Shelley Dring – Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news – 24th July

July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Here’s what’s coming up…

Saturday 25^th July. Rod and volunteers spreading gravel in the carpark, talk to Rod if you can help or turn up at 10 o clock. They will be there for an hour or so.

Sunday 26^th July 11am Service with the focus on ‘Living Word’ with a separate group for younger children to explore the theme creatively together.

Deacons’ meet up and prayer time after the service.

Monday 27^th July 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. (we will be keeping it cool with a warm welcome!) Food pantry available. We will be adding some all age craft activities through the summer for anyone to have a go at.

Tuesday 28^th July Check with Howard D or Lesley to see if bible study is on this week House Group Usually 1.00 – 2.30pm in church.

Wednesday 29^th July No Lunch Club this week. Back on the 5^th August.

Wednesday 29^th July Creative Psalm art group at 7.00pm in the church building. All welcome. See Krys G for more information. Do come along whether you have been before or whether you have never been.

Thursday 30^th 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! Meet in the Sanctuary (large room we meet in on Sundays.

Thursday 30^th July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 31^st July Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information. This is the last one before September.

Sunday 2nd August at 11am Café church service with breakfast snacks and drinks for all ages. A Listening Life Part 1. We start our summer series all about hearing God in words and whispers. More information to come this week!

Building work…

Thank you for your patience as the roof over the music room was been repaired. The scaffolding will be going down over the next few days. There are still a few more jobs to do on the roof so we will keep you posted. Do ask Shelley, Karen, Geoff, Jonathan or Rod as they make up the ‘building’ sub team, if you have any questions. The overview was also given in the last church meeting.

Communion..

We heard last week in the service that we could do with a couple more people to help prepare and give communion in the service. It’s a wonderful way of serving others and if you think that could be you then can you let Trisha, a deacon or Lesley know and we’ll fill you in on what it looks like on a Sunday. Thankyou.

Summer activities at MBC so far..

Wednesday 12^th August Film Show in the music room with ice-creams. Please see Rachel B, Lesley or Shelley for more information. 12.30 – 4.30 everyone welcome.. it’s looking likely to be the Cliff Richard film ‘The Young Ones’, youth club members and aspiring singer Nicky and his friends try to save their youth club in the West End from unscrupulous millionaire property developer Hamilton Black by putting on their own show to raise funds!

Wednesday worship 26^th August 1.30-2pm in the music room. All welcome

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

Saturday 29^th August Men’s Breakfast in the morning in the church building. A chance to eat, get to know each other, bring a friend, hear someone share… More details to come.

Saturday 29^th August Art workshop: The art of Prayer 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Materials provided; no artistic experience needed. Children, please bring an adult. Book your place with Lesley. More info from Krys G.

Look at the website..

Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. On here you will find a copy of my latest email, events around the area and latest news stories connected to MBC both here and abroad. Also following us on facebook!

Summer series on Sundays at MBC.. ‘A listening life!’ following our series post Pentecost about Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit brings things to life, we’ll be exploring how God wants to speak to us through words and whispers, what this looks like in both the Old and New Testament and how it includes us now. We’ll be looking at how God speaks and what this tells us about ourselves, our communities and creation. There will be accompanying children’s groups on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays in the holidays as well as all age activities in the service on the 1^st and 4^th Sundays. More details to come this week.

Around the city…

Christians in business zoom call on Thursday 30th July, 7:30am to 8:30am (1 hour meeting). Andrew Cussons will be sharing how his Christian Faith has helped him navigate the world of business and led him to do his vocation now, which is focused on business training with K90 project. He’ll also be giving some practical tips on how Christians can develop their work in the sphere of business. If you would like the Zoom link for this please email christiansbusinessleeds@gmail.com

Gateway Summer Bible School. Anyone is welcome to Gateway Church’s Summer Bible School but they will need to sign up on the links below. You can attend individual sessions or the whole thing. The two different themes that will be covered are New Creation: Hope for our Suffering Earth and Exploring Ezekiel. The Summer Bible School will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the evenings for four consecutive weeks at Gateway at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Road, LS2 9AF. The first session being on New Creation Wednesday, 29-Jul-2026 7:45pm – 9:30pm. New Creation: Hope for our Suffering Earth for which you can sign up here.

Exploring Ezekiel for which you can sign up here.

Pray for Leeds (P4L) / Prayer Lunch Students Focus
Prayer Lunch – Student Focus, Wednesday 16th September, 12:10pm to 1:30pm, venue to be confirmed. The organisation Fusion will be sharing about their student mission bus which will be touring different campuses, including in Leeds, in the New Year. This will give us an opportunity to pray for students at the start of term and for the work of Fusion. Please note; participants of UCCF who oversee the Christian Unions in Leeds and Transformations Leeds will also be invited to share briefly.

Christians in Politics (Leeds) Meeting. A provisional date has been set for Tuesday 29th September, 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The former Lord Mayor and Councillor for Alwoodley Dan Cohen will be being interviewed regarding how his Jewish faith helps to impact his politics. There will also be people from the Christian community sharing from different political parties. Venue to be confirmed.

Do have a chat with me if you would like to baptised, become a member or both. We be looking at another baptism service after the Summer which is very exciting.

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

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news – 10 July

July 10, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Greetings to you all on this warm day. Coming up this weekend we have a service at 11am on Sunday with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. This week we look at ‘Living Way’. What roads has Jesus opened up to us and how does the Holy Spirit continue to help us on that journey? In the afternoon, 3-5pm, we have the cream tea with any donations going to our friends in Romania to support the work they do there. Here are some recent letters about their work from the website…

A heartfelt thank you from Florin and Dana Fodor in Cluj, Romania – Moortown Baptist Church

MRS G (the Moortown Romania Support Group) report on how over the last year they, on MBC’s behalf, have helped our friends in Romania – Moortown Baptist Church

In the evening there is a slightly earlier start time of 6.30pm for both Rock Solid Youth groups as they have a creative evening exploring the psalms through colour and pen, no previous experience necessary. They will finish at the usual time of 8pm.

Building work…

It’s very exciting to see that the building work has started on the music room with new lintels, and the scaffolding is up to sort out the roof over the music room and some of the offices. See pictures on the website and facebook. More information about building repairs and improvements were shared at the church meeting last week. The company who are dealing with the roof are very busy over the Summer but they have managed to squeeze us in! If you missed this and want to know more, ask one of the building project group, Jonathan, Geoff, Karen, Rod or Shelley. Thanks to those involved in different ways. We are hugely grateful for your continued financial giving that enables us to be able to do projects like this.

We are not anticipating any groups to be cancelled or postponed.

Inside the building…

More painting work is going on in the corridors and sports hall and preparation in the corner room for a fresh new look. Thankyou! The corner room is now used for a bible study, a quiet space for babies, toddlers and their carers on Tuesdays and for hire as a safe space for Leeds City Council to host their family group work. As you may be aware, the number of council buildings has decreased over the last few years so it’s good to be able to use this room to support vulnerable families in a positive, safe space.

Around the city…

This weekend sees the launch of many Leeds 400 events across the city. We’ll be joining in by including it in our Sunday service, Beacon café and lunch club next week. On the 13^th July 2026, Leeds commemorates 400 years since becoming a city able to make decisions on how it is governed, as it received its first Royal Charter from King Charles I. Part of the name Leeds came from the Latin word meaning ‘people of the fast-flowing river’ as it developed around the River Aire. Today we pray for this city and for those who have made Leeds their home. “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile…” Jeremiah 29:7

We’ll be featured in the Yorkshire Baptist Association prayer diary the week of the 12^th 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. It means that all the churches in the Yorkshire Baptist association and the regional ministers will be praying for us and asking God for His guidance for us over the next 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

Coming up…

Monday 13^th July 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. (we will be keeping it cool with a warm welcome!) Food pantry available

Tuesday 14^th July 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers. Last session before a break in the holidays.

Tuesday 14^th July House Group 1.00 – 2.30pm in church. See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Tuesday 14^th July 7.30pm Deacons get together and Shelley.

Wednesday 15^th July Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information.

Wednesday 15^th July House Group social. Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley/Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 15^th July House Group meets, see Diane S for more information.

Thursday 16^th 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! Meet in the Sanctuary (large room we meet in on Sundays)

Thursday 16^th July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 17^th July Bible Study in the Music room – 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 17^th July Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information.

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

Sunday 19^th July 7.00-8pm Rock Solid Youth meet. There will then be a couple of weeks off.

Sunday 26^th July at 11am ‘Living Word’ a service for all with a small group for our younger friends.

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

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news, 4th July

July 10, 2026June 28, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Here’s what’s coming up..

Sunday 5^th 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 5^th 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 6^th July 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. Food pantry available

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday 9^th 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 10^th July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

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

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

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

Sunday 19^th 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 14^th 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 12^th 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 12^th 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.

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

June 27, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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

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

Tuesday 30^th 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 1^st July Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information.

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

Wednesday 1^st 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 2^nd 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 2^nd July Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

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

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

Sunday 5^th 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 5^th 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 12^th 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 12^th 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

June 27, 2026June 25, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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

June 27, 2026June 16, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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

Monday 22^nd 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 23^rd June Deacons and Shelley meet at 7.30pm in the church building

Wednesday 24^th 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 24^th 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 28^th 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

June 6, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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.

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

May 23, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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 27^th 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 27^th 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 20^th 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 9^th 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 10^th 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 5^th. All welcome.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Another marathon week for Shelley

May 16, 2026 by Shelley Dring

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 19^th 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 19^th 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 20^th May house group with Diane S. Talk to Diane S for more information.

Thursday 21^st 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 1^st 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 27^th 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 1^st June but Stepping Stones is back after two weeks on the 16^th June as a number of the leaders are away on the 9^th 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 9^th 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

May 9, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear all

Sunday 10^th 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 11^th May 10-12. All welcome!

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

Tuesday 12^th 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 12^th 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 5^thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22^nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10^th November.

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

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

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

Friday 15^th 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 17^th 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 17^th 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 19^th May at 7.30pm in the church building

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

Sunday 24^th 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.

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 9^th June 2.30-4pm in the building. For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.

Couple of extra things…

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