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Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers… WAITING

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WAITING…
 
Waiting can be hard, long, and frustrating. I could not begin to add up the number of hours that I have spent in my adult lifetime to date, waiting – waiting for the birth of a child; waiting at the doctors, clinic or hospital; waiting at the school gate, activity club, church hall; waiting for the production or concert to begin; waiting for the children’s exam results, decisions after interviews; waiting for the much needed holiday, or for long expected news. Waiting involves the expectation or hope that something will happen, being in readiness for its beginning or coming, and waiting with patience during the indeterminate period before the arrival or completion of the expected hope. I am well practised at waiting. But for many people, waiting is hard.
 
In the accounts of the birth of Jesus, there is a lot of waiting by a lot of people – Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, and the elderly prophets at the Temple gate, Simeon, and Anna. For these people, their waiting was longed for, prayed for, and anticipated.
 
Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for and longed for a child. In their old age, Gabriel was sent to them with the news of the birth of their child, John. ‘But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’ Luke 1 v 13
 
Gabriel was also sent to the young Mary with news of the promised Saviour that she would bear. Mary’s pregnancy and waiting could have been a troubling and anxious time as she no doubt faced the questions and quizzical looks of neighbours and villagers. But she would take comfort in the company of her cousin Elizabeth as they waited together. Mary would later endure a journey to Bethlehem, an anxious search for a safe place to deliver her baby, followed by a hurried escape to Egypt. There, Joseph, Mary and Jesus would be strangers and refugees for two years until they were able to return to their hometown. Waiting. Waiting for the right time. The safe time.
 
Simeon, a righteous and devout man, living in Jerusalem, ‘was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.’ Luke 2 v 25-26 Simeon was led to the Temple by the Holy Spirit, at the exact time that Joseph and Mary arrived with the eight-day old infant, Jesus, at the Temple for the ceremony of purification and circumcision. Simeon’s long wait was at an end.
 
Anna, an 84-year-old, widow, and prophet who worshipped daily at the Temple in Jerusalem, was also waiting, as were other worshippers, hoping for God’s intervention in Israel. ‘She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem’. Luke 2 v 37-38
 
From infant to child to man, John and Jesus waited until the time was right for them to begin their appearances and ministries on the world’s stage. We believe that Jesus was about thirty years old before He began His ministry. ‘Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the Gospel of God, saying, “The time has come at last—the kingdom of God has arrived. You must change your hearts and minds and believe the good news.” Mark 1 v 15
 
Waiting and perfect timing. The time had come at last. God’s timing is always precise, and perfect. He steps in at the right time-the ‘Kairos’ time- “the appointed time in the purposes of God.”
 
Song
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord, we will wait upon the Lord.
Our God, you reign forever
Our hope, our strong Deliverer.
Chris Tomlin
 
Hymn
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Charles Wesley
 
PRAY For those who are waiting-for news, for appointments, for surgery, for an answer to a longing prayer. Help us to trust God’s perfect timing in our waiting.
 
Jane Coates
13 December 2024
 

Advent 2. Shelley keeps us up to date as the big day gets ever closer

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Dear friends

Tomorrow we light our next Advent candle, another light in the darkness as we journey towards Christmas and celebrate Jesus’ arrival.  As we shared last week, Advent means ‘coming’ or arrival and some say for the follower of Jesus, there are three advents; the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem that we celebrate at Christmas, the coming of Jesus individually to each of us as we recognise who Jesus is in our lives as Lord, saviour and friend, and Jesus coming again when …..

This weekend we have a great opportunity to share the hope of Christmas with others at the Carnival Christmas at 1.30-3.30pm, do pop down and again tomorrow morning at 11am in our Advent 2 service and then at 3pm with the Toddler Nativity.  Do pray for all those coming as well as all those who have been planning over the last few weeks and helping over the weekend.    

You can pick up a Christmas Card in church to take home and give to friends and family with some of our Christmas gatherings on.  Do check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk for a full list.

This week looks like this..

Sunday 8th December Advent 2 Continuing the theme of  ‘Down to earth’ 11am service with a small group so that younger ones can explore the story creatively

Sunday 8th Stepping Stones Nativity 3-4pm do come along and support them and welcome all those who come on a Tuesday with their little ones.

Sunday 8th December Rock Solid group for youth is earlier this week as many are involved in the Toddler nativity.  They’ll meet after the nativity at 4.30 for a Christmas Escape Room and pizzas at 5.30pm

There’s beacon café, housegroups, lunch club, Stepping Stones Christmas Party and Wednesday Worship Christmas special on Wednesday 11th at 1.30pm.  Craft group is on 2-4pm in the building.  There will be no Friday morning housegroup next week.  All the others are on as usual.

On Thursday the funeral of Julie Ridsdill takes place at Lawnswood Crematorium at 11.30am and at Moortown Baptist Church at 12.30pm with refreshments to follow.  You are invited to come along.  Julie’s favourite colour was purple so you may want to wear something with purple on.  

Next Sunday we have our Advent 3 service with a separate group for younger ones, followed by carol singing (see Rachel) with a small group visiting a local home for elderly people.  Then at 3pm it’s the wreath making workshop.  Its filling up so if you would like to come or bring others then do book in advance with Lesley next week by calling or emailing as we can’t guarantee a place on the day as we like to make sure you have all the resources you need.  £10 a wreath

We have a church nativity on Sunday 22nd December, if you would be up for being involved can you let me know! More news to come.

See you soon

In Christ

Shelley

ENGAGE, the BMS World Mission magazine that reports on the work carried out by its staff and supporters in some of the world’s most troubled regions

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Once again Engage, the Baptist Missionary Society’s magazine features story after story of the work its workers are “engaged” in across no end of countries.

Via contributions either by or about many of the society’s dedicated workforce we visit India, Thailand, Lebanon, Ukraine, Indonesia and Chad to read first hand about some of the enormous problems that many people of many faiths are facing.

As usual the magazine is accompanied by a prayer guide. In this issue the 24 page guide covers from January to April 2025, and like the magazine itself not only addresses the needs of BMS workers “in the field” but many of the behind the scenes supporters such as trustees, fund raisers, recruiters and the like.  

Of particular interest to us at Moortown Baptist Church is a piece in this issue, on page 19 and headed BMS community. This shows a picture of Mark Hotchkin who, along with his wife Andrea, are medical doctors working in Chad. 

The picture, which you can see below, was taken last year here at MBC and it’s good to know that as a result of an invitation we extended to two of our mission partners, our support for BMS is being featured not just on our website but throughout the entire Baptist community. 

You can sign up to receive your free copy of ENGAGE either through the post or online by speaking with our BMS rep Roger Robson. 

Jane Coates. Thoughts and Prayers. Passion and purpose

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Passion and Purpose
 
Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily, from the soul, as something done for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3 v 23 AMP
 
And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Colossians 3 v 23 MSG
 
We recently attended a very formal School Speech Day, with the distribution of prizes awarded to many of the students. Awards are given for the different academic subjects taken at school but there is another prize which is called the School Award for Inspirational Contribution to School Life. This award is for those students who have been involved in school life in a very wide sense-in Music, Choirs, Bands, Scouts, mentoring younger students and being involved in outside of school activities also. These students can inspire others.
 
The students were addressed by the Headteacher and a visiting Speaker who in her long career had worked for the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, been an Advisor to a Prime Minister, a Governor of the BBC, is a Peer in the House of Lords, and who had learned several languages during her illustrious career. But both of their messages to the students emphasized one thing-the importance of ‘going with your passion’. They were encouraged to choose the subjects, the courses, and the career path that would ‘give them a buzz’, that they were fascinated by, and not the things that teachers, parents or peer group would wish you to do. This is a very different message to the one that I received at A level. The path may not the easiest, traditional, may be out of the ordinary, but if it is your passion then you will succeed. It will be the thing that you can put your heart and soul into.
 
In the words from Colossians, Paul was addressing servants- those who had few rights, choices, or entitlements, if any, but he instructed them to work with heart and soul, as if they were working for their God and not for their masters.
 
One of the books that has had the greatest influence on me is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. At the very beginning of his book, Warren states that God uniquely created each person- skills, looks, personality, temperament, abilities, and that each person is created for a purpose. “I am your creator. You were in my care even before you were born. Isaiah 44 v 2. Nothing in our life is arbitrary or accidental. God had very specific purposes for us that would allow us to be fulfilled, secure and happy. He knows our passions. But we must link in with Jesus.
 
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1 v 11-12 MSG
 
PRAY Father, I am not like anyone else. I don’t have to try to be like anyone else. Your design and purposes for me are good. I can trust you with my passions, my  heart, and my soul.
 
All Thinking
 
I would rather be what God
Chose to make me
Than the most glorious
Creature that I could think of.
 
For to be born in
God’s thought
And then made by God
 
Is the dearest, grandest, and
Most precious thing
In all thinking.
 
C. S. Lewis
 
Jane Coates
5 November

Advent! a time of waiting, preparation and much much more. Shelley’s latest update.

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Dear friends

Come along and worship with others and begin an advent journey together at 11am in café church tomorrow.  We’ll be live on youtube too.  Advent is the time before Christmas meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ and looks to the arrival of Jesus.  It’s a time when many people get busy to prepare in terms of decorations, presents and gatherings.  For Christians, there is something far more life changing woven into their Christmas season.  As it says in the popular Christmas carol , Joy to the world,

‘Let every heart prepare him room’.

What does this look like in advent for each one of us?  Last week we heard about David being chosen by God as the next king.  God reminds Samuel that people look on the outward appearance, but God sees the heart. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that it’s our responsibility, to check our own hearts.  It’s where our thoughts, attitudes, motivations come from.  We may do many great things and speak important truths, but we are warned in Revelation 2 to not forget our first love, Jesus, to remember how we felt when we first recognised Him.

As we begin advent let’s start with our own hearts and may this lead to all we do in this season.

What’s coming up…

Today the church is being decorated for Christmas.  Please drop in between 2pm and 3pm if you can help.

Through the week we have all our usual activities, please see last weeks email for information and check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

Thank you to those who have helped design cards and get them printed so that we can give them out to invite others to MBC at Christmas.  We’ve worked as quickly as we can and although the cards won’t be ready for Sunday, we will pick them up on Monday so that anyone who leads a group in church through the week can come and get some and give them out please.  If you want to dop in and pick some up, you’d be welcome.  I’ll have them out in the music room and in the Sanctuary.

This year at Christmas a few of you mentioned that you would like to make hampers again for our food pantry users and anyone we feel may value a Christmas hamper this year.  We know of a few contacts locally but anyone else comes to mind, do let me know.

Could you help please by bringing any of the following items before the 16th December? 

Small Christmas cake/slices, mince pies, a nice toiletry for a man or woman e.g shower gel, shampoo, nice biscuits, tea/coffee/hot chocolate, Christmas sweets.

Please put them by the Christmas tree or one of our offices.

We are looking forward to…

Saturday 7th December at 1.30-3.30pm “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.”  Everyone welcome, drop in or stay for it all.

Sunday 8th December 11am Service together with children’s group and then at 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

Wednesday 11th December Christmas Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with refreshments.

Sunday 15th December after church, there is a small group going carol singing in a local care home.  Please See Rachel if you want to go.

Sunday 15th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments provided.  £10 each.  Could you email Lesley or let me know if you want to book a place.  We already have 14 people booked on so do let us know how many spaces you want to book for you or/and family/friends!  If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway.”

Sunday 22nd December 11am All age Nativity

Monday 23rd December 10-12 Festive Beacon

Tuesday 24th December Christmas Eve All Age Christingle at 4.30pm

Wednesday 25th December All Age Christmas Day celebration at 10.30am

Looking forward too to seeing some more Jesse tree ornaments come back (see below) after last week.  If you missed it, check out… Jesse Tree: Christian Christmas Tradition

In Christ

Shelley

On their retirement tour, BMS missionaries John and Sue Wilson return to MBC; the place it all began over four decades ago.

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In the 1980’s when young John Wilson started to bring his then girlfriend to MBC, the question on everyone’s lips wasn’t anything to do with grace, peace or even love but… what colour would Sue’s hair be this week. Would it, as Roger reminded us on Sunday afternoon be pink, or maybe even blue?

Anyway, to cut a long story short, more than forty years on from the start of that courtship, John and Sue were back at MBC this last weekend as the final stop on what today’s rock bands would call their retirement tour; a tour specifically mapped out to allow them to personally thank individuals and churches alike for their support. 

With almost a hundred people in the room, following tea and two or three wonderfully led worship songs, Roger  welcomed and introduced John and Sue. 

What followed was not only a fascinating account of many of the projects the couple had been involved in whilst living abroad, but based on Lamentations 3: verses 22 and 23 a brief look at how “the steadfast love of God never ceases,” about hope and about obedience to Jesus. 

It really was a joy to welcome John and Sue back to Moortown. As they now settle into retirement (in what ever form that takes) we hope and pray that their most recent visit won’t be the last we see of them.  

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. Footsteps on the moon.

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Sunday 20th July 1969 was a memorable and momentous day. It felt as if the whole world was watching. It was the day of the first moon landing when the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle landed on the moon. On that day, mankind achieved something that many had previously thought to be impossible. You may remember watching Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the moon and then listen to his legendary words, “that is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” You may remember seeing the landing crafts trundling over the moon’s surface leaving their tyre tracks in the moon’s surface. The amazing thing is, that as there is no atmosphere on the moon as there is on earth, there is therefore no wind, rainfall, other atmospheric changes or movement on the moon to disturb those footprints. Those footprints and tyre tracks are still there. Footprints, from more than fifty years ago, are there and will continue to be there.
 
Thinking again about those footprints made me realize that we all leave our unique footprints. We all make a mark that is visible to others, and which may last for a very long time, and may have a deep impact on others. The phrase, ‘the world is watching’ is a very significant phrase for me as it reminds me that we are often ‘on view’ to others. People around us, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, other parents at the school gate, notice and observe our actions and reactions, and make judgements about them. Even people that we do not know at the supermarket, the gym, the garden centre, the library may be silently observing how we speak to others, smile, and conduct ourselves.
 
As Christians, we may sometimes feel that we are judged more closely and perhaps more harshly than other folk. The world loves to find fault and to criticize. Therefore, the standards that we may hold to can often feel to be higher. We are following in the steps of Jesus and so we reflect Him. When Paul wrote to the young man Titus, he made it clear to him that he had to be above reproach in everything. But not just that, Titus had to demonstrate in his words, his attitudes, his relationships, his walk, the graciousness of Jesus.
 
“And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine having the strictest regard for integrity and truth, dignified, sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent of the faith will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
Let no one disregard or despise you. Conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect.” Titus 2 v 7-8 AMP
 
He who walks in integrity and with moral character walks securely, Proverbs 10 v 9
 
PRAY Jesus, please guide my footsteps. I want to walk faithfully in your footsteps. Wherever I go this week, help me to leave a footprint of love, care and grace, considering the other rather than myself. Amen

23 November, Shelley looks back on a busy week, and forward towards Christmas.

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Dear friends

This Sunday is ‘Stir up Sunday’.  It’s a name associated with stirring up all the ingredients of a Christmas cake before the first Sunday of Advent.  However, the name ‘Stir up Sunday’ actually comes from a prayer that is often said in traditional churches on the Sunday before Advent.  The prayer goes like this..

“Stir up O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

In other words,

“Stir us up afresh to seek your will and play our part in bringing the fruit of good works, not because of us but because of you Jesus. Amen”

What would it look like to have our will ‘stirred up’ by Jesus to be more fruitful?  The ingredients of a Christmas cake need to be stirred up for the smells of the fruit and spices can be released and so that the ingredients can be moulded, shaped, and formed.  What is stirring us up lately?  How is this affecting us? Where is God in this?  

On Sunday, there will be time for all ages to consider this in our service at 11am in the building and on YouTube.  There will be a group where children can explore creatively together.  We’ll be continuing with looking at how the story of Ruth points to Jesus and focusing on Jesse who was ‘stirred up’ by God to respond.

In the afternoon at 4pm we welcome Sue and John Wilson over tea as we hear how God is moving in France and how they were stirred up to serve there for 36 years. All ages welcome.  Food and drink are included.  Rock Solid youth group are invited, and Sue and John are looking forward to meeting them so there will be no separate meeting in the evening.

Do come with your questions. 

Here’s what’s coming up in the week…

Monday 25th November 10am-12 Warm welcome space and beacon café.  Food pantry available.

Tuesday 26th November Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers, 10-11.30am

Tuesday afternoon there’s a house group in church.  See Howard Dews.

Tuesday evening 7.30-9pm Deacons and Shelley meeting in church

Wednesday 27th November Lunchclub for those registered and the volunteers.  See Rachel Beedle for more information. 

Wednesday 27th November 6.30pm PACT meeting in church (Policing and Community Together for Moortown ward)  All welcome.

Wednesday evening there’s house group at 7.30pm in church, see Ruth and Andy Berry.  Also, a house group with Diane Sunter.

Thursday 28th November is warm welcome space craft group 2-4pm in church.

Thursday evening there is a bible study with Gareth Gadd at 7pm in church

Friday 29th November there is a house group at 8pm in Adel, see Jonathan and Hilary Darling.

Friday morning at 10am there is a bible study in church.  See Shelley or Lesley if you are interested.

Saturday 30th November at 2pm Christmas Decorations go up in church!  If you would like to help, we’d love to see you.  We’ll be decorating the Christmas tree in café church on Sunday morning.

Sunday 1st December 11am Advent café church, all ages together with fruit, pastries, and drinks.  We start our advent theme ‘Down to earth’ and look creatively at John 1:1-14

Rock Solid youth meet 7-8pm in church

Extra Christmas dates in December…

Saturday 7th December at 1.30-3.30pm “Sing along Christmas carols and festive songs with Steel Crazy steel pan band, festive treats and a fun Christmas quiz.”

Sunday 8th December 11am Service together with children’s group and then at 3pm “Stepping Stones and friends” Christmas Nativity

Wednesday 11th December Christmas Wednesday worship,1.30pm -2pm in the music room with refreshments.

Sunday 15th December at 3pm “Creative wreath making workshop where you will learn how to make your own Christmas wreath to take home, materials and festive refreshments will be provided.  £10 each.  Please invite your friends.  Wreath making is pretty popular, and we provide both fresh foliage and bought decorations for you to use so please book in with Lesley.  For those who haven’t been before we walk through the steps with you so come along and try something new or build on your skills from last year. If you have a favourite pair of scissors/secateurs you may want to bring them along, but we will have some for you to use anyway.”

Sunday 22nd December 11am All age Nativity

Monday 23rd December 10-12 Festive Beacon

Tuesday 24th December afternoon Christmas Eve All Age Christingle at 4.30pm

Wednesday 25th December morning all age Christmas Day celebration at 10.30am

We’ll produce some little Christmas cards this week with some of the services/events on so you can invite others to come along!

Some new advent books to consider for the coming season…

Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation – 15 Aug. 2024

by John Hayward (Author)

Women of the Nativity: An Advent and Christmas Journey in Nine Stories – 30 Aug. 2024

by Paula Gooder (Author)

Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear: The Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2024 – 19 Sept. 2024

by Rachel Mann (Author)

There are photographs on facebook and on our website showing some the events of last week including our interfaith Beacon and Mitzvah Day.  Do have a look on facebook or www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

In Christ

Shelley

The Painting Machine’s art sale combines appreciation of a fine talent with providing vital support for Parkinson’s UK

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With more than 200 of his artworks on show, the late Ralph Bainbridge’s family really did him proud. 

As oils vide for space with water colours,  and powders and pastels jockeyed for position the eclectic mix of Ralph’s catalogue is truly staggering.

As far as subject matter was concerned, this too was incredible, ranging from a giant, three part city scape of London to a vase containing a single yellow tulip. 

The exhibition cum sale which was held here today (Saturday) at MBC raised several hundreds of pounds much of which Tricia and her family intend to donate to Parkinson’s UK.  

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