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MRS G (the Moortown Romania Support Group) report on how over the last year they, on MBC’s behalf, have helped our friends in Romania

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We have recently sent our annual financial support to the churches we are linked with in Romania.  This now goes to four churches; Manastur Baptist Church in Cluj, the gypsy church at Floresti in Cluj, the Hungarian Reformed Church in Udvarhely where Zsuzsi and Andor Ferko are pastors, and the Hungarian Reformed church in Cserefalva where Noemi Soos was pastor.  Shortly before the time when we needed to send the money to Romania our bank balance reached the level for us to be able to send the same amount as last year.

We have sent £1,800 to Manastur Church £600 each to be used for people in need, young people’s work and student sponsorships.  We sent £600 to the church in Floresti which is an outreach to the very poor gypsy community and £350 to support the work of Florin and Dana Fodor, who visited us 4 years ago, with Campus Crusade.  We sent £800 each to the churches in Udvarhely and Cserefalva which will be used mainly for young people’s work. This totals £4,350.

In addition we sent £1,000 in the autumn and a further £1,000 recently which was earmarked giving for the needs of the Ukrainian refugees who are still attending Manastur Church in Cluj.  This brings the total amount sent from the church to help the refugees to £19,500. 

Pastor Daniel Lacatos at Manastur Baptist Church in Cluj wrote

We are pleased to let you know that the funds have been received into our account today, and we are deeply grateful for your continued and generous support. We sincerely appreciate the love, care, and financial help you have been offering us. Because of this support, we are able to continue God’s work in many areas and help more people in need. It means a great deal to us and is a real encouragement in everything we do. Thank you once again for your trust and partnership. We wish you good health, peace, and a blessed summer with your loved ones. With gratitude and respect, On behalf of Mănăștur Baptist Church, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Florin Fodor Elder at Manastur Baptist Church and working for Campus Crusade wrote:

Greetings from Cluj! We thank you so much for your church’s generosity towards our congregation. Your kindness and willingness to stand with us mean more than words can express. May God bless all of you abundantly for your faithfulness and love for us, over the years. We thank God for you. We will use the money as you instructed. With sincere gratitude,

Andor Ferko (who together with his wife Zsuzsi visited us after Easter) wrote from the Hungarian Reformed Church in Udvarhely:

Thank you very much – the transferred amount has arrived. Last week we already spoke with the young people about organising a camp together again this year, and we would like to use this amount to help cover the costs. I will keep you informed of the good use we were able to make of it.  We would also like to sincerely thank the Romanian committee for not forgetting about us year after year, for sharing your blessings with us, and for supporting the mission work here.  May the Lord bless you.    

Előd Marton the new pastor in Cserefalva wrote:

Greetings from Cserefalva Church. God bless you! Thank you very much for your kindness, that you have us, our congregation in your plans and in your soul. Last year we use you financial support at summer children camp and at spiritual days. We organise spiritual days for adults two times in a year, in the spring and in autumn. Last year in December we celebrate our church building existence of 240 years. I mentioned at the last elder assembly about your support plan for this year. The elder groups receive grateful the good news. Thank you very much that your support already arrived. We pray for you, we appreciate very much your support, not only the financial but also the spiritual support. Let us remain in prayer and love above the the borders, above the distance.

Greetings, best wishes.  Előd & family

Thanks to everyone who has given to this work over the last year or supported the fund raising events we have organised.

The big picture at the top of this post shows Ukranian refugees who are now living in Romania. The images in the gallery are (left to right) Cserefalva, the Gypsy Church in Floresti, Pastor Daniel from Manastur Baptist Church, Cluj and the Hungarian Reform Church in Udvarhely where Zsuzsi and Andor work. 

Painting in two very different styles

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Over the last few days, as temperatures soared to record levels a few of us took to recording this somewhat freak phenomenon in a couple of very different ways.

The first, as part of our garden makeover agenda was to begin sprucing up the benches in MBC’s garden. Nothing too demanding, just a quick rub down followed by a couple of coats of fence paint, and hey presto this one looks as good as new.

The second was slightly more cultured and it took place last Wednesday evening when those who attended our mid-week art session turned their minds to cooling down by pondering the subject of ‘living water.’ 

I hope you’ll agree that which ever genre you prefer they both accomplished precisely what they set out to achieve. 

MBC celebrates a Pentecost baptism

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What better time to celebrate a baptism than at Pentecost. And that’s precisely what we did here at MBC last Sunday, Pentecost Sunday when Katt came into membership. 

The festival of Pentecost originates from the Greek word meaning fiftieth and it took place fifty days after Passover. It comes from the Old Testament Feast of Weeks, also known as the Feast of Harvest which in the Old Testament was a day of thanksgiving on which people offered the first fruits of the harvest to God, thanking Him for the wind, rain, grain and provision He had given.

It’s fitting, then, that with Jerusalem packed with people, through driving winds, tongues of fire and the gift of speaking in foreign languages God would choose this precise moment to usher in the Holy Spirit, to enter an upper room and change the exclusivity of Old Testament belief to something new, to something not given to just a few but to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

And it was this belief, that Jesus Christ is her personal saviour that Katt shared with us through the simple act of baptism. 

Welcome Katt, it’s great to have you with us. 

Shelley’s news for week commencing Sunday 24th May

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Dear friends

Tomorrow, we look forward to celebrating Pentecost Sunday together, the day we remember the Holy Spirit coming in power to Jesus’ gathered followers.  The sound of the wind and the sight of flames were a sign of the Holy Spirit, God’s presence with them always.  This promise was not only for them but for us today and all those who feel on the fringes..

“The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off…” (Acts 2:39)

We’ll also be celebrating a baptism too, so do come along and be part of this special service.  We start at 11am and there will be cake and drinks after the service.

A reminder that there will be no Rock Solid youth groups tomorrow night. 

Tomorrow is also Global Day of Prayer and there will be a service at Leeds Minister for the city at 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 Lord Mayor of Leeds and the Anglican Bishop of Kirkstall Arun Arora will be joining for this gathering.  The evening promises to be an exciting multi-generational mix of music, song and prayer which reflects the city’s diversity.  There will be refreshments afterwards.. info here by clicking this link…

Global Day of Prayer 2026 Tickets, Sunday, May 24  •  6 PM – 8 PM | Eventbrite

Next week is bank holiday and half term so some of our groups are taking a break.  Beacon warm welcome café, Stepping Stones and lunch club pause next week but they are back the week after.  Most of the housegroups are on next week but check with the leaders or Shelley if in doubt.  On Wednesday 27th May we also have..

‘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 and…

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

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 share lunch and get to know each other a bit more.  Lunch is free, if you want to book a place, contact Lesley.

Remember the Gardening Day on the 20th June, all welcome (children need to be supervised by an adult)

MBC’s garden is taking shape, but there’s still more to do – Moortown Baptist Church

…and the mission group meet on the 9th June at 2.30 in the meeting room.  Speak to Phil Coates, Lesley or Shelley for more information.

Over the last few weeks there have been a number of new stories on the website including information on new art work going up in the meeting area…

Welcome to River City. How one man’s talent not only encapsulates everyday life but serves as a template for our ministry – Moortown Baptist Church

Baptist Missionary Society are putting on a zoom webinar on the 10th June on Mission and Community.  Want to see your church and your local community thrive and flourish alongside one another? This webinar will give you a taste of some of the tools being used by Christians across the globe to generate real change that starts within church families and ripples outwards.  Click on the link below to find out more… 

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

The next whole church meeting will be after the service on July 5th.  All welcome.

In Christ

Shelley

Shelley Dring

Minister

Moortown Baptist Church

An invitation to create your own psalm

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At 7pm on Wednesday the 27th of May we are hosting another ‘Create your own psalm’ art group.

Don’t be put off by the fact that you may think that when it comes to sketching or painting Picasso or perhaps Rembrandt were a tad better than you… each to his or her own. 

On the contrary, our art group isn’t seeking to discover hitherto hidden genious, it’s more a relaxing space that no matter what your ability provides the freedom to express and explore.

All materials are supplied, all you need to do is turn up.

If you are interested please speak with Krys or Cas.

Welcome to River City. How one man’s talent not only encapsulates everyday life but serves as a template for our ministry

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River City isn’t real, in fact it’s a figment of one person’s imagination. However, what you see in the six pictures that make up River City is far more real than make believe. 

That’s because in it you’ll find: a road, a river, a circus, a cathedral, a railway station, a wedding reception, Hell’s Angels and a castle. You’ll find people, young and old going about their daily business, traffic moving freely along uncongested roads and a train. In other words some, if not all the stuff  that make up real city, town or village life.  

River City first made its appearance here at MBC in November 2024, when in support of Parkinson’s UK Trisha Bainbridge mounted an exhibition and sale of more than 200 of the paintings her late husband Ralph had produced. *There’s a link back to the original website post HERE. 

In each and every one Ralph’s talent was obvious. Whether it be still life, abstract, landscape or portraiture with a paint brush in his hand he had been a genius. 

One of our members, Haddon Willmer, was so taken by River City, how it not only serves as a memorial to a talented artist but, displayed well, how it could be a focal point for MBC’s ongoing ministry that soon after the event he dashed off the following message to Shelley. 

Six Bainbridge paintings of people in street and by river
 
Installed in Church
Thanksgiving and memorial of the artist
Developing the ministry of the paintings
 
Look and enjoy. Imagine and tell stories of people, what they are doing  – do this individually and in groups. Encourage children to look and talk, and spark Lunch Club into more reminiscence. Appreciating the town, houses and business, church and football club, river and buses and bridge. In groups, write stories, poems, prayers relating the town on the church wall to our life in the city, and to the city of God…. Talk about what the pictures lead us to think and imagine, to lament and be thankful for….
 
Now, I’m delighted to say River City hangs in MBC’s Meeting Area. Six seperate yet interconnected images that flow seemlessly from either left to right or right to left that together embrace life in its fullness. 
 
Many thanks to Tricia and to Haddon for donating the work, having the foresight to realise its potential and for allowing me to write this piece.
 
I’ll close by setting you a challenge. Besides the list of things I’ve mentioned above Ralph has also included in the pictures some quite detailed elements. See how many of them you can spot.
 
Among them are… scouts camping in a field, a boat race (Hilford v Riverbridge), an escaped lion, Morris dancers in the Station Arms car park, Rivertown Utd’s stadium where the home team are beating the visitors 3 – 0, elephants, angry speakers, Romeo and Juliette on a balcony and so much more. 

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

by
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
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