Dear friends
Last week we celebrated Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit in power to the early disciples of Jesus. This was something that Jesus had actively encouraged them with several times.
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you” John 16:7
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” John 14:16
Over the next few weeks, we will look at how the person of the Holy Spirit transformed not just the disciples but those who were classed as outsiders. We’ll consider what this means to us and our communities as well as sharing our own stories. If you do have something that you think may encourage others do get in touch with me in the week.
On the 5th June, the author, professor, writer and theologian Walter Brueggemann died at the age of 92. I had the privilege of hearing him talk on the Old Testament about 15 years ago. His work on prophetic imagination really spoke to me. He wrote that sometimes feelings of being ‘an outsider’ or keeping at a distance can allow us to think that things have to stay as they are, that we are hopeless. However, he writes “The Spirit works through us, among us, and even against us. The Spirit in these days would indeed work against our hopelessness to let us hope.”
So we see the realisation of hope on the horizon in the book of Acts, emerging in ways that the new apostles could only begin to imagine. This brought both a life of joy and suffering but weaved throughout it all was hope that another world was possible. We continue the journey together..
Sunday 15th June 11.00 Service with communion. Group for our younger friends to explore the theme together. Looking at Acts 3:1-12
Sunday 15th June ‘Rock Solid Youth’ in the church building. Only the younger group are meeting this week. Do talk to Val, Adam, Ruth, Nathan or Martyn for more information.
Monday 16th June Beacon café warm welcome café 10-12
Tuesday 17th June Stepping Stones group for under 5’s and their parents and carers 10-11.30am See Diane S, Hilary or Lesley
Tuesday 17th June afternoon house group in church, see Howard Dews
Tuesday 17th June Deacons meeting
Wednesday 18th June lunch club See Rachel B or Lesley for more information
Wednesday 18th June Wednesday Worship in the afternoon at 1.30-2pm Theme ‘Pentecost’ All welcome
Wednesday 18th June 7.30 Bible study in church See Ruth or Andy B or Shelley
Thursday 19th June 2-4pm Warm welcome craft group in church See Karen
Thursday 19th June Bible study with Gareth in church building at 7pm
Friday 20th June Bible study in church building at 10am See Shelley for details
Friday 20th June House group at 8pm See Jonathan or Hilary or Steve or Helen
Sunday 21st June 11am Service with a group for our younger friends to explore the theme together.
Other dates..
Wednesday 25th June 6.30-7.15 PACT meeting (Police and Communities Together) for Moortown. Meet local police and have your chance to share what going on in the community of Moortown in the music room.
6th July is café church followed by a church meeting. Agenda will be out 2 weeks before this date. The meeting will be shorter than the Tuesday night meetings but chance to get together at a different time.
If you want to talk about baptism or to be a member at Moortown then do get in touch with me or email Lesley at admin@moortownbaptistchurch.org.uk or ask a deacon and we can sort out an informal chat.
Last Sunday a group met after church to start Pete Grieg’s ‘Unanswered prayer’ course. The course will continue every second Sunday of the month. There are 5 sessions altogether and everyone is welcome. Especially those who are struggling with the reality of unanswered prayers. You don’t have to come to all the sessions so if you missed the first one you can still come another time.
The group meet after church (please bring your lunch) and finish just after 2pm. The dates for the next 4 sessions are:
July 13th
August 10th
September 14th
October 12th
Speak to Krys or ask Lesley or myself if you want any further information.
Do keep your eye on the website and also our Facebook page for updates.
Blessings
Shelley
Shelley Dring
Minister
Moortown Baptist Church