December Enagements

6th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist Church

This was the last engagement for Solid Ground in 2009 and to God be the glory for all His help and faithfulness during the past year. Pastor Nobel Maxwell spoke from Psalm 149 v 4 as Solid Ground sang a number of pieces. www.magherafeltimc.org

4th - CPA Christmas Dinner, Craigavon Civic Centre

It was a joy and pleasure to be asked to take part in the annual Christian Police Association dinner at Craigavon Civic Centre. After enjoying a beautiful meal consisting of the usual Christmas fare Solid Ground sang for almost an hour with pieces old and new.

Engagements January - March 2010

January 2010
Sunday 10th - Saintfield Baptist Church (7pm)
Sunday 17th - Lisurn Independent Methodist Church (6.30pm)
Friday 22nd - World Gospel Mission Dinner Craigavon (7.45pm)
Saturday 30th - 'The Word' Hillisborough (8pm)

February 2010
Sunday 7th - Lisburn Congregational Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 14th - Ballymena Congregational Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 21st - Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church (7pm)
Friday 26th - Ballee Baptist Missionary Weekend (8pm)

March 2010
Sunday 7th - Banbridge Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 14th - Magheraberry Elim Church (6.30pm)
Wddnesday 17th - Claudy Water Baptist Mission (7.30pm)
Thursday 25th - Kilrea (8pm)
Sunday 28th - Park Avenue (Belfast) Free Methodist (6.30pm)

November Engagements

29th November - Lurgan Baptist Church

This was the last in a series of four special outreach meetings organised by the folks at Lurgan under the theme 'New Life In Christ'. Pastor David Legge was the speaker and on this occasion focused on II Kings 'Putting you life in Order'. The church building was full with some sitting in the annex as Solid Ground sang, Reason Enough, Consider The Cross & That's What Grace Is For. http://www.lurganbaptist.com/

22nd November - Portadown Free Presbyterian Church
On a very wet and windy Sunday night Solid Ground made their way to Portadown where the preacher, Mr Stanley Barnes spoke from Acts 16 v 30. (Rev Elliott was speaking in Comber at the last night of the Gospel Mission there). Solid Ground sang 'It was Love', 'Reason Enough' and 'Consider the Cross'. Thanks to the ladies for a beautiful supper! http://www.bethanyfpc.org/
12th November - Bottier Mission Hall, Moira
This was a week of special meetings to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hall at Bottier. Pastor Val English formerly of Portstewart Baptist, now retired was the speaker as Solid Ground sang pieces which linked with the message of knowing who hold the future.
7th November - 'The Link' Magherafelt

It is almost one year since Magherafelt Independent Methodist Church commenced their special outreach on the first Saturday of each month. The church hall was almost full as Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and Neil Harkness who, like the boys from Solid Ground attends Ballee Baptist Church Ballymena, was the speaker for the evening. Neill is currently raising support both prayerfully and financially as he prepares to serve God in Sweden with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). www.magherafeltimc.org

October Engagements

25th October - Portrush Baptist Church

It is just over two years since Solid Ground sang at Portrush Baptist and on Sunday it was good to be back and renew fellowship with Pastor & Mrs Ward. It was a special testimony night and Pastor Harold Chambers was there to tell his life story of how he became a christian and what God means to him today. Supper was provided after by the ladies of the fellowship. http://www.portrushbaptistchurch.org/

18th October - Clady Water Baptist Church

This was supposed to be a night off for Solid Ground but the Lord knew otherwise. A first trip to Clady Water Baptist singing at their Ministry Conference with Pastor Kennedy from Ballee Baptist speaking on 'Intimacy with God'. www.Cladywater.co.uk

11th October - Desertmartin Church of the Nazarene

It is almost three years since Solid Ground sang at Desertmartin so it was good to be back among friends again. Solid Ground sang six pieces centered around 'The Cross'. As Pastor Evan spoke from Psalm 22 it became very evident that as always God makes no mistakes as the pieces sang tied in beautifully with the closing message. What a wonderful God we have! http://www.nazarene.org/

6th October - Terrace Row Men's Fellowship (TRAM)

This was an evening of praise with the men and ladies of Terrace Row Presbyterian Church in Coleraine. It was an opportunity for the men to invite their wives and others to the normally men only night. Solid Ground sang quite a number of well known and some not so well known pieces during the evening. The theme for the missionary spot and the epilogue which was brought by Ashley, was 'Letting your light shine'.

August & September Engagements

27th September - Limavady Baptist Church

Solid Ground have had a few 'firsts' in recent time but this week was the first of all firsts - Lead singer Wully was laid up with a very bad chest infection sooo... Ashley & Stephen decided that rather than let the folks down at the last minute in Limavady they would attempt to carry on and so the first ever and possibly last Solid Ground duets were performed. It was really good to share the meeting with brother Tommy Anderson from World Gospel Mission. Thanks for the beautiful supper ladies!

20th September - Castlereagh Baptist Church

The Pastor was in Romania and so it was visiting speakers filling in both morning and evening. Solid Ground sang Just a Little Talk, Lord Feed Your Children, Without The Lord & The Old Rugged Cross.

13th September - Larne Mission Hall

Trevor Gillanders, Pastor of Larne Mission Hall was the speaker on Sunday night and continued his study on the second coming. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces telling forth the glorious gospel.

6th September - Branagh Memorial Church, Belfast

There is one thing that is for sure at Branagh Memorial and that is the extremely warm welcome! Solid Ground always enjoy the times of fellowship and this time was no exception. Mark Brown again travelled with Solid Ground and brought a closing word. Ashley gave a short word of testimony and Stephen updated the folks about the work in Mexico City.

30th August - Derrycrew Mission Hall

After a two month break from singing it was good to be back in the Masters business again. Solid Ground made the trip to Derrycrew (Loughgall) for the first time and enjoyed both the fellowship and the hospitality of the people there. Some old and new songs from Solid Ground with Ashley bring the closing word. The folks at Derrycrew support the work of OMS and so Stephen gave a short report on the work of Julie & Jonny Pollock serving in Mexico City.

Engagements August - December 2009

August 2009
Sunday 30th - Derrycrew Mission Hall (7.30pm)

September 2009
Sunday 6th - Branagh Memorial Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 13th - Larne Mission Hall (7.00pm)
Sunday 20th - Castlereagh Baptist Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 27th - Limavady Baptist Church (6.30pm)

October 2009
Tuesday 6th - Terrace Row Mens Fellowship (8.00pm)
Sunday 11th - Desertmartin Church of Nazarene (6.00pm)
Sunday 25th - Portrush Baptist Church (7.00pm)

November 2009
Saturday 7th - 'The Link' Magherafelt (8.00pm)
Thursday 12th - Boltear Mission Hall (8.00pm)
Sunday 22nd - Portadown Free Presbyterian Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 29th - Lurgan Baptist Church (7.00pm)

December 2009
Friday 4th - CPA Annual Dinner Craigavon Civic Centre
Sunday 6th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist (7.00pm)

Wednesday 1st July 2009

Culcavey Hall Praise NightThis was a great night of fellowship and praise organised by the folks from Culcavey Hall. It was a pleasure to meet and sing with 'The Low Country Boys' who sang and shared their experiences during the firat half of the evening. Solid Ground took the second half and Ashley brought a short epilogue at the end of the evening.

Check out http://www.lowcountryboys.com/ for more photos and also more information on The Low Country Boys. Click on 2009!

Engagements - June 2009

Sunday 7th - Ballykeel Baptist Church

One of the lasting memories of singing in Ballykeel was a few years ago having been invited for supper coming out to a thick layer of snow and having to drive home through it. on this occasion Pastor Hughes spoke from Psalm 100 with the theme of 'Thanksgiving' and Solid Ground sang a number of pieces. After the meeting it was back to Roy's for supper but this time no snow!!

Sunday 14th - Armagh Baptist Church

This was the 6th Anniversary of the opening of the new building for Armagh Baptist on the Newry Road, Armagh. The resident Pastor, Ian Grant spoke from Acts ch 2 as Solid Ground sang Victory in Jesus, Castles In The Sand, Storm Now and Then & Yes He Can.

Sunday 28th Cullybackey Elim Church

It was a year since Solid ground sang at Cullybackey and it was good to meet the new Pastor who was continuing his series on the Lords return, and share in the gospel with him.

Sunday 31 May 2009

Woodford Gospel Assembly, Armagh

Although having sang in Armagh before this was the first time that Solid Ground sang in Woodford Gospel Assembly. The guest speaker was Dr. Donaldson.

Scottish Highlands 9 & 10th May 2009

Saturday 9th - Solid Ground had a wonderful weekend singing in the Highlands of Scotland. The first engagement was in the Community Hall in Hopeman. It was good to meet up with John McCartney who is from Ballee Baptist Church and serving the Lord with the Faith Mission in the Highlands. John and Tim had just finished a 2 week children's mission in the area and this was an outreach to launch the start of a 2 week gospel mission in the area. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and David gave his testimony while John brought the closing epilogue.

Sunday 10th - Solid Ground were responsible for the Sunday morning meeting at Elgin Baptist. Pastor Graham Swanston gave a very warm welcome to Solid Ground with Stephen giving the children's address, Alan Francey testified and Ashley brought a word from Isaiah ch 1. Lunch was provided by Mrs Swanston at the manse before Solid Ground hit the road and travelled back to Troon for the evening ferry.

Solid Ground would like to record their thanks to Alan for supplying the transport and driving the 500+ miles over the weekend. Also to Sanders & Helen for their wonderful hospitality and to John Mccartney for organising the weekend. We trust that John & Tim will know much blessing for their labour for the Master in the Highlands.

Engagements - April 2009

Sunday 5th - Carrickfergus Congregational Church
The resident Minister was speaking elsewhere on Sunday and Mr Paul Hamill a Missionary representing Belfast City Mission in Rathcoole Estate was the speaker. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces in the theme of 'The Cross' as Paul reminded all of the reasons we needed to be saved.

Sunday 19th - Dunseverick Baptist Church
It is always good to return to Dunseverick Baptist, its like a home from home and this was no exception. Pastor Scott who is helping out on a part-time basis gave a very sound and clear message from 2 Peter 3 v 9. Again because of the closeness to Easter all the pieces sang by Solid Ground centred on the 'Old Rugged Cross'.

Sunday 26th - Dromore Baptist Church

This was the second time in a few weeks that Solid Ground have had the privilege of sharing in the gospel with Pastor Jim Magill of Dromore, the last being in Banbridge Baptist.

Thursday 30th - Whitewell Metropolitian Tabernacle

Taking part in the gospel concert to raise funds to support the children of Ethiopia was Kenny Archer, Nell & Lorraine, Christine, Freda & Friends, Kenny Mitchell on the accordion and Solid Ground. Singing to a completely packed Whitewell Tabernacle hall (800+ congregation) was a first for Solid Ground. It was an amazing night of fellowship and a light supper was also provided for all who attended. The James and the team who organised the concert recorded a live DVD which will be on sale to raise funds for the children's project in Ethiopia. There was a 'live link' to Ethiopia when the local Pastor spoke briefly on the work there and thanked everyone for their continued support.

Forthcoming Engagements May - July 2009

May 2009
Saturday & Sunday 9/10 th Scottish Highlands with John McCartney (Faith Mission)
Sunday 31st - Woodford Gospel Assembly, Armagh (7.00pm)

June 2009
Sunday 7th - Ballykeel Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 14th - Armagh Baptist Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 28th - Cullybackey Elim Church (6.00pm)

July 2009
Wednesday 1st - Culcavy Praise Night (8.00pm)

August to December '09 engagements will be posted later.

Engagements - March 2009

Sunday 1st - Lisburn Baptist Church

It was good to renew fellowship with the fellowship at Lisburn. Pastor Taylor had been unwell but this was his first time back in the pulpit as Solid Ground sang.
Saturday 14th - Gospel Concert, Castledawson

This was new ground for Solid Ground and the annual concert was to raise funds for the local sunday school and EPS - Evangelical Protestant Society. Also taking part with Solid Ground was Rev William McCrea who had been in hospital during the week, Calvary Singers, Mr Edward Quinn & Mrs Margaret Johnston from the Enniskillen area.

Friday 20th - Gospel Mission, Moneymore

This two week mission was held in the local Orange Hall and it was great to hear of one person coming to know the Lord during the first week. Solid Ground sang 'It Was Love', 'Why Me' & 'Pass me not'.

Sunday 22nd - Banbridge Baptist Church

This was the first time Solid Ground had sang in Banbridge Baptist. Pastor Victor Maxwell has now retired and the guest speaker for the day was Pastor Jim Magill from Dromore Baptist. Jonny Pollock travelled with Solid Ground and had the opportunity to tell of his impending return to Mexico City to serve God, with OMS International.

Monday 23rd - Ballee Presbyterian PWA

This was a meeting of all the local ladies from the PWA. The church hall at Ballee was almost full as Solid Ground sang quite a number of pieces and Julie Pollock told of her call to Mexico and how God was leading her with her husband Jonny and 17 week old baby Ben back to serve the Master in Mexico City.

Sunday 29th - Dungannon Independent Methodist

Having prayed for Pastor Maxwell after his accident - it was good to see him able to preach from his specially adapted wheelchair in the pulpit. Solid Ground had a blessed time and the pieces sang fitted in well with pastor Maxwell's message. Thanks also to the ladies for supper!

Engagements - February 2009

Sunday 1st February - Larne Mission Hall

It was good to see Pastor Trevor Gillanders back preaching again after his recent illness. Solid Ground sang Without The Lord, I Love To Tell The Story, Yes He Can & That's What Grace Is For. We praise the Lord for a lady who came to know Christ as her Saviour after the meeting.

Sunday 15th - Ballymena Elim Church

This was the first time for Solid Ground Trio to sing in the beautiful refurbished church building at Castle Street. It was good to renew fellowship with Pastor Law

Friday 27th February - Ballee Baptist Missionary W'end

Christian Institute was the Missionary Society represented on Friday night of the Missionary weekend at Ballee. Solid Ground sang 3 new pieces applicable to the missionary theme - 'One More Soul', 'Whispers In The Night' & 'Common Garments'.

Second Concert, Hazelbank, Coleraine...

The second concert and CD release 'He Made The Way' was held in Hazelbank Presbyterian church, Coleraine. Taking part along with Solid ground was Mrs Iris Evans and Mr Nigel Davidson singing and Mr Peter McIlreavy on the saxophone. It was a blessed night of praise and challenge as Pastor Lawrence Kennedy chaired the evening. Supper was provided by some of the ladies at Hazelbank and to the Rev. Alan Johnston and his Kirk Session we want to say a big thank you for allowing us to use their premises for the evening. A special word of thanks to Robert & Margaret for all their support and organising. All the proceeds from the evening was to raise support for Jonny, Julie & Ben Pollock as they seek to return soon to Mexico City with OMS International.

Concert & CD Release, Cullybackey

Some images from the concert...

An amazing night of praise from start to finish! Those of you close to Solid Ground will know that there was a last minute scare in that the CD's did not arrive in Northern Ireland until Friday morning but after much prayer all went according to plan. Peter McIlreavy, who owns Gracenotes Music Centre in Ballymena, came and gave us an exhibition of his store and also played some music as people arrived for the concert. Solid Ground opened the evening followed by William Sayers, The Monteith Family and Kathryn Mitchell. Mrs Robin McKinnon from OMS International brought greetings from the 'field of Mexico' and a challenge to all about our stewardship. Jonny & Julie Pollock gave a short presentation on their work in Mexico City and talked about their call to return to continue the work God has called them to. Ben also made an appearence and took the evening in his stride with many wanting to see the beautiful baby. There was around 250 in attendance at the concert with Pastor Alan Hoey bring the evening to a close with a few thoughts from Psalm 23.

1 week to go...

One week until the concert and we are so excited, it will be a great night so if you haven't got your ticket yet please get one or get along! They are available from Gracenotes Music Centre, Ballymena & Faith Mission Bookshop, Ballymena. Also if you need a ticket sent to you, or want more information, please contact us (see on the right hand side). Also remember the second concert in Hazelbank Presbyterian church, Coleraine on Friday 30th January.