Blog Archives

Wednesday 17th March 2021

17/3/2021

This Time Last Year.
This was when we announced the closure of the church building on Sunday.
Read the Blog Announcement from last year here.

Beside The Burn
This week we continue week 4 of the Journey of Lent, a journey of 40 days through the Wilderness with Jesus Christ towards Easter. We will discover that Wilderness is a much more positive experience than we might imagine and we pray that we will be drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus as we embark on a Sacrificial Journey with Jesus

For The Beauty Of The Earth
Thank you to Frances who managed to find a version of For The Beauty Of The Earth (which we used on Burnside At Home on Sunday) with the word sacrifice instead of grateful.

My Worth Is Not In What I Own
This song was mentioned in Tides on Friday and is a wonderful reminder that possessions mean nothing in comparison to Christ.

Let’s Pray For Volker & JinHyeog Glissmann (global mission workers in Southern Africa)
Pray for Volker in his role as a programme developer for the Theological Education by Extension College in Johannesburg. Give thanks that participants on the ‘Knowing God’ training course normally held in Zomba, have been able to meet online.

Pakistan
Pray for the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan. Pray too for staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre, Pakistan.

Message From The Irish Church Leaders on St. Patrick’s Day
Read more here.

Mission In Ireland (50 minute video)
This year the Council for Mission In Ireland have produced a virtual service telling us about the mission that is taking place in Ireland through the PCI.

St. Patrick
Today is St. Patrick’s Day but who is Patrick?

St. Patrick (43 minute video)
Documentary on the life of Patrick, Ireland's patron saint.
Narrated by Liam Neeson.
This documentary was first shown on RTE.
(Disclaimer - I haven’t watched this so I don’t know how accurate it is)

St. Patrick’s Breastplate

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In the predictions of prophets,
In the preaching of apostles,
In the faith of confessors,
In the innocence of holy virgins,
In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through
The strength of heaven,
The light of the sun,
The radiance of the moon,
The splendor of fire,
The speed of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of the sea,
The stability of the earth,
The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through
God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptation of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.

I summon today
All these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel and merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul;
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Putting Words In Your Mouth

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom Part 8

The Role of Prayer and Missions in Salvation
A short extract from John Piper’s new book Providence.

https://www.crossway.org/articles/the-role-of-prayer-and-missions-in-salvation/

SU North West E3 Worker
Remember to pray for Scripture Union. This interview with Rachel Miller appeared in the Belfast Telegraph on Saturday.

6 Saints (1 hour 30 minute video)
Today is St. Patrick’s Day so you can watch this insightful documentary from Rebecca Friedlander as she explores the lives of six 3rd Century saints from Ireland, Scotland and England and discover the stories of St. Patrick, St. Columba, St. Aidan, St. Hilda, St. Brendan and St. Congar.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/197796

How to Pray - Reuben A. Torrey
The focus of the Blog on Wednesday is prayer. Here is a free Audiobook on prayer - How To Pray

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 Nigeria the 9th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about Nigeria here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/nigeria/

24/7 Prayer Course
This week we continue the 24/7 Prayer Course with Pete Greig - a course which we took part in a couple of years ago on Wednesday evenings. The videos have been re-recorded and a couple more sessions have been added since then. Here is a link to this week’s resource guide.
https://prayercourse.org/session/listening/

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

12th – 18th March
– Pray for the students in Trinity University Dublin who have been looking at Uncover Mark together. Pray that some of the students would have boldness to ask their friends to open the Gospel with them this term.
– Pray for the Bible studies linked to the weekly iCafes, that international students will respond to the invitation to study God’s word.

Dublin City Mission
The Lighthouse is a project organised by Dublin City Mission to bring hope to those who are homeless in Dublin. Here is a short video showing us what they have been doing during the year of Covid so that we can pray for the outreach.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:30
Derek 2:52

Today marks a year from the first Lockdown measures were introduced. This puzzle shows what Portstewart looked like when people really did stay at home.

Play the "Lockdown Empty Promenade Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3f4cf9eee277

3 Comments

Tuesday 16th March 2021

16/3/2021

1 Comment

A Year Ago Today
A year ago today we made the decision to stop all additional church meetings and organisations in line with the news reports about Corona virus, we did plan to keep meeting for prayer and for worship but that would soon change.
Although this wasn’t the beginning of the Daily Blog just yet, you can read the announcement from a year ago here.

Jeremy Camp - Wilderness
Another song about the wilderness experience.

Let’s Pray For Rosemary Spiers (Deaconess, Greenwell Street, Newtownards)
Rosemary thinks of creative ways to keep in contact with others, phone call, a card, a craft pack, a book in the post, or using other forms of media. Pray that God would use these means in bringing his love, hope and encouragement to others.

Douglas Presbyterian Church
Pray for Rev David Reid, the kirk session and members of Douglas home mission congregation in Omagh Presbytery.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
A Land Of Milk And Honey

New City Catechism
Is There Any Way to Escape Punishment and Be Brought Back into God’s Favor?
Yes, to satisfy his justice, God himself, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to himself and delivers us from sin and from the punishment for sin, by a Redeemer.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/is-there-any-way-to-escape-punishment-and-be-brought-back-into-gods-favor/

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom Part 7

God’s Sovereignty (8 minute video)
JohnPiper and TripLee discuss what they’ve recently learned about God—including how to love his sovereignty.
https://t.co/MYGhyfKhoK

UCB App
Did you know that UCB has an app? You can listen to the latest UCB Podcasts, Radio Highlights, the audio version of Word For Today, and so much more! You can even watch teaching programmes from Bible teachers all over the world! Learn how to download it at https://t.co/cJ0AUjG7zN

Lament
A short film addressing the grief and anxiety caused by the pandemic, and the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.
https://t.co/5DPasffk21

Where Is It?
The Where Is It? from yesterday. The Rabbits are from The Coffee Hut.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:41
Frances 2:47
Jean 2:57

Play the "Portstewart Harbour Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2ffae4ffc51f

1 Comment

Monday 15th March 2021

15/3/2021

3 Comments

My Lord Knows The Way Through The Wilderness
Last Wednesday some people at the prayer meeting mentioned this Chorus.

Let’s Pray For James & Heather Cochrane (global mission workers in Portugal)
Pray for James, Heather and all the members of Comunidade Pedra Vivas. Give thanks to God for online ministry opportunities – Sunday services, prayer meetings, team planning and micro groups. Pray it will soon be safe for them to meet in person again.

India
Pray for the work and witness of the Church of North India, in a country which has been badly affected by Covid-19. Pray for Christians to find and use opportunities to share their faith in their everyday lives.

J.John
This week, J.John is joined by Dr Krish Kandiah. Krish is the founder of Home for Good, a charity seeking to find loving homes for children in the care system.

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

REVIVAL
Mary Peckham: "The Hebrides Revival" - Full Message

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom Part 6

Concert For St. Patrick’s Day
This event is the story of Patrick plus loads of great Irish music from New Irish Choir and Orchestra. The music comes live from St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast and the story is filmed in lovely scenic locations.Register for a FREE ticket and you’ll be able to watch it as many times as you like for the next week.
https://www.newirisharts.com/?fbclid=IwAR2HpLDYV1pejH8s4Puh7CkgExeaH3uKcepc5kX5LnMpgK2VgdxGyYjiUic

Facebook's Global Director of Faith-based Partnerships
Watch this powerful message from Facebook's Global Director of Faith-based Partnerships, Nona Jones, as she shares her testimony on coming to faith, overcoming childhood trauma and how she came to work in digital evangelism.
https://t.co/XSw3eb3nHg

In Christ Alone
A different version of In Christ Alone - Celtic Worship

Colouring
If you enjoy Colouring you can download some colouring pages of prayers and illustrations based on the last year of Covid.
https://www.illustratedministry.com/2021/prayers-for-marking-covid-19/?ck_subscriber_id=811990176

PW - Pressing On Together - Side By Side (1 hour 20minute Video)
This webinar hopes to come alongside those involved in leading Presbyterian Women’s groups, encouraging them to press on as they live for Jesus, serving him in whatever ways they find possible, still being His disciples and making disciples.

Pressing on Together Side by Side Webinar from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.

Where Is It?
Another Where Is It? this week, where would you find these rabbits?

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 8:01
Jean 12:02
Derek 14:36

Play the "Arcadia Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2950eb4ed534

3 Comments

Friday 12th March 2021

12/3/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
If you want to catch up on any previous Wilderness - Beside The Burn CLICK HERE

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for the Taking Care Office as it adjusts to new methods of working during the Covid-19
crisis. Pray for Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin as she oversees this important work and meets the daily challenges of her job. Give thanks that our church invests so much in the “Taking Care of All”.

Legislation
Pray that new legislation proposed by Paul Givan MLA that seeks to provide protection for pre-born babies diagnosed with a fetal abnormality would receive a fair hearing in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Pray that women and their families who receive a pre-natal diagnosis of disability would receive the support and care that they need.

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

REVIVAL
Do It Again Lord - Hebridean Revival 1949 (28 minute video)
This Week we are focusing each day on a different Revival.
Gordon Pettie talks with the revival historian Mathew Backholer about the amazing events surrounding the Hebridean Revival of 1949. Their prayer is that God will do it again in our times.

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom Part 5

FILM CHOICE
This week I continue to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer than the usual video to fully appreciate.

Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea (2012) | Full Movie
A Youth Pastor (Sean Astin) and his wife (Erin Bethea) take 5 teens on a weekend camping trip. A conflict results between two of them and creates tension in the camp. To try and resolve this, the Youth Pastor tells the teens the story of the Old Testament prophet, Hosea. At first the teens don't want to hear it, but as he proceeds with the story, they become more interested. The story flashes back to Israel and shows Hosea's great commitment to God and unconditional love for his wife. This movie offers real inspiration through the character of Hosea and also has a touching gospel presentation showing the great love of Christ.

Hope In Times Of Fear
In his new book, Tim Keller doesn’t simply tell us Jesus is alive. He shows us what difference the resurrection makes for what we’re facing. https://t.co/7VIX0b1i8B

Free Audiobook
This month the free audiobook is Grace From The Cross
https://christianaudio.com/free/

Sharing The Gospel With All Generations
What happened when two generations of evangelists came together for a conversation on making Jesus known to all ages?
Listen in to their conversation, where they share the combined wisdom of 70 years of evangelism experience: https://t.co/mR0cdQGpEQ

Covid-19
5 areas with no cases reported in the last 2 weeks (although mostly areas with low populations).

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:44
Jean 2:27
Derek 2:39

Enjoy this challenge for the weekend, there is a lot of green to sort through.

Play the "Flowers Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1f5ab81a6f2a

1 Comment

Thursday 11th March 2021

11/3/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Rebecca Smyth (community outreach worker in West Kirk, Belfast)
Pray for Rebecca as she continues her work reaching out to and supporting women, whilst complying with all the ongoing restrictions.

Donegal and Stranorlar
In the past year they have been able to meet for public worship on only 15 Sundays – every other church activity has been even more limited. Thank God for the ability to meet online in various ways and pray for the sustaining of our faith, work and witness through very challenging times.

Bible Illustration
Philippians 2:5 - This illustration was provided by the Bible Society this week in their Lent Devotions.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Stranger In A Strange Land

REVIVAL
Do It Again Lord - Korean Revival 1907 (28 minute video)
This Week we are focusing each day on a different Revival.
Gordon Pettie talks with the revival historian Mathew Backholer about the amazing events surrounding the Korean revival of 1907. Their prayer is that God will do it again, especially in North Korea.

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom

FILM CHOICE
This week I continue to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer than the usual video to fully appreciate.

ANNE FRANK'S DIARY - An animated feature film

R.C. Sproul (14 minute video)
R.C. Sproul’s book - The Holiness Of God is one of the best and most readable books you will ever encounter on the holiness of God. Here is a short documentary about him.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/a-new-documentary-on-the-formation-of-r-c-sproul/

Discovering the Holiness of God: The Formation of R. C. Sproul from Crossway on Vimeo.

Missing Generation
Is the 'missing generation' still missing?' analyses the latest research, tells stories of transformed lives and asks the questions we need to be asking as we emerge from the pandemic.
https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/is-the-missing-generation-still-missing?utm_source=twitter

Sing! Global - Live at the Getty Music Worship Conference
A new album from Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Keswick Online Conference
Freedom through Forgiving – Studies in Philemon is the theme of the Deeper online conference (16 - 18 March).
It's being organised by the Castle Hill Baptist Church, Warwick, which is part of the Keswick Fellowship. Sessions will be via Zoom. Register at https://t.co/VuiriCQApu

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:13

Play the "Strand Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1879a215f8db

1 Comment

Wednesday 10th March 2021

10/3/2021

0 Comments

Let’s Pray For Edwin and Anne Kibathi (global mission workers to East Africans in the UK)
Pray for Edwin and Anne as they offer pastoral care and support to people affected by Covid-19 and hold church services and meetings online.

South Sudan
The UN has recently reported that the scale of violence there is now worse than in the five-year civil war which ended in 2018. Pray for peace and for those suffering due to violence, displacement and food insecurity. Pray for the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan’s peace-building and humanitarian relief work.

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

REVIVAL
Do It Again Lord - Welsh Revival 1904 (28 minute video)
This Week we are focusing each day on a different Revival.
Gordon Pettie talks with the revival historian Mathew Backholer about the amazing events surrounding the Welsh revival of 1904. Their prayer is that God will do it again in our times.

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom

FILM CHOICE
This week I continue to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer than the usual video to fully appreciate.

HELEN KELLER FULL MOVIE “THE MIRACLES WORKERS” BASED TRUE STORY

Songs Of Praise
On the third Sunday of Lent, Katherine Jenkins explores the theme of prayer with young Christians living at Ashburnham Place in East Sussex, a Christian prayer centre. She hears how resource director Hannah Latty and her team incorporate different forms of prayer into their community life, and how they have experienced answered prayers. Gemma Hunt meets Pete Greig from the 24-7 Prayer movement to find out how prayer changed his life.
Below is a link to the programme on iPlayer if you didn’t see it on Sunday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000t182/songs-of-praise-personal-prayer

Moderator’s Presbytery Tour
Last week Rt. Rev. Dr. David Bruce conducted a virtual tour of the Presbytery of Ballymena where he had been an assistant minister in Wellington Street congregation in 1985. As part of the tour the Moderator spoke at a virtual midweek which you can watch below.

Global Mission News
You can read and download the March updates from various Global Mission Workers via this link below.
Each update includes relevant #prayer points to help you support them in their ministry at this challenging time.
https://t.co/ExAF0xuNad

Books About Prayer
Last week for World Book Day, Pete Greig was asked for his Top Ten Books about Prayer,
This is what he said,
“Gosh this was HARD. For #worldbookday I’ve been asked to nominate my #top10 books on #prayer (I have literally hundreds). I couldn’t quite do it so here’s my Top12!”

European Mission Fellowship
Phil Dunn from EMF is a frequent visitor to Burnside and this Saturday (13th March 2021 2:30pm-4:40pm) is the EMF Online Conference “Unleashing God’s Word - The Bible's message preached and published.”
Details of how to access the conference can be found at https://www.europeanmission.org/events
The conference will include a full and varied programme, with main speakers Edwin Ewart (Principal of the Irish Baptist College) and Paul Levy (Minister at the International Presbyterian Church, Ealing), alongside missionary speakers José Moreno Berrocal (EMF missionary in Alcázar de San Juan, Spain), and Pál Borzási (EMF Missionary in the town of Pericei, Romania).

Why Do We Pray (40 minute audio)
If God has already determined what is going to happen, why pray? Yet God’s Word commands us to pray! The Bible clearly doesn’t see a contradiction between God’s absolute sovereignty and the fact that he works through our prayers.
On this episode of Let’s Talk, Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes, and Melissa Kruger talk about why we don’t pray sometimes.
https://t.co/gnkvSKIAiQ

Moderator and Brexit
Speaking into the ongoing tensions linked to Brexit, the Northern Ireland Protocol and its outworking, Presbyterian Moderator, Right Reverend Dr David Bruce, has appealed to those with responsibility for finding the necessary solutions to work together, even if at times that means disagreeing well. He also condemned over recent weeks the use of threats against politicians and others, and urged his fellow Christians not to shirk their responsibility to pray for those whose job it is to find the necessary workable solutions.

https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/March-2021/The-post-Brexit-path-disagreeing-well.aspx

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 Iran the seventh most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about Iran here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/iran/

Where Is It?
The Where Is It? from yesterday was the new plaque located on top of the Harbour Hill

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Frances 2:43
Jean 2:45
Derek 2:57

Play the "Windermere Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3fd49858f716

0 Comments

Tuesday 9th March 2021

9/3/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Rev John Gilkinson (chaplain, Belfast Nightingale Hospital)
Pray for John and all healthcare chaplaincy staff. Pray for all those ill in hospital, for a full and quick recovery and that patients who don’t have Covid-19 will be protected from it. Pray too for staff working in very challenging conditions and for families unable to visit.

Craigavon congregation
Praise God for the encouraging Community Bible Experience held online in January and February. Pray that those who have been reading the New Testament for the first time would come to know Jesus.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Coat Of Many Colours

New City Catechism
Will God Allow Our Disobedience and Idolatry To Go Unpunished?
No, every sin is against the sovereignty, holiness, and goodness of God, and against his righteous law, and God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them in his just judgment both in this life, and in the life to come.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/will-god-allow-our-disobedience-and-idolatry-to-go-unpunished/

Moderator’s Service
As part of the Moderator’s tour of the Presbytery of Ballymena, Rt. Rev. Dr. Bruce preached at the Online service for Wellington PCI on Sunday morning.

REVIVAL
Do It Again Lord - Ulster revival of 1859 (28 minute video)
This Week we are focusing each day on a different Revival.
Gordon Pettie talks with the revival historian Mathew Backholer about the events surrounding the Ulster revival of 1859. Their prayer is that God will do it again in our times

The Hiding Place
Everyday we share another instalment of the film about Corrie Ten Boom

FILM CHOICE
This week I continue to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer than the usual video to fully appreciate.

ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING (Esther the Bible Movie)
Disclaimer - I have not watched this film so I have no idea how faithfully it represents the biblical story.

NEW BOOK
Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
It's an increasingly important question in our religiously diverse society. And the answers highlight the unique glory and grace found only in Jesus! A new book by Andy Bannister due out in the UK on 18 March

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Muslims-Christians-Worship-Same-God/dp/1789742293/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Do+Muslims+and+Christians+Worship+the+Same+God%3F&qid=1615228838&sr=8-1

Heroes Of The Faith
Gladys Aylward worked as a housemaid and after becoming a Christian, was seized by a desire to share the gospel in China. She her trust in God and he used her in an extraordinary way. She faced a succession of obstacles, yet in Christ she overcame them all.
https://t.co/d165KDR2rE
You can also watch a film of her life.

Where Is It?
Its been a long time since we have had a Where Is It? This is a new plaque which highlights Portstewart’s place on the Appalachian Trail, but Where Is It?

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:59
Jean 3:07
Frances 3:16
Eric 6:35

Play the "Balintoy Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=27098e5a12b0

2 Comments

Monday 8th March 2021

8/3/2021

3 Comments

Let’s Pray For Diane Cusick (global mission worker in Zambia)
Pray for Diane as she continues to lead CCAP’s Zambia Synod Early Childhood Development work, mainly from her home in Lusaka. Pray for teachers and children who are back in school, that they will be able to manage the health and safety guidelines and for good teaching.

Myanmar
Pray for Myanmar following the recent military coup. Pray for peace, for a fair and just government for all the people of the country. Pray too for the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar.

World Day Of Prayer
Information about the World Day Of prayer was added to the Blog on Friday morning after it had first been published, if you missed it you can catch up on Friday here

Facing The Canon - J.John
Joining J.John on Facing the Canon this week is social entrepreneur and co-founder of Christian Concern, Pastor Ade Omooba.

Day Of Prayer
It would seem that some of the NI Executive, after a year of the Pandemic may be getting ready to ask God for help.

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/health/coronavirus/stormonts-green-light-for-easter-day-of-prayer-in-ni-churches-3156786?fbclid=IwAR1DLYkNEQ2QkUOp9wI5I7_PFhbbQGNznU3CF7K4tlgRJd0xEMq4Ddg88VE

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

REVIVAL
Do It Again Lord - Layman’s Revival - America 1857 (28 minute video)
This Week we are focusing each day on a different Revival.
Gordon Pettie talks with the revival historian Mathew Backholer about the events surrounding the Layman’s revival in America in 1857. Their prayer is that God will do it again in our times.

Corrie Ten Boom
Last Wednesday there was an opportunity to watch the life story of Corrie Ten Boom.
https://youtu.be/GHjiGwG4cFY

The Hiding Place
This week we share “The Hiding Place” in instalments a film based on Corrie Ten Boom’s book of the same name.

FILM CHOICE
This week I continue to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer than the usual video to fully appreciate.

John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim (50 minute Video)
This documentary reveals the story of John Bunyan's life, his personal struggles, his triumphs, and his remarkable legacy. Join us as we follow the well-trod path of John Bunyan from the "Slough of Despond" through the narrow gate and on to the "Celestial City."

Jonah
For World Book Day, here's author Jo Sheringham talking about her creative, sci-fi reimagining of the story of Jonah from the Bible – ????? ??? ??? ????-?????? ???????? ????.

Only A Holy God- City Alight
On Friday Rev. Nigel Craig (a frequent visitor to Burnside) recommended we listen to this song by City Alight.

Covid-19
Portstewart the 3rd lowest number of cases in Ireland last week

Portstewart 1925
I thought you might like to see this photo of the promenade from 1925. I’m sure many of you remember a time when there was no railing along the footpath.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 12:13
Derek 15:25

Play the "Portstewart Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3fcc1205a874

3 Comments

Friday 5th March 2021

5/3/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week we continue week 3 of the Journey of Lent, a journey of 40 days through the Wilderness with Jesus Christ towards Easter. We will discover that Wilderness is a much more positive experience than we might imagine and we pray that we will be drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for our Older People Services Homes and Supported Living Unit, as the staff continue to arrange a restricted visiting programme and plan activities in these challenging days. Pray for Denise Keegan as she oversees this important work and deals with the daily challenges of her job.

Mental Health and Wellbeing
The Department of Health is consulting on a Mental Health Strategy for Northern Ireland. Pray for those who are struggling because of lockdown or other reasons that they would be
able to access the right support, and for those in healthcare, counselling and other professions as they seek to provide appropriate help.

World Day of Prayer was only added to the Blog at 10:30am.
If you know someone who reads early in the morning and would be interested in this please let them know.

World Day Of Prayer
Today is the World Day Of Prayer (Formerly known as Women’s World Day of Prayer) A day organised by woman which all are welcome to take part in. There is an official service which is available to watch on YouTube (Below) and then there are several services from around the UK available as well.
Here is the link to the official website where you can find more information.
https://www.wwdp.org.uk/?fbclid=IwAR3z7V5hHqKoOrlxFikXZxgkRfo2WBJY-djQ1XXoIpr9DcsQr4qzOh_Yhxk

Online Services
This link will take you to a list of the Online services, some are available now others will become available later in the evening.
https://www.wwdp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Virtual-services-v-0.5.pdf

Below is the link to the N.I. service from Dungannon which you can watch live at 8:00pm

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

FILM CHOICE
This week I am going to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer to fully appreciate.

C.H. Spurgeon (1 hour 10 minute video)
This powerful, inspirational docudrama faithfully recreates the times of C.H. Spurgeon and brings the “people’s preacher” to life as it follows his trials and triumphs with historical accuracy.

Luther (2 hour video)
This is a second film choice for the weekend. During the prayer meeting on Wednesday I was asked if I could post a link to the film about Martin Luther that we watched a couple of years ago at the Midweek. It is a great historical piece explaining why Luther saw a need for the Church to be reformed.

Bible Books In 30 Minutes
How does the book of Judges provide a cautionary tale about history repeating itself? What can we learn about how to respond to life’s knocks? Find out in this episode of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes' on UCB Player! https://t.co/HDEiBIDJfS

Nicky Gumbel & J.John
The son of German Jewish immigrants, a barrister, and now an Anglican Priest and author of the internationally renowned Alpha Course, @nickygumbel shares his journey of faith with J.John in this episode of 'Facing the Canon'. Listen now on UCB Player! https://t.co/EXUcsKlhB5

Sharing The Gospel In A Broken World (20 minute video)
Listen to an inspirational message from UCB's CEO, David L'Heurroux, on how to share the Christian message in a broken, fear-filled world.
https://t.co/u4SgVZjOL5

Congratulations
Congratulations to Jasmine Morris who has been appointed leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra. Read more here
https://news.causewaycoastcommunity.co.uk/local-news/mayor-congratulates-coleraine-woman-on-ulster-orchestra-leader-appointment/

Here are a few times Jasmine has taken part in Burnside At Home.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:38
Derek 2:49
Jean 2:56
Frances 3:15

The weekend puzzle is a little more challenging.
Enjoy this photo of Dougal.
Play the "Dougal Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=252847a0ffcf

2 Comments

Thursday 4th March 2021

4/3/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Mark Annett (community outreach worker in First Rathfriland)
Thank God for the continued online youth worship service each Sunday evening and for the online vlog discussion show, which has proven to be a great opportunity to engage with the community. Pray that God will use the church to bring hope to many people.

Corraneary, Ervey and First Bailieborough
Pray for Rev John O’Donnell, the kirk sessions and members of the congregations as they continue to serve the Lord and worship him during the pandemic.

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

FILM CHOICE
This week I am going to suggest a film each day. These videos are free to watch but may take a little longer to fully appreciate.

Fanny Crosby (44 minute video)
This is the amazing biography of the blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby. As the writer of more than 10,000 hymns, all penned after the age of 40, she is credited with authoring more verse than any human in history. The tragic mistreatment by a charlatan masquerading as a doctor blinded Fanny shortly after birth. Nevertheless, she learned to function as a sighted child except for her inability to read. She was an extraordinary child filled with joy and mischief! At her grandmother's knee, she began to demonstrate an exceptional memory, and memorized several complete books of the Bible, including Ruth and Proverbs. She left home at age 15 to begin her formal education. One of the most notable pupils of the New York Institute for Special Education, Fanny was also the first woman to address the US Congress. Fanny Crosby was an exceptional woman by any standard. And her legacy lives on through the thousands of hymns that are still sung today.

Bible Books in 30 Minutes
What does does the book of Joshua teach us about the importance of accepting who’s REALLY in charge? How important is it to deal with seemingly minor issues in our lives? Find out in this podcast episode of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
https://t.co/lq8lUfUMe6

Authors Who Affirm Faith
Terry Glaspey has complied a list of 25 Great Authors who affirm faith. For those of you who enjoy reading you might find an author that you haven’t tried before, or perhaps discover someone that you have always thought about reading.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/25-great-novelists-affirm-faith/

Finding The Peacemakers
Many of you will remember in Burnside when we watched the film about the rescue of the Chilean Miners, a film which Louise Glenn was involved in with Dan Morrice. (See below)A Few years ago we watched Dan as he walked through Israel. Dan has now written his first book -
Dan Morrice is a non-fiction writer from Bristol, UK. A bewildered adventurer, Dan has spent a lifetime wildly out of his depth in mountains and deserts, searching for unsung heroes whose lives hold the power to inspire the current generation. As a former teacher of Geography and International Development, Dan has students serving communities all over the world, from Iraq to El Salvador. Dan works with fellow explorers at lukex.org, sharing stories from role models of faith in extreme situations. Finding the Peacemakers is his first book.
It is available online, below is the link to the book on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08F9CT1V4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Miracle In The Mine (27 minute video)
If you haven’t seen this film, I would consider it a must watch, you will remember when the world stood still waiting for the rescue of the Chilean Miners, here is the story of faith behind their rescue, including our own Louise Glenn.

Covid - Pulpit
A church with an external pulpit, built so that sermons could be given to folk on the street! This super little building on Lambeth Walk SE11 - the Pelham Mission Hall - dates from 1910, but from 1976 it became Henry Moore’s sculpture studio, and is now part of @morleycollege.
http://twitter.com/MrTimDunn/status/1365977171425189890