Blog Archives

Friday 15th May 2020

14/5/2020

Tides
In tides today we are taken to Revelation 21 and John presents us with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth where there is restoration. This is a vital part of the Gospel message that we can often overlook because we think primarily about how the Gospel impacts our lives now. We think of the forgiveness of our sins and the transformation that the Holy Spirit brings to us now, but there is also a transformation that is to come, the Gospel continues to work and one day will restore this earth to what it was before the fall. In that day ...

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
Revelation 21:4

Daniel Kane writes in Tides today ...

The whole world is crying out for healing right now. Revelation 21:1-4 is the great promise of heaven coming down and transforming the earth...

... the resurrection of Jesus is the first instalment of all of this which is yet to come. It’s not all here yet, but is on its way.

This is the comfort that we have today.

New Skills?
Have you been learning any new skills during Lockdown?
Most of my learning has centred around video and websites, but a lot of folk have been using the time to bake, not wanting to be left out I tried a Wheaten Bread this morning. Looking at the picture it seems to be the size of a scone but I can assure you it is proper wheaten bread sized.
If you have been baking or trying something new during lockdown why not send me some photos so that I can share them on the blog.

Isolated World/Connected Church
The latest episode of the 'Isolated World / Connected Church' podcast. This week, Dez Johnston and Ruth Tormey chat with our hosts about how church leaders are supporting each other through the new challenges of doing church in lockdown.
https://player.lightcast.com/ygTO1UzM

Living With Loss
A website which contains many resources for anyone who has been bereaved, it is the personal journey of a lady Abi May who has experienced the loss of two children and is seeking to bring comfort to others. It is a website for personal help but could also be shared with someone who may find it helpful.
http://www.avalleyjournal.co.uk/

The Bible App For Kids
If you don't already have the Bible App for Kids, download it free from iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon, and interact with the complete set of Bible stories on the go! This is an incredible resource for teaching your child about God.

41 Bible stories just for kids
Kid-friendly navigation
Games and activities that help kids remember what they're learning
Touch-activated animations

Search for The Bible App For Kids on the app store on your phone or tablet.
There are also Colouring Sheets
https://bibleappforkids.com/parents/coloring-sheets
And a Video Bible Stories
https://bibleappforkids.com/parents/videos

Online Bible Reading
The Bible Society have a wonderful online resource to help us read the bible
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/read/

Faith In The Face Of Fear
Rev. David Moore, Minister of Knock Presbyterian Church, Belfast reflects on how faith remains in the face of fear in this time of crisis.
He writes -
Fear is a thief. It robs us of our joy and peace, leaving only anxiety and dread…
https://bit.ly/2LmcsYX

Jigsaw
I hope you enjoyed the NW200 Jigsaw yesterday.

We have had a few times submitted
Jean 4:39
Derek 9:00
Eric 9:46
Richard 13:01 (I don’t know how it took me so long)

Perhaps the most comprehensive comment yet on the Blog,
Edgar commented

Jean's time for today's jigsaw. 4.39
Year is 2016
No 13 Lee Johnston
No 34 Alastair Seeley
Windsock is on the beach.

As promised Bonus points and straight to the top of the leaderboard. Every detail correct. Very Impressive

Eric also commented - Very impressive but one detail not quite right. (See below)

Time for jigsaw - too embarrassed to reveal! (9:46)
Riders - No 13 Lee Johnston, No 34 Alastair Seeley
Year - 2016 (Kind of given away by the poster in the background)
Where is it? - At the houses of the former Cromore Halt at the Station Corner.

The Jigsaw for the weekend reminds us of the crowds that should have been here for the NW200, and as it is a Friday a few more pieces to keep you occupied.

Play the "NW200" puzzle here!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=12bbe918ba6d

Where Is It.
Congratulations if you guessed that the Windsock is located at the entrance to the Strand.
Some of you were confused because normally during race week there is a windsock up at Cromore, but this one was on the beach.

Where Is It?
You have all weekend to work this one out, so it is a little bit more difficult, Where Is It?

2 Comments

Thursday 14th May 2020

13/5/2020

2 Comments

Tides
Today Rev. Liz Hughes reminds us, from Romans 8, that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Romans 8:35

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-38

Liz writes ...

Just reading this Bible passage always lifts my spirits ...

There is nothing in all creation, neither death nor life, nor Covid-19, nor any kind of loss or trouble which can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. Not today, not in the future, not ever.

Internet Issues
Just in case any of you are having internet problems at the moment, there does seem to be a lot of work happening along the roads by Openreach so you could experience some slow down when watching video via the internet. I certainly have been having some problems getting things onto the Burnside Website, so be patient.

The Blessing
You may remember last week I shared “The Blessing” which lots of churches across the UK had recorded, I also shared the South African version and the American version. Now lots of other countries have been doing the same and here is a compilation of some of them. It is such a beautiful song.

VE Day
Just over a week ago we commemorated 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
RAF Coningsby (@RAFConingsby) Tweeted a special 75th anniversary of VE Day message from their Station Chaplain; Reverend (Squadron Leader) Chris Carré.
Click here to view https://bit.ly/2WsdRnh

Lockdown - Hard To Cope With the Changes?
Finding change in lockdown uncomfortable? You're absolutely not alone. But this episode of 'Life Issues' from UCB with Paul Hammond might encourage you to approach these tough changes with a fresh perspective.
Click here to listen: https://player.lightcast.com/ycDN3cDN

UCB - Responding To Coronavirus
How do we respond to the coronavirus with a biblical perspective? Click below to hear UCB 2 presenter Chloe Wilson reflect on the article, 'Facing Coronaviris in Christ.' (Only 3:00 minutes long)
Click here to listen https://bit.ly/2WoYCvs
There are now buttons on the front page of the Website to allow you to easily access UCB Radio.

UCB - Discouragement
Sometimes it helps just to remember that characters in the Bible felt discouragement – just like we do. This sermon from Charles Stanley looks at the story of Paul – a disciple who certainly experienced discouragement!
Click here to listen:
https://player.lightcast.com/ygTM3gzN

Jigsaw
A few times from yesterday. Thank you so much for sending them in.Jean 3:36
Derek 4:18
Richard 11:09

Today would have been 2nd daytime practice for the NW200 and the first races would have taken place tonight, so the Jigsaw is especially for all you bike fans out there.

Try The Jigsaw
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=21407fc89f9d

Extra bonus points available if you can name the riders.
Straight to the top of the leader board if you know what year this is from.

Where Is It?
Quite a few folk guessed correctly that yesterday it was the Salmon House, if you were in any doubt here it is from another angle. thank you to everyone who sends in guesses.

Ending with a simple question - Where Is It?
Where in Portstewart would you find this wind sock? Is this slightly more difficult today?

2 Comments

Wednesday 13th May 2020

12/5/2020

4 Comments

Prayer
Today is the day that our prayer meeting always meet.

Most of the items in the blog today are therefore about prayer.

Why not take a moment or two to be inspired by the articles and then set aside some time to pray. Remember you can access the Virtual Prayer Room on the Burnside Website.
https://bit.ly/BurnsidePrayerRoom

Tides
Tides have also joined us with the theme of prayer today.

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
MATTHEW 7:7-8

Karen Jardine asks -

Has the pandemic changed your prayer life? Perhaps you’re on your knees like never before.

And then leaves us with the wonderful hymn, What A Friend We Have In Jesus.

More Prayer
Rise in prayer and religious service attendance to be met with a step up in our witness. According to research launched by Tearfund, and conducted by Savanta ComRes, many in the UK are turning to prayer during the crisis. A third of UK adults (33 per cent) have prayed since the beginning of the pandemic. What is our response to be?
https://bit.ly/2Wk0wx6

A Prayer For Those In Intensive Care
From Evangelical Alliance

Jesus' Unanswered Prayer?
Did Jesus have unanswered prayer? Did the Son of God, a member of the 3-in-1 Trinity that is God Himself, pray to the Father, and get rejected?
Read more here - https://bit.ly/2WL6jLh

Prayer Can Change Things
Jesus spent a lot of time in prayer during His earthly ministry. He prayed for Himself (see John 17:1–5). He prayed for His disciples (see John 17:6–26). With His dying breath, He prayed for His enemies (see Luke 23:34)
Read more here - https://bit.ly/35Ow7dq

Let’s Pray
Each week PCI give us a prayer as part of Let’s Pray - These Three Remain.
Here is this week’s prayer, In this moment - A prayer for faith in the face of fear

Faithful God,
these are frightening times we find ourselves living through.
It’s like our whole world is on edge;
a massive cloud has descended,
casting a great shadow over all of life,
and hiding you from our sight.
Fear spreads faster than the virus itself;
manufacturing worry,
multiplying anxiety,
making us nervous.
We stumble along by faith and not sight,
not because you have told us to,
but because we have no choice.
It feels like treading a tightrope,
sometimes we gain balance as we look to you,
but more often we waver unsteadily,
swaying in the clamour of the latest news and views.
Like that father in the gospel,
bringing his son to be set free from the spirit which tormented him,
we do believe,
because you are God,
because you have never let us down,
because you have the words of eternal life;
yet we need you to help us overcome our unbelief,
because we do doubt,
because our minds race,
because our hearts wander.
So, enable us to have faith in you in the face of fear,
to know our days steadied by it,
to find the inward strengthening of our hearts by it,
to discover our lives showing and sharing it.
For we ask it, believing and not doubting,
in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Why God Doesn’t Answer Prayer
Why doesn’t god answer my prayers, someone might ask.
Well, one reason could be that God doesn’t do stupid things.
Read more here - https://bit.ly/2Wk0wx6

When Will Churches Reopen?
We simply cannot be sure, but here is an article from the BBC news site, looking at churches in England.
Coronavirus: Churches may not be back to normal by end of year
Read more here https://bbc.in/2xPmxui

Drive Through - Drive In Churches
The NI Executive in their plan released yesterday, mentioned the possibility of Drive Through Churches in the next step of easing lockdown restrictions. It will be interesting to see how all of this works out in practice. It does work in the summer time at the North West 200 Pits or The East Strand Car-Park in Portrush, but I’m not sure if it would be as helpful as Burnside At Home is proving to be, because even though we might all be together in one place, we wouldn’t be allowed to get out of our cars and talk to each other. We still would find it difficult to sing with each other and our outreach would also be limited to the people who made the effort to attend, rather than all the people who are now listening at home. I also wonder how many of us at present would want to leave our homes for a Drive Through service while most of the other restrictions still apply, or how well it would be accepted by our neighbours on a peaceful Sunday morning with a church service being amplified. There are a lot of things to think about, we will have to wait and see what happens.

Crown Jesus - Prayer For Unity
As we slowly come out of #lockdown this is important to #prayForUnity in the church. Without unity in our fellowships and across the #church family we are in trouble. Jesus predicted church growth but PRAYS for #unity. John 14-16

International Nurses Day
Yesterday we marked International Nurses Day with the thoughtful piece from Wilma, the Moderator has also praised the dedication & compassion of nurses on #InternationalNursesDay "I believe Florence Nightingale would have been proud of those who followed in her footsteps. A pride that is shared by my Church & those beyond its bounds”
You can read the full article here -
https://bit.ly/3bknE2Y

Jigsaw

Some times from Yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 3:42
Derek 5:17

Today’s Puzzle CLICK HERE

Where Is It?
Everyone who said the building at the car park on the Harbour Hill is correct. (William, Edgar, Derek). Thank you for the comments and the emails, it is lovely to receive your guesses. One responder guessed the Where Is It? correctly and then said, “Not sure what it was but i am sure you will tell us all tomorrow”. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not sure what it was, It used to have a cross on top and a red light which I always assumed was a navigation marker for ships, but I never knew for sure.
Where Is It? Today?

4 Comments

Tuesday 12th May 2020

12/5/2020

3 Comments

Tides
Today is the 50th Day of Lockdown and the Tides reading today reminds us that God, our Creator, our Redeemer, wants us to know how unshakeably safe and secure we are – now and forever.

David Cupples highlights the hymn, “How Firm A Foundation”, and points out that verses 3 & 4 are based on Isaiah 43

Let’s Pray

Let’s Pray that as care homes become the new frontline in the battle against coronavirus, that God’s sheltering hand would be known among residents, his protection experienced by staff and his reassurance granted to family members unable to visit loved ones
http://bit.ly/2cgVbSa

Thank you to Wilma for the following piece on the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Ministering Angels
Today is the bicentenary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. She is considered to be the founder of the nursing profession, having created an educational system that would ensure nurses would obtain a professional qualification.

At the time of the Crimean war, when she arrived at the Scutari hospital in Turkey, she discovered soldiers were dying, not from their wounds, but from infectious diseases. Her priority was to control the spread. One of the first tasks was to have the entire hospital scrubbed! She became a pioneer in Cross Infection.

In the Scutari hospital as she toured the wards at night she was known as "the ministering angel with a lamp".

In Burnside church we have ministering angels, they have come to the fore in lockdown. Recently, I had a God planned encounter with two of them.

Many of you are aware of the sudden passing of my sister Roberta, she was known to many of you, and always enjoyed the fellowship in Burnside. I have been overwhelmed, by the support of many in sending cards, phoning me, or calling at the door to express sympathy. I have been upheld by prayer.

Due to the current situation it was not possible to attend the Crematorium for a service, however it was possible for the hearse to stop outside her house on it's way to Roselawn. My family members were able to follow it a short distance along her road. I received some pictures and a brief video. The sun was shining and I could hear the birds singing. I felt I was there! It was a very emotional time for me, in tears, I listened to the singing of the Aaronic blessing, which Richard had posted and I read part of Psalm 27. I phoned two long standing friends but got no answer. Then I saw a white van approaching in my driveway. It was two ministering angels, Ruth and Jim intending to leave a card. In tears at the door, I had found listening ears, and shared my grief. Ruth explained, they had intended to call earlier that day, but had been diverted by another matter. I thanked God for His perfect timing and those listening ears. Everything by Him is planned! Tides on Monday 11th reminded us to look for God at work in our circumstances.
Wilma

Prayer for Presbyterian Church In Ireland
Crown Jesus Ministries are encouraging people to pray for the various denominations in Ireland. This week the focus is on PCI and William Henry has recorded a short video (1:26) encouraging people to pray. You can watch it here.

VE Day
As the UK and other nations commemorated the 75th anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe Day’, and the ending of the Second World War on the continent, residents across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s (PCI) care homes were also commemorating the anniversary – including Margaret McKeague, who turns 100 this week and served in the Voluntary Aid Detachment, or the ‘VADs’, throughout the war.
https://bit.ly/2xLpVGC

Keeping The Faith
How Christians in the Irish League are finding strength in God during coronavirus pandemic. Some of the Christians involved in the Irish League have spoken to the Belfast Telegraph about their faith during testing times.
https://bit.ly/2SMJJ3R

Thank You To Farmers

Rev Kenny Hanna writes that the current emergency casts a ‘cold shadow’, yet at the same time he is reminded of what CS Lewis called patches of ‘Godlight’ & how one patch of this ‘Godlight’ are farmers and how we are so thankful for them. Read more Here -
https://bit.ly/3fFiTnN

Virtually Keswick Convention 2020
Keswick at Portstewart may not be taking place this year, but we will be able to attend, Virtually Keswick Convention 2020! This is the Convention based in Keswick, The Lake District.
Christopher Ash will be the Bible reader for the week (July 27-31)
He will be speaking on ‘Hope in Jesus’ from the Psalms.
https://keswickministries.org/convention-2020/

Jigsaw Where Is It?

Thank you for sharing times for yesterday.

Jean 2:38
Derek 3:37

Maybe the Where Is It? yesterday was a little difficult if you are not a fan of the TV show, but it is of course Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) which we visited last year on holiday.

Jigsaw puzzle for today.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1834fbbe94d0

Where Is It?
I’ve been blogging now for the most of Lockdown, we have had jigsaws and a Where Is It? for the last week, then yesterday, for a bit of a laugh, I included a less than flattering holiday photo of myself in the Jigsaw, and yesterday was the one day that PCI decided that they would share our little blog with the rest of the Presbyterian Church. So not only did the normal readers get to read the Blog yesterday but the rest of the church at large were pointed towards it. Every other day there has been a nice picture of Portstewart for the Jigsaw and an obscure photo of Portstewart for the Where Is It?
Yesterday Me On My Holidays!!!!!

Where Is It?
(Today it is definitely in Portstewart)

3 Comments

Monday 11th May 2020

11/5/2020

1 Comment

Monday
Today is Monday, and this is the week of the year when many traditionally complain that they can’t get out of their houses, while many others of us put on a raincoat and go and stand around the triangle. This year the roads are not closed but everything else is. We are entering week 8 of lockdown and David Thompson in Tides today provides us with some encouragement if we are feeling weary. Of course not everyone is weary with Lockdown, some people are coping well, but these words are still a great comfort.

Tides
David writes

The coronavirus is such a big thing to us, but not something by which God feels at all overwhelmed. He sits on high reigning over all the earth. He can bring about change at will. Every night he brings the stars out to shine. And he reminds us that he hasn’t lost track of our situation. Even though he is the everlasting God he cares about us and our personal circumstances. We might be tired and wearied by it all, but he isn’t. He promises strength for each day, power in our weakness. So let’s refresh our hope in the LORD, renew our strength, run again with perseverance.

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, … 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-30

We Will Fear The Lord
What is our response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, this hymn written as a response says we should Fear The Lord. Perhaps this is not the message that our modern world wants to hear, but it is timely advice.

Moderator’s Service
As churches across Ireland remain closed today, due to the current Coronavirus emergency, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr William Henry, begins a short four-part series of sermons entitled ‘Hope beyond lockdown’.

Recorded in his home congregation, Maze Presbyterian earlier this week, Dr Henry said, “I’ve entitled this series ‘Hope beyond Lockdown’ as I will be focusing on things that are important to all of us a church. They are the things that we miss because we are in a period of lockdown and are the aspects of church that we should be desiring to get back to. Indeed, it is the hope of these experiences that creates the desire to be church together.”

Keswick Convention
The Talks Library is now online. You can find a great selection of Convention talks from previous years - for free. Enjoy! These are the talks from the Convention in Keswick.
https://keswickministries.org/talks-library/

Gifts And Cards
Ben and Hannah Dunnett produce gifts and cards in modern eye catching designs. Each design is created around a verse or even a passage of scripture. Check out their range of products.
https://www.benandhannahdunnett.com/new-arrivals/

PCI Online Services
Churches in PCI, continue to provide a wide range of online resources to their congregations – including services on a Sunday. To visit an even increasing list visit the website https://bit.ly/2zNRMqo

The Pandemic’s Hidden Human Trafficking Crisis
The coronavirus has created more people vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers—and the world is unpreparedness to protect them. A fascinating article on how the Coronavirus Pandemic has impacted human trafficking.
https://buff.ly/3aQiNpZ

PW
For those of you who are missing the PW Annual conference, outgoing PW President Karen Craig reflects on her year in office and incoming President Heather Clements (you may remember Heather speaking at our last morning service in Burnside) looks forward to what lies ahead.
https://bit.ly/35yKvXp

Jigsaw
Well done to everyone who completed the jigsaw on Friday.
First entry came from Jean 11:52 - well done, faster than I have been able to do it.
Late entries from the Craig family
Jenna 3.16
Jason 4.19
Julie 6.15

Jenna’s Time 3:16 (very biblical)

Where Is It?
Well done to everyone who guessed that the bench was at , half way along the path from The Crescent to The Strand. You can see it in context here.

Jigsaw Where Is It?
Today I am combining the Jigsaw with the Where Is it?
All you have to do is complete the Jigsaw and tell me where the mystery person is.
(Clue - It is not in Portstewart but you should still recognise the building)
Apologies for the shocking nature of the photo.

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3ce1f8e6f34c

1 Comment

Friday 8th May 2020

7/5/2020

3 Comments

Tides
What is a church?

During the last 7 weeks of Lockdown, we perhaps have realised more than ever that a church is not a building, it is people. People who have met Jesus Christ and want others to meet him. I have been trying to think a lot about what our purpose as a church is and it is summed up in Acts 2:42-47 in the reading from Tides today. I want us as a church (a group of people) to meet Jesus and invite others to meet Jesus.

Meet Jesus

That is the reason for Burnside At Home each week, to meet Jesus.
It is the reason behind this Blog each day, that we would meet Jesus.
Pray today that others would meet Jesus as we are church, but pray also that we would meet Jesus. I am so encouraged as I talk to members of Burnside as they tell me about the phone calls that have had, the offers of help, the fellowship that they have enjoyed.
Read how the early church was described, not in terms of a building but be describing what the people were doing.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47

What is a church?
A group of people who meet Jesus.

VE Day Commemorations
Today is VE Day as we mark the ending of the war in Europe at this time 75 years ago, give thanks to God for the selﬂess and courageous service and sacriﬁce of those who brought peace to Europe, acknowledging the great cost to all nations in the conflict.
Pray for nations still devastated by war, for their people and their leaders; for those who suffer the effects or memories of past wars; for veterans; for those who mourn; for all innocent victims whose lives have been shattered by the cruelty of others.
Here is a prayer for VE Day

Hymn Story
Another hymn this time suggested by Anne Freeman, someone shared it with Anne this week and the words are so appropriate for the current pandemic. ' In the dark of the midnight'--the chorus says 'Keep me safe until the storm passes by'
All the hymns that are featured can be found along with many others in the Praise section of the Virtual Prayer Room.

Discipling
Free Ebook—Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus
In this concise guide, pastor Mark Dever outlines the who, what, where, when, why, and how of discipling—helping others follow Jesus.
Following the pattern found in Scripture, this book explains how disciple-making relationships should function in the context of the local church, teaching us how to cultivate a culture of discipling as a normal part of our everyday lives.
Download the PDF

discipline.pdf
File Size:	2500 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

Patience During Difficulties
A short devotional video (4:22) Do you ever feel like the person who prayed, "God, give me patience, and give it to me right now"? You may feel like that at the present moment.

Cruise Ships

You may have seen the news reports of 14 Cruise ships anchored near Manila in the Philippines. The same is true in the Bahamas and the crews cannot leave because the ships cannot dock, and even if the ship could dock the crew would not be able to travel to what ever country their homes are in.
Colin Jenkins who is Port Missionary in Cork reports that a friend on the crew of one such ship in the Bahamas contacted him and said some crew members have committed suicide. One man from another ship jumped overboard and they haven't found the body... And some have died from the virus.
It was suggested to me to make a livestream Christian service of worship to encourage the crew. So Colin and some of his friends are working on making a prerecorded message/service to lift their spirits.
But on Monday, during a weekly port missionaries Zoom call Colin and his fellow missionaries made this video on the spot for the ships:

You can watch the video below, but here is one response that he has received back.

Praise the Lord!
"Fantastic - many many thanks. Now all I have to do is screen it in the theatre & play it on Channel 21 of the ship's TV this special very powerful message of the lord's love & blessing. Dearest Colin I know you know how much comfort this will bring for all the crew on board. My heart warmed thanks to you & all the ministries across this blue wide world for coming together to deliver this super special message. Please convey my personal thanks to all. Love & be blessed by our lord Jesus Christ - Amen!"

Jigsaw

A big challenge today, all week you have been enjoying the Jigsaws, today is going to take you much longer than 56 seconds.

Yesterday's fastest time was 4:48 - Well done Lynne.

Try out the puzzle for today.

This has to last all weekend so a 60 piece puzzle today. So go and get a cup of coffee or a can of Dr. Pepper and enjoy!

JIGSAW HERE

Where Is It?
Yesterday the “Where Is It?” Was the herring pond on an exceptionally calm day.

One last “Where is it?” for this week.
Don’t give up too easy, go out for a walk and explore over the weekend.

3 Comments

Thursday 7th May 2020

6/5/2020

1 Comment

Tides
Today from Acts 2 Peter tells the people that they must,

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38-39

Jane Nelson tells us that Jesus is most important cleanser that we will ever need. She writes -

We have access to the greatest life-saving commodity
this world will ever need and it costs us nothing.
Are we willing to share it with our friends and neighbours
who are in desperate need today?

Hymn Story
Not so much a Hymn story but a song that has been shared today. It is a song that reminds us that we have Hope and that hope is found in Jesus. “Hope Has A Name, His Name Is Jesus”

Coronavirus: PCI’s £60K For Overseas Aid
Due to the growing global prevalence of Coronavirus amongst the poorest communities in the world, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has announced that it is releasing £60,000 (€68,118) towards the emergency response via Christian Aid and Tearfund, PCI’s relief and development partners, and to its partner churches and organisations. Read The Full Article Here - https://bit.ly/3dfS7R0

Christian Unions Ireland - Day of Prayer Today

You can take part in this. Today from 8am - 8pm, there is an opportunity to pray for the work of Christian Unions Ireland. Each hour will start with a video introduction and story from a student or supporter broadcasted on Facebook and Instagram.
For the rest of the hour, you will have the opportunity to respond in prayer, guided by the prayers in our resource pack. Click Here
https://bit.ly/2LcA1mR

If you don't have a Facebook or Instagram account, you can still join us!

Go to www.facebook.com/christianunionsireland or www.cui.ie at the start of each hour.

The day will end with a time of corporate prayer via Zoom, from 6pm - 8pm.
THE LINK FOR ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86058911158
MEETING ID: 860-5891-1158

Dominic Smart
Dominic Smart sadly died last week after being diagnosed with cancer. Many of you will remember him speaking at the Keswick Convention in Portstewart. Below is an interview that he gave 11 months ago about living with cancer. It is not an easy watch but Dominic speaks clearly about his faith for about 20 minutes.

Irresistible Church
The Irresistible Church Podcast, discussing digital evangelism and how to utilise digital media to connect people to the church!
Click here to watch: https://player.lightcast.com/yYjN4AjM?fbcli

Isolated World/Connected Church
Another episode of UCB’s podcast. This time Helen and Vicky chat with John and Debby Wright to look at how we can worship and connect with God in lockdown.
https://player.lightcast.com/ygDO3AjM

UCB Encouraging Message
Do you feel like you've wandered away from God? This encouraging message by Charles Stanley is a reminder that no matter how far lost you feel, God is always ready to invite you home.
Click here to watch: https://player.lightcast.com/yMjMygjN

Nancy Guthrie - He Upholds The Universe
Discussion with Nancy Guthrie about a Bible passage she frequently visits for encouragement: “He upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3). We also discuss her new and upcoming book “Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus.” Nancy is the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition, and she teaches the Bible through numerous Bible study books, at her home church—Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee—as well as at conferences around the country and internationally.

Jigsaw
I think the Jigsaw is getting out of hand and way too competitive. If you are enjoying the puzzle and you get a time of over 5 minutes please continue to enjoy and take your time. If you enjoy the thrill of competition yesterday’s times are as follows.
0.42 Jenna
0.44 Jason
2.28 Julie
I think we will ramp up the difficultly a little today, in preparation for Friday! So 35 pieces instead of 20, if you manage sub 1 minute today, I want to see proof of your time. 😁

"Portstewart At Night"
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=31cf0c63ed82

Where Is It?
The “Where Is It?” Yesterday was Portstewart Town Hall.
It is a very distinctive font that is used for the sign.

I also went back and took a better picture of the Play Area building from the day before.

I’ve been trying to find different places for “Where Is It?” Within the restrictions of being able to walk to the place. Here is another one which you may not have seen before. Where is it?

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Wednesday 6th May 2020

5/5/2020

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Tides
Today in Tides we tackle the difficult area of death and ask the question - “Where is God in the midst of this?”.
Jane Nelson tells us -

God’s answer to sickness and sin and death is Jesus.

The Gettys released that wonderful new hymn just before Easter, “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death”, which we will have to learn to sing when we are released from lockdown.
I have begun planning a Burnside At Home service dealing with death and life that hopefully we will get to in the next few weeks.

His Love
A Poem sent by Rea Houston from her Friendship Book Reading from Friday 1st May.

His love is like a gentle breeze,
That brushes my cheek and travels with ease.
His love is like the open sea
So wide and deep and flowing free.
His love is like the prettiest flower
That brings such joy in a dismal hour,
His love is like the sun’s warm rays,
Brightening even the saddest of days.
His love is like a crystal stream
That sparkles with the sunshine’s gleam.
His love is like a warm embrace
Making our troubles fade without trace.
He loves us with a love so true
That we can’t help but love him too.
Amanda-Jayne Lane

A Silent Praying Presence in Hospitals
Christian doctors and nurses have described how their faith has helped them through the fear, anxiety, and physical toil of working on the NHS frontline during the coronavirus crisis. Many have prayed, and asked for prayers, for patients’ healing and for staff to cope with the challenges. Here is an article in The Church Times.
https://bit.ly/3bX6Q32

Struggling With Doubt?
Have you ever felt yourself struggling with doubt? Gideon did too. In this episode of Bible Biogs, David and Mike look at how the story of Gideon teaches us how to trust that God is in control. Click below to listen now! (On Sunday we will be looking together at professional doubter Thomas)
player.lightcast.com/ycTOwIzM

Isolated World/Connected Church
Another episode of UCB’s podcast. This time Vicky & Helen chat with Tim and Rachel Hughes, Lead Pastors of Gas Street Church in Birmingham, about how the lockdown could be a catalyst to turn a nation back to Jesus!
https://bit.ly/3frWuum

Corrie Ten Boom
This is a fascinating video of a lady giving a talk that Corrie Ten Boom once gave. She travels widely telling others the story of Corrie Ten Boom and tries to recreate how Corrie looked, acted and sounded at age 85.

This second video is an actual audio recording of Corrie Ten Boom speaking on How To Forgive

These Three Remain
Our Message in this Moment – listen to the latest episode of #TheseThreeRemain podcast with @RickHillNI in conversation with
Revs Norman Cameron,
Frank Sellar
and Lesley-Ann Wilson.

Podcast Here

Jigsaw

I hope you enjoyed the Jigsaw again yesterday,
0:58 is the fastest time. Well done Jason.

We will have to build up to a more difficult one on Friday.
0:58
1:09
1:51
2:15
2:34
3:16

How about a new Jigsaw puzzle for today?
A bit too much sky and different shaped pieces.

https://bit.ly/3dolIYL

There is quite a bit of Jigsaw competition in various homes. I believe whatever times I am sent, but in some homes you have to provide proof of any claims you make.

Well Done Jenna (yesterday) 0:56

Well Done Jason (today) 0:58

I think if you are going to challenge the Craigs you will have to “prove” your time in future.

Where Is It?
Perhaps the Where Is It was too difficult yesterday as no one guessed correctly.
It was of course the roof of the building in the Children’s Play area in the Crescent. I forgot to take a complete picture of the building so you will have to use your imagination or squint into the distance in this photo. Select the photo to make it larger.

Now for today’s Where Is It? Perhaps this is a little easier - where would you see the word Portstewart in this distinctive font?

A LONGER ARTICE ABOUT “FIVE THINGS TO PRAY”

Praying is the Most Practical Thing You Can Do
An article about prayer by Rachel Jones - Author of Five Things To Pray

The irony of life in lockdown is that it’s precisely when the needs are at their greatest that we feel the least able to help.
The needs nationally are obvious and overwhelming. Yet those of us who aren’t key workers, medics or politicians feel powerless to help. We’re stuck at home, cleaning and baking while Rome burns. The solutions are out of our hands. All we can do is keep washing ours.
And the needs in your personal circle may feel just as overwhelming, and just as impossible to meet: exhausted parents you’re not able to watch the kids for, grieving friends you’re not allowed to hug, lonely people you can’t welcome into your home. Your heart goes out to your struggling friends, but you have to stay in.
For those of us who pride ourselves on being one of life’s “do-ers”, this crisis has been a humbling experience. We’ve been sent to the bench to watch the match, when what we really want to get back on the pitch. We feel so… useless. It’s incredibly humbling.

And yet in God’s economy, humble people are the most useful people to him. Because it’s humble people who are in the position to do the most practical, most powerful thing possible right now: pray.
We might be confined to our houses—“but God’s word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2 v 9).
We might have had our freedoms curtailed—but our Father “will do all that [he] pleases” (Isaiah 46 v 10).
Our little worlds might have stopped turning—but the Son is still “sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1 v 3).

In God’s economy, humble people are the most useful people

Throughout Scripture, God promises to work in response to the prayers of his people. And it’s driven by this conviction that TGBC are publishing
Five Things To Pray In A Global Crisis https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/5-things-to-pray-in-a-global-crisis
Like the other books in the 5 Things to Pray series, it works through 21 different prayer themes, taking a passage of Scripture and turning that into five short prayer prompts for each person or area of concern.
This little guide will help you to pray for your own heart, asking God to help you in the midst of your fear, loneliness, uncertainty and frustration.
It will help you to pray for loved ones—whether they’re sick or vulnerable, under your roof or far away.
It will help you to pray for those on the front line of fighting this virus: our government, healthcare system and key workers.
And it will help you to pray for your church family and your community during this unique season, as we ask God to do what only he can—to work through this crisis to grow his kingdom and bring glory to the Lord Jesus.
Can you imagine what God might do in your church, your community and your nation, if you spent the next three weeks earnestly asking him to be at work? And then consider that he is the one “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 3 v 21)!
You’re not powerless to help in the face of this pandemic. Well actually, you are. That’s part of the point. But you have the ear of the One who is not, and you’re invited to come to him in prayer.

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Tuesday 5th May 2020

5/5/2020

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Word For Today
Many of you enjoy Word For Today. You can read it online.
Have you been having trouble sleeping since the lockdown changed up your routine? Read some wise words from today's Word For Today about what to do when you can't sleep.
https://ucb.co.uk/word-for-today

The Blessing
You may well have seen this already but this is a video of 65 people from churches across the UK, remotely singing the words of the Aaronic Blessing over the nation at this time..
Our buildings may be closed But the church is alive! Well worth a listen.

This is the American version

The South African Version

Good Book Company
Robin Fairbairn from the Good Book Company writes the following -
As part of the way we are seeking to support churches during the lockdown, we are offering a free digital copy (PDF) of the May daily readings from Explore. We thought this might be another helpful way of keeping your congregation connected and walking together as believers during this difficult lockdown experience.
Just ask your church members to click the link below and enter their email address, and they will be sent the PDF automatically from our system. The PDF has links to the online Facebook forum where Explore readers can ask questions, share encouragements and requests for prayer.
https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/explore-may-2020
We hope that you are able to broadcast this offer and the link in your weekly bulletins to church members this weekend, and also perhaps to announce it during any live-streamed worship meetings you may be running.

NI church leaders - too early for collective worship
The leaders of Northern Ireland's four main Christian churches have said now is not the right time for a return to collective worship.
The heads of the Church of Ireland, Methodist Church, Catholic and Presbyterian Churches discussed the issue at a video conference on Friday.
https://bbc.in/2YCeE6u

Isolated World / Connected Church
UCB have produced a new podcast 'Isolated World / Connected Church' yet?! In this episode, we join Nicky Gumbel to ask the question: how has lockdown changed the way we are doing discipleship in church?
https://bit.ly/3fgyqdx

Christian Persecution
This article by the Christian Institute examines how Christians in other countries are being blamed for the Coronavirus.
COVID-19: Countries urged not to target Christians
https://bit.ly/2KQXLgi

Portbraddon “Church”
Many of you will have visited St. Gobbins church in Portbraddon before it was demolished. It was often referred to as the smallest church in Ireland. The man who built the church, The Rev John McConnell Auld from Holywood, known as Conn, passed away peacefully in the Ulster Hospital on Tuesday of last week at the age of 90
You can read more in the Belfast Telegraph article (You may need to register with the website to read all the article)
https://bit.ly/3dhDzk4

Jigsaw
It seems that lots of you enjoyed the Jigsaw puzzle. (Some of you seemed to have enjoyed it a bit too much)
Best time submitted for the jigsaw so far is the outstanding 56 seconds (Unbelievable!)
Below are some of the times submitted so that you can see where you fit on the leader board - I’ll not mention all the names. (It is the taking part that counts)
0:56 - Jenna
1:45
1:54
2:15
2:34
2:48
5.28
7:15
9:36
How about another puzzle for today?
Send in your times again.

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3995f1a6d939

People Turning To Prayer
British public turn to prayer as one in four tune in to religious services. A quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service since the coronavirus lockdown began, and one in 20 have started praying during the crisis, according to a new survey. Read the Guardian article.
https://bit.ly/3dnnp8T

Free Audio Book
DON'T GIVE UP
It is a new month and Christian Audio are offering the free book of the month.
Don’t Give Up - The parent with the wayward child. The couple whose marriage is in jeopardy. The man who is out of work. The woman stuck in crushing debt. The patient with a bad diagnosis. The student who can't get a fair shake. People hanging by a thread, losing faith and short on strength. What do they all need to hear? Don't give up. Our lives are minefields of challenges that take their toll on our courage, our conviction, and even our faith. But God whispers to the weary, Don't give up. Drawing from inspiring biblical stories and first-person testimonies of perseverance, bestselling author and pastor Kyle Idleman encourages readers to cast their concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience and strength, and seek out support in the family of God.
https://bit.ly/2Wlgl5B

Where Is It?
Well done to everyone who knew that yesterday the photo was St. Patrick’s Well at the head of the Strand.

Where is it today?

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Monday 4th May 2020

4/5/2020

1 Comment

Tides
As we move towards Pentecost Sunday (31st May 2020) this week in tides we are finding out about the impact that the Holy Spirit makes in the life of a believer. There is a song to listen to, which declares that we welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, built around a gentle tune, but we must also be aware that although the Spirit is as gentle as a dove, sometimes He rushes into our lives with great unexpected power, like he did among the disciples at Pentecost.
As Jane Nelson writes this week in Tides

The Holy Spirit is present in the lives of all believers, giving us courage and boldness to share the good news of the gospel in ways which connect with the people and cultures of our day.

We can’t do this in our own strength, but only through the enabling power of God’s Holy Spirit at work in our lives transforming us from frightened, fearful and forlorn people into faithful, confident and courageous followers of Jesus.

Today let us look to the Holy SPirit and ask him to transform us from frightened, fearful and forlorn people into faithful, confident and courageous followers of Jesus.

Hymn Story
Wilma shares the following “Hymn Story”, perhaps you have a “Hymn Story” to share.

In life, sometimes, on hearing a hymn we are reminded of a certain situation or person. When I listened to Martin Luther's great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress” in the Virtual Prayer Room I was reminded of my nurse tutor Lilias Dodds. In 1972 I visited her in a Bangor hospital in her final stages of a long and testing illness. She quoted this hymn to me.
Wonderful!

Lilias knew all about THE MIGHTY FORTRESS. She went to China in 1925 as a missionary nurse on behalf of the Irish Presbyterian church. She endured many challenges including interment by the Japanese and in 1949 along with other missionaries, she was forced to flee China when the Communists took control of the country. She knew all about the trusted Shield and Weapon.
Such faith, such courage!

Lilias was an elder in Bangor West church. I attended her funeral service in January 1972. No more fitting words than those of William Walsham’s Hymn could have been sung -

For all the saints who from their lablours rest
Who Thee, by faith, before the world confessed
Thy name, O Jesus,
be forever blessed

To me Lilias Dodds was one of life's saints; not in any pious sense, but in its deepest sense, a friend of God. Her witness greatly influenced my Christian walk and nursing career.
Wilma

Moderator’s Online Service
Rev Dr William Henry leads Sunday’s online service, continuing his series in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk.

Puzzle Time
Why not try out this Jigsaw puzzle? It is possible to complete it on a mobile phone but you might find it easier on the larger screen of Laptop, Desktop or Tablet. When completed you will be told how long it took. Send in your times if you would like a little competition. Click the circular arrows near the bottom left to begin.
Jigsaw Planet - Burnside Sunset

LightHouse
Colin Jenkins who is the Port missionary in Cork with the Christian Seamens Friend Society shares the following image with us about a lighthouse on the Isle of Wight. Click the picture to enlarge.

Lockdown Restrictions
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar published a detailed plan for the easing of Lockdown restrictions. These obviously do not apply to Northern Ireland but they may provide some insight into what our Government will publish. You can read the road map here.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0501/1136167-road-map-details/

Lockdown
I’m not sure what day of Lockdown it is, but it is all getting a bit much ...

Around Portstewart
I have been told on more than one occasion while out walking taht I should be walking to the Barmouth, so Sunday was the day. It was beautiful with blue skies and blue sea and hard sand.