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Packing Hope: A Monday Behind the Scenes at Baby Basics Leeds - by Kate Wright
A Monday Behind the Scenes at Baby Basics Leeds Every Monday is Baby Basics day in Leeds — our baby bank volunteers meet to pack and deliver essential items for expectant and new mums across the city. Over the weekend I shared our new referrals and what each one needs. Seven volunteers could make it this week. Sorting Donations and Packing Referrals By 9:30am we are at St Paul’s Church in Ireland Wood sorting donations and packing bundles. We aim to get items to mum around a
Lisa
7 days ago2 min read
Loving Like Jesus: Why Safeguarding Matters in Every Church - By Sarah Denner
Hi everyone — I’m Sarah, the Parish Safeguarding Officer here at St Paul’s. This week marks Safeguarding Sunday , and as someone once wisely said to me, “Every Sunday should be safeguarding Sunday!” So, what is Safeguarding Sunday and why are we mentioning it? Safeguarding Sunday is now in its 7 th year. It aims to inspire churches to talk about safeguarding and to reflect on our past failings, whilst striving to move forwards towards a world in which every child and adult
Lisa
Nov 143 min read
Youth Social Evening – Escape Room Chaos - By Andrew Barkley
Following a successful escape room social before the summer, the young people requested another escape room evening. However, this time they wanted it to be harder (honestly). As someone who enjoys a challenge, I set about creating puzzles and challenges and turned the church hall into two identical escape rooms. The theme of the evening was The Mysterious Box of Rev. Francis Ive . He was called that because “Rev. F. Ive” spells five , which was used as part of a code. There
Lisa
Nov 72 min read
From small beginnings, God is growing a “community shaped by Jesus.” - By Judith Jackson
Midweek Communion (every Tuesday in church) began as a quiet, said Communion service for those members of St Paul’s who found it difficult to attend the 9.30am sung Holy Communion service on Sundays, or who felt the need for a more meditative style of worship. At first, there were only the Vicar and two or three people, but it was greatly appreciated by those who came. Tea, coffee, and biscuits were served so folk could chat together afterwards. Gradually, more people joined,
Lisa
Oct 172 min read
God’s Little Lanterns: My Journey with St. Paul’s Tots - By Sara Brown
Where Faith, Laughter, and Toddlers Collide Walk into St. Paul’s Tots, and you’ll hear it right away—giggles, chatter, stomping feet, and...
Lisa
Oct 102 min read
From Zookeeper to Intern at St Paul’s - By Andrew Barkley
Hi, my name is Andrew, and I am one of the new interns here at St Paul’s Ireland Wood. Originally from North Wales, I have moved all...
Lisa
Oct 32 min read
Finding Faith, Finding Family - By Kayleigh Crossley
I mostly grew up around LS16, although I moved around Leeds a lot. I am the eldest of five, plus two half-siblings, and come from a very...
Lisa
Sep 262 min read
Joining the Journey at St Paul’s - By Ollie Greenfield
Hi, my name is Ollie, and I am the new Children and Youth Team Leader at St Paul’s Ireland Wood. I am really excited to be joining the...
Lisa
Sep 192 min read


All In: Shaped by Jesus in the Year Ahead
Mark Harlow - Vicar A new academic year always feels like a fresh start. Diaries fill with new rhythms, children return to school,...

Mark Harlow
Sep 113 min read
A Great Week at Great Wood Camp - By Nick Fry
Earlier this summer I spent a week at Scripture Union's residential camp in the Quantock Hills called the Great Wood Experience (GWX)....
Lisa
Sep 63 min read
LS16 Community Uniform Exchange - By Sara Brown
In March 2022, a simple idea—born out of compassion, and guided by faith—took root in the LS16 community. The LS16 Community Uniform...
Lisa
Jul 242 min read
Small Group - By Susie and Phill Hopkins
Our small group has been meeting weekly on Tuesday nights (term time) for the past eight years. Some people have naturally moved on and...
Lisa
Jul 182 min read


Grief, Aging, and the God Who Weeps - By Mark Harlow
Grief is not just a moment of loss—it’s a journey. It doesn’t follow a timetable or stay neatly in the past. Often, it re-emerges in...
Lisa
Jul 112 min read
Returning to St Paul’s: Reflections on Ministry in East Leeds - By Bev Monck
I’m back! I’ve returned to St Paul’s after a three-month placement in East Leeds, where I looked after three parishes while their vicar...
Lisa
Jun 272 min read
LFIS - Light in the Darkness: Standing with Leeds’ Young People
This year has been a big year for LFIS. We’ve celebrated 30 years of bringing Good News to the secondary schools in Leeds, welcomed a...
Lisa
Jun 132 min read
Mission Partners - The Nunns
We're excited to share an update from the field, where our colleague Simon and the team have been conducting vital eye health work in...
Lisa
Jun 62 min read


St. Paul’s Worship Team: Adoration, Inclusion, Progression - By Louisa Collett
Our Worship Team at St. Paul’s consists of around 40 volunteers—singers, musicians, sound technicians, and projection operators—guided by...
Lisa
May 292 min read


A Warm Welcome – From My Heart to Yours, by Sara Brown
Hello and welcome! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sara, and I have the joy of volunteering at St Paul’s Warm Welcome , alongside...
Lisa
May 232 min read


The "Quiet Revival" - Dave Monck
I'm a bit sceptical about statistics. It could be because I studied it for A level, hated it and it was my worst grade. But I think it's...
Lisa
May 163 min read


Leeds Minster Placement - Rupert Madeley
Inside Leeds Minster As many of you know, I am currently training to be an Anglican licensed lay minister. As part of this training...
Lisa
May 12 min read
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