Once again MBC’s Plant Sale draws near, in fact it’s being held here on Saturday May 10th.
News
News items for public viewing
Shelley’s update for w/c Sunday 27 April
Dear friends
Happy Easter!
It was good to join with so many of you through holy week as we remembered the journey of Jesus and joined in worship and prayer, towards Good Friday and Easter Sunday and into this week. We prayed outside and inside, gave out seed crosses and celebrated baptisms and welcomed new families into membership. If that’s something that has prompted you to want to do either of these then do get in touch with me this week. A church is a community and there were many conversations and prayers and cups of tea going on that are not so visible as we walk alongside each other. On the theme of ‘walking alongside’, we move on to look at Luke 24:13-35 this week as the disciples continue to work out what was happening that first Easter. There will be a group for our younger friends, and there’ll be the opportunity to share communion.
The week ahead
Monday 28th April Beacon warm welcome café today 10-12 midday
Tuesday 29th April Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30 in church.
Tuesday 29th April House group in church in the afternoon. See Lesley or Howard for more information.
Wednesday 30th April Lunch club, see Rachel B
Wednesday 30th April Bible study in church, see Andy or Ruth B. There’s a Wednesday house group too, see Diane S. They meet fortnightly and are currently following the prayer course.
Thursday 1st May 2-4pm Craft group welcome space in church, see Karen or Diane
Thursday 1st May 7pm bible study in church with Gareth G
Friday 2nd bible study in church 10-11.15 See Shelley for more details
Friday 2nd May 8pm House group see Jonathan or Hilary D
Sunday 4th May All age café church.
Coming up
The next church meeting is Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm including deacons’ elections. A reminder that the last date to nominate a new deacon is Sunday 27th April. Please email them to Lesley or post paper copies to Lesley’s office.
The plant sale takes place at MBC at 1pm on Saturday 10th May! An email went out this week with all the details. Do let Jenny D or Lesley know if you would like to help. If you have any boxes or big bags for people to put plants in can you please bring them to Lesley during the week or bring them to church on Sunday and put them in the music room and we will move them through. The plant sale will support both a local and abroad charity. That’s currently being decided by those involved and deacons.
Worship and tech team Play Day on 17th May 10.30-2.30 in church. This day is for anyone on the tech or worship teams to explore the new sound system and try things out together. Details have been sent out. If you are interested in finding out more about the teams or want to be involved, then get in touch with Andy B or myself.
Prayer and worship Day Saturday 7th June Save the date for now…
If you are aged around 11 to 35, have a heart for young people, parent/grandparent/carer, a group leader or want to simply pray and support young people to be encouraged to live a life for Jesus then come along with us to the Send worship night at North church 7-9.30pm on 5th June. Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church You can book your tickets here. If you are a young person who would like a lift or you have a young person who would like a lift, then let your youth group leader know or myself. We will have a group going from MBC and will have a meet up point at church and then at North Church. Naomi Fennell, the Yorkshire Baptist Association young adults and youth lead, is working on an optional meeting point for young people to meet with others from Yorkshire Baptist churches on the night, so we are working together. Following this gathering, there will be a large gathering at Leeds Arena on November 22nd 2025.
We are aware that our journey continues alongside all the events going on in our world and our lives. As we think about journeys, I was struck by a picture of Pope Francis in 2008 when he was Cardinal Bergoglio, travelling on the subway in Buenos Aires in 2008. You may be able to ‘google it’ or we may share tomorrow. No one person is perfect and there are those who share criticisms, but many have commented on the Pope’s humility and down to earth nature in his ministry, from choosing a more modest apartment in the Vatican whilst he was alive, to his choice of burial place. How we journey and who we share our journey with is important. He talked about those in pain through poverty, or illness or war and we hear stories of how he practically reached out, often unknown to the world. In his final address on Good Friday, it was written,
“All those who put their hope in God, place their feeble hands in his strong and mighty hand; they let themselves be raised up and set out on a journey. Together with the risen Jesus, they become pilgrims of hope, witnesses of the victory of love and of the disarmed power of Life.” Pope’s final address, Easter Sunday April 20th 2025.
We continue the journey…
In Christ
Shelley
He is risen! Easter Day at MBC celebrates two baptisms and welcomes a host of new members
For Anne and Wei Wei (who you see above) April the 20th, 2025 will be a date they remember for the rest of their lives; for that was the day that in front of family, friends and a packed church they were baptised.
There’s a gallery of pictures below taken during the service which we thought you would appreciate seeing, oh and you can also watch it again, in full, on out YouTube channel.
But for everyone who was actually in the room, on the day, no end of still images or “action replays” will ever replace that wonderful feeling that Anne, Wei Wei and indeed the rest of us had knowing that on Resurrection Day 2025 the message of goodness, sacrifice, forgiveness and love that Jesus shared remains as vibrant and as relevant as it was all those years ago.
ENGAGE… BMS World Mission’s mag takes on a new look
For those of you that have subscribed to BMS World Mission’s ENGAGE magazine for some time, you’ll immediately notice that the latest issue, number 62, has taken on a whole new look. That’s because it’s changed its format from A4 to what many think is a much more accessible A5.
In fact, accessibility alongside quality are the two things that in her Editorial welcome ENGAGE editor Laura Durrant says she “wanted to maintain.”
And maintain them she has as once again the magazine travels the globe to report on mission projects both old, new, far and wide.
Of particular interest to us here at Moortown is a piece on page 4 which under the headline REBUILDING A CHURCH IN THE DESERT tells of the progress made in Bardai, northern Chad, the place our BMS Mission partners the Hotchkins are based, following the damage caused by the catastrophic floods that hit the region in August 2024.
The magazine and the accompanying Prayer Guide is available free of charge through the post via the BMS website bmsworldmission.org
Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. An Easter Reflection
As I have been reading the Easter accounts again, I have tried to place myself into the shoes of some of the key players and to imagine what impact the events of that brutal Roman crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus would have on their lives. What would they do next? Would the resurrection transform their lives? Would they be changed?
Some of the transformations we know about. Judas Iscariot with his shame, horror, and dreadful betrayal and death. Mary Magdalene, John and Peter who were first at the empty tomb. But what of the Roman soldiers gambling for the clothes and tunic of a ‘Jewish criminal? Simon of Cyrene, of North Africa, a strong man, coming home from work, forced to carry the cross for Jesus. A Roman Centurion, at the foot of the cross and standing guard over the brutal proceedings, making his first faith declaration, “This has to be the Son of God!” Two high ranking Jewish officials working together to prepare the body of Jesus for burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, had risked his position and reputation to publicly identify with a criminal and to request of the Roman Governor, Pilate, that he should take the body of Jesus from the cross and place it for burial in his tomb, having already purchased a linen shroud. Nicodemus, a wealthy, influential Jew, brought the expensive burial spices, myrrh and aloes, with which to anoint the body of Jesus. Working together, Joseph and Nicodemus, risking much, placed the body of Jesus in the cave tomb, without knowing the end of the Jesus story. The lives of each of these men would never be the same again. But how did it change them? Would Nicodemus still be a secret disciple?
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. John 19 v 38-41 NLT
The group of women, Jesus’s mother, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and others holding their sombre, silent, vigil at the foot of the cross, waiting as they watched for the final breath of their Lord. They did not know that resurrection day was coming. And where were the disciples at this point? Were they in hiding, frightened that they too may be arrested? Were they keeping watch at a distance? What would they be thinking? But resurrection day was coming.
So now I ask myself, how will the resurrection of Jesus impact my life? How has it, how will it change my life, my thinking, my very being? Today, we declare, “It is finished.” “It is paid.” Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. I know that I am loved, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am chosen, I am a child of God, and I am special. I am family. Let this be our anthem each day.
In the Isaiah 53 passage it is so clear that the way is now open for others to experience this resurrection day. There will be many, many descendants, who will be counted free and righteous because the price for sin has been paid. It is finished.
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him
and cause Him grief.
Yet when His life is made an offering for sin,
He will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His hands.
When He sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for He will bear all their sins.
and cause Him grief.
Yet when His life is made an offering for sin,
He will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His hands.
When He sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for He will bear all their sins.
Isaiah 53 v 10-11 NLT
An Easter Prayer
May this Easter day bring resurrection life to my heart and my home.
May renewal radiate within me and revival emanate through me.
May dawn displace the darkness and spring replace the winter in my life.
May the God of hope so fill me with joy and peace this Easter
that I may overflow with hope by His power and life forever Amen
Pete Greig Lectio 365
A Prayer of willingness to Listen by Rachel Mojo.
So often I come to you with lists and demands.
Like a tornado I spew them out as commands.
To the next task, I move on with my day
Completely missing what you might have to say.
The noise of the world clogs my ears
And clouds my mind with fog and fears.
I need you to clear my senses, O Lord!
Give me a heart in tune with your Word.
May I be ever eager to hear your voice;
May listening continually be my choice.
Like a tornado I spew them out as commands.
To the next task, I move on with my day
Completely missing what you might have to say.
The noise of the world clogs my ears
And clouds my mind with fog and fears.
I need you to clear my senses, O Lord!
Give me a heart in tune with your Word.
May I be ever eager to hear your voice;
May listening continually be my choice.
Jane Coates
April 2025
Good Friday… two services, one at MBC the other on the Alwoodley Village Green
Following a short morning service here in church, a number of us moved just down the road to join in the afternoon Gathering to Witness on Alwoodley Green.
The hundred or so somewhat eclectic congregation for this Good Friday get together was made up of clergy, members, parishioners, park goers and even a couple of dogs from churches and community faith groups right across LS17.
Throughout the thirty minute service there were hymns, a worship song, meditations, readings, prayers and as a token of love the handing out of seed crosses.
There’s a gallery of pictures taken at the Gathering in the gallery above. To view them simply click on any of the images.
Shelley’s Easter message
Dear friends
The church began this last week with MBC’s joyful 70th birthday celebrations, thanks again to all who helped and came, and then we moved into Palm Sunday’s café church gathering. We were reminded again of the radical love and humility of Jesus who chose to enter Jerusalem on a young donkey. Jesus actions were the same as his words. The one who said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all’ (Mark 9:35) was the one who washed his disciple’s feet. So many more things happened in the last week of Jesus life. I wonder what stands out to you, to us, whether it be your first holy week or something you have been part of for many years? On Wednesday, and again here in church we were able to share some of this, but I encourage you to find opportunities to share and pray and make a note. And then yesterday we joined in a truly ecumenical, outdoor service in which many if not all the churches and faith groups in LS17 took part.
- You will find posts about some of these events on our website. www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk
So, here’s what’s coming up for the rest of Easter..
Sunday 20th April 11am All Age Easter Sunday celebration with baptisms, refreshments, and Easter egg hunt after the service. Please pray for Anne and Wei Wei who will be baptised on Easter Day.
(Rock Solid youth group has a break this week but is back the week after)
The week ahead
Monday 21st April No Beacon café today (back the week after)
Tuesday 22nd April Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30 in church.
Tuesday 22nd April House group in church in the afternoon. See Lesley or Howard for more information.
Tuesday 22nd April 7.30pm in church Deacons meeting
Wednesday 23rd April Lunch club, see Rachel B
Wednesday 23rd April 1.30pm Easter Wednesday worship with communion, everyone welcome.
Wednesday 23rd April House groups and bible studies on in the evening. See Andy or Ruth B for bible study in church or Diane S for the Wednesday house group.
Thursday 24th April 2-4pm Craft group welcome space in church, see Karen or Diane
Thursday 24th April 7pm bible study in church with Gareth G
Friday 25th April bible study in church 10-11.15 See Shelley for more details
Friday 25th April 8pm House group see Jonathan or Hilary D
Sunday 27th April 11am Easter Communion.. on the Emmaus Road Luke 24:13-35 with a group for younger ones.
You can still see King of Kings on Good Friday and on bank holiday Monday in selected cinemas. It’s a film based on the novel by Charles Dickens and starring Kenneth Branagh, Pierce Brosnan and Uma Therman. See the trailer here https://youtu.be/HkGZ4ykhYPg
What else is coming up?
Sunday May 4th 11am All Age Café church
The next church meeting is Tuesday 13th May 7.30pm including deacons’ elections. A reminder that the last date to nominate a new deacon is Sunday 27th April. Please email them to Lesley or post paper copies to Lesley’s office.
The plant sale takes place at MBC on Saturday 10th May! There will be an email going out about this next Tuesday. In the meantime, can you put it into your diary as something to come to or maybe help at? There will be opportunities for both. The sale will start at 1pm on the day with set up during the morning. If you have any boxes or big bags for people to put plants in can you please bring them to Lesley during the week or bring them to church on Sunday and put them in the music room and we will move them through.
Worship and tech team Play Day on 17th May 10.30-2.30 in church. This day is for anyone on the tech or worship teams to explore the new sound system and try things out together. Details have been sent out. If you are interested in finding out more about the teams or want to be involved, then get in touch with Andy B or myself.
Prayer and worship Day Saturday 7th June Save the date for now…
If you are aged around 11 to 35, have a heart for young people, parent/grandparent/carer, a group leader or want to pray and support them to be encouraged to live a life for Jesus then come along with us to the Send worship night at North church 7-9.30pm on 9th June. Get Tickets – SEND Experience Night Leeds – North Church Get your free ticket here, we hope to sort a group visit. This will be a smaller gathering before a larger gathering at Leeds Arena on November 22nd 2025.
A hope filled Easter to you all
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church
Easter greetings from the Hungarian speaking church in Cserefalva
Dear Howard
We wish you the blessing of our God for the 70th anniversary of the founding of your church. Let God bless and guide you in the future as He did before.
Thank you very much for your kindness, for your support this year also. This will be a great help for our congregation.
Please forward our greetings to the congregation for the anniversary at Easter. God bless you and the Easter celebration and the Anniversary.
From Reformed Church of Cserefalva.
Pastor Márton Előd
The picture above shows Pastor Előd with his wife Kinga
MBC’s 70th Anniversary kicks off with a barn dance
Last Saturday, seventy years on from the service at South Parade that marked the formation of Moortown Baptist Church dozens of our current members came together to mark the occasion with a Barn Dance.
With a band put together by John and Megan Hornby, and sustained by some wonderful food, our guests had a whale of a time celebrating this memorable milestone.
Sadly MBC stalwart and founder member Joan Baxter (nee Shaw) was away and couldn’t attend, however, Christine Blood, who records show initially transferred from Kings Lynn, was, and she is pictured above with two of our life-long attenders Rod Russell and Roger Robson.