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Shelley’s news, 2 May 2026

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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

BE AWARE – Sunday 10th May. Could these events affect your journey to church

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Below is a repeat of an item Shelley has included in the weekly Email. It refers to the road closures affected by the Leeds Marathon & Half Marathon both of which are due to take place next Sunday, the 10th of May. 

Next Sunday, the 10th of May is 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!

KidzKlub Leeds seeks Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator, Deadline for applications Wednesday 6th May

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We are recruiting!🌟
 
We would really appreciate you sharing this advert with anyone who you think would be suitable and within your church communications and for our praying friends please pray that we find the right person for this exciting role. Thank you!
 
 
Do you believe that volunteers make a real difference – not just through what they do, but through how supported and valued they feel?
 
We’re looking for a Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in shaping warm, meaningful volunteer experiences that have a lasting impact on the children and families we support.
 
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships and bringing structure, care and creativity to volunteer engagement. 
 
The role also enjoys a mix of frontline work alongside children and families through coordinating our most crucial area of work – our Home Visiting Rounds. Everything we do revolves around relationships and Home Visits are at the heart of this. 
About the Role
As our Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator, you will:
  • Recruit, train and support volunteers 
  • Create inclusive and welcoming volunteer journeys from first enquiry to ongoing involvement
  • Build strong relationships with volunteers, staff and partner organisations
  • Ensure volunteers feel confident, valued and supported in their roles, seeing the difference they make every day
  • Oversee and mobilise our home visiting rounds for 1000+ children. 
You’ll be a key point of contact for volunteers, combining organisation, empathy, and clear communication to ensure high‑quality experiences for everyone involved.
 
 
About You
You might be:
  • Experienced in volunteer coordination, community engagement or people‑focused roles
  • A strong communicator who enjoys motivating and supporting others
  • Organised, approachable and calm under pressure
  • Passionate about inclusion, dignity and person‑centred support
You don’t need to tick every box – we’re most interested in your values, approach, transferrable skills and willingness to grow.
 
 
Why Join Us?
  • Be part of a supportive, purpose‑driven team sharing the love of God in word and deed across Leeds
  • Play a meaningful role in children and families lives across inner city Leeds
  • Help shape and develop volunteering 
  • A role with genuine impact
     
Hours

This is a 25 hr/ week role. However, we would consider additional Coordinator hours for the right candidate (Schools or Project based), we would also consider applicants looking for term time only hours. 


See our team in action home visiting…                                                                               
#BeTheDifference Jen
  
How to Apply:
 
To apply, please visit our website for more info – Kidz Klub Leeds
 
The deadline for completed applications is 9am 6th May 2026. 
 
Interviews for shortlisted applicants will take place W /c 11th May. Position to commence ASAP. 
 
We strongly recommend that all applicants book in to visit, meet the team and see KK in action on Monday 27th April for the Central Klub 4-8:30pm, please email Clare to book in. 
 
If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact clare@kidzklubleeds.org.uk 
 
 
With love,
 
Sarah, Laura and all at KK HQ

So, how many did you recognise? MBC Youth Club circa 1966

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For all those of you who have been racking your brains all week to identify who’s on the picture, allow me to put you out of your misery. 

Left to right: Madeline Stobbs, Gwynneth Sherbourne (nee Smith), Rod Russell and his sister Jean, Roger Robson and his brother Richard. As for those sitting at the back we’re not so sure. Certainly (we think) Monica Carpenter is there, as for the other three ? – ? – ? whilst behind the camera was of course John Sherbourne.

If, however, you’re wondering what on earth I’m talking about, here’s the original story we posted last week. 

Please excuse the quality of this picture but it’s been copied from an old image that we believe was shot around 1965/6. It shows some of MBC’s Youth Club, a group of about a dozen of us that met every Tuesday evening in Stonegate House and under its more sophisticated name of Crossroads on a Sunday.

It was taken on one of what became a regular feature… a Bank Holiday hike. These took us into the Dales, to the likes of Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge and Bolton Abbey. However, one particular trip which I believe we repeated a number of times was a camping weekend on the cliffs above Whitby. The one I recall most clearly coincided with the England football team’s World Cup win at Wembley which we listened to on a transister radio. 

Anyway, the reason we’ve decidied to post this picture is because of the people in it three are still active here at MBC. See if you can spot them.

There’s no prizes for guessing who they are, just the satisfaction of knowing that the old phrase “my, you haven’t changed a bit” is as daft today as it always has been. Oh and just for added excitment you might like to have a go at guessing who took the picture. 

Who, what, where and when? A guide to all that’s happening here at MBC in 2026

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www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk 

Following Jesus and serving the community

Lasting for just over an hour our Sunday Service starts in church and on YouTube at 11am. The first Sunday of each month is Café Church and on the third Sunday we celebrate Communion.

An important part of our weekly worship is Sunday School. Here a small group of young children learn all about Jesus and the love of God.

Rounding off Sunday we have Rock Solid. Meeting between 7 & 8pm and majoring around having fun, Rock Solid regularly sets our teenagers some serious and not so serious challenges and tasks.

Monday…    Our free Warm Space Beacon Café, 10am to 12noon.

Tuesday…    Stepping Stones, a toddler group 10 to 11.30am.

Tuesday…   The first of our Housegroups, only this one is in church between 12noon and 2pm.

Wednesday… 10.30am – 2pm. Lunch Club, games, quizzes and always a hearty lunch for our seniors.

Wednesday… 7.30 to 9.30pm. Our hybrid Housegroup. With half the group meeting at church and the other half online.

Wednesday…  7.30pm – 9.30ish. Ladies Housegroup in the comfort of someone’s home.

Wednesday…  7.30 to 9pm. Country Dancing.

Thursday…      2pm to 4. Open Door Craft Group. Our second Warm Space of the week. No experience needed, Free refreshments and always lots of chat.

Thursday…      7pm to 9pm. Bible Study, in church.

Friday…           10am to 11am. A second Bible Study, again in church.

Friday…           And finally, between 8pm – 10pm, another Housegroup, again in someone’s home.

In addition to all this we also host or provide a Pastoral Team, which without overstepping the mark provides confidential support to anyone who needs it, we host a Parkinson’s Exercise Class, two Extend Exercise Classes (ideal for our older friends), Pilates, Pathways, a Christian Counselling team, Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store, PACT (Neighbourhood Policing Teams) and local councillor surgeries. In addition, and particularly at certain times of the year we host special Services such as those associated with Easter, Nativities, Christingles, Baptisms, Mission weekends etc. etc.

For more information about Moortown Baptist Church please email

 admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Moortown Baptist Church. 204 King Lane, Leeds LS17 7AA

www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Friends reunited. Jean and Paul Hicks meet up with Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko as MBC celebrates its historic links to Romania

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In 1972 two of our young students, Paul Hicks and Jean Macintosh (later to become Jean Hicks) travelled by road from Oxford to Romania. At twenty and nineteen respectively Paul and Jean’s main objective was to deliver theological books to Romanian Baptist pastor Josef Ton who like them had been at Oxford. They also took, although in a slightly more clandestine fashion a stash of much needed Romanian Bibles. 

Their mission, I’m glad to say was a complete sucess and while it wasn’t until 1990, after the fall of the Ceausescu regime, that the couple would return to Romania, when they did they lapped up the opportunity to rekindle and revive friendships made almost two decades earlier. 

By chance, although some will no doubt question my choice of the word chance, Jean, on the outbound flight, found herself sitting next to a Romanian lady called Noemi Soos, who like Josef Ton was also a Pastor and who had been attending an ecumenical conference in Bath. 

As they chatted Noemi told Jean all about the Hungarian Reformed Church she worked at in a little village called Stejeris. And it was from that serendipitous encounter that Moortown Baptist Church’s relationship with Romania came about.

Fired on their return by the Hick’s enthusiasm MBC set up MRS G (The Moortown Romania Support Group) which over the years has seen many two way visits between Romania and Leeds. But not only that, now, almost fifty five years since Paul and Jean’s inititial “book run” MBC also supports a number of Romanian churches by (among other things) raising funds through craft sales, helping pay Pastor’s salaries,  donating money for children from poorer families to attend Christian schools and by sending book grants for Christian university students. 

One of the ongoing ventures we’ve mentioned above is the home and away visits we enjoy, and last Sunday (April 12th) we were not only delighted to welcome back to Leeds Romanian pastors Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko, and for their first visit to the UK two of their friends Kata and Lori but to be present when for the first time in a long while they met up again with Paul and Jean.

Having studied in the UK during their ministry training Zsuzsi, who believe it or not is Noemi’s daughter told a packed church that both she and Andor thought of Leeds as their second home. Together they sang and Zsuzsi delivered a powerful message that just as Jesus, after his resurrection had addressed Mary Magdeline by her name, so too he calls us as individuals, by name. 

Since they flew in last Wednesday our visitors have so far visited Howarth, London, “down town Leeds” as Lori calls it, Whitby and York.

It really has been a joy to welcome them and catch up with all their news. 

ONLINE – The Yorkshire Baptist Association report on MBC’s build up to Easter

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Moortown Baptist Church’s Impact over Easter Weekend!

 
Easter Sunday was the culmination of a very busy time at Moortown Baptist Church.
 
On Good Friday, following on from a service in church, several members of MBC’s worship band made their way to Alwoodley Village Green, where they battled against driving rain and gale force winds to play at an open-air service which brought together more than a hundred people from churches and community groups across LS17.
 

The following day it was MBC’s Eggstravaganza, a very different sort of event but one which again saw over a hundred people, young and old, embracing the season by making Easter gardens and decorating Easter biscuits as well as joining in quizzes, competitions and games.  

However, the high spot of the weekend had to be Easter Day when for the second year running MBC’s minister Shelley Dring and her husband Nathan baptised two people, Isabella and Rachel before welcoming four regular attenders into membership. 

The pictures were taken at Saturday’s Eggstravaganza and during the Alwoodley Village Green Service. 

A timely coincidence – a new Engage magazine and a visit to MBC by Helen Harris the BMS’s Director or Fundraising and Communications

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Purely by chance the 65th Issue of ENGAGE the BMS World Mission magazine, together with a Prayer Guide,  dropped through my letter box this morning just four days before Helen Harris the BMS Director of Fundraising and Communications is due to speak at MBC. 

The magazine as it always does mixes stories from across the globe with some hard hitting facts: there are features from Mongolia, Gaza and Ghana alongside a list of stats that tell of life-changing projects particularaly across Asia and North Africa. 

As we always say, you can and completely free of charge receive the magazine either through the post or online by emailing BMS World Mission at http://www.bmsworldmission.org

In the meantime we look forward to listening to Helen this coming Sunday as she shares with us how God is at work worldwide.

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