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2024 Summer. A reminder from Shelley of what’s on, what’s not on and what’s on sometimes.

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Dear friends

My update today includes all we know about what’s happening at MBC over the Summer.  The next update will be the week of the 12th August. 

Groups ‘on pause’ until September

Stepping Stones under 5’s midweek toddler group, Diane’s Wednesday night house group and the Friday morning bible study.

Groups continuing throughout August

Beacon café and warm welcome space will take place every Monday 10-12midday apart from the August bank holiday Monday 26th August.

The Lords pantry food is available every Monday and Tuesday morning between 10 and 12 (apart from 26th August).  It’s worth saying that it is for both the wider community and those within the church community.  Do have a confidential word with myself, Karen or a deacon if needed.

Tuesday afternoon house group in church, bring lunch to eat with others at 12.30 then join in a one off study each week through the Summer.  The group thought this might make it easier if you miss a couple of want to try out one of the sessions if you haven’t been to the group before. See Howard Dews for information (the 6th August maybe slightly different).

Wednesday evening house group with Ruth/Andy Berry in church and on zoom 7.30-9.15pm.  You are welcome to go along in the Summer for one or more sessions if you don’t usually go to the group and want to do something in the summer.

Thursday afternoon warm welcome space and craft group 2-4pm in the church building (15th August maybe different.. we’ll keep in touch)

Thursday evening bible study with Gareth Gadd in church 7pm.  Open to all.

Please see Hilary or Jonathan or Steve or Helen about Friday night housegroup

Groups that happen every so often in the Summer

Lunch Club takes place on..7th August in the sports hall and 21st August in the main Sanctuary.  On the 21st August members of Rock Solid youth group are invited to join the fun activities and chat including lunch!  There will be a film and ice-creams for lunchclub on the 28th August.  More info to follow.  

Wednesday Worship takes place on 21st August at 1.30.  Do chat to Rachel about your favourite hymn or chorus and why its special to you if you want to share. Open to all.

Youth groups are meeting in August but they are still working out the programme so Lesley and the group leaders will be in touch.

Sundays in July and August

Sundays in August will be designed for all ages together.  As part of this there will always be a connected craft or activity for anyone who would like to explore the message creatively at the time.  Feel free to bring sketchbooks/notepads.

Sunday 28th July service at 11am in church and online.  Luke 16:1-9 with creative crafts in church to make and take home, connected to this week’s message. 

Sunday 4th August Café church for all.  Creatively exploring Luke 19:11-27 at 11am and online.

Sunday 11th August we begin a mini-series based on John 4 continuing to look at the power of story.  This week its ‘Jesus Story’ John 4:1-13.  There will be no live feed this week as we are meeting in the sports hall and meeting areas so there will be a different ‘feel’ to the gathering, maybe cosier, but we will have creative ways to explore the message through craft and activities. 

Sunday 18th August back in the main room (Sanctuary) at 11am with live feed for part two of the mini-series from John 4:13-26  ‘My Story’ with connected crafts and activities. With communion.

Sunday 25th August 11am in the building and online on  MBC Youtube channel part three of our mini-series from John 4:27-42 ‘Our Story’ with connected crafts and activities.

New group for the Summer

The prayer course by Pete Grieg of 24/7 prayer movement Home – 24-7 Prayer International

Krys will facilitate the course on Sundays, a mix of in person and on zoom.  It starts this Sunday in the church building for about an hour after church.  The following week it will be done on zoom at 7.30pm, then the week after back to in person and so on.  Please see the website for more information or talk to Krys or Lesley.  Bring your lunch along for the after-church sessions. It will run every Sunday until the last one on the 15th September. 

Prayer Course – Starting Sunday 28th July – Moortown Baptist Church

Work around the building

On Tuesday 6th August, work starts on the floor of the main church room known as the sanctuary.  It is being sanded and re-covered.  It will need time to dry therefore will not be usable for two weeks. Therefore, on 11th August the service and Beacon on the 12th August will be in different rooms but they are both still happening.

A couple of people are looking to arrange a day or two to do some sorting in church.  We could do with one or two volunteers to help us sort the book library too. Dates to come (and also let us know when you are around).  In the meantime if you have things that you have left in church and meant to take home can you pick them up please.  Also, it’s great to have donations of things but can you give them directly to Lesley or Karen or a deacon so we can work out where they should go. Thankyou.

The website and our Facebook pages are constantly updated so keep an eye out over Summer.  There are leaflets in the entrance of church with our usual events, Lesley is in the building Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning so give her an email or call or ask a group leader or myself.  If you want to see me and can’t find me then do chat to Lesley and she will book in a time that is convenient for us.   

Thanks everyone

“He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2)

Shelley

ENGAGE – the latest BMS World Mission magazine is out now

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The latest edition of ENGAGE, the Baptist Missionary Society’s World Mission magazine, is packed with features about the organisation’s work across the globe.

From Bangladesh to Cyprus and from Palestine to Uganda there are, despite enormous challenges a whole range of stories of hope as writers and photographers bring us up to date with a whole spread of world wide mission.

With this issue there is also a Christmas 2024 catalogue, plus a free September to December Prayer Guide, which for the week commencing Sunday the 17th of November focusses on the work being carried out at two BMS supported hospitals in Chad; one of course being the medical facility in Bardia, the place where MBC’s mission partners Andea and Mark Hotchkin work.

To receive your free copy of ENGAGE – either through the post or online simply follow the links at www.bmsworldmission.org Alternatively have a word with MBC’s BMS co-ordinator Roger Robson who will help you all he can.  

Phil Commons and Rod Russell pass on an update from Bangladesh

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Respective My Sister,

Nomosker.

Yes it is good news for us that Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus will take over as the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government tomorrow at 8 PM. For the time being, 15 more eminent citizens will simultaneously take over the duties of the interim government. And a new government will be elected within 90 days. The opinion of the students has not been taken yet.

Other News –

1. Many politicians including Khaleda Zia have been released from jail.

2. Banning of these two political parties Jamaat-e-Islami and Shibir (as well as opposition people) – they continue to damage and loot the valuable resources of many countries. Like Parliament House, Public House, Government Workshop, Police Station, People’s Houses and Religious Buildings – many more.

3. Many senior officers of the army have been retired and newly appointed.

4. Many policemen have died – so there are no policemen in the country – but efforts are being made to bring them back.

5. At present students are working as traffic police voluntarily.

6. Houses of many high-ranking officials of Sheikh Hasina government were set on fire and many chairman-members were killed.

7. Many of the ministers of the previous government have fled, many have taken refuge in cantonments – many have been imprisoned.

8. All the statues of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have been demolished.

9. Many factories, buildings, buses of the previous government are being burnt and looted.

10. Currently all public transport is closed. Metro rail fires and much destruction continue. Houses of minority communities are being set on fire.

However, both good and bad things are going on. Common people are still afraid to leave their homes. So he is making a living in misery.

I hope that the country and the people will be freed from all the hardships very soon by the new interim government.

Your Brother,

Anup

Table Top sale – 14th September 2024

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Last year I organised a tabletop sale in order to raise funds for a women’s refuge in Sri Lanka.

Table-top sale @ MBC

It was a great day and we managed to raise a substantial amount of money. Just recently I was in Sri Lanka seeing the girls and it was such a heart-warming time that I have decided to go out again next year. If you would like a table then please contact me through the church at admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk.

You can reserve one for just £10!

MBC’s Romanian Support Group host their annual strawberry cream tea and raise almost £2,000

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It’s more than fifty years ago since students and former Moortown members Paul Hicks and his future wife Jean Mackintosh first visited Romania. Their purpose was to take theological books behind the “iron curtain” to help the work of a Romanian Baptist pastor who had studied at Regent’s Park College in Oxford.  

During that visit, and indeed for many years after the friendships that Paul and Jean had made way back in 1972 were kept up which meant that following the events of December 1989, events which saw the Communist system in Eastern Europe collapse, Moortown Baptist Church could be much more open about its support. This led to the formation of Mrs G (the Moortown Romanian Support Group) which over the years has contributed literally thousands of pounds worth of financial and practical support.

In  fact so strong has the bond between MBC and our brothers and sisters in Romania become that in more recent years not only have numerous two way visits taken place but two of their young pastors (Zsuzsi and Andor) spent part of their ministry training based here with us. 

The strawberry cream tea that you see illustrated above and below is just one of the annual projects that the Support Group arrange. 

This year, however, rather than being held at Howard Dews’ home it was here in church and collectively contributions towards the cream tea, the sale of Romanian crafts and some extremely generous donations raised a total of over £1,915.

On behalf of everyone connected with MrsG and of course the churches it supports may we say a huge thanks to all of you who came. 

Shelley – 20th July 2024

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Dear Friends
Tomorrow we are looking forward to being together in our service at 11am and later from 3-5pm for our afternoon strawberry tea.  There’s no charge for the scones, strawberries and drinks, but donations are encouraged for the ministry of the churches we are supporting in Romania.

There will be some goods made by those in Romania available on the day. Everyone is welcome!  It’s a great chance to meet those who are part of different groups throughout the week. The youth in Rock Solid meet at the earlier time of 5pm tomorrow at church with bible study and outdoor games.  Tomorrow’s service will include sharing communion.  We have a group for our younger friends so they can explore the story creatively together.  Thanks to all those involved in sharing faith with our children and young people.

As we come to the Summer months some of our activities continue, pause, or simply change in style or frequency.  I have asked all those leading groups, including Lunch Club, Beacon and House Groups to let me know their plans and I will email these out to you at the beginning of next week.  Here’s a few things I know are definitely happening in the next few days…

Monday 22nd July 10-12 am Midday Beacon warm welcome space and café.
Tuesday 23rd July 12.30 pm House group in church. Bring a sandwich at 12.30.  Short studies through summer.  See Howard Dews
Tuesday 23rd July Deacons and Shelley meet in church at 7.30 pm
Wednesday 24th July Lunch Club with volunteers
Wednesday 24th July 7.30 pm House Group in church and on Zoom. See Ruth or Andy.
Thursday 25th July 2-4 pm warm welcome space craft group.  See Karen or Diane
Friday 26th July Bible study at 10 am in church (see Shelley or Brenda Thompson)
If in doubt, ask group leaders or Shelley or Lesley (back on Monday).
Next Sunday we’ll be looking at Luke 16:1-9 in a service from 11-12 midday, followed the week after by an all-age café church looking creatively at Luke 19:11-27.

More details about Summer at MBC at the beginning of next week!

Do keep looking on the website too.  Click on this link. This week’s new articles include a piece and pictures from the “Wise up to Ageism” course some of us were part of last Monday, and also an article about what happens when we are experiencing challenges in life that seem more ‘long haul’ rather than quick fixes…

See you tomorrow

In Christ
Shelley

Shelley Dring
Minister

Wise up to Ageism… a report on MBC’s recent course

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The aim of Wise Up to Ageism is to raise awareness and encourage people to discuss and reflect on ageism in our everyday lives. We also aim to help people challenge ageist attitudes.

The session explores five key areas:

Let’s talk about ageism – What is ageism and how widespread is it?

Ageism affects people of all ages – Whether we are younger, middle aged or older ageism affects us all

Older, different, equal – older people are diverse and ageing and ageism affect us      differently

Ageism. What does it do to us? – The impact of ageism on our health, self-worth, life expectancy, work and access to services

Time to feel good about ageing – Share the positives of ageing and celebrate the contributions made by older people.

The session was organised by MBC’s Rachel Beedle and was led by Sarah Prescott the Friendly Communities Development Officer for Leeds Older People’s Forum. 

Nine people completed the course including MBC volunteers and staff members.  We shared ideas and thoughts in a group and reflected on our own practice at MBC. This course complements our dementia friendly work as well as our safeguarding courses and contributes to our vision to make Moortown Baptist Church an accessible church where all have the opportunity to flourish.

Below are some interesting and useful links that Sarah Prescott has forwarded to us.

The Centre for Ageing Better’s report ‘Ageism: What’s the harm?’ is an evidence based overview of the impacts of ageism in the UK

The long haul… Jane Coates’ latest thoughts and prayers

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The reference to the long haul in Jane’s latest Thoughts and Prayers reminded Shelley of a long haul flight –  a holiday perhaps.  Have a read and see what you think. 
 
Patience and endurance in the long haul
 
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy. Colossians 1 v 11 NLT
 
Sometimes in life, the challenges that come are sudden, unexpected, urgent but may be short lived, so that the steep mountain of stress, discomfort and dismay, although unbearably and painfully challenging, is conquered, and life is able to move on at a pace again. But sometimes the challenge is not a sharp Himalayan climb but a long-drawn-out trek across an indistinguishable, barren route with few landmarks to guide, reassure and to measure progress. The road just goes on indefinitely into the future and it is hard to fix your eyes on that final victory. That kind of challenge needs an extra grace to keep going for the long haul.
 
There are many folks who are in this position who need the daily grit, energy, and patience to get up and get going, knowing that there will be many, many more days like this one. They need that patient endurance and stickability that Paul speaks of here. Even the most resourceful and strong need the power of our most glorious God to remain focussed and faith filled. This kind of stamina and strength cannot be worked up from nowhere. God provides it in abundance- and with joy as an added measure. He will provide the inner strength for the long haul.
 
It is comforting too to be accompanied on the journey by those who will walk parts of the road with you, lifting your spirits, encouraging, sharing and supporting in a myriad of ways, that may seem small to them, but which have the gift to move your steps forward. Be thankful for those companions and fellow hikers on the journey.
 
We are praying, too, that you will be filled with his mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens—always full of the joy of the Lord, TLB
 
 We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. MSG
 
PRAY You are always worthy of praise and thanks. May we see beyond the daily circumstances and the challenges to Your beauty and goodness. We will sing praises to You because of your grace and love. You are our personal friend, ever present, our provider and your purposes are true and faithful.
 
Even to your old age and grey hairs
    I am He, I am He who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
    I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46 v 4

Who doesn’t like a strawberry cream tea?

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Between 3-5pm on Sunday the 21st of July our friends here at MBC, that’s those folk who for many a year have supported a number of churches in Romania are holding their annual strawberry cream tea.

This year it’s here at church, and if it’s anything like those they have hosted in previous years it will be superb.

Be sure to put this date in your diary. 

Shelley – 13th July 2024

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Dear Friends

I am reminded of this verse this week, you may know it as a song…

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness”
(Lamentations3:22-23, NIV)

Words of hope from Jeremiah that despite the seemingly overwhelming circumstances, God’s love is steadfast, immoveable, and never runs out, ‘created new every morning’ as The Message bible describes. Our lives may be lived in a constantly changing world, but God’s love is firmly fixed, never ending, our true North as on a compass. As we continue to look at Jesus storytelling in Luke, we are reminded of God’s constant love for all and the joy and challenge to see things from His kingdom perspective. This brings adventure, cost, mess, excitement and learning. Last week we looked at a story in Luke 14 about inviting guests to a meal, this week we move onto Luke 12:13-21. You might want to read it or listen to it through the week and see what themes come to you.

Sunday 14th July Service 11-12 Luke 12:13-21 with a group for our younger friends
Sunday 14th 6.30-7.30pm Rock Solid for youth in church (note change of time just for this week)
Monday 15th July 10-12 midday Beacon Warm Welcome café
Monday 15th July 1-3pm (bring your lunch if you are staying after Beacon) ‘Wise up to Ageism’ course led by Leeds Older people’s forum
Tuesday 16th July Stepping Stones team ‘big sort out’ followed by lunch
Tuesday 16th July House Groups in the music room. See Rod Russell
Wednesday 17th July Lunch club for those booked in and the volunteers. See Rachel for more information
Wednesday 17th July Wednesday Worship 1.30-2pm in the music room
Wednesday 17th July PACT Police and Communities together 6.30pm-7.15pm in music room. Anyone welcome to meet local police, chat about the neighbourhood, especially those in the Moortown area. Shelley will be there.
Wednesday 17th July house group in church 7.30pm -9pm in the music room. See Ruth and Andy Berry
Thursday 18th July Warm welcome craft group 2-4pm See Karen Ross
Thursday 18th July Study on evangelism with Gareth Gadd 7-9pm in church
Friday 19th July Bible study in church at 10-11am. See Shelley for more information.
Friday 19th July House group at 8pm in Adel. See Hilary and Jonathan Darling or Steve or Helen Olijnyk
Sunday 21st July 11-12.15 service in church with communion and a group with activities for our younger friends Luke 18:9-14
Sunday 21st July 3-5pm Strawberry cream tea for all (donations go to Romania)
Sunday 21st July Rock Solid, see Val, Martyn, Nathan or Adam

Next deacons and Shelley meeting.. 23rd July 7.30pm in church
Tuesday 10th September 7.30pm Whole church meeting

Just a note that Lesley is on leave again this week.

Thanks to those helping with chairs between services/activities. We don’t have anyone specifically to perform this role yet, but if you are around on Sunday after church, Monday after Beacon, Wednesday after Lunch Club, or Thursday/Friday at some point, these are the times we reset the church. Please talk to myself, Karen, Rod or Adam if you can help.

One of our deacons, Mandy, is putting together a team of Fire Marshals. We explained more about this at the last church meeting and a couple of people stepped forward. Thanks to those. We still need two more people to join the team (there will be training) so if you want more information or would like to volunteer can you tell Mandy or myself, thanks so much.

It’s the Strawberry Cream Tea next Sunday, and all our mid-week groups have been invited too so it will be a chance to get to know more people in our community. If you can help with setting up or making tea or bringing scones or tidying afterwards, can you let me or Karen know please by the middle of next week? Do bring people along and come yourself!

See our website for all other information and articles written by those in church including one on a new musical based on the Hymn ‘It is well..’ Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. and a prayer course starting on Sunday 28th July. For the prayer course, some sessions are online and some have discussion in the building. It’s open to everyone and led by Krys Gadd with teaching on video from Pete Greig from 24/7 prayer Home – 24-7 Prayer International.

In Christ
Shelley

Shelley Dring
Minister

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