Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Friday 30th October 2020

30/10/2020

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

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Give thanks for those working tirelessly to safeguard our children, young people and adults at risk. Give thanks for the technology that makes it easier to keep in touch during this Covid-19 crisis. Pray that the same protections will be in place in the virtual contact, as is afforded in our face-to-face contact.


Public Affairs
As we complete our first week of the new restrictions here in Northern Ireland, pray for all those affected, particularly those in schools, and also for those charged with the responsibility of making and implementing the decisions throughout the island of Ireland.
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Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song that means something to her.
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While carrying out some research for the Song I have chosen this week, I encountered the following:

‘Dr. Everek R. Storms of Ontario spent a vast amount of time studying the promises of Scripture. He is quoted as saying:
‘The Holy Scriptures contain a grand total of 8810 promises. How do I know? I counted them.’


That’s a number I won’t forget. If at any time I am taking part in a Quiz and that question arises, I am confident that I will know the correct answer.  How am I so sure? Those digits formed the registration number of the car my husband owned when we first met!


God’s promises never change. They stand as strong and secure as when He first spoke them, and Christians through the ages have clung to them in times of danger, doubt and despair.


In Hebrews 13:5 NIV we read ‘Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’


The Song for this week was written and composed in 1886 by R. Kelso Carter, who at that time was serving as a Professor in Pennsylvania Military Academy. Interestingly, it has been suggested that the rhythmic tone of the Hymn’s music possibly reflects Professor Carter’s Military Academy experience.

We are reminded of our daily dependence on God as we listen to ‘Standing on the Promises of God.’

Frances.

Halloween

Some online resources for children this Halloween.

https://www.ucb.co.uk/bagofhope
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Derek The Cleric
Some of you may have come across the Derek The Cleric cartoons. Here is an interview with the creator.
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Psalm 150
A new version of Psalm 150 - "Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord)"
Written by Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
Recorded live at the Sing! Global Conference 2020
Listen to it here.

Keswick Podcast
Season 2 of the Kes Talks Podcast: This episode brings the first Bible reading John Risbridger gave in 2019. He spoke about Psalm 63, a Psalm filled with longings for God, spoken from within a dry & parched land. 
Certainly a message relevant to us today.
http://keswickministries.org/podcasts/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:42
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Here is a night time photo of Portstewart with far too many pieces.
​
Play the "Portstewart Fri" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1af900603487

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Thursday 29th October 2020

29/10/2020

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

Let’s Pray For Home Mission congregations
There are 74 PCI home mission congregations throughout Ireland. Praise God for what he is doing in these churches. Thank him for those who are faithful to these congregations.


Home Mission ministers
Pray for the ministers who lead these congregations, who often have more than one charge. Pray for wisdom and perseverance as they minister, often in isolated areas.
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Keswick Convention Podcast (26 minute audio)
The latest episode of the Keswick Convention Podcast is out now!
@RachelRedeemed talks to musician & worship leader, Olly Knight, whose world was turned upside down in lockdown, & the opportunities that opened up as a result.
https://t.co/lkwae3ryW3


Listen to the story of Olly’s Lockdown Album (2:30 minute video)

Thin Places (1 hour video)
Thin places are often described as places where it appears that heaven and earth almost meet. It is also the name of a UCB documentary, about Christian revival from the 5th century through to the 1900s and explore the rich Christian heritage of the Celtic saints.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/268055
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Jigsaw

Play the "Ballycastle Thur" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=02f4b1f5c73f

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Wednesday 28th October 2020

28/10/2020

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

Prayer
The Theme Of The Blog on Wednesday is prayer

Let’s Pray For Global mission workers: Flemings
Pray for the Flemings, currently based in Northern Ireland but still serving with United Mission to Nepal and Kathmandu International Study Centre. Pray for good communication despite time differences and distance.


Global mission workers: Lockwoods
Pray for the Lockwoods, serving in Kathmandu with UMN. Pray for safety of staff and smooth functioning of the two UMN hospitals as well as safety for the UMN staff who have recently been able to return from home-working to working in cluster offices. ​
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Belfast City Mission
Below is the report for the last year of the Belfast City Mission. It is a fascinating insight into the life of the Mission and very, very readable. There is a thoughtful article by Rev. Denis Bannerman on our December verse, Romans 12:12 and a tribute to former missionary Rev. David Johnston. This report is well worth taking the time to read and will encourage you in your faith. There are also lots of photographs included to help you pray for the missionaries.
bcm_annual_report_2019_2020.pdf
File Size: 2208 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


SU E3 North Coast Worker
The latest prayer letter from Andrew Neill is available below as is his video update.
e3-north-coast-prayer-points.pdf
File Size: 3385 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Dublin City Mission
The latest update from the Dublin City Mission can be downloaded below.
autumn_2020_dcm_spotlight.pdf
File Size: 583 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Janice 2:27
Derek 3:40

Play the "Portstewart Wheel Wed" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=207809a6d129

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Tuesday 27th October 2020

27/10/2020

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

O For A Closer Walk With God
After the service on Sunday when we were holding Lightly to the things of this world, Betty reminded me  of this hymn and especially verse five.


The dearest idol I have known,
whate'er that idol be,
help me to tear it from Thy throne
and worship only Thee.

Let’s Pray For Forces chaplaincy
Pray for the staff of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, who have a pivotal role in developing chaplains across all three Services (Royal Navy, Army, Air Force). Military chaplaincy is a vital ministry; please pray for parish ministers considering God’s call to this ministry.


Forces chaplaincy
PCI has 11 ministers currently serving the Forces. Pray for Rev Colin Jones who has recently returned to Chaplaincy service, for strength to cope with the pace of life at the frontline. Pray also for chaplains’ families, as chaplaincy often requires prolonged service away from home.  ​
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The New City Catechism On Tuesday
A New Catechism to help us understand the foundations of our faith.


Question 3
How Many Persons Are There in God?
There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/how-many-persons-are-there-in-god/?childrens_mode=false
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PCI Refined Podcast – Considering Global Mission
The latest edition of the Podcast is available and it is a challenging episode considering how congregations can become involved in Global mission. Taking part this week is Pamela McCullough whose husband David came along to PW last year to talk about their time as Global Mission Workers in Malawi
As global disciples, we are all called to go deeper and wider in our relationship and involvement in what God is doing in other parts of the world. How do we grow the roots of a relationship overseas and how might we become more involved in appropriate ways?
Pamela McCullagh (Annalong congregation) and Neil Harrison (PCI's Mission Development Officer) joined Rick Hill to consider what has worked in developing global mission involvement for congregations and Global Mission Workers.

I Choose To Worship
I was reminded of this song by Bangor Band, Rend Collective when it featured on Tides on Friday.

Portstewart on Monday
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 2:19
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Play the "Elephant Rock Ballintoy Tue" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=18d002e1af3c

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Monday 26th October 2020

26/10/2020

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

Hold Lightly
You can listen to the message from Sunday below or the whole service by clicking here.

Let’s Pray For Lebanon
PCI partners with the Near East School of Theology, which trains pastors and church workers 
for ministry in the Middle East. Pray for NEST’s work as they continue to minister and rebuild following extensive damage caused to their building by the Beirut explosion.


Jordan
Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary trains and equips students to serve the Church in the Middle East and North Africa. Pray for JETS, for health and protection for staff and students and that they would remain effective in ministry training despite Covid-19 restrictions.
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Closing Moderator’s Service
In his closing weekly service of worship for the whole Presbyterian Church in Ireland for a while, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, ends his journey through the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Today, he explores the theme, ‘A praying church’.
Recorded in Belfast in Assembly Building’s Weir Chapel, Dr Bruce looks at Ephesians 6:18-24. In his concluding service, in this particular series, he looks at how Paul encourages the church to pray, and in doing so, shows them how to do it. At the same time, the Moderator explains why it is an essential and nourishing part of the Christian life.

An uncomfortable Christmas (25 minute video)
In two months time it will be Boxing Day, who knows what Christmas will have looked like, but we start early with this video from UCB.
Have you ever felt like your life has been taken over by events outside your control? It’s something that people can feel quite strongly, heading into Christmas, as other people seem to be getting ready to celebrate. Well, if you’re in that place, where events beyond your control have taken over your life, you’re not the only one.
Are you anxious about heading into the Christmas holidays? Christmas can be an uncomfortable season, especially after everything that has happened in 2020. But know this: you're not alone. Listen to this encouraging message from @bernidymet on UCB Player.
https://t.co/sYo5w0kBGZ
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Portstewart Storms
Over the weekend we had some high winds and some high tides in Portstewart. Here are some photos  and video from Saturday. Notice the car abandoned on the beach, despite the National Trust making several announcements warning people of the incoming tide, and yes that is someone going in for a swim.
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Jigsaw
The times for Friday’s Impossible Jigsaw.

Jean 14:13
Derek 24:29

Back to a more manageable Jigsaw for a Monday
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Play the "Arcadia Mon" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=14851282cd99

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Friday 23rd October 2020

23/10/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of ‘God Is With Us’. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short 5 minutes video.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all residents and staff in our Social Witness homes and units as they cope with the stress of regular Covid-19 testing. Pray for the Senior Staff Team as they deal with the additional workload generated by new procedures and guidelines. 


Public Affairs
Pray for those involved in the Council as they continue to contribute to important, ethical, public square issues that are ongoing – such as the Dying with Dignity Bill in the Oireachtas – now going to Committee stage.
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Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song that means something to her.
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O Soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.’
These are the introductory lines of a Song composed in 1918 by Helen H. Lemmel, but their relevance to our present circumstances is such that they might have been written today.

Helen Lemmel was an accomplished musician who wrote more than five hundred Hymns and Poems. She remained active for God in her musical and literary pursuits until her death at the age of ninety-seven.

There are many Bible references concerning the importance of living our lives with a focused attention on Christ, one being found in Jeremiah 29:13 NIV ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’
As restrictions in association with Covid19 continue, or in fact are on the increase, we might feel a sense of despondency and despair, or, as the Song puts it, ‘no light in the darkness.’

Often this Song is introduced by using the opening lines of the first verse, which I quoted initially, but the first line of the Chorus is used on occasions. This reads, ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face.’Now that makes the outlook brighter!  Reading further, ‘And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.’   From despair to hope.

Let’s focus on these encouraging words as we listen to our Song today: ‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus.’

Frances.

Sharing Our Faith (45 minute Audio)
Ever wondered how to share the Christian faith with people of other religions? Listen to this insightful interview with Joseph Steinberg – CEO of Christian Witness to Israel – for practical tips on how to share your faith with respect and godly truth!
https://t.co/Ir1ZZLJxXs
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Virtually Keswick 
Remember, you can still catch up on sessions from Virtually Keswick Convention 2020! Go to https://t.co/ZUAjxeVaSe and click on the Daily programmes and Events sections to view.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:04
​Derek 3:22


This is the impossible weekend Jigsaw. It was taken on a stone beach, so have fun trying to complete this.

Play the "Impossible Stones Fri" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0d5e84e45584


Winter Is Coming ...
Some people can tell the seasons when they see the birds migrating, and yesterday there was a perfect V-formation of geese flying past. I only just managed a quick snap as they travelled on their way.
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But in Portstewart there is another sign each year of the changing seasons, and that is when the boats enter and leave the harbour. Thursday was the sign that winter is coming. During the circuit breaker this is the excitement for a Thursday in Portstewart.
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Remember to put your clock back this weekend
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1 Comment

Thursday 22nd October 2020

22/10/2020

1 Comment

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

Let’s Pray For Community outreach worker: Lisnabreen
Christine Wilson asks us to give thanks for the creative ways they have been able to reach the most vulnerable during the pandemic. Pray for deeper relationships and more opportunities to witness. Pray for wisdom in dealing with increasing mental health issues.


Community outreach worker: Balbriggan
Josh McCance asks us to pray for the congregation in Balbriggan, that God would protect them in the midst of changing restrictions and that they would grow in their faith through the online Christianity Explored course and Home Group.
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From Tides Yesterday
This season may not feel particularly conducive to meeting together to worship as a whole church, but that shouldn’t stop us singing and kneeling before the Lord in our lives. #tidesdaily

The Balance Sheet Of Life
Thank you to Terry McMullan for sharing this with us today.
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Living In Exile (30 Minutes Audio)
What do you think it would be like to live for God in exile? This episode of 'The Bible in 30 Minutes' looks at the stories of Daniel and Esther and how they remained faithful to God even when exiled far from home. Listen now on UCB Player!
https://t.co/GsvlZX1r5r
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Sufferring (12 minute video)
Don Carson, @TimKellerNYC, and @JohnPiper discuss how suffering and trials prepare a man to preach. Although this discussions is primarily about preaching it is an insight into how suffering shapes us.
https://t.co/pDmwiFJ6lU

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Derek 2:50

Play the "55 Degrees Thur" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2d0a9adfb90b

1 Comment

Wednesday 21st October 2020

21/10/2020

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

Wednesday Prayer
On Wednesday the theme of the blog is prayer.
Let’s Pray For Global mission workers: Kenya
The Cowans are based in Tuum, Kenya. Give thanks for the ongoing support of their ministry in the area and pray that many more people will experience God’s love and power.


Global mission workers: Kenya
The Reids are based in Olkinyei, Kenya. Pray for the Maasai they work among, that God would strengthen them and allow them to stand firm despite the schemes of the enemy.
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Time To Pray
The Church of England has a prayer App and a Podcast - Time To Pray which provides help setting aside a time each day to pray and worship God. Both can be accessed at this link.
https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/time-to-pray
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8 Keys To A More Powerful Prayer Life
World Vision have many opportunities to sponsor children throughout the world, but they also provide these 8 keys to a more powerful prayer life.
https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/keys-powerful-prayer-life-2020

Prayer For Prisons Week
Last week (11th-17th October) was Prisons Week. A week of prayer for prisons. It is still possible to use their resources to pray.
https://prisonsweek.org/home?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Prisons&utm_term=&utm_content=

PCI Refined Blog
2 Articles from the blog.
Rev David Thompson, Secretary of the Council for Congregational Life and Witness, reflects on how present unwelcome feelings of powerlessness, and the anxiety they bring, might be a means of God refining how we lead.
http://bit.ly/31p1M4t


Rick Hill, PCI Discipleship Development Officer, reflects on the discipleship challenge in this present moment and some of the questions it raises for us as followers of Jesus and his church in times of trial.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/October-2020/Refined-discipling.aspx
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Janice 1:36
Derek 3:14


Play the "Dunluce Castle Wed" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Dunluce Castle Wed
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0 Comments

Tuesday 20th October 2020

20/10/2020

0 Comments

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

Let’s Pray For Deaconess in healthcare
Heather McCracken is a deaconess in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. She asks us to pray for healthcare workers in hospitals and hospices, that God would give them strength for each day and foresight as they make decisions.


Deaconess in healthcare
Pray for peace in the healthcare system in the midst of the unknown and that Heather and others working in healthcare would be able to share the hope of Christ with staff and patients.
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The New City Catechism On Tuesday
A New Catechism to help us understand the foundations of our faith.


Question 2
What is God?
God is the creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. He is eternal, infinite, and unchangeable in his power and perfection, goodness and glory, wisdom, justice, and truth. Nothing happens except through him and by his will.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-is-god/
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Content In Christ (17 minute video)
How can we be content in Christ, even when it feels like EVERYTHING is falling apart? This episode of DiscipleshipXP looks at how the apostle Paul found contentment in Jesus – and how we can find contentment in Christ too! Watch now on UCB Player.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/200504
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Greeting Cards
I’ve mentioned the cards produced by Ben and Hannah Dunnett, before on the blog. They have just released some new designs with a few for Christmas. If you are looking for something different but meaningful why not check them out.
https://www.benandhannahdunnett.com/new-arrivals/
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Jigsaw
Play the "beach" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3af1c86f9554

0 Comments

Monday 19th October 2020

19/10/2020

0 Comments

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

God With Us
Watch the service from Sunday HERE.

Let’s Pray For Leaders in Training
Rev Elias Agola from the Presbyterian Church of East Africa has been supported by a PCI grant to complete a Masters in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University. Pray for Rev Agola as he returns to Kenya today and applies his knowledge to the Kenyan context.


Peace building
Pray for PCI’s partners who are working on peace building, particularly the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan. PCOSS work in very challenging circumstances, seeking to bring peace and reconciliation in a country whose short history has been plagued by civil war.
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Moderator’s Service
Continuing his weekly service of worship for the whole Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Presbyterian Moderator, Rt Rev Dr David Bruce, nears the end of his journey through the Apostle Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. Today he explores the theme, ‘A battle-ready church’.
Recorded in Belfast in Assembly Building’s Weir Chapel, Dr Bruce looks at Ephesians 6:10-17, where Paul writes about the spiritual battle Christians face together as the church – and the armour provided to fight it effectively.

Children’s Book Series
Andrew Peterson (who wrote the worship song, Is He Worthy) has written a series of fantasy books for children. They would make an excellent present for younger folk this year.
Here is an interview with Andrew in which he talks about the meaning behind the books.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/wingfeather-andrew-peterson/
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4 Keys To Dealing With Conflict (3 minute video)
When was the last time you had an argument. Guidelines provide this short devotional to offer an alternative.

Rejoicing in Christ
How can we have joy even in times of suffering? Watch this powerful episode of Discipleship Explored to understand what it means to rejoice in Christ and learn how the privilege of prayer means that we can invite God to transform our anxieties into rejoicing.
https://t.co/5jxH8yznXX
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 14:47

Play the "Portrush" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=006ddad6d4b7

0 Comments
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