Let’s Pray For Social Witness Pray for the residents and tenants in Thompson House, Carlisle House and Gray’s Court, as they work through the Covid-19 crisis. Give thanks for the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to support the residents and tenants in their daily routines and programmes. At Home for Christmas? Moderator’s Church-wide Call to Prayer – www.presbyterianireland.org/prayer Pray for the Moderator’s Appeal, which includes support for the life-saving work of our mission partners Tearfund and Christian aid, in places where Covid-19 has caused genuine devastation.

English is a complex language. Rules of pronunciation and grammar can be difficult. If we examine the words, Pacific Ocean, we find there that the letter ‘C’ has a different sound each time it is used. The first makes the sound as the letter ‘S,’ the second as the ‘C’ in ‘Cat’ and the third as the ‘SH’ in ‘Shop.’

It’s certainly difficult for children and for visitors.

I learned this week that a ‘neologism’ is, in simple terms, the coining or use of words and phrases which may be in the process of becoming routine.

Isolation, contact tracing, social distancing and staying safe have not been mentioned often in past years, but currently such words add anxiety and pressure to an already worrying situation.
They are words which call out, ‘You’re in danger. You must take care.’

However, when reading through my chosen Hymn this week, ‘Lord, Thy Word Abideth,’ I find that it’s very reassuring. Here we have references to what happens ‘when the storms are o’er us and dark clouds before us.’

Then, we are told, God’s word directs and protects us.

Taken from Psalm 119:89 NIV ‘Your Word, Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the Heavens,’ we find our anxiety lessening and tension easing as worry is replaced by light and joy and comfort.

​As we listen to the Hymn and follow its message, may we find the ‘dark clouds lifting,’ to be replaced by God’s ‘word of consolation, message of salvation.’
Frances.    

Spreading The Good News They did not have internet or smartphones so just how did the early church spread the message of the gospel? Listen to this engaging Bible study about the book of Acts as Phil and David discuss the Apostles and how God began to grow the early church. https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21335/256721

Let’s Pray For Social Witness Pray for the ongoing safety and good health of all residents in our Homes and Units in Older People Services. Give thanks for dedicated staff who continue to work long hours in challenging circumstances. Brexit Pray for those in business, retail, haulage and other sectors who will be impacted by changes brought about as a result of leaving the EU. Pray for clarity and transparency in decision making by those in authority as the deadline approaches.

In this fast-paced world of modern technology we have come to demand speed in as many situations as possible. To find out if a friend is available to meet up with you there’s no longer a need to lift the telephone and make a call.  It’s much quicker to press a few buttons and send a text, or a WhatsApp message, or indeed you could use any of the thirty-one suggested messaging apps which were listed in response to my search.

We also receive appointment reminders in the same form, perhaps from Doctor or Dentist.

Some years ago I received the gift of a ‘Reminder Box.’ It’s a small transparent plastic box containing twenty-four cards, each with an illustration of an everyday item, in this case a button, together with an associated message.

I have included a photograph of the card.
On reading its message, the Song which immediately came to mind is brought to us today by Michael Eldridge who sings each of the four parts in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.

The Song is based on Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV which reads, ‘The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.’

So, as the weather becomes cooler, next time you button up your coat, do remember the sense of safety and security that comes by ‘Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.’
Frances.

Aston Villa Emerging From A Bible Study (30 minute video) Is there much of a connection between God and football? Actually, there is! Aston Villa Football Club emerged from a Bible class in Aston, Birmingham, & Southhampton F.C. emerged through a partnership with a local church. ​Watch their stories in this video. https://t.co/rOTtbptxm4

Redeem TV Click the link below to register for Redeem TV. This will give you access to Christian Drama, Bible Studies and a stunning animated version of The Pilgrim’s Progress which features Kristyn Getty all for free. They will send you a few emails but you can unsubscribe if they get a bit much. https://redeemtv.com/?vv_link=rm&utm_source=rm&utm_medium=partner&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=rm

The Sanderlings You may remember a few days ago I asked if anyone knew the name of the birds taht I spotted on the beach. Wilma kindly suggested that they were Sanderlings. You can read more about them on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanderling ​ The sanderling (Calidris alba) is a small wading bird. The name derives from Old English sand-yrðling, "sand-ploughman". The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-coloured waterside birds. The specific alba is Latin for "white". It is a circumpolar Arctic breeder, and is a long-distance migrant, wintering south to South America, South Europe, Africa, and Australia. It is highly gregarious in winter, sometimes forming large flocks on coastal mudflats or sandy beaches.

'Jesus wants me to tell you again how much is the love He has for each one of you - beyond all you can imagine. Not only does He love you - even more - He longs for you. He misses you when you don't come close. He thirsts for you. He loves you always, even when you don't feel worthy.'