There have been a few problems trying to access the Blog during the last couple of weeks. Especially for anyone who is using an older iPad. The problem may have been caused by the blog posts getting larger and larger by the end of the week and the smaller memory on older iPad not being able to cope. (This is my best guess at the moment.) So from next week we will go back to the old idea of one Blog post each day and there will be links at the top of each Blog to quickly go back through the week and catch up on anything you may have missed. Please let me know if things improve next week.
A devotional video each day, this week exploring Revelation Chapters.
The wrong videos were posted on the Blog yesterday and this morning. They have now been replaced by the correct ones, sorry for any confusion.
ModeratorPray for the Moderator as he embarks on his first Presbytery Tour of Dromore. Pray that the busy schedule will result in meaningful encounters with different groups within the church and also in the community and that the visit will be a source of encouragement.
Worship: Stillness before God Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10.
Give thanks to God that he reigns over all things and ask that in your worship today you might know the peace and calm of his presence and power.
Monday 3 October
Nigel and Antónia Craig (global mission workers, Hungary) Pray for Nigel and Antónia Craig who were to commence global mission service last month. Due to changes in personal circumstances, regrettably they are unable to take up their roles with the Reformed Church in Hungary in Debrecen at this time.
Ukraine Pray for an end to the war and for peace and stability in the region. Pray for aid agencies, including Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, as they continue to provide a range of support for Ukrainian Refugees.
Tuesday 4 October
David Boyd (Irish mission worker, Dublin) Pray for the International Café as it recommences after the summer break; that connections can be made with many new students and that they would be led to Jesus. Pray for the Kirk Session as they investigate ways to expand their work to include home grown students.
SligoPray for the Haven friendship group that meets each Monday, which is a welcoming space for everyone making Sligo their new home. Pray that people would receive a warm welcome and feel at home in Sligo.
Wednesday 5 October
Gary and Mary Reid (global mission workers, Kenya)Pray for Gary and Mary Reid as they settle back into the Mission in Olkinyei, following their home assignment over the summer. Pray for the Maasai people whom they serve, that many more people will come to know and love the Lord.
Refugees Pray for people around the world who have fled their country due to war, violence, persecution and poverty. Pray that they will find safety, security and humanitarian assistance and hope in Christ.
Thursday 6 October
Paula Burrows (deaconess, Ballygrainey) Pray for the Church family as they seek God’s guidance for a new minister. Pray that Paula will know God’s strength and be led by him in all aspects of her work at this time.
St Columba’s, Lisburn Pray for the preschool group, a new venture launched this autumn. The group which meets on Friday mornings has brought together a good number of families who live nearby but are unfamiliar with the church. Pray that God would bless these relationships.
Friday 7 October
Safeguarding Pray for a greater understanding of abuse towards adults. Pray that as a Church we may be more aware of seeking out the lonely, vulnerable and abused, to ease their isolation. Give thanks for Jacqui Montgomery-Devlin, PCI’s Head of Safeguarding, as she works diligently to facilitate Adult Safeguarding training and raise awareness around creating a 'Safe Place' for those who need it.
Education Give thanks for the support that many local congregations across the island of Ireland provide to schools in practical ways. Pray for fresh opportunities to share the good news of Jesus through school assemblies, SU groups and Bible clubs, and in many other practical ways.
Saturday 8 October
General CouncilPray for the Support Services departments in Assembly Buildings; Personnel, Creative Production, IT, Finance and Buildings. Pray for the Heads of Department and staff who carry out many vital ‘behind the scenes’ tasks which assist PCI to run smoothly. Pray for wisdom and guidance regarding the wise use of limited resources, both financial and personnel.
Training in Ministry Student deaconesses, Heather Healy and Cathy Smith, have returned to college for their second year of training. Pray for them, that they will be sustained by the Lord as he enables them to study and prepare for future ministry, and that they would walk closely with him in all that they are and do.
On Sunday we listened to a song by Andrew Peterson - Is He Worthy?
You can listen to it below.
J.John speaks with Ray Bevan, a refreshing church leader and evangelist from Newport, Wales.
Evangelical Alliance reflect on the results of the Census published last week.
Evangelical Alliance- The latest podcast hosting conversations at the intersection of faith, news and culture
The Unifying Power of Singing
On the one occasion Jesus was asked about people singing too loudly, he replied that if the people didn’t then the rocks would cry out instead. Read More Here |
Help I'm Scared To Pray
Paige Pippen gives some tips for anyone who would like to pray aloud in a group. Read More Here |
Open Doors has updated the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2022.
This week the focus is on Vietnam the 19th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian.
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/
Imagine getting arrested for having a copy of the Bible in English. That was the reality in Middle Age Britain. The fact that we can read the Bible in English is thanks to a man named John Wycliffe, and a film has now been made about him...
Listen Here:
https://timbre-player.sharp-stream.com/embed/item/61bbacda-8277-4042-8f59-a45a89760b39?layout=legacy&custom_theme=65
Have you ever wondered if you were created for a purpose? - article by David Nixon also published in The Scotsman newspaper
Have you ever wondered why music has the power to move us? - article by Michael Ots
Atheist says Queen’s funeral was ‘empty and platitudinous’. I disagree. - article by Andy Bannister
Why Do Our Lives Need Purpose? - Short Answers video
Facing the Canon - Andy Bannister on J John's weekly programme
PEP Talk with Natasha Moore - Solas podcast
PEP Talk with John Mackinnon - Solas podcast
Christianity and the Environment - Andy Bannister on the New Grounds podcast
This week is the last week of puzzles from our summer holiday.
Today Castlerigg Stone Circle just outside Keswick.
Best Time
Derek 2:52
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2c804b7fc34f
Best Time
Derek 2:53
Eddie 3:32
Today the puzzle is the stunning Wray Castle on the banks of Windermere.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=24027c9b9bb8
Best Times
Eddie 3:05
Derek 3:38
Today the puzzle is of the weekly market in Keswick town centre.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=03af9b0feaab
Best Times
Derek 3:31
Eddie 4:13
Today the puzzle is once again of Friar's Crag on the edge of Derwentwater at Keswick. This young man had decided that an early morning walk along the side of the lake would provide the seclusion necessary to romantically propose to his girlfriend. What he hadn't factored into his plan was a tourist from Northern Ireland on her early morning run arriving at the secluded spot just as he was down on one knee. After disrupting the most romantic moment of their lives at least Deirdre was able to take a photo for the happy couple.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1b72647d1b11
The Friday puzzle this week is a little more challenging and is a photo of one of the more bizarre events from our holiday. A family of (Giant Killer) wasps decided to move in behind our caravan. After being stung a few times, pest control was called.
Have a good weekend.
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=14e0c8ef8954