Blog Archives

Thursday 30th September 2021

30/9/2021

Beside The Burn
This week we continue our series Finding Jesus! We are going to the Old Testament into the book of Genesis to Find Jesus at Babel, as we discover Jesus in places we never noticed before.

Let’s Pray For PCI Healthcare Chaplains
Pray for patients and staff in our hospitals and hospices. Pray that chaplains, ministers and others will bring words of comfort, hope and encouragement in these difficult times.

PCI University Chaplains
Pray for the Christian witness at universities throughout Ireland by Christian students and chaplains. Pray that during the academic year ahead, many more students will come to know the Lord and will put their trust in him.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Jonah And The Whale

Proverbs (5 minute video)
Paul Trip is releasing a series of short videos on the book of Proverbs. Each video is about 5 minutes long and is well worth listening to. I will include the videos on the Blog over the next few weeks.

https://www.paultripp.com/proverbs/posts/014-the-moral-drama-of-proverbs

3 Practical Ways To Fight Depression
David Murray shares three ways to help us fight depression.

https://www.crossway.org/articles/3-practical-ways-to-battle-depression/

Joni Eareckson Tada (2 minute video)
A powerful testimony from Joni
What we sing matters. We never know when a crisis will arise to challenge our faith. In those darkest moments, will we have a song in our hearts to remind us of our true hope? In this clip from Sing! Global 2020, Joni Eareckson Tada brings us to the hospital room where she lay after becoming paralyzed as a teenager: “In my bewilderment, in my depression and discouragement, what did God do? He brought back to my memory these hymns that my mother and father had taught me.” We do not know what this life will bring. But if we fill our hearts—and the hearts of our children—with songs that point us to the Savior’s love for us in his cross and resurrection, we will be better prepared for the most difficult hours. We too will be able to sing, as Joni once did: “Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side.”

Good Book Company
Pick Up A Great Book This Autumn...
The publishers say - “Don't miss these 8 top reads from some of our favourite authors. Perfect for curling up with on an autumn day.”

https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=0d4025231abf6935988f461f4&id=9dd230b5c0&e=b1f31a6b76

Discover Ireland
You may notice a few local places in this short promotional video from Discover Ireland.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Eddie 2:14
Jean 2:22
Derek 3:10

Something a little different for teh puzzle today, see if you can piece together my breakfast from a recent visit to the Bothy!

Play the "Bothy Breakfast Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=394c9460c5b8

2 Comments

Wednesday 29th September 2021

29/9/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Peter & Jayne Fleming (global mission workers in Nepal)
Pray for Peter as he continues to work for United Mission to Nepal (UMN) from N Ireland. Pray that the ongoing discussions around Project Agreements between UMN and the government of Nepal will progress well and for the granting of visas for overseas staff.

Portugal
Pray for the Christian Presbyterian Church of Portugal. Pray for this small denomination to grow and flourish, and that through it, the Holy Spirit will bring many people to faith in Christ.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Reap The Whirlwind

Prayer
On Wednesday the main focus of the Blog is prayer once again.

European Missionary Fellowship
The Latest Vision Magazine from EMF is available to read at the link below.

https://inboxguru.s3.amazonaws.com/001-6c17183d-da03-4131-83c2-6a18af385bb8/Vision%20Magazine/Vision%20Magazine%20September%202021.pdf

Arthur Parke
Here is the latest prayer update from Arthur

Many thanks for your encouragement.

Arthur is grateful to be back in Benin safe and sound and with renewed zeal for his work with the Christian Unions! His experience is appreciated by the new General Secretary. No sign of a replacement!
Pray
-         he may find volunteers to help in visiting schools. Pray that groups start up without delay.
-         for the preparation of suitable Bible study outlines.
-         for boys with Arthur not yet committed to Christ and for “family” prayers at 9 45 p.m. each night.
-         for his three boys who have finished their secondary education with success: in economics, in industrial electricity, in hotel management and catering, with no obvious openings….

Also you can still watch the interview with Arthur here.

Colin Jenkins - Cork
The latest SCFS newsletter available here, which includes a little update from Colin Jenkins.
Colin also shared the photograph below.

https://www.scfs.org/filestore/files/newsletter/scfs-hq-helmsman-jul-2021.pdf

Hope In Dark Times
Publisher “10 of those” have a selection of books for sale providing Hope In Dark Times.
https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/special-offers/hope-in-dark-times?

Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021.
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/

This week the focus is on Burkina Faso the 32nd most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/burkina-faso/

Christian Unions Ireland
23 – 30 September
Pray for the Limerick IT (LIT) CU committee as they get used to some of their key members having graduated or gone on placement.
Pray that this year, as students and staff remain faithful in proclaiming Christ crucified, attractively and clearly, that the Holy Spirit would awaken dull and dead hearts and draw many to see and savour Christ.

Below is the first of 4 talks from Mark Ellis from Colossians.

Rainbow over Burnside
Yesterday there was a beautiful double rainbow over the church building.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:22
Jean 3:24
Eddie 3:30

Play the "Magheracross Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=291a1c625f71

2 Comments

Tuesday 28th September 2021

28/9/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Howth & Malahide (Co Dublin)
Pray for a clear priority over all else to worship together, for a sense of God’s presence each week as the congregation gathers, and an eager appetite for God’s Word.

Inch (Co Donegal)
Pray for this small island congregation as they continue to witness for God to friends and neighbours. Pray for them as they discuss future plans with the Linkage Commission and other local congregations.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Play The Harlot

It Is Well With My Soul (6 minute video)
Watch the Official Cinematic Music Video for "It Is Well With My Soul" by Keith and Kristyn Getty. This stunning video was shot at Mussenden Temple.

New City Catechism
Q. With What Attitude Should We Pray?
A. With love, perseverance, and gratefulness; in humble submission to God’s will, knowing that, for the sake of Christ, he always hears our prayers.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/with-what-attitude-should-we-pray/

Psalm 23 Garden
Sarah Eberle’s Psalm 23 Garden: Design tips for a calm green space.
A beautiful full-colour book showcasing the splendid Psalm 23 Garden designed by Sarah Eberle for Bible Society’s entry into the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Order it now from Bible Society.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/

General Cox & J.John (1 hour video)
God's calling can be unexpected and unusual. Watch General Cox's story of how an unexpected vision from God led him to serve in the Salvation Army in Africa.

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21324/211831

Portstewart Town Hall
Remember you can still sign the petition about the Town Hall
https://chng.it/DGrczhVxbY

Portstewart Primary Reading Partnership

Kathryn Taylor principal of Portstewart Primary School writes the following.

In school we are focusing on improving reading across the school.
We are also introducing a new literacy intervention called 'Reading Partnership'. This provides a support programme for pupils who require a little extra help with their reading or a boost in confidence. The Reading Partner volunteer provides a relaxed environment that gives pupils the time and space to practise and apply the skills taught by their teachers and to talk about their reading with an interested adult.
We are recruiting volunteers to work with our children to increase their reading skills and love of reading. If any member of your congregation who would enjoy supporting children to read please get encourage them to get in touch.
Ideally this literacy intervention requires only 15 minutes of support 2 or 3 times a week per child over 10 weeks. In such a short space of time, many of the children that Reading Partners have worked with have shown great improvements in their reading ages. However we are flexible and can work around volunteers availability.
Training will be given to volunteers in both supporting children to read and on safeguarding. Volunteers will also complete AccessNI checks. Please note that volunteers need to be 18 years or over to volunteer as a reading helper due to the safer recruitment checks required for the voluntary role.
If any members of your congregations who are interested in volunteering as a reading partner for our school please encourage them to get in touch with me by telephoning Mrs Kathryn Taylor on 02870832194

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:36
Eddie 2:40
Derek 2:53

Play the "Portrush Harbour Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=290bc8516be9

2 Comments

Monday 27th September 2021

27/9/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Moderator
The Moderator attended the Balmoral Show last week – albeit in a very different format and with restrictions – and asks that we would pray for the agri-food industry, especially with many commercial uncertainties created by both Brexit and the pandemic. Pray for farmers, who often work in isolation – and for this Harvest season.

Regrouping and regathering for worship
Thank God for a sense of his presence with us in worship despite the unusual circumstances in which it has had to take place. Pray for his voice of encouragement and challenge to
be heard today.

Naomi Keefe (global mission worker in Brazil)
Brazil has had over half a million people who have died due to Covid-19. Therefore, most people know personally of at least one person who has died or had severe Covid. Pray for Christians as they witness and share the Good News of Jesus with all who are deeply impacted by Covid at this time.

India
Pray for the ongoing work and witness of the Church of North India, especially the Diocese of Gujarat. Give thanks that the number of Covid-19 cases is declining, and continue to pray for India’s healthcare system.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
For Ever And Ever

Psalm 23 Garden
A detailed tour and explanation of the garden by the Bible Society that won a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/psalm-23/the-garden/

Facing The Canon (30 minute video)
Joining J.John again on Facing the Canon are Nicky and Sila Lee from The Marriage Course. This week they discuss all things marriage and relationships.

Ryder Cup & Solheim Cup
Over the week end, golf fans were enjoying the Ryder cup, but the two people who inspired the cups were Christians. Read the story here.

Louise Glenn
Many of you will already know of Louise’s links with the Luke X project. Remember the video about the Chilean Miners. There is now a Podcast from Luke X.
Episode 5 of the LukeX Podcast is now out! Join Dan Morrice, Emma and Chris Simmonds and Daniel Abrahamsson, as they discuss the adventure of setting up a Community House in the inner city. Check out 'The LukeX Podcast' on your favourite podcast app or go to www.lukex.org/podcast

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 11:41
Derek 12:21
Eddie 14:11

This week some photos from a couple of weekends ago.
Play the "Arcadia Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=012cf13b36dc

2 Comments

Friday 24th September 2021

24/9/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
Today we look at Prayer guided by Praying With Paul a book by D.A. Carson.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all medical, nursing and social care staff as they continue to work through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Pray that they may be given renewed energy when they are exhausted and drained. Give thanks for their commitment and dedication over the last 19 months of the Covid-19 crisis.

Financial pressures
Give thanks for organisations like Christians Against Poverty and Trussell Trust who support those facing financial hardship. Pray that those struggling financially would be able to access and receive the support they need.

General Council
Pray for the Linkage Commission as it meets next week to consider a number of vacancies and other important reports. Pray for the convener, James Livingstone and secretary, Rev Ker Graham, as they continue to give leadership to the work of the Commission in these challenging times.

Council for Training in Ministry
Next week, a Pre-retirement Conference is planned for ministers due to retire in the next couple of years and their spouses. Many ministers find the adjustments of retirement challenging-moving house, joining a new congregation, and ceasing full-time ministry. Pray for recently retired ministers and those planning for retirement, that the Lord will give grace for the changes and use themin a new season of life

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
In The Lion’s Den

Introducing the ESV Bible, Read by Kristyn Getty

In this new audio recording of the full Bible, the magnificent story of God’s redemptive work in Christ comes alive in a fresh way through the voice of award-winning modern hymn writer Kristyn Getty. From Genesis to Revelation, this word-for-word reading of the ESV Bible text is a great way to encounter God’s word and the story of salvation on any phone, tablet, or computer.

Now available to stream for free on ESV.org

Songs Of Praise
On Sunday Aled Jones introduces highlights from 60 years of Songs Of Praise from Cardiff where the first episode was made. He looks back on memorable occasions; chats with Mark Delisser about the variety of music shown. Sunday 1.15pm BBC One https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00104dn

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

A garden inspired by Psalm 23 commissioned by the Bible Society has won a gold medal and two other awards at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. @UCBNewsTeam spoke with its designer, Sarah Eberle.

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/31343/401740

Moment By Moment (6 minute video)
Turning an Unprecedented Crisis into an Unprecedented Story
With change happening so fast around us, it can be difficult to plan ahead. But the people in the Bible knew all about living 'moment by moment.' So what can we learn from them? Listen to this message from UCB's CEO, David L'Herroux.

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21323/397858

Jehovah Tsidkenu
Earlier this week Betty left a comment about the hymn Jehovah Tsidkenu the Lord is my Righteousness and referenced a service in Burnside. Here is the video of the hymn that I shared in church that day, and also a link to the complete service.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:53
Eddie 2:34
Derek 2:44

A puzzle that will take a little bit longer for the weekend.
Play the "Harbour Boats Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=30563e8589af

2 Comments

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Thursday 30th September 2021

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