Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Monday 17th August 2020

17/8/2020

3 Comments

 
During this pandemic we have all been facing different pressures and Deirdre and I have been very blessed to manage to get away for a few days of holiday. Thank you for your prayers, we enjoyed 9 days in Keswick, in the Lake District in our Caravan, and have returned refreshed and rested. I know there are few things that are worse to endure than someone boring you with their holiday photographs so I will share some photos with you throughout the week, and you can skip over them if they get too much.

I hope you have still enjoyed the trimmed down version of the blog over the last few weeks. It was all prepared before the holiday and then I had to find enough wifi each day to post the information. I also want to say a huge thank you to John Kirkpatrick, John Coulter and Stephen Williamson who shared from God’s word in the Sunday services, and also to the members of Burnside who recorded bible readings and then had to wait weeks until I eventually included them in the services. This mammoth effort enabled us to take the time off and I am very, very grateful.
Beside The Burn

Over the last few weeks on Beside The Burn I have been sharing from a book, “Incomparable” by Andrew Wilson, each day looking at a different name of God. You can find them by going into the Archives (found on the right hand column of this page). To ease back into this week, I am going to share a few more chapters from the book looking at “The Being Of God”, each day exploring a different aspect of God’s character.

Let’s Pray For Staff Teams
Give thanks for the mutual encouragement of fellow workers and staff teams in these difficult days in working life, asking that God would strengthen relationships and team work.
Pray for staff teams who are readjusting to the loss of colleagues due to financial cut backs and having to restructure working patterns, asking for God’s wisdom, grace and strength. ​
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Moderator’s Service - ‘The church where God is found’
In his weekly service looking at Ephesians, Presbyterian Moderator Rt Rev Dr Bruce reaches the end of Chapter 2, and explores how the church is the place where God is found. He traces the background to the Temple in the Old Testament, and shows how, in Christ, the Temple is no longer a physical building, but the ordinary, everyday people of God themselves. Dr Bruce looks at Ephesians 2:19-22. “Today we will explore the theme, ‘The church where God is found’. At a time when many people are wondering about the future, and even about the meaning of life, the church ought to be a place where God is found.” 

Getty Music
Announcing Evensong: A Collection of Hymns and Lullabies at Close of Day - available August 28! You can listen to two of the songs on Spotify below.
Born out of the thoughts, songs, and prayers the Gettys use to close each day with their own family, this new project features a mixture of lullabies and hymns to help redirect the mind and comfort the heart.  Historically, the Church has known this practice as Evensong, and it is our hope that believers around the world might use these songs with their families and by themselves, especially in this unique season of life. 
STREAM CONSIDER THE STARS & IS HE WORTHY FROM EVENSONG ON SPOTIFY
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Taking Church To Others (28 Minute Audio)
If you can't bring people to church, you bring the church to them! In this podcast episode of 'Isolated World / Connected Church', Pat Allerton, who brought 'church services' to the streets during lockdown chats about the experience. Listen now on UCB Player!
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/23314/291237
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You Hold the World
A new lockdown LP called “You Hold the World” by Olly Knight Music has launched! The songs are about the hope we find in Jesus & the future that awaits us. 
For full details of how to listen - Go to https://linktr.ee/ollyknightmusic 
Olly will be leading worship in Week 3 of Keswick Convention 2021!
Listen to the Album for free on Spotify - Stream the Album on Spotify
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Jigsaw

Into a new week with some new Jigsaws for you to try.

Play the "Portstewart Strand" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0c6dd8a03c3c

Where Is It?

I might not be able to find a Where Is It everyday but here is one for the beginning of a new week. Some painted rocks being left in one location around Portstewart, so Where Is It?
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3 Comments

Friday 14th August 2020

13/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/f1RrZF_hBQY




Let’s Pray for Those receiving treatment for life threatening diseases
Give thanks that with coronavirus cases remaining low, the treatment of many other life threatening diseases has recommenced, asking God to help those who offer treatment to quickly clear the backlog that has built up. 
Pray for those worrying about unexplored symptoms during the height of the coronavirus, asking God to give them courage to pursue examination and treatment if necessary.  




Podcast: 30 Days in the Psalms with Kristyn Getty
From praises of love and adoration to cries of despair and dependence on God, the Psalms give Christians words to present their feelings to a sovereign God who hears all prayers. In this new podcast, join Kristyn Getty on a 30-day journey through some of the most beloved psalms in the Bible.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/30-days-in-the-psalms-with-kristyn-getty/?utm_source=Crossway+Marketing&utm_campaign=c7177ceddc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_07_31_04_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0275bcaa4b-c7177ceddc-283323045


Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Portstewart Strand" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Portstewart Strand
0 Comments

Thursday 13th August 2020

12/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/Aj3yDDBlqR8




Let’s Pray for Global Mission
Give thanks to God for PCI global mission workers serving in churches and communities across the globe, asking that God would use their gifts and bless their witness as the world continues to respond to the pain of the coronavirus pandemic.    
Pray for the many expressions of Christ’s church and witness to his love represented by PCI partner churches and specialist services agencies, asking God to spread the light of the gospel in many lives.  




Christian Unions Ireland
Over the coming weeks, CUI Chair Jim Crookes will be taking us through a four-part Bible study on 'People who Faced Uncertainty'.
The CUI podcast invites you to grab a mug of coffee, open God's Word, and be inspired by the stories of characters in Scripture who faced grave difficulties, yet trusted their unknown futures to a known and faithful God.
To listen to the first two episodes on Paul and Ruth, click the link below
https://open.spotify.com/show/1zB2mDMC6Op33rfCfuWiIV




Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Ebenezer" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Ebenezer
0 Comments

Wednesday 12th August 2020

12/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/Ou4FKPYp6cA




Let’s Pray for Deaconesses
Give thanks to God for PCI deaconesses who serve in congregations, chaplaincy and mission, asking God to use their gifts and bless their ministries as church and society continues to respond to the pain of the coronavirus pandemic.    
Pray for those who have been received into training for the diaconate but whose course has been paused, asking that God would continue to confirm in them his calling to service and hone their gifts. 



Bible Stories
I’ve been encouraged by the story of Paul and Silas in Corinthians. They were in prison, in lock down, yet they prayed, sang hymns and cared about the other prisoners and the jailer ...' READ MORE https://t.co/LeuU488kY1



Why SIng?
Why does God call his people to sing together? We can praise God in song as individuals any time, anywhere. Yet, as David Platt observes in this sermon from Nehemiah 12 at Sing! 2017, congregational singing is unique. Gathered worship is no spectator sport. We all participate in unity, as a family bonded by God’s grace. God is glorified when his people, young and old, from various backgrounds, join to sing in one accord. 
Watch the video here https://youtu.be/_S1_Z09AqoE
​

Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Centenary Stone" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Centenary Stone
0 Comments

Tuesday 11th August 2020

11/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/qJSL2wq3Ytk




Let’s Pray for The poor and disadvantaged
Pray for thosewhose financial situation has particularly deteriorated due to the coronavirus pandemic, asking God to help them make ends meet and receive the help they need to survive.
The impact of coronavirus has highlighted once again the uneven distribution of wealth, diversity of health and obstacles to opportunity in society. Pray for disadvantaged communities, asking God to help us all to do what we can to support and enable those most in need.  








These Three Remain Podcast
3 experienced youth workers consider how youth & children's ministry can be shaped in the term ahead – Johnny Bell (Saintfield Road), Laura Hutcheson-Magee (Gilnahirk) & Peter Wright (Hill Street) – listen, subscribe & share https://t.co/qGvSAVJAaH




Christians or non-Christians
Should the church be for Christians or non-Christians? Listen to this episode of the Irresistible Church Podcast as the hosts discuss how to create a church service that invites and encourages new members of the church. 
Listen now on UCB Player: https://t.co/Rcw1ZgQ7AX




PCI Blog
Lessons we are learning about planning for congregational life, David Thompson, Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, reflects on lessons we are learning about planning the next phase of church life together. 
Read >> https://t.co/UJYFgvlUOF




Abandoning The Poor
We’ve abandoned the poor to theological wolves who are preying on them around the world. Read and listen here  https://t.co/gPmhEbuxhE




The Bible Society of Lebanon has asked for prayer after the blast that hit the capital Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least 135 people and injuring around 5,000 others.
https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/




Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Giant’s Causeway" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Giant’s Causeway
0 Comments

Monday 10th August 2020

10/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/HMBX8ocvowM




Let’s Pray for Retail
Give thanks for those who continued to serve in the retail trade throughout the pandemic and lockdown, providing for the supply of all our daily needs. 
Pray for those working in retail as they continue to face the challenges of supply and providing a safe shopping environment, asking that God would prosper and provide through the vital service they offer. 




Moderator’s Service
Watch this weeks service here
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/August-2020/The-Sunday-Service-A-church-at-peace.aspx




“Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?” 
Embedded here is an idea question, an identity question, and an inverted question.
Read the Article here  https://t.co/ilrXIUlWAU




Raising The R Number of the Gospel
"Every Christian has the Spirit of God within them and has the potential to play a significant part in leading someone else to Jesus" Phil Knox shares his big idea on sharing Jesus. 
Read it here - https://t.co/NTl4u0D8KS




Teaching From Portstewart Keswick
We trust you are enjoying and being blessed by Virtually Keswick this week.
A little reminder that Keswick at Portstewart is offering FREE Bible Teaching via our website: https://t.co/OXdoESUBrP




Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Lifeboat" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Lifeboat
0 Comments

Friday 7th August 2020

6/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/vOEIxovSPcE


Let’s Pray for Those living with trauma
Pray for those living with trauma due to the period of the pandemic and pressures of lockdown restrictions, asking that God would gently restore them mind, body and soul. 
Pray especially for those in the hospital and care sectors drained from the strain of caring for the vulnerable, suffering and dying during the worst of the pandemic, asking for a sense of God’s peace and calm. 


Bible Study
Acts 17 tells us that the Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to see if the things Paul was saying were so (Acts 17:10–11). But what exactly did that look like?
Find Out Here - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/berean-different/


These Three Remain Podcast
3 experienced youth workers consider how youth & children's ministry can be shaped in the term ahead – Johnny Bell (Saintfield Road), Laura Hutcheson-Magee (Gilnahirk) & Peter Wright (Hill Street) – listen, subscribe & share https://t.co/qGvSAVJAaH


Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Winter In Coleraine" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Winter In Coleraine
0 Comments

Thursday 6th August 2020

6/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/IJ2lHj7yXoQ




Let’s Pray for Schools
Give thanks that schooling is going to be able to return in the new term, asking God to smooth the path towards the safe return of pupils, teachers and other staff.
Pray that God will enable the satisfactory resolution of many difficulties surrounding classroom set up, social distancing, blended learning and transport so that the new term can restart positively.




Justification & Sanctification
A short article looking at the difference between our attitudes to justification and sanctification. Read it here -
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/thoughts-justification-sanctification/




8 Psalms - 7 Ways
A selection of 8 Psalms sung 7 different ways giving you a great variety of styles and content.
Read the article here with a link to a playlist on Spotify.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/8-psalms-7-ways/


Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Portstewart Crescent" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Portstewart Crescent

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0 Comments

Wednesday 5th August 2020

5/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.


Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/5yTmXcP2ZHI




Let’s Pray for Domestic abuse
Pray for those who have suffered, or are suffering, domestic abuse which has increased during the period of lockdown, asking that God will be their safety, comfort and strength.
Give thanks for family, friends and organisations who are helping victims of abuse providing refuge and supporting recovery, asking that God will use their work to bring hope and healing. 




A 10 Year Old Book That Imagined a World Wide Pandemic
Colin Marshall and Tony Payne aren’t prophets or sons of prophets (so they say). But in their book The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift That Changes Everything (Matthias Media, 2009), they concluded with a mental experiment about a pandemic that sounds eerily close to what we’re currently experiencing:
Read The Article Here - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/ministry-book-envisioned-pandemic/




Keswick Convention Talks
All the talks from the last 10 years of the Keswick Convention to download or listen online.
https://keswickministries.org/talks-library/




Book Recommendations
Look out for 10 of Those book recommendations from Jonathan Carswell throughout this week of Virtually Keswick Convention. Take a look at the resources page for more info: https://vkc.keswickministries.org/resources-2/




Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "Portstewart Fireworks" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Portstewart Fireworks
0 Comments

Tuesday 4th August 2020

3/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Blog News
While I am on holiday this is a reduced version  of the blog.
It may not appear everyday depending on what access I have to internet, there are no photographs and you will have to click the links to watch the videos. If you have a time for completing the Jigsaw then please leave it in the comments as I won’t be able to gather any times sent by email or Whatsapp, and there won’t be a Where Is It?
I hope you still enjoy dropping in and seeing what is on offer.
​I am struggling to get enough internet to post the blog each day so it might appear at odd times. If you miss a day scroll down the page and you should find previous posts.



Beside The Burn
During the holiday break, Beside The Burn is going to concentrate on The Names of God, each day that there is a blog, there will be a reading of a short chapter from a book Incomparable. Each day will look at one verse that reveals a name of God.
Watch the video here -
https://youtu.be/yf5dwVkFIwQ


These three Remain 
Lessons we are learning about sharing the good news. James Cochrane, PCI global mission worker and church planter in Porto, Portugal shares what his church is learning about sharing the good news of Jesus during coronavirus. Read the article here - https://t.co/7cqKy4VDOy




Rescuing Rahab
Before the Israelites could enter the promised land, God wanted to save a prostitute. Read the article here -  https://t.co/XcnmHg2NF5




Asking Better Questions in Small-Group Discussions
There’s a lot to be concerned about when leading a Bible study or small group. The group may be inconsistent in attendance. They may be slow to open up to one another. They might ask questions about the Bible that you don’t know how to answer. But there’s one thing most leaders dread more than anything else. Silence.
Read The Article Here - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/melissa-kruger/asking-better-questions-in-small-group-discussions/




Jigsaw
Why not have a go at an old puzzle.
Play the "NW200" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - NW200
0 Comments
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