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Jane Coates – Thoughts and Prayers – Scars

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I would guess that most of us have a scar or two, either caused by a fall, an accident or injury, or surgery of some kind, either big or small, or maybe even a small burn. The healing processes of our bodies are truly wonderful. When skin is injured or cut in some way, new tissue is created which helps the skin to reseal itself. The scar helps the skin to repair its damaged tissue, to close the gap made by a cut, tear or surgical incision, and pulls together the wound. Isn’t that amazing! Our skin is such an essential part of our immune system. I am the proud bearer of several scars and surgical incisions. My first scar was caused when I was 10 years old and collided with a run of iron railings. The second scar followed the safe, emergency delivery of our first child. The third scar was to remove a facial blemish, and the fourth, more major scar, was the removal of a cancer. So, I have had my share of surgical scars. Such scars may fade over time but often remain.
 
There are also hidden scars that may be hidden, hard to detect, or deliberately concealed. People may carry emotional scars caused by distress of some nature. There may be a loss, a breakdown of a relationship, a mental health concern, the responsibility for the care of an aged partner or parent, a long-term health condition, and a whole range of other circumstances. A person may carry these burdens alone and those folk around them may not recognise the hidden trauma and scarring that is caused. Such scars may take a long time to heal and fade.
 
We have a Saviour who seeks to heal and to restore. A healing of any wound is a first essential, but Jesus is in the business of recovery, renewal, and restoration. Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So, he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.  Matthew 12 v 13 NIV
 
Then he showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal as it flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of the street of the city and on either bank of the river grew the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits, a different kind for each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22 v 1-2 JBP
 
Recently, our thoughts have been with those who have said goodbye to long time partners and other dear family members. I came across this song Scars in Heaven, by Casting Crowns. It is a strong reminder that there will be no scars in heaven, other than those scars on the body, feet and hands of our Lord. We will be renewed and fully restored.
 
SONG
The only scars in Heaven, they won’t belong to me and you
There’ll be no such thing as broken, and all the old will be made new
And the thought that makes me smile now, even as the tears fall down
Is that the only scars in Heaven are on the hands that hold you now
 
Songwriters: John Mark Hall / Matthew Joseph West
Scars in Heaven lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
 
 
PRAY for those grieving the loss of loved ones, experiencing physical or emotional scars. May we be sensitive to their situation and kind in our words.
 
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5 v 10-11 NIV
 
Jane Coates
8 February 

Shelley’s update – Connections, 1 February

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Dear friends

Usually, one good piece of advice I have been given in the past regarding technology is ‘turn it off and back on again”. Usually, things sort themselves out.  Since my laptop and phone have been ‘temperamental’ this week I tried it out on them both.  For my laptop, it worked.  My phone was a different story.  Only specialised, high-powered intervention involving connecting the phone to equipment that was able to do all sorts of things whilst it was ‘asleep’ was able to bring it back to life temporarily. It’s a reminder again about the importance of being connected. Trees are connected to goodness in the soil to remain healthy and stand.  Tomorrow, we’ll hear more on this at café church starting at 11am looking at John 15.  There will be pastries, fruit and drinks and an activity to practically explore the theme.

Connection can look like many things.  If we are talking about connection to God, the word ‘prayer’ may come into our minds.  Prayer is one way we keep our roots strong.  Christians have always prayed but in 2025 there seems to be a renewal of focus to pray again, pray with others, prayer in a new way with or without words, pray across cities, across countries…

The Baptist Union have started some online prayer gatherings for 2025.  The first one happened last week but there are more throughout the year.  The next one is on 25th March.  Please follow the link below to catch up and join in.

The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Prayer Broadcasts

One of the Wednesday evening groups has started The Prayer Course by Pete Greg of 24/7 prayer, a course that has been run once already at MBC last year.  For more information for your own group or if you want to find resources for yourself or to do the course with others talk to Krys Gadd or myself.

On 1st March ‘Gather25’ is planned, see Gather25 | 25-hour Global Christian Conference in 2025 described as using the technology we have to Gather, inspire, share stories of the whole church around the world so that we can commit ourselves again to live the Great Commission and see Jesus everywhere.  There are 7 areas from where worship, prayer and stories will be broadcast.  These include the UK, Romania, Malaysia, Rwanda as well as an 8th area hosted by the Persecuted church around the world. I will share more information tomorrow and on a separate email but for now put 1st March in your diary (afternoon into evening)!  As well as the livestream we hope to have some live worship/prayer/art in the building as well as a Movement and prayer workshop praying in a new way for the year ahead. Do get in touch of you have a thought/idea/can help.

Also, aimed at those aged 13ish to 35ish or anyone with a heart for this age group including friends, youth and children’s leaders, teachers, parents, grandparents you might want to join us in ‘TheSend’.  It’s happening across the UK, 5 regions; Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Northern England and Southern England, similar to Gather25 with worship, prayer, inspiration and commissioning.  The big gathering for Northern England is at Leeds Arena on 22nd November and we have been invited to go to our nearest local pre-event prayer/worship hub (they are happening all over the region) at North Church on 8th May.  More information to come in the next two weeks.

Also, a reminder that all those who lead by playing/singing worship at any point throughout the week are invited to breakfast on 15th Feb at the carvery in Chapel A to hang out/share at 9.30am.  Each week there are different groups/bands so it would be great to spend some time altogether.  There will be a Tech team breakfast on 8th March 9.30am.

All our groups are running as usual this week.  Do check with Lesley, the group leaders or myself if you have questions and check out the website www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk

“My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples” (Isaiah 56:7)

In Christ

Shelley

MBC shares in a special Holocaust Memorial Day Assembly at Leeds Jewish Free School

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Last Monday, the 27th of January, Shelley Dring and John Sherbourne had the great privilege of representing Moortown Baptist Church at a special assembly at Leeds Jewish Free School to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. 

The 45 minute service, held exactly 80 years on from the date in 1945 that Russian troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi death camps, was a hard hitting yet poignant reminder of the evils of hatred, which not only led to more than 6 million Jewish men, Jewish women and Jewish children being exterminated, but also to the brutal massacre of hundreds of thousands of Roma, Slavic and black people, homosexuals and those with a physical or mental illness. 

By contrast, however, through the simple act of lighting candles, and the fine use of  poetry, prose and prayer the service delivered a palpable feeling of optimism and hope. 

Besides Shelley and John from Moortown, the event was  attended by the the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Marshall Katung, and representatives from many community and faith groups. 

The fact that MBC was invited to take part in such a meaningful event is yet further evidence of our standing in the community. That’s why I have no hesitation in saying that for Shelley and I to stand alongside the Lord Mayor, rabbis from a number of local synagogues, members of both the LJHB and the LJWB, representatives from West Yorkshire police and the leaders of other religious traditions, and then to be invited to light a candle and share a prayer with the entire Leeds Jewish Free School family really was very special. 

Roll up, roll up! Adam Argyle reports on how for just one day only the Circus came to MBC

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This last Wednesday our Lunch Club regulars came in for a real treat when Matthew Tiffany, a professional juggler, turned up to show off his circus skills. 

The Seniors really enjoyed themselves, learning about juggling and spinning plates, even having a go themselves.

Everyone agreed that it was a fantastic time and that Matthew would be very welcome to come back any time he likes.  

Above, there’s a gallery of pictures so if you want to see how much fun both the Seniors and the volunteers had simply click on any of the images.

Adam Argyle 

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. An extravagant love

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An extravagant love
 
 The Crossness Pumping Station is a former sewage treatment plant on the south bank of the River Thames. It was designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and built between 1859 and 1865. Its purpose was to deal with the raw sewage from the southern part of London. When it became no longer used for this purpose, it was designated as a Grade 1 Listed Industrial Heritage Site because of its amazing Romanesque architecture and design. It is a masterpiece of engineering with its pumps and steam engines but became famous for its spectacular ornamental cast iron metalwork and original paint colours. It has been described as “a masterpiece of engineering-a Victorian cathedral of ironwork.”
 
Why was a sewage treatment plant designed with such love, care, extravagance and incredibly beautiful interiors? Each detail, down to the specially shaped and coloured external brickwork and ornate balustrades of the central Octagon area, are a delight to behold. It is a masterpiece of work that few people at the time would have witnessed. The sole purpose of this unique and magnificently ornate building was to take London’s sewage. The glory of the building and its dramatic interiors concealed this very common function. The Victorian designers took pride in their workmanship, attention to detail, making sure that nothing was common or base. A common theme and desire of Victorian craftsmen and women were to give glory to God and to reflect His glory.
 
Our Father God is a wonderful Creator, designer. His extravagant love leads Him to create. As we look at our world and the canopy of stars we can stand in awe of Him and worship.
 
The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.
For when he spoke, the world began, It appeared at his command.
Psalm 33 v 6-9 NLT
 
His love created humankind, each person uniquely formed, His work of art, a masterpiece designed by a loving Craftsman.
 
For we are His workmanship, His own master work, a work of art, created in Christ Jesus, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used for good works, which God prepared for us before and taking paths which He set, so that we would walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us. Ephesians 2 v 10 AMP
 
At the close of time, we will see the new heavens, the new earth and the new Jerusalem. Our feet will walk on gold, with no need for sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.
 
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.  And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  
Revelation 21 NLT
 
SONG So will I (100 Billion X) Hillsong Worship
 
 
Jane Coates. 
31 January 2025

Shelley’s weekly update – 25th January

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Dear friends

A slightly later email than usual but one I hope that is helpful over the week. 

Firstly, a thank you to all who prepared for the meeting on Tuesday and all who came.  The minutes will be out shortly.  I shared from 1 Corinthians 12:7, a reminder that to each one of us we are given gifts from the Holy Spirit for the common good.  The New Testament Greek word for ‘common good’ means to bear or bring together, so there is a sense of us carrying something together, combining what we have with others.  This goes against any ideas of relying simply on our own self-development in order to grow, instead the gifts flourish when in community. It is good to be reminded of this through our reports on the year and current MBC news.   I was also encouraged by your support for myself and the other staff in the team, so thank you.

At the church meeting people were encouraged to write down words or bible verses that came to them through the evening that God may be saying.  I will make sure we add these to the minutes next week.  They will be good to look out for and pray about.  

The last couple of Sunday we have followed the events after Jesus’ birth with thoughts about developing strong roots for 2025.  We looked at..

What are we following or choosing not to following?

What do we treasure and what treasure have we been given?

Tomorrow, we look at what happens when we are shaken?

The next week looks like this..

Sunday 26th January 11am Service with a creative group for our younger friends. Matthew 2:13-14

Sunday 26th January 7-8pm Rock Solid for youth

Monday 27th January 10-12 Warm welcome café beacon

Tuesday 28th January 10-11.30 Stepping Stones for under 5’s and their carers

Tuesday 28th January afternoon housegroup in building

Tuesday 28th January mission group meeting 2.30pm

Tuesday 28th January Deacons and Shelley meeting 7.30pm

Wednesday 29th January lunchclub (see Rachel Beedle)

Wednesday 29th January bible study in church building at 7.30pm

Thursday 30th January 2-4pm Warm welcome space craft group

Thursday 30th January bible study in building 7pm

Friday 31st January bible study at 10am in the building

Sunday 2nd January 11am all age café church ‘What are your roots like?’

Please contact me, a deacon or Lesley for more information on any of these.

Some other dates..

Next week there are two sessions run by Faith in kids, one on zoom and one at Gateway church on Thursday night.  Click the links below..

Welcoming children with additional needs zoom.. click here for information..

Buy tickets – Inspire (Children’s Ministry Leadership Training): Welcoming families with additional needs – Zoom

Raising confident kids in a confusing world ‘in person’

Buy tickets – Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World (Leeds) – Gateway at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Rd, Leeds

Let me know if you are interested in going.

Also coming up..

Gather Leeds Mini Summit (including Launch of Leeds Lent Prayer Diary) (Tues 25th Feb)  There will be food served from 6pm with stalls from the projects in the diary, followed by speakers and round table discussions about how we can impact the city. Please reserve your tickets here

The return of MBC plant sale Saturday 17th May! Save the date

As we start the week again, I am reminded of the words of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde who spoke at Trumps inauguration this week.

“Our God teaches us that we are to be merciful to the stranger, for we were all once strangers in this land.”

In Christ

Shelley

Jane Coates. Thoughts and Prayers… How do you wash waterproof socks?

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Sam had an unfortunate accident at the weekend when he put a garden fork through the walking boot on his left foot, leaving him with a small open fracture of his big toe. There were hospital visits to follow, wound dressing, a Tetanus injection, antibiotics and the dreaded open toed plastic boot that made walking initially challenging, especially climbing stairs, and in the snow. The need for some protection for the wound and to keep the dressing dry was essential, and I was advised that there was such a thing as waterproof socks. Such waterproof socks, according to the accompanying information, were engineered for all extremes, such as extreme outdoor activities and weather conditions. The blurb also claimed that the socks were designed to enhance your performance. We duly ordered these socks, and the leaflet proudly announced that the socks were waterproof in every wet condition, breathable, windproof, durable, with a comfortable, soft feel, had a 4-way stretch, a bamboo lining for moisture control and insulation, protected from blisters, had support zones for the foot, were guaranteed weatherproof, and came with a lifetime guarantee. Basically, the manufacturers and researchers had got every base covered.
 
The word ‘covered’ made me consider our ‘being in Christ.’ Joyce Meyer, a well-known American speaker and evangelist, has a wonderful list of 47 statements or gifts that are ours as Christians. If you search for Joyce Meyer ‘Knowing who I am in Christ’ then her list should appear first. Joyce wants us to know how amazing our life in Christ can be. As I read through the list again, with its Bible verses, I realized that Jesus has ‘got it all covered’ by what He has done for us. We are redeemed, chosen, accepted, born again, new creations, forgiven, free, loved, complete, at peace, renewed, strengthened, rooted, conquerors, without blame, and people of hope. By grace we are completely covered, if we trust in Christ. We are in the all-encompassing care of Jesus, and we can be confident that His death and His blood has covered every situation and need that we may have. I am covered.
 
I have put my words in your mouth
    and covered you with the shadow of my hand –
I who set the heavens in place,
    who laid the foundations of the earth,
    and who say to Zion, “You are my people.”’ Isaiah 51 v 16 NIV
 
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32 v 1 NIV
 
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91 v 4 NIV
 
Jane Coates
24 January 2025

Shelley’s weekly message flags up MBC’s AGM, plus two special events aimed at anyone with a heart for children’s ministry, or welcoming families with additional needs

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Dear friends

We have the theme ‘Rooted’ emerging on Sundays.  We’ll talk more about this over time, something to think about. We are taking some time in January to look at the events just after Jesus’ birth to see what God might be saying to us about ourselves, our communities and the wider world. Last week we looked at Matthew 2 and considered what do we choose to follow and what do we choose not to?  I wonder if you have given it some time this week to ponder about the things you follow and the things you don’t in order to be healthy as a disciple of Jesus?  January is full of ideas on how to start strong, some helpful and some maybe not so but its good to have January as a month to ponder things through and be intentional, not rushing but discerning, writing things down, sharing and praying things over.  Tomorrow, we look at the treasures the magi brought and the treasure they found.  We start at 11am in the building and on the YouTube channel.  There will be a group for our younger friends and we’ll also have some stories shared.

In the evening Rock Solid for youth meets  in the building 7pm-8pm.

Most of our groups continue as usual this week apart from Tuesday afternoon housegroup and Wednesday housegroup in the building as they want to allow for people coming to the church meeting on Tuesday evening.  Do keep in touch with your group leaders or contact Lesley at the beginning of the week in case there is a change. 

Tuesday evening is the Church AGM and church meeting at 7.30pm.  It would be great if you can come to this to pray and share and get a feel for what has been happening in the church and what God is doing.  We thank God for all those who volunteer in all sorts of ways including all those who are part of this community.  There will be a zoom link for those unable to be there.  We will send it out next week.

I wanted to let you know that Faith in Kids are doing a few sessions across the country called Raising confident kids in a Confusing world.  Its for anyone connected to any child, so you don’t need to be a parent, just anyone with a heart for children right now (parents, grandparent, those who are like parents and grandparents to others, children/youth leaders/helpers…) Its on Thursday January 30th 7.45-9.30 at Gateway Church, St Marks Road, Leeds, LS2 9AF more info here.  I’m going so if you are interested let me know. Buy tickets – Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World (Leeds) – Gateway at St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Rd, Leeds

There’s also a zoom training session on 28th January for welcoming families with additional needs… Buy tickets – Inspire (Children’s Ministry Leadership Training): Welcoming families with additional needs – Zoom for those involved in this area.  I intend to invite Children/youth leaders on your whats apps with some information so I will be in touch this weekend!

Finally this verse from Matthew 5:9 seemed appropriate at this time.  Do pray for all who work for peace.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”

The Baptist Union have released a statement and a prayer that you may want to join with.  Click on the link below

The Baptist Union of Great Britain : Statement on the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow

Shelley

Jane Coates, Thoughts and Prayers. Stop, Stay, Go

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Stop, Stay, Go
 
The Maji followed God’s leading by signs, star, and dream. They had ignored the disquieting voices in their heads and around them, that may have told them that they were unwise to take such a journey. But their instincts, the quiet prompting of God, and their research, told them to follow the rising, leading star. After finding the infant, and in response to a dream, they were guided to find a new way home, avoiding a return to Herod’s palace.
 
This new journey would be without the comfort of the leading star but God, in His mercy, gave His protection and safety to the Maji. They trusted and followed the dream’s instruction and the guidance of God.
 
They returned to their own country by another route because God had warned them in a dream not to go back to Herod. Matthew 2 v 12
 
Protection, safety, and guidance had been given to Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus. Joseph, being warned by an angel of the Lord in a dream to escape from Herod and his anger, escaped with his   family to Egypt, leaving hurriedly, in the middle of the night. They remained there as strangers, and refugees in a foreign land, because Herod’s clear intention was to search for and destroy the child. “Stay there until you hear from Me.” Matthew 2 v 13
I love that phrase ‘stay there until you hear from me.’ Joseph was told by God to wait for the right time and His guidance, which would allow the family to return to their homeland. He was to stay, to remain, to be settled, even though he could not know God’s timing.
 
Two years later, and once again instructed in a dream, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, returned to their homeland of Israel. With Joseph’s wisdom and discernment, and God’s clear direction, Joseph took his young family, to Nazareth, in the region of Galilee. Herod Archelaus was now ruling in place of his father Herod the Great, so Jesus could still be in danger. The Nazarenes were often treated with suspicion and caution by other Jews and Jesus was once called ‘Jesus the Nazarene’ in an insulting, derogatory way. But this move would perhaps keep Jesus safe.
 
So, the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2 v22-23 NLT
 
Care, certainty, God’s safe keeping and guidance are for those who trust in the name of the Lord. We may not have dreams, or hear angel voices, but we can lean into Him daily to know his presence with us and to find His direction. May we try not to look back, only forward to a new way, a new path, a new road. Not a star, but Jesus as the light for that new path, and this coming year. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32 v 8 NLT
 
SONG Lyrics My Guardian
 
King of love and grace, my Guardian,
All my hopes and fears are in Your hands;
I’m in Your hands.
Where You go, I’ll go; show me the way.
Every step I take be now my guide,
God on my side.
You go before me, You’re there beside me,
And if I wander Love will find me.
Goodness and mercy will always follow.
You go before me, my Guardian.
 
Jane Coates
17 January 2025
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