Newsletter - Sunday 31st August 2025

Dear Friends of Burnside,


We warmly invite you to join us this Sunday in Burnside as we gather to praise God, seek His presence, and encourage one another for the journey ahead.


This week we conclude our summer series,


Excess Summer Baggage: Letting Go for a Lighter Life
Releasing the burdens we carry for Christ’s freedom. 


Our focus is on “Throwing Off All That Hinders”, drawing inspiration from Hebrews 12:1-3. In this passage, we are reminded to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that entangles, and to run with endurance the race set before us. We will discover how faith, the example of those who have gone before us, and especially keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, enable us to travel light and finish strong—no matter what life brings.


Whether you feel weary or eager, burdened or hopeful, the service will offer an opportunity to worship, reflect, and be encouraged in your faith. We will sing and pray together, and hear God’s promise for our lives.


Bible Reading 
Hebrews 11:1-3; 39 – 12:3  
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...” (Hebrews 12:1-2)


Come and be part of this time of blessing and fellowship as we journey together.


Livestream Of Service
If you aren’t able to join with us on Sunday you can watch the Livestream at anytime throughout the week.  
Excess Summer Baggage 6 - Throwing Off All That Hinders


https://burnsidechurch.weebly.com/sermons/sunday-31st-august-2025


What Is Happening In Burnside 


Choir Practices For Harvest
Choir will meet after church on Sunday 31st August to receive music in preparation for Harvest Thanksgiving (Sunday 12th October 2025)
Practices will take place after church on Sundays 21st & 28th September and 5th October 2025


Girls’ Brigade
GB is back on Tuesday 2nd September with registration.
Church Hall will be open from 7 - 8pm
From Tuesday 9th September:
EXPLORERS (age 3-7) 6.15pm - 7.15pm
COMPANY SECTION (age 8 -18)  7.15pm - 8.30pm
All girls welcome! 


PW
PW are organising a lunch for ladies in Royal Court on Tuesday 16th September at 2pm. There will be a sheet of paper on vestibule table on Sunday for signatures.


Session Meeting
10:00am Tuesday 9th September 2025 in Room 3


Committee Meeting
7:00pm Monday 22nd September in Minor Hall


Harvest Thanksgiving
11:00am & 7:00pm Sunday 12th October 2025


Girls’ Brigade Enrolment Service
11:00am Sunday 19th October 2025


Prayer Meeting
Starting back 9:30am Wednesday 3rd September 2025


Community Cafe - Drop-In
Starting back in September
 
Beside The Burn
The Blog and Daily Devotional Podcast start back on Monday (1st September)
Each day we develop what we have been thinking about on Sunday.
The inspiration is Psalm 23 - 
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
Psalms 23:1-3 (NIV)
Burnside Church was first planted beside a burn (a stream) and each day I want to encourage you to take time to sit down beside the burn with the word of God and ask the Holy Spirit to restore your soul. 
Each episode offers Bible teaching, prayer, and quiet reflection.
You can watch the Podcast on the Church Website www.BurnsidePCI.co.uk  or you can listen via the Podcast software on your device https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/burnside


Causeway Coast Mini Club
As usual the Causeway Mini Club will be using the Church Hall and Carpark on Saturday evening 30th August. There is usually a great display of Minis with the cars arriving just as light begins to fade (We never have a precise time)


What Is Happening In The Wider Church


Keith & Kristyn Getty - Home For Christmas
Many of you went to the Christmas Concert in the SSE Arena last year. The Gettys are returning this Christmas on Monday 22nd December 2025. Tickets are now available https://tix.to/vRm4Ug


Eilidh Patterson in Concert
7:30pm Saturday 20th September 2025 in Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, Portrush.
Spend an evening with Eilidh as she shares her story of faith and performs songs from her albums Journey Maker & Safe Place.


Sing For Freedom
Belfast Community Gospel Choir Concert in support of International Justice Mission, 7:00pm Saturday 27th September 2025, Portstewart Baptist Church


Safeguarding Training
Safeguarding Training which will take place for our Presbytery at 7:30pm Monday 29th September in Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church.
Safeguarding training is for anyone who has contact with children or vulnerable adults and needs to be updated every three years 
Bookings can be made here https://form.jotform.com/232914535605355


Church Resources Exhibition
Thursday 18th September 2025 in Stormont Hotel, Belfast.
More details and Free Admission Tickets Here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/church-resources-2025-belfast-tickets-1203780944209




May we know God’s Blessing this week,
 
Richard
 
Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
Charity Commission of N.I. Charity No. 105542