Blog Archives

Friday 8th May 2020

7/5/2020

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?

1 Comment

Wednesday 6th May 2020

5/5/2020

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

Tuesday 5th May 2020

5/5/2020

0 Comments

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?

0 Comments

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.