Blog Posts

Thursday 4th February 2021

4/2/2021

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Ask Boldly. Lament can be a very positive experience as we turn from pain and suffering towards God. Each day we discover something to ask from God.

Let’s Pray For Heather McCracken (deaconess)
Pray for Heather as she serves in chaplaincy in hospitals in the Belfast Trust, for her health, safety, wisdom, strength and endurance. Pray for all those ill in hospital, for full and quick recovery, and remember their families. Pray too for staff working in very challenging conditions.

Ballymagrane Presbyterian Church
Give thanks for the congregation’s witness through their food bank with Aughnacloy congregation. Pray that livestreamed services will encourage the congregation, new Christians and others.

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt asks “What is the Coptic Church?” (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

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

Born Again? (53 minute audio)
At The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Tim Keller delivered a message titled “You Must Be Born Again.” From John 3, Keller answers five questions in regard to the new birth Jesus commended unto Nicodemus:

Who is it for?
Where is it from?
What does it do?
How does it come?
How can you tell?

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/tgc-podcast/tim-keller-on-being-born-again/

Declutter Your Life (46 minute video)
It's January. We're in a lockdown. Ever feel like it's time to 'declutter your life' and 'reboot' your ministry? Listen to this encouraging talk from John Glass at a previous UCB Foundation event.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/200990

Being Human
Our culture has changed so much that we can feel like we’re living in exile even in our homeland.
The Being Human Podcast from Peter Lynas & Jo Frost (Evangelical Alliance) always gives a great insight into what is happening in culture.
https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/being-human/season-2/episode-7?utm_source=twitter

Heroes Of The Faith - CH Spurgeon
J.John discusses CH Spurgeon in his latest Podcast.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was undoubtedly the greatest preacher of 19th-century Britain and quite possibly the world. He was astonishingly prolific: he preached thousands of sermons, almost all of which were printed and circulated worldwide so that, at his death, some 56 million copies had been printed in nearly 40 languages. Yet Spurgeon’s achievement was not simply one of quantity. He was a godly man who preached God’s truth in a way that was serious and challenging yet overflowed with warmth, passion, wit and humour. Spurgeon’s profound spiritual insight was often expressed in memorable sayings. Two of my favourites are: ‘A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t’ and ‘The greatest joy of a Christian is to give joy to Christ.’
https://canonjjohn.com/2021/01/30/heroes-of-the-faith-c-h-spurgeon/

Should Christians engage with politics? (2 minute video)
Ever wondered why Christians should engage with politics at all? How can you be effective in lobbying your MP? Wondered why CARE works in the political arena?

J.John (30 minute video)
Is the football field also a mission field? Watch this amazing interview by J.John with Richard Gamble, former Chaplain of Leicester City Football Club, and discover how to bring your faith onto the pitch!
https://t.co/EtDaqDHUBj

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:38
Derek 2:38
Play the "Driftwood Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=254975a64e41

0 Comments

Wednesday 3rd February 2021

3/2/2021

0 Comments

Let’s Pray For Derek and Jane French (global mission workers, Spain)
Pray for Derek as he recovers from a recent operation and for the whole French family. Continue to pray for GBU student ministry, for students meeting online, and for Bilbao International Church which Derek and Jane are involved in.

Brazil
Pray for the people of Brazil who are suffering greatly from Covid-19. Pray for the witness of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil, that leaders and members will bring God’s comfort and strength to many.

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt finds out what Seventh Day Adventists believe. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
By The Sweat Of Your Brow

Scripture Union
SU E3 North Coast Worker Supporter information

Fruit Of The Spirit
Andrew Neill the SU E3 North Coast Worker has produced this video about the Fruit Of The Spirit.

Christian Unions Ireland
Meet the new North West Worker Wallace Bruce

CUI
What’s the point of a Staff Worker
https://www.cui.ie/blog/258/whats-the-point-of-a

CUI - Prayers For This Week
1st – 4th February
– Pray for Trinity College Dublin mission events week from the 1st – 5th February. Pray for the speakers, and for ongoing outreach on campus. Pray for the students that they would have boldness to invite friends to online events.
– Pray for current friendships with international students to deepen in order to more easily with them about Jesus, especially at upcoming mission weeks.

Mission Africa
The Latest Prayer Update for February

mission_africa_february_2021_prayer_monthly_.pdf
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European Mission Fellowship
Latest Newsletter and Latest Prayer Update for February are available below.

emf_2021_02_news.pdf
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emf_2021_02_pd.pdf
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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 Somalia the third most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about Somalia here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/somalia/

Bible Society (1 minute video)
A quick snapshot of what the Bible Society in N.I. does.

5 Things To Pray For (10 minute audio)
Feeling at a loss for how to pray during this tough time? Here's 5 things to pray for! Listen to this chat with Presenter Paul Hammond and Author Rachel Jones.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/31342/335996

Confession
Why we should have a prayer of confession in worship.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/corporate-worship-confession/

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:47
Jean 2:56
Derek 3:18

Play the "Balintoy Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=35d79c8f8ca7

0 Comments

Tuesday 2nd February 2021

2/2/2021

1 Comment

Let’s Pray For Dave Gray (chaplain in Derryvolgie and Queens’ University, Belfast)
Pray for university students struggling when in isolation, for international students, and for the many students struggling with screen fatigue. Pray too for Christian students as they meet for fellowship online and seek opportunities to reach out to others.

Christ Church, Limerick
Pray for this joint Presbyterian and Methodist congregation, for unity and strength during Covid-19 restrictions. Pray too for Rev Stephen Hancock as he settles into ministry there.

The New City Catechism
Question 15
Since No One Can Keep the Law, What Is Its Purpose?
That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/since-no-one-can-keep-the-law-what-is-its-purpose/

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt visits a Missionary Baptist Church In Alabama. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

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

PCI PODCAST EPISODE ALERT #27: Living Witness
The simple practices of noticing others, being brave, asking good questions, looking for relationship opportunities and praying. These were some of the things that emerged from this conversation between a minister, a community outreach worker and a university student as Neil Harrison was joined by Rev Andy Carroll (Donabate), Rebecca Smyth (West Kirk) and Peter Hutchinson (Waringstown) to discuss how we can be more effective in sharing our faith in ordinary ways, within the current circumstances we find ourselves in.
Listen via the link below or search for podcasts from the Presbyterian church in your favourite podcast app.
https://audioboom.com/posts/7783247-027-living-witness

J.I. Packer (58 minute video)
An Evening Conversation with J. I. Packer - An Interview by Mark Dever

NEW BLOG Living with it
Esther Parker, member of Sinclair Seamen’s congregation and PW Home Vice President, reflects on living with new joy.
"Choose to express gratitude to God. Read his Word and pray. Joy is to be found there."
https://t.co/5TRbFB7D3D

Singing?
Even when we're weary let's continue to sing psalms, hymns and songs to the Lord. Dr Rebecca Uberoi, programme leader at @LSTheology shares how we can respond to God's invitation into sung worship even amid the coronavirus restrictions.
https://t.co/2yUHLazzpw

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Derek 3:04
Frances 3:59

Play the "West Strand Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=154bc2c863d0

1 Comment

Monday 1st February 2021

1/2/2021

1 Comment

Psalm 22
This week we have some versions of Psalm 22 from Sunday. Below is the service from Sunday if you want to watch again.

Let’s Pray For Naomi Leremore (global mission worker, Kenya)
Pray for Naomi as she works in the Theological Education by Extension team, writing materials for publication. Pray for the ministry to grow and flourish in 2021. Pray too for protection for the people of Kenya during the pandemic, and for the Leremore family.

Nepal
Pray for United Mission to Nepal as it works hard to conclude its new General Agreement with the government of Nepal, including obtaining all necessary work permits for both expats and Nepali employees.

Getty Family Hymn Sing
The Gettys were back with their Family Hymn Sing this week. If you would like to listen to any of the previous ones again here is the complete list to choose from
https://www.gettymusic.com/hymnsing?utm_term=0_34c1eea318-3323767956-101655149&mc_cid=3323767956&mc_eid=def46f1922

The Hymn Sing that we showed yesterday after Burnside At Home, is below.

J.John
Join J.John as he interviews another inspirational guest. Facing the Canon this week is Andrew Ollerton from the Bible Society. Today he is here to inspire us to treasure the Bible.

Keswick At Portstewart
The decision has been taken to hold this year’s event online only, read the full announcement here
https://mailchi.mp/25ef73af7f0c/keswick-at-portstewart-2021-virtually

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt speaks with a Catholic Theologian?

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Pride Goes Before A Fall (Day 16)

Tottenham Hotspur & Fulham - Ep. 05
Watch this episode of Thank God For Football to hear the powerful story of how Tottenham F.C. grew into a successful football club after the first team members turned to their Bible teacher for guidance.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/197963

"My Worth Is Not in What I Own (At the Cross)"
New version of the modern hymn, “My Worth Is Not in What I Own (At the Cross),” now available wherever you listen to music! Darren Mulligan of We Are Messengers joins Keith and Kristyn Getty in this declaration that the cross of Christ is our true source of value, strength, and worth! Click the button below to listen now

Welcome to Holland!
Practical ways to live and lead in a different landscape. Rick Hill, PCI’s Discipleship & Leadership Development Officer, reflects on the challenge of finding ourselves living and leading in a different place than we expected.
https://t.co/vcK9R42kDu

Why Read The Bible? (30 minute Audio)
Why is it worth reading the Bible? Where do you even start? Catch up with UCB's latest podcast, 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes', now on UCB Player! https://t.co/OaGCHGNidG

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 10:50
Derek 13:15

For the final time the old Citroens from Portstewart Strand make a return.
Play the "Citroen On The Strand Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3c9cea5ffed5

1 Comment

Friday 29th January 2021

29/1/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Honestly Cry Out To God. Each day we are look at Psalm 10.

Psalm 10
Some versions of Psalm 10

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all who are experiencing abuse in their lives - for children, young people, men and women; that they may find courage to seek out help. Give thanks for all those individuals and organisations who work tirelessly with survivors of abuse - following God's command to love one another.

Human dignity
Pray for Rev John Mullan and the members of a new Council for Public Affairs Panel on Human Dignity, that they would have the discernment and wisdom necessary to articulate the views of PCI on complex issues in the public square.

Morning Devotions From CARE
Each day CARE are providing morning Devotions. I don’t get them in time four that day’s blog but I will try to include the previous day’s video

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt asks is Lutheranism the True Catholic Church?. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

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

Heroes Of The Faith - Rembrant
The great 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt lived a tragic and turbulent life. He is an unusual Christian hero, yet, by universal agreement, he is one of the truly great Christian artists.
Read J.John latest Heroes of the Faith blog
https://canonjjohn.com/2021/01/16/heroes-of-the-faith-rembrandt/

Living With It
Having moved out of 2020 into 2021 the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still with us. Even though hope of the return of a greater normality is on the horizon, we still find ourselves ‘living with it!’ Rev Peter Bovill, minister of 1st and 2nd Islandmagee congregations, reflects on living with new intentionality.
This blog article contains the challenging quote,
“Community is never found, only built”
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/January-2021/Living-with-it-Living-with-new-intentionality.aspx

Bible In 30 Minutes
EXODUS: What does Exodus teach us about the freedom we so desire? How does God prove to be truly in control of everything? Can this epic story of Moses help us today? Find out in this episode of the new UCB Podcast 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes!'
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/31345/333521

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:36
Jean 2:33
Derek 3:15

Another slightly more complicated puzzle for the weekend.
Play the "Portstewart at Night Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=10c2acaa6f12

1 Comment

Thursday 28th January 2021

27/1/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Honestly Cry Out To God. Each day we are look at Psalm 10.

Let’s Pray For Tom Dowling (Irish mission worker, Kilkenny)
Pray for the online Bible studies, giving thanks for new people attending them. Pray for salvation. Give thanks that despite lockdown, God’s Word is not chained.

Donabate Presbyterian Church
Give thanks that God has sustained the church families in Donabate and Balbriggan and that online services have allowed them to continue to connect as a church family. Pray for home groups as they restart online. Pray for ways to reach and engage with teenagers during lockdown.

Covid
Pray that our Nation would repent of all sin and turn to God.

Morning Devotions From CARE
Each day CARE are providing morning Devotions. I don’t get them in time four that day’s blog but I will try to include the previous day’s video

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt talks to a Lutheran Theologian. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
They Were Naked And Not Ashamed

Check In And Chat
Age NI launched a Check in and Chat service last year .The service is for everyone who is over 60 in Northern Ireland, who may feel isolated or lonely during this time. Please call on 0808 808 7575 if you would like to chat to someone at Age NI.

Bible Books In 30 Minutes
Genesis: What's its purpose? How does it answer the fundamental questions of life? Why is the story of Abraham and his descendants still relevant for everyone? Find out in Episode one of 'Bible Books in 30 Minutes' now on UCB Player!
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/31345/330100

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:36
Frances 3:05

Play the "White Rocks Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2fb2b7cb39af

1 Comment

Wednesday 27th January 2021

27/1/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Honestly Cry Out To God. Each day we are look at Psalm 10.

Let’s Pray For Csaba and Ilona Veres (global mission workers, Romania)
Give thanks for the partners who provided laptops for Roma children to access online education. Pray for the Diakonia staff who have an increased workload providing online schooling for marginalised children. Pray for open hearts to the gospel.

Myanmar
Pray for the people of Myanmar suffering due to the pandemic. Pray for the Presbyterian Church of Myanmar and Tahan Theological College which is starting its second semester of online learning.

National Prayer
On a Wednesday the thrust of the Blog is always towards prayer as we meet for prayer at 12noon via zoom. Send an email if you would like the link to this meeting. burnsidechurch@gmail.com
Today as the number of deaths from Coronavirus has passed 100,000 the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York have called on the Nation to pray at 6:00pm every evening. You will know that I (and many others) have been suggesting a need for National Prayer since this Pandemic began. I had hoped that our politicians would acknowledge their need of help and call the nation to pray but this is a good first step. Below is the letter from the Archbishops and links to news articles about the call to prayer. Unfortunately the reporting about the call to prayer concentrates more on the deaths than the prayer.
https://www.churchofengland.org/news-and-media/news-and-statements/coronavirus-archbishops-invite-nation-pause-pray-and-remember

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55820178

Church Of England Resources For Prayer
https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/call-prayer-nation

The Letter From The Archbishops

coe_20210126_letter_to_the_nation.pdf
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Morning Devotions From CARE
Each day CARE are providing morning Devotions. I don’t get them in time four that day’s blog but I will try to include the previous day’s video

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt visits a Lutheran Church. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

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

Points For Prayer

Christian Unions Ireland

22 – 31 January
– Pray for ongoing recruitment of ISM Team: We are absolutely delighted that Heledd Job will be joining our ISM team as a staff worker in Dublin next September, but please pray that God will continue to lead, provide and guide more and more people to expand our team across the island.
– Please pray for Ulster University Belfast as they think through and plan what an artistic mission week could look like next year on their wonderfully creative campus in February

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 Afghanistan the second most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Read about Afghanistan here
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/afghanistan/

Evangelical Alliance
A new year prayer - Perseverence

EMF
The Latest edition of Vision Magazine from European Mission Fellowship is available to read at the link below.

emf_vision_magazine_january_2021.pdf
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Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:41
Jean 3:08
Derek 3:23
Frances 3:38

Play the "Portstewart Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1713c7179ca7

2 Comments

Tuesday 26th January 2021

26/1/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Honestly Cry Out To God. Each day we are look at Psalm 10.

Psalm 10
Some different versions of Psalm 10.

Why Mourning Can Be Good For Us
We are thinking about Lament on a daily basis, and in this article Paul Tripp writes about how the process of mourning can be very helpful.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-mourning-can-be-good-for-us/

Let’s Pray For Eleanor Drysdale (deaconess in Wellington, Ballymena)
Pray for the mental health of all involved in pastoral care during this time of lockdown as more people than before are now being impacted by Covid-19, directly or indirectly. Give thanks for the strength God gives us and that his mercies are new every morning.

Ballina, Ballymote and Killala Presbyterian Churches
Pray for these home mission congregations, for wisdom and strength for the minister Rev Molly Deatherage and the kirk sessions during the pandemic.

New City Catechism
Did God Create Us Unable to Keep His Law?
No, but because of the disobedience of our first parents, Adam and Eve, all of creation is fallen; we are all born in sin and guilt, corrupt in our nature and unable to keep God’s law.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/did-god-create-us-unable-to-keep-his-law/

Morning Devotions From CARE
Each day CARE are providing morning Devotions. I don’t get them in time four that day’s blog but I will try to include the previous day’s video

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt talks with an Evangelical Free Church Pastor. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

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

Unrestricted (5 Minute Video)
A five minute video from SU helping us think about the Pandemic. Helpful for all ages.
From SU -
“This is the second of our ‘Unrestricted’ video series
Again, to be used in Post Primary Assemblies, Church Services, SU groups, Youth Groups, RE Lessons and beyond. “ Do Not Be Anxious
To access use/share the full video, Click here:

Being Human (30 minute audio)
A podcast from Evangelical Alliance with Peter Lynas & Jo Frost this week looking at Choice, Contracts and Cancel Culture. This Podcast has an incredible discussion on marriage with some of the most surprising statistics on marriage and divorce I have ever heard.
https://www.eauk.org/what-we-do/initiatives/being-human/season-2/episode-5

Where Is It?
Yesterday we had a where is it, it was a house being demolished for a new development just above the public toilets in Portstewart.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:33
Jean 3:09
Derek 3:21
Frances 3:48

Play the "West Strand Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=03a4be998e7d

2 Comments

Monday 25th January 2021

25/1/2021

2 Comments

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we continue the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - As We Learn To Honestly Cry Out To God. Each day we look at Psalm 10.

When Storm Clouds Gather ...
If you missed the sermon from Sunday you can watch below

Psalm 10
Again this week we have some different versions of Psalm 10 (Our Psalm of Lament)

Let’s Pray For Peter and Jayne Fleming (global mission workers, Nepal)
Pray for them as they keep in contact with Nepali colleagues online, despite time differences. UMN and KISC face many challenges including working effectively, keeping staff, maintaining finance, working with government officials, and keeping people safe.

Middle East
Pray for National Evangelical Synod of Syria & Lebanon as it continues to reach out in many practical ways to people, including to the internally-displaced and refugees, all more difficult due to Covid-19.

Church Services To Remain Suspended
The full statement about the continued closure of Church Buildings
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/January-2021/Covid-Church-services-to-remain-suspended.aspx

J.John
Join me on Facing the Canon as I interview another inspirational guest. Facing the Canon this week is Robert Glover, author of As Many As The Stars. #FacingTheCanon
https://t.co/q57LnoBhvs

Morning Devotions From CARE
Each day CARE are providing morning Devotions. I don’t get them in time four that day’s blog but I will try to include the previous day’s video

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt visits an Evangelical Free Church. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

New Beginnings
Keith & Kristyn Getty have released an EP - New Beginnings, Hymns for the New Year. Each day this week we are sharing one of the hymns.

I Missed You
Below is a powerful song by Doug Gay a Scottish Theologian who is a Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Glasgow and has taught preaching to ministry students for the past ten years. I don’t have a video to accompany the song, but it captures the sense of loss that we have when we miss someone whither through death or Covid-19 restrictions and looks forward with hope to the “Gathering!”

i-missed-you.m4a.mp3
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Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
Bone Of My Bones

Unrestricted (5 Minute Video)
A five minute video from SU helping us think about the Pandemic. Helpful for all ages. Do Not Worry
From SU -
“This is the first of our ‘Unrestricted’ video series
Again, to be used in Post Primary Assemblies, Church Services, SU groups, Youth Groups, RE Lessons and beyond.“

Portstewart In Snow
Some Photos of Portstewart from Saturday.

Where Is It?
We haven’t had a where is it? for a long time, so for one day only ... Where Is It?

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 7:23
Jean 11:05
Derek 12:34

Play the "Portrush Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=338ef3fc4f05

2 Comments

Friday 22nd January 2021

22/1/2021

1 Comment

Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we follow the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - When Storm Clouds Gather Turn To God. Each day we look at Psalm 77.

Psalm 77
I thought you might like to listen to different versions of Psalm 77 sung in a variety of styles this week. A new one each day.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for strength for the residents and staff of our homes and units, that they would remain healthy, both physically and emotionally. We thank God for his guidance in all that we do, and pray we would have the wisdom and patience to commit all our plans to him.

Centenary
As the island of Ireland moves into a year of events to mark the centenary of the changed constitutional landscape, pray that these would provide an opportunity for honest reflection, positive civic engagement, and healing within communities.

Questions Answered About The Vaccine
If you have concerns or questions about the COVID Vaccines this is an interesting article. An infectious-disease researcher answers: Was the COVID vaccine developed too quickly? How is it different from previous vaccines? Are there ethical concerns with how it was made?
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/covid-vaccine-christian-unity/

Finding Out About Other Churches
Today Matt visits a Roman Catholic Cathedral Part 2. (Remember this comes from an American perspective)

New Beginnings
Keith & Kristyn Getty have released an EP - New Beginnings, Hymns for the New Year. Each day this week we are sharing one of the hymns. Today - His Mercy Is More.

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

The Herald
The new Winter edition of the Presbyterian Herald is now available to view free of charge as a PDF on the PCI website.
https://t.co/zvQzBGEShV

Ray Ortlund
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”
(John 1:5).
Jesus enters our darkness, shining most brightly there. And our darkness is no match for his persistently invading, successfully conquering light and grace and truth.
The darkness is losing.

Trump & Evangelicalism
Gavin Calver writes about the impact the Trump Presidency has had on church in the UK.
“Delighted to have written a piece for The Times on UK evangelicalism & the Trump years. Would love you to have a read. We are a good news people here to impact the UK with the Gospel. P.S. The headline should be evangelicalism not evangelism!” - Gavin Calver - Chief Executive of Evangelical Alliance

Remove The Plank From Your Own Eye (30 minute video)
Keep the kids entertained as Jovis Bon-Hovis explores some fun Bible stories and songs from Matthew! This week Jovis learns why it's important not to judge others when we all have faults too. Matthew 7:3-5

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/197563

Trivia Question
Question From Thursday

Q. He may have been the oldest person in the bible but what momentous event happened when Methushael died?
A. The Flood (Count up the ages of all the main characters when they died and the age of Noah when the rain came and you will see the dates fit)

Question For Friday
Q. What did the woman pour on Jesus’ feet at the home of Simon the Leper?

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Janice 1:41
Jean 2:25
Derek 3:17
Frances 3:30

The Weekend Jigsaw will take a bit longer to complete.

Play the "Portrush Sand Dune Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=2f481a989c60

The Website that I use to produce the Jigsaw each day makes our Jigsaws available for anyone to complete and sometimes they highlight one and a lot of people try it out. So far just over 7000 people have tried this one and I don’t want to dishearten anyone (because it isn’t really about the time, its about the fun of completing the puzzle and seeing the North Coast) but this table shows the incredible times that people have logged for this puzzle so far.