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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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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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