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Shelley’s news – 16th October

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Dear friends

A big thank you to the Leadership Team and to you all for your prayers, messages and words last Sunday.  It meant a lot to me and my family.  It is a privilege to  be on this journey with you and I ask and thank God every day for his guidance and love as we share what Jesus has shared with us at Moortown and beyond.  This weekend there has been a lot of preparation going into our Sunday service on ‘What is it about Psalm 23?’ and I have loved hearing what it means to some of you.  On Sunday, I run the Amsterdam marathon for the Roy Castle lung Cancer Foundation then next week I go to the Yorkshire Baptist ministers conference for two days to hear and pray for the churches across Yorkshire but you will be in my prayers. I look forward to seeing you over the week.

Over the last few weeks, there have been a number of things going on including Harvest festival, church meeting and AGM, mission group, the deacons away day, buildings, health and safety and website meetings and hosting the Love Leeds project with the Moortown and Meanwood community and Leeds City Council on Thursday.  Thanks to those who helped sort and distribute our harvest gifts.  This is alongside our weekly groups including housegroups, bible studies, open space drop in cafes, under 5’s groups, youth, and children’s groups, services and visiting to name just a few.  Do keep praying for the spaces and people we welcome and connect with as church.

This week, lunch club enjoyed a musical feast as well as some great food, with music performed by some of church family. This was followed by a Wednesday Worship service focusing on the psalms where Rachel asked people to share what their favourite psalm was and why.

If you want to find out more about whats been happening, do follow the link at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ.

If you want to find out more about Love Leeds then follow this link Love Leeds | Leeds.gov.uk There will be a follow up meeting in a couple of weeks to make a shared plan with members of the council and our community about what we are going to do together and how we can support each other in different ways.  We’ll share more over the next week or so.  Thanks to those who came along to share ideas and get to know others in the community better.  We had some good conversations with people who had been in the church building a long time ago and this was there first time back in a while.

Last Sunday we welcomed Leeds Vineyard church during the afternoon as they held a baptism service.  Thanks to those who helped host, get the baptistry ready and lead on tech for the afternoon.  Alex Harbour, the assistant minister at Leeds Vineyard passes on his grateful thanks for the wonderful way they were welcomed and Vineyard church has given a kind donation towards the work at MBC.

This week…

Sunday 18th October Church service with younger group following the same theme.  We’ll share communion together 11.00am. Psalm part 4: What is it about psalm 23?  

Sunday 18th October Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building

Monday 19th October Beacon Café and warm welcome space 10.00 – 12.00 midday with food pantry available.

Tuesday 20th October Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers.  10.00 – 11.30am.  All welcome.

Tuesday 20th October Bible study in the music room – 12.30 -2.30 Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Tuesday 20th October Alwoodley Community forum meets next door at the Ziff centre. We are part of this group and will be sharing what we have planned and what people can come to with partners across Alwoodley ward.

Wednesday 21st October Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30.  Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 21st October Bible study in the music room and on zoom at 7.30pm.  Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley.  All welcome.

Wednesday 21st October House group in the corner room at 7.30pm.  See Diane S.

Thursday 22nd October Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions or see Karen.

Thursday 22nd October Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 23rd October Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 23rd October Friday night house group in Adel.  See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or ask Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 23rd October Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm.  See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Sunday 25th October Psalms Part 5: being a disciple in the psalms

It’s the Craft Fair on Saturday 31st October 10.30-2.30pm with money going towards a girls refuge in Sri Lanka.  Please talk to Krys for more information.  Do bring your friends or just come along, beautiful hand made crafts, get ready for Christmas!

Sunday 1st November Café church Psalms part 6: worship in the psalms

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

Sunday 8th November Remembrance Sunday service Psalms part 7: remembering in the psalms

The next Psalms art group takes place at 7pm in the sports hall on November 4th.  See Krys or Cas for more information or just turn up.

We’ll be having out next get to know you lunch on 8th November after the service.  If you feel new to MBC or know someone who does then do let Mandy or Claire know and you’d be very welcome to come to lunch and get to know a few more people and a bit more about the who the church is.

Next church meeting is November 10th 7.30pm.  Look forward to seeing you there!  Sharing thoughts including Christmas!

Its half term week the week of Saturday 24th October so there will be a few changes to our usual activities.  Stepping Stones, Lunch club, craft group warm space and youth group on the 25th October will pause but Beacon will happen as usual.  Do check with Lesley or myself or the house group leaders about bible studies/housegroups that week.  If you are a house group leader and you are pausing that week, can you let Lesley or myself know this week so that we can let people know if they ask, please? 

Do pray for the trustees, staff and volunteers at the Leeds Furniture Mission (previously Leeds and Moortown Furniture Store) who have their 40 year celebration on Tuesday night!

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.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

LEEDS AND MOORTOWN FURNITURE STORE. 40 YEARS – A NEW NAME – THE SAME MISSION

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A charity helping more than 30 Leeds households furnish their homes in a typical week is marking its 40th anniversary with a new name and identity. 
 
Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, established in 1986, is becoming Leeds Furniture Mission. The new name reflects its ongoing work supporting individuals and families across the whole of Leeds. 
 
The charity collects good quality unwanted furniture from homes and businesses and passes it on to people in need, keeping around 9 tonnes of furniture in use and out of landfill each month. 
 
It works with professional referral partners including housing officers, support workers, charities, social services and NHS services. Following a referral and assessment of need, people who may otherwise be moving into accommodation with little or no furniture can choose up to 5 essential items for their homes for free. 
 
Rachel Dodson, CEO at Leeds Furniture Mission, said: 
 
“Furniture is something many of us take for granted, but when you find yourself with very little, having a bed to sleep in, a table to sit around or a comfortable chair can make an enormous difference to their physical and mental health. 
 
“A piece of furniture that someone no longer needs can be just what another person is missing. Our donors and volunteers help us make that connection, giving furniture a second life and people a more comfortable place to call home.” 
 
Alongside household donations, the charity can collect furniture from businesses, offices, hotels and student accommodation, giving organisations a practical way to support their local community when replacing unwanted furniture. 
 
Looking ahead 
 
The rebrand comes as Leeds Furniture Mission seeks to reach more people, build stronger business partnerships and welcome new volunteers. 
 
Gareth Davies, Chair of Trustees of Leeds Furniture Mission, said: 
 
“We’re proud of what this charity has achieved over the past 40 years, and grateful to everyone who has helped make that possible. Our new name reflects the charity we are today. It’s a new name, but the same purpose. 
 
“The need for our service continues, while rising costs and pressure on funding make it harder to meet that need. We’re positive about the future, but we need more people and businesses alongside us to ensure we can continue to meet the ever-growing need.” 
 
Individuals can get involved by donating furniture, volunteering regularly or making a financial contribution. Businesses can help through fundraising, sponsorship, furniture and product donations, professional skills and team volunteering days.  
 
The charity will mark its 40th anniversary at Banyan in Leeds on Tuesday 20 October, thanking supporters who have helped make its work possible over the years and introducing its new identity. 
 
To arrange a free furniture collection, call 0113 273 9727. To find out more about supporting Leeds Furniture Mission, visit leedsfurnituremission.org.uk. 
 
About Leeds Furniture Mission 
 
Leeds Furniture Mission, formerly Leeds & Moortown Furniture Store, is a registered charity established in 1986 at Moortown Baptist Church. It collects and redistributes donated furniture to people in need across Leeds through professional referrals. 
 
Registered charity number: 1061705 
 
Address: Unit F, Seacroft Industrial and Trade Park, Coal Road, Leeds, LS14 2AQ 
 
Website: leedsfurnituremission.org.uk – new website launching soon. Current site: www.leedsandmoortown.org.uk 
 
 
In the gallery below you will see Rachel Dodson, the charity’s General Manager, Gareth Davies – Chair of Trustees – Rachel with Trustees Nick, Steve, Mike and Gareth and one of the mission’s newly branded vans.

Minister’s Appreciation Day, and Shelley shows just what it feels like to be appreciated

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Sunday the 11th of October was Minister (or to use its Sunday name Pastor) Appreciation Day, which meant that we, that’s those of us who know and love Shelley could come together and show our appreciation for everything she does but most of all for who she is. 

At the end of our Service and surrounded by Deacon’s and family Shelley was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a specially made Thank You box into which we all dropped heart shaped cards bearing a very personal message. 

It really was a very special occasion, one which gave us all the opportunity to show Shelley and her family just how much everything they do for MBC, so much of it unseen, really is appreciated.

 

Harvest Festival – thank you all for your generosity

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On the 4th of October we held our Harvest Festival, which this year coincided with our monthly Café Church. It was an occasion that saw the whole church come together to bring or send produce and money to support our own food pantry, the Leeds North and West Foodbank and Caring for Life. 

From each of them we simply say thank you. 

 

 

A reminder about Krys’s 2026 Craft Fair

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A further reminder about Krys Gadd’s 2026 Craft Fair. Once again it’s being held to support the work of a girls’ hostel near Kandy in Sri Lanka.

It starts at 10.30am and runs through to 2.30pm and Saturday October 31st is the date.

If you need any more information you can contact Krys direct on krystyna.gadd@icloud.com 

1973… so much for Health and Safety

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I’ve done some research, but no matter where I look the only thing I can confirm about this picture is that if what it says on the back is true it was taken in July 1973… beyond that both you and I are going to have to rely on guesswork. 

So here goes. Who were or indeed are Tomlinson of Leeds. Were they removal men or maybe local hauliers? And who on this occasion were Tomlinson’s young passengers? My feeling, and again this is no more than guesswork is that they were MBC’s Brownies and/or Guides; but if they are that begs the question where on earth were they going? 

Perhaps though, the biggest mystery is how on earth were they allowed to travel to goodness knows where standing up in the back of a lorry. 

If anyone can throw any light on this rather bizarre situation please email me at  mbcnewspics@gmail.com

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 

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 for w/c 4th October

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Dear friends,

Today is our Harvest Festival and café church.  We meet in church and online at 11am.  Gifts of food and money are being collected to be shared between the lords pantry at church, the north and west Leeds foodbank and Caring for life.

Links are here for more information…Caring For Life | A Christian Charity

Leeds North & West Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis  We look forward to a celebration of thankfulness today.  We will also continue our theme on the Why psalms? Part 3:Harvest and fruitfulness Psalm 1:1-3

Coming up…

Sunday 4th October Deacons day with Shelley from 1.30pm.

Sunday 4th October Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building. Continuing the theme of ‘hearing from God’

Monday 5th October Beacon Café and warm welcome space 10.00 – 12.00 midday with food pantry available.

Monday 5th October Website update meeting.  6.30pm

Tuesday 6th October Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers.  10.00 – 11.30am.  All welcome.

Tuesday 6th October Bible study in the music room – 12.30 -2.30 Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Tuesday 6th October Buildings team update at 4pm in music room

Wednesday 7th October Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30.  Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 7th October Bible study in the music room and on zoom at 7.30pm.  Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley.  All welcome.

Wednesday 7th October House group in the corner room at 7.30pm.  See Diane S.

Thursday 8th October Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions or see Karen.

Thursday 8th October Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 9th October Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 9th October Friday night house group in Adel.  See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or asl Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 9th October Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm.  See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Sunday 11th October Psalms part 4: Psalms and imagination :Psalm 8

Sunday 11th October Leeds vineyard hold baptisms in the sanctuary in the afternoon.

Sunday 11th October Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building Continuing the theme of ‘hearing from God’

Sunday 18th October Psalms Part 4: what is it about psalm 23?  Psalm 23

Saturday 31st October Craft Fair 10.30pm – 2.30pm in the building.  £1 entry Raising funds for the girls’ refuge near Kandy, Sri Lanka.  Talk to Krys for more information and do come along and invite people to come.  There will be refreshments as well as lots of beautiful crafts.. start your Christmas shopping!

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.

Chris and Bela moved away a couple of weeks ago and they have passed their address to me.  Let me know if you would like it passing on to you at their request.

Some people have been asking about how to improve their digital skills for example with booking doctors’ appointments and handling emails.  Our local library is holding some free sessions designed to “help you to get online and overcome barriers to using digital technology. You can bring your smartphone, tablet, laptop or log into a library computer. Our friendly librarians can help you with a specific problem and provide guidance and resources for improving your digital skills.”  Please click on this email here Digital Drop-ins | Leeds Inspired

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Cubs – Brownies – Scouts and Guides. Another look back in time

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It seems like only yesterday that I was dropping our two young childern off for cubs or brownies. Sadly, some might say, at MBC cubs, brownies nor scouts or guides exist. 

Our first venture into what became know as our “uniformed organisations” was in 1956 when a cub pack was formed. This led throughout the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties to literally hundreds of children and young people spending a couple of hours a week making new friends and being awarded badges by mastering skills such as learning to tie a whole raft of knots, model making  or building camp fires. In addition they went camping, the younger ones in dormatories the older ones in tents. And of course there were monthly Parade Services at which each group would select a flag bearer and two escorts. 

The picture above shows just a few of the many volunteer leaders; some of whom are still around who year after year shared their time and their talents.

Shelley’s news for w/c Sunday 27th September

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Dear friends

Here’s a reminder about what’s going on…

Sunday 27th September Church service with younger group following the same theme 11.00am. ‘Why Psalms?’ Part 2.  Praying the psalms. Psalm 143:1-10 Rachel B will also be sharing about the heart and work behind the charity Faith in Later Life.

Sunday 27th September Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building

Monday 28st September Beacon Café and warm welcome space 10.00 – 12.00 midday with food pantry available.

Tuesday 29th September Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers.  10.00 – 11.30am.  All welcome.

Tuesday 29th September Bible study in the music room – 12.30 -2.30 Please check with Howard, Lesley or Shelley if you want more information.

Tuesday 29th September The mission group meet at 2.30pm on in the church building.  See Phil Coates or Shelley for more information.

Tuesday 29th September Safeguarding leads, Shelley and Rachel B meet for safeguarding update at 8pm in the music room.

Wednesday 30th September Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30.  Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 30th September Bible study in the music room and on zoom at 7.30pm.  Talk to Andy, Ruth or Shelley.  All welcome.

Wednesday 30th September House group in the corner room at 7.30pm.  See Diane S.

Wednesday 30th September Psalms art group takes place at 7pm in the sports hall.  See Krys or Cas for more information or just turn up.

Wednesday 30th September 6.30-7.15pm PACT meeting takes place in the music room.  This is the Police and Communities Together for Moortown. There will be local police and councillors on hand.  Anyone can go.  Also helps us to pray and discern well.

Thursday 1st October Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions or see Karen.

Thursday 1st October Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C, Lesley or Shelley

Friday 2nd October Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 2nd October Friday night house group in Adel.  See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or asl Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 2nd October Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm.  See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

Our All Age Harvest Festival takes place at café church on 4th October at 11am.  ‘Why Psalms?’ Part 3. Psalms, harvest and creation psalm 1: 1-3 This year we are bringing produce and sending money to support our food pantry, the local food bank and Caring for Life local charity.

Follow this link for suggestions of food donations at Caring for Life..Harvest Appeal | Caring For Life

Leeds North and West Foodbank are needing at the moment…tinned fruit, jam and other spreads, tinned potatoes and instant mash, rice pudding custard.  More information can be found here Donate food | Leeds North & West Foodbank

A list of suggested items for our food pantry is on the box in the foyer in church but I have asked Lesley to send an email version out on Monday.  Lesley sent out a specific email this week about ideas of things to bring, do check your inbox.  Thankyou.

Sunday 4th October Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building.

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.

Sunday 11th October Psalms part 3: psalms and imagination

Sunday 18th October Psalms Part 4: what is it about psalm 23?

A big thank you to all those who shared, prayed and listened to what people had to say about the work of the church over the last year at our annual general meeting and church meeting on Tuesday night.  A huge amount of work goes into the annual reports and helps us to take a moment together to recognise what has been happening and to pray about the future.  We heard a specific mission update about what is happening both in and out of the building including mission abroad as well as on our own doorstep at Beacon and in our local community.   

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

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