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Shelley Dring

Shelley’s news, 4th July

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Dear friends

Here’s what’s coming up..

Sunday 5th July 11am Café Church Service all together exploring our theme of being alive in the spirit and what this means.  All ages come and worship and explore together.  With drinks, breakfast pastries and fruit for all.  This week is ‘Living hope’.

Sunday 5th July Church meeting at 12.45, finished by 2pm.  Updates, prayer, worship for the life of the church in Moortown and its mission. Please bring snacks/packed lunch if you need some food to keep you going.  Zoom link will be available in a separate email.  All welcome. 

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Monday 6th July 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all.  Food pantry available

Tuesday 7th July 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 7th July House Group 1.00 – 2.30pm in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 8th July Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B for more information. 

Wednesday 8th July House Group in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley/Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 8th July Pact (Police and Communities together) meeting for Moortown area takes place 6.30-7.30 on Wednesday 8th July in church.  Do come along if you live locally or if you want to hear about the policing concerns of local communities.   

Thursday 9th July Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm   All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill – speak to Karen for more information.  This week we made it a cool space but with a warm welcome!

Thursday 10th July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 11th July Bible Study in the Music room  – 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 11th July Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Sunday 12th July at 11am ‘Living Way’ Service with small group for children following the theme.

Sunday 19th July at 11am ‘Living Bread’ a service with communion for all.

Coming up at Moortown and what has been happening..

Please be aware that Lesley is not in the office until Monday 14th July. 

Please have a look at our website page www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for latest stories including news on our BMS mission partners in Chad, more information from Expect26 and news about how God is working through our friends in Romania.  We also post on facebook.  Facebook is a place we can post quickly about local activities we see but also about worldwide opportunities including prayer for the world.

Cream Tea fundraiser in aid of Romania on Sunday 12th July in church from 3.00pm – 5.00pm and everyone is welcome.  There will be cream/jam scones and tea/coffee or juice.  If anyone would like to help Karen in the kitchen then please let her know – you would need to be at church from 2.00pm to set things up and get the scones ready.  Thanks.

On the same day, the youth are having an art evening so will be starting slightly earlier at 6.45, finishing at the usual time.  Led in the same way as the create your own psalm group with loads of materials and time to express yourself.  There’s loads of hints and tips if you don’t feel ‘arty’, just come and explore.  It’s a great opportunity to bring a friend too so please let the leaders know if you are bringing friends so we have enough materials for you all.  If you are a young person and don’t usually go to youth group but would like to go, just let one of the leaders know. You’d be really welcome.

As a church, we’ll be featuring in the Yorkshire Baptist Association prayer diary the week of the 12th July.  Have a look here Prayer & Spiritual Reflections — Yorkshire Baptist Association We have sent some prayer points and thanksgiving prayers.  There are many more things we could say but we had to give just a couple.  The prayer points will be on the YBA website that week.

Join Blossom for their Self-Defence Free Taster Session for women at Moortown Baptist Church on 27th August from 1:30pm-4:30pm This friendly, session focuses on building confidence, awareness, communication skills, and simple self-defence techniques that anyone can learn. No experience required.  Whether you’re looking to feel more confident in everyday situations or simply want to try something new, Blossom would love to welcome you.  Book your place today at https://blossom-uk.co.uk/courses/ola/services/self-defence-taster-session-moortown-leeds-27th-aug-11

Building work…

We have been monitoring the state of the building and when necessary, making improvements and repairs.  It’s great that we have people to help and give of their skills and time so freely and we thank God for them, people who often work behind the scenes.  Sometimes we need to bring in people to pay to do the work.  Over the last year it has become clear that at some point some work needs to be done to parts of the roof as well some work to the right of the building by the music room.  A fuller update will be given at the church meeting on Sunday but we wanted to let you know that some of this work will begin again and continue over the next few weeks.  You may see cones by the music room wall outside by the path, encouraging people to not get too close to the wall whilst work is taking place.  All work is risk assessed and should be planned.  Groups that could be affected will be given notice if they need to change rooms.  We are not anticipating anything to be cancelled or postponed.

Coming up locally..

A free Summer Band Concert at Wigton Moor Primary School, Barfield Crescent LS17 8RU on Sunday 26th July from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.  Organised by Harewood Parish Council.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news for 27th June

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Dear friends

When Jesus said, ‘I am the gate’ for the sheep, he explained this would be a gate of freedom and life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Since we celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the person of God who would be with us all the time, we have been starting to explore what this life is like.  We started looking at Living stones.  Objects like stones are not known for being alive but Peter, a friend of Jesus, uses the picture of stones to represent people who are being built together into something special. Over the next few weeks we’ll continue this theme and look at other objects and ideas in the bible that were described as living because of the power of God’s Spirit working through them and what this means to us and our world.

This week we look at Living water, something we probably all appreciate more after this warm weather week! 

Here’s what’s coming up..

Sunday 28th June 11am Service together with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme creatively together.  Come and explore ‘Living water’ John 7 and more.  

After the service, kids group leaders and Shelley meet to pray.  Please do pray for them and their ministry.

Sunday 28th June 7-8pm Rock Solid Youth groups meet in the building.

Monday 29th June 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all.  Food pantry available – Linking Leeds available for any advice on health, housing, support..

Tuesday 30th June 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 30th June House Group 1.00 – 2.30pm in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 1st July Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B for more information. 

Wednesday 1st July House Group in the Music Room at 7.30pm   –    Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley/Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 1st July Create your own psalm art group meet in the sports hall.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before.  7-9pm Contact Krys, Cas, Lesley or Shelley for more information.

Thursday 2nd July Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm. All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill – speak to Karen for more information.  This last week we made it a cool space but with a warm welcome!

Thursday 2nd July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 3rd July Bible Study in the Music room  – 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 3rd July Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Sunday 5th July 11am Café Church Service all together exploring our theme of being alive in the spirit and what this means.  All ages come and worship and explore together.  With drinks, breakfast pastries and fruit for all.

Sunday 5th July Church meeting at 12.45 until 2pm.  Updates, prayer, worship for the life of the church in Moortown and its mission. Please bring snacks/packed lunch if you need some food to keep you going.  Zoom link will be available.  All welcome.  Agenda went out to members last week.  If you want to see it then do get in touch with Lesley and she will sort you one out.  Please be aware that Lesley works Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Coming up at Moortown and what has been happening..

Please have a look at our website page www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for latest stories including initial information about Shelley and Phil’s time at Expect26 with Baptist Missionary Society, the gardening day and ongoing plans, local community Summer fayre’s and upcoming events such as the MBC cream tea.  We also post on facebook.  Facebook is a place we can not post quickly about local activities we see but also about worldwide opportunities such as the new prayer requests for Venezuela, appeals, and prayer points from people in the middle of conflicts.

Here are a couple of things to let you know about…

Cream Tea fundraiser in aid of Romania on Sunday 12th July in church from 3.00pm – 5.00pm and everyone is welcome.  There will be cream/jam scones and tea/coffee or juice.  If anyone would like to help Karen in the kitchen then please let her know – you would need to be at church from 2.00pm to set things up and get the scones ready.  Thanks.

On the same day, the youth are having an art evening so will be starting slightly earlier at 6.45, finishing at the usual time.  Led in the same way as the create your own psalm group with loads of materials and time to express yourself.  There’s loads of hints and tips if you don’t feel ‘arty’, just come and explore.  It’s a great opportunity to bring a friend too so please let the leaders know if you are bringing friends so we have enough materials for you all.

In the last week we have had a new fridge arrive and a new cooker arrive in the kitchen!  It’s been a long process of trying to find the right cooker for all our groups, as well as finding people to fit the appliances so that they comply with regulations for communal use and to take the old appliances away.  Thanks to those who stepped up to do this including Jill D, John D and Rachel B.  

As a church, we’ll be featuring in the Yorkshire Baptist Association prayer diary the week of the 12th July.  Have a look here Prayer & Spiritual Reflections — Yorkshire Baptist Association We will be submitting three points of thanksgiving and three prayer points for others in the association to pray about on that week.  If you have anything you think we should include (no personal names) then do let a deacon or Lesley know.  Lets keep praying and sharing about what God is showing us in this community.  

Thanks to those offering to help with Alpha, I haven’t forgotten.. we’ll chat together over the next few weeks.  The plan is to start in September but we want to see your thoughts too as well as explaining where this specific idea has come from.

Coming up locally..

A free Summer Band Concert at Wigton Moor Primary School, Barfield Crescent LS17 8RU on Sunday 26th July from 2.30pm – 4.30pm.  Organised by Harewood Parish Council.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley and Phil report from the BMS Expect 26 conference in Hertfordshire

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Phil Coates and I are at one of the Expect26 conferences today put on by BMS. We were invited to come. We are at High Leigh conference centre in Hertfordshire.

The day is an event held every four years where Partners, BMS staff, Council Members, and Trustees come together to discern God’s will for the direction together in Mission for BMS. BMS have asked for prayer “in how we can continue on our transformation journey, particularly in how we engage with organisations and networks globally.”

The day has included sessions on – new ways to partner with churches both here and abroad  – ⁠stories of hope globally – ⁠discipleship and mission for the whole church
– ⁠sharing resources for transformation in local communities.

Above you will see two image galleries. The first shows pictures taken during the conference itself with MBC’s Mission Partners Andrea and Mark Hotchkin featured in the centre. The other is a copy of the Hope For the World material which was used during the day.

Shelley’s news for June 21st

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Dear friends

Thanks to those who came to the gardening day and helped in some way; there’s a story about it HERE. We are so grateful for the way you look after the place that is used and appreciated by so many.  We have new benches too!  We are so grateful for the way you give your knowledge or skills or precious time or all three!  This is something we need to do a few times a year and anyone is welcome, even if you don’t know what you are doing, there is gardening guidance available from fellow members!

For those of you who would like to give a gift to a father or in memory of a father for Father’s Day, why not have a look at some options here from MAF Fuel for Father’s Day – Mission Aviation Fellowship

Here’s what’s going on in the week…

Sunday 21st June 11am Service altogether with Communion ‘Living Stones part 3’ following Pentecost and considering life in the Spirit.

Outdoor community event hosted by Alwoodley Parish Council on Alwoodley Village Green (where we held our Easter outdoor worship) on 21st June 2026 1pm-5pm.  The Manhattan Sound Big Band who will be playing from 2:30 – 4:30. They said…”Bring a picnic, bring your family and friends, meet new people, enjoy the live band and discover the amazing community groups that help make Alwoodley a great place to live.  This year we are also celebrating Leeds 400 which marks the moment that Leeds became a city so this is a way to get involved and find out more about our city and Alwoodley.

Sunday 21st June 7-8pm Rock Solid! Youth meet in the church building.  All welcome!  Ask if you want to know more.

Monday 22nd June 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. Food pantry available.

Tuesday 23rd June Stepping Stones meet at 10 until 11.30am for under 5’s and their carers. For more information please speak to Diane S

Tuesday 23rd June bible study 1.00 – 2.30pm in church. See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 23rd June Deacons and Shelley meet at 7.30pm in the church building

Wednesday 24th June Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information or if you would like a place or want to help.

Wednesday 24th June Wednesday worship at 1.30-2pmpm in the music room.  Continuing to look at Pentecost. All welcome!

Wednesday 24th June Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Shelley this week for more information.

Thursday 25th June Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm. All welcome to come along and chat, volunteer, make something or learn a new skill – speak to Karen for more information.

Thursday 25th June Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth or John C.

Friday 26th June Bible Study in the Music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 26th June Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm. Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Sunday 28th June Service at 11am with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme creatively. Our theme is ‘living water’.

Rock Solid Youth groups meet in the evening 7-8pm in the church building.

The next whole church meeting will be after the service at 12.45pm on July 5th.  All welcome.  The agenda will come out next week.

If you would like a reminder about what happens in the building, or want to invite anyone, then pick up a leaflet in the foyer or email Lesley at admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org,uk if you want to go on the email list. Also check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org,uk or follow us on Facebook.

The next whole church meeting will be after the service 12.45pm on July 5th.  All welcome.  Its café church this day, the theme is ‘Living Hope’  Feel free to bring  a snack to eat if you have been to the service and need something to keep you going!

Around the city..

Prayer Lunch (Education focus with Simon Flowers) at Holy Trinity Boar Lane on Wednesday 24th June, 12:10pm to 1:30pm. Simon Flowers (brother of David Flowers) will be speaking on the theme of education. Simon has a wealth of experience in teaching and will be using this to guide our prayers.  A light lunch will be provided and if you could let us know if you intend to attend that would be very helpful. Any small cash donations are welcome.  Contact Dave Paterson on email dave@unityinpovertyaction.org.uk if you want to go.

“Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. “ (1 Peter 2:4, MSG)

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s News – 6 June

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Dear friends
 
We look forward to continuing to look at Pentecost and the character of Peter at all age café church on Sunday. We start at 11am so make sure you come a bit beforehand to pick up your breakfast snacks and drinks.
 
Rock Solid youth groups meet again 7-8pm in the church building, that includes both age groups. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
 
Throughout the week we have a number of house groups, plus all the usual groups that meet in the church each week. If you would like a reminder about what happens in the building, you can pick up a leaflet in the foyer or contact Lesley in the office if you want to go on the email list. Also check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk or follow us on facebook.
 
Having said that Lesley our administrator is not in the office this week so she will respond to emails and/or messages when she comes back. In the meantime, do get in touch with myself or a deacon or the group leader if you know who they are.
 
Here’s what’s coming up in the week!
 
Monday 8th June 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. Food pantry available. The Big Lunch! 12pm-1pm after Beacon Café, inviting people of all faiths and none to share lunch and get to know each other a bit more. Lunch is free, invite your friends. If you are working that day but can nip out for lunch in the middle of the day then do come along, you don’t need to have been at Beacon.  Do pray too that God will help build relationships and an openness to each other.
 
Stepping Stones take a break this week as some of the leaders are away.  The group begins again on the 16th June.
 
Tuesday 9th June bible study 1.00 – 2.30pm in church. See Howard D or Lesley for more information.
 
2.30/2.40pm Mission group in the music room following the Bible study. More information for Phil C or Shelley.
 
Deacons meeting 7.30pm in the music room.
 
Wednesday 10th June Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information or if you would like a place or want to help.
 
Wednesday 10th June Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Shelley this week for more information.
 
Thursday 11th June Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm. All welcome to come along and chat, volunteer, make something or learn a new skill – speak to
Karen for more information.
 
Thursday 11th June Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth or John C.
 
Friday 12th June Bible Study in the Music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.
 
Friday 12th June Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm. Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information.
 
Sunday 14th June service at 11am with group for our younger friends to explore the theme creatively. Rock Solid Youth groups in the evening 7-8pm.
 
Wednesday 17th June house group with Diane S.  Talk to Diane S for more information.
 
Remember the Gardening Day on the 20th June, all welcome (children need to be supervised by an adult but are very welcome)
 
Baptist Missionary Society are putting on a zoom webinar on the 10th June on Mission and Community.  “Want to see your church and your local community thrive and flourish alongside one another? This webinar will give you a taste of some of the tools being used by Christians across the globe to generate real change that starts within church families and ripples outwards” Click on the link below to find out more click here https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cb8c065c-6965-4318-aae4-517ae4896be9@c8ac5271-dd2a-4ca8-b49a-eedecec8f9dc
 
The next whole church meeting will be after the service on July 5th.  All welcome.
 
Outdoor community event hosted by Alwoodley Parish Council on Alwoodley Village Green (where we held our Easter outdoor worship) on 21st June 2026 1pm-5pm.  The Manhattan Sound Big Band who will be playing from 2:30 – 4:30. They said…”Bring a picnic, bring your family and friends, meet new people, enjoy the live band and discover the amazing community groups that help make Alwoodley a great place to live.  This year we are also celebrating Leeds 400 which marks the moment that Leeds became a city so this is a way to get involved and find out more about our city and Alwoodley.
 
We are looking at how we engage with communities around us in relation to the Leeds 400 events. We’ll keep in touch.
Thanks to those who have offered to help with the alpha course after we mentioned it at the last church meeting. There will be more information coming out in the next two weeks for those interested in helping.
 
Also more information coming up next week about our Sunday themes over the next few weeks.
 
“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:39)
 
In Christ
 
Shelley
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news for week commencing Sunday 24th May

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Dear friends

Tomorrow, we look forward to celebrating Pentecost Sunday together, the day we remember the Holy Spirit coming in power to Jesus’ gathered followers.  The sound of the wind and the sight of flames were a sign of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence with them always.  This promise was not only for them but for us today and all those who feel on the fringes..

“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:39)

We’ll also be celebrating a baptism too, so do come along and be part of this special service.  We start at 11am and there will be cake and drinks after the service.

A reminder that there will be no Rock Solid youth groups tomorrow night. 

Tomorrow is also Global Day of Prayer and there will be a service at Leeds Minister for the city at 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.  This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world. The Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Anglican Bishop of Kirkstall Arun Arora will be joining for this gathering.  The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.  There will be refreshments afterwards.. info here by clicking this link…

Global Day of Prayer 2026 Tickets, Sunday, May 24  •  6 PM – 8 PM | Eventbrite

Next week is bank holiday and half term so some of our groups are taking a break.  Beacon warm welcome café, Stepping Stones and lunch club pause next week but they are back the week after.  Most of the housegroups are on next week but check with the leaders or Shelley if in doubt.  On Wednesday 27th May we also have..

‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the meeting area at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas and…

the next PACT (policing and communities together) meeting will be on Wednesday 27th May too at Moortown at 6.30pm until 7.30pm before the Wednesday house group meet in the music room.  If you live locally or are interested in the local community do consider coming along.  For more information talk to Adam, Lesley or Shelley.

Monday 8th June we’ll be joining in with The Big Lunch. Find out more information here The Big Lunch 2026 | Eden Project Communities.  12pm-1pm after Beacon Café, inviting people of all faiths and none to share lunch and get to know each other a bit more.  Lunch is free, if you want to book a place, contact Lesley.

Remember the Gardening Day on the 20th June, all welcome (children need to be supervised by an adult)

MBC’s garden is taking shape, but there’s still more to do – Moortown Baptist Church

…and the mission group meet on the 9th June at 2.30 in the meeting room.  Speak to Phil Coates, Lesley or Shelley for more information.

Over the last few weeks there have been a number of new stories on the website including information on new art work going up in the meeting area…

Welcome to River City. How one man’s talent not only encapsulates everyday life but serves as a template for our ministry – Moortown Baptist Church

Baptist Missionary Society are putting on a zoom webinar on the 10th June on Mission and Community.  Want to see your church and your local community thrive and flourish alongside one another? This webinar will give you a taste of some of the tools being used by Christians across the globe to generate real change that starts within church families and ripples outwards.  Click on the link below to find out more… 

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

The next whole church meeting will be after the service on July 5th.  All welcome.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Another marathon week for Shelley

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Dear friends

This week we have met in lunch clubs, house groups, services, homes, on garden benches, on zoom and around tables to pray, play, worship, learn, encourage and support. On Tuesday at the church meeting, we thanked God for all He has done in the past and we also had the opportunity to share with God our disappointments and concerns. We thanked God for His faithfulness in the present and we opened ourselves again to a future guided by His Holy Spirit. 
 
We heard about and prayed for those involved in youth and Beacon cafe.  We welcomed two new deacons, Phil and Karen, alongside Krys who stood for re-election, and we prayed for all those called to lead on the diaconate and across the church. 
 
The next deacons meeting is next Tuesday 19th May at 7.30 in the music room.
 
Coming up…

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together with communion. During the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.  Looking ahead to Pentecost John 1:1-18 ‘Jesus through the eyes of John’.  

The Welcome lunch is postponed but if you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire or any of the team or myself.  Do invite those you know who you think may like to come.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Monday 18th May 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. Food pantry available
 
Tuesday 19th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.
 
Tuesday 19th May bible study 1.00 – 2.30pm in church. See Howard D or Lesley for more information.
 
Deacons and Shelley meet 19th May at 7.30pm in the church building
 
Wednesday 20th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information.
 
Wednesday 20th May Wednesday Worship 1.30pm Music Room Everyone welcome, this week we look forward to Pentecost. Speak to Rachel if you want to know more.
 
Wednesday 20th May Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley or contact Lesley for more information.
 
Wednesday 20th May house group with Diane S.  Talk to Diane S for more information.
 
Thursday 21st May Primley Wood Primary School.  Year 4 workshop in the morning in the church building. 
 
Thursday 21st May Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill – speak to Karen for more information.
 
Thursday 21st May Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley
 
Friday 22nd May Bible Study in the Music room – 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.
 
Friday 22nd May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information.
 
Sunday 24th May 11am Pentecost Service. All together with baptism! If you are thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions, then do get in touch. All age celebration with drinks and cake after the service.  Do pray for Kat who is being baptised. 
No Rock-Solid youth groups this week.  Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world.

The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.
If you wish to attend please sign up for free here. Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

Beacon and Lords Pantry take a break on Monday 25th May as its the bank holiday.  Beacon is back on the 1st June.
No Stepping Stones for under 5’s on the 26th May as the leaders are preparing for the new term as its half term holidays.

Wednesday 27th May Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley or contact Lesley for more information.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the meeting area at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

The next PACT (policing and communities together) meeting will be on Wednesday 27th May too at Moortown at 6.30pm until 7.30pm.  If you live locally or are interested in the local community do consider coming along.  For more information talk to Adam.

Beacon is back on the 1st June but Stepping Stones is back after two weeks on the 16th June as a number of the leaders are away on the 9th June.

Monday 8th June we’ll be joining in with The Big Lunch. Find out more information here The Big Lunch 2026 | Eden Project Communities.  12pm-1pm after Beacon Café, inviting people of all faiths and none to chat and ask questions about what’s important to them in terms of faith and life.  Lunch is free, if you want to book a place, contact Lesley.
 
Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.
 
Couple of extra things…

Jonathan D and Gill D will be gardening on the morning of Saturday 20th June from 10.00am until 1.00.  If you would like to join them in tidying up the aresa around the carpark then we’d love to have you.  Please bring tools if you have them although we have a couple of tools you can borrow.  All children need to be supervised. We’ll have tea and snacks out.

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Finally a prayer shared as part of the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ week of prayer on the run up to Pentecost.

‘O Lord,

in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son our God,

give us that love which can never cease,

that will kindle our lamps but not extinguish them,

that they may burn in us and enlighten others. Amen.’

[6th century Celtic prayer]

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news for week commencing Sunday 10th May

by

Dear all

Sunday 10th May 11am All welcome to our Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores, John 21:15-25. 

It’s also the day of the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon, most of it is around Headingley and out to Otley Road so won’t affect most people who come to the building on a Sunday but do check your route to church if you live the Horsforth side of Lawnswood roundabout, Headingley, Bramhope and top end of King Lane near Golden Acre car parks.  More information here  2026-leeds-marathon-half-marathon-road-closure-poster.pdf The Marathon will be started by Kevin Sinfield, Leeds and England rugby player and captain, who was behind much of the Leeds Marathon planning and was welcomed by Moortown Baptist Church back in December for the 7 in 7 challenge!  Much of the money raised, by those running the marathon, including entry fees, are going to the Leeds Hospitals Charities.  I’ll be will be one of them!

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pmBeacon cafe is back this Monday 11th May 10-12.  All welcome!

A reminder that there will be a health and safety meeting in church at 9.30pm on 11th May for those who wanted to be part of it. 

Tuesday 12th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Thank you to all those faithfully leading house groups/bible studies and seeking God in how you lead and encourage others to come together in sharing and faith.  Some of our house groups may not be taking place this week as there is a church meeting so do check with the individual group leader, if in doubt, ask myself or Lesley or a deacon and we’ll find out.

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections) and whole church meeting 7.30pm There will be worship, elections, thankyou’s, times to share and pray and hear from a couple more leaders in the church with updates.  Any other business needs to be in by tomorrow. Thank you for sharing with us through the months between meetings so that we can pray and ponder and talk as an ongoing process together.

Other church meetings to come…Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Wednesday 13th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B or Lesley for more information. 

Thursday 14th May Bible Study on zoom 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 15th May Bible Study in the music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 15th May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

A reminder that Baptist Assembly is in Harrogate next weekend…The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Assembly 2026

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together – There is a Sunday school during the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.  Looking ahead to Pentecost John 1:1-18 ‘Jesus through the eyes of John’.  There will be chance in this service to share if you have discovered something new or have something you feel would be good to share to encourage others from our series in John over the last couple of months or some testimony/story. Do get in touch with me if you have something.

The group who host the welcome lunches are looking to have another one on the 17th May after church.  If you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire, any of the team or Lesley or myself. If you have spotted anyone who you think might like to be invited so ask them, thankyou 12.30pm – 2.00pm. If you would like to come but can’t make the date then do let Mandy know, thankyou.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Deacons meeting 19th May at 7.30pm in the church building

Wednesday 20th May is Wednesday Worship 1.30-2pm for everyone in the music room.  More info from Rachel B or Lesley

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.  We will also be celebrating a baptism in this service so do come along and be part of it!  More details to come, but if you have been thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions then, do get in touch.  Please continue to pray for Isabella and Rachel who were baptised at Easter.  Pray for Kat who will be baptised on this date.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

The next PACT (policing and communities together) meeting will be on Wednesday 27th May too at Moortown at 6.30pm until 7.30pm.  If you live locally or are interested in the local community do consider coming along.  For more information talk to Adam.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world.
The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.

If you wish to attend please sign up for free here. Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.

Couple of extra things…

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and involvement in so many groups at Moortown. Last week I wrote to you about prayer and practical support for Stepping Stones, Childrens work and Youth. If you would like to find out more, then do get in touch with me.  Thank you to those who have stepped up particularly in sharing with our young people on a Sunday night.  I was in there last week and it was great to be with them.  

Giving..

A reminder that there is an opportunity to give to the work of Moortown Baptist Church either by leaving money in a box at the back of church or by giving from a bank account each month.  If you want to know more about where it goes, how to do it, gift aiding, then do get in touch with Geoff our church treasurer or Lesley/ Shelley or a deacon who will pass on a message to Geoff.

Finally, check out the latest stories at Moortown on our website at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. And give our facebook page a follow!

“So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.” John 21:11

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news, 2 May 2026

by

Dear friends

Here’s what’s happening in our community and beyond…

Sunday 3rd May Café all age service starting at 11am including refreshments breakfast pastries and drinks. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears on the beach’ John 21:1-14

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

No beacon cafe on Monday 4th May as the team are taking a break on the bank holiday but we encourage to you check on each other on that day.

Tuesday 5th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 5th May House Group 1.00 – 2.30pm in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 6th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B or Lesley for more information. 

Wednesday 6th May House Group in the Music Room at 7.30pm. Speak to Andy, Ruth, Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Thursday 7th May Polling Day – music room being used all day.  (Warm welcome space craft group have decided to take a break today, back the week after).

Thursday 7th May Bible Study on zoom 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 8th May Bible Study in the music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 8th May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Sunday 10th May 11am Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores   John 21:15-25.  This is also the day of the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon so do check your route to church if you live the Horsforth side of Lawnswood roundabout, usually use the Otley Road or you come to church by crossing the top of king lane near Adel. More information here  2026-leeds-marathon-half-marathon-road-closure-poster.pdf You may remember that Kevin Sinfield, Leeds and England rugby player and captain, who was behind much of the Leeds marathon planning and visited Moortown Baptist Church back in December for the 7 in 7 challenge, will be back in Leeds on that day to cheer everyone on!

A reminder that there will be a health and safety meeting in church at 9.30pm on 11th May for those who wanted to be part of it. 

Other dates coming up…

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections) and whole church meeting 7.30pm There will be worship, elections, thankyou’s, times to share and pray and hear from a couple more leaders in the church with updates and time to ask questions.

Other church meetings to come…Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together – There is a Sunday school during the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.

The group who host the welcome lunches are looking to have another one on the 17th May after church.  If you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire, any of the team or Lesley or myself. If you have spotted anyone who you think might like to be invited so ask them, thankyou 12.30pm – 2.00pm

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

The next deacons meeting following the church meeting is the 19th May at 7.30pm.

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.  We will also be celebrating a baptism in this service so do come along and be part of it!  More details to come, but if you have been thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions then do get in touch.  Please continue to pray for Isabella and Rachel who were baptised at Easter.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world. The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity. If you wish to attend please sign up for free here.

Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

A couple of extra things…

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and involvement in so many groups at Moortown. Last week I wrote to you about prayer and practical support for Stepping Stones, Childrens work and Youth. If you would like to find out more then do get in touch with me.

If you have a church key or use a room in the building, a friendly reminder to check that all the lights are off in the spaces you use (especially now the sun is shining!) and that you close all the doors in the building as this helps with our fire safety.  Also, if you have a church key and you are the last person in the building, please check that both bolts are locked on the door by Lesley’s office.  Thankyou.

Giving..

A reminder that there is an opportunity to give to the work of Moortown Baptist Church either by leaving money in a box at the back of church or by giving from a bank account each month.  If you want to know more about where it goes, how to do it, gift aiding, then do get in touch with Geoff our church treasurer or Lesley/ Shelley or a deacon who will pass on a message to Geoff.

Finally, check out the latest stories at Moortown on our website at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. And give our facebook page a follow!

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:22-23)”

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news – 10th April

by

Dear friends

On the cross, Jesus said ‘it is finished’, the hour had come.  Yet there are some things that are not finished.  We know the work, the grace, the love continues.  We continue to pray for peace and to work for peace in our world.  Lord have mercy, we pray.  Help us to follow in the way of Christ.

It was so good to be with Rachel and Isabella as they were baptised last week and to welcome Graham, Carol, John and Michaela too.  Do keep praying for them and share your stories.  If you are interested in membership or baptism or both then just get in touch.  More information on last Sunday here What a wonderful day at MBC – two baptisms and a warm welcome for four new members – Moortown Baptist Church

On Sunday, we welcome Andor and Zsuzsi, and Lori and Kata pastors of churches in Romania.  They’ll be sharing with us in word and worship.   Andor, Zsuzsi and Lori are also part of a band who travel around Romania sharing music and song. We start at 11am as usual and there will be a bring and share lunch after the service.  Everyone is invited!

There will be no Rock Solid youth group this week but Beacon café is back on Monday 13th April.  Craft group warm welcome space is on Thursday 16th April 2-4pm. Lunch club and Stepping Stones are back the week beginning 20th April.  Stepping Stones team will be having a tidy up this week, talk to Diane or Hilary if you want to help. Housegroups are back on this week too. 

Next week…

Thursday 16th April Women and girls self-defence class funded as part of the mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund and Leeds City Council Inner North Community Committee with Leeds Jewish Housing Association, 1pm-5pm in the sports hall. No cost.  

See the link here on Instagram. To book please email enquiries@blossom-uk.co.uk. You can also look at our website to read about a previous workshop.. Be Well and Be Strong… self defence for women and girls. – Moortown Baptist Church  Thursday 16th April Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 17th April Bible Study in the Music Room 10.00 – 11.00am exploring Ephesians. Speak to Shelley for more information.

Sunday 19th April 11-12 Church service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears to.. the disciples’ John 20:19-23 We welcome Helen Harris, Director of Fundraising and Communications for the Baptist Missionary Society who is looking forward to sharing stories of God at work worldwide in our service and linking into our Sunday theme.  We will share communion.

Rock Solid youth meet tonight in the building, 7-8pm

Coming up…

Monday April 20th Deacons meeting at 7,30 in the building.

Wednesday April 22nd The ‘Create your own psalm group’ (usually last Wednesday of the month but it’s the third Sunday this month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

Sunday 26th April 11-12 Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears to.. Thomas’ John 20:24-31 

Sunday 3rd May 11am Cafe church with breakfast snacks and refreshments ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears on the beach’ John 21:1-14

Sunday 10th May 11am Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores’   John 21:15-25

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.

Whole Church meeting dates…

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections), Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Please do pray and ask people who you sense God is prompting you about in relation to being a Deacon for the next season of church.  An email went out this week.  Rod will be stepping down this time.  We will be thanking him for his time as a deacon.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building. 

We’ll be hosting voting in the music room on Polling Day, Thursday 7th May.  We’ll share some resources from the evangelical alliance on this soon.  You may like to pray too.  Our groups will still go ahead on that day, maybe just in a different room.

Slightly further a field…

The Baptist assembly takes place in Harrogate this year…The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Registration

Finally, an Easter poem by E Hamilton from Whispers of Grace.

The morning didn’t end yesterday. It didn’t stay in the garden, didn’t settle at the empty tomb like something finished and ready to be remembered.

It moves. Into streets and kitchens and conversations that don’t yet know they’re about to change.

We wake up again, same rooms, same routines, same lists waiting for us, and still something has shifted.

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

Not just a moment, not just a day we mark and move on from, but a life that keeps breaking in.

The God who is alive doesn’t stay where we left Him, doesn’t belong only to Sunday morning light, but walks into Monday, into the ordinary, into the places we thought were untouched by resurrection. And we might miss it if we’re not paying attention.

In the small turning of a heart, in the quiet lifting of hope, in the courage to begin again when nothing around us has changed yet.

This is how it continues. Not always loud, not always obvious, but steady, like breath returning, like light finding its way through the edges of a day.

The God who is life is not finished. Not with the world. Not with us. And so we carry it forward, not perfectly, not fully understanding, but alive to it, this resurrection that didn’t end on Sunday, that keeps unfolding right here, right now, in us.

© E Hamilton 2026

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

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