Joy when we live lives worthy of the Gospel, we come to the end of chapter 1 of Philippians, next week Chapter 2 as we find Joy in Serving.
Each Friday I ask Frances to share some thoughts on a spiritual song.
During the past few weeks, because of the current pandemic, we have been encountering words which have not previously been in common use: …. lockdown…. social distancing…. isolating…., words which cry out ‘Keep away.’ These have now entered our daily vocabulary, together with specific guidance on ways to ‘keep at a safe distance.’
Of course, this has caused very unusual consequences. Our Sunday Services in Church have been postponed until it is safe to meet together again, and all associated activities are suspended. However, we do have a great opportunity to communicate with other members of our Church Family through the very informative website which is kept up to date on a daily basis, and even includes an opportunity to reveal your skill at completing a jigsaw! (Sometimes I disclose how long it took me to complete it …. and sometimes I don’t!)
Our daily routine has been affected in many ways, not least in how much we miss social interaction with our family and friends …. often referred to as ‘Coffee Mornings!’
In Mark Ch 1 we read of a man with leprosy begging Jesus to make him clean, but before Jesus said, ‘I am willing’, we are told that ‘He reached out his hand and touched the man.’
Jesus draws close to us in our difficulties. Humanly speaking, we must certainly ‘keep at a safe distance’ at this time, but our Song today reminds us that Jesus is always near. In fact, He is ‘Only a Prayer Away.’
Frances.
Virtually Keswick Convention
Virtually Keswick Convention programme has launched! Take a look at the link below for info about Bible teaching, seminars & more at this year’s online event (27 – 31 July). https://vkc.keswickministries.org |
(A great insight into life in Ballysally)
How can we think more locally to get alongside people and make a difference in our local communities? Suzanne Harrison (Waringstown), Rev Niall Lockhart (Ballyhenry) and Rev John Coulter (Ballysally) join PCI's Discipleship Development Officer Rick Hill in this latest episode of These Three Remain to discuss how they are developing their local impact today during lockdown, as well as lessons to carry into the future.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7601493-011-developing-our-local-impact
Paul Mallard (2015 Keswick Convention Bible Reader) reminds us that when we don’t understand what God is doing in the world or in our lives we can be sure His generosity is incredible, His plans are inscrutable & His power is invincible. Listen to him on the Podcast.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/960415
Leprosy Mission
Mission has not been cancelled! Many of the summer opportunities for mission have been cancelled but the Leprosy have released a series of 4 podcasts to enable service from the sofa this summer. Our God is still working and moving in our world, and His call to serve and help those most in need has not changed. Listen here https://www.tlm-ni.org/resources/church/serve-from-your-sofa |
Today the prayer is for pupils and students.
Not all waters are quiet and still, especially when they are pouring through your ceiling. Thanks to an eagle eyed Eddie who spotted water running down the outside wall of the Church Hall. Thanks to Jim & Ruth who investigated and found water pouring through the ceiling of Room 3 (See Below). Thanks to Arthur Faulkner (Faulkner Plumbing & Heating) who came immediately and stopped the flow and will be returning again to fix the problem. I phoned Arthur for help and he managed to get to the church hall quicker than me.
Janice 6:03
Eric 8:12 (After three attempts)
Frances 13:30
Wilfred 14.23
Derek 16:34
The Friday Jigsaw always takes longer because it has more pieces, this Friday lets also add a little rotation. Try out this wintry shot of the Boat House in Coleraine.
Play the "Boat House Coleraine" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=09b64a53c023
Where Is It?
Yesterday the Where Is It? was at the Barmouth. As William says, “West mole bar mouth.” Eddie has commented - “Barmouth. In 1937 during the River Bann improvement works a narrow gauge track (2 foot) was laid known as Bann Navigation Railway to deliver stones from Carnanee Quarry.” Check out this photograph of where the track was. (Sent by Eddie) https://www.flickr.com/photos/16701453@N08/24751223194 |
So Where Is It? today?