Monday 20th April 2020

Good Morning, this must be week five of Lockdown (I know it isn’t quite a lockdown and some people are able to be out and about more than others, Lockdown seems to be one of the best shorthand ways of describing what is happening.) 

O To See The Dawn
​Sunday Morning saw one of the most beautiful sunrises over the church building. Thanks to Deirdre who took the picture on her early morning run (it was much too early for me to see). Of course this has to cause us To sing, “O to See The Dawn”

Thought For The Day - Wilma Devenney

Thank you to Wilma for this “Thought For The Day” - Wilma phoned me on Saturday and at the end of the conversation I asked her if she would write down Some of what we had been talking about. 

It is lovely seeing photographs of local scenes on Richard's blog. Recently there was a photo of the boats at the harbour, the one named Mizpah caught my attention. I recalled the use of this word in Genesis as part of a covenant made between Jacob and Laban. The Hebrew word means “watchtower”.  
​The verse is -

"May God keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other "
​Genesis ch 31 v 49.

​Thinking of the fishermen leaving their families and loved ones to spend time at sea fishing, i think it is a wonderful name to give a boat. The word Mizpah and this verse are special to me. I always wear a “Mizpah” ring which belonged to my grandmother who died when i was age 2 years. My mother had a “Mizpah” brooch which she inherited, the verse was written on it, she gave it to my sister.  I would have  liked it! My mother sensed that, and in due time bought me a “Mizpah” brooch from a local antique shop.
On considering this special verse I thought of all the Burnside church family separated from one another at this difficult time and prayed that God would watch over each one. We have a wonderful God who neither slumbers or sleeps Ps 121 v 4.

He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalms 121:4 (NIV)

He is on constant duty watching over us all at this time of lock down, but, God calls us to watch and pray. In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus, in his hour of need found his disciples sleeping and said,

"Could you not keep watch for one hour?"
​Matthew 26 v40

​Watch and Pray!

How Are You Coping With Lockdown?

A couple of weeks ago I offered help to anyone who was struggling with lockdown. I received this photo with the message,

“Can you get me out of here ?”

Wilma - I did warn you, that I couldn’t resist the temptation to share it with everyone.

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Moderator’s Online Service
In case you missed it, the Moderator provides an online service each week, here is the service for yesterday, Sunday 19th April 2020.

And here is the service for Easter Sunday

Living Alone In Lockdown
Rachel Cubitt, Deaconess in Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church reflects on what it’s like to experience lockdown while living alone and suggests some things that we can do to help others counter feelings of isolation. This is a fascinating and practical read.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/April-2020/Living-alone-in-lockdown.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3QA8Yy75KJSVgdW8GKF8giBwwFevTdBhe0AYYbqqDRGN0_ItscUavAO4A

Human Trafficking
An interesting article on the Effect of COVID-19 on Human Trafficking
Five Impacts on Human Trafficking
https://www.techuk.org/insights/opinions/item/17329-guest-blog-the-effect-of-covid-19-five-impacts-on-human-trafficking

Finally Another Home Delivery
This time not food, but perhaps an essential if you are a knitter.
Folklore Yarns Belfast - posting to all of Northern Ireland. Stock up with yarns.
​Order on text 07968 290209.

Tides
The Tides devotional this week is from John 21. Today is the time that Jesus appeared to the disciples when they had gone out fishing, initially they caught nothing, but listening to Jesus the catch was huge.
Stephen Johnston comments -

The standout lesson is that without the Lord we can do nothing, but with the Lord, amazing things can happen. And more will be said about that tomorrow. But notice also that for Peter and the disciples there would be no satisfaction in their old calling. There is no going back. There is a plan and a purpose for each of us in Christ, for today and the days that lie ahead, whatever those days may bring.

There is no going back!