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Another marathon week for Shelley

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Dear friends

This week we have met in lunch clubs, house groups, services, homes, on garden benches, on zoom and around tables to pray, play, worship, learn, encourage and support. On Tuesday at the church meeting, we thanked God for all He has done in the past and we also had the opportunity to share with God our disappointments and concerns. We thanked God for His faithfulness in the present and we opened ourselves again to a future guided by His Holy Spirit. 
 
We heard about and prayed for those involved in youth and Beacon cafe.  We welcomed two new deacons, Phil and Karen, alongside Krys who stood for re-election, and we prayed for all those called to lead on the diaconate and across the church. 
 
The next deacons meeting is next Tuesday 19th May at 7.30 in the music room.
 
Coming up…

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together with communion. During the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.  Looking ahead to Pentecost John 1:1-18 ‘Jesus through the eyes of John’.  

The Welcome lunch is postponed but if you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire or any of the team or myself.  Do invite those you know who you think may like to come.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Monday 18th May 10-12 Beacon warm welcome café for all. Food pantry available
 
Tuesday 19th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.
 
Tuesday 19th May bible study 1.00 – 2.30pm in church. See Howard D or Lesley for more information.
 
Deacons and Shelley meet 19th May at 7.30pm in the church building
 
Wednesday 20th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team. Talk to Rachel B for more information.
 
Wednesday 20th May Wednesday Worship 1.30pm Music Room Everyone welcome, this week we look forward to Pentecost. Speak to Rachel if you want to know more.
 
Wednesday 20th May Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley or contact Lesley for more information.
 
Wednesday 20th May house group with Diane S.  Talk to Diane S for more information.
 
Thursday 21st May Primley Wood Primary School.  Year 4 workshop in the morning in the church building. 
 
Thursday 21st May Craft group warm welcome space 2.00 – 4.00pm All welcome to come along and chat or to make something or learn a new skill – speak to Karen for more information.
 
Thursday 21st May Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley
 
Friday 22nd May Bible Study in the Music room – 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.
 
Friday 22nd May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information.
 
Sunday 24th May 11am Pentecost Service. All together with baptism! If you are thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions, then do get in touch. All age celebration with drinks and cake after the service.  Do pray for Kat who is being baptised. 
No Rock-Solid youth groups this week.  Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world.

The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.
If you wish to attend please sign up for free here. Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

Beacon and Lords Pantry take a break on Monday 25th May as its the bank holiday.  Beacon is back on the 1st June.
No Stepping Stones for under 5’s on the 26th May as the leaders are preparing for the new term as its half term holidays.

Wednesday 27th May Bible Study in the Music Room at 7.30pm.  Speak to Andy or Ruth or Shelley or contact Lesley for more information.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the meeting area at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

The next PACT (policing and communities together) meeting will be on Wednesday 27th May too at Moortown at 6.30pm until 7.30pm.  If you live locally or are interested in the local community do consider coming along.  For more information talk to Adam.

Beacon is back on the 1st June but Stepping Stones is back after two weeks on the 16th June as a number of the leaders are away on the 9th June.

Monday 8th June we’ll be joining in with The Big Lunch. Find out more information here The Big Lunch 2026 | Eden Project Communities.  12pm-1pm after Beacon Café, inviting people of all faiths and none to chat and ask questions about what’s important to them in terms of faith and life.  Lunch is free, if you want to book a place, contact Lesley.
 
Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.
 
Couple of extra things…

Jonathan D and Gill D will be gardening on the morning of Saturday 20th June from 10.00am until 1.00.  If you would like to join them in tidying up the aresa around the carpark then we’d love to have you.  Please bring tools if you have them although we have a couple of tools you can borrow.  All children need to be supervised. We’ll have tea and snacks out.

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Finally a prayer shared as part of the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ week of prayer on the run up to Pentecost.

‘O Lord,

in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son our God,

give us that love which can never cease,

that will kindle our lamps but not extinguish them,

that they may burn in us and enlighten others. Amen.’

[6th century Celtic prayer]

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news for week commencing Sunday 10th May

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Dear all

Sunday 10th May 11am All welcome to our Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores, John 21:15-25. 

It’s also the day of the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon, most of it is around Headingley and out to Otley Road so won’t affect most people who come to the building on a Sunday but do check your route to church if you live the Horsforth side of Lawnswood roundabout, Headingley, Bramhope and top end of King Lane near Golden Acre car parks.  More information here  2026-leeds-marathon-half-marathon-road-closure-poster.pdf The Marathon will be started by Kevin Sinfield, Leeds and England rugby player and captain, who was behind much of the Leeds Marathon planning and was welcomed by Moortown Baptist Church back in December for the 7 in 7 challenge!  Much of the money raised, by those running the marathon, including entry fees, are going to the Leeds Hospitals Charities.  I’ll be will be one of them!

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pmBeacon cafe is back this Monday 11th May 10-12.  All welcome!

A reminder that there will be a health and safety meeting in church at 9.30pm on 11th May for those who wanted to be part of it. 

Tuesday 12th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Thank you to all those faithfully leading house groups/bible studies and seeking God in how you lead and encourage others to come together in sharing and faith.  Some of our house groups may not be taking place this week as there is a church meeting so do check with the individual group leader, if in doubt, ask myself or Lesley or a deacon and we’ll find out.

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections) and whole church meeting 7.30pm There will be worship, elections, thankyou’s, times to share and pray and hear from a couple more leaders in the church with updates.  Any other business needs to be in by tomorrow. Thank you for sharing with us through the months between meetings so that we can pray and ponder and talk as an ongoing process together.

Other church meetings to come…Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Wednesday 13th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B or Lesley for more information. 

Thursday 14th May Bible Study on zoom 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 15th May Bible Study in the music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 15th May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

A reminder that Baptist Assembly is in Harrogate next weekend…The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Assembly 2026

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together – There is a Sunday school during the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.  Looking ahead to Pentecost John 1:1-18 ‘Jesus through the eyes of John’.  There will be chance in this service to share if you have discovered something new or have something you feel would be good to share to encourage others from our series in John over the last couple of months or some testimony/story. Do get in touch with me if you have something.

The group who host the welcome lunches are looking to have another one on the 17th May after church.  If you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire, any of the team or Lesley or myself. If you have spotted anyone who you think might like to be invited so ask them, thankyou 12.30pm – 2.00pm. If you would like to come but can’t make the date then do let Mandy know, thankyou.

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

Deacons meeting 19th May at 7.30pm in the church building

Wednesday 20th May is Wednesday Worship 1.30-2pm for everyone in the music room.  More info from Rachel B or Lesley

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.  We will also be celebrating a baptism in this service so do come along and be part of it!  More details to come, but if you have been thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions then, do get in touch.  Please continue to pray for Isabella and Rachel who were baptised at Easter.  Pray for Kat who will be baptised on this date.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

The next PACT (policing and communities together) meeting will be on Wednesday 27th May too at Moortown at 6.30pm until 7.30pm.  If you live locally or are interested in the local community do consider coming along.  For more information talk to Adam.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world.
The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.

If you wish to attend please sign up for free here. Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.

Couple of extra things…

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and involvement in so many groups at Moortown. Last week I wrote to you about prayer and practical support for Stepping Stones, Childrens work and Youth. If you would like to find out more, then do get in touch with me.  Thank you to those who have stepped up particularly in sharing with our young people on a Sunday night.  I was in there last week and it was great to be with them.  

Giving..

A reminder that there is an opportunity to give to the work of Moortown Baptist Church either by leaving money in a box at the back of church or by giving from a bank account each month.  If you want to know more about where it goes, how to do it, gift aiding, then do get in touch with Geoff our church treasurer or Lesley/ Shelley or a deacon who will pass on a message to Geoff.

Finally, check out the latest stories at Moortown on our website at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. And give our facebook page a follow!

“So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.” John 21:11

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

Shelley’s news, 2 May 2026

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Dear friends

Here’s what’s happening in our community and beyond…

Sunday 3rd May Café all age service starting at 11am including refreshments breakfast pastries and drinks. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears on the beach’ John 21:1-14

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in the church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

No beacon cafe on Monday 4th May as the team are taking a break on the bank holiday but we encourage to you check on each other on that day.

Tuesday 5th May 10.00 – 11.30am Stepping Stones for under-fives and their parents and carers.

Tuesday 5th May House Group 1.00 – 2.30pm in church.  See Howard D or Lesley for more information.

Wednesday 6th May Lunch Club for those booked on and the volunteer team.  Talk to Rachel B or Lesley for more information. 

Wednesday 6th May House Group in the Music Room at 7.30pm. Speak to Andy, Ruth, Shelley or Lesley for more information.

Thursday 7th May Polling Day – music room being used all day.  (Warm welcome space craft group have decided to take a break today, back the week after).

Thursday 7th May Bible Study on zoom 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 8th May Bible Study in the music room 10.00 – 11.00am speak to Shelley for more information.

Friday 8th May Parkinson’s Exercise Class in the church building 6.30 – 7.30pm Speak to Phil Commons or Lesley for more information

Sunday 10th May 11am Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores   John 21:15-25.  This is also the day of the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon so do check your route to church if you live the Horsforth side of Lawnswood roundabout, usually use the Otley Road or you come to church by crossing the top of king lane near Adel. More information here  2026-leeds-marathon-half-marathon-road-closure-poster.pdf You may remember that Kevin Sinfield, Leeds and England rugby player and captain, who was behind much of the Leeds marathon planning and visited Moortown Baptist Church back in December for the 7 in 7 challenge, will be back in Leeds on that day to cheer everyone on!

A reminder that there will be a health and safety meeting in church at 9.30pm on 11th May for those who wanted to be part of it. 

Other dates coming up…

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections) and whole church meeting 7.30pm There will be worship, elections, thankyou’s, times to share and pray and hear from a couple more leaders in the church with updates and time to ask questions.

Other church meetings to come…Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Sunday 17th May 11am Church Service all together – There is a Sunday school during the main talk so that our younger friends can explore the story creatively together.

The group who host the welcome lunches are looking to have another one on the 17th May after church.  If you are newer to Moortown or feel you don’t know many people and would like to come then do talk to Mandy, Claire, any of the team or Lesley or myself. If you have spotted anyone who you think might like to be invited so ask them, thankyou 12.30pm – 2.00pm

In the evening Rock Solid youth groups meet in church building. All youth welcome! Talk to Martyn, Ruth, Val, Nathan 7-8pm

The next deacons meeting following the church meeting is the 19th May at 7.30pm.

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.  We will also be celebrating a baptism in this service so do come along and be part of it!  More details to come, but if you have been thinking about baptism too or want to ask more questions then do get in touch.  Please continue to pray for Isabella and Rachel who were baptised at Easter.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building.  For more information ask myself or Phil Coates.

Wednesday May 27th The ‘Create your own psalm’ art group ( last Wednesday of the month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

Global Day of Prayer (hosted by Leeds Minster)
The Global Day of Prayer 2026 will be hosted by Leeds Minster and will take place Pentecost Sunday 24th May, 6pm – 8pm focusing on prayer for the nations and celebrating our international diversity in Leeds.

This year commemorates 400 years since Leeds first received its royal charter and city status. 400 years on, Leeds is a culturally rich and diverse city. Global Day of Prayer has been invited specially to mark this significant year at the historic Leeds Minster to pray for the many nationalities represented in the city and also different nations and people groups around the world. The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity. If you wish to attend please sign up for free here.

Refreshments and a light buffet will be provided after.

A couple of extra things…

A reminder that you can give to the Lord’s pantry by placing items in a box under the entrance foyer table.  There is a list of what is needed in the box.  It may be as simple as bringing a tin of soup every so often.  Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and involvement in so many groups at Moortown. Last week I wrote to you about prayer and practical support for Stepping Stones, Childrens work and Youth. If you would like to find out more then do get in touch with me.

If you have a church key or use a room in the building, a friendly reminder to check that all the lights are off in the spaces you use (especially now the sun is shining!) and that you close all the doors in the building as this helps with our fire safety.  Also, if you have a church key and you are the last person in the building, please check that both bolts are locked on the door by Lesley’s office.  Thankyou.

Giving..

A reminder that there is an opportunity to give to the work of Moortown Baptist Church either by leaving money in a box at the back of church or by giving from a bank account each month.  If you want to know more about where it goes, how to do it, gift aiding, then do get in touch with Geoff our church treasurer or Lesley/ Shelley or a deacon who will pass on a message to Geoff.

Finally, check out the latest stories at Moortown on our website at Moortown Baptist Church – Loving God, living generously, following Christ. And give our facebook page a follow!

“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:22-23)”

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

KidzKlub Leeds seeks Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator, Deadline for applications Wednesday 6th May

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We are recruiting!🌟
 
We would really appreciate you sharing this advert with anyone who you think would be suitable and within your church communications and for our praying friends please pray that we find the right person for this exciting role. Thank you!
 
 
Do you believe that volunteers make a real difference – not just through what they do, but through how supported and valued they feel?
 
We’re looking for a Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator to join our team and play a key role in shaping warm, meaningful volunteer experiences that have a lasting impact on the children and families we support.
 
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with people, building relationships and bringing structure, care and creativity to volunteer engagement. 
 
The role also enjoys a mix of frontline work alongside children and families through coordinating our most crucial area of work – our Home Visiting Rounds. Everything we do revolves around relationships and Home Visits are at the heart of this. 
About the Role
As our Volunteer and Visiting Coordinator, you will:
  • Recruit, train and support volunteers 
  • Create inclusive and welcoming volunteer journeys from first enquiry to ongoing involvement
  • Build strong relationships with volunteers, staff and partner organisations
  • Ensure volunteers feel confident, valued and supported in their roles, seeing the difference they make every day
  • Oversee and mobilise our home visiting rounds for 1000+ children. 
You’ll be a key point of contact for volunteers, combining organisation, empathy, and clear communication to ensure high‑quality experiences for everyone involved.
 
 
About You
You might be:
  • Experienced in volunteer coordination, community engagement or people‑focused roles
  • A strong communicator who enjoys motivating and supporting others
  • Organised, approachable and calm under pressure
  • Passionate about inclusion, dignity and person‑centred support
You don’t need to tick every box – we’re most interested in your values, approach, transferrable skills and willingness to grow.
 
 
Why Join Us?
  • Be part of a supportive, purpose‑driven team sharing the love of God in word and deed across Leeds
  • Play a meaningful role in children and families lives across inner city Leeds
  • Help shape and develop volunteering 
  • A role with genuine impact
     
Hours

This is a 25 hr/ week role. However, we would consider additional Coordinator hours for the right candidate (Schools or Project based), we would also consider applicants looking for term time only hours. 


See our team in action home visiting…                                                                               
#BeTheDifference Jen
  
How to Apply:
 
To apply, please visit our website for more info – Kidz Klub Leeds
 
The deadline for completed applications is 9am 6th May 2026. 
 
Interviews for shortlisted applicants will take place W /c 11th May. Position to commence ASAP. 
 
We strongly recommend that all applicants book in to visit, meet the team and see KK in action on Monday 27th April for the Central Klub 4-8:30pm, please email Clare to book in. 
 
If you’d like an informal conversation about the role, please contact clare@kidzklubleeds.org.uk 
 
 
With love,
 
Sarah, Laura and all at KK HQ

So, how many did you recognise? MBC Youth Club circa 1966

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For all those of you who have been racking your brains all week to identify who’s on the picture, allow me to put you out of your misery. 

Left to right: Madeline Stobbs, Gwynneth Sherbourne (nee Smith), Rod Russell and his sister Jean, Roger Robson and his brother Richard. As for those sitting at the back we’re not so sure. Certainly (we think) Monica Carpenter is there, as for the other three ? – ? – ? whilst behind the camera was of course John Sherbourne.

If, however, you’re wondering what on earth I’m talking about, here’s the original story we posted last week. 

Please excuse the quality of this picture but it’s been copied from an old image that we believe was shot around 1965/6. It shows some of MBC’s Youth Club, a group of about a dozen of us that met every Tuesday evening in Stonegate House and under its more sophisticated name of Crossroads on a Sunday.

It was taken on one of what became a regular feature… a Bank Holiday hike. These took us into the Dales, to the likes of Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge and Bolton Abbey. However, one particular trip which I believe we repeated a number of times was a camping weekend on the cliffs above Whitby. The one I recall most clearly coincided with the England football team’s World Cup win at Wembley which we listened to on a transister radio. 

Anyway, the reason we’ve decidied to post this picture is because of the people in it three are still active here at MBC. See if you can spot them.

There’s no prizes for guessing who they are, just the satisfaction of knowing that the old phrase “my, you haven’t changed a bit” is as daft today as it always has been. Oh and just for added excitment you might like to have a go at guessing who took the picture. 

Friends reunited. Jean and Paul Hicks meet up with Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko as MBC celebrates its historic links to Romania

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In 1972 two of our young students, Paul Hicks and Jean Macintosh (later to become Jean Hicks) travelled by road from Oxford to Romania. At twenty and nineteen respectively Paul and Jean’s main objective was to deliver theological books to Romanian Baptist pastor Josef Ton who like them had been at Oxford. They also took, although in a slightly more clandestine fashion a stash of much needed Romanian Bibles. 

Their mission, I’m glad to say was a complete sucess and while it wasn’t until 1990, after the fall of the Ceausescu regime, that the couple would return to Romania, when they did they lapped up the opportunity to rekindle and revive friendships made almost two decades earlier. 

By chance, although some will no doubt question my choice of the word chance, Jean, on the outbound flight, found herself sitting next to a Romanian lady called Noemi Soos, who like Josef Ton was also a Pastor and who had been attending an ecumenical conference in Bath. 

As they chatted Noemi told Jean all about the Hungarian Reformed Church she worked at in a little village called Stejeris. And it was from that serendipitous encounter that Moortown Baptist Church’s relationship with Romania came about.

Fired on their return by the Hick’s enthusiasm MBC set up MRS G (The Moortown Romania Support Group) which over the years has seen many two way visits between Romania and Leeds. But not only that, now, almost fifty five years since Paul and Jean’s inititial “book run” MBC also supports a number of Romanian churches by (among other things) raising funds through craft sales, helping pay Pastor’s salaries,  donating money for children from poorer families to attend Christian schools and by sending book grants for Christian university students. 

One of the ongoing ventures we’ve mentioned above is the home and away visits we enjoy, and last Sunday (April 12th) we were not only delighted to welcome back to Leeds Romanian pastors Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko, and for their first visit to the UK two of their friends Kata and Lori but to be present when for the first time in a long while they met up again with Paul and Jean.

Having studied in the UK during their ministry training Zsuzsi, who believe it or not is Noemi’s daughter told a packed church that both she and Andor thought of Leeds as their second home. Together they sang and Zsuzsi delivered a powerful message that just as Jesus, after his resurrection had addressed Mary Magdeline by her name, so too he calls us as individuals, by name. 

Since they flew in last Wednesday our visitors have so far visited Howarth, London, “down town Leeds” as Lori calls it, Whitby and York.

It really has been a joy to welcome them and catch up with all their news. 

ONLINE – The Yorkshire Baptist Association report on MBC’s build up to Easter

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Moortown Baptist Church’s Impact over Easter Weekend!

 
Easter Sunday was the culmination of a very busy time at Moortown Baptist Church.
 
On Good Friday, following on from a service in church, several members of MBC’s worship band made their way to Alwoodley Village Green, where they battled against driving rain and gale force winds to play at an open-air service which brought together more than a hundred people from churches and community groups across LS17.
 

The following day it was MBC’s Eggstravaganza, a very different sort of event but one which again saw over a hundred people, young and old, embracing the season by making Easter gardens and decorating Easter biscuits as well as joining in quizzes, competitions and games.  

However, the high spot of the weekend had to be Easter Day when for the second year running MBC’s minister Shelley Dring and her husband Nathan baptised two people, Isabella and Rachel before welcoming four regular attenders into membership. 

The pictures were taken at Saturday’s Eggstravaganza and during the Alwoodley Village Green Service. 

A timely coincidence – a new Engage magazine and a visit to MBC by Helen Harris the BMS’s Director or Fundraising and Communications

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Purely by chance the 65th Issue of ENGAGE the BMS World Mission magazine, together with a Prayer Guide,  dropped through my letter box this morning just four days before Helen Harris the BMS Director of Fundraising and Communications is due to speak at MBC. 

The magazine as it always does mixes stories from across the globe with some hard hitting facts: there are features from Mongolia, Gaza and Ghana alongside a list of stats that tell of life-changing projects particularaly across Asia and North Africa. 

As we always say, you can and completely free of charge receive the magazine either through the post or online by emailing BMS World Mission at http://www.bmsworldmission.org

In the meantime we look forward to listening to Helen this coming Sunday as she shares with us how God is at work worldwide.

Shelley’s news – 10th April

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Dear friends

On the cross, Jesus said ‘it is finished’, the hour had come.  Yet there are some things that are not finished.  We know the work, the grace, the love continues.  We continue to pray for peace and to work for peace in our world.  Lord have mercy, we pray.  Help us to follow in the way of Christ.

It was so good to be with Rachel and Isabella as they were baptised last week and to welcome Graham, Carol, John and Michaela too.  Do keep praying for them and share your stories.  If you are interested in membership or baptism or both then just get in touch.  More information on last Sunday here What a wonderful day at MBC – two baptisms and a warm welcome for four new members – Moortown Baptist Church

On Sunday, we welcome Andor and Zsuzsi, and Lori and Kata pastors of churches in Romania.  They’ll be sharing with us in word and worship.   Andor, Zsuzsi and Lori are also part of a band who travel around Romania sharing music and song. We start at 11am as usual and there will be a bring and share lunch after the service.  Everyone is invited!

There will be no Rock Solid youth group this week but Beacon café is back on Monday 13th April.  Craft group warm welcome space is on Thursday 16th April 2-4pm. Lunch club and Stepping Stones are back the week beginning 20th April.  Stepping Stones team will be having a tidy up this week, talk to Diane or Hilary if you want to help. Housegroups are back on this week too. 

Next week…

Thursday 16th April Women and girls self-defence class funded as part of the mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund and Leeds City Council Inner North Community Committee with Leeds Jewish Housing Association, 1pm-5pm in the sports hall. No cost.  

See the link here on Instagram. To book please email enquiries@blossom-uk.co.uk. You can also look at our website to read about a previous workshop.. Be Well and Be Strong… self defence for women and girls. – Moortown Baptist Church  Thursday 16th April Bible Study in the Music Room 7.00pm – 9.00pm Speak to Gareth, John C or Lesley

Friday 17th April Bible Study in the Music Room 10.00 – 11.00am exploring Ephesians. Speak to Shelley for more information.

Sunday 19th April 11-12 Church service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears to.. the disciples’ John 20:19-23 We welcome Helen Harris, Director of Fundraising and Communications for the Baptist Missionary Society who is looking forward to sharing stories of God at work worldwide in our service and linking into our Sunday theme.  We will share communion.

Rock Solid youth meet tonight in the building, 7-8pm

Coming up…

Monday April 20th Deacons meeting at 7,30 in the building.

Wednesday April 22nd The ‘Create your own psalm group’ (usually last Wednesday of the month but it’s the third Sunday this month) meet in the music room at 7pm.  All welcome even if you haven’t been before, materials provided, come and have a go in a relaxing space.  Be guided with ideas and then have freedom to explore.  No experience needed. Speak to Krys or Cas.

Sunday 26th April 11-12 Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears to.. Thomas’ John 20:24-31 

Sunday 3rd May 11am Cafe church with breakfast snacks and refreshments ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus appears on the beach’ John 21:1-14

Sunday 10th May 11am Church Service with a small group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. ‘Jesus through the eyes of John:  Jesus restores’   John 21:15-25

Sunday 24th May Pentecost Sunday service at 11am.

Whole Church meeting dates…

Tuesday 12th May (deacons elections), Sunday 5thJuly (after church) Tuesday 22nd September (AGM), Tuesday 10th November.

Please do pray and ask people who you sense God is prompting you about in relation to being a Deacon for the next season of church.  An email went out this week.  Rod will be stepping down this time.  We will be thanking him for his time as a deacon.

Mission group meet on the 9th June 2.30-4pm in the building. 

We’ll be hosting voting in the music room on Polling Day, Thursday 7th May.  We’ll share some resources from the evangelical alliance on this soon.  You may like to pray too.  Our groups will still go ahead on that day, maybe just in a different room.

Slightly further a field…

The Baptist assembly takes place in Harrogate this year…The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Registration

Finally, an Easter poem by E Hamilton from Whispers of Grace.

The morning didn’t end yesterday. It didn’t stay in the garden, didn’t settle at the empty tomb like something finished and ready to be remembered.

It moves. Into streets and kitchens and conversations that don’t yet know they’re about to change.

We wake up again, same rooms, same routines, same lists waiting for us, and still something has shifted.

He is risen. He is risen indeed.

Not just a moment, not just a day we mark and move on from, but a life that keeps breaking in.

The God who is alive doesn’t stay where we left Him, doesn’t belong only to Sunday morning light, but walks into Monday, into the ordinary, into the places we thought were untouched by resurrection. And we might miss it if we’re not paying attention.

In the small turning of a heart, in the quiet lifting of hope, in the courage to begin again when nothing around us has changed yet.

This is how it continues. Not always loud, not always obvious, but steady, like breath returning, like light finding its way through the edges of a day.

The God who is life is not finished. Not with the world. Not with us. And so we carry it forward, not perfectly, not fully understanding, but alive to it, this resurrection that didn’t end on Sunday, that keeps unfolding right here, right now, in us.

© E Hamilton 2026

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

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