Dear friends
It feels like a full week.
I sat in the church building on Thursday, and I had a picture in my mind. As I watched people come in and out to vote, some coming to the warm space, some putting up union flags, people fixing on solar panels, people collecting food, putting out chairs, others making crafts, it felt like a lot was going on both physically and spiritually. Praying about it further, the picture that came into my mind was of many coloured threads weaving through from the carpark, through the rooms and down the corridors. I felt each represented a different aspect of life in the country. One thread I saw represented politics, another thread was monarchy, another thread service, another thread compassion. Although we often have many ‘threads’ running through the building, it felt that this week there was more ‘going on’. As we approach Coronation weekend, I am aware that there are many threads influencing our land, some we see and some we simply have a sense of. There are some Christian leaders reminding church again to pray for the land, for King Charles and all those with influence that they may know the truth of Jesus. We pray too for our communities as a church we agree together that we want to see God’s fair rule and reign. We can all pray in different ways, in words, pictures, movement. We pray that God’s kingdom will come, His will be done on earth as in heaven and that He will show us how to be church in this new season.
On Sunday we have an opportunity to come together and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We’ll meet 11-12 for café church and then we have a coronation lunch together starting at 1pm. We have activities for our younger friends. Food has been arranged but if you want to bring some buns to share or something similar then do bring them on the day. Many times, Jesus shared a meal with friends and strangers so do come along on your own or bring friends, neighbours and family at 1pm.
We start a new series this Sunday. It follows on from our journeying with Jesus and the Ascension last week when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to be with us everywhere. The series is called Be transformed and looks at how the Holy Spirit transforms and renews us. This Sunday Romans 12:1-8 sets the scene.
On Sunday evening there will be Rock Solid for young people 7pm-8pm in the church building.
Other dates to remember…
Monday 8th May – No beacon café today. Why not give someone a call or meet for coffee.
Tuesday 9th May – Steppingstones for under 5’s and their carers 10-11.30. Tuesday afternoon house group in the church building.
Wednesday 10th May – House groups online and in the church building at 7.30pm
(It’s Lunch Club ‘Coronation Special’ today too!)
Thursday 11th May – 2-4pm drop in warm space in the music room, make crafts, have a coffee and cake
Thursday 11th May – 7-9pm Bible in 24 hours bible study looking at the whole bible in the church building
Friday 12th May – 10-11 bible study in the church building
Saturday 13th May – 1-3pm Plant Sale with refreshments. Refresh your garden, brighten a windowsill, buy a gift and raise money for charity, in the church building.
Sunday 14th May – Service 11-12pm Be transformed Part 2 looking at 1 Peter 1:1-12
Sunday is also the day of the first Leeds Marathon in years. In previous years, the Leeds half marathon route has passed Moortown Baptist Church but this year its a new route for a new race so it doesn’t come near to the church although it does include Otley Road so may affect those living nearer Lawnswood and Headingley. See rblm-route-map.jpg (4661×3208) (runforall.com)
Monday 15th May – Warm welcome space/beacon café 10-12. We welcome visitors from MAEcare (Moor Allerton Elderly Care) available for a chat about some of the things that they have going on.
The month of prayer continues through May. Thanks to all who are joining in prayer somehow. Please see the website for topics each day. www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk If you want to join the prayer whats app there are QR codes on the pillars in church to help you join (do ask if that sounds a bit strange or you want help, we are all learning)
Next whole church meeting is 7.30pm on 25th May in church and online. Agenda out soon. See the deacons or myself if you have something new to bring up.
Other things of interest…
This week the Solar panels and the battery were fitted. Thanks to all who helped with this.
Lunch club received funding to help them continue the great work they do. Thanks to all and pray for Rachel, those who serve and all who come along.
One of our members has asked me to share news about a sunset walk at Temple Newsam House to remember loved ones. It’s in association with St Gemma’s. I have attached a flyer.
You might want to check out Harrogate School of Theology & Mission – Excellent theological and biblical training open to all. (hstm.org.uk). I have been to a number of these in the past. There are visiting speakers and you get breakfast pastries and drinks. The next one is May 13th where Bishop Rowan Williams will be speaking on ‘A contemplative life and urban mission’. Sometimes there’s a zoom option too. Click on the link or ask me for more information.
We look forward to seeing you over the weekend
In Christ
Shelley