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Where to go when you are at rock bottom
This week working at St George’s Crypt, in conversation a client told me he felt life was pretty much ended for him . As an addict he said his family didn’t believe he could change and didn’t want to see him again.
From previous conversations I knew this man was open to spiritual truth and so I assured him that everyone can change, and God wasn’t giving up on him and nor was I. I pointed out that he was already changing and there was no reason to think that what he hoped for his life couldn’t happen. I could sense this was an important conversation for him and he was listening intently.
Later on I found myself asking the question “Where should we go when life seems hope-less?” As I was searching for an answer, the words of a prayer I had learnt by rote at school and repeated many times in school assemblies dropped into my mind just as I has learnt them:
For the man in question I knew he had a bible and I wrote out for him Jeremiah 29 v 11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil – to bring about the future you hope for.” (GNT)
I am reminded of a story where a group of people trekking through a jungle realised that they were hopelessly lost. After many hours of wandering they came across a man who knew the terrain and asked him if he could show them the way. To their surprise he said to them to them – “I am the Way – follow me” and he led them safely to their destination. In the same way when we feel lost, Jesus says to us “I am the Way. ( John 14 v 6) and he will lead us safely home to the Father.
Lord help us be sensitive to the needs of others who are in despair. Help us by Your spirit to instill hope and trust in you. Thank You for Your Word and for the fact that You are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.
From previous conversations I knew this man was open to spiritual truth and so I assured him that everyone can change, and God wasn’t giving up on him and nor was I. I pointed out that he was already changing and there was no reason to think that what he hoped for his life couldn’t happen. I could sense this was an important conversation for him and he was listening intently.
Later on I found myself asking the question “Where should we go when life seems hope-less?” As I was searching for an answer, the words of a prayer I had learnt by rote at school and repeated many times in school assemblies dropped into my mind just as I has learnt them:
Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice.I realised God was pointing me to the answer. David penned this Psalm when he was at one of the lowest points in his life. It tells us where to find hope – in the character of God revealed in His word. It tells us we can know that God is a God of forgiveness, mercy (undeserved favour) and “plenteous redemption”. “Plenteous” communicates to us the truth that there is a great abundance of something, but in saying that there is “plenteous redemption” points to an overflowing, inexhaustible supply of divine forgiveness through the sacrificial blood of Jesus the Son of God.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand?
But with Thee there is mercy and by reason of Thy law I have waited on Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even unto night: let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. [Psalm 130]
For the man in question I knew he had a bible and I wrote out for him Jeremiah 29 v 11 “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for good and not for evil – to bring about the future you hope for.” (GNT)
I am reminded of a story where a group of people trekking through a jungle realised that they were hopelessly lost. After many hours of wandering they came across a man who knew the terrain and asked him if he could show them the way. To their surprise he said to them to them – “I am the Way – follow me” and he led them safely to their destination. In the same way when we feel lost, Jesus says to us “I am the Way. ( John 14 v 6) and he will lead us safely home to the Father.
Lord help us be sensitive to the needs of others who are in despair. Help us by Your spirit to instill hope and trust in you. Thank You for Your Word and for the fact that You are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.
Dementia Friendly Week. 13th – 19th May
Dementia Action Week – 13-19 May 2024
Dementia Action Week is an awareness raising campaign. Each year, Alzheimer’s Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK to encourage people to act on dementia.
As an Age and Dementia Friendly Organisation MBC is getting involved in Dementia Action Week. Lunch Club will have a visit from Carole, the Dementia Support Worker at MAECare to find out more and to do some activities.
Our Seniors Worker, Rachel, who is also a Dementia Friends Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, will be leading a Dementia Friends Information Session on Sunday 19th May at 12.30pm in the Music Room. It will last about 45 minutes and is a chance to learn about what dementia is and also how to support those living with dementia and their carers.
If you would like to attend please let Lesley or Rachel know.
Please click the link below to download a copy:
Shelley – 4 May 2024
Dear Friends
Half way through the bank holiday weekend for some… and we are pleased to be joining together tomorrow morning at café church where we share breakfast pastries, fruit, drinks and join in worship. We start at 11am for about an hour and it’s designed for all ages together. We’ll be looking at the story of Peter on the beach with Jesus in John 21:4-19.
We will be online on the YouTube channel @moortownbaptistchurch from 11am.
Coming up…
No youth group of beacon café on Sunday or Monday as the volunteers are having a break.
Everything starts again as usual on Tuesday with Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their Carers from 10-11.30am.
Tuesday house group in church in the afternoon, ask Lesley for more information.
Tuesday at 7.30pm Leadership meeting for deacons and Shelley in church.
Wednesday – lunch club – see Rachel Beedle or Lesley in the office for more information
Thursday – warm welcome space and craft group 2-4pm in church – see Karen Ross or Diane Sunter
Thursday 7pm bible study with Gareth Gadd
On Friday there is usually a bible study at 10am in church and a house group in the evening at 8pm in Adel. Talk to Shelley if you want more information, and she’ll point you to the right people.
Sunday 12th May – service in church at 11am continuing the theme of Resurrection with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme during the talk.
Please note this is the day of the Leeds Marathon when many will be running to raise money for some great causes. Thanks to those who support me in different ways. The Marathon route does not go past Moortown Baptist Church as it used to in the past, so it should not affect most of you in your usual route to church, however, it may affect some people coming from Horsforth, Cookridge or Adel, as it will go down Otley Road across the Ring Road and the top of King Lane.. you can check the route on the map below.. there is also an interactive map available here.. Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon – 12th May 2024 | Run For All | Run For All
In the evening at 7pm Rock Solid youth groups meet in church.
Wednesday 15th May is Wednesday worship with the theme of Pentecost. 1.30pm in the music room for about half an hour.
Saturday 18th May – It’s the plant sale! Come along from 1-3pm and enjoy a hot drink and a cake. Invite your friends. For more information talk to Lesley in the office or Jenny Dixon. Money raised goes to Moortown Furniture Store.
Sunday 19th May – service in church at 11am continuing the theme of Resurrection and celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit. Including communion and a group for our younger friends to creatively explore the theme.
Rachel Beedle will be running a dementia awareness session after the service on this day for those who have missed it in the past and would like to go. 12.30pm in church.
In the evening, Rock Solid youth groups have a trip to Rock Mass, Halifax.
Thursday 6th June Moortown Baptist Church is hosting the Local Care Partnership Learning Forum supporting children and young people. More information here. 9-12.30pm LCP Learning Forum – Children, Young People & Families – Events – Universe
Sunday 9th June is our Baptism Service. Do come and support those from church who are stepping forward in baptism on that day. If you would like to be baptised, then do have a chat with me or get in touch with Lesley, and she will find a good time for us both to sit and have a chat together.
Saturday 22nd June – Alternative Summer Solstice walk in Ilkley. A chance to walk, chat and pray. More information to come. See Krys Gadd.
Saturday 14th September – Table Top sale in church in aid of the Sri Lankan women’s refuge in Sri Lanka. More details to come but any questions go to Lesley in the office or Krys Gadd.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat about anything do get in touch with me or contact Lesley in the office and she will sort out a convenient time.
“Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.” (John 21:12)
In Christ
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
Psalm 145 v 8: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion
In the Old testament, David knew that God was compassionate and gracious, and he reflected this in acts of kindness towards others when he became King.
One example of this was that he went out of his way to be kind to Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth was a young child when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Hearing of their deaths, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled in panic. (2 Samuel 4:4) In her haste, the child fell, or was dropped while fleeing.
After that, he was unable to walk. When he became King, David sought him out and we are told that Mephibosheth “ate at David’s table like one of the King’s sons” (2 Samuel 9 v 11).
Working with clients at St George’s Crypt I have grown to realise the truth that small acts of kindness and compassion can mean a lot to people, but just how much it means sometimes takes me by surprise. This week myself and my student treated a man in physiotherapy who has been homeless on and off for several years. Before leaving I supplied him with a back support which he really needed and which immediately alleviated his pain. To our surprise he burst into tears, overcome by relief and gratitude. The student and I just looked at one another in surprise.
I thought about the incident a lot on my way home, reminding myself again that acts of kindness however small are never wasted. Sir Richard Branson is quoted as saying “Giving people help to get back on their feet won’t change their past, but it could change their future.”
We will continue to work with this man whom God has placed in our path.
Lord, help us not to miss opportunities to be kind to others, and reflect Your compassion and care. Help us Lord to be sensitive to unspoken needs in others, and not to underestimate the depth of emotional pain.
Make us channels of your love for Jesus’ sake. Amen
Shelley – 27 April 2024
Dear Friends
We join together again on Sunday at 11am in the building and online on our YouTube channel @moortownbaptistchurch. We are continuing our theme of Resurrection and taking our story from John 20:19-29.
We’ll continue the week after at café church with Jesus on the beach with the disciples from John 21:4-19. There will be a group for our younger friends tomorrow and I hear it may involve clay so that sounds exciting!
Dates for the week..
-
- Sunday 27th April – 11am service with group for our younger friends
- Sunday 27th April – 7-8pm Rock Solid youth group (see Val Boyd, Martyn Gray, Adam Argyle or Nathan Dring for more info)
- Monday 28th April – Beacon warm welcome café 10-12 midday
- Tuesday 29th April – Stepping stones for under 5’s and parents and carers 10-11.30
- Tuesday 29th April – house group in church in afternoon.
- Wednesday 30th April – lunch group – see Rachel Beedle for more information
- Wednesday 30th April – house group in church and online at 7.30pm (see Ruth/Andy Berry)
- Thursday 1st May – Warm welcome craft group in church 2-4pm (See Karen Ross/Diane Sunter)
- Thursday 1st May – Bible study in church at 7pm with Gareth Gadd
- Thursday 1st May- Church is being used as a polling station for local elections.
- Friday 2nd May – Bible study at 10am. Please see Shelley Dring or Robert/Carol Owen for more information.
- Friday 2nd May – house group at 8pm in Adel (see Jonathan or Hilary Darling, Steve or Helen Olijnyk)
Sunday 4th April – Café church with refreshments and breakfast bits, 11am in church for an hour for all ages and online. - Next Deacons meeting 7th May 7.30pm
Wednesday Worship – 15th May 1.30-2ish in the music room.
Saturday 18th May 1-3pm Plant sale in church! (See Jenny Dixon or contact Lesley Murphy for more information). If you have any cuttings or plants that can be donated then do let Jenny know. There’ll be tea, coffee and cake on the day. Do come along and tell your friends!
Sunday 9th June Baptism service at 11am in church and online. Do come along and support those who are stepping from MBC. If you would be interested in being baptised on this day or another then do have a chat with me.
Moortown Baptist Church is now receiving funding from a successful funding bid with Near Neighbours. Near Neighbours run a project called “Places of Welcome”. Both Beacon and Craft group are registered. The running of it on the outside won’t change, it just means that we get some support for what we already do and our systems, risk assessments are checked and up to date. If you want to join the team to help with this or just to come along then do get in touch with Karen Ross for Mondays, and Karen Ross and Diane Sunter for Thursdays.
Follow the link here to find out more. Places of Welcome
Rachel Beedle told me about a free phone line called Daily Hope. If you call the number you can hear hymns, prayers and reflections at any time of the day. The number is 0800 804 8044. There are small leaflets at the back of church.
The deacons are currently setting some dates for church meetings until the end of the year…I’ll keep in touch.
Look forward to joining with you tomorrow!
“Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)
In Christ
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
God’s Provision in Time of Need
During the physio session today at St George’s Crypt – a project for homeless people – myself and my physio student treated a young man who was sleeping rough in a lot of pain – we knew we could help his pain but he was also in desperate need of a sleeping bag.
The Crypt does not give these out, so I headed out with a prayer of faith to a local secondhand shop. I just sensed God would find me a sleeping bag there somehow and I needed it now.
As I went, I reminded myself of George Mueller’s confidence in God as he prayed. I can’t say that my prayers have always been answered in the ways I asked, but I had a real sense of urgency that God would provide in that shop.
We of course put the young man in touch with Housing and arranged for him to get a shower, but it was very likely that tonight would be another night in a cold doorstep.
In the secondhand shop there were no sleeping bags for sale, but I still sensed somehow there was one for me, so I asked the manager if she had any – she replied that she didn’t. But then she paused and said she would send someone to check upstairs. I told her why I needed one.
Sure enough minutes later down came a good quality sleeping bag in the hands of the assistant.
I offered to pay or give a donation, but the manager refused this insisting I take it as she said it would have been on the throw-out pile. The young man who received it was absolutely thrilled, and so was I that God had heard my prayer and directed me aright. The young man told me he could sleep in the Himalayas with that one – he was so delighted. I told him about my prayer and what happened.
Who knows what God will do in his life?
The story of George Mueller
A ship’s captain told the following story about George Mueller. They were on their way to Newfoundland, where George had an appointment. The ship was sailing full steam ahead. Suddenly the motors stopped and the ship came to a standstill in the middle of the ocean. Thick fog had settled in. The captain was on the bridge with his binoculars. George Mueller came up to him and asked, “Captain, is there a problem?”
“Yes. We can’t see where we’re going. We’re not moving because we could hit an iceberg.” “Captain, I have never been late for an appointment in my life. Have you prayed to the Lord about this matter?”
They went to the cabin and George started praying, “Father, I have never been late for one of your appointments. I ask you now, Lord, to clear that fog outside, and I thank you by faith that it’s done already. Amen.”
Before the Captain could even begin to pray, there was a tap on his shoulder. “Captain, don’t bother to pray. First of all, you don’t believe it’s going to happen and secondly, the fog’s already gone. Let’s go.”
They walked to the door and opened it. It was a clear night. The stars were shining.
Lord, give me the faith of a child and people like George Mueller. Thank You that when I pray to You about my needs, I can already thank You in faith that You will do what is best for me. Amen.
Plant Sale 18th May – Come and join us!
Come and join us on Saturday 18th May 2024 at Moortown Baptist Church for our annual plant sale.
1.00pm – 3.00pm
House plants, Bedding Plants, Perennial garden plants and more…
Refreshments : Tea – Coffee – Cakes!!
Free entrance
All proceeds in aid of Moortown Furniture Store
My Trip to Sri Lanka
When I first began weaving in January 2018, I did not anticipate how much I would
enjoy it nor how much pleasure I would get from others I helped to learn. It was in
that year that my friend Marcia, who has been going out to Sri Lanka 11 years,
“hoodwinked” me into volunteering with her.
We raised enough money to buy 13 looms for the girls in a refuge run by the
(Women’s Development Centre in Kandy (WDC) and booked our flights for April
2020. Little did we know what was around the corner and it has taken until April 2024 for me to take that trip and finally meet the girls.
The story of these girls had touched my heart. As a young girl I was given the same
opportunities as my older brother. I was raised in a loving family, one which I
appreciate more, the older I get. These girls have in many instances been betrayed
and abused by those who should have protected them. My hope was that the
weaving, at least, could be a mindful activity for them to lose themselves in.
At most maybe those with a talent for it, would be able to make things and sell them for a small income.
Not being able to fly out anywhere in 2020 meant that the girls and their teachers
received the looms and pretty much had to teach themselves. They did so well in
that, and I am very impressed that with very little instruction they produced items with amazing consistency.
These are just a few of the items they managed to produce in a very short amount of
time.
When I arrived at the refuge, Sashi (who runs WDC) and I formulated a plan, at least
for the first day. We would play it by ear and see how things went. Looking at their
items and talking with the teachers it looked like some vital early learning had been missed, especially when it came to warping up the looms. Taking them through this process step-by-step helped them to solve some consistent problems they were
having with the weaving, so it was worthwhile to go back to first principles.
Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the days were filled with hard work, enthusiasm and laughter. Their appreciation of the time spent with them was evident, as were the traumas that they had gone through. On my way down to lunch one day, I passed the nursery and caught sight of one of the girls in my class, just 13 years
old, breastfeeding her baby. For all the girls’ hardships, the refuge is a happy place. The teachers, foster mothers and workers are calm and loving, creating a homely atmosphere, where the girls are loved and cared for. What the WDC struggles with, is not how to treat the girls but lack of funding. So, this year I will be doing some more fundraising through coffee mornings, a table top sale and who knows what?
For a few days, the girls lost themselves in the weaving and learning about colour
theory. They learned how to finish off their woven items and how to use other
equipment such as: peg looms, weaving sticks and even a pompom maker!
When it took me 15 minutes to find the tapestry needles, they learned the benefits of keeping things tidy and how useful storage baskets are!
See the pictures below for a very pleasing sight to anyone who may be even slightly OCD!
People ask me if I had a lovely holiday in Sri Lanka and my answer has developed
into: “It was a heart-warming and worthwhile experience”. I came back home with a
newfound appreciation of all I have and a desire to return next year. It was a huge
“reset” for me, putting so many of my problems into perspective.
This picture is with the teachers and my interpreter Mary. If you look closely, you can see how red my face is from the humidity and unbearable heat. I cannot say I loved the tropical environment, but the insects loved me!
I am so grateful for all the donations and items people bought. Grateful for the difference it will make to these lovely girls. I cannot share the one picture I have of them, for the girls’ safety, but if you were to see me, I might show the picture to you on my phone. You might then see what I see; a group of beautiful girls, with huge potential and deserving of a chance in life.
If you would like to know more about volunteering or how you might help then please email me on krystyna.gadd@gmail.com.