Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Wednesday 16th June 2021

16/6/2021

3 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week we investigate some Encounters with Jesus from Matthew Chapter 9

Let’s Pray For Naomi Keefe (global mission worker, Brazil) 
Pray for the evangelistic activities Naomi is involved in around St John the Baptist day. They plan to distribute soap packages to families which include simple devotional material explaining how Jesus alone can cleanse our sins. Pray that many will turn to him in repentance and faith. 


Brazil
Pray for the people of Brazil who are suffering greatly from Covid-19. Pray for the witness of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil, that leaders and members will bring God’s comfort and strength to many.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me

A Prayer For This Week

​Some thoughts and a prayer from Evangelical Alliance especially for this week in Northern Ireland.


Ahead lie tough decisions, electoral pledges and pressures, temptations to use power or fear against the other.

Amidst the many pandemic pressures on health and education, business and almost every area of life, there are real concerns that the most vulnerable could get lost in political posturing.

This is a critical moment.

Yet this is also a moment for radical responsibility, boldness and humility, generosity and integrity.
This is a moment for good governance and public leadership.

Despite the headlines, this is still a moment where steps can be taken towards trust and genuine relationships.
Father, 
We love this people and this place,
​we want to see it flourish and dare to believe in a better story because of you. 
We commit to you those in public life who claim Christ. 
May they know His presence and may we see Him clearly in their words and actions.
We pray for your hope-filled hand to guide in this moment. 
Amen.


Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on Laos the 22nd most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here 


https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/laos/
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Open Doors (50 minute video)
Standing Strong Live - Prayer Without Borders.

This programme was produced by Open Doors on the 13th May and gives an insight into the persecution faced by our brothers and sisters in the faith in various parts of the world. 
Take 50 minutes to gain an insight into what Open Doors are doing and how you can pray.

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.
10 – 16 June
Pray for Bekah, a first year student at Institute of Technology Tralee, who is the only Christian we know of on her campus. Pray that God would help to re–establish a CU there in the new academic year.
Please pray for Maynooth University CU – for a new committee to form that God will use to share the gospel on Maynooth next year.
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Praying For The Church
​THIS IS AN EXCELLENT HELP IN OUR PRAYERS!

When you pray for our church what do you ask? Is it the same thing every day/week? Here is a short article that gives us 18 things we can pray for our church. (A couple might be a little American but most of the suggestions work in our context)

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/18-things-to-pray-for-your-church/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Janice 1:49
Jean 2:45
Derek 2:50
​

Play the "Portrush Wednesday" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Portrush Wednesday
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3 Comments

Tuesday 15th June 2021

15/6/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we investigate some Encounters with Jesus from Matthew Chapter 9

Let’s Pray For International Meeting Point
Pray for the staff and volunteers at International Meeting Point in South and North Belfast. Pray in particular for the Op Shop and for various meetings and Bible Studies as they restart in-person.


St Columba’s, Lisburn 
Pray for outreach into the community. Pray for "The Kid's Club" which began outdoors on 3 June and will run for six weeks. Give thanks for the great turnout so far. For many of those children this is their only "Sunday School". Pray for deeper links with their families. ​
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Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to Grace Foster from all at Burnside, who celebrated her 90th Birthday on Monday.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
The Heavens Declare The Glory Of God

​What Is Your Purpose?
How can you know what your purpose is or how to reach your full potential? Having a ‘can do’ attitude is key to it all. Watch this short message from David L’herroux, UCB’s CEO.
https://t.co/4xCDITcIDB
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Life in Nazareth (28 minute video)
In this episode of Bible Trek Conversations, Andy Ollerton chats with Yohanna Katanacho (Lecturer, Nazareth Evangelical College) and Dina Katanacho (Director, Arab-Israeli Bible Society) about life in Nazareth today and in the time of Jesus.
https://t.co/qHkUgnvSU1

Wounded Leadership
This season has been very challenging, it's important to take a period of recovery. Fred Drummond EA Scotland director, has written Wounded leadership, a four-part editorial series covering comparison, vulnerability, rest and waiting on God.

https://t.co/K7buQhOKAz
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Bible In 30 Minutes (30 minute Audio)
How can obedience be so costly? Why does it matter how much you care? What’s the best response when life throws the book at you? Find out as we study Jeremiah and Lamentations in 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
https://t.co/qaZVTgRsZt
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New City Catechism
Q) What is Faith in Jesus Christ?
A) Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.
​
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-is-faith-in-jesus-christ/


Local Community Outreach
The latest Keswick Convention podcast features David and Maura Baldwin - who are leading four seminars in Week 3 of this year's Keswick Convention, on Cross Cultural mission. Calling for us to have a heart for the local communities around our Churches. 
​https://t.co/4xgUKDzxii

​
https://www.buzzsprout.com/866182/8673767-david-maura-baldwin-and-cross-cultural-mission-in-the-uk
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Portstewart
Sunday was a beautiful day on the North Coast, for those of you too far away to get to the beach or the Promenade, enjoy.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:05
Jean 3:13
Frances 3:18

​
Play the "Strand Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3206bd3d5e08

1 Comment

Monday 14th June 2021

14/6/2021

2 Comments

 
​Beside The Burn
This week we investigate some Encounters with Jesus from Matthew Chapter 9

​Let’s Pray For Moderator
As the ‘marching season’ approaches, pray for calm in Northern Ireland, especially in the light of recent street violence. Pray for the excellent work being done by PCI congregations in inner city areas.


Being a prayerful people
Ask God to help us to be a prayerful people, aware of his presence with us, always looking to him expectant that he will lead, guide and direct our steps.


Middle East 
Pray for students and staff at JETS (Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary) as they engage in the theological teaching-learning process under some restrictions in relation to Covid-19. Thank God that in spite of the disruption caused by the pandemic, JETS continues its strategic role in the Middle East ‘training Arab leaders for the Arab world’.


Myanmar
Pray for a just and peaceful resolution to the ongoing civil unrest following the military coup earlier this year. Pray for the leaders and members of the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar at this difficult time.
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Facing The Canon
Join J.John for this special interview with Emily Owen, an author and speaker who has a condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2.

​Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Blessed

​New Hoorizon
Chris Wright is the Bible Teacher at New Horizon this year so why not look back to 2010 with Chris and be blessed again through his ministry.

https://t.co/QqBykryYVo
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​Teenagers (8 minute audio)
How do you explain to a teenager about heaven, suffering, or why they should follow Jesus? Presenter Paul Hammond spoke to Chris Morphew, who wrote a book working through apologetics for teens.
https://t.co/vgpUtmhm8b
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BB Queen’s Award
This from Saturday - Today on Her Majesty the Queen's Official Birthday we are celebrating our 138 Queen's Men in Northern Ireland who overcame the challenges of a global pandemic and achieved the highest award in The Boys' Brigade.
Watch the Virtual Celebration:
https://t.co/ULoEGHSFhY

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Some remarkable times for the Friday Jigsaw despite it being one of the hardest puzzles that has ever appeared on the Blog. Sorry for wasting so much of your weekend but don’t worry the Monday Jigsaw is back to the usual standard.

Derek 24:24
Jean 31:37

​
Play the "Busy Strand Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=15ab0e776237

2 Comments

Friday 11th June 2021

11/6/2021

2 Comments

 
​Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.

​Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all who visit our Homes and Units, whether they be family or friends, ministers or other Health and Social Care Staff. Pray that they will feel welcome, even within the current restrictions. Give thanks for the patience of family and friends as they worked through the restricted visiting. Pray for all professional staff who supported the Homes and Units during these challenging months.


Education
As a difficult and different school year comes to an end pray for teachers, principals and support staff as they begin to think about the new term in September. Pray for pupils transitioning into a new educational phase that they would have peace in the midst of uncertainty.  


General Council
Please pray for the meetings of the General Council being held as an in-person gathering in the Assembly Hall during this coming week.  Pray for both those organizing the logistics, ensuring that Health and Safety mitigations are in place, and those who will be taking part in discussion and decision making.


Council for Training in Ministry  
The Council is due to meet next Wednesday 16 June at 2pm, for what will be its first full, in-person meeting for some time. Pray for the Council, and its convener, Rev Nigel McCullough, as it facilitates the work of Union College, training students for the ministry, Accredited Preachers, among other things.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
By The Skin Of My

​Bible In 30 Minutes (30 minute audio)
Can you have flash forwards as well as flash backs? How does your life change when you meet your Maker? What does it take to wake us up from our complacency? Find out as we study Isaiah in this episode of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
https://t.co/JGdpExiD6z
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World War II Arrow
I mentioned this on the blog some time ago, but you may be interested to read again now that a new information board has been unveiled.
A restored World War II target arrow is bringing history to life on the Causeway Coast Way. The concrete arrow used by bomber crews as a training target indicator is visible again near Rinagree outside Portstewart thanks to local volunteers.


https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/news/restored-world-war-ii-target-arrow-brings-history-to-life-along-the-causewa
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Resparked
Rick Hill, PCI’s Discipleship and Leadership Development Officer, reflects on what it might look like to see our leadership re-sparked in fresh ways by our experience of the pandemic.


https://t.co/GeM73Jzgft
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Counting The Cost (2 minute video)
Jonathon Carswell tells us why he couldn’t put this book down. 
British missionaries David and Shirley Donovan were running a health centre in Nigeria when a pounding on their bedroom door tipped their lives upside down. Threatened at gunpoint, held hostage and ransomed for a billion naira, they tell of the grace that allowed them to witness to their kidnappers in the midst of the chilling and disturbing realisation of what man is capable of. 

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Eddie 3:06
​
​A really tricky on this weekend.

Play the "Sea Pink Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=33a31e8e483e

2 Comments

Thursday 10th June 2021

10/6/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.

Songs About Communion
Each day this week we have a few songs to help us meditate about Communion.
Near The Cross - The Petersens 
The Lord’s My Shepherd - Stuart Townend

Let’s Pray For Sam Scott (community outreach worker, Eglinton, Belfast)
Pray for the congregation of Eglinton seeking to fulfil their mission safely and faithfully. Thank God for the leaders in the congregation and pray that they would be energised to face the new challenges in the weeks and months ahead. Pray that they would see fruit for their labour.


Rathmullan (Co Donegal)
Pray for Rev Susan Moore, the kirk session and members of this home mission congregation as they seek opportunities to share God’s love with people in the local communities. ​
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Old And Full Of Days

Why Do We Gather
The church should gather when the world scatters. Slow down when the world speeds up. Commune when the world critiques. https://t.co/5lXSMZagsz
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​Bible In 30 Minutes (30 minute audio)
Can there be life before death as well as life after death? What can true love be really like? How can a spiritual dimension to marriage change everything? Find out as we study Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs in 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.' https://t.co/MbZWcaXCDu
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​9 Things To Know About Jehovah Witnesses
You may have had a Jehovah’s Witness knock on your door before. Who are they? What do they believe? https://t.co/18vSYglGdL
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​Full Potential (12 minute video)
Do you ever feel like you're not much use in the world? Know this: God put you here on PURPOSE, and He wants you to reach your full potential. Be encouraged by this message from UCB's CEO, David L’Herroux
https://t.co/6UxNhFGXWf
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The Weight Of Glory
C. S. Lewis‘s sermon-turned-essay is a timely vaccine for a culture so divided by race, political party, sexuality, class, religion, and identity politics. https://t.co/PU5sQpVLwQ
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Jean 2:18
Derek 2:31
Eddie 2:50

​
Play the "Cliff Walk Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1b9c71d0cb5f

1 Comment

Wednesday 9th June 2021

9/6/2021

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.

Songs About Communion
Each day this week we have a few songs to help us meditate about Communion.
Remembrance (The Communion Song) Matt Redman
We Come As Guests Invited - Timothy Dudley Smith
Amazing Grace - My Chains Are Gone - Chris Tomlin

Let’s Pray For Chris and Rachel Humphries (global mission workers in Portugal) 
Pray for those in the church plant taking part in the ‘The Bible Course’ over the coming weeks. Pray that as people come to have a deeper understanding of Scripture, that they too would come to know the One who inspired it.


Zambia
Pray for the leadership of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Synod of Zambia as they continue to support their congregations during this time. Pray for the Zambian government as they seek vaccines.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Gird Up Your Loins

Pete Greig (3x2hour video)
It is time for FRONT FOOT FAITH! Pete Greig shared this idea in the Monday Evening Big Top session at #WildfiresOnline - You can watch all the sessions here.

https://t.co/r0erbwqDtP
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Prayer
A profound prayer from John Wesley
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Praying For Children
My children and grandchildren need my prayers more than they need my words. https://t.co/7RNZPn4fM5
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​Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on Mauritania the 21st most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here 


https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/uzbekistan/
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Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

3 – 9 June
Pray for wisdom for the CU leaders and staff as we seek to develop a vision and plan for CU ministry for the next academic year. Pray for wisdom and discipline as we spend more time trying to develop excellent resources that can equip CU small group leaders for their role in the next year.
Pray for the continuation of God’s work through Ulster University Coleraine CU (UUCCU) mission week. Pray that conversations around the gospel would continue and students would continue to meet intentionally with non–Christian friends over the summer.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:42
Derek 3:00

​
Play the "Portstewart Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0912c265ba2c

2 Comments

Tuesday 8th June 2021

8/6/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.

Songs About Communion
Each day this week we have a few songs to help us meditate about Communion.
Behold The Lamb
Keith & Kristyn Getty
Benediction (MayThe Peace Of God)
Keith & Kristyn Getty
The Apostle’s Creed
Keith & Kristyn Getty

Let’s Pray For Eleanor Drysdale (deaconess in Wellington, Ballymena) 
Pray for wisdom as restrictions ease. As pastoral care opens up to face-to-face visits there will be challenges and opportunities. Pray for vision as organisations begin to think through how they will start again, and for leaders and helpers who are finding it daunting.


Sligo
Give thanks for those who have returned to church after lockdown and pray for those who are waiting to return. Pray for wisdom for Rev David Clarke and the kirk session as they make plans for future ministry.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
I Know That My Redeemer Lives

New Technology (7 minute audio)
How is technology changing the way we do business in the post pandemic world? #UCB1 Presenter Becs sat down with Jason Bradbury from The Gadget Show and learned what new technology to be on the lookout for! Listen now on UCB Player.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/31342/371387
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Rachel Jones
Catch up on the latest Keswick Convention Podcast.  Rachel Redeemed talks to Rachel Jones, author & senior editor at The Good Book Company. 
You can hear more from Rachel in Week Two at the Convention with two sessions on prayer & a further two based on her book 'Is This It?'
https://www.buzzsprout.com/866182/8595090-rachel-jones-on-god-s-providence-god-s-sovereignty
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Free Audio Book
The month the free Audio book from ChristianAudio.com is the King James Version of the New Testament. Download from the link below.


https://christianaudio.com/free/
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Bible Trek (2 minute video)
In the time of Jesus, Nazareth was a small hamlet occupied by no more than 400–500 people; it was a quiet place, with not much going for it. Yet it was here that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her she would give birth to a son. Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the family returned to Nazareth and Jesus grew up there learning both the Scriptures and the family business before he began his public ministry.

Keswick Convention (Lake District)
The website for this summer's Keswick Convention is now live!
You'll find details about the 3-week programme including info about the sessions, speakers & timings.
During the Convention you'll be able to watch livestreams & catch up on there too. Enjoy!
https://t.co/ZUAjxeVaSe
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Noah’s Ark
Just as well there was no coastguard in Moses’s day. 
Noah’s Ark impounded in Ipswich for not having paperwork to say it’s seaworthy – Metro https://t.co/M2dRWFjGJs
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New City Catechism
Q) How Can We Be Saved?
A) Only by faith in Jesus Christ and in his substitutionary atoning death on the cross; so even though we are guilty of having disobeyed God and are still inclined to all evil, nevertheless, God, without any merit of our own but only by pure grace, imputes to us the perfect righteous- ness of Christ when we repent and believe in him.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:36
Jean 2:40

Play the "White Rocks Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=24044f68dd6c

1 Comment

Monday 7th June 2021

7/6/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.

Songs About Communion
Each day this week we have a few songs to help us meditate about Communion.
Love Each Other (All the room was hushed and still)
This first hymn is one that I didn’t know but Julie suggested it based on our journey through James and the Communion service on Sunday. It is a beautiful hymn with powerful words.
In it Graham Kendrick imagines the scene in the Upper Room on the night before Jesus died. Jesus washes his disciples feet and teaches them to serve.

All the room was hushed and still
And when the bowl was filled
He stooped to wash their feet
And when it was complete, he said

This is what I'm asking you to do
This is why I'm kneeling here beside you
This is what I want my church to be
This is what I want the world to see
​Who it is you follow Love each other One another
Jesus Stand Among Us / Here Is Bread
Julie got me thinking about other Graham Kendrick songs that would be appropriate for Communion, so here is another beautiful song.
Banquet
Graham Kendrick
​

There's no banquet so rich
As the bread and the wine
No table more holy
No welcome so kind
There's no mercy so wide
As the arms of the cross
Come and taste, come and see
Come find and be found

Have You Heard - Graham Kendrick

Have you heard of a God of love
Of a God who cares?
Have you heard how he came among us
Stepping down from the heights of heaven
Breathing air He made

Let’s Pray For Moderator


As our Ministers are encouraged to step back from pastoral duties this week, pray for their spiritual refreshment, through reading, resting and the Refresh Day Conference on Wednesday 9 June. The Refresh Day Conference includes input from the Moderator, Dr Andrew Collins and Mr Jonathan Lamb. Pray for those who come to one of the venue face to face, and for those joining online.


Pray for Ministers for who this past year has been especially demanding. Pray for their encouragement, especially as they think, pray and plan for the incoming church year, especially with so much uncertainty.


Pray for the families of ministers, who quietly carry the weight of responsibility which often comes from living in The Manse. Pray for their encouragement, and for the summer to be a time of refreshment and joy.


Derek and Jane French (global mission workers in Spain) 
Pray for Derek and Jane and their work with Bilbao International Church. Pray for Derek, who is back on a part-time basis, preaching this month and continuing with a sermon series on the gospel of John.


Malawi
Pray for the Student Christian Organisation of Malawi and Scripture Union Malawi as they spread the gospel to children and teenagers in Malawi and seek to disciple young Christians in their Christian faith.
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Facing The Canon
J.John is joined by inspirational lead worshipper, Noel Robinson.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
By The Skin Of My Teeth

European Missionary Fellowship (TONIGHT)
The next webinar is on Monday 7th June 7.30 - 8.30 pm (UK time) where the focus will be on the subject of "Engaging Eastern Orthodoxy: Sharing the gospel with  Eastern Orthodox people
https://www.europeanmission.org/webinars/engaging-eastern-orthodoxy
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John Blanchard
Many of you will have been saddened to hear of the death of John Blanchard in recent weeks. You may well have read some of his books and probably heard him speak on his many visits to Northern Ireland. Recently at 7 Churches Events in Portrush and Ballyrashane in the last few years.
​Below is an interview that he gave on the 21st March this year (2021) 
The interview is titled “Before They Leave The Stage” and is one of a series of interviews with well known Christian figures who are reaching the end of their ministry in an attempt to introduce them to a new generation.
Thanksgiving Service
​A service of thanksgiving for the life of John Blanchard will take place later this month on Tuesday 22nd June, there is a link to the service below and I will try and post it again on the day.
Is God Past His Sell Buy Date?
John Blanchard speaking in High Kirk Church Ballymena
John Blanchard
God Provides Psalm 84

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 12:01
Derek 13:13

Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=32b1c301948f
1 Comment

Friday 4th June 2021

4/6/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Peacemaking?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today with a little thought about their subject matter.


Draw Near to God (4:8–10)


  • “Draw Near,” Passion


Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for the Specialist Services Units – Thompson House, Carlisle House and Gray’s Court. Pray for those who have been discharged from prison, that they may work hard to remain in the community. Pray for those who are recovering from addictive behaviours, that they may find a new focus in their lives.


Local Government 
Give thanks for those who step up to serve their communities across Ireland on local councils. In Northern Ireland pray for those who will take on the leadership role of Mayor or Council Chair for the coming year. Pray that they would be good leaders and make a positive impact.


General Council
As congregations resume in-person meetings both in Northern Ireland and ROI, please pray for Kirk Sessions who will be making difficult decisions regarding the planned re-opening of activities as restrictions in both jurisdictions allow.  Pray also for the Clerk of Assembly as he and leaders of other denominations interact on these issues with both governments.


Council for Training in Ministry  
This Thursday, the final interview for selecting student deaconesses takes place. It is hoped that three students will begin training at Union College in September. Pray for the interview panel, the prospective students, and for the staff at Union as they put the finishing touches to the training programme.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Man is Born to Trouble, as Sparks Fly Upward

Galilee in the life and ministry of Jesus
Andrew Ollerton chats with Bible expert Dr Peter J. Williams (Principal, Tyndale House) about the significance of Galilee in the life and ministry of Jesus:

Compassion (7 minute video)
In order to represent Jesus, we NEED to be compassionate like he was. But that’s a tall order. So how do we do it? Be encouraged by this powerful message from UCB’s CEO, David L’Herroux.
https://t.co/OBwtV57k44
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Free eBook
Need a good book for your summer vacation? We’ve got you covered. 
This summer TGC are giving away a free eBook every week, for 12 weeks. This week the book giveaway is “Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land” by Elliot Clark.
https://t.co/dgBzithKMN
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Job - Bible In 30 Minutes
How can you still believe that God’s in control when bad stuff is happening to you? Join as as we study the book of Job in 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.'
https://t.co/cxKpitP6pL
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:37
Derek 3:01
Frances 3:09


Play the "Salmon House Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=20bf3fe7a867

1 Comment

Thursday 3rd June 2021

3/6/2021

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week we begin a new series “How do we cope with James?” This week we ask “How do we cope with ... Peacemaking?” We all face difficulties in life and James has some great advice.

Songs From The Book Of James
The Gospel Coalition have produced a playlist of 100 songs inspired by the book of James, and I intend to share some of those songs each day on the Blog, but you can listen to the full playlist during the next few weeks as we continue our studies in this book. I have benefited greatly from listening to these songs over and over again as I have asked God to speak from His word.
You can stream the playlist on Spotify or on Apple Music right now.


Here are the songs for today.


Draw Near to God (4:8–10)
  • “Your Nearness is Our Good,” Micah|Michelle
  • “We Draw Near (Hebrews),” Caroline Cobb


Youtube Playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq2dO6q3VUIbGS7l8qyXDSrTrU3iXS_-y
I’ll add the songs to this playlist each day.

Let’s Pray For Roberta Irvine (deaconess in Greystone Road, Antrim) 
Pray for the congregation during this time of vacancy and as the members look forward into the 2020s. Join them in prayer as decisions are made in preparation for a new minister and in regard to viable ministries that emerge in this season. Pray too for Roberta as she serves.


Smithborough (Co Monaghan) 
Praise God for those recovering from Covid-19 and pray for their return to full health. Pray for the upcoming Children’s Day service online, that all involved will know God’s blessing.  ​
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Miserable Comforters

How do you trust God
How do you trust God when faced with life-changing hearing loss and surgery? Watch this powerful testimony from author and speaker Emily Owen.
https://t.co/guKchstx93
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The Disciples (42 minute audio)
They struggled to see God’s plan, they struggled with fear and pride, and they struggled to step up. Sounds like the disciples were a lot like us. So how did God use them to help build His church? And how can we do the same? 
https://t.co/PLvQXewc2B

Summer Reading
Looking for fiction books to read this summer? Try the work of these 25 novelists as suggested by Terry Glaspey from The Gospel Coalition. https://t.co/Ec0rBdBO16
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J.John (30 minute video)
Can the football field be a mission field? Watch this amazing interview with Richard Gamble, former Chaplain of Leicester City Football Club, and discover how to bring your faith onto the pitch.
https://t.co/wPh6bUu4TL
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An Atheist Believes
Brent Beshore was recently asked by an atheist friend to share what initially got him interested in studying Christianity as an atheist. Here's my response:
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Redman  & Riddle Podcast
Available now… the brand new Redman & Riddle podcast series!
Subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts! The Redman and Riddle podcast is a series of conversations between long-time friends UK worship leader Matt Redman and US worship leader Jeremy Riddle. Starting as coffee-shop chats, Redman and Riddle decided to carry on these discussions in a recorded environment. Each episode takes on a 'this' versus 'that' format – such as 'Encounter vs Entertainment' and 'Holiness vs Helpfulness'. Expect some weighty and challenging conversations as they wrestle with what it means to worship the God who is, “Holy, Holy, Holy”, in a world of, “me, me, me”.​

https://www.redmanandriddle.com

Keswick At Portstewart
Details of all e meeting that will be available this year.
https://mailchi.mp/59d651003b30/keswick-portstewart-june-2021?e=8693a65a84
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:09

Play the "Harbour Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3c4b8838f86a

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