On the Burnside Blog today we think about what it means to come to the Lord’s Table.
Each day this week we have a few songs to help us meditate about Communion.
This first hymn is one that I didn’t know but Julie suggested it based on our journey through James and the Communion service on Sunday. It is a beautiful hymn with powerful words.
In it Graham Kendrick imagines the scene in the Upper Room on the night before Jesus died. Jesus washes his disciples feet and teaches them to serve.
All the room was hushed and still
And when the bowl was filled
He stooped to wash their feet
And when it was complete, he said
This is what I'm asking you to do
This is why I'm kneeling here beside you
This is what I want my church to be
This is what I want the world to see
Who it is you follow Love each other One another
Julie got me thinking about other Graham Kendrick songs that would be appropriate for Communion, so here is another beautiful song.
Graham Kendrick
There's no banquet so rich
As the bread and the wine
No table more holy
No welcome so kind
There's no mercy so wide
As the arms of the cross
Come and taste, come and see
Come find and be found
Have you heard of a God of love
Of a God who cares?
Have you heard how he came among us
Stepping down from the heights of heaven
Breathing air He made
Let’s Pray For Moderator
As our Ministers are encouraged to step back from pastoral duties this week, pray for their spiritual refreshment, through reading, resting and the Refresh Day Conference on Wednesday 9 June. The Refresh Day Conference includes input from the Moderator, Dr Andrew Collins and Mr Jonathan Lamb. Pray for those who come to one of the venue face to face, and for those joining online. Pray for Ministers for who this past year has been especially demanding. Pray for their encouragement, especially as they think, pray and plan for the incoming church year, especially with so much uncertainty. Pray for the families of ministers, who quietly carry the weight of responsibility which often comes from living in The Manse. Pray for their encouragement, and for the summer to be a time of refreshment and joy. Derek and Jane French (global mission workers in Spain) Pray for Derek and Jane and their work with Bilbao International Church. Pray for Derek, who is back on a part-time basis, preaching this month and continuing with a sermon series on the gospel of John. Malawi Pray for the Student Christian Organisation of Malawi and Scripture Union Malawi as they spread the gospel to children and teenagers in Malawi and seek to disciple young Christians in their Christian faith. |
J.John is joined by inspirational lead worshipper, Noel Robinson.
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
By The Skin Of My Teeth
European Missionary Fellowship (TONIGHT)
The next webinar is on Monday 7th June 7.30 - 8.30 pm (UK time) where the focus will be on the subject of "Engaging Eastern Orthodoxy: Sharing the gospel with Eastern Orthodox people https://www.europeanmission.org/webinars/engaging-eastern-orthodoxy |
Many of you will have been saddened to hear of the death of John Blanchard in recent weeks. You may well have read some of his books and probably heard him speak on his many visits to Northern Ireland. Recently at 7 Churches Events in Portrush and Ballyrashane in the last few years.
Below is an interview that he gave on the 21st March this year (2021)
The interview is titled “Before They Leave The Stage” and is one of a series of interviews with well known Christian figures who are reaching the end of their ministry in an attempt to introduce them to a new generation.
A service of thanksgiving for the life of John Blanchard will take place later this month on Tuesday 22nd June, there is a link to the service below and I will try and post it again on the day.
John Blanchard speaking in High Kirk Church Ballymena
God Provides Psalm 84
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 12:01
Derek 13:13
Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=32b1c301948f