STAYING CONNECTED
These are unprecedented, challenging and worrying times, but not outside the sovereignty of a God we can trust nor the scope of neighbours we can love. We've created this section on our website to collate various pieces of information and resources for this time. We trust it will be useful to you.
SUNDAY MORNING @ 11:00 - Church AT home
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Church at Home Transcript 5/4/2020
VIDEO RELEASED AT 11AM - 5/4/2020
SUNDAY 29/3/2020
Church at Home Transcript 29/3/2020
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SUNDAY 22/3/2020
Church at Home Transcript 22/3/2020
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Please make use of the pdf resource as you and your household join in the island wide call to prayer.
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COVID-19In this moment...
A prayer for new heart to pray this Palm Sunday Lord God, who hears our prayers, we ask as your people across Ireland call out to you, that you would hear and answer our cries. Forgive us for our prayerlessness, how too often we thought ourselves: too busy to pray, able to manage on our own, in no need of you as our lives trundled on through their well-worn routines. In this moment of fear and uncertainty, this shuddering interruption to daily life, the stillness of lockdown, the loss of so much that we have taken for granted, open our hearts to you in prayer, give us fresh voice in prayer, impress upon us your greater willingness to answer than our eagerness to ask. Help us to take confidence in your promises that: as we ask it will be given to us, as we seek we will find, as we knock the door will be opened to us. Show mercy in these days of suffering and death. Shed your light in our darkness. Supply grace sufficient to meet our need. This Palm Sunday give us cause to cry with those that first Easter week, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed he is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’ as we experience King Jesus stooping down, with meekness and majesty, to save. Amen Sunday 5 April Healthcare Staff • Pray for protection of healthcare workers from severe illness and that the personal protective equipment will be effective. • Pray for the protection of first responders eg ambulance personnel and for GPs, receptionists, pharmacists. • Pray for health workers who are caring for those with COVID-19. Pray for their protection from the virus, for stamina during long and intense work hours, and for safe protocols to be observed in healthcare institutions in order to keep them protected. • Pray for doctors, nurses and medical researchers, that through their skill and insights many will be restored to health. • Pray for health workers to seek the Lord during this crisis. Monday 6 April Our Congregations and God’s People • Pray for the body of Christ worldwide, that the church would rise up to pray and to support the sick and their caregivers in practical and sacrificial ways. • Pray for the church to be a light on a hill in hospitals, communities and cities where God has placed them. Pray for an outpouring of love, compassion and service, in Jesus’ name. • Thank God for the many ministers, elders and others within congregations who have made a commitment to phone church members on a regular basis to bring hope and encouragement. • Pray that all the livestreaming of congregational worship, posts on social media, and phone calls would be used by God to speak into people’s lives and that those who as yet do not profess faith in Jesus would find a saviour. • Pray for our global mission workers throughout the world, especially in areas with high rates of infection. May God give them words of hope and equip them to love and serve those around them. • Pray for those worldwide who have to live in close proximity being mindful particularly of those in slum areas, and unable to practice the protocols of social distancing: Protect them from disease and provide isolation shelters in every city. Tuesday 7 April Sick and those Self-Isolating • Pray for those who are sick, that they will have access to the care and treatment they need. • Pray for peace and perseverance amidst suffering. • Pray for those in isolation who are cut off from their normal routines and support systems, that they would seek their strength in Jesus. • Pray for encouragement for the thousands in quarantine, waiting to find out if they have the virus. • Pray for people spending time in quarantine or self-isolation, that they might receive the support they need, and that they might stay safe. • Praise God for the commitment and patience of those in voluntary isolation, that they will play a real part in slowing the spread of the virus. Wednesday 8 April Wider Medical Issues • Pray for time and adequate resources for health services to prepare and increase capacity of hospital beds and of intensive care beds. • Pray for hugely expanded facilities and capabilities, including rapid training of staff to gain the necessary extra skills to work safely outside their normal practice. • Pray that those who are stepping up to new roles are protected from fear and may put themselves forward for such roles. • Pray that there might be a plentiful supply of the necessary equipment eg drugs and consumables: ventilators, monitors, oxygen, pumps, gloves and aprons. • Pray that there would be a huge reduction in demand for other types of hospital and community services during this crisis. • Pray for our scientific community leading the charge to understand the disease and communicate its gravity. Ask God to give them knowledge, wisdom and a persuasive voice. Thursday 9 April Fears • Pray for many in the community who are anxious and fearful, especially those who fear for their loved ones in treatment. • Pray for protection of the vulnerable, including those who live in nursing homes and other institutions. • Pray for grieving families who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Even as their hearts are breaking, pray they would know the nearness and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would feel compassion from the Lord and from friends and neighbours coming around them. • Pray against despair; pray for new mercies every morning. • Pray for young people – some who are anxious about their education, for others who might succumb to despair and yet more who may have lost family members to the virus. Pray for hope and purpose in Jesus. Friday 10 April God’s Intervention • Pray that God would step in to stem the spreading of this virus and reduce the suffering and distress that has been caused to so many. • Pray that God might use such a time as this to arouse people’s longings that they might find their source of true comfort in Jesus • Pray for Christians in every neighbourhood, community and city: May the Holy Spirit inspire them to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim the gospel, that the name of Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world. • Pray that those who are ill will be healed and pray that God will bless the work of the people and organisations who are working on a treatment. Saturday 11 April National Issues and Life at Home • Pray that our leaders would receive wisdom from God and that the necessary decisions they have to make would be ethical and good for everyone. • Pray specifically that our governments would have good advisers who will help them to navigate these troubling times. • Pray for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and all who serve with them would have health and stamina to lead over this period. • Pray for workers in a variety of industries facing layoffs and financial hardship that they be kept from panic and that your church may generously support them. • Pray for families with young children at home for the foreseeable future. Help mothers and fathers to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing of their children. Especially pray for single mothers and fathers who must find this period exceptionally difficult. |
OVERSEAS MISSIONPrayer Points for Beverlea
Coronavirus/ COVID-19, social distancing, and self-isolation are things on everyone’s minds at the moment but I am thankful that we can continue to trust in the Lord. I am writing this from my new ‘office’, i.e., the dining room table in my home. Like many of us now in the UK working from home, we are having to adjust to the new ‘normal’. Most of the OMF UK National Office team are now working from home, with only a few people manning the office. For team members working in the finance team or in office services, their roles don’t lend themselves well to home working and so need to go into the office regularly. Please pray for: • The UK team as we work remotely and for those who may struggle with the isolation. • Wisdom for the UK Leadership Team – Christine, Jeff, Mike, Paul, Peter and myself – as we meet virtually each week to review the changing situation • Our members as they travel to/ from home assignment. Some members have deferred the start of their home assignment for several months or even until next year. Others remain in the UK as they are unable to return to their fields of ministry at this point. Pray for wisdom for them to know when to travel. • With pretty much all travel and face-to-face meetings cancelled, we are using technology a lot more to keep in touch. Pray that the technology will cope with the additional pressures on it. In my last newsletter, I gave thanks that our recruitment for office team members was complete. However, Esther didn’t complete her probation and so we will need to look for a permanent replacement at some point in the next six months. We are grateful to have Alex back in the office to cover for six months. Alex came in as a temp at the end of last year for 2 months. As he is waiting for a job to start later in the year, he is available to take on the finance role to give us some breathing space to work out our next steps. Please do also remember Penhurst Retreat Centre at this time. We have had to close the centre and have ‘furloughed’ many of the staff there. Please pray for wisdom for the Chair of Trustees (Tim) and the other trustees, such as myself, as we make decisions regarding the future of the centre. Thank you for your prayers. Praying that you will stay safe during this period of uncertainty. Working in partnership Love Beverlea Prayer Points for Natania & Simon The staff at Yokkaichi Christ Church school met on Monday of this week and took the decision to close the school completely until the end of this month initially, due to the coronavirus situation. At the moment they are looking at reopening the school after the Golden Week holiday, (Sat 2 to Wed 6 May). The staff are currently coming into school Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 5pm to prepare the content of lessons and then make videos of these lessons for both the kids and the adult classes. Should it not be possible to reopen the school in May or should some adults feel nervous about returning or about letting their kids return in May, these video lessons will be on the school's home page so that they can be used at home. At the moment Natania and the other members of staff are very busy preparing these lessons. However, Natania is really enjoying it! She likens it to preparing drama for a whole month of holiday Bible club! Natania and the other staff will receive their usual salary for April. Should closure extend beyond early May, they will have to work at some point during the summer to provide catch up classes. Natania and Simon are fine at the moment. Simon's school seems to be operating as normal for the time being. Natania sees this closure as a blessing in disguise as it provides her and her colleagues with time to work, plan and pray together as a team - time which is not always available to them during the normal working week. Natania and her colleagues very much value and appreciate your prayers at this time. |
Pastoral Care
We are heartened to see so many reaching out to help others in these difficult times. Elders have been contacting members of the congregation by phone where possible, and have been organising help and assistance for those in need. We know the same is true of many of you - the unseen network of love and support is at work as always. Please continue to take whatever opportunity is available to you to help others in a way that is safe and that adheres to government guidelines.
Most 1st Antrim people know (or know someone who knows!) how to get in contact with the minister; don't hesitate in keeping him up to date with pastoral care issues.
We are heartened to see so many reaching out to help others in these difficult times. Elders have been contacting members of the congregation by phone where possible, and have been organising help and assistance for those in need. We know the same is true of many of you - the unseen network of love and support is at work as always. Please continue to take whatever opportunity is available to you to help others in a way that is safe and that adheres to government guidelines.
Most 1st Antrim people know (or know someone who knows!) how to get in contact with the minister; don't hesitate in keeping him up to date with pastoral care issues.
Announcements
We regret to report the death on 28 March of Henry (Moore) Scott, formerly of Swanston Road North, Newtownabbey. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family circle.
Help us to keep in touch with you
Giving
You may be wondering about your weekly Sunday offering; it's something you feel is important... and we do too! However, please let it drop down the list of your concerns at the moment. If you wish to maintain some sort of routine then keep setting aside an amount each week. There will be an opportunity in time to gather it all together. However, if you'd like to avail of alternative means of giving to First Antrim please contact us via the website, or phone the office, and we'll provide the information you need.
You may be wondering about your weekly Sunday offering; it's something you feel is important... and we do too! However, please let it drop down the list of your concerns at the moment. If you wish to maintain some sort of routine then keep setting aside an amount each week. There will be an opportunity in time to gather it all together. However, if you'd like to avail of alternative means of giving to First Antrim please contact us via the website, or phone the office, and we'll provide the information you need.
We have a number of people who are willing to do grocery shopping or collect prescriptions if you need to stay at home. We may also be able to help in other ways. So if you need help, please either send an email or ring
073 9429 0697.
073 9429 0697.
LINKS
RESOURCES
Parents & Kids
This section will evolve over time.
This section will evolve over time.
SCRIPTURE UNION NORTHERN IRELAND
Young People
Resources for supporting young people at home:
For youth leaders, parents, SU leaders, mentors and those who lead and engage with young people, here are some suggested resources which can be used at home or via online video calling. We hope this may help you to continue to support those you lead in the coming weeks and months (web-links below).
Video Bible Talks:
https://videobibletalks.com/
Precept Lightning Studies:
https://www.precept.org.uk/…/ls-002-youth-lightning-studie…/
SU Ireland NUA:
www.suni.co.uk/nua
Download the ‘Voke’ app for more guidance!
Out of the Question:
www.outofthequestion.net
Stuff You Can Use:
https://stuffyoucanuse.org/games/
Speak Life:
https://speaklife.org.uk/videos/
Fervr:
www.fervr.net
Walk with me:
https://www.walkwithmejourneys.org/
For youth leaders, parents, SU leaders, mentors and those who lead and engage with young people, here are some suggested resources which can be used at home or via online video calling. We hope this may help you to continue to support those you lead in the coming weeks and months (web-links below).
Video Bible Talks:
https://videobibletalks.com/
Precept Lightning Studies:
https://www.precept.org.uk/…/ls-002-youth-lightning-studie…/
SU Ireland NUA:
www.suni.co.uk/nua
Download the ‘Voke’ app for more guidance!
Out of the Question:
www.outofthequestion.net
Stuff You Can Use:
https://stuffyoucanuse.org/games/
Speak Life:
https://speaklife.org.uk/videos/
Fervr:
www.fervr.net
Walk with me:
https://www.walkwithmejourneys.org/
Keep in touch via the Elevation Instagram and listen to our Lockdown ListenUp Spotify...
https://open.spotify.com/user/2k689jnllk1dnno47qwvr2nxv?si=78s5PFXQQdajjrl0UPCNIQ
All Ages
The Bible Project
An amazing series of animations that opens up and explains the bible. A fantastic learning resource for all ages.
https://www.youtube.com/user/jointhebibleproject
There are some really helpful free resources produced by Crossway at:
https://www.crossway.org/articles/free-resources-for-your-stay-at-home-during-covid-19/?utm_source=Crossway+Marketing&utm_campaign=7b5e3b7cb5-20200321+-+Women+-+Verse+Cards&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0275bcaa4b-7b5e3b7cb5-283597485#cards
https://open.spotify.com/user/2k689jnllk1dnno47qwvr2nxv?si=78s5PFXQQdajjrl0UPCNIQ
All Ages
The Bible Project
An amazing series of animations that opens up and explains the bible. A fantastic learning resource for all ages.
https://www.youtube.com/user/jointhebibleproject
There are some really helpful free resources produced by Crossway at:
https://www.crossway.org/articles/free-resources-for-your-stay-at-home-during-covid-19/?utm_source=Crossway+Marketing&utm_campaign=7b5e3b7cb5-20200321+-+Women+-+Verse+Cards&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0275bcaa4b-7b5e3b7cb5-283597485#cards
Live service from PCI Moderator
WELCOME TO FIRST ANTRIM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHFirst Antrim is made up of a mix of imperfect people following a perfect Saviour - Jesus Christ. We recognise that ‘life to the full’ can only be found in Jesus.
Together, we work to be His followers and to share this full life, by making more followers. Everybody is welcome to First Antrim. Please take some time to browse through the site and familiarise yourself with all that is going on. VERSE OF the Week :2 Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
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