Dear friends
It’s all about the number 7 tomorrow as we continue our advent theme of Wonder! We meet on the 7th day of December for our all-age Advent café church with songs, word, prayer, crafts and breakfast snacks at 11am. It’s also the day Kevin Sinfield completes his 7th ultra marathon in 7 days to raise money for the Motor Neuron Disease Association and in memory of his friend and former rugby colleague Rob Burrows. The money will also contribute towards the Leeds Motor Neuron Disease research centre at Seacroft. Rob wore the number 7 on his rugby top when he played for Leeds Rugby League.
In the bible, the number seven is connected to themes of completion, fulfilment of promises and healing. Some examples include the number seven in relation to the creation story in Genesis, also the seven statements given by Jesus on the cross, the seven metaphors Jesus used to describe himself such as ‘light of the world’, the cancelling of debts every seven years by the people of Israel and the discussion on forgiveness that Jesus had with his friends. There are more! As we continue in our advent journey may these themes help us pray and open our eyes to God’s healing, forgiveness and fulfilment of promises in our communities and those further afield in a broken world.
The week ahead..
Sunday 7th December ‘Christmas café church’ Advent 2: Peace, 11-12midday followed by a Christmas community café with live music, dance and refreshments 12.45-2.45pm. Kevin Sinfield will be stopping at MBC at about 1.15/1.30pm on his final day of the 7 in 7 in 7 Challenge 2025 raising money for those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. Please stay to cheer him in, join the Christmas café, invite some people along, then wave Kevin off as he runs onto Beckett Park University Campus to begin the Leeds Santa Dash. More information here by clicking this link Run For All launches Leeds Santa Dash as final leg of Kevin Sinfield’s 7in7: Together Challenge. There will be extra parking over the road at the nursery, look out for our volunteers in high vis jackets who are here to help and have a plan!
In the evening Rock Solid youth meet 7-8pm in the building
Monday 8th December 10-12 Beacon warm welcome space and café in the building
Tuesday 9th December Stepping Stones Christmas party for under 5’s and their parents, grandparents, and carers. See Diane, Hilary, or Lesley for more information.
Tuesday 9th December afternoon bible study in church. See Howard or check with Lesley
Wednesday 10th December Lunch club for those who attend and volunteers. Speak to Lesley for more information.
Wednesday 10th December 1.30-2pm Christmas Wednesday Worship
Wednesday 10th December House group with Dianne. Speak to Diane or ask Lesley or Shelley for more information.
Thursday 11th December 2.00 -4.00pm Craft group and warm welcome space in church building. Do pop in and say hello. Speak to Karen, Lesley or myself for more information or if it’s something you might be able to join or support as we are looking for helpers.
Thursday 11th December Bible study at 7pm, see Gareth G or ask Lesley.
Friday 12th December Bible Study at 10.00am – 11.15 in church. See Shelley for more information.
Friday 12th December House Group 8.00pm – 10.00 with Jonathan and Hilary D and Steve and Helen O. Do speak to them or ask Lesley or I for more information.
Sunday 14th December 11 o clock service with communion, Advent 3:Joy with group for our younger friends to creatively explore the theme. There will be an opportunity to sing carols in a local home for the elderly after the service (please bring your lunch if you want to eat in between the service and carol singing to keep your energy up!) Speak to Rachel B or Claire for more information.
3-5pm we’ll host a Wreath Making workshop in the Sanctuary. It’s £10 per wreath and everything is provided including natural and non-natural materials, Christmas refreshments and music. Younger children need to be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential. Please contact Lesley in the office admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk Places are now limited so do check with Lesley to book a place. All welcome so do invite people and get them booked in.
A big thank you to all those who came to decorate the church building over the last few days ready for Christmas. We have working information screens now too in the foyer and meeting room showing many aspects of church life, so a big thankyou to all who have worked on this for a while. There has been many other things going on behind the scenes that contribute to our physical and online presence together as a community and further afield. Thank you all. A thought for the day throughout advent goes out on our facebook page and the website is updated with all the new stories of the week.
Do pick up a ‘wonder’ card in church to keep and one to give out. It’s also available here www.moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk
In December..
Monday 15th December after beacon, the hampers are being packed in the music room. Please make sure you have brought in contributions by then. Thanks to all who have brought things in.
Sunday 21st December is our All Age nativity (Advent 4) 11-12 midday.
Monday 22nd December Christmas Beacon and warm welcome space with Christmas crafts and snacks for all ages from 10-12midday.
Wednesday 24th December at 4.30-5.15pm it’s the All Age Christingle Service
Thursday 25th December 10.30-11.30am All Age Christmas Day Service
Sunday 28th December 11-12 Service together
In Christ
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church