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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Monday 31st August 2020

31/8/2020

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Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of ‘Amazing Grace’. Each day we develop the them a little more in a short 5 minutes video.

Let’s Pray For Public Affairs
Give thanks for the church’s voice in the public square, asking God that he would give wisdom and the right words and ways to seek to bring his influence to bear on an increasingly secular society.
Pray for a growing recognition of the value and worth of God’s ways in society in general and many individual lives.
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Moderator’s Service
Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, continues his weekly service of worship for the whole Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Recorded in the Weir Chapel in Assembly Buildings, Belfast, the Moderator will bring this service to the wider Presbyterian family during the summer months and into September. This morning he continues with the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, exploring the theme, ‘A church full of the Holy Spirit.’

The Trinity (1 minute video)
Mike Reeves give us a 1 minute introduction to the Trinity in the first of nine short videos.

Preparing For Tragedy (59 minute audio)
Cameron Cole delivered a message at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Preparing Kids and Adults to Suffer: Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy.” From Psalm 130 and his experience of tragic loss, Cole addressed the process of continuing to trust in Jesus through deep pain and suffering. He emphasized the importance of a rich, biblical theology to prepare believers to suffer with great hope
Listen to the talk or subscribe to the podcast here - 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/tgc-podcast/how-to-prepare-for-tragedy/
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Sing Conference (Music playlist)
Complete Playlist of all the songs being used at this years’ Sing Conference with Keith & Kristyn Getty, which started over the weekend.
This is a great playlist of worship songs to listen to.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5eyuae5iKbtYL8go7yB4ip?si=k7UaP_zjRRGNUM5dNBDMWQ
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St. Anne’s Bible Week
Beginning tomorrow evening, you can book your seat in St Anne’s Cathedral for this year’s Bible Week with Peter Lynas. The event will also be live–streamed on Youtube here.
 https://www.youtube.com/user/downanddromorevideo

The bible teaching is all from Colossians. 7:45pm each evening.
Tuesday - There is no other message (Colossians 1:15–29)
Wednesday - Time to get real (Colossians 2:6–23)
Thursday - Pursuing holy wholeness (Colossians 3:1–17)
Friday - Love one another (Colossians 3:18–4:6)
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Janice 9:25
Jean 15:21
Richard 16:05​
​Lynne 18:34
Derek 21:52
Frances 28:46


Last year we were basking in the afterglow of the The Open Golf
Play the "The Open" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0a3937c8c573
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Friday 28th August 2020

27/8/2020

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Continuing the theme of forgiveness this week we turn to the Lord’s Prayer and find out how our forgiveness is dependant on us forgiving.

Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song that means something to her.
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What do you say?’ are words often addressed by a parent to a child who is about to receive a treat, and children are usually quick to learn that the treat is delivered more quickly when they say ‘Thank you!’

In Luke 17:11-19 we read the account of Jesus on His way to Jerusalem when He encountered ten men who had leprosy. It is interesting that in Verse 12 of the NIV account of this story we are told ‘They stood at a distance,’ which is so relevant at present as we observe ‘social distancing.’
The remainder of the story relates to the fact that the men were healed, but only one of them returned to say thanks. Jesus asked, ‘Where are the other nine?’ and then added, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’

We learn from this that Jesus expected the other nine to bring their thanks, and surely this is important for us to remember today. Psalm 106:1 NIV exhorts us to ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.’


Katherine Kennicott Davis (1892 –1980) was an American former teacher, classical music composer and pianist who wrote ‘The Little Drummer Boy.’  Another Song by Katherine is ‘Let All Things Now Living,’ which uses the melody of the traditional Welsh folk song ‘The Ash Grove.’

The lyrics invite us to bring a Song of Thanksgiving to God the Creator who guides us on to the end of our days.

Frances.

Let’s Pray For Preparations For Winter
Give thanks for ongoing preparations in government and health provision to deal with the risk of increased infection from coronavirus during winter, asking that God would give greater readiness as the result of lessons already learned.
Pray that winter would not result in a second spike of coronavirus and that God would particularly protect the vulnerable and those with underlying health conditions.
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J.I. Packer
After his recent death, today we have a few videos concerning J.I. Packer.
J.I. Packer (51 minute video)
Speaking about the need for personal holiness. This is an incredibly powerful message that I have listened to more than once over the years. Packer delivers the message in his own style with humility and authority.

John Piper Interviews J.I. Packer (1:15 hour video)
Continuing the interest in JI Packer today here is an interview conducted by John Piper.

Who Is The Holy Spirit (3:36 minute video)
A short lesson from JI Packer

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:51
​Derek 5:19

Now would anyone like to try the Friday Jigsaw?
I always say the Friday one is more difficult and will take longer, but this one might be nearly impossible.
The puzzle features Alfie (our friends’ dog) who is hidden in a field.
Enjoy the puzzle but don’t waste your whole weekend.

Play the "Alfie" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3712d03181f0
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2 Comments

Thursday 27th August 2020

27/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Continuing the theme of forgiveness this week we turn to

Let’s Pray For Global Mission Communication
Give thanks for the ways in which PCI’s global mission workers have been able to maintain communication with congregations at home during the coronavirus upheaval, enabling sharing together in the fellowship of the gospel and prayer.
Pray for ongoing work in developing digital communication between global mission workers and congregations at home to enable more effective sharing of news and deeper support for the work.
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Outreach at the Bandstand.
Some of you may remember Darren & Yvonne Lennox who joined us a few years ago for our Children’s Outreach. They are involved with an outreach on Saturday. Gods Handiwork Puppet Ministry and Reality Gospel Band is at the bandstand 1:00-5:00pm on Saturday.

Has Christianity Done More Harm Than Good? 
(7:36 minute video)
Glen Scrivener and Sam Chan discuss whether or not Christianity has done more good than evil in the world throughout time.

Free E-Book The Gospel 
Download the ebook The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ free of charge today. This book helps us experience the power of the gospel and see the beauty it creates as we allow God to transform our beliefs, perspectives, and practices. This book is part of the Building Healthy Churches series, which aims to help us fulfill biblical commands and love our church as Jesus does.
The Gospel
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Songs Of Comfort For Anxious Souls
A playlist compiled by the Gospel Coalition of about 180 songs that will bring us comfort.
Find the playlist here on Spotify
Just read about the playlist here https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/songs-comfort-anxious-souls/
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Free Audio Book
God Is Able. I think I forgot to mention this month’s free audio book, there are still a few days to download before a new book is available on Tuesday.
Got an IMPOSSIBLE situation? The anxiety it brings can wake you in the middle of a needed night’s sleep and then stalk you in the middle of broad daylight. It can sneak up on you and cast a cloak of fear and concern over your shoulders that you can’t seem to shake no matter how hard you try. It can take you down. Squash all hope. Stop you in your tracks. IMPOSSIBLE. IMPENETRABLE. UNCHANGEABLE. Maybe so . . . until God gets involved.
https://christianaudio.com/free/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw​

Janice 1:40
Frances 4:00
​Derek 4:50


Play the "Ballycastle" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=28ce200b1a32

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Where Is It?
Yesterday the Where Is It? was on the lower promenade Portstewart. There seem to be rocks being collected in several other places around the coast.
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0 Comments

Wednesday 26th August 2020

25/8/2020

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Continuing the theme of forgiveness this week we turn to the Lord’s Prayer and find out how our forgiveness is dependant on us forgiving. Matthew 6:12,14,15

Alexa Open Burnside Church
If you have an Alexa enabled device you are now able to listen to the Burnside podcast by saying “Alexa Open Burnside Church” The latest Podcast will then begin to play. Friday to Monday you will hear Burnside At Home and Tuesday to Thursday you will hear Beside the Burn. You can also ask Alexa to pause or play a previous episode. To set Alexa up simply click on the link below and then click ENABLE.
https://amzn.eu/0DpNsxK
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Moderator’s Service (45 minute video)
I forgot to include the Moderator’s service in the Blog on Monday, so for those of you who missed it, here it is.
Read about the service here 

Moderator's Service // Sunday 23 August from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.


Wednesday Prayer
On Wednesday the Blog focuses our thoughts on prayer. I hope the following articles and video will encourage you in your prayer.
Let’s Pray For Community Life
Give thanks for the bonds of community in streets and towns that have been strengthened through response to the coronavirus and lockdown, asking God that life in closer relationship might be maintained. 
Pray for daily opportunities to love our neighbour as we love ourselves, so showing God’s love in visible and practical ways. ​
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In This Moment A Prayer For Going Back To School
God our heavenly teacher,
thank you for the gift of learning,
that enables us to grow in wisdom and stature, 
in relationship with you and others. 
We pray for school life as it resumes again,
after months of lockdown and the long summer break.
Be with governors, principals, drivers, cleaners and others,
who have responsibility in arrangements,
for the smooth running of the school day.  
Be with teachers and classroom assistants,
as they help pupils settle again into learning.
Be with parents, grandparents and carers,
as they gently help loved ones readjust to the return of school.
Be with children and young people,
as they renew relationships with staff and peers,
embrace new rhythms and routines in familiar places,
pick up the threads of the curriculum again -
remembering what they have learned before,
and quickly making sense of new knowledge coming their way.
Be especially with those in crucial exam years,
taking away fear of months of learning lost,
giving confidence in what can yet be gained. 
Help whole school families grow in these days -
physically in their new environments for learning, 
mentally as new thinking is required,
emotionally as strains and stresses have to be negotiated,  
socially in community with one another,
spiritually as they recognise God at work among them.
Lord Jesus,
whose teaching amazed and astounded,
with its stamp of authority,
and left its lasting mark on many lives,
hear these our prayers for our schools this new term.
Amen

Prayer In The Psalms (39 minute video)
Timothy Keller preaches on the Psalms as the prayerbook of the Bible in this pre-conference message at TGC’s 2016 Women’s Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Any thing by Tim Keller is well worth listening to.

"How can I improve my prayer life?" (6 minute video)
The first of three videos from author Dr. Donald Whitney about prayer from answers in Honest Answers

"What is the purpose of fasting? (6 minute video)
Is God more likely to answer your prayer if you fast?"
Dr. Donald Whitney answers in Honest Answers

"How do you pray without ceasing?" (6 minute video)
Dr. Donald Whitney answers in Honest Answers

Christian Aid Prayer
A prayer guide from Christian Aid for Lebanon and Nicaragua 
View the Guide here
christian_aid_prayer_sheet_august_2020_0.pdf
File Size: 363 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Peter And Anna Crawford
Peter and Anna have arrived in Greece and send the following prayer requests
For your Prayers
For 'Sarah' - we are regularly in touch with her back in Lisbon. Her struggles with her job and studies continue to be a challenge for her, but she is staying strong in her faith.
For Language Study - just now we have started in Greek with Danae, who is so helpful, and we hope to enrol later in more formal classes. 
For Family visits - we are looking forward to Colin visiting, and then Sharon with Gabriel. As coronavirus cases are increasing, please pray that things will work out as planned, and that it will give them a clearer sense of what life is like for us as parents now.
Buying a Car - just as God helped us with the eventual sale of our car in Portugal, we would ask for God's guidance in buying another vehicle to suit our needs here in the city.
Making Friends - as we connect up with Christian workers and ministries in and around Athens, as well as neighbours in our building and others, please pray that God would make us a "light to the nations" as we lay our lives open for Him.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Janice 1:46
Frances 4:01

Play the "Portrush" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=08b24fb406df

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Where Is It?
Yesterday evening we were out for a walk and discovered a snake of stones. Where Is It?
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2 Comments

Tuesday 25th August 2020

24/8/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
Today we continue our studies around Forgiveness and we come to 1 John 1:9.

Let’s Pray For Care Homes
Give thanks for the way in which God has enabled greater normality to return to life for those living and working in care homes, asking that he will continue to keep them infection free.
Pray for wisdom in improving the care sector and using extra finance allocated wisely so as to improve the support given to the elderly and most vulnerable in society.
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Cast Your Cares (3 minute video)
A scripture memory song based on Psalm 55:22

Riots In John Piper’s Neighbourhood.
Many of you will know John Piper from reading his books watching him preach on Youtube or seeing him at New Horizond. John lives just a couple of miles from where George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. Read the fascinating story of why John and his wife live in such a deprived area. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/riots-john-pipers-neighborhood/
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Bible Biogs (30 minute audio)
Episode 25 Focuses on Isaiah
• How did an overwhelming vision of God colour everything for him? 
• To what extent was he given a glimpse of someone’s life in the distant future who would change history forever? 
• Why is this prophet the most quoted in the New Testament?
Listen here - 
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21333/296295
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How Does the Gospel Answer What the Muslim Truly Longs For? (1 minute video)
In this video, Glen Scrivener explains how Jesus reveals a God that doesn’t just call us to correspond to him in submission but calls us home as sons and daughters

Jigsaw

Play the "Titanic" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0738c83f2e9a

1 Comment

Monday 24th August 2020

24/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week we follow on from Sunday and we look at Forgiveness. Each day we are going to look at another verse about forgiveness. As a way to share fellowship, why not contact someone else and invite them to listen and then discuss what you have heard each day?
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​The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.’
Numbers 14:18 (ESV)


Let’s Pray For Government
Give thanks for the new coalition government formed in the Republic of Ireland, asking for God’s guidance as it continues to lead the country out of lockdown.
Pray for good relationships between parties in government in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, asking God to bring stability in political leadership. ​
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Pilgrim’s Progress
A few videos concerning the classic Pilgrim’s Progress

Pilgrim’s Progress (7:43 hour audio)
If you would like to listen to the audio book of the Pilgrim’s Progress you can access it free on YOUTUBE. Always well worth a listen.

John Bunyan (8:25 minute video)
A quick biography of the writer of Pilgrim’s Progress who spent many years in prison because of his faith.

A Pilgrim’s Progress (9:47 minute video)
Steven Lawson led a group to the grave of John Bunyan and gave a short talk.

Pilgrim’s Progress (1:22 hour video)
Watch the feature film on YouTube.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 16:55

Enjoy  the "Mussenden Temple" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=17a649a012e7
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Holiday Photos
Today is the last of the holiday photos.
Above Keswick there is a little bridge (Ashness Bridge) which is beautiful but quite a challenge to drive over. Further up the hill there is Surprise View with a stunning view over Derwentwater.
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0 Comments

Friday 21st August 2020

21/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Today I’m sharing from “Incomparable” by Andrew Wilson, we are looking at a section about “The Being Of God”, each day exploring a different aspect of God’s character. Today God Sustains.

Let’s Pray For Well being 
Give thanks that society as a whole has dealt with the challenges, stresses and strains of lockdown so well, asking God to continue to give resilience and endurance as some restrictions continue.
Pray particularly for those who are physically or mentally stressed by the experience of living through the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, asking God to bring his peace, calm and restoration to their souls.
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Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song that has meaning for her.
The name ‘Cecil Frances Alexander,’ will be familiar to many. Mrs Alexander was a poet and Hymn writer of world renown, penning classics such as ‘All things Bright and Beautiful’ and the Christmas Carol, ‘Once in Royal David’s City.’

Born in Dublin in 1818, she lived in Killeter, Co.Tyrone, from 1850 until 1855. Her husband was the Anglican Clergyman, William Alexander, who was Curate in St Bestius Church there. He became Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and in later years, Archbishop of Armagh and Anglican Primate of Ireland.  

In 2018, ‘Sperrins and Killeter Walking Festival’ celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Mrs Alexander’s birth with ‘The Bright and Beautiful Walk,’ a four kilometre stroll around the four Churches in the town, taking in four gardens themed by Mrs Alexander’s four most famous Hymns, ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful,’ ‘There is a Green Hill,’ Once in Royal David’s City,’ and ‘Jesus Calls us O’er the Tumult, of our Life’s Wild, Restless Sea.’
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The opening lines of this latter Hymn, written over 200 years ago, are surely as apt now as they were then. Many today would liken the current Pandemic with its associated difficulties as making life like a ‘wild, restless sea.’

During the First World War a Doctor was busy in his Consulting Room with patients who were affected by the many tensions of War. As he was listening to their anxieties, he heard singing from the room above. It was his wife and children singing, ‘There is a Green Hill far Away.’  
The Doctor commented to his patients, ‘If we all believed in the truth of the Hymn we now hear, we would have less worry, anxiety and fear.’  

The concluding lines of the Hymn are a clear call to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Let’s listen to the Hymn and reflect on its guidance.

​Frances.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Janice 1:48
Derek 6:59

The Friday Jigsaw is always a little bit more difficult with a few extra pieces thrown in so enjoy another puzzle from our holiday.
​
Play the "Derwentwater Sunset" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3225e531ddcd
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More Holiday Photographs
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We tried to find a few quiet, outdoor places to have coffee. This is Faeryland on the edge of the lake at Grassmere with rowing boats for hire.
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Cream teas at Lingholm estate on the edge of Derwentwater.
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Ice-cream on a visit to Buttermere.
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Coffee at the Windermere Jetty Museum Cafe
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The Jetty Museum Cafe sitting on the Jetty at the side of Lake Windermere.
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Dougal enjoys his holiday every bit as much as we do, and he approved of all the eating outside this year.
0 Comments

Thursday 20th August 2020

20/8/2020

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Today I’m sharing from “Incomparable” by Andrew Wilson, we are looking at a section about “The Being Of God”, each day exploring a different aspect of God’s character. Today God is Craftsman.

Let’s Pray For Schools
Give thanks that circumstances allow school life to resume once again, asking God to help governors, principals, teachers and other key staff to enable education to restart steadily and safely as a new term commences.
Pray for parents, grandparents, other carers, children and young people as all readjust to school restarting, asking God for patience, perseverance and steady progress towards normality. ​
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12 Faithful Women (16 Minute Video)
Author, Kristen Wetherell talks to Felicity Carswell about her brand new book, 12 Faithful Women, and also about their favourite biographies. Read the list of 11 books here - https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/news-events/2020/07/12-faithful-women-interview

The Suggested Biographies
Hudson Taylor: A Man in Christ - Roger Steer
Evidence Not Seen - Darlene Deibler Rose
The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom
Through Gates of Splendour - Elizabeth Elliot
First Wives' Club - Clare Heath-Whyte
Old Wives' Tales - Clare Heath-Whyte
For Richer For Poorer - Clare Heath-Whyte
Everyone a Child Should Know - Clare Heath-Whyte
Susie: The Life and Legacy of Suzannah Spurgeon - Ray Rhodes Jr
Joni Eareckson Tada
The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones - Iain Murray

Evangelical Bookshop (Belfast) / Christian Focus Publications
Presents Scottish Theology:
A conversation with Donald MacLeod,
Douglas Kelly, Ligon Duncan and
Sinclair Ferguson
Thursday 20th August at 7:30pm!
​Watch it live on YouTube from 7:30pm tonight.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:59
Jean 4:03
Frances 4:38

Another puzzle from our recent holiday, this is Ashness Bridge.
Play the "Ashness Bridge" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0516abdd6c82


Where Is It?
Yesterday the clue was in the name of the Where Is It? The Rockery is just below the wall of Rock House on the path to the Strand.
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More Holiday Photos
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Latrigg is a gentle climb to reach some spectacular views over Keswick.
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Some of you have been asking for photographs of Deirdre, but they are very rare as she is always behind the camera.
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Deirdre and Dougal admiring the view over Keswick and Derwentwater. 
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A few years ago we were standing at this spot on a very clear still evening and we could hear the singing from the Keswick Convention and see the tent below.
2 Comments

Wednesday 19th August 2020

19/8/2020

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
Today I’m sharing from “Incomparable” by Andrew Wilson, we are looking at a section about “The Being Of God”, each day exploring a different aspect of God’s character. Today is God The Creator.

Focus On Prayer
The Wednesday Blog always focuses on prayer, so below are some prayer topics and some thoughts on prayer.
Let’s Pray For Outreach Workers
Give thanks to God for PCI outreach workers serving in church and community, asking that God would use their gifts and bless their witness as society continues to respond to the pain of the coronavirus pandemic.    
Pray for evangelistic opportunities for outreach workers to share Christ in conversation, asking that God would bring his truth home to many hearts in these days.
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Let’s Pray For Union Theological College
Give thanks for preparations for a new term’s work at Union Theological College, asking God to bless staff and students as they get ready for another year’s study and life together in the college community.
Pray for students for the ministry returning to college or commencing study this year, asking God to help them know his presence in their work and preparing their hearts for future ministry. ​

Hannah Smyth
Continue to remember Hannah Smyth who was injured outside her home in Ballycastle. This is an extract from an article at the weekend in the Newsletter.

This week there was an update on social media, which was welcomed by countless recipients across the Province. “Amazing news- wee Hannah Smyth got home today - Give God all the praise and glory for her miraculous recovery!!” it said. “Please pray that she and her Daddy will adjust to their new life at home after 3 months in hospital.” The appeal also asked people to remember the driver of the tractor in their prayers. “Thank you all so, so much for all your prayers. They really have been appreciated.” Also today, it emerged that a fundraising effort in Hannah’s name has so far raised £60,000 for the Royal Belfast Hospital For Sick Children.

Nigel Kearney, Fundraising Manager with Helping Hands, the official charity dedicated to the hospital unit, welcomed the news that Hannah had returned home. “It is great news,” he said. He noted that the local community have really got behind the four men who ran the fundraising drive.

Three paramedics who had been on the scene of the accident, together with the family’s clergyman Rev John Stanbridge, held a recent 24 hour walk around Ballycastle in Hannah’s name. At her father’s request the money is going to the hospital unit which nursed his daughter back to health. Mr Kearney said that money had come in from across Northern Ireland, but also from much further afield.

A friend of Rev Stanbridge’s raised £2,500 in Afghanistan, he said. “Rev Ivan Linton simulated a climb to the top of the country’s highest mountain by climbing his fire escape 400 times,” he said. In total some 1,400 people made donations online, he added.
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12 Prayer Ideas for New Believers
What should you do now that you’re a Christian? Spend time in prayer by yourself, with your church, and with other believers.
Sam Emadi serves as senior editor at 9Marks and shares his thoughts on prayer.
www.crossway.org/12-prayer-ideas-for-new-believers
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Living The Prayer
Eric & I met Fred Drummond pre-lockdown when he visited Portstewart, He is the Evangelical Alliance director of prayer and he writes "One of my favourite chapters in the Old Testament is Isaiah 58; this is also the chapter I find most challenging"
Read his thoughts here -
https://www.eauk.org/news-and-views/living-the-prayer
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An Update on the Crisis in Lebanon
From The Bible Society in Northern Ireland.
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We have all been shocked by the images and videos of a huge explosion devastating Beirut, Lebanon in the last few days. Buildings have been destroyed, businesses ruined and lives lost.
The Bible Society offices were greatly affected and have been damaged by the blast. Thankfully, we have had a report from the Bible Society in Lebanon that none of their staff were harmed during the explosion as they had left the office for the day when it happened.
They are now working to repair the Bible Society building. This building is the hub in Lebanon for all Bible Society work, and it is a critical part in projects and outreach. Without their building the Bible Society will struggle to carry out projects and share the Gospel with the people.
We have pledged to help in supporting the Bible Society in Lebanon to rebuild their building, and to help them fund outreach activities during this devastating time. Now more than ever people in Beirut need the hope and comfort found with in God's Word.
We have set up a small emergency fund for the Bible Society in Lebanon. If you would like to support the Bible Society in Lebanon please use the donation form on our website or ring the office on 028 903 265 77.
Pray for this project:
Praise God for the safety of our colleagues. Continue to pray for the team serving with the Bible Society in Lebanon as they reach out to their community.
Pray for all people in Beirut who are injured or who have family and loved ones who died in the explosion. Pray that God would bring healing in this situation and in all things He would be glorified.
Pray for the process of repairing the Bible Society buildings, and that these buildings could be a hub for outreach during this difficult time.

Lessons I Am Learning About Being A Global Disciple:
Stephen McCracken, the minister @firstballymoney shares his reflections on what he has been learning about responding to the #pandemic and #lockdown as a global disciple.
https://bit.ly/33JHGnr
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw​

Lynne 3:18
Derek 4:26
Frances 4:44

Another puzzle from our holiday.
Play the "Hope Park Keswick" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=14b0b23f8e8b
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Where Is It?
Yesterday the Where Is It? was the Burnside Burn as it emerges from under the Edgewater Apartments at the sea shore.
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Where Is It?
Where would you find this little rockery?
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More Holiday Photographs
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The town of Keswick sits on the edge of Derwentwater, which was a five minute walk from where we were staying. Early in the morning the lake was at its most beautiful, when there was no one else around and the mist hadn’t been burnt off by the sun.
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Every morning the lake was different. The water was very still and the mist had cleared.

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Derwentwater is beautiful in the evening as the sun sets.
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2 Comments

Tuesday 18th August 2020

18/8/2020

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Beside The Burn
Today I’m sharing from “Incomparable” by Andrew Wilson, we are looking at a section about “The Being Of God”, each day exploring a different aspect of God’s character. Today is chapter 2 - God The Beginning.

Let’s Pray For The Younger Generation
Pray for the younger generation who are likely to suffer most from the long-term damage to the economy and limitations of employment prospects, asking God to both provide and inspire creative responses.
Pray for those who have graduated from higher education courses this summer, asking God to help them find work that deploys their gifts and learning purposefully and positively for the good of society. ​
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Lessons I Am Learning About Creation Care
John Hanson, minister of Dromore and Drumquin congregations, reflects on what he is learning about creation care through the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
https://bit.ly/30WADG2
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Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention 2020
This year the convention will be online and runs from Friday 21st August until 30th August. Full details can be found on the website. There are some terrific speakers at the conference with experience of serving God throughout the world.
https://www.worldwide2020.org
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 2:41
Frances 3:25
Lynne 4:10
Eric 4:55


How about trying a Jigsaw from our recent holiday in the Lake District?
Play the "Windermere Boats" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=218b9bdf4ea0
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Where Is It?
Yesterday the Where Is It? was a collection of painted stones which are gathering around the Salmon House.
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Where Is It?
When it rain heavily where can you find this excessive water flow?
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Holiday Photos
This year we went to Keswick in the Lake District.
Here we are on the Ferry.
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Derwentwater Caravan Site in Keswick.
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All set up and ready for the holiday to begin.
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Relaxing with Dougal and a coffee.
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Keswick Town Hall in the centre of the pedestrian area of town.
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Tomorrow we will look at some of the scenery.
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