Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Friday 1st January 2021

1/1/2021

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Blessed New Year
At the start of a New Year I pray that you may know God’s blessing for the year ahead. We do not know what 2021 has in store but we do know with confidence that God will be with us, just as he has been with us during the year that has passed. Just because we have entered a new year does not mean that everything from 2020 has been left behind, there are still many challenges ahead but we have a faithful God who is sovereign.

Below is a poem, “God Knows” which is more commonly known as “The Gate Of The Year” which was quoted by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire. The poem was given to him by his daughter the young Princess Elizabeth aged 13.
THE GATE OF THE YEAR
‘God Knows'

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” 
And he replied: 
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” 
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night.
And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East. 

So heart be still:
 
What need our little life
Our human life to know, 
If God hath comprehension? 
In all the dizzy strife
Of things both high and low, 
God hideth His intention. 

God knows. His will

Is best. The stretch of years
Which wind ahead, so dim
To our imperfect vision, 
Are clear to God. Our fears
Are premature; In Him, 
All time hath full provision. 

Then rest: until

God moves to lift the veil
From our impatient eyes, 
When, as the sweeter features
Of Life’s stern face we hail, 
Fair beyond all surmise
God’s thought around His creatures
Our mind shall fill
Beside The Burn
Join us during the “Twelve Days Of Christmas” as we explore a potential meaning behind the strange lyrics of the song, and discover the gifts that God has for those who love him.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all those who have worked over Christmas in the Health & Care Sector, that they may find rest and respite in the comings days. Give thanks that the true love and spirit of Christmas has shown in our homes and units in so many ways in a Christmas Season that was like no other.


Government
Pray for political leaders in Dublin, Belfast and London, for good relationships across the islands and as they continue to manage the Covid-19 crisis. Pray for wisdom and decision-making that promotes the common good. ​
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Church Leaders’ New Year Message
As 2021 begins, many people will be hopeful for a brighter and safer future. The pandemic of 2020 brought grief, anxiety and uncertainty, as well as economic loss and disruption of livelihoods. Many aspects of life that we had taken for granted, like visiting loved ones in nursing homes, or popping in to a see a friend, suddenly changed...
https://www.ireland.anglican.org/news/10328/church-leaders-new-year-message?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=churchofireland
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CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS
New Scottish Hymns Band

FOMO
This may not be the Christmas present we’d expect. But it’s the present we most need. And it all begins with the arrival of this baby.
Read more from Sam Albert here - 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-christmas-is-the-antidote-to-fomo/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 2:59
​

Another Larger puzzle for the Weekend.
Play the "Harbour Hill Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3735267810a9

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Thursday 31st December 2020

31/12/2020

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Beside The Burn
Join us during the “Twelve Days Of Christmas” as we explore a potential meaning behind the strange lyrics of the song, and discover the gifts that God has for those who love him.

Let’s Pray For New Year’s Eve  
Pray for people throughout Ireland as they reflect on the year that has past. Pray that they will know that God has been with them through all the difficult times of 2020. Pray too that they will put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ for the future.


Mission Ireland
As the new year begins, pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to those who do not yet know
the Lord and that they will turn to him. Pray too for encouragement for all involved in mission.
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CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY 
New Scottish Hymns Band

The Chosen (54 minute video)
Before Christmas I shared The Chosen Christmas Special on the Blog. As I said there is a whole series and Episode 1 is available to watch for free.

Keswick Convention
Check out the latest Keswick Convention podcast!
@RachelRedeemed talks to author & pastor,  Mark Meynell. We have a tee up for what's in store at the Keswick Convention 2021 from the book of Hosea and lots more.
To listen to the full podcast, go to: https://t.co/lkwae3ryW3
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Nicky Gumbel and the story of Alpha (57 minute Audio)
The son of German Jewish immigrants, a barrister and now an Anglican Priest and author of the internationally renowned Alpha Course, Nicky Gumbel shares his journey of faith with Canon J.John, in this episode of 'Facing the Canon'.​

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21337/241751
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Wrong Side Of History
When you think about it, nearly everyone and everything connected to the first Christmas was on the wrong side of history.
Read more here -
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/christmas-wrong-side-history/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 2:29
Derek 3:34

Play the "Harry’s Shack Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=27abc5ee86d1

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Wednesday 30th December 2020

30/12/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
Join us during the “Twelve Days Of Christmas” as we explore a potential meaning behind the strange lyrics of the song, and discover the gifts that God has for those who love him.

Let’s Pray For Global Mission
Give thanks for each PCI global mission worker and for their dedicated service to the Lord
over the past year. Pray they will make good use of opportunities to share their faith in 2021. 


Global mission partners
Give thanks for the work and witness of PCI’s global mission partners over the past year. Pray that the leadership team of each partner will know God’s wisdom, guidance and encouragement as they continue to serve him and engage in mission in the coming year.
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NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD 
New Scottish Hymns Band

Jesus Changes Everything
How can we follow Jesus so that he's not just a 'supplement' that we add to improve our lives? How do we acknowledge that to follow Jesus is to enter a LIFE-TRANSFORMING relationship? Listen to this inspiring message by Pastor @leonfontaine on UCB Player.
https://t.co/MJhvbWugga
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Getty Family Hymn Sing
Did you miss the Getty Christmas Family Hymn sing on Sunday?
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Jigsaw

​Times for yesterday
Jean 2:51 
Derek 3:22

Play the "Mussenden Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=399fbf2c4651

1 Comment

Tuesday 29th December 2020

29/12/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
Join us during the “Twelve Days Of Christmas” as we explore a potential meaning behind the strange lyrics of the song, and discover the gifts that God has for those who love him.

Let’s Pray For Healthcare Chaplaincy (full-time) 
Pray for Rev Norman Harrison (Royal Group of Hospitals), Rev John Gilkinson (City / Nightingale) and Heather McCracken (Belfast Trust) who have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic. Pray for protection, strength and stamina as they continue their work.  


Healthcare Chaplaincy (part-time)   
Pray too for PCI part-time chaplains including Rev Ken Doherty (Mater) and Rev Ivan Neish (Whiteabbey / Nightingale) for protection, strength and stamina.
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J.John Interview (30 minute video)
Join J.John as he interviews another inspirational guest. Facing the Canon this week is Paul Cowley, author of Thief, Prisoner, Soldier, Priest

PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN 
New Scottish Hymns Band

Considering Grace
If you didn’t manage to watch the conference live, here is the recording, giving more insight into the book.

Considering Grace - Unpacking the Impact Online Conference from Presbyterian Church in Ireland on Vimeo.


Francine Rivers (1 hour video)
Have you read any books by renowned Christian author Francine Rivers? Watch now to hear her story of bringing the Bible to life and sharing her faith through writing.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/221046
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Omnipotence Swaddled
We have just left Advent behind, but here is an interesting article about Jesus being swaddled.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/omnipotence-swaddled/
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Jigsaw
Times for yesterday’s puzzle.
Jean 2:20
​Derek 3:03

Play the "Old Lifeboat Station Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2ec805188a41

1 Comment

Monday 28th December 2020

28/12/2020

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
Join us during the “Twelve Days Of Christmas” as we explore a potential meaning behind the strange lyrics of the song, and discover the gifts that God has for those who love him.

Beside The Burn
You may have missed the start of our new series over the weekend.

Let’s Pray For PCI global mission workers
Steve and Rosie Kennedy were commissioned as global mission workers on 23 December and are due to depart tomorrow for Cluj, Romania (along with their two children) where they will serve with the Tóvidéki congregation of the Hungarian Reformed Church.​

Steve and Rosie Kennedy 
Pray for the Kennedys as they travel and settle in to life, work and school in Cluj. Pray for the church’s new outreach ministry to English speakers which they will be involved in. 
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LOVE DIVINE 
From New Scottish Hymns Band

When Restrictions Are Over
This is an article from America but many of the insights apply here as well.
At some point in 2021—depending on the coronavirus situation—parents will transition their families from quarantine back into more regular routines (Lord willing). It’s an attractive prospect, given the limitations and frustrations that sequestered life has created.
But along with our eagerness to ditch stay-at-home life, are we blind to its benefits? If all we can say of quarantine is, “Well I’m glad that’s over!” we’ve missed it. Wisdom means lamenting our losses, yes, but also recognizing gains. 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-quarantine-rhythms-permanent/
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The Hardest Year and the Hope That Never Fails (1 hour audio)
As 2020 finally ends, it feels appropriate to look back on what we’ve learned and ultimately celebrate what God has done, even in the midst of one of the most difficult years ever collectively experienced.
A podcast from The Gospel Coalition.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/the-hardest-year-and-the-hope-that-never-fails/
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The Herods
Why was Herod the Great so paranoid? How did his descendants also pose a serious threat to Jesus and his followers? And what can be learned from their bad example about good leadership? Find out more with this episode of Bible Biogs! https://t.co/LhbuNT1l7t
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The Bible In 30 Minutes - Crossroads (30 Minute Audio)
What does it mean that Jesus rose from the dead? In this episode, Phil examines the days surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Listen now to hear about the greatest rescue in history!
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21335/255460
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Best Christian Songs of 2020
A Playlist of the 100 best Christian songs of 2020. 
Find it on Spotify (https://t.co/odB9cF56S3) 
or Apple Music (https://t.co/1selJ3vfhR).
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Jigsaw

Try this puzzle of Portrush

Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0eacc7076b98
1 Comment
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