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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Monday 26th September 2022 - Friday 30th September 2022

26/9/2022

7 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
A devotional video each day, this week exploring Revelation Chapters 2 & 3.

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Let's Pray
Sunday 25 September  2022 – Saturday 1 October 2022
Two downloadable resources are also available to go with this Let's Pray email: A PDF and Word document version of the prayer diary. These files are available for download here:
    •    A4 Let's Pray PDF (pdf)
    •    A4 Let's Pray WORD (docx)
You can also download these resources from PCI's website – click here to visit the Let's Pray page.


Sunday 25 September
Moderator
Pray for the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick, as he takes time to prepare for his first PresbyteryTour to the Dromore Presbytery starting on 2nd October. Pray for God’s guidance as he prepares sermons and addresses for a wide range of contexts during the forthcoming week.
Knowing the blessings of God in worship  
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout 
all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21. 

Ask that as you worship today you may know the blessing of God’s ability to constantly exceed our expectations of him.


Monday 26 September
Chris and Rachel Humphries (global mission workers, Portugal) 
Pray for Chris and Rachel who returned to Northern Ireland in August on final home assignment. Give thanks for their service in the church plant in Senhora da Hora and pray for them as they settle back in Northern Ireland and look to the future.  
Malawi 
Scripture Union Malawi (SUM) is celebrating its 50thanniversary this month. Give thanks for all the work of SUM staff and volunteers over the past 50 years. Pray that through SUM many more children and young people in Malawi will be challenged to commit their lives to following Jesus.  


Tuesday 27 September
Sonya Anderson (deaconess, Shore Street, Donaghadee)
Pray for ‘Coffee With Kids’ (carer and toddler group) - that it will provide new connections with young families in the area. Pray for all the leaders of organisations in the congregation, that they will be empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit as they lead. 
Mullingar
The congregation is celebrating its 200th anniversary on Saturday 8 October. Give thanks for all the work and witness of leaders and members of the congregation over the past 200 years, and pray for God’s blessing as they continue to worship and serve the Lord. 


Wednesday 28 September
Peter and Jayne Fleming (global mission workers, Nepal) 
Pray for Peter and Jayne who are starting their final home assignment as they settle in to life and work here. Pray too for them as they undertake deputation until the end of November. 
Faculté Jean Calvin, France  
Pray for students at the College in Aix-en-Provence at the beginning of this new academic year and that they will be well-equipped for full time roles in ministry and mission. 


Thursday 29 September 
Norman Harrison (healthcare chaplain) 
Pray for wisdom and guidance for Norman in his role as PCI chaplain at the Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast and as lead chaplain in the Northern Trust.
Naas
Give thanks to God for how he is blessing the congregation and for the encouragement this brings. Ask the Lord to provide godly leadership as the congregation hold a committee election this autumn and an eldership election early in 2023.


Friday 30 September
Thompson House 
Give thanks for the work and witness of Thompson House – PCI’s supported housing scheme for offenders. Pray for David Farrow, the Director, and the staff team as they get alongside residents and show them the love of Christ. Give thanks for the Bible study that takes place among residents and led by staff members. 
Civil Service 
Give thanks for the many people who work in the Civil Service of Ireland, and the NI Civil Service. Pray for them as they seek to deliver services to the public and develop policies, that they would be wise, diligent and good stewards in their areas of responsibility.  


Saturday 1 October
General Council
Pray for the meeting of the Support Services Committee being held next week. Pray for Mr David Thomson (Convener) and the Clerk (Secretary) along with Mr Clive Knox (Financial Secretary) as they prepare for this important meeting.
Training in Ministry 
Union College’s Bible for All series starts on Thursday 29 September at 7.30pm. This runs for four consecutive Thursdays, and begins with Marty Cowan speaking on ‘How we got our Bible.’ Pray that this will be an encouragement and blessing to many. Registration is at: www.union.ac.uk/news/06/2022/bible-for-all-series ​

Responding Pastorally To The Pandemic 
The PCI Podcast.
Even though the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact have slipped down our news feeds with the cost of living crisis, the appointment of a new UK Prime Minister and the death of the Queen, and the Accession of King Charles to the throne, its effects are still felt by many and the task of pastoral follow up continues. 
Listen Here

Tears & Celebration
Many of you are still asking about the hymn we sang in church a couple of weeks ago so I have included the link again this week.

Queen Elizabeth II: The Bible in the Funeral
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was both dignified and deeply moving. It was a great state occasion, marked by all the pomp and circumstance due to a great queen, but it was also thoroughly Christian and soaked in Scripture. From the moment the coffin entered Westminster Abbey to the words ‘I am the resurrection and the life’, the Bible shaped the service. 
Read More From The Bible Society Here
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Bible Society In Ukraine
A team from the Ukrainian Bible Society travelled to the embattled region carrying aid and Bibles. 
Anatoliy Rachynets, deputy general secretary, said, ‘I saw many tears and many thankful faces. People said that the Bible was the most precious gift in this situation.’
Read More Here
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UCB Health crises. Energy crises. (15 minute Audio)
The world feels like a scary place. But how can our faith change the way we look at things?
​Listen Here
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57 Songs About Heaven
Brett McCracken gives us 57 songs about Heaven with a link to a Spotify & Apple Music Playlist
Read More Here:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/57-songs-heaven/
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Christ Our Hope In Life And Death
Listen to some tracks from the new Album.

Listen On Spotify

Listen On Youtube
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Jigsaw Puzzles

​
Monday
The puzzles this week are all from our holiday in the Lake District, when we stayed in Keswick. Today is the view over Derwentwater the Lake which Keswick sits on. This is the view from the opposite end of the lake which is simply stunning.

Best Times
Eddie 3:01

​https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=28e30aee98df
Tuesday
Today is another view over Derwentwater, this time an early morning view from Friar's Crag.

Best Times
Eddie 4:02

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=36ff1469bc0a
Wednesday
Today another view of Derwentwater in Keswick.

Best Times - A dead heat today.
Eddie 2:52
​Derek 2:52

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=19fb5551252d
Thursday
Another picture from the Lake District, today it is Lowther Castle.

Best Times
Derek 2:53
​Eddie 3:39

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1e2a01756426
Friday

Today the puzzle is of the stunning Lakeside Boathouse at the side of Ullswater in the Lake District. Remember that the Friday puzzle is a little bit more challenging.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1669c743954e



7 Comments

Monday 19th September - Friday 23rd September 2022

19/9/2022

5 Comments

 
Blog Introduction
This is now the third week of the new format Blog and I’m going to tweak things a little. I’ve discovered that when I put new items on the Blog during the week, it isn’t always obvious what is new, so instead of having different sections on the Blog like Music, Video, Audio etc I’m going to reduce the number of sections and put all the new content each day at the top of the page.
Beside The Burn will still be the first section you see, and Jigsaws will be the final item, but in between items will be listed chronologically.
Beside The Burn
A devotional video each day, this week exploring Revelation Chapter 1.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Let’s Pray
Sunday 18 September
Moderator's Prayer
The Moderator will be engaging in worship today at 1st Omagh Presbyterian Church. By prayer, encourage all those leading in worship across the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to be given the grace to declare the wonder of the gospel hope in the face of death.

Knowing the blessings of God in worship  May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. 
Ask that as you worship today you may know the blessing of God’s ability to constantly exceed our expectations of him.

Monday 19 September
Moderator's Prayer

On the day of Her Majesty’s funeral in Westminster Abbey, we acknowledge that the death of The Queen will be felt most keenly by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – let us remember them in their loss, praying they will find true peace at this time.  
Let each of us take a few moments to give thanks for God's grace seen in the life of Elizabeth II and pray that her influence will shape the future of the monarchy and encourage Christians everywhere to be bold for Jesus.

Derek and Jane French (global mission workers, Spain) Pray for Derek and Jane as they balance the various aspects of their work - Grupos Biblicos Unídos (GBU) student ministry in the north of Spain, Andamio Kids Publishing and preaching and pastoral work in Bilbao International Church. 
  

Tuesday 20 September
South Belfast Friendship House Pray for Carol Reid and William Harkness as they adapt their work to the school timetable following the summer period, and endeavour to find ways to spread the gospel in the area.

KilkennyGive thanks for answered prayer in Kilkenny. Pray for some children who became Christians at summer camps that they will grow in their knowledge and love for God’s Word. Pray too for new families who are coming to the church, and that they will integrate into the church family and walk with God.

Wednesday 21 September
Naomi Keefe (global mission worker, Brazil) Pray for Naomi who is on a short home assignment and involved in deputation speaking this month. Remember her as she prepares to return to Brazil early in October.

Pakistan Pray for God’s blessing on the staff and students at Gujranwala Theological Seminary and United Bible Training Centre, Pakistan. 

Thursday 22 September 
Michaela Tucillo (community outreach worker in Abbey) Pray for Michaela as she settles into her work in Abbey Presbyterian, Monkstown and pray for the building up of relationships with people in the local community.

Lisbellaw, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge & NewtownbutlerGive thanks for the new pastoral support team, praising God for the gifts and talents he has blessed them with, so that they may be a blessing to others for his glory and our good. 

Friday 23 September
Social Witness Pray for the Older People Services Committee due to meet this coming week, remember the convener, Rev Nigel Reid and the committee members as they make plans and decisions for the coming year. Pray that God will move mightily among the staff and residents who form the various homes under Older People Services.

Education Pray for all those who work in our schools as everyone settles into the new school year. Pray 
especially that Christian teachers, support staff and pupils might have opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ amongst their colleagues and peers through their daily interactions. Give thanks for those who volunteer in Scripture Union and other Bible clubs within our schools.

Saturday 24 September
General CouncilPray for the General Assembly Business Committee as it meets next week. Remember especially Rev Roy Mackay (convener) and Rev Mervyn Burnside (convener of the Arrangements Panel) as they provide leadership in this important work.

Training in Ministry Union College Management Committee meets on Monday 26 September. The members of the Committee bring expertise and experience that enhances the support and oversight that the Committee brings to the College. Give thanks for it, and pray for its members, especially its convener, Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson.

Scripture Union

The latest prayer points from Andrew Neill the North Coast Scripture Union E3 Worker.
READ MORE HERE
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Free Article From Presbyterian Herald
10 years of farm family health checks

Rebecca McConnell meets Christina Faulkner, coordinator of the Farm Families Health Checks programme as they celebrate 10 years of bringing medical health checks in a portable clinic to farmers and their families across Northern Ireland.
​https://issuu.com/presbyterianireland/docs/presbyterian_herald_september_2022/s/16636651
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Keith Getty on Lessons from the Life of Queen Elizabeth II
I was outside relaxing with friends on September 8, when we heard the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The four of us—including a British church denomination leader, a Royal fine artist, and a previous chief operating officer of the Royal Albert Hall—spent some time reflecting on her extraordinary life. ​
​READ MORE HERE
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Remarks To Faith Leaders
King Charles has told faith leaders he is a “committed Anglican” but he believes “the Sovereign has an additional duty.”

“It is the duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself.”

Read More Here​ 
​https://www.royal.uk/kings-remarks-faith-leaders

Tweet From Rick Hill

“Thy throne shall never like earths proud empires pass away.”

Smiling to myself that she picked these words to be sung at her own funeral to show where her power and ultimate loyalty actually lay…

The Power of Prayer
John Sentamu speaks about a time when the Queen 
prayed for him and what happened…
​
https://twitter.com/johngrovesuk/status/1571748651311022083
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Find Safety with the Holy Spirit
We have a surer and better safety as Christians. When we put our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit marks us safe with Jesus.
​
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/safety-holy-spirit/
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Heavenly Father,

Today we give you thanks for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her life of faithful witness and service.

Grant wisdom to those who lead us, that they would be inspired by the example of The Queen and lead with integrity, courage and skill. 

We pray for King Charles III as he leads the Commonwealth, our nation and his family through this time of grief. We ask you to comfort those who mourn, thinking especially of the Royal Family and those closest to The Queen. 

May she rest in peace and rise in glory. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen. 
​A Prayer from Innovista.

PRAYER
Some Prayer suggestions from Open Doors

Please join us in praying over the coming days and weeks:
  • Praise God for Queen Elizabeth’s Christian witness and pray that, as people across the world reflect on her life and legacy, her faith in Jesus will spark faith in others
  • That the Lord will continue to raise up leaders like Queen Elizabeth to be salt and light throughout the world
  • For King Charles to know God’s comfort as he mourns, and to seek God's wisdom as he starts his reign
  • That the new Prime Minister and her cabinet will govern wisely and use their influence to defend Christian freedom around the world.


Father God, we thank You for the life of Your daughter Elizabeth. We are grateful for her dedicated service and for the hope she brought to so many. May the seeds of her testimony have a plentiful harvest, and may reflection upon her life lead others to Jesus. Bless and equip King Charles III so that, as Defender of the Faith, he may reign in line with heaven, doing everything in his power to strengthen the church in the UK and around the world. Amen.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2


A Prayer For The New Prime Minister
​From Evangelical Alliance
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Might it be that the Queen in her death is somehow
“wooing an errant generation back to the faith of their fathers”?

- Pete Greig

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Welcome Pack For Students
Ideal for someone who has just got a place at university, order them a pack as a going away present! Containing 3 great books to encourage, and food and snacks to engage with new housemates. All for just £10!
http://bit.ly/UCCFPack

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Music
Chris Tomlin has a new album Always. You can listen at the link below.
https://christomlin.lnk.to/AlwaysAlbumTP

The Whole Album for free on YouTube ​https://youtu.be/-iVU0TWlwv0

A Short  Tribute From UCB

The Hymn From Sunday
Tears And Celebration
The Story behind the Hymn.
Written by Andy Flanagan from Portadown
Andy mentions another a hymn that he has written, “We Seek Your Kingdom”
Andy has written a hymn about Ukraine, “Your Spirit Groans For Peace”

Facing The Canon
​J.John speaks with Andy Bannister; evangelist, apologist, and author of 'The Atheist Who Didn't Exist'.

From The Newsletter This Week
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Jigsaw
Each day a Jigsaw puzzle for a little bit of fun. Share your time in the comments below to encourage others. Please include which day’s puzzle the time is for.
Monday
After a week in the New Forest we moved for a few days to stay at Chatsworth House in the Peak District.
Today’s puzzle captures the stunning Chatsworth House in the light of the setting sun.

Best Time
Eddie 2:17

Play the "Chatsworth Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=249f21113edc
Tuesday

Today’s puzzle is from Chatsworth House once again and includes one of the amazing metal sculptures which were on display in the grounds this summer.

Best Times
Eddie 3:35

​Play the "Chatsworth Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3c6aa7c34d25
Wednesday
Chatsworth House again, today it is the entrance bridge over the Derwent River.

Best Times
Eddie 2:50

Play the "Bridge Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0c90d6177d39
Thursday
While staying at Chatsworth House we decided to investigate the Derwentwater Dam and while cycling round the Dam we discovered this memorial to mark the place where the Dambuster training flights took place.

Best Times
​Eddie 3:26

Play the "Dambusters Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=15bd72764583
Friday
One final photo of Chatsworth House for the puzzle today with some reflections on the lake. As always there are a few extra pieces in the Friday puzzle for slightly more of a challenge.

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3d527fbe1753
5 Comments

Monday 12th September 2022 - Friday 16th September 2022

12/9/2022

10 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
​The Burnside Blog continues this week, each week day there will be a new devotional video based on Revelation.
Although most of the articles on this page will remain the same, there will be new articles added through out the week.

The introduction to Revelation began last week you can find all the videos HERE

Beside The Burn
A short devotional video available each weekday to enable us to take time beside the still waters of God’s word and listen for His voice. This week we continue our introduction to the book of Revelation.
Monday 12th September 2022
Tuesday 13th September 2022

Wednesday 14th September 2022
Thursday 15th September 2022

Friday 16th September 2022

Book Recommendation
On Monday of last week I recommended the new book by Nancy Guthrie - Blessed. I will be roughly following the structure of the book in our weekly studies of Revelation. Here is a link to the book on Amazon but it can be bought/ordered in the Faith Mission.
Find It On Amazon
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Prayer
Below are some prayer topics and also the Let’s Pray Topics for the whole week.
Do check back as additional topics may be added during the week.
 Let’s Pray - Sun 11 Sept - Sat 17 Sept 2022

Sunday 11 September
  • Moderator | Pray for the Moderator’s visit to the congregations of 1st Rathfriland and Spa today – that the two services will be a source of blessing and encouragement to the congregations. Give thanks for the new hall at Drumreagh to be opened this week – that it would enhance the ministry of the congregation.
• Knowing the blessings of God in worship | May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.
Ask that as you worship today you may know the blessings of God’s overflowing hope, joy and peace.

Monday 12 September

• Csaba & Ilona Veres (global mission workers, Romania) | Give thanks for the children and young people who attended the summer camps and pray they will each have a hunger for God’s Word and his presence in their everyday life.
• Indonesia | Pray for the General Assembly of Eukumindo (an

Tuesday 13 September

• Belfast Conference | Pray for the members of the Belfast Conference as they meet throughout the year and consider missional priorities within the city of Belfast.
• Irvinestown, Pettigo & Tempo (Co Fermanagh) | Give thanks that members of these three congregations are experiencing “God is with us, maturing us in Christ and making a way for us”. Pray that as they go into a new church year they will wait on him and hear his voice.

Wednesday 14th September
• Naomi Leremore (global mission worker, Kenya) | Pray for Naomi as she settles back to work writing Christian education materials after spending the summer reconnecting with family, friends and PCI.
• Middle East | Pray for the leaders and members of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon as they worship the Lord and witness their faith in both word and deed.

Thursday 15 September
• Philip Whelton (Irish mission worker in Arklow) | Thank God for the wonderful holiday Bible club in early August. Continue to pray for the weekly events that have begun or will soon begin. These include Bible Study (Mondays), Coffee Dock (Tuesdays) Children's Bible Club (Wednesdays) and Youth Club (Fridays).
• Kells (Monagahan Presbytery) | Praise God for some positive developments, for attendance rising once again and for a few new families joining who have been a real blessing. Pray for the preaching team and those who lead Midweek Bible study.

Friday 16th September
 Social Witness | Carlisle House is a Residential Substance Misuse Treatment Centre. Gray’s Court complements
its work by providing longer term supported housing for those in the early stages of recovery. Pray for the staff, for strength to face daily challenges. Pray for the new intake of service users to Carlisle House in the coming weeks.
• Hospitality | Pray for those in the hospitality sector who are struggling to cope with rising costs and face an uncertain future. Pray especially for owners of these, often small, businesses as they seek to make wise choices for their staff and customers as well as their own livelihoods.

Saturday 17 September
• General Council | Pray for the meeting of the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) being held in Assembly Buildings next week and chaired by the Moderator, the Rt Rev Dr John Kirkpatrick. Pray that this might continue to be a useful forum for sharing matters of common concern between some of the main churches in Ireland.
• Training in Ministry | The new undergraduate BA degree that is taught by Union and validated by St Mary’s University begins this week. Give thanks for all that has enabled this to happen, & pray for the twelve students who are starting their studies, and those who teach and provide all of the support needed for the programme.

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

10- 16 September
The new committee in MTU Cork are focusing heavily on freshers. Pray that they step out despite any fears or hindrances so that they can welcome and love all their new freshers well by serving them!

Pray for Stranmillis CU as they seek to return back onto campus for CU and pray that relations between the CU and the college remain positive.
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Prayer
When the pains and creaking and groaning of our world feel overwhelming, let us convert that energy toward prayer for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit. Prayers offered in faith can change any situation.
Gavin Ortlund


Queen Elizabeth II
​We See Tears And Celebration

This is a new hymn lyric written by Andy Flannagan and Sam Hargreaves, marking the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. It can be sung to the tune “Dim Ond Iesu/Cymraeg” (best known for “Here is love vast as the ocean”). Below is a video of Catherine Jenkins singing the hymn. If you can, please listen to the hymn a few times following the words below as I think it would be a wonderful hymn to sing on Sunday.
​We see tears and celebration,
for this life so dignified,
bearing thanks and hearts of sadness,
to the God of death and life.
As he takes her to his promise,
of an audience with the King,
we remember all she gave us,
wreaths of gratitude we bring.

In these days of change and trial,
be the rock on which we stand,
when we fear in this new season,
hold us firmly in your hands.
May we rise to her example,
to be humble, kind and fair,
swift to pray and slow to anger,
choosing faith and not despair.

In the midst of coronation,
she once knelt in silent prayer,
oil was poured in Christ’s commission,
called to lead her people there.
May we know that same anointing,
move in royal authority,
then speak liberty and healing,
to a world in need of peace.

Lord forgive, when pride and envy,
leave our nation bruised and stained,
turn us back towards our calling,
to make your name great again.
May we rise above divisions,
Lord, our brokenness we bring,
that a more united kingdom,
would give glory to the King.

When our days are at their dimming,
and our work on earth is done,
may we hear as does our sovereign,
‘Faithful servant, welcome home.’
May we rise with Christ to witness,
a new heav’n and earth displayed,
ours a robe that will not tarnish,
hers a crown that will not fade.

Devotional Booklet From PCI

Following the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, a devotional resource has been produced in a very short period of time by PCI.
It is just one way to assist members of our congregations to seek God “In This Moment”.
It may be useful in personal or family devotions, or in some aspects of your congregational life and witness.

Download The Booklet AT THe Link Below
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inthismoment_queensdevotional_2022.pdf
File Size: 276 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


All Souls Tribute
All Souls Church in Langham Place, London has produced a short video on her life and her faith. This is the church of the late John Stott who also served as chaplain to the Queen.

PCI Moderator
This afternoon PCI Moderator Dr John Kirkpatrick took part in a Service of Reflection for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at St Anne’s Cathedral #Belfast saying that the service was ‘a gesture of grace’ while being ‘a special and unique moment.’
Read More Here
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JJ Chambers
Many of you will know JJ Chambers from his presenting roles, his participation in the Invictus Games and Strictly, but did you know that his dad was once the Moderator of the Church Of Scotland. JJ writes the following - 
I was lucky enough to inherited my old man’s ability to speak, but I did not get his gift of writing.
So his written recollections of Her Majesty are simply wonderful to read.

Read More Here
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Sign Of The Times - Pete Greig
A double rainbow appeared over Buckingham Palace shortly before the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Pete Greig wonders if this sign in the sky was more than sheer co-incidence.
​Read More Here.
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Bible Society Tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Bible society will be adding tributes to Queen Elizabeth II through out the week.
Read More Here


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Christian Institute
As the nation mourns the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, we give thanks to God for her life of service, and recall some of her most powerful statements about her Christian faith.
Read More Here

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4 Leadership Lessons from the Life of Queen Elizabeth II
The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has unleashed a tidal wave of admiration and affection in Britain and around the world. Why does the Queen have such a special place in the hearts of so many? Why has her life had such an influence for good?
Read More Here
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One Of The Stranger Stories This Week
Royal beekeeper has informed the Queen's bees that the Queen has died and King Charles is their new boss in bizarre tradition dating back centuries.
​Read More Here
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Faith
Queen Elizabeth often spoke about her faith
Read More Here
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PW
PW met on Monday 12th September 2022 with special guest Naomi Dudgeon from Faith Mission.
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​Music
When All My Words Are Said
Many of you have been asking about the hymn that was played on Sunday during the service. It was written by Jonathan Rea of the New Irish Choir & Orchestra and sung by Sylvia Burnside. I’ve included the lyrics below.
When All My Words Are Said
When all my words are said
And all my days are ended
My eyes shall see the light of earth no more. 
My soul shall journey on
To greater light eternal;
A better home awaits on heaven’s shore.

And when my loved ones speak
Of how I lived among them
I pray they will recall my heart was Yours. 
A life defined by grace, 
A legacy of service
Who loved and gave and lived to honour God.  

So while this life remains,
Help me to bear your image
And give my all to follow in Your way.
Each heartbeat comes from you
So take my hopes and passions
To serve Your kingdom’s purpose every day. 

O the glory, O the honour
To behold the One I love,
My Creator, My Deliverer,  
My Perfector, My Reward, 
All my troubles then forgotten
All my pain will then be gone,
And I will gaze in adoration at my Lord.
The Lord Almighty Reigns
A new hymn from the Gettys reminding us of the one who reigns for ever.

Keswick Ministries
A music playlist recommended by Keswick Ministries.

​Articles
Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering
Bill and Will Kynes join Collin Hansen on Gospelbound to discuss whether Job is an example or a warning, the difference between lament and grumbling, the problem of God as the author of evil, and more.
​Read More Here

Time Is a River and We Are Pebbles
In life we are like stones molded, eroded, and transported by the force of a current we call time. But there’s peace in this arrangement if you believe two things.
​Bret McCracken reflects on a family holiday.
​
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/time-river-pebbles/
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Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Knocking On Doors Again
Jehovah’s Witnesses have resumed knocking on doors again after a 30-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. From coast to coast, members of the Christian denomination fanned out in cities and towns to share literature and converse about God.
Read More Here
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God’s Purpose for the Sabbath
Alistair Begg on God’s Purpose for the Sabbath.
A Sabbath well spent brings a week of content
And strength for the toils of the morrow;
But a Sabbath profaned, whate’er may be gained,
Is a certain forerunner of sorrow.
Read More Here

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Rejoice Always
"It is possible to rejoice always—even in the midst of deep trial and deep pain—when our joy does not depend on external factors but on God alone." —Alistair Begg Read today's devotion:
https://bit.ly/3wNlPsO
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Evangelical Alliance NI are pleased to join organisations from across sectors for an event at Stormont that calls attention to the cost-of-living crisis and calls our political leaders to action. The event takes place in the long Gallery on Wednesday 21 September.
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Videos
Milo The Gospel Dog (3 minutes)
Enjoy the tricks that Milo performs as his owner shares the gospel.

Facing The Canon
Joining J.John this week is Warren Furman. Formerly known as 'Ace' from the hit TV programme 'Gladiators', Warren is now an itinerant evangelist with ACE Active Ministry.
Mr. & Mrs
J. John and Killy answer some fun questions.

AUDIO
Defiant Faith in the Face of Suffering
37 Minute Audio
Bill and Will Kynes join Collin Hansen on Gospelbound to discuss whether Job is an example or a warning, the difference between lament and grumbling, the problem of God as the author of evil, and more.
​Read More Here
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PCI Podcast
The PCI Podcast is back with a new episode “Bible For All”
In celebration of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament into everyday language, Union Theological College is organizing a series of events called Bible for All to tell the story of how God’s Word in Scripture has come to us today, and equip people with resources and skills to get the most out of reading the Bible. To share more about this we are joined by Rev Gordon Campbell (Principal and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological College), Joy Conkey (Librarian at Union Theological College), and Rev Lesley-Ann Wilson (PCI Chaplain at Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre).

New Single From Keith & Kristyn Getty
​The Lord Almighty Reigns

Jigsaw
Each day a Jigsaw puzzle for a little bit of fun. Share your time in the comments below to encourage others. Please include which day’s puzzle the time is for.
Monday
A few more photos this week from our holiday.
The New Forest is famous for its ponies but we also discovered some cows on our travels.

Best Times
Eddie 2:32

Play the "New Forest Cows Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=369742c39696

Tuesday

While holidaying in the New Forest we stayed a couple of miles from Christchurch which is on the coast, today’s puzzle features Christchurch Church.

Best Times 
Derek 2:41
​Eddie 4:20

​Play the "Christchurch Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0645368f2def

Wednesday

​Yesterday’s puzzle featured Christchurch, today is Highcliffe House which as the name suggests is on the Clifftop near Christchurch. This was taken during the first heatwave in July, notice the colour of the grass.

Best Times
Derek 2:54
Eddie 3:39​

Play the "Highcliffe Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1e989918acec
Thursday 

Today the puzzle is the beautiful harbour at Milford On Sea on the south coast of England near Bournemouth.

Best Times
Derek 2:56
Eddie 3:36

Play the "Milford On Sea Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2509b021b820
Friday

During the first heatwave we travelled to the beautiful Mudeford at Avon Beach. The puzzle is a little more challenging today. 

Play the "Mudeford Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2a832c3c23c0
10 Comments

Monday 5th September 2022 - Friday 9th September 2022

5/9/2022

9 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
​The Burnside Blog returns for the new Church year with a few changes, watch the video below to find out what’s new.
Beside The Burn
A short devotional video available each weekday to enable us to take time beside the still waters of God’s word and listen for His voice.
Monday 5th September 2022
Tuesday 6th September 2022
Wednesday 7th September 2022
Thursday 8th September 2022
Friday 9th September 2022

Book Recommendation
On Monday I recommended the new book by Nancy Guthrie - Blessed. I will be roughly following the structure of the book in our weekly studies of Revelation. Here is a link to the book on Amazon but it can be bought/ordered in the Faith Mission.
Find It On Amazon 
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Death Of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
I am sure you are saddened to hear of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Below are some articles that I have found on the internet that you may find helpful at this time.
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Statement From The Moderator
Presbyterian Moderator, Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick, has offered the Church’s ‘deepest, heartfelt and sincere condolences’ to His Majesty the King, on this evening’s announcement that Her Majesty the Queen passed away peacefully this afternoon at Balmoral.
Read The Full Article Here.

Evangelical Alliance
As we mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, we thank God for her faith and her life, defined by service and commitment to her God and country. The longest-reigning monarch, the Queen was well-respected around the world, and an inspiration to many Christians as she lived out her faith as a leader in the public square.
Read The Full Article Here


Bible Society
‘With the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we have lost not only our longest-serving monarch and a remarkable public servant, but also the presence of a much-loved and respected Christian leader, during a period of extraordinary change.’ Paul Williams, Bible Society CEO
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Keswick Ministries
We give thanks to God for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and her faithful service throughout her reign, as she is welcomed by the Lord she has trusted all her life, her Saviour, Jesus Christ.
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Newsround
For those of you with little people in the house, trying to explain the sad news of Queen Elizabeth’s death… @BBCNewsround have put together a special bulletin looking back at her life.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/news/watch_newsround

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Queen Elizabeth II served Christ
Our Queen’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to her life, says Mark Woods. We should be deeply grateful to God for her life-long service to Christ reflected in her life-long service to her people.
Read The Full Article Here

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‘The Queen has died.’ We have always known that someday we would hear those words, but that certainty has not robbed them of either their sadness or their solemnity. In the sea of tributes now overwhelming us, how should we react?
​Read The Full Article Here


Prayer
Below are some prayer topics and also the Let’s Pray Topics for the whole week.
Do check back as additional topics may be added during the week.

Turning The Tide
You can still use the Turning The Tide resources from last week. They can be found in last week’s Blog, (Click Below)
Turning The Tide

Let’s Pray - Sun 4 Sept - Sat 10 Sept 2022

Sunday 4 September
  • Moderator | Pray for the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Reverend Dr John Kirkpatrick - praying especially for safety as he travels, often accompanied by his wife, Joan, to the wide range of meetings and commitments in his diary.
• Knowing the blessings of God in worship | The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.
Ask that as you worship today you may know the blessings of God’s favour, grace and peace.

Monday 5 September
• Global Mission | Give thanks for the work and witness of PCI’s partners in global mission around the world. Give thanks too for PCI’s global mission workers and pray for God’s leading and blessing on their work.
• Council for Global Mission | Pray for Rev Stephen McCracken (Council Convener) and Rev Uel Marrs (Council Secretary), along with members of the Council for Global Mission. Pray that they will have wisdom and guidance from God in their work throughout the year ahead.

Tuesday 6 September
• Mission in Ireland | Give thanks for everyone in PCI congregations who engages in mission. At the start of a new ‘church year’, pray each person will be envisioned & filled with the Spirit as they share God’s love with other people.
• Council for Mission in Ireland | Pray for Rev Dr Frank Sellar (Council Convener), Rev Dr David Bruce (Council Secretary) and Rick Hill (Council Secretary-Designate), along with members of the Council for Mission in Ireland. Pray that they will have wisdom and guidance from God in their work throughout the coming year.

Wednesday 7 September
• World Food Crisis | There are increasing concerns of a global hunger catastrophe unfolding and cost of living crisis across the world. Pray for people who are living in poverty, especially those who are dependent on food aid. Remember also the aid agencies helping them, including Christian Aid and Tearfund.
• Refugee Crisis | Pray for people throughout the world who are displaced within their own country or who have fled to another country due to conflict, economic hardship or fear of persecution or attack. Pray they will receive the humanitarian assistance they need.

Thursday 8 September
• David Moore (West Belfast) | Pray for David as he settles into his new role as minister for special work in West Belfast. Pray for God’s leading and guiding and for the establishing of new relationships.
• Rosemary Spiers (deaconess, Greenwell Street, Newtownards) | Give thanks for great attendance at the summer Bible Club and pray that all the children will come along to organisations starting this month. Pray for a service of remembrance and thanksgiving on 11 September for those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Friday 9 September
• Social Witness | Pray for our children as they begin a new school year. Give thanks for our education system & the safe haven school can provide for the vulnerable. Pray for families struggling with costs of school uniforms & supplies.
• Further and Higher Education | Pray for young people moving to other parts of the UK and Ireland in order to further their education, especially those leaving home for the first time. Pray that they might find Christian fellowship and support through local churches and organisations like Christian Unions, and give thanks for those who will volunteer to welcome students and share the love of Jesus.

Saturday 10 September
• General Council | Pray for Dr Damian Jackson in his new role as General Secretary to the Irish Council of Churches, replacing Dr Nicola Brady. Pray for him in his role co-ordinating the work of the Council, the Irish Inter-Church Committee and his involvement with the Church Leaders Group (Ireland) supporting the President of the ICC.
• Training in Ministry | An induction day for ministry students is planned for 16 September - giving time for worship, prayer and fellowship along with preparation for the new academic year. Pray for the four new students starting their training & for the 2nd & 3rd year students who are returning to full-time study after their summer placements.

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​Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has updated the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2022. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on Qatar the 18th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/qatar/


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Belfast City Mission
The annual report and prayer guide for the Belfast City Mission is available to read at the link below.
bcm_annual_report_2021_2022.pdf
File Size: 3565 kb
File Type: pdf
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European Missionary Fellowship
The latest newsletter and prayer diary for the month are available below.
​http://clickeu.actmkt.com
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emf_2022_09_news.pdf
File Size: 496 kb
File Type: pdf
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emf_2022_09_pd.pdf
File Size: 237 kb
File Type: pdf
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Bible Society Prayer Report
Outreach to the Police and Army - Honduras
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According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Honduras has the highest rate of intentional homicide in the world. San Pedro Sula, the second largest city of the country, is often called “the world’s capital city of crime”. Corruption is common in the police force and army. The jails are overpopulated and the conditions are often inhumane.

The Bible Society of Honduras wanted to help these situations by sharing God's Word with the men and women involved in the police, army and those who are prisoners. It is their prayer that the message of peace and justice the Bible teaches, reaches the hearts of these people and promotes peace in their land. The Bible Society of Honduras does this by providing Bibles to these groups of people, as well as study materials to help them understand what they read.

We recently had an update on how this project has been going in 2022. There had been a worry that a recent change of government would mean that the Bible Society of Honduras would no longer be able to distribute scripture to the armed forces and the prisoners of their country. However, God has continued to open doors to share his Word among these people groups.

There was another obstacle as the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant that there was a delay in the arrival of Scripture to Honduras at the start of 2022. The Bible Society here used this time to strategically plan how they would distribute the Scripture when it arrived, and are pleased to report that over the summer they have been able to implement these strategies and give out hundreds of copies of God's Word.
Pray for this project:

  • Pray for the political situation in Honduras, and for leaders of the country. Pray that they would continue to lie the distribution of Scriptures among armed forces and prisoners.
  • Pray for those who receive a Bible through this project. Asked that they would be inquisitive and read it, taking God's Word to heart and turning to him for salvation.
  • Pray for the safety of Bible Society staff and volunteers who distribute the Scriptures among these people groups.

Pakistan Floods: How You Can Pray
Tearfund have provided a guide for individuals, groups and churches to pray for people affected by the devastating flooding in Pakistan.
Find out more at the link below.


https://www.tearfund.org/
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Crown Jesus Ministries
The Crown Jesus team have had the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus with many over the summer months and have led over 80 people in a prayer of salvation. They have also had over 170 people attend our evangelism training. 


You can read more and find out what's coming up in their Newsletter, just click the link below:

Newsletter Sept/Oct 2022:
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Articles
How To Care For Your Refugee Neighbours
Christians are strangers and exiles. And in the gospel, God offers us a home in a better country through Christ.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/care-refugee-neighbors/
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Spurgeon’s Greatest Sermon
There is no sermon more relevant for today than the one Spurgeon preached with his life, as he faced suffering within the bounds of faith.
https://twitter.com/TGC/status/1561391432904089609
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Helping Those In Hospital
Jesus calls us to love one another not with the pastel sentimentality of greeting cards, but with robust sacrifice.
https://twitter.com/TGC/status/1561217786499809281
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4 Comforts For Anxious Christians
Following Christ doesn’t prevent us from struggling with anxiety and depression, but we’re called to struggle differently than those who don’t follow Christ.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/comforts-anxious-christians/
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Martin Luther’s New Testament
One of the world’s greatest publishing sensations will be the focus of an international conference to be held in Belfast next month, when Union Theological College (UTC) will examine the legacy of Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament, which celebrates its 500th anniversary this September.
Read more here 
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Best Advice - Go To Church
What does this generation need most? One Gen Z writer shares the life-changing advice he received: Go to church.
Read more here

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Bible Society Garden
At St Margaret’s Church in Binsey, Oxfordshire, a local team worked to reignite interest in their medieval pilgrimage site by turning overgrown church grounds into a garden that expresses the message of Psalm 23.
These beautiful new surroundings for St Margaret’s Well were inspired by the Bible Society-sponsored Psalm 23 garden at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show. Find out what the team at St Margaret’s did and the difference it’s making.

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Videos
Facing The Canon
J.John speaks with Roy Crowne, president of HOPE Together, about raising up a generation of gospel entrepreneurs.

Music
Canyon by Ellie Holcomb
There is a review of Ellie’s latest album in the September Herald (page 56). You may have encountered her singing with Keith and Kristyn Getty. Below is the title track from her album and you can listen to the whole album on YouTube or below on Spotify.

Jigsaw
Each day a Jigsaw puzzle for a little bit of fun. Share your time in the comments below to encourage others. Please include which day’s puzzle the time is for.
Monday 
This week I thought I would share some of the places we travelled to on holiday this year. We began our travels staying in the New Forest in the south of England and today’s puzzle is Lymington Harbour where you can catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight.

Best Times
Derek 5:10
Eddie 3:23
​
​Play the "Lymington Harbour Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=248ea5aea459

Tuesday 6th September 2022
Today’s puzzle is from the New Forest. Everywhere you go the New Forest Ponies are just wandering along the roads and they do not get out of the way for anyone.

Best Times
Derek 3:14
​Eddie 3:26
​
Play the "New Forest Ponies Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=127db7b43001

Wednesday 7th September 2022
In the New Forest we visited the beautiful village of Beaulieu, this is a view across the lake which the village is built alongside. Beaulieu is well known for the Beaulieu Motor Museum which we didn’t go to this time but we have been to before.

Best Times
Eddie 3:59 
Derek 4:15

​Play the "Beaulieu Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3d5b6d77cf37

Thursday 8th September 2022
While staying in the New Forest we were very close to the town of Christchurch and today’s puzzle is of the Beach Huts at Hengistbury Head, Mudeford in Christchurch. Many of these Beach Huts sell for upwards of £100,000 and yet they have no mains electricity or running water.

Best Times
​Eddie 2:30


Play the "Mudeford Beach Huts Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=35c88ac99029
Thursday 9th September 2022
One day we took the Ferry from Sandbanks in Poole and rode our bikes to Swanage and then Corfe Castle. As we were going to be away for quite some time we decided to take Dougal with us. Today’s puzzle is of Corfe Castle, I hope you remember that the Friday Puzzle is a little bit more challenging. Also you can watch a video of some of the highlights of our trip to Corfe Castle.

Best Time 
Derek 11:49

Play the "Corfe Castle Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=12650c7d9448
9 Comments

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