News – Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news update – 1 November

November 1, 2026October 31, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

Last week in the church building we talked about ‘the word being a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119: 105). I am not sure what that has looked like for you this week but you may want to take a moment if you haven’t so far to ponder what this light has meant for you, your relationships and your prayer and interactions with the world around. Jesus came as the light of the world and gave us the same name as himself,

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I pray this week that in all we do, we may embrace the calling God has for us and look out with love in words, thoughts and action and the generous grace that has been so lavished on us, guided by His light in all we do.

‘How do you do it?’ said night
‘How do you wake up and shine?’
‘I keep it simple,’ said light
‘One day at a time.’

(Lemm Sissay)

Sunday 1^st November 11am Café Church Psalms part 6: worship in the psalms Psalm 100 and 150

Sunday 1^st November Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building. Positive pumpkin party night!

Monday 2^nd November Beacon café and warm welcome space 10-12 midday with food pantry.

Monday 2^nd November 12.30-1.30pm Those interested in being part of the Alpha team bring lunch and get together to plan/pray/meet each other. The plan will be to start the course on Monday 18^th January.

Tuesday 3^rd October Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers. 10.00 – 11.30am. All welcome.

Tuesday 3^rd November Bible study in the music room12.30 -2.30pm Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Wednesday 4^th November Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30. Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 4^th November Bible study in the music room takes a break this week. Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley.

Wednesday 4^th November Psalms art group takes place at 7pm in the sports hall on November 4th. See Krys or Cas for more information. If you are planning on coming do let them know so they can set up resources for you. You don’t need to bring anything or need previous experience, just come and have a go! Help is given.

Wednesday 4^th November House group in the corner room at 7.30pm. See Diane S.

Thursday 5^th November Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions or see Karen.

Thursday 5^th November Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 6^th November Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 6^th November Friday night house group in Adel. See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or ask Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 6^th November Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm. See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Sunday 8^th November Remembrance Sunday Psalms part 7: Remembering in the psalms. Psalm 46:1-6 and Psalm 77:1-12. We’ll be starting at 10.45 this week so that we can observe the 11 o’ clock silence with the rest of the country.

Get to know you lunch on 8^th November after the service. If you feel new to MBC, want to meet more people or know someone who does then do let Mandy, Claire or Shelley know and you’d be very welcome to come to lunch in the church building after the service.

Church meeting is November 10^th at 7.30pm. Look forward to seeing you there! We’ll be sharing about the recent deacons away day and what we discern God doing at Moortown over the last year and looking to the near future. There will be building and mission updates, ways in which you can join in over Christmas and section on a possible paid worker role at Moortown. Rather than keeping everything to the church meeting, we know we have many sub groups at Moortown across all the ministries where teams are regularly meeting to pray and plan next steps. If there is something you sense you are called to or want to try then do let me, a deacon or a group leader know and we can work out some next steps. . Papers, agenda and zoom link were sent out last Tuesday. Last opportunity for AOB is Sunday 8^th November.

Love Leeds On 15^th October we welcomed local community groups, residents, police, councillors and those working in Moortown for the first Love Leeds gathering for the city. If you want to find out more about Love Leeds then follow this link Love Leeds | Leeds.gov.uk The project is instigated by Leeds City Council and wants to bring together people in the different wards to make positive change and identify the good things already happening. Ideas were shared over food and on Thursday 12^th November 5.30pm – 7.30pm with food, there will be a follow up meeting making a shared plan about what we are going to do based on ideas shared last time. It was a great opportunity to meet our neighbours and be hospitable. This opportunity has come from ongoing relationships that we are developing with others. All welcome. If you can’t make it, please pray that it will be a peaceful and fruitful evening. There will be more opportunity to talk about this at the church meeting.

The next men’s breakfast is Saturday 21^st November in the church building…more information to come.

Terefe will be visiting Calais and Dunkirk from 22nd to 28th November with Brother Natnael Alemayehu. He will be supporting people living in difficult conditions who lack adequate clothing, food and drink. Terefe says “As God opens doors, we also hope to share the light of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ.” Terefe asks for your prayers as the trip draws near. He would also welcome donations of clothing and financial contributions to help provide practical assistance to those in need. Financial gifts will go towards purchasing food from local supermarkets and covering car hire, fuel, ferry fares and other essential expenses associated with the trip. If you want to know more, please get in touch with myself or Phil Coates or Terefe. We are currently exploring with Terefe how he may be able to work in partnership with some organisations linked to Baptist Missionary Society. Please pray for these discussions that God will open the right doors.

If you are interested in baptism, membership, joining a group or anything else then do get in touch with myself, Lesley, a deacon, a leader of a group or someone you feel comfortable asking and we can chat or point you in the right direction.

Christmas! Save the date… 5^th December.. Community Christmas get together in the afternoon! We’ll be wreath making on the afternoon of the 13^th December and there will be carol singing at a local care home the afternoon of the 20th December after the nativity in the morning. All age Christingle at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day service at 10.30 on Christmas Day. More to come but do put these dates in your diary and start sharing and thinking who you can invite. Do pray for whats coming up..

A new walking group has begun on Tuesday lunchtimes at the MAZC centre next door to the church and I have been asked to let you all know in case you want to go along. If you are interested, let me know and I will pass on the details. Information is also on the community board in the corridor by Lesley’s office.

It has been great to welcome Pastor Elod and his wife Kinga this week on their first visit to England. Thanks to those who provided hospitality and spend time with them. I had a lovely morning with them in Harrogate on Friday and the café even found a Hungarian speaking waiter for us! Please see A warm welcome for the Pastor of our sister church in Transalvania – Moortown Baptist Church More to follow on this!

Finally, a big thank you to Krys and the team today for the wonderful craft fair and refreshments today. I know there were many of you supporting this event, people on the doors, on stalls, providing much needed refreshment and of course your presence and donations to the Sri Lanka women’s refuge project. Krys will bring an update in tomorrow’s service. Many of those who came, including the stall holders who had not been to the building before commented on the peaceful surroundings and the welcome. Please see the website for more information MBC’s Sri Lanka Craft Fair goes with a swing – Moortown Baptist Church and other news.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

MBC’s Sri Lanka Craft Fair raises almost £1,000

November 1, 2026October 31, 2026 by John Sherbourne

After what seems like months in the making Krys Gadd’s craft fair has finally taken place.

The Fair which was once again supporting the Women’s Development Centre in Kandy, Sri Lanka saw MBC’s sanctuary packed with tables laden with everything from baubles, bangles and beads to beautifully crafted knitwear, Christmas gifts and even some amazingly decorated tables and stools.

Kry’s next visit to Kandy is in the New Year where once again she and a small group of friends will tutor the women and girls who live there in sewing and weaving in order that they themselves may become self-sufficient.

At the last count the Fair had raised just short of £1,000, of which every penny will be spent improving the lives of the residents of the Centre.

A warm welcome for the Pastor of our sister church in Transalvania

October 30, 2026October 30, 2026 by John Sherbourne

Elod Marton is the Pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Cserefalva, Transalvania. And it was our pleasure to welcome him and his wife Kinga to MBC this morning (Sunday).

Moortown’s relationship with this part of the world goes back more than thirty years, when two of our young students met, purely by chance, the then Pastor of Elod’s church on a flight to Romania. Since then the bond between us and them has grown and grown with regular two way visits and masses of both prayful and practical support.

Perhaps, above all, occasions like this demonstrate what we mean when we describe Moortown Baptist Church as a local, community church with world wide vision.

Long may this partnership continue.

HELP! Where and when…

October 30, 2026October 29, 2026 by John Sherbourne

Although I recognise a number of faces and I’d guess at either Scarborough or Brid, as to when or where this picture was taken I really have no idea.

Obviously it was a Senior’s trip and by the look of the attire it certainly wasn’t winter, so if any of you can help please either have a word with me the next time you see me in church or email me on mbcnewspics@gmail.com

Many thanks.

John Sherbourne

Psalms art group – 7pm Wednesday 4th November

November 1, 2026October 27, 2026 by John Sherbourne

Wednesday 4^th November Psalms art group takes place at 7pm in the sports hall on November 4th. See Krys or Cas for more information.

If you are planning on coming do let them know so they can set up resources for you. You don’t need to bring anything or need previous experience, just come and have a go!

Help is given.

Leeds Furniture Mission hits the ground running!

November 1, 2026October 26, 2026 by John Sherbourne

More than sixty staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters gathered recently to celebrate forty years of the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store turning “houses into homes”. However, this was no ordinary celebration.

That’s because the event which took place at Banyan in City Square, exactly four decades on from when Hilary Willmer urged Moortown Baptist Church to set up such a venture, took the opportunity of not only totally revamping its image but for the first time ever to promote itself as never before.

By commissioning a marketing consultant and a professional film maker (you can see the video by clicking HERE) each of whom were at the very top of their game the charity’s CEO and its five trustees not only came up with a new name – Leeds Furniture Mission – but a snappy logo and several new ways of attracting corporate sponsors, individual or teams of volunteers.

Rachel Dodson, who manages LFM told guests that the charity’s fortieth anniversary not only marked an incredibly significant milestone but gave her and what she calls her “brilliant team” the impetus required to build on four decades of service to socially and economically disadvantaged people.

Likewise, Chair of Trustees, Gareth Davies, reiterated the board’s commitment to its original Mission Statement by saying that whilst for some people the new name may take a bit of getting used to it does, nevertheless, reflect the charity’s Christian roots.

Finally, John Sherbourne a long serving Chair of Trustees paid tribute to Hilary Willmer the lady who all those years ago spotted a weakness in the benefits system, which she feared might lead to some people being unable to cope with such a change falling into debt.

Sadly, Hilary was unable to attend the function but as she reads this she can rest assured that her efforts were not in vain.

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

October 30, 2026October 25, 2026 by John Sherbourne

www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

It would be nigh on impossible to list everything that goes on here at MBC in just one post as very often we host special one offs – such as Plant Sales, Craft Fairs, Cream Teas and the like. Here, however, are what you might call the basics i.e. the things that take place either on a regular or a semi permanant basis.

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 worship is Sunday School which sees a small group of young children learning all about Jesus and the love of God.

Rounding off Sunday we have Rock Solid. Meeting between 7 & 8pm and majoring around having fun. Youth Club style 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 which runs in conjunction with The Lord’s Pantry, a project that within limits distributes free food and toiletries etc. to people in need.

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

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. A hybrid Housegroup with half the group meeting in our Music Room and others online.

Wednesday… 7.30pm – 9.30ish. Ladies Housegroup. This group meets in our Corner Room at Church from 7.30pm till 9.30ish.

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 and prayer in our Music Room.

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

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

On top of all this we also have a Pastoral Team which offers confidential support to anyone who needs it. A Parkinson’s Exercise Class. An excellent worship band that plays regularaly in our Sunday services. Two Extend Exercise Classes (ideal for our older friends). Pilates. Pathways a Christian Counselling Service. Huge input into the Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store. Masses of home and overseas Mission work. PACT (Neighbourhood Policing Teams) and local councillor surgeries.

And of course at certain times of the year we also host some special services such as Baptisms, Easter, Harvest and Christmas.

For more information about any of these please email Moortown Baptist Church on admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

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

www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Shelley’s news – 24th October

October 25, 2026October 24, 2026 by Shelley Dring

Dear friends

There was rather a lot in last week’s email so here’s a little reminder of what is coming up…

Remember, the clocks go back tonight!

Sunday 25^th October 11am Psalms Part 5: being a disciple in the psalms…walking in the light. Psalm 119 v 105 – 112. There will be a group for our children to look at the same theme together. We welcome Elod and Kinga Marton from Romania who serve as pastors and are visiting England for the first time.

There will be no rock-solid group 7-8pm this evening but back on the 1^st November!

It’s half term this week so the following groups are all having a break this week…

Stepping Stones

Lunch club

Craft group warm space

We haven’t heard about any housegroups that are pausing this week so do check with group leaders or get in touch with Lesley or I if you are unsure.

Monday 26^th October Beacon café and warm welcome space 10-12 midday with food pantry.

Tuesday 27^th October Bible study in the music room12.30 -2.30pm Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Wednesday 28^thOctober Bible study in the music room and on zoom at 7.30pm. Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley. All welcome.

Wednesday 28^th October House group in the corner room at 7.30pm. See Diane S.

Thursday 29^th October Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 30^th October Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 30^th October Friday night house group in Adel. See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or ask Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 30^th October Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm. See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Saturday 31^st October 10.30-2.30pm It’s the Craft Fair! Money is going towards a girl’s refuge in Sri Lanka. Please talk to Krys for more information. Do bring your friends or just come along, beautiful handmade crafts, get ready for Christmas! Refreshments available.

Sunday 1^st November Café Church Psalms part 6: worship in the psalms Psalm 100 and 150