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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Tuesday 31st March 2020

31/3/2020

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What Day Is It?
Does anybody really know what day of the week it is anymore?
Today is Tuesday, but it doesn’t really matter, yesterday I shared Day 30 from Trypraying, and one eagle eyed reader commented that she was only on day 29 and must have missed a day somewhere. Of course I had got it wrong, today is Day 30 of Trypraying 2020. 

Day 30 - Trypraying 2020 (It really is Day 30)
Because this is the second time that we are using the Trypraying book in Burnside, it is fascinating to think how things have changed since were first reading these same passages in October/November 2019. It is only a few months ago, but think of the context change. Last time we read todays reading we perhaps thought, that is a lovely story of a young person in a foreign country trusting in God for all that she needs. Perhaps we uttered a quick prayer thanking God for the abundance that we have. Although we are still far removed from this girl in Africa, suddenly we no longer have the convenience and abundance that we were used to, and yet the words of Matthew 6 still hold true.

‘And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6: 28-34

Tides
All of this fits in with our Tides reading today, and we are invited to listen to this song, Remember by Lauren Daigle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcBulwQSi3M
- “I remember, I remember You have always been faithful to me.“

Jamaican President Prays
A number of people online have been sharing a video of the Jamaican President leading his nation in prayer. It is a powerful example of an old testament prophet confessing the sins of the people before God and seeking his forgiveness. Most people have been suggesting that this is the president’s response to Corona Virus, however the video was recorded a few years ago, but it is still a very powerful message and is what we need our national leaders to be doing. Repenting of our sin and seeking forgiveness. There are many politicians who claim to be disciples of Jesus, perhaps we need to pray that they would have the courage to speak out and call the nation to repent. As a nation we need our Queen to publically declare her faith and call every man woman and child to bow before the Lord Almighty. Our church leaders are calling us to pray and as we pray it is very easy to see the need for others to repent, but we need to repent ourselves and ask God for mercy. In Trypraying we have been asking God for revival, and we have noted that in the past Revival has come about when there is conviction of sin. Let us ask God to forgive us as his church and as his followers for the ways that we have failed to be clear witnesses for Him.
The prayer can be heard hear.
https://youtu.be/naXZIL8Fv1E

A testimony by Dr Julian Urban, a 38-year-old doctor in Lombardy 
You may be interested to hear of what God is doing in the lives of Doctors in Italy.
Up until two weeks ago, my colleagues and I were atheists…I always laughed at my parents when they went to church. Nine days ago, a 75-year-old pastor came to us for medical help. He had grave respiratory problems, but he had a Bible with him and it impressed us that he was reading the Bible to the people who were dying and holding their hands.
We were all tired, discouraged doctors, psychologically and physically spent, and so we found that we were listening to him... We realized that we have reached the limits of what man can do. We need God, and we have begun to ask for his help, when we have a few moments free. We cannot believe that we who were fierce atheists are now seeking for interior peace by asking the Lord to help us... 
The 75-year old pastor [has now] died. Despite the fact that in the last three weeks we have had over 120 people die in our unit, and we are all exhausted and feel destroyed, he succeeded, despite his own condition and our own difficulties, to bring us a PEACE that we no longer hoped to find.

Bible Society
The Bible Society have a Bible course online, the first session of which can be found here.
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/your-free-easter-resource/?source_code=92712_t2&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-03-27%20%20Newsletter%20%20Free%20downloads%20to%20share%20the%20Easter%20story&utm_content=2020-03-27%20%20Newsletter%20%20Free%20downloads%20to%20share%20the%20Easter%20story+CID_3587080f61c28d21ceb031f2c81389ea&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=free%20download

Craft Activities
If you have some Little ones in the house to look after at the moment or you just fancy trying some craft yourself, Ben and Hannah Dunnett are posting some great ideas on their blog. They also have a superb range of greeting cards, with bible verses woven into the designs that anybody would be delighted to receive.
https://www.benandhannahdunnett.com/blog/

In This Moment
This is a prayer that the Presbyterian Church has produced for us to use in this moment.
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Monday 30th March 2020

30/3/2020

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Week 2 of Social Distancing begins and I want to bring you another update. I should say that these updates do not contain any statistics about Covid-19 infections or Government advice on regulating our behaviour, these things change so rapidly that it is better that you go to news sources for this information. These updates are instead to provide you with alternative news and HOPE at a time when many are despairing. The aim of these updates is to help us focus on Jesus Christ (the hope of our Salvation) at a time when the media is focused elsewhere. They also aim to provide local practical information that will provide help.
Today there is information about :
  • A Call To Prayer from the churches
  • Another Concert form Keswick
  • Prayer Information from Open Doors
  • Trypraying this week
  • Shops that will deliver food.


A Call To Pray
The leaders of the four largest churches are calling us all to prayer next Sunday as we begin “Holy Week” and the approach to Easter, “we invite all Christians from across the whole Church to join in prayer on Palm Sunday, 5 April, from 3pm to 4pm”- remembering that we should only gather to pray within our own households, in line with government advice. Of course we are all praying daily at this time, but this is an opportunity for Christians across this island to unite together. The full text of the statement that has been released can be found at the bottom of this update. The Presbyterian Church also has a prayer initiative ...

Let’s Pray - These three remain…”
These three remain…” is an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to draw congregations and their members together in God to express his life and witness in this moment. It provides us with material to pray so that as a church we are united in this effort. Content will also appear on the PCI website and social media in the coming days to resource the church for its continuing ministry and mission.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/resources/prayer/let-s-pray.aspx

Keswick Concert
Last week I shared a concert from week 1 of the Keswick Convention, this concert is from week three and is by Andrew Peterson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUWatfnXoQ

God WIll Take Care Of You
Thank you to everyone who shared the following video with me over the past week. It is "God Will Take Care of You" filmed by Fountainview Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4Ez8m2ozf4

Open Doors
If you are interested in praying for the persecuted church, Open Doors have a number of videos to guide you in your prayers
https://vimeo.com/opendoorsuk?_cldee=YnVybnNpZGVjaHVyY2hAZ21haWwuY29t&recipientid=account-d2bc5a4af793e71180dd000d3a23e0d0-5929ac34c8344a1a8159d46f039504c1&esid=58f6f338-236d-ea11-a82a-000d3a2cff99
And you can find more information at the Open Doors Website
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/resources/?_cldee=YnVybnNpZGVjaHVyY2hAZ21haWwuY29t&recipientid=account-d2bc5a4af793e71180dd000d3a23e0d0-5929ac34c8344a1a8159d46f039504c1&esid=58f6f338-236d-ea11-a82a-000d3a2cff99

Day 30 - Trypraying 2020
We begin another week of Trypraying and last week we were asked to pray for Education, this week the focus is on Health. (Obviously these points were written before the Corona Virus outbreak.
Prayer focus HEALTH
The National Health Service is said to be the world’s third largest employer after the Chinese Army and Indian Railways. 
In the UK many people are not well – 1000s and 1000s of them. 
Let’s pray about that! 
•  Pray for someone you know who is not well. Pray for their healing. Pray for good medical attention. 
•  Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians who are working to help them. 
•  Pray for the NHS, that this enormous provider of care would function in the best way possible. 
•  Pray for success in combating MRSA and other antibiotic resistant infections. 
•  Pray also for prevention of disease in reduction of smoking, drug and alcohol abuse. 
•  Pray for someone you know who is overweight that they would chose a healthy lifestyle.
The Theme for this whole week is Grace and the thought today is about love. “God is Love” 1 John 4:16

Shops Delivering Food
Below are a few more shops that deliver food to Portstewart, followed by the complete list. Thank you to those folk who have shared this information.
Lynas Food Services Tel. 028 70350600  https://lynasfoodservice.com/
The Belfry Delicatessen - Tea, coffee, tray-bakes, bread, preserves, soup, cheese, cured meats etc. Tel - 028 70342906
Mash Direct are a N.I. Company delivering prepacked vegetable products ready for cooking https://www.mashdirect.com

The List so far is below, if you have used any other home delivery service please let me know so that I can add it to the list.
Ballywindland Dairies - Milkman delivering in Portstewart Tel - 078 1443 2753
The Belfry Delicatessen - Tea, coffee, tray-bakes, bread, preserves, soup, cheese, cured meats etc. Tel - 028 70342906
Fresh To The Door, will deliver fruit, vegetables and milk Tel. 028 2074 1555
Lynas Food Services Tel. 028 70350600  https://lynasfoodservice.com/
Mash Direct are a N.I. Company delivering prepacked vegetable products ready for cooking https://www.mashdirect.com
Spar - University of Ulster - Tel -  028 7035 1147
Most Spar Shops https://www.spar-ni.co.uk/home-delivery
Toms Butchers, The Promenade Portstewart Tel - 028 7083 2869
Trolans SuperValu Portstewart - Tel 028 7083 2221
Warke’s Deli, The Promenade, order at info@warkesdeli.com


THE CALL TO PRAYER BY THE CHURCH LEADERS

Church Leaders encourage the community
and call Ireland to pray
 
In a joint statement today (27 March), following a video conference, the leaders of the Church of Ireland, Methodist Church in Ireland, Roman Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Irish Council of Churches, have paid tribute to everyone in the health and social care services and those in the frontline, for their courage in the battle against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
The leaders of Ireland’s main Churches, together with other denominations and Christian organisations, also issued a call to pray, which will take place on Palm Sunday, 5 April from 3pm-4pm.
 
Church Leaders’ joint statement in full
 
“In these days when we can no longer gather and ‘be church’ in the traditional way, the call to live out the Gospel as agents of God’s mercy and compassion through the sacrifices that we make to protect the vulnerable, and by finding new ways to be Good Samaritans and good neighbours is as powerful as ever.
 
“To all who are suffering, have lost loved ones and are anxious in these unprecedented days, we pray that you may find strength and comfort in the loving presence of Christ who promised to be with his people always (Matthew 28:20).
 
“As Church Leaders, we want to thank everyone in our health and social care services and those working on the frontline, for their courage as they work selflessly to minimise the suffering caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Alongside our chaplains and pastoral teams, they have chosen to walk towards the danger for our sake. We owe it to them to play our part in limiting the spread of this virus by staying home and practising social distancing when we need to go out. 
 
“With this crisis has come a heightened awareness of our interconnectedness and interdependency and a new recognition of the vast array of jobs that are essential to the functioning of our society. All our workers, whether called into service at this time, or asked to stay home, need to be adequately protected.
 
“In the midst of this suffering, however we can see many signs of hope. The speed with which local communities, involving churches, community groups, charities, businesses and other local community leaders, who have mobilised in response to this unprecedented challenge, has been a great reassurance to many.
 
“We still have a long way to go in the fight against Covid-19 and its consequences. We will need many volunteers for our health service and to protect the vulnerable. Charities that provide much-needed support, also need donations, so please consider giving online. We are all called to make sacrifices, but the burden of suffering will not be evenly shared.
 
“In a short space of time the rhythm and pattern of our everyday lives has changed. There is however one constant throughout – an ever-loving God who tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10.)
 
“As we look to Him with our pastoral and practical concerns during these unparalleled times, as the island battles this pandemic, standing alongside other denominations and Christian organisations, we are today issuing a call to pray.
 
“As Christians, we believe that prayer sustains our life as followers of Christ. In the midst of this global pandemic, we turn to Jesus in our time of need. As Church leaders, we join together in calling all our people to pray. As we begin the journey through Holy Week towards Good Friday and Easter, we invite all Christians from across the whole Church to join in prayer on Palm Sunday, 5 April, from 3pm to 4pm- remembering that we should only gather to pray within our own households, in line with government advice.
 
“God loves the world and everyone in it. We will pray for those who are sick, and those feeling fearful; we will pray for those who have been bereaved and those who are isolated and alone. We will pray for our healthcare professionals, delivery drivers, essential workers and all who continue to work on the frontline. We will pray for, and with those in our communities, who are fearful about their employment and for those reaching out to provide food and shelter. We will pray for our families and friends, neighbours and civic, business and political leaders for the inevitable challenges that will arise in the coming days. We also remember those across our world who are similarly suffering. We pray for those working hard to produce new treatments and vaccines.
 
“Though we cannot meet as the gathered Church, we will end the hour united in prayer, asking for the Lord’s healing touch on our land and all its people. All are invited to pray, regardless of where they are in their own journey of faith, even if they have never prayed before. At this critical moment we will bring this land and our world before our loving God in prayer remembering that, “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy” (Daniel 9:18).”
 
Rt Rev Dr William Henry
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
Rt Rev John McDowell
Church of Ireland Archbishop-elect of Armagh
Most Rev Eamon Martin
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Armagh & Primate of all Ireland
Rev Sam McGuffin
President of the Methodist Church in Ireland
Rev Brian Anderson
President of the Irish Council of Churches


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Friday 27th March 2020

27/3/2020

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Yesterday I received an email which contained the following -
We can’t control what’s happening on the national and international scene. But we can control our reaction to it all.

It also contained this quote from Martin Luther concerning The Black Plague Death of his day. They also mostly apply right now.
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.” - Martin Luther

Let’s Pray - These three remain…”
These three remain…” is an initiative of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to draw congregations and their members together in God to express his life and witness in this moment. Content will also appear on the PCI website and social media in the coming days to resource the church for its continuing ministry and mission.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/resources/prayer/let-s-pray.aspx
Today in Let’s Pray Rev. Colin Morrison writes -
While the media drip feeds its message of doom and disaster, I’m reminded that Christian hope takes me beyond that, not pretending that the situation isn’t serious, but not losing my nerve either. This barren wilderness will give way. As the LORD said to his people long ago in gloomy times, “the desert and the parched land will be glad, the wilderness will rejoice and blossom” (Isaiah 35:1).


Keswick
If you would like something to watch today, how about a concert recorded in the town of Keswick at the convention. I was there one night when Phil Moore and Colin Webster led the praise in July 2019, however I didn’t attend this concert and haven’t watched it all, but you can enjoy it here. You could even listen to it while you do some things around the house.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxYd0TOpfTo&t=10s

Portstewart Deliveries
More local businesses that will deliver.
Warke’s Deli, The Promenade, order at info@warkesdeli.com
Fresh To The Door, will deliver fruit, vegetables and milk Tel. 028 2074 1555


Day 27 - Trypraying 2020
Although the theme for today is all about taking initiative in serving God, While I was reading the verses from Jeremiah,
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’ ‘Jeremiah 1:4

I was reminded how God knows us before we are born, he knows all that will happen to us. He knows all about the Corona Virus and therefore He can be trusted.
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Thursday 26th March 2020

26/3/2020

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A much shorter update this morning as I am about to go to the church to record the service for Sunday. It can be a very slow process so I would really value your prayers. Following all guidelines the service is recorded by me on my own, so no breaking the social distancing rules. One of the Government’s guidelines is that you are allowed to travel from your home to a place of worship to conduct a service as long as no one is in attendance. I plan to make the long journey from manse to church building later this morning.

Another exception to the closure of church buildings is “For the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public service, such as food banks, homeless services, and blood donation sessions”. Yesterday the Blood Transfusion service were in contact to ask if they could use our church hall as a Blood donation centre in the next few weeks. I will give you more details when they confirm a date.

Free Audio Books
I like to suggest ways that you can fill your mind with the things of God during this enforced period of isolation. Here are  3 books by C.S.Lewis that you can listen to on-line. Even if you are not a reader you can listen!
C.S. Lewis - The Screwtape Letters
https://stories.audible.com/pdp/B002V8DJ16?ref=adbl_ent_anon_ds_pdp_pc_pg-1-cntr-0-1
C.S. Lewis - Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life
https://stories.audible.com/pdp/B002V1NHV0?ref=adbl_ent_anon_ds_pdp_pc_pg-1-cntr-0-4
C.S. Lewis - A Grief Observed
https://stories.audible.com/pdp/B002V0KG0Q?ref=adbl_ent_anon_ds_pdp_pc_pg-1-cntr-0-7

Shops Offering Home Delivery
If you don’t want to risk going out of the house, there are a number of local shops that are offering home delivery services. Orders can be placed via telephone, if you don’t like internet shopping. There may be many more but here are a few that I have noticed.   I haven’t used any of these services yet so I can’t comment on how good they are. Send me details if you know of any more.
Trolans SuperValu Portstewart - Tel 028 7083 2221
Toms Butchers, The Promenade Portstewart Tel - 028 7083 2869
Spar - University of Ulster - Tel -  028 7035 1147
Ballywindland Dairies - Milkman delivering in Portstewart Tel - 078 1443 2753


Day 26 - Trypraying 2020
Whenever anyone turns to the Lord the veil is taken away… and we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18


I hope you all stay safe.

Richard
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Wednesday 25th March 2020

25/3/2020

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Yesterday in this update I mentioned the Gospel Coalition online study courses, later in the day I received this message from a member of the congregation.

“Thank you for update and info re Gospel Coalition. I have checked it and have decided to study ‘Living Joyfully’. It is hard to remain joyful in such trying times  so thought that is a good topic. 
A little later I received this encouragement from the same person.
“Paul in 2nd Cor 7 v 4 says, “in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds,” Amazing!!”

I have great confidence in you; ... I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 2 Corinthians 7:4

The Courses can be found here -
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/courses/

This update continues below the graphic...
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A Call To Prayer

Each day we are facing more and more challenges, let us find our joy in our Lord and Saviour. Each day I hear of local businesses and shops having to close. Those that are still open are struggling with the ever changing landscape. Please pray for these business owners day by day. 
It will come as no surprise that the General Assembly in June will very soon be cancelled and Keswick at Portstewart and New Horizon have also been cancelled, and we need to pray for those who were organising the conferences in the new arrangements that they need to make. Pray also for the Moderator of the General Assembly Rt. Rev. Dr.William Henry and the Clerk of the General Assembly Rev.Trevor Gribben as they work hard behind the scenes.


Arthur Parke was due home in April and was to be with us in Burnside on 5th April, I have received a message from Arthur and he would value our prayers.
I am still in Benin, safe and sound. Unfortunately our internet connection is not good so a video call isn’t really on the cards…  I can’t even listen to a hymn on YouTube this afternoon. Our schools are not closed but the Easter break begins this Friday for two weeks! However our churches are closed.

Peter and Jayne Fleming would also value our prayers. Peter remains on missionary service while the international school that Jayne teaches in has closed and she has travelled back to Ireland. remember them and their family.

There is no shortage of resources to help us pray at this time here is a Prayer Guide from David Robertson, who you may remember spoke at our 8 Churches event in the University a couple of years ago.
https://christiansunited.online/category/prayer-guides/

Day of 25 - Trypraying 2020
Remember today is Day 25 of Trypraying 2020.
Pray for all the banners that are displayed on church buildings that are now closed. May they point people to a God who can bring them Joy in the midst of our trouble.


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Tuesday 24th March 20202

24/3/2020

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On this morning of Tuesday 24th March 2020 we wake up to a very different world. After the Prime Minister’s statement last night we now are to stay at home and only go out when it is absolutely essential. All gatherings of more than two people have been banned in an attempt to allow the NHS to cope and to limit deaths from the virus.

Over these last few days we have had to change our lifestyle completely, remember it was just 9 days ago that we met in Burnside for morning and evening worship and now our worship is limited to online only.

I don’t plan to write an update every day, (I will be preparing the online service some days) but do check back to the Latest News section of the Church Website to get these updates.

If you have found anything helpful then please do share with me so that I can share with others. I’m always looking for things that I can include in these updates or include in the service of worship.
For example -
    Prayers
    Bible verses
    Thoughts
    Films
    TV programmes
    Books
Anything that you think others may be encouraged by please email me.

Burnsidechurch@gmail.com

One such resource that I just discovered this morning is from the Gospel Coalition and is a series of online courses.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/courses/

The courses vary from text based, to audio, to video and cover the widest range of Christian subjects I have ever seen. They vary in length and cover books of the bible and theological topics. Why not draw near to God and fill your mind with the things of God rather than just Corona updates. If you find any of the courses helpful, why not let me know so that I can point others in the right direction. (Obviously I have not watched every course so cannot vouch for the content, but The Gospel Coalition is usually incredibly helpful)


Tides

The reading from Tides today is all about our Faith.
The moderator writes -
“Even though we can’t see clearly ahead, we have confidence to take one small step after another... So, look to him, tell him what you are anxious about, and show your friends and neighbours the difference steady trust in God makes.”


Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. HEBREWS 11:1-3


Let’s Pray

Also remember the Let’s Pray resource this week.

Additional Point For Prayer -
Pray for small businesses at this time where they are being forced to close and owners have no guarantee of income. There are several people in the congregation with small businesses who need our prayers at this time.


Day 24 - Trypraying 2020

Throughout Trypraying there has been a theme of drawing near to God. There are always dangers when we take one verse from the bible out of context.
  1. We may misunderstand the meaning of the verse.
  2. There may be more that is helpful that we have not read.
James 4:8 is encouraging when read on its own.

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:8
But it is far more helpful when read in context, especially with verse 7.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:7-8

To come near to God involves removing ourselves from the company of another. We must resist the devil. In this time of social distancing and self isolation, let us distance ourselves from the devil and isolate ourselves with the Lord, submitting to him.
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Monday 23rd March 2020

23/3/2020

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​Yesterday (Sunday 22nd March 2020) was a very strange day for many of us. Instead of going to Burnside and being able to worship together we had to stay in our homes and worship God. Many of you worshipped by using our online service, and I have been overwhelmed that so many of you took the time to watch and worship, and so many of you have sent such kind messages. There will be more to follow each week on the Website.


The online Service can be found at the link below.
https://burnsidechurch.weebly.com/burnside-sermons/worship-for-sunday-22nd-march-2020

Despite all the disadvantages of not meeting together there have been at least two major plus points.
  1. So many churches have been broadcasting online that we have been able to fill our Sunday (and potentially the week ahead) with numerous acts of worship rather than just one. At a time when most people are focused on a big virus, we are able to focus on our Big God who is able to help us face the virus and help us take all the necessary precautions.
  2. We are able to share our church message with friends who might not be able to come to church with us, but who are looking for hope in these desperate times. So do share with others the words of hope that you have discovered online.

The Presbyterian Churches in the Presbytery of Coleraine and Limavady have been praying for Revival during the last four weeks of Lent, through Trypraying. More details can be found at www.Trypraying.co.uk 
Yesterday morning Youtube struggled to cope with the bandwidth required, as so many churches were broadcasting their services. (Services which normally only a few people can attend, but this week went out to a potentially world wide audience.) We are beginning to see the Spirit move in new ways. On page 3 of the Trypraying - Catching The Wave book we read ...  

Imagine
Imagine what would happen if thousands of people were praying every day and hundreds of churches united in asking God for his will to be done.
Imagine whole communities becoming saturated with the presence of God and people forsaking what is wrong, experiencing his love and finding Christ every day.
Imagine people becoming interested in the message of Christ and widespread social change as people live in hope instead of despair.
Imagine discovering God to be near; answers to prayer becoming common place and church becoming truly glorious.

Imagine… revival

Is this what we are beginning to see in the midst of the spread of this most terrible virus? Let us keep praying for Revival.


The Theme this week in Trypraying is Restoring. 

We restore ...
“‘Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6
We are all called at this time to follow the Holy Spirit and love our neighbour. We are asked to care for our neighbours practically by running errands for those who are stuck in their homes, but also by being considerate and not exercising our own rights but thinking of how our actions will impact the lives of others.

The special prayer focus this week is Education (page 47), which in a week where schools are closed, teachers are communicating online, pupils are learning at home and everyone is adapting to the new circumstances, prayers for Education are valued more than ever.

Day 23 of Trypraying is about Confidence. 
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13


As well as our Presbytery being involved in Trypraying there are two other initiatives from the Presbyterian Church this week.


Tides - (The daily devotional delivered via email each weekday) is focused on helping us through these uncertain terms.

If you don’t receive Tides every morning then you can find today’s reading at the link below and you can subscribe for free.

https://mailchi.mp/presbyterianireland/twbf7snlv-0-fytt1039589-1040490?e=98d44608b0

Also Let’s Pray, has specific topics to guide our prayers each day. You can sign up to receive these by email or find today’s topic at the link below.

https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Prayer/Prayer-for-Today.aspx

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
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March 17th, 2020

17/3/2020

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Following on from the update below we have been advised by the Moderator and the Clerk of the General Assembly that - all Sunday Worship gatherings and all congregational organisations and activities should cease until further notice.
This means that there will be no Prayer Meeting on Wednesday morning and no Services on Sunday in Burnside.

Keep coming back to the Website for the latest information.

Although we are not able to gather for worship, we intend to help you worship at home each Sunday until we can meet together again.
Check back here for more information.

Pastoral Visitation will only be taking place in exceptional circumstances, but you can telephone Richard or your elder if required, or email Richard. burnsidechurch@gmail.com

Today we focus our faith not on the ever changing world around us but on the Saviour who is unchanging, faithful and steadfast.
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More details will follow.
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Corona Virus Update 16th March 2020

16/3/2020

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With regards to Coronavirus (Covid-19)
We plan to continue worshipping together on Sunday at 11:00am and 7:00pm.
If you are unable to join us, or feel safer not joining us, these services are recorded and available on CD contact Eddie, Richard or the church burnsidechurch@gmail.com

There will also be an opportunity for prayer on Wednesday mornings at 9:30am, it is important in these uncertain times that we keep praying and encourage others to Trypraying. If you have any specific requests for prayer please send them to the email address above.

All other church activities have been cancelled/postponed at the moment.
Including -
Girls’ Brigade
Bowling Club
Friendship Hour
Midweek Bible Study
Any changes will be posted on Church Website and Facebook Page.


Today is day 17 of Trypraying and below are a few thoughts from today’s readings.


The most important issue is not how much faith we have but in whom it is placed? A tiny amount of faith - even as small as a mustard seed - when it is in Jesus is sufficient to move mountains. 


And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
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