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Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Tuesday 1st December 2020

1/12/2020

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Beside The Burn
Join us during Advent as we realise, “Christmas Is Different - Jesus Is Better”. Each day we delve into the book of Hebrews, fix our eyes on Jesus and realise that He is better than everything else. Better than the worst things of this year, but also better than the best things we have ever experienced. Each day there is a short video based on a passage from Hebrews. By Christmas Day we will have read through the whole book of Hebrews, but more importantly we will have looked to Jesus each day and discovered that “Jesus is Better!”

Let’s Pray For Deaconesses
PCI has 16 deaconesses most of whom serve in congregations. Pray for each deaconess as
they continue to work and seek opportunities to share the gospel and encourage people in their faith, despite Covid-19 restrictions. Pray for wisdom and guidance in all they do.  


Deaconesses in healthcare 
Pray especially for Heather McCracken (Belfast Health and Social Care Trust)
and Joanne Dunlop (Antrim Area Hospital) for encouragement, stamina, good health and safety.
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Advent Devotional (2 Minute Video)
Here is a short devotional meditation from the Bible Society and Movement Day UK, praying for London.

New City Catechism
Every Tuesday we look at another question from the New City Catechism, this week question 8.
What is the Law of God Stated in the Ten Commandments?
You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below—you shall not bow down to them or worship them. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.
Read more explanations here.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-is-the-law-of-god-stated-in-the-ten-commandments/

Word Of The Day
Canon J. John has been recording a word of the day since the first lockdown began in  March. I may be a bit late at discovering this but they are still worth sharing, and all presented in less than a minute.

Essential Services
One of the things that we have been forced to consider over the last week is what is essential. Non-essential shops have been forced to close and so have church buildings. It begs the question is Church essential or non-essential. Obviously the executive have decided non-essential, but Church is essential to us who attend, but surely Church is also essential for society. We pray for our political leaders, we pray for our key-workers, we pray for society and community, we witness to the hope of the Gospel spiritually and practically.
Our challenge this week is to live and witness for Christ in such a way that society views us as essential for daily life. Here is an article from the Newsletter at the weekend.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:09
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Play the "Portrush Harbour Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1b85a4bc33f3

0 Comments

Monday 30th November 2020

30/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
Join us during Advent as we realise, “Christmas Is Different - Jesus Is Better”. Each day we delve into the book of Hebrews, fix our eyes on Jesus and realise that He is better than everything else. Better than the worst things of this year, but also better than the best things we have ever experienced. Each day there is a short video based on a passage from Hebrews. By Christmas Day we will have read through the whole book of Hebrews, but more importantly we will have looked to Jesus each day and discovered that “Jesus is Better!”

Today we have an introduction video followed by the first study.

Let’s Pray Derek and Jane French (global mission workers, Spain)  

Give thanks for six new people who have joined Bilbao International Church since September. Pray that they will settle in well and feel at home.

Derek and Jane French (global mission workers, Spain) 

Andamio (the publishing branch of GBU – student ministry in Spain) has published a new resource for 7-14 year olds to use during December. Pray that through it, many will come to faith in Jesus. Pray too for Derek and Jane as they continue to serve.
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Advent Meditation (7 minute video)
Below is a short meditation for Advent based on the Hymn - O Come O Come Emmanuel and a reading from the Prophet Isaiah. Produced by the Bible Society and Movement Day UK.

Fixated
An advent devotional book by Tim Chester looking at the book of Hebrews. I haven’t read this book but you may find it a helpful companion to our own Advent series from Hebrews. The readings will not correspond to our daily videos but you may want some extra information. The paperback is sold out but you can buy the ebook version for half price.
https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/27181/fixated#summary
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Word Of The Day (1 minute video)
Canon J. John has been recording a word of the day since the first lockdown began in  March. I may be a bit late at discovering this but they are still worth sharing, and all presented in less than a minute.

Mess - Can You Add 3 Letters?
From the Bible Society.
Mess. It’s just one word. One syllable that brings to mind a whole load of images….messy ones! And at Christmas time, this one messy syllable word seems to shift into top gear! I remember when I was young, my brother and I would tear through our festive wrapped gifts as if we were competing in an Olympic sport (winter Olympics of course). I think of the post-Christmas dinner-plate pile-up in the kitchen and the décor of celebration wrappers between the sofas (the Malteaser ones!)

It’s fair to say there was a fair bit of mess at the very first Christmas too. As Mary and Joseph trekked down to Bethlehem for a census, there was no room for them to stay. So the young couple welcomed Jesus into the world, with a bunch of animals as his roommates (some scholars claim it was almost as bad as living with students).

But Jesus didn’t just enter the mess of a downstairs room with a feeding trough, he entered the mess of our world too. It was a message that has been posted in versus throughout scripture, one will come to fix up the mess. And if we invite him, he even enters the mess of our lives and offers to fix us.

The Christmas story involves Mess, but it’s not the central story. It’s about the one who was born in the Mess. You see ‘Mess’ is only central to the Christmas story when it’s an abbreviation. There’s 3 letters added to the Mess - i.a.h. and those letter changes everything.

Watch this spoken word piece from Dai Woolridge

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 11:22
Derek 15:18

​
Play the "White Rocks Mon" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=24f56570f8d7

1 Comment

Friday 27th November 2020

27/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Holding Lightly To The Things Of This World - Transformed Not Conformed. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

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.
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Service Of Thanksgiving
A service of Thanksgiving for the life of Mrs Georgina (Georgie) Stewart was held in Burnside on Thursday 26th November 2020, with burial afterwards in Portstewart Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the number in attendance was limited to 25 so the service was recorded to allow family and friends to take part.

Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song with a personal reflection.
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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.    

The Getty Family
If you have been missing the Getty family hymn sing, here is a short message from the family for Thanksgiving, followed by “My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness”.

Worship In The Waiting (7 minute audio)
If you’re lacking awe-struck anticipation or hope-filled expectation of our coming Saviour King, Jesus, then listen to Sam Hargreaves’ conversation with Vicky Gibbens on Talking Point. He’s from Engage Worship and shares more about their Advent resources called ‘Worship in the Waiting’.

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
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Jigsaw

Set aside a little more time for the Friday Puzzle of this magnificent horse taken on Downhill Beach.


Play the "Downhill Beach" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=27251fb835dc

1 Comment

Thursday 26th November 2020

26/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Holding Lightly To The Things Of This World - Transformed Not Conformed. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

Let’s Pray For Irish mission workers
Pray for the Irish mission workers in the Republic of Ireland: David Boyd (in Dublin), Tom Dowling (in Kilkenny) and Philip Whelton (in Arklow) as they continue to serve the Lord and share the gospel with others.

Irish mission workers
Pray for the Irish mission workers as they continue to adapt and develop their ministry whilst complying with all Covid-19 guidelines.
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MLAs Should Go To Church!
This well argued letter was published in the Newsletter this week.
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Thanksgiving & Black Friday
Today, Americans celebrate a national holiday set aside to give thanks for the blessings of the preceding year. But there is more to Thanksgiving than you may realise. Here are nine things about the holiday (and the attitude) of Thanksgiving: And where Black Friday comes from.
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Memorial to Chaplains in the Great War
The Forces Chaplaincy Panel and the Presbyterian Historical Society have together produced a very interesting and inspiring booklet, called Memorial to Chaplains in the Great War, recognising the part played by Presbyterian Chaplains during the 1st World War. Copies of the book can be ordered from the Mission office for £3 + postage via email. mission@presbyterianireland.org A sample of the book is available to view.
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memorial_to_chaplains_in_the_great_war_booklet.pdf
File Size: 3798 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Pre-Lockdown Memories
My ipad shared a memory with me yesterday, that I had forgotten about with everything that has happened this year. At the beginning of March I wandered into Agherton Grange and arrived in the middle of Jean’s Birthday Party. Do you remember a time when we were able to share cake and have photographs taken together? Looking through the rest of my photos, the lovely one with Irene was the last photo I had taken with anyone before the Lockdown restrictions came into force.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:54

Play the "Promenade Thur" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=20dca3f455f6

1 Comment

Wednesday 25th November 2020

25/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Holding Lightly To The Things Of This World - Transformed Not Conformed. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

Let’s Pray For Naomi Leremore (global mission worker, Kenya) 
Thank God for the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) department’s launch of the online version of the teen’s mentorship programme. Pray for those taking part in the pilot group, that they will be blessed and give good, insightful feedback.


Naomi Leremore (global mission worker, Kenya) 
Pray for Naomi in her ongoing work with the TEE Department and for the marketing of their new material through the church networks and beyond.
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Moderator’s Call To Prayer
Rt. Rev. Dr. David Bruce, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has called the whole church to prayer during this weekend. He has recorded a video explaining what to do which you can view below and there is also a prayer guide which can be used Friday to Sunday. As all the details were not available in time to include last Sunday, we are going to extend our prayer for the week, from Friday to Friday. If you can take some time each day and pray for the various aspects of this pandemic year.

Weekend of Prayer // 27-29 November 2020 from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.

mod_weekendofprayer_nov2020.pdf
File Size: 108 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


The Christmas Candle
A Christmas Film by well known Christian Author - Max Lucado.
One comment I keep hearing from people these days is, “There is nothing on TV these days.” Revelation Media have made this Christmas film available free to watch for a limited time. It is described as a family movie of hope, prayers, and the miracle that IS Christmas.
I haven’t been able to watch the film yet but I recommend it on the strength of Max’s books which are always thought provoking and biblically based. The cast includes Sylvester McCoy, John Hannah and Susan Boyle. 
Click the link below and enter your email address to access the film.
https://bible.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5608db6bcb167ca214a5c1f6&id=39b17f032f&e=d4e9a76369
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Jehovah Witnesses 
The following is a brief overview of what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe, along with what the Bible really teaches, it is from an article in the back of the ESV Study Bible 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/the-11-beliefs-you-should-know-about-jehovahs-witnesses-when-they-knock-at-the-door/
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Facing Coronavirus 
Feeling anxious, worried or hopeless? Dr David Jeremiah looks at the scriptures for 6 things that we can do to overcome anxious feelings. Listen to his message to root yourself in a strong understanding of what the Bible really says about worry and anxiety. Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/284209

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Sunrise On Monday
Beautiful Sunrise over the Church Carpark on Monday morning.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Derek 2:56

Play the "Portrush Wed" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=284f447962a3
1 Comment

Tuesday 24th November 2020

24/11/2020

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Holding Lightly To The Things Of This World - Transformed Not Conformed. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

Let’s Pray For University chaplains
Pray for the connections PCI has with universities in the Republic of Ireland, including Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick and the National University of Ireland in both Galway and Maynooth.  


University chaplains
Pray that ministers who serve as part-time chaplains in these colleges would be able to have meaningful contact with students and staff this academic year, despite the restrictions.
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New City Catechism
Every Tuesday we look at another question from the Catechism.
What Does the Law of God Require?

Personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience; that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love our neighbor as ourselves. What God forbids should never be done and what God commands should always be done.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-does-the-law-of-god-require/

Simpler Church? 
We often focus on what we have lost as a church during these days, but Graeme Thompson writes in the PCI Blog about what we might gain.
​
Prioritising intergenerational ministry.

The necessary streamlining of age-specific church activities has left many feeling a sense of helplessness. Graeme Thompson, reflects on what we might be uniquely positioned to regain.
https://t.co/z9MUveLn3P
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Benefits Of A Pet (7 minute audio)
Ever thought about the benefits of having a pet? With the 160th anniversary of @Battersea_, Paul spoke to Steve Craddock, their London’s Centre Manager, about the pros of pets in our lives! Listen now on UCB Player.
https://t.co/d3HkKQAdyS
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Considering Grace
Considering Grace is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a collection of experiences from members of the Presbyterian Church In Ireland during The Troubles. I read it this time last year when it was first published, now there is to be an online conference, next Thursday, 3 December, 2-4pm, Considering Grace: Unpacking the Impact, featuring Canon David Porter, Chief of Staff to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Stafford Carson and Gladys Ganiel. You van attend virtually online.
Register via http://bit.ly/3lLYvEo

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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:20

Play the "Beach Huts Tue" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0fe2ad8c9edd

0 Comments

Monday 23rd November 2020

23/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Holding Lightly To The Things Of This World - Transformed Not Conformed. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.
Jesus Christ I Think Upon Your Sacrifice (Once Again)
Following the them of being a sacrifice.

Let’s Pray For Faculté Jean Calvin 
Pray for this evangelical theological institute in France that has partnered with PCI for many years. Pray for the professors as they adapt to teaching online during restrictions.  


Faculté Jean Calvin 
Pray for the students learning online, that they would continue to benefit from their training, to be better equipped to share the gospel with those in search of purpose and meaning in the French-speaking world.
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PCI Response To Restrictions
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has responded to last night’s announcement of tougher restrictions in Northern Ireland, expressing concern, regret and disappointment, while recognising the need for clear steps to prevent the continued spread of Covid-19.
Read the full response here https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/November-2020/PCI-responds-to-new-NI-Covid-restrictions.aspx
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Moderator’s Service
This week the Moderator conducted worship in a special service recorded for RTE.
You can watch it on the RTE player at the link below.
https://www.rte.ie/player/series/service-on-sunday/SI0000002989?epguid=IH000383950
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Wilma’s Thoughts On Tuesday
Wilma reports on the book’s progress.
“The circulation of the books has been a big undertaking. 1000 were printed. Please give thanks to God for His undertaking and guidance every step of the way and some amazing answers to prayer. To God be the Glory!
Give thanks for all who volunteered to help with the circulation, elders, church members, friends, family members etc . To date £3294 has been raised for Zomba Action Project, and money is still coming in, so this figure will rise.
Pray that all who read the book will not only be blessed and inspired but challenged.
I have 100 books remaining, some plan to use them as Christmas gifts, if anyone is interested please contact me .
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Organ Refurbishment
York Minster is carrying out a £2 million refurbishment on their organ. Read about all the stages of the refurb here.
​

https://yorkminster.org/discover/conservation/organ-refurbishment/
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A Fascinating Book
I always try to find books which I think may interest some of the Blog readers. I haven’t always read the books but they are usually by authors that I have read in the past. However, today I recommend a book by William Hanna who I do not recognise but the subject matter of the book is fascinating. William was an EU Diplomat, his father was a Presbyterian Minister but the book is about his grandfather who was a missionary in India. There was an article in the Belfast Telegraph last week. Voyages with my Grandfather by William D Hanna is published by Troubador.
The book is available on Amazon as paperback or Kindle 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DHW5213/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Voyages+with+my+Grandfather&qid=1595493223&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
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Derek 15:10
Jean 15:14

Play the "Portstewart Mon" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1d5c4cf1207f

1 Comment

Friday 20th November 2020

20/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Treasuring Jesus. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

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.
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Frances On Friday
Every Friday, Frances shares a song that means something to her.
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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.

Created To Draw Near (2 minute video)
Jonathan Carswell describes this as one of the best books of 2020. Many Christians prefer to keep God at a safe distance—a distant God makes fewer demands. They imagine God has rules just for the sake of obedience, missing the point that God delights in making them holy so they can draw near to him. God’s plan from the beginning has been for his people to draw near to him as a kingdom of priests.
40 short, meditative chapters, by best-selling author Ed Welch.
https://bit.ly/createdtodrawnear

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
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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
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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.
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Treasuring Jesus
Wilma also shared the following quote from Mother Teresa, which links with the message on Sunday.
'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.'   

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw​

Jean 2:28
Derek 3:25

The puzzle takes a little longer on a Friday.
Try this well known location.

Play the "Mussenden Fri" puzzle!
Jigsaw Planet - Mussenden Fri
1 Comment

Thursday 19th November 2020

19/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Treasuring Jesus as we look at “Here Is Love Vast As The Ocean”. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video.

Let’s Pray For IMP South Belfast
Give thanks for how God is continuing to use the International Meeting Point in both North and South Belfast. Pray for the recent arrivals from East Africa, who the staff have been meeting one-on-one to help them adjust to life in Belfast.


IMP North Belfast 
Give thanks for every day opportunities to pray for people in the IMP OpShop, and the opportunities to share God’s Word that have come out of this. Pray that the right people would be there at the right times.
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New Book - God Does His Best Work With Empty
Do you feel like you're running on empty? At the end of your limits? Pushed to within an inch of what you can cope with?
Nancy Guthrie shows us that God does his best work in those situations.
I haven’t read any of Nancy’s books but I have listened to a lot of her podcasts and they are always high quality.
http://bit.ly/BestwithEmpty
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Derek The Cleric
A couple of weeks ago we had an article about Derek The Cleric Illustrator, Andy Robb on the Blog. At the weekend, Alf McCreary interviewed Andy in the Belfast Telegraph.
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My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness 
Keith and Kristyn Getty have included a new recording of this great hymn on their new Album - Evensong Edition. Watch the video below.

Genesis
It is said that every major theological idea that you ever need to understand is introduced in Genesis Chapters 1-11. In this edition of the Bible in 30 minutes, theologian Phil Moore and David explore the first 11 chapters of Genesis, introducing the big themes of the Bible and why it's vital to understand that we are all God's creation.
https://t.co/TubBfsOLxx
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
​Derek 2:52
Frances 3:04

Today’s puzzle has already been featured on the Jigsaw website about 13000 people have already completed it and the fastest time worldwide is an incredible 55 seconds. See how close you you can get.


Play the "Arcadia Portrush Thur" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=241ef361c7a6

1 Comment

Wednesday 18th November 2020

18/11/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week we continue our theme from Sunday of Treasuring Jesus. Each day we develop the theme a little more in a short video. Today with the help of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” As always on a Wednesday the main theme of the Blog today is prayer.

Let’s Pray For Global mission worker: Brazil 
Naomi Keefe serves in the north-east of Brazil in church and Bible-based community development and outreach. Give thanks for the children who have been able to stay connected by coming and borrowing books from the Reading Room. 


Global mission worker: Brazil
Pray for families living in the favela. Many are missing social contact and haven’t been out of the favela for several months. Pray for wisdom and creativity for the volunteers who are visiting them.
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A Dramatic Answer to Prayer. 
The Miracle of Dunkirk (10 minute video)
This ten minute film initially explains how the Lord answered the prayers of the Nation, bringing about the Miracle of Dunkirk with a calm sea descending upon the English Channel. It then goes on to show how the Nation has turned away from Him and rejected His Commandments. As the film points out, “How can a Holy God bless or protect a Nation from evil, while it rejects His Laws?” This film will cause much soul searching and is a clarion call for both personal and National Repentance. While on the one hand it clearly shows that the Lord is willing and able to deliver a Nation, showing that help is indeed available, it also soberly explains that such Divine help is conditional upon repentance.
A document giving more information can be viewed by clicking the link to the file on the right.
film_calling_for_national_repentance.pdf
File Size: 630 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Mission Aviation Fellowship
At the end of last year we welcomed Glenn Cousley to Burnside. Glenn and his family serve in Northern Australia with Aviation Fellowship, read their latest prayer here
cousley_update.pdf
File Size: 1596 kb
File Type: pdf
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Teaching Little Ones To Pray (30 minute audio)
Attention spans aren't great for a four-year-old – so how do you teach your littles ones to pray? Watch this episode of @mumshowTV for some practical tips on how to teach your kids about prayer, including creative ways to pray with younger kids!
https://t.co/smMoyVwC2b
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Evensong
If you would like to watch a special concert of Keith and Kristyn Getty singing some of the songs from their new Album, click the link below. You will need to enter your email address to gain access to the video, and you will then receive emails about the video company until you unsubscribe.
https://gettymusic.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa4cd9a5b4688d5ec76f457cb&id=ada53da7be&e=def46f1922
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How to Biblically Defend the Sanctity of Life
Wayne Grudem is the author of What the Bible Says about Abortion, Euthanasia, and End-of-Life Medical Decisions in this 5 minute video he explains how to defend the sanctity of life.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/how-to-biblically-defend-the-sanctity-of-life/?
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Portstewart Strand
Lots of little birds on the strand last week. Perhaps someone will be able to identify them.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Today we welcome Hillary to the Jigsaw fraternity with a stunning opening time.
Hilary 2.09
Jean. 3.16

Frances 3:52
Derek 4:20

​Enjoy this unusual angle of Portstewart.
Play the "Portstewart Wed" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3cdb42b06dc8
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