 reminds us that Jesus said,

“You did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last”. Some of you may know that I always carry a banana around with me. I call it my emergency banana and its helpful for those moments I suddenly feel hungry. I realise as I look around the world how grateful I am to have an emergency banana. However, as many of you know, a banana doesn’t last for long. It soon starts to go brown and mushy. The fruit that God wants us to produce is intended to not have a shelf life, it’s intended to go on long after the seed was planted and the fruit has grown. The bible talks about the fruit of the Spirit in the book of Galatians chapter 5 and as we discover the fruit in practice in the bible and in our world, one thing to ponder and pray about is how this fruit might last and develop, how will it go beyond us and the immediate that we see? How can we plan for this? What difference does it make? We start tomorrow at 11am in church and in Sunday school as on our YouTube channel. We’ll also share communion together.

Every year the Royal Academy in London hosts a summer exhibition based on a different theme each year to encourage people to think about a topic in a new way. This year we would like to host our own summer exhibition by exploring the theme of the Holy Spirit. This may be through painting, writing, music, photography, doodling, crafts, reading, words and more. Please hand anything to me, Lesley or Linsey and we will put them up or can be incorporated in what we do. Don’t feel you have to have a perfect ‘thing’, half an explored idea is good too, all ages and experiences welcome. You may want to do it on your own or with others in a group. Let’s pray that we have open eyes and hearts as we respond to Him! This one way we can all share ministry together.

As the school’s finish and the summer starts, there is a temporary change in what we do as a church, but we wanted to be intentional about the change of pace providing opportunities to pray and worship, allowing time for holiday and creating new ways to connect and explore. Thankyou to all those who are contributing to this. Below you will find a list of all the summer activities including regular groups and one-off events. This is also available on the MBC website and reminders will be posted on social media throughout the summer. Paper copies will be in church from next week.

Monday 21^st July Health and Safety meeting at 3pm in church building (do get in touch with John C or myself if you think you would like to help with any aspect of health and safety in the building)

Tuesday 22^nd July Toddler tidy up and social at 10am starting in the church building

Sunday 27 July 11am service with children’s group Fruit of the Spirit ‘love’ Acts 2:38-47

Sunday 3^rd August 11am café church Fruit of the Spirit ‘Joy’

5^th August 7.30pm Deacons meeting in the church building.

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard…”Gal 5:22 (The message version)

Blessings

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Catch up with all the news with Shelley’s update for w/c 18th May

May 17, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

A big thankyou to all those involved in the plant sale last week! About £1000 was made on plants and another £160 on refreshments with money going to the Sri Lanka Women’s refuge and Caring for life more locally. Thanks so much to Jenny and her team of green fingered and not so green fingered helpers and Gwynneth and team for the refreshments.

The Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store featured in the YBA news this week. Do have a look at the link here and thanks to the new trustees. Do pray for them in their hearing from God and planning for the furniture store in this new season. Have a look at the picture here to see who’s involved and if you want to pass on your encouragement From One Act of Kindness to a Citywide Impact — Yorkshire Baptist Association Thanks to those who have supported this project in the past.. the story continues and builds on the work and prayers of those who have gone before.

Thankyou to those who took part in the church meeting on Tuesday. In the meeting, we elected Jonathan as a new church deacon/trustee. Do pray for Jonathan as he begins his role. We also prayed for the work in the church building and carpark each day, we thanked God for who is coming through the doors and for those who are stepping forward to develop the building and the people. This is an ongoing project, but we are excited for God is doing to prepare us for the next season. There was positive news about financial giving too.

Thankyou to those who went on safeguarding level 2 training this week. Do let us know how you got on if you haven’t already.

On Thursday 22^nd May we will be hosting the Thanksgiving Service for the life of Jane Coates in church. The plan of the day looks like this..

10.45 Video tribute in church

11-12.30 Celebration of the life of Jane

1pm lunch together and time to meet each other in church

3.15pm Cortege leaves for Rawdon Crematorium

4pm Cremation Service at Rawdon.

All of you are welcome. The family have said that you do not need to wear dark colours so feel free to wear something colourful.

Through the week..

Saturday 17^th May Tech and worship play day in church 10.30 until 2.30pm including lunch for those on these two teams. See Andy Berry for more information or if you are interested in finding out about getting involved.

Sunday 18^th May 11am church service with communion and group for younger friends to explore the theme Acts 1:1-9 and John 15:26-27

Sunday 18^th May Discovering Prayer group with Krys in the music room. After church until about 2pm. All welcome to come along whether you have been before or never been. Feel free to bring your lunch

Sunday 18^th May 7-8pm Rock solid for youth in the building

Monday 19^th May Beacon warm welcome café 10-12 midday

Tuesday 20^th May 10-11.30am Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers

Tuesday 20^th May afternoon bible study in church

Wednesday 21^st May lunch club trip out. See Rachel B or Lesley for information about lunch club

Wednesday 21^st May Bible study in church at 7.30pm See Ruth and Andy. Also Wednesday night house group, see Diane S

Thursday 22^nd May Warm welcome craft group is postponed this week due to the thanksgiving service.

Thursday 22^nd May Thanksgiving Service of Jane Coates (see details above)

Thursday 22^nd May 7pm bible study in church

Friday 23^rdMay 10-11.15 bible study in church

Friday 23^rd May 8pm House group See Jonathan and Hilary or Steve and Helen

Sunday 25^th May 11am service with communion with group for our younger friends

Sunday 25^th May 7-8pm Rock Solid Youth in church

Coming soon…

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 5^th 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 22^nd 2025.

Prayer and worship Day Saturday 7^th June Save the date for now…

“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5)

In Christ

Shelley

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s message for w/c Sunday May 4

May 3, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

From the despair of Good Friday, the joy of Easter Sunday and the confusion of the days that followed, we were reminded last week that Jesus is with us in our grief and anxiety and walks with us as we journey along the road. We talked about ‘hope on the horizon’. This Sunday at café church we look at what happened when the disciples’ recognised Jesus was with them again. What difference does resurrection make? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to us? We start at 11am for about an hour, all ages together with breakfast snacks and drinks.

Here’s what’s coming up in the next week..

Sunday 4^th May 11am café church Luke 24: 36-49 ‘Hope in the House’

Sunday 4^th May 7-8pm Rock solid for youth in the building

Monday 5^th May No beacon café this week (bank holiday) Back the week after.

Tuesday 6^th May 10-11.30am Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers

Tuesday 6^th May afternoon bible study in church

Wednesday 7^th May lunch club. See Rachel B

Wednesday 7^th May Bible study in church 7.30pm

Thursday 8^th May Warm welcome craft group 2-4pm in the building

Thursday 8^th May 7pm bible study in church

Friday 9^th May 10-11.15 bible study in church

Saturday 10^th May 1-3pm House, bedding and perennial garden plants and more. Tea, coffee and cake too. Cash only. All proceeds go to charity to support Caring for life locally and the Sri Lanka women’s project.

Sunday 11^th May 11-12 Service in church with small group for our younger friends. Looking at Luke 24:50-52 ‘Hope on the hill’

Sunday 11^th May 7-8pm Rock Solid for youth in the building

Monday 12^th May 10-12 Warm welcome space Beacon café, everyone welcome

Coming soon…

Tuesday 13^th May at 7.30pm is the next church meeting including deacons’ elections. An email went out this week to share the agenda, minutes, and details of any nominations. If didn’t get it or can’t access emails, please call the office on Tuesday or email admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk We’ll make sure we get something to you. Please continue to pray for all those who are the church at Moortown including all those who lead areas or ministries.

Wednesday 14^th May at 1.30 is Wednesday worship. It will be a Songs of Praise! If you have a song you would like to sing with others on that day then can you let Rachel know, or let Lesley know and she can pass it on for you. You may want to say a few words about it.

Worship and tech team Play Day on 17^th 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 to those who are already in these teams. If you are interested in finding out more about the teams then get in touch with Andy B or myself.

Prayer and worship Day Saturday 7^th June Save the date for now…

I will be on a conference next Monday and Tuesday so will not be in the building on those days.

Thursday 8^th May marks the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Although we will not be holding an official gathering for this, it maybe a good day to pray for peace, thank God for the peacemakers and to pledge ourselves again to being peacemakers in our everyday lives. Leeds Minister will be holding a VE/VJ evening on May 10^th with proceeds going to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Tickets are available here for £5 concessions are free http://www.leedstickethub.co.uk/whatsonevent/80th-anniversary-of-ve-vj-day-commemoration-concert/

A reminder that the 11^th May is the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon starting at 9am in Headingley, going into Leeds city centre and out of the city up the Otley Road. The Marathon raises huge amounts of money for Leeds Hospitals Charities and the MND Association. Please check the marathon map if you live further over towards West Leeds as your journey may be affected www.runforall.com/events/marathon/leeds-marathon/

Many of you will know that one of our church family, Jane, sadly died on Monday following her admission to hospital when the aggressive tumour that was thought to be clearing had in a very short timeframe spread. Jane’s journey with cancer became something she would reflect on in a weekly piece of writing she would call ‘Monday thoughts and prayers’. These thoughts and prayers were initially written by Jane to encourage the pastoral team she led, but over time, they went further afield, were turned into a book and regularly appeared on the website. Jane even made sure that Phil sent her Monday thoughts and prayers out this week despite her hospital admission and you can read them here on the website at www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk Do continue to hold Jane’s family in your prayers.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update for w/c Sunday 27 April

April 26, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Happy Easter!

It was good to join with so many of you through holy week as we remembered the journey of Jesus and joined in worship and prayer, towards Good Friday and Easter Sunday and into this week. We prayed outside and inside, gave out seed crosses and celebrated baptisms and welcomed new families into membership. If that’s something that has prompted you to want to do either of these then do get in touch with me this week. A church is a community and there were many conversations and prayers and cups of tea going on that are not so visible as we walk alongside each other. On the theme of ‘walking alongside’, we move on to look at Luke 24:13-35 this week as the disciples continue to work out what was happening that first Easter. There will be a group for our younger friends, and there’ll be the opportunity to share communion.

The week ahead

Monday 28^th April Beacon warm welcome café today 10-12 midday

Tuesday 29^th April Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30 in church.

Tuesday 29^th April House group in church in the afternoon. See Lesley or Howard for more information.

Wednesday 30^th April Lunch club, see Rachel B

Wednesday 30^th April Bible study in church, see Andy or Ruth B. There’s a Wednesday house group too, see Diane S. They meet fortnightly and are currently following the prayer course.

Thursday 1^st May 2-4pm Craft group welcome space in church, see Karen or Diane

Thursday 1^st May 7pm bible study in church with Gareth G

Friday 2^nd bible study in church 10-11.15 See Shelley for more details

Friday 2^nd May 8pm House group see Jonathan or Hilary D

Sunday 4^th May All age café church.

Coming up

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 27^th April. Please email them to Lesley or post paper copies to Lesley’s office.

The plant sale takes place at MBC at 1pm on Saturday 10th May! An email went out this week with all the details. Do let Jenny D or Lesley know if you would like to help. 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. The plant sale will support both a local and abroad charity. That’s currently being decided by those involved and deacons.

Worship and tech team Play Day on 17^th 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 7^th 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 simply pray and support 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 5^th 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 you 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 church and then at North Church. Naomi Fennell, the Yorkshire Baptist Association young adults and youth lead, is working on an optional meeting point for young people to meet with others from Yorkshire Baptist churches on the night, so we are working together. Following this gathering, there will be a large gathering at Leeds Arena on November 22^nd 2025.

We are aware that our journey continues alongside all the events going on in our world and our lives. As we think about journeys, I was struck by a picture of Pope Francis in 2008 when he was Cardinal Bergoglio, travelling on the subway in Buenos Aires in 2008. You may be able to ‘google it’ or we may share tomorrow. No one person is perfect and there are those who share criticisms, but many have commented on the Pope’s humility and down to earth nature in his ministry, from choosing a more modest apartment in the Vatican whilst he was alive, to his choice of burial place. How we journey and who we share our journey with is important. He talked about those in pain through poverty, or illness or war and we hear stories of how he practically reached out, often unknown to the world. In his final address on Good Friday, it was written,

“All those who put their hope in God, place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.” Pope’s final address, Easter Sunday April 20^th 2025.

We continue the journey…

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley’s friendly update for w/c March 16th

March 15, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

We are now nearly halfway through lent but there is always still time to dip into something new. Here’s a reminder of some resources that are around…

40 ways to give in lent and a devotional for everyday…

40acts: Do Lent generously

40 things to do in lent for all ages outside

Exploring Lent with Younger Kids – 40 Nature Activities Printable.pdf – Google Drive

40 acts youth wallchart

Youth_Wallchart_A4_Black_and_White.pdf

Leeds lent prayer diary 2025..we have some free paper versions in church for you to pick up.

The lectio 365 prayer app (download on your phone) is doing a lent series now. Do ask if you need a hand with the app.

Some of the church are gathering for a prayer whats app call at 9 o clock pm on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the world, the church, ourselves. Do ask Mandy, Adam or Krys if you want details.

If you would like to try a group during lent then you’d be very welcome. We learn from each other.

Tomorrow we continue in Luke 6:12-15.

This week..

Sunday 16^th March 11am service with group for young ones and communion

Sunday 16^th March The group who went through the ‘why pray course’ recently with Krys meet tomorrow after church to talk about ‘hearing from God’. Feel free to bring your lunch. Anyone welcome, in the music room for an hour or so.

Sunday 16^th March 7-8pm Rock Solid youth in church

Monday 17th March 10-12 midday Beacon warm welcome café. *DEFINATELY MONDAY, NOT TUESDAY AS IT SAYS IN MY EMAIL.

Tuesday 18^th March 10-11.30 Stepping Stones for under 5’s and parents and carers

Tuesday afternoon house group, see Howard Dews

Wednesday 19^th March lunchclub, see Rachel B or send a message to Lesley in the office (this week contact me)

Wednesday 19^th 7.30-9pm house group in church, see Ruth/Andy Berry, also one in Alwoodley, see Diane S

Thursday 20^th March 2-4pm warm welcome space craft group in church, see Karen or Diane S

Thursday 7pm bible study with Gareth

Friday 21^st March 10am Bible study in church, any questions, chat with myself

Friday 8pm house group, see Jonathan and Hilary or Steve or Helen

Sunday 23^rd March 11am service with group for younger friends

The next church meeting is Tuesday 25^th March 2025. Agenda came out this week. Do get in touch if you have any questions or AOB.

On Easter Sunday we’d love to baptise those who feel they want to be baptised or feel God is ‘nudging’ them about it. Do get in touch with me if you want a quick chat. Details of Easter week are being arranged. We know that we’ll be meeting on Good Friday too in church and joining with local churches on Alwoodley village green in the afternoon of Good Friday. The egg hunt will also return. Thanks to those offering to put it together. If you would like to contribute anything, then do get in touch.

Lesley and Rachel B are unavailable this week so do get in touch with me, a deacon or relevant group leader for immediate questions. For anything non urgent feel free to contact Lesley on admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk as usual.

“..They pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him…” (Luke 5:11)

In Christ

Shelley

Advent 2. Shelley keeps us up to date as the big day gets ever closer

December 14, 2024December 5, 2024 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Tomorrow we light our next Advent candle, another light in the darkness as we journey towards Christmas and celebrate Jesus’ arrival. As we shared last week, Advent means ‘coming’ or arrival and some say for the follower of Jesus, there are three advents; the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem that we celebrate at Christmas, the coming of Jesus individually to each of us as we recognise who Jesus is in our lives as Lord, saviour and friend, and Jesus coming again when …..

This weekend we have a great opportunity to share the hope of Christmas with others at the Carnival Christmas at 1.30-3.30pm, do pop down and again tomorrow morning at 11am in our Advent 2 service and then at 3pm with the Toddler Nativity. Do pray for all those coming as well as all those who have been planning over the last few weeks and helping over the weekend.

You can pick up a Christmas Card in church to take home and give to friends and family with some of our Christmas gatherings on. Do check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for a full list.

This week looks like this..

Sunday 8^th December Advent 2 Continuing the theme of ‘Down to earth’ 11am service with a small group so that younger ones can explore the story creatively

Sunday 8^th Stepping Stones Nativity 3-4pm do come along and support them and welcome all those who come on a Tuesday with their little ones.

Sunday 8^th December Rock Solid group for youth is earlier this week as many are involved in the Toddler nativity. They’ll meet after the nativity at 4.30 for a Christmas Escape Room and pizzas at 5.30pm

There’s beacon café, housegroups, lunch club, Stepping Stones Christmas Party and Wednesday Worship Christmas special on Wednesday 11^th at 1.30pm. Craft group is on 2-4pm in the building. There will be no Friday morning housegroup next week. All the others are on as usual.

On Thursday the funeral of Julie Ridsdill takes place at Lawnswood Crematorium at 11.30am and at Moortown Baptist Church at 12.30pm with refreshments to follow. You are invited to come along. Julie’s favourite colour was purple so you may want to wear something with purple on.

Next Sunday we have our Advent 3 service with a separate group for younger ones, followed by carol singing (see Rachel) with a small group visiting a local home for elderly people. Then at 3pm it’s the wreath making workshop. Its filling up so if you would like to come or bring others then do book in advance with Lesley next week by calling or emailing as we can’t guarantee a place on the day as we like to make sure you have all the resources you need. £10 a wreath

We have a church nativity on Sunday 22^nd December, if you would be up for being involved can you let me know! More news to come.

See you soon

In Christ

Shelley

Advent! a time of waiting, preparation and much much more. Shelley’s latest update.

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Come along and worship with others and begin an advent journey together at 11am in café church tomorrow. We’ll be live on youtube too. Advent is the time before Christmas meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ and looks to the arrival of Jesus. It’s a time when many people get busy to prepare in terms of decorations, presents and gatherings. For Christians, there is something far more life changing woven into their Christmas season. As it says in the popular Christmas carol , Joy to the world,

‘Let every heart prepare him room’.

What does this look like in advent for each one of us? Last week we heard about David being chosen by God as the next king. God reminds Samuel that people look on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that it’s our responsibility, to check our own hearts. It’s where our thoughts, attitudes, motivations come from. We may do many great things and speak important truths, but we are warned in Revelation 2 to not forget our first love, Jesus, to remember how we felt when we first recognised Him.

As we begin advent let’s start with our own hearts and may this lead to all we do in this season.

What’s coming up…

Today the church is being decorated for Christmas. Please drop in between 2pm and 3pm if you can help.

Through the week we have all our usual activities, please see last weeks email for information and check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Thank you to those who have helped design cards and get them printed so that we can give them out to invite others to MBC at Christmas. We’ve worked as quickly as we can and although the cards won’t be ready for Sunday, we will pick them up on Monday so that anyone who leads a group in church through the week can come and get some and give them out please. If you want to dop in and pick some up, you’d be welcome. I’ll have them out in the music room and in the Sanctuary.

This year at Christmas a few of you mentioned that you would like to make hampers again for our food pantry users and anyone we feel may value a Christmas hamper this year. We know of a few contacts locally but anyone else comes to mind, do let me know.

Could you help please by bringing any of the following items before the 16^th December?

Small Christmas cake/slices, mince pies, a nice toiletry for a man or woman e.g shower gel, shampoo, nice biscuits, tea/coffee/hot chocolate, Christmas sweets.

Please put them by the Christmas tree or one of our offices.

We are looking forward to…

Saturday 7^th December at 1.30-3.30pm “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.” Everyone welcome, drop in or stay for it all.

Sunday 8^th December 11am Service together with children’s group and then at 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

Wednesday 11^th December Christmas Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with refreshments.

Sunday 15^th December after church, there is a small group going carol singing in a local care home. Please See Rachel if you want to go.

Sunday 15^th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments provided. £10 each. Could you email Lesley or let me know if you want to book a place. We already have 14 people booked on so do let us know how many spaces you want to book for you or/and family/friends! If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway.”

Sunday 22^nd December 11am All age Nativity

Monday 23^rd December 10-12 Festive Beacon

Tuesday 24^th December Christmas Eve All Age Christingle at 4.30pm

Wednesday 25^th December All Age Christmas Day celebration at 10.30am

Looking forward too to seeing some more Jesse tree ornaments come back (see below) after last week. If you missed it, check out… Jesse Tree: Christian Christmas Tradition

In Christ

Shelley

11 am, Sunday 29th September. Two baptisms and a dedication.

September 28, 2024 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

This Sunday we look forward to welcoming everyone to join in the baptism service for Rachel, Jess, and a dedication for Amber. We start at 11am in the building and online. Afterwards everyone is welcome to stay for samosa’s, cake, tea and coffee! If you have a cake (no nuts, please) to contribute then do bring it along on Sunday and leave it on the table in the sports hall. Thanks to all those who have been working on our new sound system for the last few weeks and all the prep work before that.

Sunday 6^th October is our harvest thanksgiving café church! There’s breakfast pastries, fruit and drinks during the service. An email went out this week about what to bring. Money contributions for caring for life or money/food for North Leeds and West Foodbank please.. the food bank have specifically asked for…

Milk (UHT), soup, long life fruit juice, sweet and savoury spreads, long life sponge puddings, tinned vegetables, pasta/curry sauce, tinned fish, tinned rice pudding, tinned custard, tinned tomatoes, tinned meat, biscuits, rice, teabags, toilet roll and powdered milk (not baby milk)

There will be opportunity in the service to give money directly online.

Everything continues as usual through the week with Beacon warm welcome café at 10am on Monday, craft group welcome space on Thursday, stepping stones on Tuesday at 10am and lunchclub on Wednesday. There are housegroups and bible studies through the week. Do ask if you are unsure or would like to try them out. You don’t need to commit to being there every time and can go to more than one at a time. There;s Tuesday afternoon in the building (see Rod Russell or ask Lesley), Wednesday in the building at 7.30pm, Wednesday ladies (see Diane Sunter), Thursday in the building at 7.00pm. Friday morning at 10am (see Shelley) and Friday eve in Adel at 8pm.

Rock Solid for youth meet on Sunday evening at 7pm.

A reminder that there will be a get together for anyone who attended any of the prayer course in the building after café church (6^th October) (bring your lunch).

There’s a deacon’s meeting on Tuesday evening this week at 7.30pm in the building. Unfortunately, there wasn’t another night in the next two weeks before our next whole church meeting to get everyone together for this but it clashes with the city wide prayer gathering but if anyone else can go along then do go with our blessing and I’d love to catch up with you afterwards.. Leeds Citywide Prayer Gathering
Tuesday 1st October, 7:45 – 9:30pm
North Church, 98 Kirkstall Road, LS3 1HJ

Other things..

Intercultural Worship Conference
Saturday 30th November, 10am – 4pm
Venue – St George’s Centre, 60 Great George Street, LS1 3DL
A great chance to learn and share in conversations and dialogue on Intercultural Worship.
You can find out more and register here.

Here’s a link to the latest edition of the Baptists Together magazine. This edition includes a few articles on different forms of discipleship File.aspx (baptist.org.uk)

Finally, if you didn’t join the service last week, I wanted to let you know that we started a new series based on the book of Ruth. Feel free to catch up with the first part of Ruth 1 and we continue with the rest of Ruth 1 tomorrow as we see the thread of promises woven through our baptisms and dedication. We look forward to joining with you.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19

Shelley

PS. The images at the top of this post show Shelley preaching at MBC last Sunday. Now being unable to attend I decided to watch the service on YouTube and during her talk I couldn’t resist grabbing a few screenshots.

When Shelley’s husband Nathan saw them he said she looked as if she was doing all the hand movements to the hit song YMCA, whereas I just wished she could be a bit more animated!