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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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
​
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Where Is It?
Yesterday was the repair work being carried out at the Herring Pond. Here are a few more photos.
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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?
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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

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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)
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Re-opening Church
It is difficult to know what church will look like when we re-open again.
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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
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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.”
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Where Is It?
This appeared on Friday, does anyone know where the construction work is taking place?
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3 Comments

Friday 26th June 2020

25/6/2020

1 Comment

 
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Beside The Burn
Psalm 1 Part 5
The Choice Of Two Ways
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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

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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.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Where Is It?
​So where is this?
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YNWA
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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.
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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
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Where Is It?
The flower pot was of course on the Promenade, perhaps a little too easy yesterday.
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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? 
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3 Comments

Wednesday 24th June 2020

23/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Psalm 1 Part 3 
Blessing like a tree that is flourishing
Psalm 1
Ian White’s version of Psalm 1

Wednesday Prayer
The Theme on the blog every Wednesday is prayer, many of the articles and videos will help guide our prayers today.

These Three Remain Podcast (30 Minutes)
I cannot recommend this episode of the PCI Podcast highly enough. If you would like an insight into the behind the scenes support that PCI offers Global Mission workers, and you would like to hear from James Cochrane (Portugal) and Peter Lockwood (Nepal) then listen to this Podcast hosted by Rick Hill. You an use podcast software on your phone to subscribe (free) or you can follow the link and listen to this episode.

PCI Global Mission (4 minute Video)
Rev Uel Mars, Secretary to the Council for Global Mission, gives a brief update on the #globalmission work of PCI and its partners at this time #lifeinpci
​Watch the video at the link below.

https://vimeo.com/430445198/c7cd71ee6c

European Missionary Fellowship (8 minute Video)
Many of you will remember Phil Dunn from his frequent visits to Burnside. In this video Phil shares the needs of EMF in Northern Ireland, requesting prayer and financial support. Like churches and other missionary organisations EMF have seen their income drop dramatically since lockdown. This video will show you ways that you can support EMF.

European Mission Fellowship: An Appeal for Support in Northern Ireland. from European Mission Fellowship on Vimeo.


Walk And Pray
Evangelical Alliance have produced a great resource which you can use to pray for your local community while out walking.
walk-and-pray-resource.pdf
File Size: 189 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Let’s Pray
Each week Let’s Pray provides us with a prayer, this week a prayer for creativity as normal gives way to new.
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Creator God,
you have made all things out of nothing;
out of emptiness and darkness,
fashioned every form of life,
and birthed light for each new day.
In this moment –
the ways we have always done things
seem inadequate and redundant;
we know things have to be different,
but our well-worn routines shackle our thinking;
our range of vision for alternatives
is limited by our struggle to imagine other possibilities. Help us in this twilight zone,
between what was and what is to come.
Give us a sense of your presence with us in the storm, speaking to us above howling wind and tossing wave, calling us to take courage,
not to fear,
inviting us to take those first faltering steps,
in answer to your call out of the familiar,
to exercise fresh faith in you.
Draw our eyes to Jesus,
and fix them there.
Reach out your hand and catch us,
in those times when our faith shrinks,
and our doubts grow.
Expand our thinking,
enlarge our courage,
enable wise choices,
extend your grace,
engage us heart, mind and soul,
equip us for what lies ahead.
For you are making all things new,
and we want to be renewed as your people,
after the image of Christ.
In whose name we pray.
Amen

National Prayer Breakfast
There’s no doubt that as a nation we’re facing tremendously challenging times – perhaps the most critical in our history since the Second World War. As Christians, praying with and for our nation and political leaders is vital. ​
‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ 
1 Timothy 2.1–2 (ESV)
This year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday 30 June will be held online. For the first time ever, everyone is welcome to attend. You can join MPs and Peers as well as Ambassadors and church leaders as they pray and speak on the theme of ‘Hope and peace in a time of fear and suffering’.
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Dublin City Mission
The latest prayer letter and update from the Dublin City Mission.
dublin_mission_spring_2020_dcm_spotlight.pdf
File Size: 1287 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Hairdressers
Isn’t it great that we have a date for hairdressers to reopen?
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Jigsaw

Times for yesterday.
Janice 3:15
​Lynne 4:15

William 4:27
Frances 4:59
Wilfred 5:49

Today is Jigsaw number 40. How many of them have you attempted? To celebrate we return to the first puzzle but it was only 24 pieces so today you can try it again with 40 pieces.

Play the "Burnside Sunset" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3902aac3e9e5
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Where Is It?
As William correctly identified yesterday, “The roof of the toilet block at the entrance to the strand looking from the road.”
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Where Is It?
So where would you find this flower pot.
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3 Comments

Tuesday 23rd June 2020

22/6/2020

4 Comments

 
Beside The Burn - Psalm 1
Part 2 Blessing comes when we delight in God’s Word.
Other Bible Meditations can be found here.

Wilma’s Thoughts On Tuesday
Every Tuesday Wilma shares some thoughts with us.
" Thus far has the Lord helped us "  1st Samuel ch 7 v 12​

Recently memorials and statues have been in our news bulletins and have caused much controversy. This topic directed my thoughts to a non-controversial memorial. It is the American Monument on the Oa Peninsula in the island of Islay, and can be seen from our coastline on a clear day.
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It is a memorial erected by the American Red Cross to those lost in two shipping disasters during the first world war. In 1918 the ship Tuscania was carrying American soldiers when it was torpedoed by German U-boats close to the Oa peninsula, around 260 lives were lost. The other ship, the Otranto was carrying American troops to Glasgow when it collided with another vessel in a fierce storm off the west coast of Islay, 400 lives were lost.
A few years ago the Royal Ramblers were on an island hopping trip to walk on several Scottish islands, Arran, Gigha, Islay and Jura. When on Islay, one sunny evening we decided to walk to the American monument. There was a clear blue sky and only a few light clouds. We had superb views of Rathlin Island, the North Antrim Coast and the hills of Donegal. We were well on our way to the monument when suddenly we saw a very dark ominous cloud approaching, then a squall followed by a cloudburst. Two of us decided to press on with great speed to achieve our aim of reaching the monument, and we did so. We had no wet weather gear on us so got drenched! The others found shelter behind a large rock.
In recalling this walk I was reminded of verses in Philippians ch 3 about pressing on towards the goal. Paul writes in v 13 and 14 "forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus"  Paul is not thinking about any earthly prize. His ultimate aspiration is not found in this life but in the the award of everlasting glory in heaven where Christ dwells. 
According to Hebrews ch 12 v 1 and 2 we are called  "to run with perseverance the race marked out for us" and to “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus".
During lockdown life has not been easy, and for many dark clouds and storms have occured, bringing added difficulties and suffering. On our evening walk a rainbow appeared in the sky, a reminder of God's covenant promise and a symbol of hope, it has appeared on many windows and doors during lockdown. In Christ alone our hope is found!
Memorials are mentioned in the Old Testament, one such is recorded in Joshua ch 4. God asked Joshua to set up 12 stones taken from the river Jordan as a memorial to the miraculous crossing of the river by the Israelites. They represented the 12 tribes and were placed at Gilgal, so that future generations would know that "the hand of the Lord is powerful". In Samuel ch 7 v 12 we read about another memorial. It was a stone placed by Samuel between Mizpah and Shen after the defeat of the Philistines by the Israelites. He named it Ebenezer which means "stone of help" saying "thus far has the Lord helped us". After lockdown may we all be able to make this statement.
Wilma

Malawi
#LetsPray for the people of Malawi as they re-run presidential elections today, asking God that the election process be conducted fairly and peacefully, with people being disciplined in social-distancing so as to minimise the spread of #COVID19 
BBC News Report here.
Malawi
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Wind rush Generation
To mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival in Britain of Empire Windrush, (2 years ago) Dr R. David Muir, senior lecturer in Public Theology and Community Engagement, University of Roehampton, talked immigration scandal, overcoming prejudice, the next generation, and hope for an even brighter future with Evangelical Alliance
Read the interview here 
https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/caribbean-communities-contribution-to-the-uk?utm_source=twitter
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John Wesley
Mitch from Crown Jesus posted this quote
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.’‬
‪John Wesley‬
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Stand In Faith (25 minute Video)
Has lockdown made it feel like your whole world is turning upside down and you just need to DO SOMETHING? 
It might feel odd, but sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply stand on God's Word. Watch Pastor Phil Pringle's inspiring message:
https://player.lightcast.com/yYTNykDM
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Gideon (25 minute Audio)
The loss of time with loved ones, the cancelled plans... have you found yourself doubting God's love for you with all the chaos happening this year? In this episode of Bible Biogs, we look at the story of Gideon. How was his faith unbelievably tested?
https://player.lightcast.com/ycTOwIzM
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New Homeschool Resource Available
Lion Storyteller Bible author Bob Hartman tells the story of Jesus’ special friends – the first disciples (Luke 5.1–11). Watch the video and download the accompanying resources, suitable for children aged 5–11. 
explore-the-bible/homeschool
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Happy Anniversary
Happy Wedding Anniversary to Davis & Margaret Clarke who celebrated 56 years together on Monday (22nd June 2020)
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Have You Ever Wondered ...
How you would weigh a Koala?
(Sometimes I find things that have no relevance to anything but just have to be shared.)

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Jigsaw
​

Times for yesterday
Janice 3:05
Frances 3:36
Derek 4:07
Wilfred 5:06

Try today’s puzzle.
​
Play the "Promenade Fishing" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0cf0292c49ca
​
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Where Is It?
Yesterday was the little jetty at the Salmon House where people like to catch crabs, Eddie refers to it as The Berrins.
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Where Is It?
So Where Is It? Today?
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4 Comments

Monday 22nd June 2020

21/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Psalm 1 
This week we pause Philippians and turn to Psalm 1 and find out - How to be blessed by the Lord.

Reopening Of Churches
We have now been out of the church building for just over a quarter of the year, (14 Sundays) and the Government has announced that worship services can provisionally start to take place again from Monday 29th June 2020. This date will not be confirmed until Thursday Of this week, when guidance will hopefully be given about the restrictions That will be placed on these services. It is safe to say that although Church Buildings will be allowed to reopen, the worship experience will not be like anything we have been used to before lockdown. Kirk Session and Committee are examining the current guidelines  and any new ones when they are issued and we will let you know what our plans are as soon as we can. There are also lots of requirements from PCI That must be met to insure that churches are as safe as possible when they reopen. We are also gauging the level of interest in attending church services and at present most people seem to feel that 5th July is too soon. We also recognise that many of you are shielding until at least the end of July, so Burnside At Home will continue over the Summer for those who are not yet ready to meet on a Sunday, and we will keep you up to date as plans are made. We aim to proceed safely and cautiously, and would value your constant prayers. Coming out of Lockdown could well be much more difficult than going in.
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The Blog
I’ve been talking to many of you about the Burnside Blog and I am surprised by how much it has become part of our daily routines and I thank you for welcoming me into your lives in this way. From my perspective the blog sort of happened by accident but of course God had a plan in bringing it into existence. The Blog is here to provide some hope in place of the despair that is all around us during Covid-19. I am making a few small changes this week to hopefully increase the usefulness of the Blog. Where possible I am going to give a guide to how long a video or a podcast lasts, and I will try and write descriptions which explain why a particular article may be relevant to our lives. Some of the articles are picked because they have some local point of interest. For example Keswick features because of the Keswick at Portstewart Convention, Evangelical Alliance features because of the local connection with Peter Lynas, New Horizon is also local and of course we are all connected to PCI.
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Sunday Service
The Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Bruce @PCIModerator continues his series on Ephesians with ‘A Chosen Church’. 
Watch here:

Moderator’s Service // Sunday 21 June from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.


Let’s Pray
The latest prayer guide is now available for the incoming week, download it here.
let’s-pray_a4_ttr_21-06-20.pdf
File Size: 410 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Forever Jesus
You may have heard this song on the Getty family hymn sing this week, written by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend and Matt Papa Forever Jesus.​

Stuart Townend, co-author of "Forever Jesus", writes: 
"Little did we know, when we were crafting the last verse of this new hymn, how relevant the lyric would be to the times we are living in:

'My final breath shall be forever Jesus
When shadows lengthen before my eyes;
My Lord and Friend, companion through the valley
When dearest ones are left behind,
His hand will lead me to the light.'

Not only are so many of us facing the prospect of battling this awful virus that has claimed so many lives already. But loved ones, relatives and friends are literally having to "be left behind" as the ill are taken into hospital, because of the dangers of passing on the virus. How important, then, to be reminded that Christ is there to 'lead us to the light' - whether that is the light of eventual recovery, or (and this is the reality) the light of His eternal presence.

Perhaps we are not keen to be reminded of the awfulness of the times in which we live in a song! But to know that we are completely held in His loving arms, and guided by His all-powerful hand, is so vital for every single one of us right now."

QUIZ: Fathers in the Bible
Sunday was Father’s Day, Fathers in the Bible are sometimes fantastic role models – but sometimes not so much. Can you identify these biblical fathers and their children? 
​

.Quiz biblesociety.org.uk
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Weekend
The Sea Mist finally lifted and Saturday was a glorious day before the rain and wind returned on Sunday, here are a few photos from Saturday. I know if you live in Portstewart these are familiar but there are lots of our holiday visitors who are missing Portstewart at the moment.
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Jigsaw​

Congratulations to everyone who completed the Jigsaw, it would seem that no one wasted their time with the rotating pieces, so these are all for non-rotating.
Lynne 12:13
Jean 14:24
Janice 14:25
Frances 18:39
Derek 27.36

The puzzle for today then has no rotating pieces and a lovely view from Saturday.
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Play the "Portstewart" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=13a6260af8b2

Where Is It?
On Friday the Where Is It? was the Lost & Found Cafe, Berne Road, during the installation of its new outdoor canopy, which is now complete.
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Where Is It?
This place has cropped up a few times in the answers to other Where Is It?
​So Where Is It?
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3 Comments

Friday 19th June 2020

18/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Philippians 2 Part 5
Joy When We Honour God’s Servants

Frances on Friday
Each Friday Frances shares a hymn with us.
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Last week I referred to the Burnside Church Website where we have the opportunity to watch Sunday Services online and also keep up to date with current events during the week. It’s lovely to have friends contributing, and frequently we see those who are now living at a distance. The wonders of modern technology!  
As you may be aware, we are usually presented with two challenges each day, a Jigsaw and a ‘Where is it?’  The Jigsaw actually tests us in two ways…. the ability to complete it (especially when the pieces may have to be rotated) and also the length of time taken.
Based on thoughts I had about a Jigsaw being made up of many parts but eventually becoming one complete item, I widened this idea and wondered where we find similar examples of parts making up the whole.
Illustrations which came to mind were: The Books of the Bible, a Choir of singers, a Congregation of worshippers.
In 1st Corinthians Ch 12 we read of the body being a unit. Verse 27 states: ‘Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.’  As individuals, God has given us particular talents. Let’s use them in His Service .
The Song I have chosen introduces four singers….. but, that’s not quite correct, is it?  It’s all about the technology I mentioned at the start! But we will listen to a Lead, a Bass, a Tenor and an Alto as they sing (or more correctly, he sings) ‘Praise the Lord.’
Frances



Lessons From Lockdown
An interesting and inspiring article:
Andrew Faulkner, minister of Sloan Street congregation in Lisburn, reflects on what they are learning in lockdown about the centrality of worship and fellowship. Read the short article here.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/June-2020/Lessons-we-are-learning-about-the-centrality-of-wo.aspx
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Five Ways Some Senior Adult Churches Became Younger
Take a moment to read and pray about these issues.
This is an article that suggests 5 steps church members can take to encourage younger families to be part of a fellowship. They are practical steps that any of us can be involved with. You can read the article at the link below, and the full text is at the bottom of today’s blog.
https://factsandtrends.net/2017/09/28/five-ways-senior-adult-churches-became-younger/
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Social Distancing 
It would appear that the seagulls know how to social distance.
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Jigsaw
Yesterday’s times
​Jean 6:17

Janice 6:21
Derek 11:01
Eric 11:39
Lynne 11:43

Today’s Jigsaw is a bigger one for the weekend, of the big wheel, from last summer, in Portstewart.
The Portrush Wheel was erected this week, which you can see in the distance in the photo immediately after the 2 Jigsaw.

I’ve provided two options, so take your pick.

This one Is 80 pieces which ironically don’t rotate

Play the "Portstewart Wheel" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=06c32610f597

This one is 80 pieces which do rotate. (Unlike the wheel)
Play the "Portstewart Wheel Rotating Pieces" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=29d50dcc2562

​Same picture for both

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Where Is It?
Not much to work with on the Where Is It? yesterday.
But the first one was the Dominican College from the Promenade.
The second picture was Mussenden Temple looking across Portstewart Strand.
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Where Is It?
Where is this construction work taking place?
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3 Comments

Thursday 18th June 2020

17/6/2020

3 Comments

 
Philippians 2 Part 4
​Joy when we keep serving.

Virtually Keswick (1 minute video)
Andy Prime will be speaking about Hope, from 1 Peter, at Virtually Keswick Convention (27-31 July) Check out this welcome video from him!

Church Survey
Changing church is a new report based on a survey of nearly 900 churches and organisations and makes clear that they have changed how they operate while maintaining their core mission and vision. Throughout lockdown and the wider challenges, the church has shown great agility and creativity. Read the article by Evangelical Alliance. 
https://www.eauk.org/resources/what-we-offer/reports/changing-church?utm_source=twitter
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Let’s Pray
Let’s Pray for the necessary perseverance to continue on the path set before us by the unexpected and unchosen circumstances of pandemic and #lockdown asking God for strength, patience and resilience.
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New Horizon
Don't forget to get your FREE 2019 downloads by the 30th June!
A gift from the New Horizon Team to help you over the lock down.
May the Lord bless, comfort and strengthen you. Listen to all the talks and seminars from New Horizon last year.
https://buff.ly/3eZVmxx
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Hairdressing
I don’t know how you are getting on without the help of a hairdresser during lockdown. Dougal managed to get an appointment at the groomers this week, unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to join him.
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Jigsaw ​
Lots of times for yesterday.
Janice 3:51
Jean 4:38
Frances 4.43
Wilfred 7:15
Derek 7:51

A nice easy one for today, only 35 pieces, and it is another view from the Church Tower, but I have rotated some of the pieces.

Play the "View From The Church Tower 2" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1f1e3faebccd

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Where Is It?
A few good guesses yesterday but the rock in question is located halfway along the promenade, you can see the face on the Western side of the rock even when you are standing on the footpath
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Where Is It?
For a third day in a row, Portstewart has basked in the beautiful Sea Mist, so for a bit of fun Where Is It? What well known Portstewart Landmark are you looking at? Photo taken on Wednesday.
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Where Is It?
​As a little extra perhaps this Where Is It? is easier. What well known landmark can you not see on top of the cliff in the distance of this photograph.
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3 Comments
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