Shelley Dring – Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s message for w/c Sunday 18th January

January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Here is the week ahead…

Sunday 18^th January Church service with Communion and group for our younger friends to explore the theme together 11.00 – 12.00pm. We’ll be starting a new short series looking at ‘whole life worship’.

Sunday 18^th January Rock Solid youth groups in the church building 7-8pm

Monday 19^th January Beacon Warm Welcome Space and Lord’s Pantry 10.00am – 12.00pm Everyone welcome

Tuesday 20^th January Stepping Stones For the under 5’s and their parents and carers 10.00 – 11.30am (speak to Diane or Hilary if interested)

Tuesday 20^th January House Group in the Music Room 12.30 – 2.30 speak to Howard Dews

Wednesday 21^st January Lunch Club 10.15am – 1.15pm Speak to Rachel or Lesley if you want more information as you need to be booked on.

Wednesday 21^st January Wednesday worship for all 1.30-2 in the music room. The theme is Awakening.

Wednesday 21^st January PACT Meeting 6.30 – 7.15pm – Police and Communities Together for Moortown. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday 21^st January House Group Music Room 7.30 – 9.30pm Speak to Andy or Ruth for more information.

Thursday 22^nd January Warm Welcome Space Craft Group 2.00 – 4.00pm Contact Karen if you want to know more.

Thursday 22^nd January Women’s Self Defence Group 1.00 – 5.00pm Sports Hall. All women are welcome to book a free place.. See attachment to this email or ask Shelley or Lesley.

Thursday 22^nd January Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 23^rd January Bible Study in the Music Room 10.00 – 11.00am Speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 23^rd January Parkinson’s Exercise Class 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Friday 23^rd January House group at 8pm in Adel See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen.

Sunday 25^th January Service 11.00 – 12.00pm with a group to explore the theme with our younger friends.

Sunday 25^th January Rock Solid Youth group 7-8pm in the church building

Also…

Wednesday 28^th January Creative Psalm Writing 7.00 – 9.00pm in the Sports Hall. Everyone is welcome and you can bring your own paper and resources or just use what we have here (we have pastels, pens, colouring pencils and art paper..)

Well done!

Well done to all those who completed the erecting scaffolding course on Friday and passed with flying colours! We are committed to looking after our volunteers and passing on skills so we are very grateful for those who gave up their time to do this and the money from church to support the training.

Last week myself, Deacons Andy, Krys, Mandy, John along with Rachel our Seniors worker went to the Fresh Streams leadership Conference in Staffordshire. We’ll be passing on helpful learning and training in the next month as there were many different workshops alongside the main sessions. In the meantime, if you would like to watch the main seminars for free they are all available online on their youtube channel at FSLC26 – Awaken – Session 6 – Holding Space for Encounter The theme for the Conference was Awaken.

Soon Krys and Bela will be visiting the women’s refuge in Sri Lanka. If you want to find out more then have a look at our website here Women’s Development Centre. Krys Gadd makes her annual visit to Sri Lanka, only this time her support team is considerably bigger. Read on to find out how you can help. – Moortown Baptist Church

Church meetings dates will be confirmed this week.

Funerals

I now have some more information about two funerals taking place at Moortown Baptist Church over the next few weeks. The thanksgiving service for Robert Owen will take place at 11.30am on Friday 30^th January in the church building followed by refreshments in the church. All who would like to come and remember Robert and support Carol are welcome to all of this. Carol has said that you do not need to wear dark clothes on this occasion.

The thanksgiving service for Jean Hiley will take place in the church building at 2pm on Thursday 5^th February. More details to come.

Finally, a big thank you

A big thank you to everyone who came to celebrate my birthday after church last week. I was really touched by your fantastic cards and things and many kind greetings. It was a special time together and massive thanks too to all those who made cake, decorated and supported tea and coffee making throughout the afternoon! You have kicked off the year for me well!

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s friendly update – 30th November

November 29, 2025November 29, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends,

Advent is a time of preparation for the arrival of the coming King. It’s a reminder of Jesus first arrival on earth as well as a second arrival that is to come. Stories of advent span the whole of the bible and beyond as we look backwards and forwards at how God loves and moves through time and through people. For those of you who like time travelling stories and films in different time frames, Advent is a good one to wonder about and to think about what God has for us in this season.

So, we start tomorrow with Advent Part 1: Hope and the wonderful plan. We meet at 11am in the building and online and there will be a group for our younger friends to explore the same theme during the message part of the service. The first part of the service will introduce the theme for all. Thankyou to Susan for the advent ring.

In the evening, Rock Solid youth meet at 7-8pm in the building. Thanks to all those leading and praying for our youth groups and families. If you are interested, then do let me or one of the leaders know.

We’ll have the first batch of MBC Christmas cards to give out tomorrow too so do pick one up to keep or give away. All details are now on the website.

The week ahead..

Monday 1^st December 10-12 midday Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building
Monday 1^st December 7.30pm Staff and deacons Christmas get together
Tuesday 2^nd December Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents, and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.
Tuesday 2^nd December afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley
Wednesday 3^rd December Lunch club for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley for more information.
Wednesday 3^rd December 7.30pm Hybrid bible study moves to Harewood this week Speak to Ruth or Andy B or Shelley.
Wednesday 3^rd December House group with Dianne. Speak to Diane or ask Lesley or Shelley for more information.
Thursday 4^th December 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.
Thursday 4^th December Bible study at 7pm, see Gareth G or ask Lesley.
Friday 5^th December Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.
Friday 5^th December House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.
Friday 5^th December Decorate the church at teatime ready for Christmas. If you are around through the week and would like to make the church look Christmassy in anyway then do let Karen, Lesley or myself know as we would love some help.
Sunday 7^th December ‘Christmas café church’ (Advent 2: Hope) 11-12midday followed by a Christmas community café with live music, dance and refreshments 12.45-2.45pm. Kevin Sinfield will be stopping at MBC at about 1.15/1.30pm on his final day of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge 2025 raising money for those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. Please stay to cheer him in, join the Christmas café, invite some people along, then wave Kevin off as he runs onto Beckett Park University Campus to begin the Leeds Santa Dash. More information here by clicking this link Run For All launches Leeds Santa Dash as final leg of Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge. There will be extra parking over the road at the nursery, look out for our volunteers in high vis jackets who are here to help and have a plan!

More for Advent and Christmas..

Wednesday 10^th December 1.30-2pm Advent Wednesday Worship
Sunday 14^th December 11 o clock service with communion (Advent 3) and group for our younger friends to creatively explore the theme. There will be an opportunity to sing carols in a local home for the elderly after the service (please bring your lunch if you want to eat in between the service and carol singing to keep your energy up!) Speak to Rachel B or Claire for more information.
Then at 3-5pm we’ll host a Wreath Making workshop in the Sanctuary. It’s £10 per wreath and everything is provided including natural and non-natural materials, Christmas refreshments and music. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Please contact Lesley in the office admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk Thanks to those who have booked in so far.
Sunday 21^st December is our All Age nativity (Advent 4) 11-12 midday.
Monday 22^nd December Christmas Beacon and warm welcome space with Christmas crafts and snacks for all ages from 10-12midday.
Wednesday 24^th December at 4.30-5.15pm it’s the All Age Christingle Service
Thursday 25^th December 10.30-11.30am All Age Christmas Day Service
Sunday 28^th December 11-12 Service together

We are putting together some hampers again to give to those who use the food pantry at Christmas and to those who we think would appreciate a hamper connected to any group over the Christmas season. We are looking at Christmas themed snacks and food, new woolly socks and hats, shower gel. A few children’s gifts such as stationary, pens. Please place them under the tree on 7^th December. We have had a wonderful donation of books from the Little Bookshop in Chapel Allerton. Thanks to Sophie for helping with this.

Do check out the website and face book page to see what’s been going on this week and what’s coming up! www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Isaiah 9:6-7:”For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

In Christ

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update – 21 November

November 21, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

It’s the final part of our Acts series on Sunday when we look at ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 6: For every generation…the story beyond Acts. We start at 11am and there will be a group for our younger friends to explore the same thing and make some crafts.

After church, the yellow badge prayer group will meet with Krys and Shelley in church for a catch up, learning and pray.

Extra get together! Thanks to those who have let me and Karen know if you are available to help with something on the 7^th December to support our Christmas café and community event. We would love to have 15 minutes just to chat through some of the logistics so far on the day so will be meeting at 12.45 in the music room until 1pm. Krys is aware of this and will start the prayer group at 1pm. If you want to find out more about it then you are really welcome to join us 12.45-1pm. If you are available to help but really can’t make the 15 mins at 12.45 then do let us know and we will work find a way of you keeping in the loop! If you aren’t sure how to help, we have asked for people to help with tea’s refreshments on the day or make cake/Christmas snacks beforehand, car parking support, a couple of people to check on the musicians and dancers, someone to keep an eye on Christmas crafts. Someone to help with sound and lights (not all afternoon, just to set up and keep an eye out) The last chance for any musicians/singers to let me know if they want to do something Christmassy together is Sunday.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the building 7pm until 8pm. All welcome. Please pray for our young people and their leaders and for our children’s group in the morning.

Next week..

Monday 24^th November 10-12 midday Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building. We welcome Andrea and Mark Hodgkins visit who will pop in for a coffee at about 11am. At midday after the café, they will share about the work they have been doing as missionaries in Chad with Baptist Missionary Society. A light lunch will be provided for all who attend so feel free to come at 12midday until 1 o clock or simply stay after Beacon. All welcome.

Tuesday 25^th November Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 25^th November afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley

Tuesday 25^th November 7.30pm Deacons meeting in the music room.

Wednesday 26^th November Lunch club for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 26^th November 7.30pm Bible study in the church building. Speak to Ruth or Andy B or send a message to Lesley.

Wednesday 26^th November House group with Diane, ask Lesley or Diane or mention it to Shelley for more information.

Wednesday 26^th November Creative prayer art session with Krys and Cas in church at 7pm. Do come along even if you haven’t been before. Materials are provided. Please talk to Krys if you have questions.

Thursday 27^th November 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.

Thursday 27^th November Bible study at 7pm in church building, see Gareth G or ask Lesley.

Friday 28^th November Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.

Friday 28^th November House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley for more information.

Sunday 30^th November 11am Advent Sunday service with small group for our younger friends. We begin our Advent series ‘Small Wonder’.

Advent and Christmas at MBC…

Friday 5^th December.. Decorate the church at teatime ready for Christmas. If you can help, can you let Karen, Lesley or myself know please? Even if you drop in to put up a tree (most of the tree decorations are going on in the service on the 7^th), put up a row of lights, put up a garland, it’s all helpful and supports us getting ready for café church on the Sunday!

Sunday 7^th December ‘Christmas café church’ 11-12 midday (advent 2) All ages together with breakfast pastries and drinks.

Followed by…Christmas community café with live music, dancers, Christmas refreshments and Christmas crafts 12.45-2.45pm. Kevin Sinfield will be stopping at MBC at about 1.15 on his final day of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge 2025 raising money for those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. Please stay to cheer him in, join the Christmas café, invite some people along, then wave Kevin off as he runs onto Beckett Park University Campus to begin the Leeds Santa Dash. More information here by clicking this link Run For All launches Leeds Santa Dash as final leg of Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge. Feel free to bring a packed lunch if you feel you need more sustenance and are staying until 3pm. Please invite people and pray for the weekend. We will have the MBC Christmas cards produced by then too so that we can invite people back throughout Advent and Christmas. The nursery over the road is kindly letting us use their carpark on the day. If you live near and can walk on the day then that will be helpful. The whole event is free. There will be an opportunity to give cash towards Leeds Hospital Funds and MND Association on the day.

Wednesday 10^th December Advent Wednesday Worship 1.30-2pm in the building.

Sunday 14^th December 11 o clock service with communion (Advent 3).

Go out to sing carols at Grove Park Care Home after the service. The home is on Grove Lane off Meanwood Road. Feel free to bring a bite to eat after the service. Please can you let Rachel B or Claire know if you are coming. It’s especially important to let them know if you need a lift so they can work out spaces.

Then at 3-5pm we’ll host a Wreath Making workshop in the MBC building. It’s £10 per wreath and everything is provided including natural and non-natural materials, Christmas refreshments, and music. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. The workshop is a taught workshop so you will be shown what to do then then you will have space to work at your own pace. Booking is essential, contact Lesley in the office admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk Another great opportunity to bring people and welcome others as well as taking some time to do something different.

Sunday 21^st December is our All Age nativity (Advent 4) 11-12 midday.

Monday 22^nd December is Christmas Beacon and warm welcome space with Christmas crafts and snacks for all ages from 10-12midday.

Wednesday 24^th December at 4.30-5.15pm it’s the All Age Christingle Service

Thursday 25^th December 10.30-11.30am All Age Christmas Day Service (note the slightly earlier time!)

Sunday 28^th December 11-12am service together

If you would like to get involved by saying a reading, a prayer, welcoming, helping with refreshments or anything else you feel would support what is going on, then do let myself or Lesley or a deacon know or Karen for refreshments. You don’t need to already be in a team , just come and have a chat with us.

Hampers for our community..

We are looking at Christmas themed snacks and food, new woolly socks and hats, shower gel. A few children gifts such as stationary, pens. Please place them under the tree on 7^th December. I’ll keep in touch about when the hampers are being put together and if anyone would like to help.

Check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk and Facebook page to keep in touch and share the news with others. Thanks to those who are helping me with this. If you want to help in this area, then do let me know.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news..” Isaiah 52:7

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news – 15 November, the leadup to Advent and Christmas

November 15, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

We meet tomorrow at 11am in the building and online as we look at The Church’s mission in Acts: Part 5 is the church on the move. The church became a ‘sent and sending’ church where new communities formed and we’ll look at what that meant both then and now. We’ll look at some of the new churches as examples including the Antioch church in Acts 13. We’ll share communion together and there will be a group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. There is a map that has kindly been produced in the Sanctuary. You can see Paul’s journey’s on there, but you might also see other things you recognise such as holiday destinations, places where letters were sent in the bible. We will have some little pieces of paper so that you can add your own thought or word or sentence or picture on the map if it reminds you of something.

In the evening Rock Solid youth meet at 7-8pm in the building. Thanks to all those leading and praying for our youth groups and families. If you are interested then do let me know.

The week ahead..

Monday 17^th November 10-12 midday Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building

Tuesday 18^th November Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 18^th November afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley

Wednesday 19^th November Lunch club for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 19^th November 1.30pm Wednesday Worship for half an hour in music room. Everyone welcome

Wednesday 19^th November 7.30pm Bible study in the church building. Speak to Ruth or Andy B or send a message to Lesley.

Wednesday 19^th November House group with Diane, ask Lesley or Diane or mention it to Shelley for more information.

Thursday 20^th November 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.

Thursday 20^th November Bible study at 7pm, see Gareth G or ask Lesley.

Friday 21^stNovember Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.

Friday 21^st November House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.

Sunday 23^rdNovember 11am Church service and a group for our younger friends. ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 6: For every generation…the story continues

After church on Sunday 23^rd the yellow badge prayer group will meet with Krys and Shelley in church for a catch up, learning and pray.

Next few weeks at MBC…

Monday 24^th November Andrea and Mark Hodgkins visit Beacon café. They will arrive at about 11am for a coffee and chat. At midday when the café finishes, they will share about the work they have been doing in the last year as Baptist Missionary missionaries in Chad. A light lunch will be provided for all who attend so feel free to come at 12midday until 1 o clock for a ‘lunch and learn’ (or simply stay after Beacon). They will chat for a bit then there will be chance for questions during lunch. All welcome.

Tuesday 25^th November Deacons meeting at 7.30pm in the building

Wednesday 26^th November is the next Creative prayer art session with Krys and Cas in church at 7pm. Do come along even if you haven’t been before. Materials are provided or you can bring your own. Please talk to Krys if you have questions. Also, the yellow badge prayer team will meet on the 23^rd after church too, more information to come.

Around the city…

Tuesday 18^th November ‘An evening with Rev John Swales MBE of Lighthouse Church ‘What does it look like to follow Jesus in a world of climate breakdown and fractured society. Prayer stations will offer space for lament and hope. In the chapel at Trinity University Horsforth Campus Creation Groans : Christ Calls Tickets, Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Advent and Christmas at MBC…

Firstly, thank you to those who have offered to do things at Christmas to help us share the love of Jesus at Christmas together and with our communities. We have mostly finalised the key services and events although there could be one or two more things added. We have a Christmas card being made with our key events on and you will be able to take one to pass on to someone else or to keep in the next two weeks.

Advent Sunday is 30^th November where we will start our journey towards Christmas with the theme of ‘Small Wonder’ with an invitation for all to explore the wonder of the first Christmas. Following this we will have…

Friday 5^th December.. Decorate the church at teatime ready for Christmas. If you can help, even for a short time then can you let Karen or myself know please?

Sunday 7^th December ‘Christmas café church’ (Advent 2) 11-12 followed by a Christmas community café with live music and refreshments 12.45-2.45pm. Kevin Sinfield will be stopping at MBC at about 1.15/1.30pm on his final day of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge 2025 raising money for those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. Please stay to cheer him in, join the Christmas café, invite some people along, then wave Kevin off as he runs onto Beckett Park University Campus to begin the Leeds Santa Dash. More information here by clicking this link Run For All launches Leeds Santa Dash as final leg of Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge.

Wednesday 10^th December Advent Wednesday Worship 1.30-2pm

Sunday 14^th December starts with an 11 o clock service with communion (Advent 3). There will be an opportunity to sing carols in a local home for the elderly after the service (please bring your lunch if you want to eat in between the service and carol singing to keep your energy up!) Speak to Rachel B or Claire for more information. Thanks to those who bought Christmas cards and the craft group who wrote them all to give out at the carol singing.

Then at 3-5pm we’ll host a Wreath Making workshop in the Sanctuary. It’s £10 per wreath and everything is provided including natural and non-natural materials, Christmas refreshments and music. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential, contact Lesley in the office admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Sunday 21^st December is our all age nativity (Advent 4) 11-12 midday.

Monday 22^nd December Christmas Beacon and warm welcome space with Christmas crafts and snacks for all ages from 10-12midday.

Wednesday 24^th December at 4.30-5.15pm it’s the All Age Christingle Service

Thursday 25^th December 10.30-11.30am All Age Christmas Day Service

If you would like to get involved by doing a reading, saying a prayer, welcoming, helping with refreshments do let myself or Lesley or one of the deacons know or Karen if it’s about refreshments. You don’t need to be in a team yet, just come and have a chat. Or of you aren’t sure have a chat anyway, we’d love to involve you somehow. We pray we can shine the light of Jesus this Christmas in our community and beyond. We’ll want people to join in the nativity too nearer the time.

Some people want to put together some hampers again to give to those who use the food pantry at Christmas and to those who would appreciate a hamper who we hear about over the Christmas season. We are looking at Christmas themed snacks and food, new woolly socks and hats, shower gel. A few children gifts such as stationary, pens. Please place them under the tree on 7^th December.

Do check out the website and face book page to see what’s been going on this week and what’s coming up! If you want to help out in this area of publicity, then do let me know. Thankyou www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Col 4:5)

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news update for November 8th

November 8, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

We’ll be meeting on Sunday for a service together including the act of Remembrance observed by many around the country on Remembrance Sunday. We’ll be continuing with our journey Acts, and the theme will look at how the dramatic growth of the early church didn’t stop the new apostles experiencing suffering along the way: ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 4: Sharing suffering

There will be a group for children to creatively explore the theme during part of the service as well as some creative activities for all at the front of the sanctuary. Please try to be seated by 10.50 as the service will start shortly after this so that we can observe the act of remembrance at 11am. Those who arrive at 11am will politely be asked to wait on the chairs in the foyer until the end of the 2 minutes. We’ll be online on our youtube channel too from 10.50, just search for Moortown Baptist Church on youtube.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet at 7pm -8pm in the building. Do ask if you want more information. It’s open to all young people from about year 5 at school until end of year 13.

Here’s what is coming up over the week..

Monday 10^th November 10-12 midday Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building

Tuesday 11^th November Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 11^th November is Remembrance Day and you may have a moment of remembrance at 11am.

Tuesday 11^th November afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley

Tuesday 11^th November Whole church meeting at 7.30pm in church. A zoom link will go out to those who are unable to be in the building but would like to join in. Agenda and minutes have already been sent out.

Wednesday 12^th November Lunch club for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 12^th November 7.30pm Bible study in the church building. Speak to Ruth or Andy B or send a message to Lesley.

Wednesday 12^th November House group with Diane, ask Lesley or Diane or mention it to Shelley for more information.

Thursday 13^th November 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.

Thursday 13^th November Bible study at 7pm, see Gareth G or ask Lesley.

Friday 14^th November Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.

Friday 14^th November House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.

Sunday 16^th November 11am Church service with communion and a group for our younger friends. ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 5: The church on the move

Next few weeks at MBC…

Wednesday 19^th November 1.30pm Wednesday Worship for half an hour in music room. Everyone welcome

There will be another Creative prayer art session with Krys and Cas on Wednesday 26^th November, more information to come. Also, the yellow badge prayer team will meet on the 23^rd after church too, more information to come.

Unfortunately The Send event on the 22^nd November has been postponed. The youth team will keep you informed about any new dates. Do encourage the young people to talk to their leaders too about things they would like to find out about or do.

Monday 24^th November we have Andrea and Mark Hodgkins coming to Beacon café and sharing some stories when the café has finished. All welcome.

Around the city…

Nearer Christmas at MBC…

Sunday 7^th December ‘Christmas café church’ followed by a Christmas community café with live music and refreshments. Everyone welcome! Kevin Sinfield will be running past the church building at about 1.15/1.30pm on his final day of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge 2025 raising money for those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. Please click on the link here. Look up day 7 and you will see where we are on the map! Kevin will run by Moortown Baptist Church and then onto Beckett Park University Campus to begin the Leeds Santa Dash. More information here by clicking this link Run For All launches Leeds Santa Dash as final leg of Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge.

Sunday 14^th December will also see the return of carol singing in a local home for the elderly, feel free to speak to Rachel B or Claire for more information. Our wreath making workshop is taking place in the afternoon of the 14^th and its open to everyone! More information to come.

All the Christmas services and events are being put together. We’ll share some information next week about getting involved. Do talk to me though if you have things you can do. We pray we can shine the light of Jesus this Christmas in our community and beyond.

Do check out the website and face book page to see what’s been going on this week and what’s coming up! www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

And a big thankyou…

This week we passed our Level 5 food hygiene rating in the kitchen! Look out for the green signs! A huge thank you to Gill and Rachel for all their work on this and all the kitchen teams.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news – 18th October

October 18, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Here is what the week is looking like…

Sunday 19^th October 11am Service in the building and online with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme creatively. We’ll share communion together so if you are online then do get your bread and wine/juice ready. Theme: ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 1 will look at Jesus and the Church (Acts 1:9-19)

3.00pm Children’s leaders meet with Shelley in Harewood.

In the evening, Rock Solid youth groups meet 7-8pm in the building.

Monday 20^th October 10-12midday Beacon Warm welcome café in the building.

Tuesday 21^stOctober 10-11.30 Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 21^st October afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley

Wednesday 22^nd October Lunch club for all attendees and lunch club volunteers. Speak to Rachel or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 22^nd October 7.30pm Bible study in the church building. Speak to Ruth or Andy B, or send a message to Lesley.

Wednesday 22^nd October is the next Psalm Writing/drawing workshop at 7.30pm in the building at MBC. See Krys or Cas or myself for more information.

Thursday 23^rd October 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.

Thursday 23^rd October Bible study at 7pm, see John C to check whether it’s on.

Friday 24^th October Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.

Friday 24^th October House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.

Sunday 26^th October 11am Service in the building and online with group for the children. ‘The Church’s Mission in Acts’. Part 2: Empowered by the Spirit

Around the country..

Last week a talk took place online looking at theology, churches, and the mainstreaming of the far right led by Dr Krish Kandiah who is very involved with Spring Harvest. You can listen again here if you want to hear some of the main issues and pray.

https://youtu.be/a8-3x6qwVn4

Around the city..

19^th October 1-3pm at Leeds Minster. An opportunity to meet Revd Ashraf Tannous. Hear about what it is like to be a Christian Pastor in Palestine. Click this link for more information. Middle East Lunch, Talk and Q & A at Leeds Minster – Diocese of Leeds: Justice and Peace Commission

‘How to be a prophetic voice for change’ at Leeds Minster Prophet or Provider: The Hook Lecture 2025 Tickets, Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrit

Saturday 25^th October 10-12 midday Harrogate School of Theology are looking at the Holy Spirit with a session called ‘Another Advocate: The Holy Spirit in the New Testament’ Details here Seminar – October 2025 : Another Advocate: The Emergence of the Holy Spirit in the Writings of the New Testament – Harrogate School of Theology & Mission

Tuesday 28^th October ‘The Message trust on tour’ God is on the move and can use each of us to reach our friends, communities, workplaces, but how do we play our part? Come and be equipped, inspired, and encouraged, an evening with Andy Hawthorn and team from The Message Trust. See Claire for more information. Leeds: Message on tour – The Message

Saturday 22^nd November. This is the second Leeds gathering for young people and young adults and all those who want to support them in sharing Jesus with others THE SEND UK & Ireland There is a group going from MBC. Do send a message or speak to myself or Ruth or one of the youth leaders if you want to find out more or go along with the group.

Nearer Christmas at MBC…

Do check out the website and face book page to see what’s been going on this week and what’s coming up! www.moortownbapstistchurch.org.uk

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

204 King Lane

Leeds

LS17 6AA

0113 2693750

Registered charity: 1128960

www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Usual working days: Sundays – Thursdays

Shelley’s news, w/c Sunday 28th September

October 3, 2025September 21, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

We look forward to joining with you tomorrow as we reflect on our theme of the Holy Spirit’s fruit and look again at Galatians 5:22-24. During this time or through tomorrow’s service you may have some thoughts for yourself based on what you feel God is saying or what you are learning or experiencing. Some of these thoughts may be for others too. If you discern that you may want to share something that may be for others too, then do let me know as there will be an opportunity in early October.

We will have a group for our younger friends tomorrow with the same theme. Prayer available after the service.

Next Sunday it’s our All-Age Harvest Festival café church with fruit, breakfast pastries and drinks. These will be provided for free. We will also be collecting food and money to give away as a Harvest gift to Leeds Northwest Foodbank, ‘Caring for life’ and to support our own informal food pantry known as ‘The lord’s pantry’.

The foodbank has asked specifically for..

Tinned Soup
Cereal
Tinned Tomatoes
Jars of curry sauce
Tinned Potatoes

Caring for life has asked specifically for..

Tinned foods: Meat Meals & Veg, Puddings and Fruit, Soup/Beans
Dried pasta and rice
Pasta sauce in jars
Biscuits and chocolate
Tea/coffee
Cereals
Long life milk
Pot noodle, cup-a-soup

We will sort the food and money at the end of the Harvest festival and deliver to where it needs to go, if you want to help with this do get in touch with me or Lesley. For more information online look at Harvest Appeal | Caring For Life and Donate food | Leeds North & West Foodbank

We also welcome Rachel White who has worked with overseas mission and joins in with sharing in a creative way for café church.

Here’s what’s happening over the week…

Sunday 28^th September 7-8pm Rock Solid in the building. Do ask if you want more information.

(meeting from 5pm for older youth leaders)

Monday 29^th September 10-12midday Beacon Warm welcome café in the building.

Monday 29^th September 3pm Health and safety meeting in the building.

Tuesday 30^th September 10-11.30 Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 30^th September afternoon bible study in church See Howard or check with Lesley
Wednesday 1^st October Lunch club for all attendees and the lunch club volunteers. Speak to Rachel or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 1^st October 7.30pm Bible study in church. Speak or Ruth or Andy Berry, or contact myself or Lesley

Thursday 2^nd October 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support.

Thursday 2^nd October Bible Study led by Gareth 7.00 – 9.00pm in church building.

Friday 3^rd October Bible Study 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.

Friday 3^rd October House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.

Saturday 4^th October Craft Fair 10.30am – 2.30pm in the building. All Welcome, £1 entry going to the Sri Lanka girls refuge project. See link here Coming up soon, a Craft Fair in support of a girls refuge in Kandy, Sri Lanka – Moortown Baptist Church Homemade crafts and gifts for sale. Refreshments available.

If anyone would like to make a cake to go alongside the teas/coffees at the craft fair, could you let Krys or Shelley know please? Thanks so much! (no fresh cream or nuts)

Sunday 5^th October All Age Harvest Festival café church at 11-12 midday.

Sunday 5^th October Warm Welcome lunch after café church for those who feel they are new to Moortown and want to find out more or get to know some other people. Speak to Mandy, or contact Shelley or a deacon and they will point you in the right direction to book on.

Sunday 5^th October 7-8pm Rock Solid for youth in Church.

A couple of other things going on in Leeds…

Prophet or Provider: the Hook Lecture “How to be a prophetic voice for change while meeting the needs of those at the margins”

Prophet or Provider: The Hook Lecture 2025 Tickets, Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Day conference on Isaiah: Discover the Hope of Gods promise with Rev Jon Swales

Conferences – Leeds School of Theology

At Moortown Baptist Church…

7^th October Overseas mission meeting at 2.45 in the building.

12^th October after church, bring your lunch. Discovering prayer group. All welcome even if you haven’t been before. See Krys or Shelley for more information. Theme is ‘unanswered prayer’.

15^th October Wednesday worship 1.30-2pm in the building

22^nd October is the next Psalm Writing/drawing workshop at 7.30pm in the building. See Krys or myself for more information.

Thanks to all who came to be part of last week’s meeting and AGM. Do keep praying about what was shared and look out for what God maybe saying. If there is something you want to chat about, do get in touch and we’ll find a time. Also, if you or anyone you know connected to church would appreciate a visit, do let me know.

In Christ

Shelley

Minister MBC

Shelley’s update – 6th September

September 6, 2025September 6, 2025 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Today is the start of the National Week of Prayer in the UK. God loves us to pray to him and listen at anytime in all sorts of different ways. Sometimes there are initiatives that we feel we could join in with that join us with more people all at the same time. This is one of them. There are prayer cards in church and on our website to help you pray through the themes through the week. See the link here to our website National Week of Prayer 2025 starts Saturday September 6th – Moortown Baptist Church

There is also an opportunity to join a whats app call just for this week. At 9pm each night there will be a call on the whats app and there will be opportunity to pray with other, say something or simply listen and pray along. It’s an audio call not a video call. You don’t have to join every day. If you have a smartphone you can join the group on this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IgQB0xCP9jMAaqo7iQlNxu Lesley sent an email out about this this week.

Once you are added to the whats app it is still up to you at 9pm to answer the group call or not. For more information, please speak to Mandy or Krys tomorrow at church or send one of us a message or call Lesley on Monday. The National Week of Prayer is also having a zoom and you tube prayer session every day at midday. This is for the whole of the UK. Do click on the link here National Week of Prayer and look to the top of the page.

We also encourage you to pray with others. We’ll let you know of other opportunities to pray together throughout the week. If you are doing something that others may like to be part of then do let me know and we can pass this on.

Please add your prayer too to the physical prayer book in church.

The Holy Spirit art wall is continuing this week so do bring your pictures, drawings, words, photos, paintings to church. I have had a couple given this weekend so I will make sure they are up for the week of prayer. Thankyou.

Tomorrow its café church at 11am with snacks, pastries and drinks. The focus is Faithfulness. The reading will be Acts 11:19-30. Linsey will be referring to a story in the service that speaks about faithfulness. If you want to hear the full story you can watch it here! https://youtu.be/p-0x8jvT80U What do you think God is saying through it about faithfulness?

After church there is a get together with Mandy for all those helping with welcome meals.

In the evening there will be Rock Solid for youth in the church building 7-8pm.

Looking ahead…

Monday 8^th September Beacon café and warm welcome space 10-midday

Tuesday 9^th September Steppingstones for under 5’s, parents and carers. It’s back! (Do pray for them as they start again)

Tuesday 9^th September afternoon bible study in church See Howard or check with Lesley

Tuesday 9^th September Deacons meeting 7.30pm in church

Wednesday 10^th September Lunch club for all attendees and the lunch club volunteers. Speak to Rachel or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 10^th September 7.30pm Bible study in church. Speak or Ruth or Andy Berry, or contact myself or Lesley

Thursday 11^th September 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello.

Thursday 11^th September Bible Study led by Gareth G 7.00 – 9.00pm in church building.

Friday 12^th September Bible Study led by Brenda Friday 10.00 – 11.15 in church. See Brenda or Shelley for more information.

Friday 12^th September House Group 8.00 – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.

Sunday 14^th September Church with group for children to explore the theme creatively. The Fruit of the Spirit: ‘gentleness’ 11-12pm.

Sunday 14^th September ‘unanswered prayer’ course written by Pete Greig and led by Krys G after church. There is video to watch as part of the course. Bring your lunch if you want. Anyone can come whether you have been before or not.

Sunday 14^th September 7-8pm Rock Solid for youth in Church.

Beyond…

Wednesday 17^th September at 1.30pm until 2pm Wednesday Worship in the music room

Tuesday 23^rd September at 7.30pm AGM and church meeting in church 7.30pm

Saturday 4^th October Craft Fair See link here Coming up soon, a Craft Fair in support of a girls refuge in Kandy, Sri Lanka – Moortown Baptist Church

Sunday 5^th October café Church Harvest festival

There are some new articles again on the website this week including a story about Beacon café receiving the Leeds City Council Owl award as a thankyou for being open for the people of Leeds.. thanks to all who help in this team, give food and go along to share and chat. Follow the link here Two young visitors to Warm Space pictured with the “owl” trophy MBC jointly won in the Leeds Compassionate City Awards – Moortown Baptist Church

“God’s Spirit makes us loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” Galatians 5:22-23

In Christ

Shelley

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s update for w/c 1st September, just days away from the National Week of Prayer

August 31, 2025August 31, 2025 by Shelley Dring

This week…

Monday 1^st September Beacon café and warm welcome space is back 10-midday

Tuesday 2^nd September. No ‘Steppingstones’ for under 5’s, parents and carers. This group begins again on the 9^thSeptember 10-11.30am

Tuesday afternoon bible study – check with Howard or Lesley for this week.

Tuesday Shelley helping lead a funeral in Rawdon and Middleton (10-3pm)

Wednesday 3^rd September Deacons away Day 10am-3pm in Harewood

Wednesday 3^rd September Bible study in church 7.30-9.15. Speak to Ruth or Andy or Lesley.

Wednesday 3^rd September Lunch club for all attendees and the lunch club volunteers. Speak to Rachel or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 3^rd September 7.30pm House Group led by Diane S, please speak to Diane or Lesley for more information.

Thursday 4^th September 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello.

Thursday 4^th September Bible Study led by Gareth G 7.00 – 9.00pm in church building.

Friday 5^th September Bible Study led by Brenda Friday 10.00 – 11.15 in church. See Brenda or Shelley for more information.

Friday 5^th September House Group 8.00 – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley for more information.

Sunday 7^th September Café Church ‘faithfulness’ 11-12pm

Sunday 7^th September 7-8pm Rock Solid for youth in Church.

Beyond…

Tuesday 9^th September Deacons and Shelley meet in church 7.30pm

Sunday 14^th September Church Service at 11am with group for children exploring the theme.

Sunday 14^th September after church ‘Unanswered prayer’ course written by Pete Grieg of 24/7 prayer and led by Krys. All welcome whether you have been or not been before.

Tuesday 23^rd September at 7.30pm AGM and church meeting in church 7.30pm

Prayer Week

The National Week of Prayer is taking place the week of 6-14^th September which is a call for National and Spiritual renewal. It involves many UK Christian organisations including Christians in Politics, Christian Emergency Services, Spring Harvest, Gather25, Pray for Scotland, Evangelical Alliance, 24/7 Prayer and Open Doors amongst many. There has been several prayer gatherings over the end of the Summer and over the next few weeks for the UK and beyond and we thought this would be another opportunity for people to come together to pray with others across the land. A few weeks ago, Howard led a walk on the waterfront in Leeds City Centre that linked in so well with prayer for the city. There are lots of ways to pray.

Attached to the top and bottom of this email is a postcard and a note that has been put together by Krys and Mandy with prayer points for each day. These cards are also available in church so do pick one up. There will also be a whats app group that will come together for a short call of about 15 mins each night that week that Mandy will initiate. Do ask Krys/Mandy, myself, or Lesley if you would like to join or you are interested but don’t know how to do it. There is also a QR code you can also use to join. There will be a couple of other things going on too, I know some housegroups will be picking up the theme that week, so I will send those out too over the next week and if you have any other things you would like to initiate following on from this week then do come talk to me or send Lesley or I an email. We have a book that we will leave in church that week too so if you would like to write a prayer or thought from God in it, draw a picture or add something you have written from home then do add it to the book.

National Week of Prayer

We pray this week for all those going to school for the first time, for those going back, teachers, staff and volunteers.

Thankyou’s

We had a number of activities take place last week again. Thanks to all those who came to the Lunch Club volunteer training on Wednesday, it was a really useful session and a good time of fellowship over food. Thank you Rachel B, for planning all the training and refreshment. The Wednesday evening ‘make your own psalm book’ was a wonderful creative time together too, thanks to all those who came and we look forward to sharing more psalms and songs as they speak of what God is saying to us now.

Thank you to those who have served through leading worship, readings and prayers, groups, new activities and visiting over the Summer. We pray many of you have discovered more of God in the adventures of Summer and some have enjoyed a change from usual routines. Do continue to bring your art, photos, words, poems for the fruit of the spirit art wall. We will put those things up next week that have been brought this week.

In Christ
Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

It says in Matthew 18:20 “Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven”.

In this National Week of Prayer 2025, we have an opportunity to pray collectively as a church and as a nation. Take time to reflect and pray each day about the topics in the list we have put together. You may wish to journal, paint, draw or write what God might be saying to you in your times of prayer.

Date	Prayer Points
6^th September	The World – the planet, environmental issues
7^th September	The World – wars, disasters, opportunities and consistent prayer
8^th September	The world and the global church
9^th September	Europe in general and our place in Europe
10^th September	Great Britain –the nations and being part of the UK, the Baptist Union of Great Britain
11^th September	Leeds – people who are marginalised, disabled, homeless, unemployed, refugees, physical and mental illness. Opportunities and noticing where God is at work.
12^th September	Moortown and MBC – the communities we are involved in the surrounding area. What God is doing near to you and how you could be involved.
13^th September	Our family and friends, neighbours locally and far away
14^th September	Us and our relationship with God

At the end of the week please reflect on which prayer(s) you would like to share. Then simply write it or them out and paste them into our Book of Prayer.

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