Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
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Friday 13th May 2022

13/5/2022

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
If you have missed any on the series on Philippians here are links to all that has happened so far.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8​
Day 9​
Day 10
​Day 11
​Day 12
​Day 13
​Day 14

Beside The Burn
Something different on Beside The Burn this week, we begin a study in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Later I will be preaching through Philippians and providing what you come to expect from Beside The Burn - a verse by verse daily study. Before we get to that stage I want us to gain an overview of the whole letter and understand what Paul was doing when he wrote to this church, so each day there will be a short introduction video and a reading of a section of the letter and then a song based on that section. Imagine you are watching a Musical version of Philippians, and just before each song is performed I pop up and explain what you are about to witness.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness   

Give thanks to God for the older people and the encouragement and practical help that they can offer to their families, their Church and their community. Pray for older people within our residential and nursing homes, and for ministers, deaconesses and pastoral visitors who conduct weekly devotionals and visits. 

UK Parliament 

As the UK Parliament resumes its business following the Queen’s Speech, pray for MPs as they consider new legislative proposals. Pray that those who represent their constituencies would do so with integrity, compassion and selflessness.

General Council

Remember the ongoing work of the Trustees of the General Assembly as they carry out their important role in the life of our church. Remember especially the Chairman of the Trustees, Rev Dr Donald Watts and the Financial Secretary, Clive Knox in their detailed work on behalf of the Trustees.

Council for Training in Ministry  

Ministry students have an intensive module this week – Sharpening Your Interpersonal Skills. Pray for the students, that this will bless them in every aspect of their lives, and be significant in equipping them to serve the Lord in ministry, where relating with others in a Christ-like way is so important.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

The Air We Breathe
Colin Hansen talked with Glen Scrivener for #Gospelbound about the patriarchy, consent, Christianity for weirdos, and whey even if you identify as a Jedi Knight, you're still indebted to the most revolutionary notion ever entertained.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/gospelbound/air-we-breathe/

3 Ways the Gospel Changes Every Man's Life Today

Jared C. Wilson asks - What is the significance of the gospel for Christian men, moment by moment?

READ MORE HERE
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Ulster University

​Congratulations to the #3MT semi-finalists at Coleraine today - excellent job of presenting your research & its significance in 3 minutes! #UlsterPhDFest
Many of you helped Frederick with his research here he is presenting his findings.

Find out more here:
http://twitter.com/UlsterUniPhD/status/1524705529632808960
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Spanish Student Exchange
Lynne Harrison (originally from Aghadowey) is bringing students from Spain to the North Coast in the summer and she is looking for host families. More details in the Coleraine Chronicle article below.
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Eddie 2:57
​

​Play the "Greyfriars Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=303c930805ea
2 Comments

Thursday 12th May 2022

12/5/2022

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
If you have missed any on the series on Philippians here are links to all that has happened so far.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8​
Day 9​
Day 10
​
Day 11
​Day 12
​Day 13

Beside The Burn
Something different on Beside The Burn this week, we begin a study in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Later I will be preaching through Philippians and providing what you come to expect from Beside The Burn - a verse by verse daily study. Before we get to that stage I want us to gain an overview of the whole letter and understand what Paul was doing when he wrote to this church, so each day there will be a short introduction video and a reading of a section of the letter and then a song based on that section. Imagine you are watching a Musical version of Philippians, and just before each song is performed I pop up and explain what you are about to witness.

Let’s Pray For Tullamore (Co Offaly) Pray for the church family, especially for people who are new to Tullamore. Pray for the congregation as they seek opportunities to share the good news of the gospel with others. 

Westbourne (East Belfast) Pray for God’s blessing on Rev Mervyn Gibson, the elders and members of this urban mission congregation as they worship together and reach out to their local community. 
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.


Blessed - Revelation
Join Nancy Guthries as she talks with pastor, professor, and author Iain Duguid about how we can understand Revelation in new ways when we read it as a letter, as a promise, and as apocalyptic prophecy. Listen to the Blessed Podcast with Nancy Guthrie today: https://cway.to/3KQAfwo
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 3:04
Derek 3:14
Eddie 3:28

​
​Play the "Grass market Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2829690cc087
1 Comment

Wednesday 11th May 2022

11/5/2022

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
If you have missed any on the series on Philippians here are links to all that has happened so far.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8​
Day 9​
Day 10
​
Day 11
​Day 12

Beside The Burn
Something different on Beside The Burn this week, we begin a study in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Later I will be preaching through Philippians and providing what you come to expect from Beside The Burn - a verse by verse daily study. Before we get to that stage I want us to gain an overview of the whole letter and understand what Paul was doing when he wrote to this church, so each day there will be a short introduction video and a reading of a section of the letter and then a song based on that section. Imagine you are watching a Musical version of Philippians, and just before each song is performed I pop up and explain what you are about to witness.

Let’s Pray For Csaba & Ilona Veres (global mission workers, Romania)Praise God for favour with local school administrations so the Easter holiday Bible clubs could be held throughout Salaj and Cluj counties. Pray for children and young people in the Diakonia’s afterschool programmes to know Jesus and continue in their walk with God.

Naomi Leremore (global mission worker, Kenya) Pray for Naomi as she continues in work in Christian education. Campaigning is taking place in Kenya ahead of elections this summer - ask that God’s good purposes will come from this time when aspiring politicians visit those living in neglected areas of the country.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

​Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.
6 – 12 May
Pray that new CU committees would gel and bond well together, with one another and with local CU Staff Workers. Pray that the Gospel–Driven Mission training sessions equip and deepen students’ convictions for mission on campus.
Pray especially for the new CU committee at Munster Technological University, Cork. The outgoing chairperson is graduating. Pray for a strong handover and for the younger leaders coming up to take on responsibility.
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Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has updated the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2022. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on India the 10th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/india/
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If God Is Sovereign, Why Pray? (23 minute video)


Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Jean 2:51
​Derek 3:03



Play the "Bridges Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3f664e51bcac
2 Comments

Tuesday 10th May 2022

10/5/2022

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
If you have missed any on the series on Philippians here are links to all that has happened so far.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8​
Day 9​
Day 10
​
Day 11

Beside The Burn
Something different on Beside The Burn this week, we begin a study in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Later I will be preaching through Philippians and providing what you come to expect from Beside The Burn - a verse by verse daily study. Before we get to that stage I want us to gain an overview of the whole letter and understand what Paul was doing when he wrote to this church, so each day there will be a short introduction video and a reading of a section of the letter and then a song based on that section. Imagine you are watching a Musical version of Philippians, and just before each song is performed I pop up and explain what you are about to witness.

Let’s Pray For Church Planting  Give thanks for last Saturday’s conference entitled, ‘A time to plant’. Pray that God will continue to lead and guide individuals and congregations in PCI who have a heart to plant new churches and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in new places.

New Church Plants  The conference heard from leaders of three new church plants Balbriggan, near Donabate, and Central Church and Grace and Hope Community Church, both in Belfast. Give thanks and pray for those who lead and support these church plants and that many more people will come to faith in the Lord.



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

Free Audio Book
THE WISE WOMAN
FREE audiobook download for May
A favorite author of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald delivers another lovely tale in the story The Wise Woman. It is a story of two girls, one is a princess and the other a daughter of a shepherd; both are spoiled and self-serving. Their lives are forever changed when they encounter the Wise Woman, who undertakes to teach them virtue with an astounding balance of grace and truth. Firm and loving, the Wise Woman is everything a good parent could hope to be, and a refreshing portrayal of the Heavenly Parent of us all.
DOWNLOAD HERE
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Connect With MLAs
Now is the perfect time to use the Evangelical Allianec Connect resource! 
Connect will help you get to know new candidates and let them know what matters to you!
FIND OUT MORE HERE


Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 2:40
Eddie 2:43
Jean 3:04

​Another puzzle from Edinburgh.

Play the "Princes Street Gardens Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0717320c8aa0

1 Comment

Monday 9th May 2022

9/5/2022

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
If you have missed any on the series on Philippians here are links to all that has happened so far.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8​
Day 9​
Day 10


Beside The Burn
Something different on Beside The Burn this week, we begin a study in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. Later I will be preaching through Philippians and providing what you come to expect from Beside The Burn - a verse by verse daily study. Before we get to that stage I want us to gain an overview of the whole letter and understand what Paul was doing when he wrote to this church, so each day there will be a short introduction video and a reading of a section of the letter and then a song based on that section. Imagine you are watching a Musical version of Philippians, and just before each song is performed I pop up and explain what you are about to witness.

Let’s Pray ModeratorGive thanks for the work of church planters – those who begin new churches with new people in new places. Pray that the conference on church planting will have helped expand the vision of PCI for this important work.

Answering God’s invitation to worship Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2 Thank God for those who lead us in musical accompaniment in worship today. Ask him to help us to respond to his invitation to praise him in music and song. 

Ukraine  

Continue to pray for peace. Pray for the protection of those living in Ukraine, for safe corridors for civilians to evacuate areas of fighting and for sufficient humanitarian aid to get through to those in need.

Moderator’s Appeal for Ukraine  Give thanks for all who have contributed to the Appeal - over £634,000 raised so far. Pray for our partners Hungarian Reformed Church Aid, Christian Aid and Tearfund who will use these funds for both those fleeing the country and to get aid into Ukraine.
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​Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

Facing The Canon
J.John speaks with Mark Birch-Machin PhD, Professor of Molecular Dermatology at the University of Newcastle, about evangelism, hearing the voice of God, interpreting our dreams, and how we can look after our skin better!


Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Eddie 10:12
​Jean 11:21
Derek 11:50

​Play the "Castle Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3f9e3d2dee22
2 Comments

Friday 6th May 2022

6/5/2022

2 Comments

 
THURSDAY BLOG
Apologies for the problem with Thursday’s Blog.
If you missed it you can see it HERE
Beside The Burn
On Sunday David preached from Acts 2:42-47 to help us prepare to meet around the Lord’s Table next Sunday (8th May) All this week on Beside The Burn we are going to continue the preparation and then return to Philippians next week. Even if you are not joining us around the Lord’s Table you can still join us in the preparation.

Let’s Pray For ​Social Witness   

Give thanks for the work and witness of Thompson House in its work with male offenders. Pray for safety for David Farrow, Director and the staff team; for wisdom, patience, love and understanding in dealing with residents and often difficult situations. Give thanks that four residents are taking part in and enjoying a Bible study. Pray that God will open their hearts and give them a desire for Jesus as their Saviour and a willingness to change their path in life.

NI Assembly election  

As the election results become known today pray for those who have been elected to serve
in the NI Assembly, and especially those who will be entering Stormont for the first time, that their decision-making would be characterised by wisdom and compassion. Pray that those who have not been elected, or have lost their seats will quickly get over their disappointment and find new ways to serve their local community. 

General Council

Pray for the ongoing work of the Irish Council of Churches whose Executive Committee will be meeting during this incoming week. Remember especially the ICC’s President, Rev Andrew Forster, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and give thanks for the work of Very Rev Dr Ivan Patterson who recently retired from that role.

Council for Training in Ministry  

The annual conference for ministers who are five years post-ordination takes place next Tuesday-Thursday in Assembly Buildings. Pray for the ministers who will gather – for encouragement, fellowship, and for the equipping and enabling of God, that they would be ever-more effective in what the Lord has called them to do.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.


Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
​




Play the "Forth Rail Bridge Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=080dcd264c0c
Edinburgh
Another little video from our trip to Edinburgh. This time we rode from the campsite to the little village of Crammond, across the river Almond and then through some spectacular country lanes to Queensferry and under the three Forth Bridges.
​This is the video that should have appeared on Thursday’s Blog

2 Comments

Thursday 5th May 2022

5/5/2022

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
On Sunday David preached from Acts 2:42-47 to help us prepare to meet around the Lord’s Table next Sunday (8th May) All this week on Beside The Burn we are going to continue the preparation and then return to Philippians next week. Even if you are not joining us around the Lord’s Table you can still join us in the preparation.

Let’s Pray For Tom Dowling (Irish mission worker, Kilkenny)Pray for door-to-door visitation, that the Spirit of God will be at work in the lives of those Tom and others meet. Pray too for outreach Bible studies, taking place both in-person and online, and for the planning of a summer children’s club which will be held in a local community centre. 

PCI Church Planting Conference  This Saturday, 7 May, PCI is holding a conference entitled, ‘A time to plant’. Pray that it will be a time of learning and inspiration to those who attend. Pray that more new churches will be planted in Ireland in the coming years, and that each will grow and flourish, for God’s glory.  
 
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

In Praise of the Boring, Uncool Church

Old-fashioned, uncool churches and “long obedience” faith won’t go viral on TikTok or get profiled in GQ. But it’s the best recipe for a maturing, sustainable Christian life.


https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/uncool-church/
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The Bible Book We Need Right Now
How Revelation Gives Wisdom and Hope in Difficult Days
READ MORE HERE
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Political Scandal
Peter Lynas gives his thoughts on the latest scandal in the Conservative Party
Neil Parish watched porn, Matt Hancock had an affair - both on government property and while supposedly working. One has gone the other remains an MP. This piece explores our culture’s strange relationship with pornography.
READ MORE HERE

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Beware Taking Verses Out Of Context
Jen Wilkin writes - 
Beware the Instagram Bible, my daughters—those filtered frames festooned with feathered verses, adorned in all manner of loops and tails, bedecked with blossoms, saturated with sunsets, culled and curated just for you.
Read more here - 
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/beware-instagram-bible/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Derek 2:42
​Eddie 2:52
Jean 3:02
​

​Play the "Royal Mile Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1f6ae8046125
Edinburgh
Another little video from our trip to Edinburgh. This time we rode from the campsite to the little village of Crammond, across the river Almond and then through some spectacular country lanes to Queensferry and under the three Forth Bridges.
0 Comments

Wednesday 4th May 2022

4/5/2022

3 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
On Sunday David preached from Acts 2:42-47 to help us prepare to meet around the Lord’s Table next Sunday (8th May) All this week on Beside The Burn we are going to continue the preparation and then return to Philippians next week. Even if you are not joining us around the Lord’s Table you can still join us in the preparation.

Let’s Pray For Volker and JinHyeog Glissmann (global mission workers, Southern Africa)Praise God for the way he has led Volker and JinHyeog over the last few years in their service in Malawi and Southern Africa. Pray especially for the continuation of developing grassroots training in Malawi.

LatviaPray for our partners in Latvia, the Evangelical Reformed Church of Latvia and the Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary. Pray for their work and witness, including reaching out to help refugees from Ukraine.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

E3 North Coast - Scripture Union

The Latest Prayer Letter From Andrew Neill READ HERE

Click on the video below to hear from Andrew about how you can pray for our local schools. ​
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Bible Society In Ukraine
People are ‘eager’ to have the Bible
Over the last eight weeks, Kyiv’s Bible House has been transformed into a hub not only the distribution of Bibles,  but also much-needed humanitarian aid too. Food and medicines are stacked up ready to be distributed.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Jean 2:28
​Derek 3:03
Eddie 3:21



​Play the "Royal Mile Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=33b404cdec80
Edinburgh
Just in case you might be interested, the week after Easter we went to Edinburgh and explored a bit of the city on our bikes. We rode into the city via Carlton Hill, Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament and rode along some canal paths on the way back to the campsite. Here is a little video of our adventure.
3 Comments

Tuesday 3rd May 2022

3/5/2022

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
On Sunday David preached from Acts 2:42-47 to help us prepare to meet around the Lord’s Table next Sunday (8th May) All this week on Beside The Burn we are going to continue the preparation and then return to Philippians next week. Even if you are not joining us around the Lord’s Table you can still join us in the preparation.
An animation of the story.

Let’s Pray For Eleanor Drysdale (deaconess in Wellington, Ballymena)  Pray for Eleanor as she continues to serve and for the congregation as they begin preparations for organisations resuming in September. Some will need both leaders and helpers. Pray for wisdom and guidance and that people will step up to serve God.

Belvoir (South Belfast)Pray for Belvoir congregation as they currently explore a potential partnership with Saintfield Road Presbyterian, with the hope of revitalised worship and witness in the Belvoir estate.
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.

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European Missionary Fellowship
The Latest Prayer Diary
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European Missionary Fellowship
The Latest Newsletter
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Christian Unions Ireland
The prayer points for this week.


29 April – 5 May
Small group communities have been a great blessing for many students in Queens University Belfast CU this year! Pray for the new leaders as they take over and organise opportunities for these communities to continue to support one another through the exam period.
Preparations for Dublin International Outreach in summer are underway. Pray that God would bring together a team that’s ready to welcome, love and share the good news with international students in dependence on his grace. Pray also that he would be preparing the hearts of those students who will come to the outreach events.  ​
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Open Doors - World Watch List
Open Doors has updated the World Watch List. The list of countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian in 2022. 
The full list can be found here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/


This week the focus is on Iran the 9th most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about it here https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/iran/
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw


Jean 2:17
Eddie 2:29
Derek 2:39

Another puzzle from our Easter Holiday

Play the "Edinburgh Castle Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2d53771e9098
2 Comments

Monday 2nd May 2022

2/5/2022

2 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
On Sunday David preached from Acts 2:42-47 to help us prepare to meet around the Lord’s Table next Sunday (8th May) All this week on Beside The Burn we are going to continue the preparation and then return to Philippians next week. Even if you are not joining us around the Lord’s Table you can still join us in the preparation.

Let’s Pray For Moderator

Please pray for our farmers, who are facing unprecedented rises in their key inputs. Over the past year fertilizer has risen by some 300%, while fuel and feed have increased by c. 200%. The pig sector is suffering particularly at the moment, but all areas of the industry are being hit extremely hard.

Answering God’s invitation to worship 

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1.
Ask God to help us respond to his invitation to find joy in him as we express our praise in song today. 

Edwin & Anne Kibathi (global mission workers in London) 

Pray for Edwin and Anne as they continue to serve the East African expatriate community in the UK and minister at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa congregation in East London. Pray too for the fellowship groups who meet in Reading and Luton.  

South Sudan 

Prayfor peace in South Sudan, where there has recently been a surge of violence, including rapes, gang rapes, beheadings, burning civilians alive, and attacks on humanitarian aid workers.  Pray too for the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan and its work to promote peace and its humanitarian aid work.
​
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
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Facing The Canon
J.John recently sat down with speaker, author and former neuroscientist, Sharon Dirckx, to learn about her journey of faith and ministry. They discuss many of life’s important questions such as ‘are we just our brain?’ and even explore topics such as near-death experiences.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 9:00
Eddie 10:11
​

This week the Jigsaws are from our Easter holiday in Edinburgh.

Play the "Scottish Parliament at Holyrood Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3e1dd14e07c6
2 Comments
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