Today we find Joy when we Serve like Jesus Christ
Every Tuesday Wilma’s shares some thoughts.
"Lead me to the rock which is higher than I" Psalm 61 v2
During lockdown it has been good to see so many walkers along our shore, beach and footpaths. Some are regular walkers and others have decided to get started and follow a programme. I am sure those keen walkers with itchy feet are longing to go further afield to other paths, forests, glens and hills.
Twenty one years ago, 5 former RVH nurses got together and became known as the Royal Ramblers. During this period we have walked around 21 Irish Islands from Rathlin in the north to Cape Clear island in the south. One of the most interesting islands, which is really a rock, is the Great Skellig, also known as Skellig Michael. It is a World Heritage site 12 kms from the Co Kerry coast.
The day for our trip was misty and a choppy sea, but suitable enough for the boatman to take us there. It was a rough crossing in a small boat, some were so sick on arrival they were unable to do the climb which includes 600+ steps to an enclosure 182 metres above sea level. It requires a strong heart and a steady head.
It was here in the 6th century a group of monks lived in isolation. At that time they considered this rock to be the outpost of the then known world. They built beehive stone huts, a church, and a burial ground. They withdrew from the world to live a life of meditation and prayer, and believed they were protectors of Christianity. Their diet was fish, seabirds, their eggs, and produce from a small cultivated patch. It is hard to imagine why these monks chose such a bleak place battered by the wild Atlantic, and it's storms. They must have had a spirit of endurance, determination and commitment.
There is no doubt that Skellig Michael is a most dramatic, impressive, and awe inspiring rock.
To the Israelites there was an awe inspiring rock, it was at Mt. Horeb. It became highly significant to them, because it was there that God performed a miracle when they were desperate for water to drink. God asked Moses to strike the rock with his staff, he obeyed and out of the rock poured streams of water to refresh them on their journey. This rock was a common poetic figure for God and became rooted in their thinking. It symbolised His power, providence and protection as recorded in the Psalms and Isaiah.
Psalm 18 v 2 "The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer in whom I take refuge" also v 31 "Who is God beside the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?"
Psalm 19 v 14 David addresses God "O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer"
Isaiah 26 v 4 "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal"
In the New Testament this theme is continued. Paul refers to it in 1st Corinthians ch 10 when he recalls the Israelites drinking from the spiritual rock which was Christ. We all need our feet firmly fixed on that Rock, our strength and our Redeemer.
Wilma
PCI Prepares Guidance For The Easing Of Lockdown Restrictions
In preparation for the further easing of lockdown restrictions the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has issued guidance to congregations as they consider the practical steps necessary before resuming worship services and other activities. Read the article here https://www.presbyterianireland.org/News/June-2020/Presbyterian-Church-in-Ireland-prepares-guidance-f.aspx |
The Government has plans to relax Sunday Trading rules, the Christian Institute warn that this could have an impact on families.
https://www.christian.org.uk/news/govt-plans-to-scrap-sunday-trading-restrictions/
New Words
New Words, New Windows: @pciModerator Right Rev Dr David Bruce, reflects on the emerging language and contested perspectives we are using to describe and interpret the coronavirus crisis. https://bit.ly/2zwkgoU |
Bible Society
As we navigate these challenging times together, Bible Society leaders from around the world have come together to share special messages of encouragement , thanks and blessing with you. https://biblesociety.cmail19.com/t/r-l-jkjruhe-kkkhgkiud-n/ |
Think Friday: Diversity and Unity - this week Donna Jennings
& Nathaniel help us think about the NI church in light of recent events & racial justice. Short 3 minute video.
https://www.reimaginingfaith.com/think-friday/think-friday-unity-and-diversity/2020/6
The latest Keswick Convention Podcast is out now!
James Cary talks to psychologist & Director of Counselling at All Souls Counselling Service, Dr Joanna Jackson.
Jo will speak on this theme at Virtually Keswick Convention
Listen to the full podcast here: https://keswickministries.org/podcasts/
While the rest of the province enjoyed bright Sunshine and even torrential downpours, (Castlederg 47mm of rain in an hour) Portstewart was marinated in Sea Mist all day Monday. If you aren’t living in Portstewart, look at what you were missing.
Bonus points available if you know where it is.
Play the "Harbour" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=05664d5337ac
Yesterday it was the new car-parking machine that was installed last week at the East Strand in Portrush. Charging doesn’t appear to have started yet but will cost 30p per hour.
This was taken in 2011 and has changed slightly since then.