December Engagements

10th - Wellington Men's Fellowship Dinner

This was the first time Solid Ground had been in the beautiful new building at Wellington Presbyterian in Ballymena. It was the Men's Fellowship Christmas Dinner with a programme of praise and fellowship afterwards. Taking part were Mrs Hazel McDowell, Mr Graham Murphy and Solid Ground. An epilogue was brought by Mr Neil Stewart, assistant Minister at Wellington. Thanks to Ivan for the invitation and also for a beautiful dinner by the staff of Jane's Kitchen.

5th - Coagh Baptist Church

It had been almost two years since Solid Ground had been to Coagh and so it was good to return. Pastor Geoffrey Ward (recently retired from Portrush Baptist) is currently standing in the gap at Coagh so it was nice to renew fellowship with him and Mrs Ward. Solid Ground sang 3 pieces and Pastor Ward brought the closing word.

Forthcoming Engagements Jan - March 2011

January 2011
Sunday 9th Magherafelt Independent Methodist (7.00pm)
Friday 14th The Braid, Ballymena (TBC)
Friday 21st Cloughwater Presbyterian Gospel Concert (TBC)
Sunday 23rd Saintfield Baptist Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 30th Iron Hall, Belfast (7.00pm)
February 2011
Sunday 13th Armagh Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 20th Ballynahinch Congregational Church (6.30pm)
Friday 25th Ballee Baptist Missionary Weekend (8.00pm)
March 2011
Sunday 13th Limavady Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 20th Park Avenue Free Methodist (6.30pm)
Sunday 27th Lisburn Independent Methodist (6.30pm)

November Engagements

20th - 'The Crossroad' Portadown

The hall at Edenderry was packed for the bi-weekly meeting of 'The Crossroad' gospel outreach ran by Connie and Clive Elliott. Solid Ground managed to pack 8 pieces into a thirty minute slot and included some new material, with recently purchased backing tracks from the National Quartet Convention in America. Mr Sean Mooney, originally from Ardoyne in North Belfast gave a personal word of testimony as to how God wonderfully saved him over 20 years ago. A great night of fellowship and praise!

14th - Ballykeel Baptist Church

After a major traffic diversion due to a bomb scare on the M1, Solid Ground eventually arrived at Ballykeel Baptist just in time for the evening gospel service. Taking part with Solid Ground were representatives of Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) who were celebrating 60 years of ministry. The daughter of the founder of SGA and a brother from Romania gave reports on the work as Solid Ground sang a number of suitable pieces.

10th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist

This was a Gospel Mission with the guest speaker being Pastor Denis Lyle from Lurgan Baptist Church. Pastor Lyle spoke from Mark 10 v 17-23, on the subject 'He almost had it all'. Solid Ground sang 3 pieces centered around the Cross work of Christ.

7th - Castlereagh Baptist Church

As Ashley was reminding us on Sunday night, Castlereagh for Solid Ground is always a place for refreshments thanks to Harry. Resident Pastor, Pastor Keith Giles spoke on the Lord's Prayer form Luke 11 v 1-13. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces - 'Reason Enough', 'When He Was On The Cross', 'At Calvary' and 'Had It Not Been'. The evening gospel service was followed by the 'Breaking of Bread' service.

October Engagements

24th Cookstown Baptist Church (Gospel Mission)

Pastor Jackie Hughes from Ballykeel Baptist church was the guest speaker at Cookstown for their gospel mission. This was the last night of the mission, Pastor Hughes spoke from Genesis Ch.6 v 9 - "My spirit shall not always strive with man"and Pastor Harold Chambers lead the meeting as Solid Ground sang 'Reason Enough', 'Had It Not Been', & 'Consider The Cross'. After the meeting supper was provided for all and afterwards Solid Ground sang a number of pieces during a time of fellowship.

21st - Belfast City Mission (Rathcoole)

'Box Opening' night is always special for any mission and BCM are no different. Giving thanks to God for His many blessings over the year that has passed and gathering in all funding from the mission boxes. The Mission hall in Rathcoole was fairly full as Solid Ground sang 9 pieces in total and Jonny Pollock gave his testimony and brought the evening to a close. Supper was provided for all who had attended. Pray for the work of BCM and for those who mission in difficult areas.

10th - Newtownards Congregational Church

It was three years since Solid Ground sang at Newtownards Congregational church, on that occasion it was also the Harvest thanks giving service. This year the guest speaker was the Reverend Tommy Shaw who reminded all who attended that 'the harvest was over and not all were saved'. Solid Ground sang a total of four pieces and enjoyed supper provided by the ladies.

3rd - Lurgan Baptist Church

Pastor Eddie Rea was the guest speaker on Sunday at Lurgan as Pastor Lyle was speaking at Saintfield Baptist. He spoke from Hebrews 2 on the 'Great Escape'. Solid Ground sang 'What A Lovely Name', 'It Wouldn't Be Enough' and 'Had It Not Been'. Thanks to William on the sound desk who is extremely helpful and ever faithful.

September Engagements 2010

27th - Desertmartin Church of th Nazarenee
It was just over a year since Solid Ground sang at Desertmartin, on this occasion it was their special thanksgiving/harvest service which was well attended. Solid Ground sang six pieces and enjoyed a their supper provided by the ladies of the church after the service.
8th - Portballintrae Gospel Mission

This gospel mission was organised by Dunseverick Baptist church and was held in the village hall at Portballintrae. Pastor Mark Taylor was the speaker and Solid Ground sang a number of gospel pieces. The hall was almost full as Pastor Mark spoke on a number of 'great things'. We have since heard that 5 people gave their lives to the Lord at the mission...praise God!

5th - Branagh Memorial Church, Belfast

It is hard to believe that it is just over two months since our last engagement but it is good to be back about the Masters business after the summer break. Branagh is a very special place where Solid Ground always enjoy liberty and a warm welcome. Johnny Pollock travelled with us and brought a gospel message from Romans 3 v 21-24. Solid Ground sang six pieces focusing on the cross and the wonderful Saviour who gave His life for sinners.

Engagements September - December 2010

September
Sunday 5th Branagh Memorial Church Belfast (7pm)
Wednesday 8th Portballintrae Gospel Outreach (8pm)
Monday 27th Desertmartin Church of Nazarene Harvest (8pm)
October
Sunday 3rd Lurgan Baptist Church (7pm)
Sunday 10th Newtownards Congregational Harvest (6.45pm)
Thursday 21st Belfast City Mission Rathcoole (8pm)
Sunday 24th Cookstown Baptist Church (7pm)
November
Sunday 7th Castlereagh Baptist Church (7pm)
Wednesday 10th Magherafelt Ind Methodist Mission (8pm)
Sunday 14th Ballykeel Baptist Church (6.30 pm)
Saturday 20th ‘The Crossroads’ Portadown (8.15pm)
December
Sunday 5th Coagh Baptist Church (7pm)
Friday 10th 'Wellington' Mens Fellowship (TBC)

June Engagements

27th - Ballee Baptist Church

Singing in your own fellowship is never easy but God always undertakes and provides the strength. This was the last engagement of the current season for Solid Ground before the summer break. Pastor Billy Jones was the speaker at a well attended Ballee and Solid Ground sang 'What a Lovely Name', 'Gone', & 'Had It Not Been' with Wully singing a solo piece 'It Wouldn't Be Enough'. A two month break now before heading out again. Branagh Memorial Church, Belfast is the first of the new season on Sunday 5th September.

13th - Carr Baptist Church

This was a guest service with many family and friends attending an almost packed church. With an opportunity to give a word of testimony Solid Ground brought along one of the young men from Ballee Baptist, David Cameron to tell how he became a Christian and what God means to him today. Solid Ground sang 7 pieces with Pastor Morrison bringing a closing word. A beautiful supper was then served in the church hall by the ladies of the fellowship

6th - Dungannon Independent Methodist
As always it was good to return to Dungannon and fellowship with Pastor Robert Maxwell and the dear friends there. Please continue to pray for Pastor Maxwell as he continues to preach despite much pain in his legs since his accident.

May Engagements

23rd - Lisburn Baptist Church

Pastor Taylor, resident Pastor in Lisburn, was away speaking at another fellowship so one of the church Elders was the speaker at both the morning and evening service. The subject for both was the life of Jonah. Solid Ground sang three pieces.

16th - Pontzpass Baptist Church

Solid Ground had never sang in Pontzpass before so it was good to meet with the folks and enjoy a good time of fellowship. Wesley Crawford is the current Pastor who gave the closing message and one of the members of the fellowship gave a personal word of testimony.

9th - Carrickfergus Congregational Church
This was the third visit to Carrickfergus in as many years for Solid Ground. Singing four pieces on this occasion - Reason Enough, Storm Now & Then, Gone & Had It Not Been (For the old Rugged Cross). Pastor Geoff Thomas from Alfred Place Baptist Church, Aberystwyth, Wales was the guest speaker and spoke from Romans 15 v 14.

April Engagements

18th - Dunseverick Baptist Church

A busy weekend for Solid Ground but as always it was good to meet up with friends at Dunseverick. It was good to also meet the new Pastor at Dunseverick - Pastor Mark Taylor. The church was full with extra chairs being brought in the accommodate all who attended. God has been blessing the work at Dunseverick and two souls were saved recently at the meetings, Praise God.

17th - Ballygomartin Baptist Concert
This was a new venture for Ballygomartin Baptist and the Gospel evening was well attended with Solid Ground, Iris Evans and Matthew & Naomi Campbell all taking part. Pastor Lawrence Kennedy from Ballee Baptist church was the chairperson and brought a challenging epilogue at the end of the evening. Supper was provided and a retiring offering went to the church building fund. It was good to hear of souls being saved in recent days at Ballygo.
11th - Kilkeel Baptist Church
Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond the control of Solid Ground and Kilkeel Baptist church the engagement in Kilkeel was cancelled. However a new date has been set for 17th April 2011 DV and Solid Ground look forward to renewing fellowship with the saints at Kilkeel.

Ballygomartin Baptist Concert

Saturday 17th April 2010

at 7.30pm.

Taking part

Solid Ground

Iris Evans

Matthew Campbell

Naomi Campbell

Pastor Lawrence Kennedy from Ballee Baptist Church will chair the evening. There will be a retiring offering for the church building fund and supper will be provided

http://www.ballygomartinbaptistchurch.com/

Engagements April to June 2010

April 2010
Sunday 11th - Kilkeel Baptist Church (7.00pm)
Saturday 17th - Ballygomartin Baptist Concert (7.30pm)
Sunday 18th - Dunseverick Baptist Church (7.00pm)

May 2010
Sunday 9th - Carrickfergus Congregational Church (7.00pm)
Sunday 16th - Pointzpass Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 23rd - Lisburn Baptist Church (6.30pm)

June 2010
Sunday 6th - Dungannon Independent Methodist (7.00pm)
Sunday 13th - Carr Baptist Church (6.30pm)
Sunday 27th - Ballee Baptist Church (6.30pm)

March Engagements

28th - Park Avenue Free Methodist

It was an absolute joy and privilege for Solid Ground to be involved in the special 'Guest Service' at Park Avenue Free Methodist Church. After a very warm welcome Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and Stephen & Ashley both gave personal words of testimony as to how they met the Saviour and what He means to them today. Pastor Norman Morrell is the (Part-time, permanent) pastor of the fellowship who are seeing a great work done for Christ in the local community. The church was almost full with regular members and some guests. A beautiful supper was prepared and served in the 'Bell Hall' after the service. www.pafm@awdesign.org.uk

25th - Kilrea
Solid Ground for the first time had the opportunity to sing after an RBP Installation of Office Bearers which on this occasion was at Kilrea. It was a privilege to present the gospel in song and tell of the wonderful story of what was accomplished at Calvary to the men gathered from the Kilrea area and the County Antrim District.

17th - Clady Water Baptist Church (Mission)

What better way to spend St. Patricks night than singing the gospel at a special Gospel Mission organised by the folk at Claudy Water Baptist. Pastor Harvey Shaw was the guest speaker who brought a very challenging message on choosing between the broad road and the narrow way.

14th - Magheraberry Elim Church

Recently God has opened up a number of opportunities for Solid Ground to not only sing at various meetings but also to take the entire meeting, singing, testifying and speaking. On this occasion Pastor Evans (husband of singer Iris Evans) was having a night off and with Solid Ground singing a number of pieces, David gave a personal word of testimony and Ashley spoke on the two 'Fire of Coals' mentioned in the gospels.

7th - Banbridge Baptist Church
It was just under a year since Solid Ground sang at Banbridge Baptist. Pastor Victor Maxwell has since retired from the ministry and so the visiting speaker for the evening was Mr Ronnie McCracken. Ronnie also spoke at the Youth meeting and set the Passover Table. http://www.banbridgebaptist.co.uk/

February Engagements

26th - Ballee Baptist Church Missionary Weekend

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th was the Annual Missionary weekend at Ballee Baptist. Pastor Victor Maxwell who has recently retired from Banbridge Baptist church was representing Acre Gospel Mission at the Friday night meeting. Solid Ground sang three fitting pieces to blend with the Missionary theme. Pastor Maxwell gave a short word and then a report of his recent trip to Brazil.
21st - Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church

This was supposed to be a night off but due to a last minute call from Rev. David McLaughlin Solid Ground ended up singing at the special gospel service at a snow covered Carryduff Free Presbyterian church. The special speaker for the services was Dr Frank McClelland from Toronto, Canada. The church was well filled and all enjoyed a beautiful supper after the meeting. http://www.carrydufffpc.org/

14th - Ballymena Congregational Church

It was almost two years since Solid Ground sang at Ballymena Congregational church...the last time being during their gospel mission. On this occasion the Rev Raymond McLarnin who is the current minister of the church was the speaker. It was a joy to share in the gospel with Raymond and his wife Carol. (http://www.ballymenacongregational.com/)

7th - Lisburn Congregational Missionary Conference

This was the last evening of the Missionary Convention at Lisburn Congregational church when Mr Patrick McElligott was the guest speaker. Patrick and his wife served God with WEC International in Japan for over 35 years. (http://www.wec-int.org.uk/). The church was almost full as Solid Ground sang appropriate 'missionary theme' pieces. Some 36 missions or societies were represented with stalls in the church hall. During the service there was also a short report and video from Mark Stevenson, who was representing the work of Open Doors. (http://www.od.org/)

January Engagements

30th - 'The Word' Ballygowan Mission Hall, Dromore

This was the first time that Solid Ground had sang at 'The Word' which is held in the beautiful Ballygowan Mission Hall just outside Dromore. On a cold and slippery Saturday night the Rev. David McLaughlin from Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church spoke from Mark 11 v 3 challenging all who attended and reminding everyone 'that the Lord has need of us'.

22nd - World Gospel Mission Annual Dinner Craigavon

Solid Ground first sang at the WGM dinner in 2006 at the Craigavon Civic Center and again in 2007 this time at the Faith Mission Centre, so it was a joy to meet up again with Tommy & Laverne Anderson and the supporters of the mission. Mr William Campbell also took part and played some well known tunes on the trumpet. A beautiful dinner was served by the resident caterers and the retiring offering which raised just over £1000, was going to help the World Gospel Mission in Haiti. For further information about World Gospel Mission and the Haiti Earthquake log onto -http://www.wgm.org/ An interesting story from Friday night was that about 4 years ago Solid Ground sang at a Mission conducted by Faith Mission pilgrims just outside Ballymoney. That night Miss Conn spoke and as she recounted at the dinner table on Friday night that one soul gave their life to the Lord that evening. Praise the Lord! Only glory will reveal the work done for the Master. All glory to HIM.

17th - Lisburn Independent Methodist Church

Pastor Moore presented the glorious gospel from John 5 using the theme 'Reasons why people don't turn to Jesus' as Solid Ground sang a number of pieces finishing with Pass Me Not. Thanks to Mrs Moore for the beautiful supper!! http://www.fimc.org.uk/

10th - Saintfield Baptist Church

It is almost three years since Solid Ground sang at Saintfield Baptist so it was good to renew fellowship with our brothers and sisters there. Pastor Wilson was preaching in Kilrea Baptist so Pastor Howard McNally who is moving to Enniskillen Baptist in March was the speaker. His subject was 'The Wonderful Millennium'. Solid Ground sang four pieces - Just A Little Talk, Reason Enough, His Grace is Sufficient and Consider The Cross. http://www.saintfieldbaptist.org.uk/

7th Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that it is seven years this month since ministry of Solid Ground began. Many miles have been travelled across Northern Ireland with visits also to Southern England and the North of Scotland to proclaim the gospel in song. God has been so good in allowing us to be part of His work. We trust that God will continue to be glorified in all that we seek to do for Him. Please pray for Solid Ground as we start another year on the road and our prayer is that in 2010 we will see a mighty work done for the Master. To Him be all the glory!