Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
  • Home
  • Latest Blog
  • Services
  • Sermons
  • Find Us
  • Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Prayer Room
  • Photos
  • Activities
  • Why Jesus
  • Trypraying
  • Blog BSTB

Wednesday 1st July 2020

30/6/2020

2 Comments

 
Philippians 3 Part 3
Joy In Knowing Christ
Knowing You - Prom Praise with All Souls Orchestra
Graham Kendrick, Kristyn Getty & Jonathan Veira

Prayer
Each Wednesday the theme of the Blog is prayer. I hope these articles and videos will encourage you as you pray.
Let’s Pray - In this moment
A prayer for restoration of our shattered lives ​
Helper of the helpless,
so much of our lives lie shattered and tattered;
our minds wander through the wreckage of the last few brutal months,
our hearts are heavy through the havoc wrought by suffering,
the deficit of distance is felt in even our closest relationships,
just making ends meet seems to matter more than it has for a long time,
our souls are shredded by the strain and stress of uncertainty.
O, restore us, we plead.
Restore our souls,
LORD our Shepherd.
Restore us, LORD God Almighty, 
make your face shine on us, 
that we may be saved.
Restore our fortunes, LORD, 
like streams in the Negev.
Restore our withered hands,
sightless eyes,
troubled minds,
by today’s touch of the Master,
on the broken body of the church he loves.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation,
and grant a willing spirit to sustain us.
Let us rejoice like Jacob,
and be glad like Israel,
when you restore us as your people.
God of all grace, 
who called us to your eternal glory in Christ, 
after we have suffered this little while, 
restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast.
For Jesus’ sake.
Amen.

Let’s Pray For - Summer refreshment
Pray that we would know God’s refreshment in what will be an unusual summer as interruption to holidays, spending time with others and many of the normal ways in which we find renewal remain.
Pray for congregational life this summer, asking that we might know God’s renewal after the stresses of the upheavals of the last few months and the efforts required to adjust to new ways of ministry.
Picture

Arthur Parke Prayer Update
Some points for prayer from Arthur in Benin.
  • Several schools and faculties have had end of year celebrations in spite of nearly three months of inactivity. Thank the Lord!  
  • Other groups just petered out. Pray that members will keep in contact and be motivated to start up when the new year begins.
  • Our national camp for schools and universities is planned for the end of July. Are we optimistic?  Also the travel costs for students from the north are prohibitive...Pray all will work out for the best.  
  • July state exams. August results. Pray I will be a good support to the boys with me and a good advisor when the results come.
  • My biggest frustration: several of my 'old boys' are unemployed (including Matthew the blind graduate and his new wife) and continue to make demands. Pray for wisdom how to cope!
Picture

Jigsaw
​
Janice 1:44
Jean 3:11
Derek 4:10
Frances 5:11
Wilfred 5:26

Play the "Dominican College from the other side" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1fbc30b6a046
Picture

Where Is It?
This is the summer seat above the bay at the Edgewater Apartments just before you reach The Strand. The story goes that a digger type vehicle was being driven down the grass bank, (to pick up a washed up seal/porpoise) when the driver lost control and crashed into the summer seat. Quite a bit of the grass bank along the side of the path has also been rearranged.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Where Is It?
Some might say that I am running out of ideas for the Where Is It? You can be the judge of that. Where Is It?
Picture
2 Comments

Tuesday 30th June 2020

29/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Philippians 3 Part 2

Joy In Gaining Christ

Wilma’s Thoughts On Tuesday
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
​Psalm 19 v 1 
Recently I discovered there is a worldwide organisation named "The Cloud Appreciation Society". It was founded in 2005 and has around 50,000 members. It has nothing to do with "tech cloud" but with the marvellous ever changing cloud scenes in our skies from sunrise to sunset. As we all know, clouds appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They add beauty and interest to our skies, appreciated by artists, writers and photographers etc. who are members of this organisation.
Picture
Sometimes we have a negative attitude to clouds, a sign of approaching rain or storm, but in general, we all enjoy the majestic wonders of our cloud filled skies. Truly marvellous! They are an expression of God's glory. There is another type of cloud we speak about, it is the one "hanging over us", we are conscious of it in life's difficulties and problems. Since the end of 2019 a dark cloud has been hanging over us, it appeared first in China. We heard about it in our news bulletins, it was the coronavirus, now known as Coved-19. Initially, it sounded far away. It didn't concern us too much, until we heard the word lockdown. Bells began ringing, this is more serious than we thought! Soon we heard that Covid-19 was making its way westward, country by country, and many were dying of the disease. It was declared a pandemic.

As cases started to occur in our country, we soon found ourselves in lockdown. Restrictions are in the process of being lifted, but the cloud still remains as the thought of a resurgence exists. It is hard to take our minds off this cloud, however we can discover help in the Bible, as we remind ourselves how important a cloud was to the Israelites. On their journey in the wilderness, God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them, Exodus Ch 13 v  21. There was an occasion we read in Exodus ch 14 vs 19,20 when the pillar of cloud went behind them and created darkness. It became a shield to protect them from the pursuing Egyptian enemy. When Moses ascended to meet and speak with God on Mt Sinai, a cloud descended hiding the glory and presence of  God.  

To the Israelites, a cloud became a symbol of God's leading, protection and presence, this presence we will not see until Jesus returns to earth "on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory" Matthew ch 24 v 30

However, we can feel His presence and experience, His guidance and protection. We do not know when this pandemic will end, nor do we know when Jesus will return. He calls us to be ready for that day.

Wilma

Let’s Pray For - Local and global mission
Pray for every day opportunities to share how Christian faith makes a difference, the hope found in Christ and the love of God, asking for increasing openness to the good news in many lives.
Pray for Tearfund and Christian Aid as they seek to support communities most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, asking that God would use their ministry to bring relief to those who need it most.
Picture

Where Is God In A Coronavirus World? (5:43 Min Video)
The world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis and many people are asking: where is God in all of this? In a very topical Short Answers film, Solas Director Andy Bannister explores why Christianity helps us make the most sense of suffering and pain—as well as offering us real, concrete hope in the midst of uncertainty.

Trinity House Garvagh
Residents and staff at Trinity House Care Home, Garvagh ‘have paid back’ some of the many acts of kindness that they have received during the Coronavirus pandemic by organising a 'road trip' - walking and cycling to the Church’s other care homes in Northern Ireland without actually leaving the home. The money raised will go to support the church’s work with dementia and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Read the full article here,
Picture
Picture

Keswick Virtual Convention (1:22 min Video)
Graham Daniels speaks on Hope from the book of Titus at Virtually Keswick Convention on 30 July. Hope is the theme of Virtually Keswick Convention that is being live-streamed between the 27-31 July. You can watch live or catch-up on all the content from this year’s Virtually Keswick Convention here: https://vkc.keswickministries.org/

Jigsaw

Janice 1:53
Lynne 2:49
Jean 4:08
​Eric 5:46
​Wilfred 6:19


Play the "Dominican College" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=10b6bcfd13b0
​
Picture

Where Is It?
Yesterday was the repair work being carried out at the Herring Pond. Here are a few more photos.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Where Is It?
Not just a Where Is It? today but also a What Happened Here? Does anyone know what resulted in a perfectly good summer seat ending up in pieces?
Picture
3 Comments

Monday 29th June 2020

28/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Philippians 3 v 3
Returning to Philippians this week.
Joy from Confidence in Jesus not in the Flesh.

Let’s Pray
The latest prayer guide for this week is available to download
let’s-pray_a4_ttr_28-06-20.pdf
File Size: 408 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Let’s Pray for - The homeless 
Pray for the homeless who have no fixed abode to which to retreat for shelter and safety from coronavirus, asking that God would watch over their lives and help them find help and support.
Pray for those who work with the homeless in these days, asking that God would bless and use their work in providing the basic necessities of shelter, food and love in caring community. ​

Moderator’s Online Service
In today’s weekly service of worship for the whole Presbyterian Church in Ireland family across the country, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce continues his series on Ephesians with ‘An Adopted Church’.

Moderator's Service // Sunday 28 June 2020 from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.


Why Is There Suffering? (5:52 min Video)
When pain, suffering, grief, and loss happen, all of us — whatever we believe (or don't believe) — are forced to ask some tough questions. In this Short Answers film, Solas Director Andy Bannister addresses what the message of Jesus has to say about pain and suffering — and shows that unlike atheism, only Christianity can offer real hope, real answers, and real meaning when suffering strikes.

Under His Wings You Will Find Refuge
Betty Kennedy sent me this photo based on Psalm 91:4
We have absolutely nothing to fear about tomorrow; for God is already there.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Psalms 91:4 (NIV 1984)
Picture

Re-opening Church
It is difficult to know what church will look like when we re-open again.
Picture

Jigsaw
The Friday Jigsaw is always a little bit more difficult so the times take a little bit longer
Janice 28:19
Derek 50:47

The Friday Jigsaw was featured on the Jigsaw website so a couple of thousand people tried it out. The worldwide fastest time was 7:18, And before you ask, I have no idea how you could possibly do it in that time.

​Here is a simpler puzzle for a Monday. Only 40 pieces but those sunset colours are a little tricky.
​

Play the "Portrush Harbour" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=29c2c9d8343c
Picture

Where Is It?
The caravan parks reopened on Friday, and as Edith correctly identified, it is the “Shower and toilet block at Juniper Hill caravan site.”
Picture
Where Is It?
This appeared on Friday, does anyone know where the construction work is taking place?
Picture
3 Comments

Friday 26th June 2020

25/6/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
Beside The Burn
Psalm 1 Part 5
The Choice Of Two Ways
Picture
Frances on Friday
Every Friday Frances shares some thoughts on a hymn.
How grateful we should be for our Emergency Services!
Last Saturday morning from our home we heard the familiar sound of an approaching emergency vehicle as it neared Portstewart. It was in fact the Coastguard en route to the Strand where a paddleboarder was in trouble. At the same time Portrush Lifeboat, together with a smaller craft, were making their way to the incident. Thankfully, all went well.
That afternoon, NI Fire and Rescue Services were assigned to a gorse fire at Ballintoy. Two Fire Appliances made their way to the location as we were travelling in the area.
This is, of course, only a small representation of the work that is carried out day by day, but is an illustration of the vigilance and speed required by the responders. Those on duty must be alert and ready to act, often putting their own lives at risk in the service of others.
We often refer to our situation with the current pandemic as ‘being in a storm’ or we refer to our troubles as ‘the storms of life.’
In Mark Ch 4 we read of Jesus being asleep in a boat when the storm arose on the Lake and His disciples feared for their lives. NIV Bible records that ‘He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’
We have One who is always at our side, ready to assist in any difficulty or emergency we may face. In 1 Peter 5:7 we read, ‘Cast all your worries on Him because He cares for you.’
Our Song today is ‘God will take care of you.’
Frances

Picture

Picture
Interview WIth Moderator (7:33 min Video)
Presbyterian Moderator Dr David Bruce chats about his unique installation experience prior to the Standing Commission of the General Assembly in June 2020 as well as his reaction to COVID-19 and the changes and challenges it has brought to the Church.
This is the first in a short series of video chats with the Moderator.

Moderator in Conversation: Standing Commission 2020 from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.

Picture
Keswick (47 min Audio)
The latest Kes Talk Podcast is out now! This is an Evening Celebration sermon from 1999 by Sri Lankan preacher Ajith Fernando. He introduces us to Jesus’ presence & power from John 9, & applies this to the urgent call God gives to us to serve Him
Go to: https://www.buzzsprout.com/960415/4300058-7-the-light-of-the-world-ajith-fernando-1999
Picture
Picture
Spotify
Many of you will be familiar with the free music service available on the internet called Spotify. The free version is supported by ads and you can pay a monthly subscription to remove the ads. The free version works better on a desktop computer than a mobile device, but it is an incredible resource for Christian Music and church podcasts. There are all sorts of playlists available which others have put together. The blog is not sponsored by Spotify but I have found it a great source of positive Christian, biblically based encouragement during Lockdown.
Check it out here.
https://www.spotify.com/uk/​

Here is a playlist of some great worship songs
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4o5ClNUxxw53jma3rzxonI?si=KQu5zC9DSe2s3ZyaejqIYg
Here is a link to a playlist of Getty Hymns
https://open.spotify.com/user/kqh059m4dt4luu9pqknjiapia/playlist/1v6qWvKil9jmxvFui8EFjy?si=EYssVUvwSuadRO-uSWjBMA
Picture
Picture
Boxing Day
I didn’t realise yesterday, so I’ll tell you today. In six months time it will be Boxing Day! What the world will look like in 6 months, nobody knows, but we serve a God who is Emmanuel, God with us every day of our lives
Picture
Picture

Jigsaw

Janice 3:18
Frances 5:35
Wilfred 7:46
Eric 7:48
Derek 8:12

​A 90 piece challenge for the weekend. This puzzle incorporates the church car-park and the surrounding houses on a beautiful sun setting evening. No rotating pieces but all the houses look the same. Have fun over the weekend.


Play the "Overhead" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=275fc08208eb
Picture
Picture
Where Is It?
This is the storage container used by the RNLI Lifeguards, that sits on the beach just behind Harry’s Shack. I’ll try and get a photo over the weekend and show you next week.
Picture
Where Is It?
​So where is this?
Picture
Picture
YNWA
Picture
1 Comment

Thursday 25th June 2020

24/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Psalm 1 Part 4 
Blow away the chaff

Listening to the Lord in Lockdown
Joe Campbell, an elder in First Holywood congregation, reflects on what he is learning about listening to the Lord in #lockdown,  including a list of six things of which we can be mindful during a #pandemic
Read the article here.

https://bit.ly/3ebHDmL
Picture

SAT-7 (15 minute Video)
Rita El-Mounayer, Chief Executive Officer of SAT-7 was due to be the keynote speaker at the 'Faith & Freedom in the Middle East' conference in April. In this video she speaks about the work of SAT-7 which is a PCI mission partner and broadcasts Christian programmes by Satellite Television in the the Middle East and North Africa. It broadcasts in Arabic, Turkish and Farsi to the 500 million people of the region, enabling the Church in the region – isolated, often small and facing many restrictions – to make known the love of Christ, to teach and encourage believers, and share a positive Christian vision for life and society.
Picture

Rita Elmounayer SAT7 video for PCI from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.


Farming Blog
In the latest PCI Farming Life blog Rev Trevor Boyd writes of times when we have been between ‘two worlds’. A time when farmers were moving from hay to silage, for example, and how for all of us today we are currently between a pre-Covid and post-Covid world.
https://bit.ly/3dkMZdV
Picture

Peter & Anna Crawford (4 minute Video)
A quick update as they prepare to travel to Greece
Praying for Peter & Anna :
- Thanks for financial and prayer support
- Guidance as we walk into this next season of our lives.
- Help in all the bureaucratic processes to do with entering a new country
- Finding the right house to rent in the right area of Athens
- Sale of our car in Portugal​

https://vimeo.com/431282702/f6e0d4ecc3

Hit Pause
Anne sent me this quote from her bible reading notes which contains good advice about prayer which also extends into all of our lives.
When we pray, we can learn to pause more and listen to the Spirit’s voice if we are to participate in His life and purposes. An unknown poet wrote:

In every life there’s a pause,
That is better than onward rush.
Better than hewing or the mightiest doing,
‘It’s the standing still at sovereign will.

The radiance on Moses’ face did not result from a few hurried moments spent in the Divine presence. It was the outcome of being in God’s presence for 40 days. (Exodus 34)

He’s Not Heavy...
On Monday I showed you how to weigh a Koala.
Wilma sent me this verse.

“You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.“

Daniel 5:27 (NIV)
Picture

Facemasks
Yesterday we rode the bikes over to Portrush and picked up some facemasks which are being sold to support the RNLI. £5 each and available from Lena Rose Florists in Portrush. Lots of designs available.
Picture
Picture
Picture

Jigsaw

The top of the leaderboard is getting tight!
Janice 3:36
Jean 3:37
Lynne 5:17
Frances 5:25
​

Play the "Arcadia Portrush" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=103acecd30d3
Picture

Where Is It?
The flower pot was of course on the Promenade, perhaps a little too easy yesterday.
Picture
Where Is It?
A slight twist today, not just Where Is It? But Where Is It Going To Be? I spotted this item on transit yesterday, so do you know what it is and where it is going? 
Picture
3 Comments
<<Previous

    General News

    Latest News!

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    May 2018
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories

    All
    BMI
    Books
    Christian Aid
    Community
    New Horizon
    PCI
    Prayer
    SU
    Websites

    RSS Feed

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105542)
Picture