Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Tuesday 31st August 2021

31/8/2021

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week we conclude our series for the summer, “Meals With Jesus!”.
One of the things that we have all missed during the Covid Restrictions is being able to eat together with friends and family. These are always such important occasions when we catch up, encourage one another and learn about each other’s lives. In church we have missed sharing those cups of tea and catching up, so this summer we are going to eat a number of meals with Jesus, concluding this week as Jesus eats with Cleopas and his friend in Emmaus.

​Let’s Pray For Sonya Anderson (deaconess in Shore Street, Donaghadee)  
Pray for wisdom as the congregation makes plans for children's ministry and for enough leaders to step forward to lead and help. Thank God that Shore Street has received leave to call a new minister. Pray that God will guide them in the next stage.


Donegal and Stranorlar (Co Donegal)
Give thanks that the congregations have been able to make use of opportunities to meet for worship and to gather outdoors.  Pray for God’s leading as the congregation moves forward into the autumn.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Take Root

New City Catechism
Q. Since We Are Redeemed by Grace Alone, Through Faith Alone, Where Does This Faith Come From?
A. All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/since-we-are-redeemed-by-grace-alone-through-faith-alone-where-does-this-faith-come-from/

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Two sermons from Alistair Begg who you may remember speaking at our 7 Churches event in 2000

​My Hiding Place — Part One
A sermon from Alistair Beggs about King David as he acknowledges his adultery with Bathsheba based on Psalm 32
https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/my-hiding-place-pt-1/

​My Hiding Place — Part Two
A sermon from Alistair Beggs about King David as he acknowledges his adultery with Bathsheba based on Psalm 32


https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2021/08/23/my-hiding-place-part-2-of-2-/?src=21SPHN0P&utm_content=176859821&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-38740252

​Not Gathering with the Church Hurts You Spiritually
In the newest TGC Talk, Jonathan Leeman argues that virtual church isn’t really church. At best it’s an emergency fix. Gathering as churches is crucial for your evangelistic witness, your growth, discipleship and perseverance in the faith.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/video/not-gathering-church/

​PCI Blog
Ready steady go ... 
Resuming more regular patterns of church life 
Neil Harrison, PCI’s Mission Development Officer, reflects on the anticipated return of more regular patterns of church life as we emerge from a very different summer.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/August-2021/Ready-steady-go-Resuming-more-regular-patterns.aspx
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Seeking Refuge
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to leave your home, family, friends and career and start all over again in a new country? Maybe you have first hand experience of this? For some it’s a choice, for many others, circumstances force them to turn their back on all they’ve ever known to seek refuge elsewhere.   Dr Anne Therese Gallagher, Director – General of the Commonwealth Foundation and President of the International Catholic Migration Commission and Adam Baker, Director of Refugee Roots join Paul on this week's Life Issues.
​https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21332/313245
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Violence Against Christians
Fiona Bruce MP is the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, writes in response to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan: "we cannot assume that violent acts against people of faith occur only beyond our borders." 

​https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2021/08/fiona-bruce-we-need-to-act-together-to-help-victims-of-acts-of-violence-based-on-religion-or-belief.html
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Eddie 3:19

Today the puzzle is of the viewing Platform at Magheracross (Taken during the Bank Holiday Weekend)
​
Play the "Viewing Platform Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=20fa454e02ef

2 Comments

Monday 30th August 2021

30/8/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we conclude our series for the summer, “Meals With Jesus!”.
One of the things that we have all missed during the Covid Restrictions is being able to eat together with friends and family. These are always such important occasions when we catch up, encourage one another and learn about each other’s lives. In church we have missed sharing those cups of tea and catching up, so this summer we are going to eat a number of meals with Jesus, concluding this week as Jesus eats with Cleopas and his friend in Emmaus.

Sunday Sermon
You can watch the message from Sunday’s Service below.

​Let’s Pray For Moderator
The Moderator’s diary for the autumn includes weekly church services, conferences, visits to other organisations and preparations for the General Assembly. Pray for David and Zoe as they begin to travel more extensively around Ireland, north and south.


Fanning the flame of congregational life: Being thankful
Ask God to make us thankful for how he has blessed us through the summer months, restoring our souls, renewing our enthusiasm, reviving us for what lies ahead.  


Stephen and Angelina Cowan (global mission workers in Kenya) 
Give thanks for the interest in change amongst village groups. Pray for all children who will transition to secondary school due to support through the programme here, that they will be influenced by the gospel which is clearly presented at youth events.


Romania
Pray for the work of PCI’s partner, the Christian Foundation Diakonia, based in Cluj, Transylvania and especially for the work and witness of the Home Care Team.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
The Lion Shall Lie Down With The Lamb

Facing The Canon
J.John speaks with Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley Jones about their life in music and acting. (Part 1 of 2).

Missing Church?
Missing church should feel like missing family. Because we are family.
Many are finding it difficult to get back into the rhythm of attending church again. This article reminds us what church should be like.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/why-missing-church-should-feel-like-missing-family/
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Job Opportunities
Trinity House Residential Home in Garvagh have a number of job opportunities, see below.
trinity_poster_aug2021.pdf
File Size: 986 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


15 Reasons Your Soul Needs Gathered Worship, Not Just a Livestream 
Here are 15 reflections on all that is lost when we choose to worship from the couch instead of the pew. 
By Dane Ortlund 

https://www.9marks.org/article/15-reasons-your-soul-needs-physical-gathered-worship/
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Jigsaw
The times for Friday’s Jigsaw

Derek 11:43
Jean 12:48


I was very tempted to keep this photograph for the 90 piece puzzle on Friday, but I thought it might be too challenging. It is a beautiful picture of the Sunset over the Bank Holiday Weekend. You may also notice the person riding the Hydro Bike across the water.

Play the "Sunset Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1e7920f955f6
1 Comment

Friday 27th August 2021

27/8/2021

1 Comment

 
On Beside The Burn today we share a short devotional thought from God’s word to encourage and build up your faith.

​Let’s Pray For Social Witness
None of us knows when we or those known to us will suffer from poor mental health. Pray that God will be close to those suffering from depression and other mental health problems. Pray too for adequate funding for our health trusts to provide services in the community.


Back to school
Give thanks for all who support our children and young people at school – classroom assistants, governors, teachers, principals, caretakers, cleaners and support staff. Pray that Christians on staff would have many opportunities to share the love of Jesus throughout the school year. 


General Council
As the end of summer approaches, congregations are preparing to re-start many of their 
activities – some for the first time since the pandemic lockdown. Pray for wisdom for kirk sessions and organisational leaders as they make their plans.


Council for Training in Ministry  
Ministry students are preparing to start the new year of College studies. There are 15 new students this year, along with 20 going into second and third years. The first two weeks are intensive Hebrew and Greek classes. Pray the Lord will prepare students for ministry through their college study and congregational placements.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Unto Us A Child Is Born

​Open Doors
When Anwar (name changed) in #Syria became a Christian, he was thrown out of home by his family.
Thanks to Open Doors, a Centre of Hope was able to give him somewhere to live and the chance to teach the next generation of believers.
Read his inspiring story: 
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/syria-anwar-hope/

Hillsong - Anchor
There is hope in the promise of the cross
You gave everything to save the world You love
And this hope is an anchor for my soul
Our God will stand
Unshakable

​Seven ways to become evangelism ready
Matt Smethurst’s first attempt at a “TED Talk.” 
1. Grasp the gospel.
2. Check your context.
3. Love the lost.
4. Mind your manners.
5. Face your fear.
6. Pray for power.
7. Start to speak.


https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/video/before-you-share-your-faith/

​The Simplest Attempt At Evangelism
This is the wonderful story of one student who brought several friends to faith and who went on to become missionaries, pastors and a Chemist.
God lovingly receives even our weakest efforts. He asks us to share his good news consistently and faithfully, through the ins and outs of our ordinary lives: through the invisible work of forgettable meals and letters the rest of the world will never see. 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/burnt-cheese-gospel-conversations/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Jean 3:02
Frances 3:25

A little bit more of a challenge for the weekend.


Play the "Castlehead View Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3a137433b6f6

1 Comment

Thursday 26th August 2021

26/8/2021

2 Comments

 
​On Beside The Burn today we share a short devotional thought from God’s word to encourage and build up your faith.

Let’s Pray For Owen Wilson (community outreach worker in Crumlin)   
Pray for the congregation in this new ‘normal’, that they would reconnect with the community in creative and practical ways. Pray that as they partner with Youth for Christ, their presence would be noticed and in time provide opportunities to share the love of Jesus.


Cootehill, Drum and Kilmount 
Give thanks for the recent Holiday Bible Club held in the local primary school. Pray for the encouragement of the leaders as plans are made for youth and children’s work in the autumn.  ​
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Immanuel

Collapse Of The Soviet Union
“It was like being a fish in an aquarium – everything you did or said was monitored." Thirty years ago this month, the collapse of the Soviet Union began. Olga grew up in Central Asia in this era of Christian persecution – and here she shares her story: ​

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/central-asia-ussr-collapse-30-years/
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Hillsong - Mighty To Save
What a great song to help us worship today.
​

Saviour

He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

5 Biblical Encouragements for Depressed Believers
Here are five biblical truths to focus on during difficult times.


https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/biblical-encouragements-depressed-believers/
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Dane Ortlund - Psalms
View recent sermons on the Psalms by Dane Ortlund at Naperville Presbyterian Church.
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! Psalm 40:17​

https://www.youtube.com/naperpres
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Bible In 30 Minutes - Malachi
What should we do when we feel disappointed by God? Find out as we study the book of Malachi in 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes.' 
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21332/388756
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R.T. Kendall & J.John
Join Canon J. John as he interviews Dr R. T. Kendall about his time as pastor of Westminster Chapel. Watch this powerful testimony of a 'road to Damascus' encounter with God and be encouraged to pursue God's calling on your life.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21324/211830
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw​

Jean 2:46
Derek 2:54
Eddie 3:06

Play the "Castlerigg Stone Circle Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2ba24444dbe4
2 Comments

Wednesday 25th August 2021

25/8/2021

2 Comments

 
On Beside The Burn today we share a short devotional thought from God’s word to encourage and build up your faith.

Let’s Pray For Diane Cusick (global mission worker, Zambia)  
Pray for the teachers and children in the CCAP schools in Zambia as they reopen again having been closed since June, and pray for inspiration for Diane as she begins working with the teachers in early childhood classes.


Haiti
Pray for the people of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake. Pray for the rescue and relief efforts and for much needed medical supplies. Pray for the thousands injured, homeless and bereaved. ​
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Consider Christ
Graeme Thompson shared this beautiful song in the Tides devotional yesterday, inviting us to Consider Christ.

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

Job Opportunity At Willowbrook Coleraine
Download the Job description and details of how to apply below.
job_advert.doc
File Size: 50 kb
File Type: doc
Download File


PRAYER
Wednesday on the Blog is prayer day. Below are some ideas to help us pray for Afghanistan
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Resources to help you pray for Afghanistan
Join us in prayer for Afghanistan at this time.
The following links will lead you to some helpful resources and links from GC members and associated networks, to help you pray for Afghanistan:
 All Nations UK Principal Andy Dipper talks about his experiences in Afghanistan and about the current situation -listen here

Afghanistan Emergency - How to Pray - AsiaLink
Pray for Afghanistan - from BMS World Mission
Afghanistan - a call to prayer - from Church Mission Society
A prayer for Afghanistan - from the Evangelical Alliance
 

https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/prayer-centre/a-prayer-for-afghanistan

Open Doors Praying For Afghanistan
Open Doors have updated their guidance about praying for Afghanistan.​

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/afghanistan-prayer/

How Can I Pray Biblical Prayers For A Suffering Friend?
Scripture teaches us how to pray for people in the deepest suffering.  
Review of new book: ‘I’m Praying for You’ by Nancy Guthrie​

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/praying-for-you/
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The Gospel in the Republic of Ireland - EMF
After a short Summer break, EMF are re-starting their webinar series with a topic which will be close to the heart of many. "The Gospel in the Republic of Ireland".  Monday 13th September, 1930-2030.
 In this webinar Phil Dunn, the EMF Northern Ireland Representative, will be leading a panel discussion with 3 men all involved closely in church plants in the Republic of Ireland:
  • Pastor Shane Deane of Passage West Baptist Church, 
  • Rev. Alastair Dunlop of Howth & Malahide Presbyterian Churches, and
  • Pastor Paudge Mulvihill of Calvary Church, Westport.


https://www.europeanmission.org/webinars/gospel-in-republic-of-ireland
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New Student Welcome Pack
If you know someone who is about to start at university why not get them a Welcome pack from 10ofThose. Click the link to see what the pack contains and remember to pray for all students as they return to studies.
https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/25522/new-student-freshers-welcome-pack?
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Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.


12 – 18 August   
Pray for students as they rest and reconnect with friends, family, and church communities over the summer: that they would be encouraged in their walk with the Lord, filled with joy and hope each day. Pray they would be renewed and strengthened after a tough year.
Pray for the initial planning of the Belfast CUs City–Wide Mission taking place in January/February 2022. CUI Workers have been meeting with the CU Mission Secretaries to think this through. Pray for all involved as they aim to have a launch ready in time for the start of freshers’ events on 23 August.
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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 Morocco the 27th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here 


https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/morocco/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Jean 2:41
Derek 2:45
Eddie 2:53

​Today a beautiful view over Derwentwater beside Keswick.
Play the "Derwentwater Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=323942c24a4a

2 Comments
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