Login

News

News items for public viewing

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

by
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

by

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

by

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. 

 

 

1973… so much for Health and Safety

by

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

Shelley’s news for w/c 4th October

by

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

by

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

by

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

MBC says a fond farewell to Bela and Chris

by

Bela and Chris Singh, who first came to Moortown Baptist Church in 1993 left us at the weekend to begin a new life in Rugby. 

With two grown-up children, one living in the Midlands, the other in London and with three grandchildren this seemed, says Bela the ideal time to move nearer to our family. 

That, however, doesn’t mean that Chris is giving up his job with WEC (Radio Worldwide) where he is a trainer. In fact, he’s already committed to three overseas trips in the first part of 2027; one to South Africa, one to the Netherlands and one to Ireland. 

When asked if he had any thoughts on retirement Chris was swift to point out that although he had already reached retirement age, with WEC “it wasn’t simply a matter of leaving on a certain date, you left when God told you it was the right time”. 

We wish Chris and Bela every blessing for their move to Rugby, and we made clear to them that they would be welcomed back to Moortown any time they liked. 

MBC Choir trips… 1959 and 1973

by

Nowadays MBC’s Worship Band can consist of as many as seven musicians; singers, a key board player, guitarists, bass players, clarinets, flutes, an occasional trumpeter and of course drums. However, back in the day it was a very different story.

That’s because whilst in the fifties, sixties and seventies all the above named instruments were in common use, at Moortown they were rarely seen or heard.

Instead, our choir was accompanied by an organ, whether that be the massive pipe organ that between 1969 and 1993 completely covered our back wall or by one of the smaller, electronic models that proceeded and succeeded it. 

Having said that, certainly throughout the first thirty or so years of its life, the choir’s talents weren’t reserved exclusivelely for our Sunday services. Indeed not, throughout the whole of that time MBC’s choristers also performed in numerous concerts and shows.  

One highlight, however, that needs special mention is something that took them all away from Moortown, and that was the annual choir trip. And above you can see two pictures, the top one taken in 1973 at the Blue John Mines in Castleton, the bottom at High Force way back in 1959 which show just how popular these family outings were. 

Shelley’s news for w/c Sunday 20th September

by

Dear friends

Here’s the week ahead…

Sunday 20th September Church service with younger group following the same theme 11.00am.  Psalm 139. We start a new mini series called ‘Why Psalms?’  What are they about, do they have relevance today and how can they help us and others grow and connect at any age. It’s also communion and there will be some activities for our younger friends.  It’s Bela and Chris’s last service tomorrow so we will have cake and drinks afterwards, all welcome.  If you can bring a cake/buns to share then do bring it on the day (no fresh cream or nuts). If you could label the cakes/buns that would be much appreciated. Please put cakes on the hostess trolley outside the kitchen.

Sunday 20th September Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building

Monday 21st September Beacon Café and warm welcome space 10.00 – 12.00 midday with food pantry available.

Tuesday 22nd September Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their parents and carers.  10.00 – 11.30am.  All welcome.

Tuesday 22nd September Bible study in the music room – 12.30 -2.30 Please check with Howard or Lesley to see if its on as they sometimes don’t have a group on a church meeting week.  A reminder from Howard..

“The Tuesday daytime housegroup coordinated by Howard is taking Paul’s letter to the Romans as its theme this autumn.  Howard says “We have recently looked at Acts of the Apostles and thought it would be good to follow this by examining Paul’s teaching.  We meet at 12.30 for a sandwich and a time of informal fellowship before moving into a bible study and then a prayer time. If you are interested in joining us then the group would welcome new members.”

Tuesday 22nd September 7.30 in church building (and zoom link for those who cannot get to the building) Church meeting and AGM (annual general meeting) Do come along, share and pray.  It’s good to take stock and see what God has been doing through His church in 2025-26.  The church is the people, as we know.  We thank God for what He has done and we look to Him again for the next few years. Documents have gone out on email.  If you have anything to share or any other business please let me, Lesley or a deacon know as soon as you can but definatly by 20th September.  There will be a particularly focus in the church meeting on mission.  Thankyou

Wednesday 23rd September Lunch Club 10.00 – 1.30.  Talk to Rachel B, Lesley, Shelley for more information, if you want to join or help.

Wednesday 23rd September at 1.30-2pm Wednesday worship in the music room.

Wednesday evening house group not meeting this week.  Back the week after.

Thursday 24th September Craft Group and warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm ask for more information if you have questions

Thursday 24th September Bible Study in the music room 7.00 – 9.00pm Talk to Gareth, John C or Lesley or Shelley

Friday 25th September Bible study in music room 10.00 – 11.30am Talk to Shelley for more information

Friday 25th September Friday night house group in Adel.  See Jonathan, Hilary, Steve or Helen, or asl Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Friday 25th September Parkinson’s Exercise Class in sports hall 6.30 – 7.30pm.  See Phil or ask Lesley or Shelley.

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

Sunday 20th September Rock Solid Youth Group 7-8pm in the church building

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

The next psalms art group takes place on 30th September at 7pm in the sports hall.

The next PACT meeting takes place on 30th September 6.30-7.15pm.  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.

Our All Age Harvest Festival takes place at café church on 4th October at 11am.  ‘Why Psalms?’ Part 3. Harvest! 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.

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.

Two weeks ago, we looked at how God speaks through creation.  Therefore, I wanted to let you know about a film that is being shown locally that takes this a bit further looking at the climate crisis.  Gateway Church are showing the People’s emergency briefing film at 7.30pm on 24th September.  Its open to all who are intrigued and want to know more, age 16 plus suggested.  The film shows that despite the seriousness of the situation, effective action is possible.  Please click on this link for more information People’s Emergency Briefing (24-Sep-2026) · ChurchSuite Events More information on network Leeds or Gatewayleeds website.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Col 4:5-6

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com