December Engagements

Sunday 4th - Cookstown Baptist Church

This time last year was the big snow fall but thankfully although it was quite cold out there was no snow as Solid Ground travelled to Cookstown.  Pastor Scott was the visiting speaker and spoke from Psalm 116.  Thanks for supper! Next engagement is Sunday 22nd January 2012 at 7pm in Saintfield Baptist Church.

November Engagements

Saturday 26th - Musical Evening - Hillsborough
The purpose of the musical evening at Hillsborough Free Presbyterian church (kindly granted) was to raise funds for the Norman Fox Missionary cause.  Those taking part were Mrs Alison Brown, Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Ladies Choir, Milltown Accordion Band & Solid Ground.  An offering for cause support raised almost £5,000 which will help support the work out in Romania.  Rev Fred Greenfield was the MC for the evening and he also sang a couple of solo pieces while playing the accordion.  Norman gave a report of the work in Romania and played a DVD which he had recorded during a recent visit.  Solid Ground sang 'Just A Little Talk', Without The Lord', Damascas Road', He'd Still Been God', 'Reason Enough' & 'Had It Not Been'.  Next engagement - Sunday 4th December 2011 at 7pm in Cookstown Baptist church
Sunday 20th - Ballee Baptist Church, Ballymena
It has been 6 months since Solid Ground sang at Ballee, the last time being at the annual Missionary Weekend in February.  On this occasion Pastor Jones was the speaker and Solid Ground sang "Love Was In The Room", "The Longer I Serve Him", "Thank God For Grace" & "When He Was On The Cross". Next engagement, Evening of Gospel Praise - Saturday 26th November 2011 at 7.30pm in Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church (kindly granted).  A number of artists will be taking part and money raised on the night will support 'Taking the Gospel to eastern Europe'.
Sunday 6th - Dungannon Independent Methodist
Solid Ground always look forward to the trip to Dungannon.  Pastor Robert Maxwell spoke from John ch 1 v 35-37.  Solid Ground sang 5 pieces and as  always enjoyed supper provided by Mrs Maxwell - Thank you.  Next engagement - Sunday 20th November 2011 at 6.30pm in Ballee Baptist Church, Ballymena.
Wednesday 2nd - Banbridge Baptist Church

This was a Gospel Mission organised by the fellowship at Banbridge Baptist and taken by Mr Bertie Johnston.  The meeting was well attended and Solid Ground sang 4 pieces about the precious cross.  Mr Johnston spoke form Jeremiah Ch 38.  Next engagement - Sunday 6th November 2011 at 7pm in Dungannon Independent Methodist church.

October Engagements

Sunday 23rd - Lisburn Baptist Church
With Pastor Taylor having been ill for a number of weeks, and not preaching, Pastor Harold Chambers was the guest speaker on Sunday both morning and evening.  Solid Ground sang 'At Calvary', 'Had It Not Been' and 'When He Was On The Cross'.  Next engagement - Wednesday 2nd November at Banbridge Baptist at 8pm. 
Sunday9th - Desertmartin Church of the Nazarene
It was just over a year since the last vist of Solid Ground to Desertmartin, the last time being at their Harvest service.  This time Pastor Evans was the speaker and Solid Ground sang four pieces.  Next engagement - Sunday 23rd October at Lisburn Baptist Church at 6.30pm.
Sunday 2nd - Pointzpass Baptist Church. 
The second Harvest Thanksgiving in two weeks for Solid Ground as this time they travelled to Pointzpass Baptist Church.  Four pieces sang on this occasion including a new one - 'Love Was In The Room'.  Pastor Marc Taylor from Dunsererick Baptist was the guest speaker and his message from mark ch 8 was entitled 'The Real Thing'! The church was full to capacity and if all goes according to plan by this time next year they may be having their Harvest service in their new premises.  Next engagement - Sunday 9th at Desertmartin Church of The Nazarene at 6pm.

September Engagements

Sunday 25th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist. 
Unfortunately Ashley was unwell on Sunday and was unable to travel with Solid ground to Magherafelt.  It was the final meeting of the Harvest Thanksgiving weekend and with the church packed to capacity, Pastor Raymond Moore from the Lisburn church was the guest speaker as Wully & Stephen sang three pieces, sadly without Ashley.  Next engagement - Pointzpass Baptist Church, Sunday 2nd October 2011 at 6.30pm.
Sunday 4th - Maghaberry Elim Church.
With the resident Pastor Brian Madden still on holiday his father was the guest speaker for the evening.  Solid Ground sang a total of 10 pieces in the Evening Celebration service. Thanks for supper! Next engagement - Magherafelt Independent Methodist Harvest service, Sunday 25th September 2011 at 7pm.

August Engagements

Sunday 28th - Branagh Memorial Church, Belfast. 
It is always a joy to visit Branagh and to share in their ministry.  This was Solid Ground's first engagement since the summer break, singing several pieces and Ashley brought God's word from Mark 2 'A New Begining'.  Next engagement is - Maghaberry Elim Church on Sunday 4th September at 6.30pm

Engagements August - December 2011

August
Sunday 28th - Branagh Mission Hall Belfast 7.00pm
September
Sunday 4th - Maghaberry Elim Church 6.30pm
Sunday 25th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist Church 7.00pm
October
Sunday 2nd - Pointzpass Baptist Church 6.30pm
Sunday 9th - Desertmartin Church of the Nazarene 6.00pm
Sunday 23rd - Lisburn Baptist Church 6.30pm
November
Wednesday 2nd - Banbridge Baptist Church Mission 8.00pm
Sunday 6th - Dungannon Independent Methodist Church 7.00pm
Sunday 20th - Ballee Baptist Church 6.30pm
Saturday 26th - Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Gospel Evening
December
Sunday 4th - Cookstown Baptist Church 7.00pm

June Engagements

Sunday 26th - Cullybackey Elim Church
It was two years since Solid Ground had been at Cullybackey Elim and so it was good to be back and meet up with their new Pastor Denver Michael.  Solid ground sang four pieces and Pastor Michael spoke from Colossians ch 2 and Ch 4.  Next engagement - Sunday 28th August 2011 in Branagh Mission Hall, Belfast at 7pm.
Sunday 12th - Banbridge Baptist Church

It was good to catch up with Pastor Kenny Wilson who is now the Pastor at Banbridge Baptist having moved from Limavady.  It was sad however to discover that the church secretary Mr Winston Annett had suffered a stroke eight weeks ago and was currently still in hospital. Solid Ground send Winston their best wishes and trust that he may know God's presence at this time. During the gospel service Solid Ground sang 'Without The Lord', 'What Salvation's Done For Me', 'Something Beautiful' and 'Had It Not Been'. Next engagement - Sunday 26th June in Cullybackey Elim Church at 6pm.

Sunday 5th - Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church

On the previous visit to Carryduff there was snow on the ground, this time the rain wasn't taking time to come down but it was good to feel the warmth of the saints at Carryduff Free Presbyterian church and to renew fellowship with the Rev. David McLaughlin. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship after around a cup of tea supplied by Mrs McLaughlin. Next engagement - Sunday 12th June in Banbridge Baptist church at 6.30pm.

The Ball Brothers Tour - May 2011

The Ball Brothers are coming to Northern Ireland May/June 2011

Check out http://www.theballbrothers/ for more details

Click on the links at the top of our page to listen to The Ball Brothers

Concert Venues

Thursday 26th May 2011 at Glenmachan, Belfast at 7.30pm

Also taking part - Mr. Paul Irwin

Friday 27th May - The House of Vic-Ryn, Lisburn

(also includes - 2 Course Evening Meal & ticket to Armagh concert)

Saturday 28th May 2011 at Ballymoney Elim at 7.30pm

Tuesday 31st May 2011 at Armagh City Hotel at 7.30pm

Also taking part - The Monteith Family

Tickets, Price £12 are now on sale at the following: Faith Mission Bookshops Belfast, Armagh, Portadown and Ballymena also Ards Evangelical Bookshop and online at http://www.glenmachan.org/ and http://www.cormontmusic.com/ or any menber of Solid Ground.

Tickets for Ballymoney will be available from Ballymena Faith Mission Bookshop, Mizpah - Wesley Owen, Coleraine, Ballymoney Elim Church or any member of Solid Ground.

Tickets for The Intimate Night with The Ball Brothers at The House of Vic-Ryn are are available from 'Cafe Vic-Ryn' Tel 02892622649 Price £35

May Engagements

Saturday 21st - Lisburn Congregational Church

This was the monthly meeting of the Lisburn branch of the Disabled Christian Fellowship (DCF) which is held in the hall at Lisbuen Congregational church.  The Rev. Greenfield from Dunmurry Free Presbyterian church was the guest speaker and Solid Ground sang five pieces after all who had attended enjoyed some refreshments. Next engagement - Sunday 5th June in Carryduff Free Presbyterian church at 7pm.

Sunday 15th - Dunseverick Baptist Church

Solid Ground always look forward to singing at Dunseverick, there has been a friendship now for over 30 years for some and the welcome there is still as warm as it was way back then! The church was packed to capacity and it is so good to see the work prosper under the leadership of Pastor Marc Taylor. Mr Ricky Henry from Ballymoney was giving his testimony and Solid Ground sang 'Something Beautiful', 'Make Me a Vessel Of Mercy', 'What Salvation's Done For Me', 'When He Was On The Cross' and 'Thank God For Grace'. Thanks to John & Edith for the lovely supper as usual. Next engagement - Saturday 21st May in Lisburn Congregational Church at 2.45pm (Lisburn DCF Meeting)

Saturday 6th - Monaghan, Faith Mission Weekend

Yet another first for Solid Ground - this time heading south of the border into Monaghan to take part in the Faith Mission's Border Area, Bible Conference. The venue was the YWCA building in Monaghan Town and the speaker for the weekend was Pastor Val English, formally of Portstewart Baptist Church, now retired!! Solid Ground sang a number of pieces which tied in with the theme for the weekend of 'Tuff Times - Great God'. Next engagement - Sunday 15th May, Dunseverick Baptist at 7pm.

April Engagements

Sunday 17th - Kilkeel Baptist Church

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon for travelling to Kilkeel. Pastor Alan Dundas spoke from 2 Chronicles 19 v 7. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces, 'At Calvary', 'Storm Now And Then', 'What A Lovely Name', and 'Thank God For Grace'. Next engagement - Friday 6th May, Monaghan, ROI with The Faith Mission.

Sunday 10th - Lurgan Baptist Church
This was a special guest service at Lurgan and Pastor Lyle lead the meeting and Pastor Robert Maxwell who is the Pastor of Dungannon Independent Methodist Church gave his life story and in particular how God has helped him since his accident almost 3 years ago. Pastor Maxwell is now confined to a wheelchair but continues to pastor the work in Dungannon. Solid Ground sang 'Something Beautiful', 'What Salvation's Done For Me' and 'When He Was On The Cross'. Thanks for a beautiful supper! Next engagement - Sunday 17th, Kilkeel Baptist Church at 7pm.
Wednesday 6th - Tullygarley Mission Hall

It was good to be able to support David Cameron and Stephen Law in their Gospel Mission outreach at Tullygarley, Ballymena. Stephen lead the meeting on this occasion and David spoke. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces. Next engagement - Sunday 10th, Lurgan Baptist Church at 7pm.

Forthcoming Engagements April - June 2011

April 2011
Wednesday 6th - Tullygarley Mission Hall 8pm
Sunday 10th - Lurgan Baptist Church 7pm
Sunday 17th - Kilkeel Baptist Church 7pm
May 2011
Friday 6th - Monaghan (ROI) Praise Night 8.30pm
Sunday 15th - Dunseverick Baptist Church 7pm
Saturday 21st - Lisburn DCF (Congregational Church) 2.45pm
May 23rd - June 2nd 'The Ball Brothers Tour of Northern Ireland' 2011
Thursday 26th - Glenmachan, Belfast 7.30pm
Saturday 28th - Ballymoney Elim Church 7.30pm
Tuesday 31st - Armagh City Hotel 7.30pm
June 2011
Sunday 5th - Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church 7pm
Sunday 12th - Banbridge Baptist Church 6.30pm
Sunday 26th Cullybackey Elim Church 6pm

March Engagements

27th - Lisburn Independent Methodist Church

This was a special weekend for the church at Lisburn Independent Methodist. The theme for their services was 'Focus on the Family' and the guest speaker for the weekend was Dr. Patrick McElligott. The services were very well attended and on the Sunday night Solid Ground took part and sang - 'At Calvary', 'What Salvation's Done For Me' and 'Thank God for Grace'. Next engagement - Wednesday 6th April at Tullygarley Mission Hall, Ballymena at 8pm.

20th - Park Avenue Free Methodist Church, Belfast

It was good to be back with the folks at Park Avenue and to hear of how God has been blessing their ministry. A number have come to know Christ as their Saviour recently, a number have also been through the waters of Baptism and joined the fellowship. The church was almost full as Pastor Morrell spoke from John 15 - 'I am the Vine' and Solid Ground sang 4 pieces with 'What Salvation's Done For Me' being sang for the first time. Next engagement - 27th March, Lisburn Independent Methodist.

13th - Limavady Baptist Church
It has been a wee while since Solid Ground sang at Limavady so it was good to be back although the weather for travelling wasn't great, with some snow on the Limavady mountain. Mr John Brown was the guest speaker as the church are currently without a full time Pastor. John spoke from Proverbs 1 v 26. Solid ground sang 4 pieces and enjoyed a beautiful supper after. Thanks Everett & Helen! Next engagement - 20th March, Park Avenue Free Methodist Church, Belfast.

February Engagements

25th - Ballee Baptist Church Missionary Weekend
With Ashley developing a very bad throat and unable to sing Wully and Stephen, in order to fulfil Solid Ground's obligation, sang a duet and a solo piece each at the Missionary Weekend. Tom Lewis from from BEE International was the speaker and their were two live links via Skype with church missionaries. Neill Harkness (CEF) from Sweden and Stewart and Jill Megaw (Faith Mission) BC Canada. Next engagement - Sunday March 13th Limavady Baptist Church, at 6.30pm.

20th - Ballynahinch Congregational Church
This was the first visit of Solid Ground to Ballynahinch Congregational Church. The Rev George Speers is the minister and he was continuing his study in the book of Numbers. He spoke from Numbers Ch 3 on 'God's Order For Battle'. Solid Ground sang 'At Calvary', 'Thank Him For The Miracle' & 'Consider The Cross'. Thanks to Gordon for tea!

13th - Armagh Baptist Church
It was just 18 months since the last visit to Armagh Baptist. Pastor Ian Grant was present but was not the speaker on this occasion. Pastor Rod Miller was is currently the President of the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland was the guest speaker who also gave a short report on the work of the Association in Ireland and then spoke from Luke Ch 10 on the 'Good Samaritan' Solid Ground sang three pieces, 'Storm Now And Then', The Old rugged Cross', and 'When He was On The Cross'. Next engagement - Sunday 20th February at Ballynahinch Congregational Church, 6.30 pm.

January Engagements

30th - Iron Hall, Belfast

This was the first time that Solid Ground had the privilege of singing at the Iron Hall. Alastair Campbell from Saintfield Baptist was the guest speaker for the day and spoke from John 3 on The Essence of the Gospel - 'Ye must be born again'. Solid Ground took a 20 minute slot and sang, At Calvary, Something Beautiful, Reason Enough, When He was On The Cross & Had It Not Been.

23rd - Saintfield Baptist Church

The last time Solid Ground sang at Saintfield was this time last year and unlike that occasion Pastor Ian Wilson was the speaker. He spoke on 'End Times' from Matthew ch 24 and Solid Ground brought a number of pieces.

21st - Cloughwater Annual Concert

It's probably about six years since Solid Ground sang at the annual Cloughwater Presbyterian Church Concert. The concert is organised by the church bowling club and this year taking part was Eden Accordion Band, Mr John Porter from Ballymoney and Solid Ground. Robert Agnew was the compere for the evening.

14th - Braid (Town Hall) BallymenaA Night of Change was the title of the outreach organised by Crocus Special Needs Association. Taking part at a reasonably full Braid Centre was Pamela Forrest, Joanne Fulton and Solid Ground. Pamela also gave a personal word of testimony as to how God saved her.
9th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist

It was only two months since Solid Ground sang at Magherafelt, the previous time being the time of Gospel Mission with Pastor Denis Lyle. This time Pastor Nobel Maxwell was the speaker as Solid Ground sang 'What A Lovely Name', 'At Calvary', 'Something Beautiful' and 'Had It Not Been' (for the old rugged cross).

Happy New Year from Solid Ground

Happy New Year from all at Solid Ground. Thank you for all your prayers and support in 2010 may you trust in the one who loves you and we praise God that our hope is in Christ alone. Please continue to uphold Solid Ground in prayer as we celebrate 8 years of sharing the gospel and start out on another year for Him. Ashley, David, Stephen & Wully