Blog Archives

Friday 16th April 2021

16/4/2021

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for the families and friends of our residents and tenants, as they continue to work within the restraints of Covid-19. Pray that they may find suitable ways to make meaningful contact with their loved ones. Give thanks for the resourcefulness of staff and the patience of residents, tenants and their family and friends.

Communities
Pray for communities that have been unsettled by recent violence and unrest. Pray for those seeking to address challenges in terms of education, employment and general wellbeing including local ministers, teachers and other community workers.

General Council
Give thanks for the work of the staff, led by Laura Kelly, in the Personnel Department in Assembly Buildings. Pray for them as they continue to lead recruitment exercises for a number of vacancies in our residential and care homes and as they assist senior management in making challenging decisions.

Council for Training in Ministry
Interviews take place today for the Accredited Preacher Scheme course due to be held in July. Give thanks for applicants as they offer themselves for service in this area, and pray for them
and the interview panels, that together they will know the Lord’s guidance as to the suitability of each applicant.

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

Keswick Convention Podcast
James Cary talks to Rico Tice, Senior Minister for Evangelism at All Souls, Langham Place in London.
Rico will be speaking at seminars & evening celebrations in Week 2 (24th-30th July) of this summer's Keswick Convention.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/866182/8334722-rico-tice-and-being-kind-to-our-neighbours

'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
What are the dangers of telling God how to answer our prayers? Find out in this episode of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
https://t.co/LvVKALLQ2r

100th Birthday Celebration
Congratulations to Isabelle Claypole, who celebrated her 100th birthday on April 10th 2021, here she is receiving her commemorative centenary coin from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Mayoress Mrs Phyllis Fielding. Also included in the pictured is Lady Karen Girvan.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:12

Play the "Dougal Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=118c1b2c27da

1 Comment

Thursday 15th April 2021

15/4/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For International Meeting Point (South Belfast)
Give thanks for the ongoing food distribution to many needy families and individuals each week. Give thanks too for the Bible studies which have been taking place online and that one woman recently came to faith. Pray that socially-distanced Bible studies will resume soon.

International Meeting Point (North Belfast)
Give thanks that the team has been able to build up relationships with the customers online during lockdown and provide them with ongoing support.

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

Does life feel out of control?
This episode of Discipleship Explored looks at how we can be completely confident in Christ, even when things seem chaotic and uncertain.
https://t.co/1gp2a7nX5i

What kind of follower?
Written by the Director of prayer for Evangelical Alliance Fred Drummond, guides you through the challenges of modern discipleship and inspires every believer to have honest conversations about walking with Jesus.

https://t.co/9fWLJxhfX1

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 2:58
Derek 3:10

Play the "Ballycastle Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=06c39ee53597

1 Comment

Wednesday 14th April 2021

14/4/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For Naomi Keefe (global mission workers in Brazil)
Give thanks for all the Easter outreach opportunities and pray that God will speak to each of the families and that many will come to know Jesus as their Messiah. Pray for the Good News Club children and their families as they undertake devotions each week from home.

Hungarian Reformed Church
Pray for the work and witness of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine which continues in different ways due to Covid-19 restrictions.

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

Heroes Of The Faith
J.John shares another hero of the faith. The life of Amanda Smith was extraordinary: she travelled from being a black slave to becoming the first international woman evangelist.

https://canonjjohn.com/2021/04/10/heroes-of-the-faith-amanda-smith/

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 Sudan the 13th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here

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

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

8 – 14 April
– Pray for the Uncover studies that will be taking place on at University College Cork CU (UCCCU) on Wednesday nights through April and into May. Pray that those who were engaged will come along, and for wisdom for Naomi (Relay worker) and Sally (final year student) as they lead the studies.
– Pray for the committee at Limerick Institute of Technology (LITCU) as they seek to engage with fringe members of the CU. It has been a struggle this term to have more than the core committee members come and be part of their group faithfully, so pay for genuine community to be built there and for others to be brought in.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:38
Jean 2:46
Eddie 3:19

Play the "Derwentwater Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=08712000d3df

1 Comment

Tuesday 13th April 2021

13/4/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For Heidi England (deaconess in Railway Street, Lisburn)
Pray for the women who take part in the online Bible study and for Heidi as she leads it. Pray that each woman will hear God speaking clearly through God’s Word and Spirit, and that the truths learned will take hold and bear fruit in their lives.

Greystones (Co Wicklow)
Pray for the minister Rev Gary McDowell, the elders and members of Greystones congregation as they continue to love God, encourage one another and serve the Greystones’ community and beyond.

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

The Church In China
More than a year after the coronavirus outbreak, life in China is largely functional. But it is unlikely the church will return to normal.
Read more about it here. https://t.co/OFx1Re2KF7

The Ten Commandments
Jen Wilken has written a new book based on the 10 Commandments.
Matt Smethurst has read the book and shares 20 quotes from what he considers to be the most insightful treatment of the 10 Commandments that he has ever read. https://t.co/YcadDE76D0

Last Words
This is a song from Andrew Peterson based on the Last words of Jesus from the cross. It should make us think back to our Holy Week devotions with J. John. Here is also an article that Andrew Peterson has written about his thoughts on Easter.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Play the "Harbour Storm Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3018c52231e0

2 Comments

Monday 12th April 2021

12/4/2021

0 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Jubilee
A Song by Michael Card comparing Jesus to the Year of Jubilee.

Jubilee
The Word provided for a time
For the slaves to be set free
For the debts to all be cancelled
So His chosen ones could see
His deep desire was for forgiveness
He longed to see their liberty
And His yearning was embodied
In the year of Jubilee

Jubilee, Jubilee
Jesus is that Jubilee
Debts forgiven, slaves set free
Jesus is our Jubilee

At the Lord's appointed time
His deep desire became a man
The heart of all true jubilation
And with joy we understand
In His voice we hear a trumpet sound
That tells us we are free
He is the incarnation
Of the year of Jubilee

Jubilee, Jubilee
Jesus is that Jubilee
Debts forgiven, slaves set free
Jesus is our Jubilee

Sunday Service

Let’s Pray For Moderator
Pray for ministers across the church, as they seek a refreshed vision for the future of their congregations. Pray for Kirk Sessions as they pray and talk together, seeking God’s leading for their next steps.

Worshipping the Lord
‘Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of holiness.’ Psalm 29:2. Today as we worship in person, online or on our own, ask God that we might see his glory and acknowledge his rule.

Let’s Pray For Chris & Rachel Humphries (global mission workers in Portugal)
Pray that as the restrictions in Portugal start to ease, Chris and Rachel would be able to reconnect with local people and build up their relationships with them. Give thanks for the Easter video series during Holy Week and pray that it will have encouraged many.

Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA)
Pray for the leadership and members of PCEA’s congregations (over 1,000 in Kenya and a small number in Tanzania and Uganda). Pray that the church will continue to grow.

J.John
Facing the Canon this week is Mark Greene. He is Executive Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and was Vice Principal of the London School of Theology. He speaks, tells stories, and writes, mainly on the joys, trials, and surprises of living all of life as a follower of Jesus in today’s world.

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

NEW HOPE AT EASTER
Rev Daniel Kane, minister of West Church congregation in Ballymena, reflects on how the Easter story shows God at work behind the scenes to meet our deepest needs then, now and for eternity. #Easter #Easter2021
https://t.co/utXABnVJqy

10 Commandments (48 minute audio)
In this interview, Jen Wilkin discusses a well-known yet, according to Jen, often misunderstood and misapplied section of Scripture: the Ten Commandments. She explains why the Ten Commandments are more interesting and more applicable than we might think, what’s wrong with the way we often talk about the law and the dangers of legalism, and what it really means to take the Lord’s name in vain.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-delighting-in-the-ten-commandments-jen-wilkin/

NEW PCI PODCAST EPISODE (28 minute audio)
Join Neil Harrison, Rev Lachlan Webster (Craigavon PC) and Roberta Irvine (Greystone Road PC) for a discussion on how to develop relationships with new people connecting with our congregations:
https://t.co/CzGKoMt4Bt

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 23:35

Play the "Harbour Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0889205b2bd5

0 Comments

Friday 9th April 2021

9/4/2021

0 Comments

Beside The Burn
Hope At Easter. This week we rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ and we see how difficult it can be to trust in Jesus. Why not share this Hope At Easter with others? Each day we look at another resurrection story to see how Jesus transforms lives.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for those living with mental health issues at this time, which are exasperated greatly by
the loneliness and isolation of the current Covid-19 crisis. Pray that they will find a listening ear and seek the appropriate professional help. Give thanks for all who give of their time to provide Mental Health Services.

Freight Transport
Pray for those tasked with bringing goods to this island via sea, air and road transport, that they would have safe transit, and have an opportunity to encounter the peace and comfort of Jesus while they are far from home.

General Council
The Moderator will offer a pre-recorded service of worship this Easter which may be used in congregations across the Church. Pray that this would be a blessing to many. Thank God for the provision of technology to enable us to meet online.

Training in Ministry
Ministry students have had a busy semester. Teaching has been online, and many have faced additional demands with home-schooling, disrupted routines, and isolation. Pray for them and their families that they will have opportunity for refreshment over Easter, with a clear focus on the hope of our Lord’s resurrection.

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

The Temple
The whole biblical drama can be told as a story about God’s temple—the place where heaven and earth meet. Here is a fascinating article about the Temple with several videos to watch and a book recommendation.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/a-biblical-theology-and-some-3d-renderings-of-the-temples-in-jerusalem/

Bible Study - How To CRAM
Here is an accessible method for devotional Bible reading that aims at the heart and the head.
https://t.co/8tDfSGpXlc

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:51
Jean 3:22

Play the "Difficult Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=27eebddc1536

0 Comments

Thursday 8th April 2021

8/4/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Rev Graham Stockdale (Prison Chaplain in Maghaberry)
Pray for Graham and all involved in PCI’s prison chaplaincy work. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and for prisoners to find hope and new life in Christ.

Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Pray for the congregation of Great Victoria Street which was glad to meet together in-person on Easter Sunday. Pray for the minister, Rev William Harkness, the kirk session and members as they seek God’s guidance, pray and plan for the future of the congregation’s work in Belfast city centre.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Thou Shalt Not Covet

Free Audiobook
The Pilgrim’s Progress. John Bunyan was a simple maker and mender of pots and kettles who received very little education. In spite of that, he penned the most successful allegory ever written. He lost his first wife and was imprisoned for twelve years for his compelling—but unlicensed—preaching. Nevertheless, his preaching about the gravity of sin, salvation by grace, the cost of discipleship, perseverance, and the glory of eternal life lives on in the signs and symbols of The Pilgrim’s Progress.
https://christianaudio.com

Francine Rivers
Have you read any books by renowned Christian author Francine Rivers? Watch now to hear her story of bringing the Bible to life and sharing her faith through writing.
https://t.co/yo8lAUhQbA

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:14
Derek 3:58

Play the "Portstewart Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2f653233c848

1 Comment

Wednesday 7th April 2021

7/4/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Middle East
Give thanks that JETS continues to provide training for church and para-church leaders, award Christian theological degrees and contribute to the planting and strengthening of churches throughout the Middle East. Pray for staff as they work to keep students engaged with their courses during online learning.

Indonesia
Give thanks for the launch of a new speed boat partially funded by a grant from PCI to help one of our partner churches reach its many members located in remote locations across the North Moluccas islands.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Honour Your Father And Mother

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 Syria the 12th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/syria/

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

1 – 7 April
– The next Friendship & Faith International Students Ministry (ISM) training seminar will consider ‘The Great ISM Debate – To integrate or segregate?’ Pray for a thought–provoking morning that challenges those who attend to continue to think how best to include and reach international students studying on our campuses.
– Pray for the Easter Event at University College Dublin CU (UCDCU). Praise God for the month of events UCDCU held in February. Pray for particularly for friends to be invited to come, and for hearts to be convicted that the resurrection is true and so it’s worth investigating whoon Jesus is.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:04
Eddie 3:07
Jean 3:32

Play the "Keswick Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=09f068fe706c

1 Comment

Tuesday 6th April 2021

6/4/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, give thanks for the message of hope this brings. We pray for hope for the future, as we look ahead into another uncertain year. We trust in God for his guidance and provision as we travel this way.

Children
Pray for children and families as life returns to a more normal routine in coming months. Give thanks for families growing in faith together this last year and ask that they continue to follow Jesus every day.

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

New City Catechism
Q. Why Must the Redeemer Be Truly Human?
A. That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/why-must-the-redeemer-be-truly-human/

Heroes Of The Faith
If you’ve ever wondered how much anyone can do in a lifetime then take a look at William Carey. ‘Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God’ was the motto Carey gave to history.
Read J.John’s latest blog at https://canonjjohn.com/2021/04/03/heroes-of-the-faith-william-carey/

Good Friday
If you didn't get a chance to attend a Good Friday service, why not sit down and watch this full service from In Touch Ministries about the true power of what happened that first Good Friday on the cross... https://t.co/OlPc5ETduw

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Play the "Portstewart Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3452eb49bf8d

2 Comments

Monday 5th April 2021

5/4/2021

0 Comments

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! May this worldwide affirmation by Christians on Easter Sunday set the tone of our walking in hope and by faith in days of uncertainty. May we be people of hope, not of despair, placing our trust in the Lord who reigns over all.

Hope at Easter
The Moderator plans to be with the congregation in Portrush on Easter Sunday morning.
Pray for congregations as they make plans to return to their buildings, with the necessary restrictions in place, and pray especially for congregations in the Republic, for whom the restrictions remain in place.

Hope at Easter
Pray for our political leaders in both jurisdictions. Pray for political stability, and confident, principled leadership from our governments. Pray for the grace to disagree well. Pray strongly against those who would bully or intimidate those with whom they differ.

Young People
Young People have lost so much this past year. Pray that as we progress, churches and ministry organisations will be able to provide them physically, emotionally and spiritually restoring experiences.

Moderator’s Easter Message
In his Easter message @pcimoderator talks about our second pandemic #Easter "The vaccines give us some hope that soon it might end. Our ultimate hope... [is] through the extraordinary act of love through which Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them…'" https://t.co/VSF8f14p28

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Taking The Lord’s Name In Vain

At Home with the Gettys
If you missed the documentary last week you can watch it on iplayer. Join the Gettys on BBC for a special documentary, “At Home with the Gettys,” as they discuss their journey of writing hymns for the church, what the family has been doing during the lockdown, and they sing some of their favourite songs from the North Coast of Ireland at Downpatrick Cathedral.
Link to Programme on iPlayer
https://gettymusic.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa4cd9a5b4688d5ec76f457cb&id=4ae4b6f212&e=def46f1922

At the Foot of the Cross'
Dan Walker hosts a star studded evening of music and poetry featuring @NewtonFaulkner, @TheKingdomChoir, @marishawallace, @BBCPhilharmonic & more. First broadcast on Good Friday on Radio 2 listen again on BBC Sounds
https://t.co/9xrZmJdGsN

NEW HOPE AT EASTER PCI BLOG
Rev David Irvine, minister of Trinity Ballymoney congregation, reflects on the incomparable value of hope in Christ in family and faith.
#Easter #Easter2021
https://t.co/rVRdyR19EG

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 10:46
Derek 13:45

Play the "North Coast Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3b20c2e8abe6

0 Comments

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