Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Friday 25th October 2024

25/10/2024

3 Comments

 
BURNSIDE BLOG
Please note there will be no Blog next week, returning on Monday 4th November 2024
ADVENT ADVERT
More details about the Advent Devotional Book in the video below and at the bottom of Blog
Burnside Blog
Each week day this Blog contains prayer topics, articles,  a short devotional video and a Jigsaw
There are also links below to the previous Blogs this week, so that you and catch up on any that you have missed.


Read Monday’s Blog Here
Read Tuesday’s Blog Here
Read Wednesday’s Blog Here
Read Thursday’s Blog Here


Beside The Burn
A short devotional video (Above) to watch each day.
Or listen to via the Podcast software on your phone https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


At the moment we are reminding ourselves of some of the things we have been learning from God’s word this year.


Let’s Pray For Council for Social Witness (CSW) Please pray for Jonathan McGookin, CSW’s recently appointed Training Manager. Remember Jonathan as he goes out to all of the CSW Services to facilitate training sessions for staff. Give thanks for thisappointment which enables CSW to equip staff with quality training to provide the best service possible to residents and tenants. Pray that Jonathan settles into his post and forms strong relationships with both managers and staff within our services.

EducationPlease pray for the Stormont Education Committee as they continue their mini-inquiry on RSE in Northern Ireland Schools. Pray that they will take into consideration any representations made by PCI and that these will positively influence the Committee ensuring that young people receive excellent RSE teaching.

General CouncilPray for the conveners and staff members responsible for following up on the decisions taken at the recent meetings of the General Assembly committees and panels. Pray especially for those carrying a heavy administrative workload as they ensure that decisions taken are implemented.  

Training in MinistryThe Ministerial Studies and Development Committee oversees the training pathways of trainee ministers, and their congregational placements. Pray for the committee and for its convener, Rev Eddie Chestnutt. Pray too, for Prof David Leach, the Professor of Ministry. Ask God to give wisdom in all of the decisions about the training of students


Word For Today
You may well have the printed copy of the Word For Today but you can also read it at the link below.
https://www.ucbireland.ie/word-for-today/todays-word-for-today/


__________________________________________________________


Please note that there could be some additional articles or videos after the Jigsaw.


ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
Details of the book this year are below

__________________________________________________________


Jigsaw


Best Times For Yesterday’s Puzzle:
Jean 3:28
Eddie 3:37
​Derek 4:18

​
​Play the "THIRLMERE Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=127005a0e2b9
Picture
Advent Devotional Series
This year we will be using the book “Sing In Exhaltation” by Jonathan Laundry Cruse to guide us through the Advent Season. There will be a supporting podcast each day on the Church Blog. 
On Sunday there will be a sheet to sign so that we can order the books in time for December.
Buying the books in bulk will result in significant discounts so please consider also buying for friends and family as a meaningful gift this year.
The books are £7 each but if we order multiple copies the price reduces (£5 each for 10) (£4 each for 25) (£2 each for 50) (£1 each for 100)
You can read a sample here Sing In Exhultation
From the 10 of Those Website:
Carol singing is as indispensable to the festive season as decking the halls and swapping gifts. This little book contains 25 advent devotions, each unpacking a verse from a well-known carol, uncovering riches in the familiar words we love to sing each December.
Beginning with Scripture’s first hint of Jesus’ coming, and sweeping through to lyrics rejoicing in the hope of His return, these daily devotions not only give us a deeper appreciation for each carol, but a deeper appreciation for Christ this Christmas.


Selected Commendations:
"Each year, the carols of Christmas sound in our ears, even as their words fill our mouths. Yet, the great aim of these carols is left undone if that is where they remain; their message is meant to fill our hearts. Jonathan Cruse’s Christmas’ devotional, Sing in Exultation!, promotes this great end with brief and encouraging explanations, searching questions, and poignant prayers. Be prepared to have your understanding of famous Christmas carols expanded and your worship of Whom they sing enflamed."
Jason Helopoulos, pastor, University Reformed Church, Lansing, Michigan


"The Apostle Paul encourages us to sing in the Spirit with understanding. In this short book, Jonathan helps us to do just that, as he explains the meaning behind the words of our favorite (and now too familiar) Advent hymns and Christmas carols. This book will help you tune your heart (and mind) to the melody (and mystery) of the gospel, expressed so beautifully in the songs we sing each Advent and Christmas season."
Jonny Gibson, associate professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia


"A rare treat: a devotional that is both rich in content and manageable for daily use! Christmas is a time for singing. This little work will help individuals and families see the good news woven into our favourite carols is both biblical and heart-warming. A wonderful way to sing your way through Advent."
Jonty Rhodes, Minister, Christ Church Central, Leeds


"Christmas carols aren't just picturesque; they contain deep Christian teaching. In this little book, Jonathan Landry Cruse organizes twenty-five carol excerpts into an Advent calendar of reflections, each ornamented with Scripture and prayer. Let this be your guide through the month of December, as you treasure up the mystery of the incarnation and ponder it in your heart."
Josh Bauder, Composer
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3 Comments

Thursday 24th October 2024

24/10/2024

3 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
Each week day this Blog contains prayer topics, articles,  a short devotional video and a Jigsaw
There are also links below to the previous Blogs this week, so that you and catch up on any that you have missed.

Read Monday’s Blog Here
Read Tuesday’s Blog Here
Read Wednesday’s Blog Here

Beside The Burn
A short devotional video (Above) to watch each day.
Or listen to via the Podcast software on your phone https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


At the moment we are reminding ourselves of some of the things we have been learning from God’s word this year.


Let’s Pray For Balbriggan Church Plant, Josh McCance, community outreach worker There are many new believers coming along to the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in bringing spiritual maturity in people’s lives, and that Josh, and other leaders, will be able to come alongside and support people on their discipleship journey.

Prison chaplains Pray for prison chaplains as they provide pastoral care and seek to share the gospel. Pray also for those in prison, their families and prison staff, that all may come to know and love the Lord and his ways.


Word For Today
You may well have the printed copy of the Word For Today but you can also read it at the link below.
https://www.ucbireland.ie/word-for-today/todays-word-for-today/


__________________________________________________________


Please note that there could be some additional articles or videos after the Jigsaw.


INTERVIEW WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
Below is a fascinating interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welbey, which is well worth a listen, even if we do not share all the views of the Church of England that are expressed. The Archbishop shares the personal story of his upbringing and his faith.
The interview is from a podcast series hosted by Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart


ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOK
Details are at bottom of the Blog.
________________________________________________________


Jigsaw


Best Times For Yesterday’s Puzzle:

Derek 3:01
Jean 3:02
​Eddie 3:18

​Play the "Buttermere Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3d567453d08b
Advent Devotional Series
This year we will be using the book “Sing In Exhaltation” by Jonathan Laundry Cruse to guide us through the Advent Season. There will be a supporting podcast each day on the Church Blog. 
On Sunday there will be a sheet to sign so that we can order the books in time for December.
Buying the books in bulk will result in significant discounts so please consider also buying for friends and family as a meaningful gift this year.
The books are £7 each but if we order multiple copies the price reduces (£5 each for 10) (£4 each for 25) (£2 each for 50) (£1 each for 100)
You can read a sample here Sing In Exhultation
From the 10 of Those Website:
Carol singing is as indispensable to the festive season as decking the halls and swapping gifts. This little book contains 25 advent devotions, each unpacking a verse from a well-known carol, uncovering riches in the familiar words we love to sing each December.
Beginning with Scripture’s first hint of Jesus’ coming, and sweeping through to lyrics rejoicing in the hope of His return, these daily devotions not only give us a deeper appreciation for each carol, but a deeper appreciation for Christ this Christmas.


Selected Commendations:
"Each year, the carols of Christmas sound in our ears, even as their words fill our mouths. Yet, the great aim of these carols is left undone if that is where they remain; their message is meant to fill our hearts. Jonathan Cruse’s Christmas’ devotional, Sing in Exultation!, promotes this great end with brief and encouraging explanations, searching questions, and poignant prayers. Be prepared to have your understanding of famous Christmas carols expanded and your worship of Whom they sing enflamed."
Jason Helopoulos, pastor, University Reformed Church, Lansing, Michigan


"The Apostle Paul encourages us to sing in the Spirit with understanding. In this short book, Jonathan helps us to do just that, as he explains the meaning behind the words of our favorite (and now too familiar) Advent hymns and Christmas carols. This book will help you tune your heart (and mind) to the melody (and mystery) of the gospel, expressed so beautifully in the songs we sing each Advent and Christmas season."
Jonny Gibson, associate professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia


"A rare treat: a devotional that is both rich in content and manageable for daily use! Christmas is a time for singing. This little work will help individuals and families see the good news woven into our favourite carols is both biblical and heart-warming. A wonderful way to sing your way through Advent."
Jonty Rhodes, Minister, Christ Church Central, Leeds


"Christmas carols aren't just picturesque; they contain deep Christian teaching. In this little book, Jonathan Landry Cruse organizes twenty-five carol excerpts into an Advent calendar of reflections, each ornamented with Scripture and prayer. Let this be your guide through the month of December, as you treasure up the mystery of the incarnation and ponder it in your heart."
Josh Bauder, Composer
Picture
3 Comments

Wednesday 23rd October 2024

23/10/2024

3 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
Each week day this Blog contains prayer topics, articles,  a short devotional video and a Jigsaw
There are also links below to the previous Blogs this week, so that you and catch up on any that you have missed.


Read Monday’s Blog Here
Read Tuesday’s Blog Here


Beside The Burn
A short devotional video (Above) to watch each day.
Or listen to via the Podcast software on your phone https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


At the moment we are reminding ourselves of some of the things we have been learning from God’s word this year.


Let’s Pray For Naomi Keefe, global mission worker, Brazil Pray that seeds of the gospel planted during evangelistic events over the summer months would bear fruit. Pray for all who organise and attend the Good News Club, and remember Naomi as she seeksto discern God’s leading amidst opportunity that comes her way.

United Mission to Nepal (UMN), Nepal Pray for all recovering from the devastating flooding and landslides that swept through Nepal at the end of September. Pray for the response of UMN, other relief agencies and the government, as they all seek to come alongside those who have lost loved ones, homes and businesses


Word For Today
You may well have the printed copy of the Word For Today but you can also read it at the link below.
https://www.ucbireland.ie/word-for-today/todays-word-for-today/


Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

21st – 27th Oct
Pray for the launch of the second year of The Philip Project Belfast coordinated by our partners Friends International. Pray that both Christian students or workers from around the world will participate in this nine month course to learn valuable tools for sharing God’s word wherever in the world the Lord might lead them in the future.
Pray for the joint praise evening taking place on the 24th October with the 3 Ulster University campuses.  Pray for students in Belfast, Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry as they gather together for worship and that it might be an opportunity for loving their campus well.


​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 2024. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on Myanmar the 17th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here  https://www.opendoorsuk.org/countries-watch/myanmar/

__________________________________________________________


Please note that there could be some additional articles or videos after the Jigsaw.
__________________________________________________________


Jigsaw


Best Times For Yesterday’s Puzzle:
Jean 3:08
Eddie 3:56
Derek 3:58

​Play the "Honister Pass Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0b95d9a5fad8
Picture
3 Comments

Tuesday 22nd October 2024

22/10/2024

3 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
Each week day this Blog contains prayer topics, articles,  a short devotional video and a Jigsaw
There are also links below to the previous Blogs this week, so that you and catch up on any that you have missed.


Read Monday’s Blog Here


Beside The Burn
A short devotional video (Above) to watch each day.
Or listen to via the Podcast software on your phone https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


At the moment we are reminding ourselves of some of the things we have been learning from God’s word this year.


Let’s Pray For Greystones, Rev Gary McDowell, ministerGive thanks for three new elders ordained, thirteen new members welcomed and one young person baptized on the beach. Please pray that those attending the Alpha course might hear and respond to the invitation of Jesus.

Ben Cavan, community outreach worker, Ballycrochan Pray for unchurched families to come to Messy Church and for people to take invitations to church seriously. Pray also for the sometimes, challenging behaviour of members of our youth club.


Word For Today
You may well have the printed copy of the Word For Today but you can also read it at the link below.
https://www.ucbireland.ie/word-for-today/todays-word-for-today/


__________________________________________________________


Please note that there could be some additional articles or videos after the Jigsaw.
__________________________________________________________


Jigsaw


Best Times For Yesterday’s Puzzle:
Jean 3:19
Derek 3:20
​Eddie 4:36

Play the "Bridge House Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=04f946600006
Picture
3 Comments

Monday 21st October 2024

21/10/2024

3 Comments

 
Burnside Blog
Each week day this Blog contains prayer topics, articles,  a short devotional video and a Jigsaw
There are also links below to the previous Blogs this week, so that you and catch up on any that you have missed.

​
Beside The Burn
A short devotional video (Above) to watch each day.
Or listen to via the Podcast software on your phone https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


At the moment we are reminding ourselves of some of the things we have been learning from God’s word this year.


Let’s Pray For Derek and Jane French , global mission workers, SpainPray for grace and strength for new team member, Sarah, as she engages in intensive language study and overseas student ministry in Bilbao International Church.

PortugalPray for the Session and members of the Pedras Vivas congregation in Porto, Portugal, especially for their minister, Pastor Leonardo, along with his wife, Dani, as they continue to adjust to life, ministry and mission in Porto


Word For Today
You may well have the printed copy of the Word For Today but you can also read it at the link below.
https://www.ucbireland.ie/word-for-today/todays-word-for-today/


__________________________________________________________


Please note that there could be some additional articles or videos after the Jigsaw.
__________________________________________________________


Jigsaw


Best Times For Yesterday’s Puzzle:

Eddie 12:13
Derek 13:35
​Jean 14:56

​Play the "Honister Slate Mine Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2354cd810d64
Picture
Girls’ Brigade Enrolment Service.
What a great service on Sunday with our GB company and all their family & friends.
Thank you to Julie, Sylvia, Jenna and Eden for their dedication through out the year.
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3 Comments
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