And so another season begins...

As Solid Ground embark on a new season in 2014, please continue to pray for God's protection in travelling to and from the various engagements and that He will be glorified in all our ministry for Him. We thank God for His protecting hand and many blessings over the past 11 years and we look to Him for our future. Below you will find a list of our engagements between January and June 2014. 

January

Sunday 26th - Dunseverick Baptist Church 7.00pm

Friday 31st - Ballee Baptist Church Praise Night 7.45pm

February

Sunday 2nd - Coagh Baptist Church 7.00pm

Friday 6th - Monday 10th - Calvary Church, Frazerburgh, Scotland

Sunday 23rd - Ballee Baptist Church Missionary Weekend 6.30pm

March

Sunday 2nd - Ballyclare Baptist Church 6.00pm

Sunday 9th - Carrickfergus Congregational Church 7.00pm

Sunday 30th - Templemore Hall, Belfast 6.45pm

April

Friday 4th - Killyea (Armagh) Praise Night 8.00pm

Thursday 10th - Faith Mission Portadown TBC

Thursday 17th - Belfast City Mission (Box Opening) 8.00pm

May

Sunday 11th - Kilrea Baptist Church 6.30pm

Sunday 25th - Lurgan Baptist Church 7.00pm

June

Sunday 8th - Portrush Baptist Church 7.00pm

Sunday 22nd - Cullybackey Elim Church 6.00pm
Sunday 29th - Newtownards Baptist Church

Seasons greetings from all at Solid Ground

Solid Ground would like to say thank you to all our friends and family for all your prayers and support during 2013. It is hard to believe that Philip has been part of Solid Ground now for almost a year. Our prayer is that as we soon enter a new year we will together see a great work done for the Master. Please pray for Solid Ground, and that God will continue to be honoured and glorified in 2014 through our ministry. We trust everyone will have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Wully, David, Stephen & Phil

December Engagements

Sunday 8th December - Lisburn Independent Methodist Church
This was the last engagement of 2013 for Solid Ground and technically it was a 'Homecoming' for Phil as Lisburn Independent Methodist is his home church.  Pastor Raymond Moore was the speaker at the gospel service. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces including a new song entitled - 'That's Why' (thanks to Ernie Haase for the soundtrack). Next engagement for Solid Ground will be Sunday 26th January 2014 in Dunseverick Baptist Church at 7pm. 
Sunday 1st December - Ballykeel Baptist Church

Previous memories of singing at Ballykeel in December was lots of snow, but not so on this occasion.  Pastor Jackie Hughes brought the gospel from Mark ch 8 and Solid Ground sang four pieces.  It was good to see God's house packed on a Sunday evening and get a quick tour of the new suite of halls which were opened earlier this year. Next and final engagement for Solid Ground this year, will be next Sunday, 8th December in Lisburn Independent Methodist church at 6.30pm. Details of 2014 engagements will be posted soon. 

November Engagements

Sunday 24th November - Templemore Hall, Belfast

There is always a very warm welcome at Templemore Hall and Sunday night was no different. Bill, a member of the fellowship was the speaker for the day and brought the gospel from the story of Noah in Genesis. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces during two slots in the service, including a new piece- 'Yesterday's Battles'. Next engagement for Solid Ground is Sunday 1st December 2013 in Ballykeel Baptist Church at 6.30pm.

Sunday 3rd November  - Dungannon Independent Methodist Church 

Mr Trevor Matthews (Faith Mission) was the guest speaker at Dungannon on Sunday evening. The fellowship at Dungannon are currently celebrating 40 years of witness in the Dungannon area and are having a number of guest speakers during the month of November. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces and Trevor brought the gospel from the story of the Parodical Son in Luke ch 15.  Next engagement for Solid Ground is Sunday 10th November 2013 in Abbotts Cross Congregational Church, Newtownabbey at 6.30pm

October Engagements

Sunday 20th October - Limavady Baptist Church
Sunday was the annual Harvest Thanksgiving service at Limavady Baptist. The guest speaker for the day was Mr Stephen Law (founder member of Solid Ground) and so it was good to share in the ministry at the evening service. Solid Ground sang four pieces and it was also good to meet up with Pastor Alan Hoey and his wife Heather who will be taking up the pastorate from November. The induction for Alan will be on Friday 1st November. Next engagement for Solid Ground is on Sunday 3rd of November in Dungannon Independent Methodist Church at 7pm.
Sunday 13th October - Lurgan Baptist Church
It was good for Solid Ground to be back at Lurgan Baptist especially on the occasion of their Harvest praise. Pastor Nobel Maxwell was the guest speaker for the day and he preached the gospel from Matthew ch 21 - 'The Disappointment of The Harvest'. Solid ground sang 'No Other Word For Grace But Amazing', 'I Thirst' and 'Plan Of Salvation'. It was also good to have 'family support' at the service. Thanks to Ruth, Emma, Ross and Granny B for their hospitality and supper! Next engagement for Solid Ground -  Sunday 20th October in Limavady Baptist Church at 6.30pm.
Sunday 6th October - Newtownards Baptist Church

The evening gospel service at Newtownards was the first of a series of four under the title of 'Just Jesus' which is an outreach within the Baptist Association across Northern Ireland to reach the lost for Christ.  Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and the guest speaker for the evening was Pastor John Taylor from the Iron Hall in Templemore Avenue, Belfast. Thanks to the ladies for supper! The next engagement for Solid Ground is on Sunday 13th October in Lurgan Baptist Church at 7pm.

September Engagements

Sunday 22nd - Branagh Memorial Hall, Belfast

It was good to be back at Branagh with responsibility for the evening gospel service. Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and Mr Jonny Pollock who travelled with Solid Ground was the guest speaker and brought the gospel from Mark Ch 5. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 6th October at 7pm in Newtownards Baptist Church.

Sunday 1st  - Ballyclare Baptist Church

After two months off for summer break, it was good to get back to singing ways with a short trip to Ballyclare. Pastor John McFarland was the speaker at the gospel service and Solid Ground sang four pieces. 'At Calvary', 'Plan Of Salvation', ' I Know A Man Who Can' and 'Bow At Jesus Feet'. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 22nd September at 7pm in Branagh Memorial Hall, Belfast.

Engagements September - December 2013

September

Sunday 1st - Ballyclare Baptist Church 6.00pm

Sunday 22nd - Branagh Memorial Hall Belfast 7.00pm

October

Sunday 6th - Newtownards Baptist Church 7.00pm

Sunday 13th - Lurgan Baptist Church 7.00pm

Sunday 20th - Limavady Baptist Church 6.30pm

November

Sunday 3rd - Dungannon Independent Methodist 7.00pm

Sunday 10th - Abbotts Cross Congregational Church 6.30pm

Sunday 24th - Templemore Hall Belfast 6.30 pm

December

Sunday 1st - Ballykeel Baptist Church 6.30pm

Sunday 8th - Lisburn Independent Methodist Church 6.30pm

June Engagements

Friday 21st - 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian Church

What better way to finish the season than to have a BBQ and time of fellowship? This was the last engagement for Solid Ground before the summer break and the BBQ which was organised by those at 3rd Portglenone was well attended. Solid Ground had a 40 minute slog and sang some old favourites and some new pieces. The BBQ and deserts went down a treat with all who attended. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 1st September in Ballyclare Baptist Church at 6pm.

Sunday 9th - Kilkeel Baptist Tabernacle

A 145 mile round trip was the penultimate engagement before the summer break for Solid Ground at Kilkeel Baptist Tabernacle.  It has been a couple of years since the last visit and since then the church have called a new Pastor - George McConnell who spoke from Luke 23. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces - 'Plan Of Salvation', 'I Thirst', 'I Know A Man Who Can' and 'Had It Not Been (for the old rugged cross). Next and final engagement before the summer holidays for Solid Ground - 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian Church BBQ. 

Sunday 2nd - Newtownards Congregational Church

It was a 'guest service' at Newtownards on Sunday evening with family and friends who do not necessarily regularly attend the church helping to fill the building.  This was the first time Solid Ground had sang at the Congregational church in N'ards since Paul Acheson was installed at the new minister/pastor of the flock there.  It was good to renew fellowship with Pastor Val English, who was the guest speaker for the evening and gave a personal word of testimony.  Solid Ground sang a number of pieces and all who attended the guest service enjoyed a beautiful supper after. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 9th June in Kilkeel Baptist Church at 7pm.

May Engagements

Saturday 18th - The Cross Road, Portadown

It was a full house at The Cross Road on what was the last night of the season for them. To mark the special evening Solid Ground were the guest singers while Mr Andrew McElroy brought a great night and another great season at the popular Bridge Street venue in Edenderry to a close. Solid Ground sang quite a number of pieces during a 40 minute slot with some audience participation and a couple of new songs thrown in - "I Thirst" and "Bless His Holy Name".  As always there was a great welcome for everyone and a cuppa for all. (Thanks also to Neill for supper!)The new season at The Cross Road begins on Saturday, October 5th. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 2nd June in Newtownards Congregational Church (Friends & Family evening) at 6.30pm.

Sunday 12th - Portrush Baptist Church

It was hard to believe that it was almost three years since Solid Ground sang in Portrush Baptist. On this occasion the speaker was Mr David Anderson from Saintfield Baptist Church who spoke from John 14 - 'Three questions answered'.  Next engagement for Solid Ground - Saturday 18th May at 'The Cross Road', Portadown at 8.15pm.

April Engagements

Sunday 28th - Magherafelt Independent Methodist
It is extremely unusual for Solid Ground to attempt 2 bookings on the one evening, but on this occasion it was a case of singing at the gospel service in Magherafelt and then on to the last evening of the gospel campaign organised by the church in Knockloughrim Orange Hall.  Pastor Nobel Maxwell was the speaker at both services and it was encouraging to hear of at least 3 souls being saved during the two week mission in the hall. It was also good to meet up with some friends from Bournemouth, England who were on holiday in Northern Ireland and had travelled to the evening service to meet up with Solid Ground.  Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 12th May in Portrush Baptist Church at 7pm,
Wednesday 23rd - Ballymena Elim Church 
Thanks to Helen Cameron and her team of helpers the Ladies Fellowship and their husbands could say that they had 'fared sumptuously' and really enjoyed the meal provided at their annual dinner. Solid Ground sang quite a number of pieces during a 45 minute slot before Pastor Sydney Kerr brought the excellent evening to a close with a short epilogue. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 28th in Magherafelt Independent Methodist at 7pm and afterwards at their Gospel Mission at 8.15pm
Sunday 21st - Iron Hall Assembly, Belfast
According to our dear brother who was leading the meeting at Iron Hall, Sunday was officially the first day of spring as two bees had been noted in his garden in the afternoon.  It was a beautiful evening in Belfast and the speaker at the evening service was the Assembly's full-time elder - Mr Hugh Martin. Solid Ground sang 4 pieces during a 15 minute slot.  An Induction Service for John Taylor (formally of Lisburn Baptist Church) as Pastor of the Iron Hall Assembly will take place on Friday 3rd May 2013. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Wednesday 24th April in Ballymena Elim Church at 8.45pm.
Wednesday 17th - Cookstown Free Presbyterian Church

It was good to be able to join with the saints at Cookstown Free Presbyterian Church as they celebrated the 40th anniversary of being on the site and 25 years of the opening of the current building. On arrival at the church there was a problem with the electricity but God undertook and power was restored!! Solid Ground sang 4 pieces 'Masterpiece of Mercy', I Know A Man Who Can', 'Reason Enough' & 'What A Lovely Name'. The guest speaker for the evening was the Rev Gordon Dane from the Crossgar Free Presbyterian Church who spoke from Dueteronomy ch 1 vs 30 & 31. Next engagement for Solid Ground - Sunday 21st April at Iron Hall, Belfast at 7pm.

March Engagements

Sunday 24th - Banbridge Baptist Church
With all the snow that fell just before the weekend it was good that the main roads to Banbridge were clear enough for Solid Ground to make the journey to Banbridge.  Pastor Kenny Wilson lead the gospel service, Solid Ground sang 4 pieces and Rev Ronnie McCracken was the guest speaker.  Ronnie spoke from Hebrews 9.  Praise God for journeying mercies on the road.  Next engagement - Wednesday 17th April in Cookstown Free Presbyterian Church at 8pm.
Sunday 3rd - Cullybackey Elim Church

Resident Pastor at Cullybackey Elim, Pastor Denver Michael brought the gospel message from John Ch 3 reminding all of their need to be Born Again and Solid Ground sang a number of pieces which dove-tailed with the message brought. Next engagement - Sunday 24th March at Banbridge Baptict Church at 6.30pm

New Tenor for Solid Ground

Solid Ground is pleased to announce that Philip (Phil) Boles from Aghalee has joined Solid Ground as their new Tenor.  Having heard and answered the call of God to serve Him in proclaiming the gospel in song, Phil also brings to Solid Ground Ministry a vast knowledge and love of Southern Gospel music.  Please pray that together Phil, Stephen, Wully and David will know much blessing as they collectively seek to serve the Master.  Check out www.southerngospel.wordpress.com/ for details of Southern Gospel music from Northern Irish perspective. (Written by Phil)

February Engagements

Sunday 24th - Ballee Baptist Church (Missionary Weekend)
It has been a bit of a tradition over the past number of years that Solid Ground sang on the Friday night of the missionary weekend at Ballee but...this year a break with tradition meant singing to a packed church on the Sunday evening instead. Mr Callum Webster was the guest speaker at the final meeting of the missionary weekend, representing 'The Christian Institute'.  Solid Ground sang 'Masterpiece of Mercy', 'I Know A Man Who Can' and 'When I Bow At Jesus Feet'. Next engagement - Cullybackey Elim Church on Sunday 3rd March at 6pm.
Sunday 17th - Dunseverick Baptist Church
With many happy memories over many years at Dunseverick, it was good for Solid Ground to be back and catch up with the progress of the ministry at Dunseverick. Pastor Mark Taylor spoke from Luke Ch 23 on the thief on the cross while Solid Ground sang 4 pieces.  It was good to renew fellowship with many around a cup of tea after the meeting.  Next engagement - Ballee Baptist Church, Ballymena missionary weekend at 6.30pm on Sunday 24th February 
Saturday 2nd - Lisburn Congregational Church Missionary Weekend

Solid Ground sang a number of pieces at the annual Missionary Convention/Weekend at Lisburn Congregational Church.  Mr Alan Graham from CEF gave a very interesting report of his work in Zimbabwe.  Mr Geoff Thomas was the guest speaker for all the services throughout the weekend. As usual there was a large display of material and stands with various missionary organisations represented.  Next engagement – Dunseverick Baptist Church on Sunday 17^th February at 7pm

January Engagements

27th - Cliftonpark Avenue Baptist, Belfast

With some family connections at Cliftonpark Avenue it is a bit like singing at home for Solid Ground.  Solid Ground sang 'Master Piece Of Mery', 'I Know a Man Who Can' and 'Reason Enough'.  Pastor Jonny Pollock lead the gospel meeting while Mr. Chrissy Cameron who is a student a Belfast Bible College was the speaker. Chrissy also works as an intern at Cliftonpark while studying at Bible College. Next engagement - Saturday 2nd February at Lisburn Congregational Missionary weekend at 7.30 pm.

20th - Saintfield Baptist Church

The drive to Saintfield proved to take a bit longer than normal with snow playing havoc with driving conditions. Solid Ground however arrived safe and sound and sang 4 pieces at the evening gospel service. The guest speaker was Mr Maurice Warberton from Lurgan who spoke from John 11 presenting the gospel from the story of the raising of Lazarus.  Next engagement - Sunday 27th January at Cliftonpark Baptist Church, Belfast at 7pm



Engagements - January to June 2013

January           Sunday 20                  7.00 pm          Saintfield Baptist Church

                        Sunday 27                  7.00 pm          Cliftonpark Avenue Baptist

February         Saturday 2                  7.30 pm          Lisburn Cong Church M/Weekend

                        Sunday 17                  7.00 pm          Dunseverick Baptist Church

                        Sunday 24                  6.30 pm          Ballee Baptist Church M/Weekend

March             Sunday 3                     6.00 pm          Cullybackey Elim Church

                        Sunday 24                  6.30 pm          Banbridge Baptist Church

April               Wednesday 17            8.00 pm          Cookstown Free Presbyterian         
                       
                                Sunday 21                  7.00 pm          Iron Hall, Belfast

Wednesday 24           7.30 pm          Ballymena Elim Church

Sunday 28                  7.00 pm          Magherafelt Independent Meth.

May                 Sunday 12                  7.00 pm          Portrush Baptist Church

                        Saturday 18                8.15 pm          Crossroads Portadown

June                 Sunday 2                     6.30 pm          Newtownards Congregational

                        Sunday 9                     7.00 pm          Kilkeel Baptist Church

Friday 21                    TBC                 3^rd Portglenone Presby. BBQ

10 Year Anniversary

It is hard to believe that it is now 10 years since Solid Ground came together and during that time there have been a few of changes to the makeup of the group and while no one likes ‘member change’ it is a reality that from time to time it is something that can happen. 

A few months ago Ashley, after much prayer and consideration informed us that he felt led to step down as Tenor singer with Solid Ground.  Ashley’s last date with the group was just before Christmas and Solid Ground have been actively looking for a replacement for Ashley but to date has not found that person. 

As we look back on five and a half years of fellowship with Ashley as tenor and see how God blessed our time together as a group, we wish ‘Sparky’ and his family much blessing in the days ahead as he continues to serve The Master.

In the mean time, David, Stephen & Wully will be continuing as Solid Ground, fulfilling all the bookings and looking forward to God meeting the need of a new tenor singer joining us in the near future.  Please pray that the new person will be of His choosing and that Solid Ground will continue to know the blessing of God in the future.

Thank you to all who continue to support Solid Ground in prayer and we pray that you all will know much blessing in 2013 - Happy New Year from Solid Ground