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Wednesday 14th April 2021

14/4/2021

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For Naomi Keefe (global mission workers in Brazil)
Give thanks for all the Easter outreach opportunities and pray that God will speak to each of the families and that many will come to know Jesus as their Messiah. Pray for the Good News Club children and their families as they undertake devotions each week from home.

Hungarian Reformed Church
Pray for the work and witness of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine which continues in different ways due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Face To Face

Heroes Of The Faith
J.John shares another hero of the faith. The life of Amanda Smith was extraordinary: she travelled from being a black slave to becoming the first international woman evangelist.

https://canonjjohn.com/2021/04/10/heroes-of-the-faith-amanda-smith/

Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021.
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/

This week the focus is on Sudan the 13th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/sudan/

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

8 – 14 April
– Pray for the Uncover studies that will be taking place on at University College Cork CU (UCCCU) on Wednesday nights through April and into May. Pray that those who were engaged will come along, and for wisdom for Naomi (Relay worker) and Sally (final year student) as they lead the studies.
– Pray for the committee at Limerick Institute of Technology (LITCU) as they seek to engage with fringe members of the CU. It has been a struggle this term to have more than the core committee members come and be part of their group faithfully, so pay for genuine community to be built there and for others to be brought in.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:38
Jean 2:46
Eddie 3:19

Play the "Derwentwater Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=08712000d3df

0 Comments

Tuesday 13th April 2021

13/4/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Let’s Pray For Heidi England (deaconess in Railway Street, Lisburn)
Pray for the women who take part in the online Bible study and for Heidi as she leads it. Pray that each woman will hear God speaking clearly through God’s Word and Spirit, and that the truths learned will take hold and bear fruit in their lives.

Greystones (Co Wicklow)
Pray for the minister Rev Gary McDowell, the elders and members of Greystones congregation as they continue to love God, encourage one another and serve the Greystones’ community and beyond.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Stiff Necked

The Church In China
More than a year after the coronavirus outbreak, life in China is largely functional. But it is unlikely the church will return to normal.
Read more about it here. https://t.co/OFx1Re2KF7

The Ten Commandments
Jen Wilken has written a new book based on the 10 Commandments.
Matt Smethurst has read the book and shares 20 quotes from what he considers to be the most insightful treatment of the 10 Commandments that he has ever read. https://t.co/YcadDE76D0

Last Words
This is a song from Andrew Peterson based on the Last words of Jesus from the cross. It should make us think back to our Holy Week devotions with J. John. Here is also an article that Andrew Peterson has written about his thoughts on Easter.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Play the "Harbour Storm Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3018c52231e0

2 Comments

Monday 12th April 2021

12/4/2021

0 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week we ask, “Is this a year of Jubilee?” And we look together at how God’s grace is displayed during the year of Jubilee, when slaves are set free and debts are cancelled.

Jubilee
A Song by Michael Card comparing Jesus to the Year of Jubilee.

Jubilee
The Word provided for a time
For the slaves to be set free
For the debts to all be cancelled
So His chosen ones could see
His deep desire was for forgiveness
He longed to see their liberty
And His yearning was embodied
In the year of Jubilee

Jubilee, Jubilee
Jesus is that Jubilee
Debts forgiven, slaves set free
Jesus is our Jubilee

At the Lord's appointed time
His deep desire became a man
The heart of all true jubilation
And with joy we understand
In His voice we hear a trumpet sound
That tells us we are free
He is the incarnation
Of the year of Jubilee

Jubilee, Jubilee
Jesus is that Jubilee
Debts forgiven, slaves set free
Jesus is our Jubilee

Sunday Service

Let’s Pray For Moderator
Pray for ministers across the church, as they seek a refreshed vision for the future of their congregations. Pray for Kirk Sessions as they pray and talk together, seeking God’s leading for their next steps.

Worshipping the Lord
‘Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendour of holiness.’ Psalm 29:2. Today as we worship in person, online or on our own, ask God that we might see his glory and acknowledge his rule.

Let’s Pray For Chris & Rachel Humphries (global mission workers in Portugal)
Pray that as the restrictions in Portugal start to ease, Chris and Rachel would be able to reconnect with local people and build up their relationships with them. Give thanks for the Easter video series during Holy Week and pray that it will have encouraged many.

Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA)
Pray for the leadership and members of PCEA’s congregations (over 1,000 in Kenya and a small number in Tanzania and Uganda). Pray that the church will continue to grow.

J.John
Facing the Canon this week is Mark Greene. He is Executive Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and was Vice Principal of the London School of Theology. He speaks, tells stories, and writes, mainly on the joys, trials, and surprises of living all of life as a follower of Jesus in today’s world.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Golden Calf

NEW HOPE AT EASTER
Rev Daniel Kane, minister of West Church congregation in Ballymena, reflects on how the Easter story shows God at work behind the scenes to meet our deepest needs then, now and for eternity. #Easter #Easter2021
https://t.co/utXABnVJqy

10 Commandments (48 minute audio)
In this interview, Jen Wilkin discusses a well-known yet, according to Jen, often misunderstood and misapplied section of Scripture: the Ten Commandments. She explains why the Ten Commandments are more interesting and more applicable than we might think, what’s wrong with the way we often talk about the law and the dangers of legalism, and what it really means to take the Lord’s name in vain.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-delighting-in-the-ten-commandments-jen-wilkin/

NEW PCI PODCAST EPISODE (28 minute audio)
Join Neil Harrison, Rev Lachlan Webster (Craigavon PC) and Roberta Irvine (Greystone Road PC) for a discussion on how to develop relationships with new people connecting with our congregations:
https://t.co/CzGKoMt4Bt

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 23:35

Play the "Harbour Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0889205b2bd5

0 Comments

Friday 9th April 2021

9/4/2021

0 Comments

Beside The Burn
Hope At Easter. This week we rejoice at the resurrection of Jesus Christ and we see how difficult it can be to trust in Jesus. Why not share this Hope At Easter with others? Each day we look at another resurrection story to see how Jesus transforms lives.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for those living with mental health issues at this time, which are exasperated greatly by
the loneliness and isolation of the current Covid-19 crisis. Pray that they will find a listening ear and seek the appropriate professional help. Give thanks for all who give of their time to provide Mental Health Services.

Freight Transport
Pray for those tasked with bringing goods to this island via sea, air and road transport, that they would have safe transit, and have an opportunity to encounter the peace and comfort of Jesus while they are far from home.

General Council
The Moderator will offer a pre-recorded service of worship this Easter which may be used in congregations across the Church. Pray that this would be a blessing to many. Thank God for the provision of technology to enable us to meet online.

Training in Ministry
Ministry students have had a busy semester. Teaching has been online, and many have faced additional demands with home-schooling, disrupted routines, and isolation. Pray for them and their families that they will have opportunity for refreshment over Easter, with a clear focus on the hope of our Lord’s resurrection.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Eye For Eye, Tooth For Tooth

The Temple
The whole biblical drama can be told as a story about God’s temple—the place where heaven and earth meet. Here is a fascinating article about the Temple with several videos to watch and a book recommendation.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/a-biblical-theology-and-some-3d-renderings-of-the-temples-in-jerusalem/

Bible Study - How To CRAM
Here is an accessible method for devotional Bible reading that aims at the heart and the head.
https://t.co/8tDfSGpXlc

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:51
Jean 3:22

Play the "Difficult Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=27eebddc1536

0 Comments

Thursday 8th April 2021

8/4/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Rev Graham Stockdale (Prison Chaplain in Maghaberry)
Pray for Graham and all involved in PCI’s prison chaplaincy work. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and for prisoners to find hope and new life in Christ.

Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Pray for the congregation of Great Victoria Street which was glad to meet together in-person on Easter Sunday. Pray for the minister, Rev William Harkness, the kirk session and members as they seek God’s guidance, pray and plan for the future of the congregation’s work in Belfast city centre.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Thou Shalt Not Covet

Free Audiobook
The Pilgrim’s Progress. John Bunyan was a simple maker and mender of pots and kettles who received very little education. In spite of that, he penned the most successful allegory ever written. He lost his first wife and was imprisoned for twelve years for his compelling—but unlicensed—preaching. Nevertheless, his preaching about the gravity of sin, salvation by grace, the cost of discipleship, perseverance, and the glory of eternal life lives on in the signs and symbols of The Pilgrim’s Progress.
https://christianaudio.com

Francine Rivers
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://t.co/yo8lAUhQbA

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:14
Derek 3:58

Play the "Portstewart Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2f653233c848

1 Comment

Wednesday 7th April 2021

7/4/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Middle East
Give thanks that JETS continues to provide training for church and para-church leaders, award Christian theological degrees and contribute to the planting and strengthening of churches throughout the Middle East. Pray for staff as they work to keep students engaged with their courses during online learning.

Indonesia
Give thanks for the launch of a new speed boat partially funded by a grant from PCI to help one of our partner churches reach its many members located in remote locations across the North Moluccas islands.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Honour Your Father And Mother

Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has released the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2021.
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/

This week the focus is on Syria the 12th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/syria/

Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.

1 – 7 April
– The next Friendship & Faith International Students Ministry (ISM) training seminar will consider ‘The Great ISM Debate – To integrate or segregate?’ Pray for a thought–provoking morning that challenges those who attend to continue to think how best to include and reach international students studying on our campuses.
– Pray for the Easter Event at University College Dublin CU (UCDCU). Praise God for the month of events UCDCU held in February. Pray for particularly for friends to be invited to come, and for hearts to be convicted that the resurrection is true and so it’s worth investigating whoon Jesus is.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:04
Eddie 3:07
Jean 3:32

Play the "Keswick Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=09f068fe706c

1 Comment

Tuesday 6th April 2021

6/4/2021

2 Comments

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, give thanks for the message of hope this brings. We pray for hope for the future, as we look ahead into another uncertain year. We trust in God for his guidance and provision as we travel this way.

Children
Pray for children and families as life returns to a more normal routine in coming months. Give thanks for families growing in faith together this last year and ask that they continue to follow Jesus every day.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Remember The Sabbath Day

New City Catechism
Q. Why Must the Redeemer Be Truly Human?
A. That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weaknesses.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/why-must-the-redeemer-be-truly-human/

Heroes Of The Faith
If you’ve ever wondered how much anyone can do in a lifetime then take a look at William Carey. ‘Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God’ was the motto Carey gave to history.
Read J.John’s latest blog at https://canonjjohn.com/2021/04/03/heroes-of-the-faith-william-carey/

Good Friday
If you didn't get a chance to attend a Good Friday service, why not sit down and watch this full service from In Touch Ministries about the true power of what happened that first Good Friday on the cross... https://t.co/OlPc5ETduw

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Play the "Portstewart Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3452eb49bf8d

2 Comments

Monday 5th April 2021

5/4/2021

0 Comments

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! May this worldwide affirmation by Christians on Easter Sunday set the tone of our walking in hope and by faith in days of uncertainty. May we be people of hope, not of despair, placing our trust in the Lord who reigns over all.

Hope at Easter
The Moderator plans to be with the congregation in Portrush on Easter Sunday morning.
Pray for congregations as they make plans to return to their buildings, with the necessary restrictions in place, and pray especially for congregations in the Republic, for whom the restrictions remain in place.

Hope at Easter
Pray for our political leaders in both jurisdictions. Pray for political stability, and confident, principled leadership from our governments. Pray for the grace to disagree well. Pray strongly against those who would bully or intimidate those with whom they differ.

Young People
Young People have lost so much this past year. Pray that as we progress, churches and ministry organisations will be able to provide them physically, emotionally and spiritually restoring experiences.

Moderator’s Easter Message
In his Easter message @pcimoderator talks about our second pandemic #Easter "The vaccines give us some hope that soon it might end. Our ultimate hope... [is] through the extraordinary act of love through which Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them…'" https://t.co/VSF8f14p28

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Taking The Lord’s Name In Vain

At Home with the Gettys
If you missed the documentary last week you can watch it on iplayer. Join the Gettys on BBC for a special documentary, “At Home with the Gettys,” as they discuss their journey of writing hymns for the church, what the family has been doing during the lockdown, and they sing some of their favourite songs from the North Coast of Ireland at Downpatrick Cathedral.
Link to Programme on iPlayer
https://gettymusic.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=aa4cd9a5b4688d5ec76f457cb&id=4ae4b6f212&e=def46f1922

At the Foot of the Cross'
Dan Walker hosts a star studded evening of music and poetry featuring @NewtonFaulkner, @TheKingdomChoir, @marishawallace, @BBCPhilharmonic & more. First broadcast on Good Friday on Radio 2 listen again on BBC Sounds
https://t.co/9xrZmJdGsN

NEW HOPE AT EASTER PCI BLOG
Rev David Irvine, minister of Trinity Ballymoney congregation, reflects on the incomparable value of hope in Christ in family and faith.
#Easter #Easter2021
https://t.co/rVRdyR19EG

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 10:46
Derek 13:45

Play the "North Coast Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3b20c2e8abe6

0 Comments

Saturday 3rd April 2021

3/4/2021

0 Comments

Beside The Burn
Hope At Easter. During this Pandemic do you ever feel that you are Sinking? This week we have a series of special messages for Easter Week. Each day we find Hope At Easter as we listen to what Jesus said from the cross. We have a bible reading some special music from Eileen a message from J. John, a testimony about Trypraying and a guest singer. Listen each day (including Saturday) and share with someone who might benefit.

Say Yes To Jesus
If you would like to trust Jesus find out more here.
https://www.ucb.co.uk/yes

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
The Moderator will offer a pre-recorded service of worship this Easter which may be used in congregations across the Church. Pray that this would be a blessing to many. Thank God for the provision of technology to enable us to meet online.

Hope at Easter
Pray for the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and his Coalition Government in the Republic. Pray
for the NI First Minister, Arlene Foster and the Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, as they seek to lead the Northern Ireland Executive. Pray for the NI Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.

0 Comments

Friday 2nd April 2021

2/4/2021

1 Comment

Good Friday Service
Tonight following on from our blogs this week we have a special Good Friday message with J.John
You can find it on the Home page of the Website.

Also remember that there will be a special Holy Week Beside The Burn Devotional tomorrow Saturday, and as well as the Burnside At Home for Easter Sunday, there will be an Easter Sunday evening Service with the Moderator.

Hope At Easter
The Presbyterian Church In Ireland have launched a beautiful video for Easter taking a snapshot of PCI at Home and Overseas and providing us with Hope At Easter. See if you can spot Julie representing Burnside.
At the moment I can only find the video on Facebook, but if I find another link I will share it again.
https://www.facebook.com/pciassembly/posts/4058185467536692

Say Yes To Jesus
If you would like to trust Jesus find out more here.
https://www.ucb.co.uk/yes

Let’s Pray For Hope at Easter
On this Good Friday, why not take some time to pause in the course of the day to consider the words of the Centurion who while guarding the cross and witnessing the events on the day of Jesus’ death said. “Surely he was the Son of God!” He died for me.

Hope at Easter
The Church Leaders will be leading an act of worship on Easter Sunday, which will be
broadcast on television by BBC Northern Ireland. Pray that the message of hope emerging from the cross and resurrection would be heard and understood by all who watch.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
I Am A Jealous God

Lessons From Lockdown
How can we continue to worship God when it feels like everything is going wrong? Be encouraged by this episode of the 'Lessons from Lockdown' podcast...
https://t.co/6IWC1eOkOa

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:58

Try a difficult one for the weekend.
Play the "Sunset Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=164ac1e4813a

1 Comment

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