There is always something going on in Ballyholme Parish, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. The parish is at the heart of the local community and there are many ways in which you can share in our worship and interests. We have opportunities for people of all ages from music to craft, and you don't have to be a member of the congregation to come along.
Alpha Course
Explore more about life, faith & meaning with Alpha!
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, run over 11 weeks.
The emphasis is on journeying together, building supportive friendships and having an enjoyable evening. Probably the most important part of any Alpha is the chance to talk about what we think and hear others’ opinions. We run Alpha regularly, please check with any of the staff team or the
Home Groups
Many in our congregation enjoy attending one of a number of home groups within the parish. These offer us the opportunity to discuss our faith, pray and praise in a friendly and non-threatening atmosphere.
The details of who the current leaders are, and when and where the home groups meet, change from time to time. So speak to one of the staff team to find out the latest information.
Mothers' Union
Our meetings are held on Monday evenings (usually the 1st Monday in the month) in the Parish Centre beginning at 7.30pm.
The format can vary, sometimes enjoying hands-on activities, listening to a visiting speaker, or immersing ourselves in some "home grown" fun!
We have enjoyed a wide variety of visitors from projects in the local community, and some from further afield. We are fortunate to learn about MU projects in Africa from our mission links, and also local projects such as in the Northern Ireland Prison Service. We support Women's Aid, Ulster Hospital and Storehouse Bangor.
Just emerging from lockdown we began using our skills to make some 'Twiddle Muffs' with which we decorated our church for Spring Festival and Mothering Sunday, and afterwards we distributed over 100 items to some clients in residential settings.
Our members look forward to fun, fellowship and some tasty refreshments at our meetings, and enjoy an annual celebration, with our "glad rags" and games!
In 2017 we were overjoyed to be able to commission a small stained glass window dedicated to the MU in our very own Ballyholme Parish. It was a very special opportunity to celebrate over 60 years of MU in this Parish. The window depicts the world-wide essence of MU and the prayer of MU's founder Mary Sumner:
All this day O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for Thee; and every life I touch, do thou by Thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live.
Coffee and Scones
For those not at work, Monday morning is the opportunity to get together for some informal fellowship over a cuppa and a scone. As well as catching up with friends, it's a good way to get to know other members of the parish, particularly those who may be new.
Coffee and scones happens most Monday mornings, 10am till noon in the Parish Centre.
Table Tennis
We meet on a Monday evening at 7.30 pm in the Parish Centre from September through to April. No annual membership is required – just a small donation on turning up each week.
There are 3 championship standard tables and ancillary equipment (we even have a training robot!!) and coaching and advice is provided if required.
It has been proven that playing Table Tennis at any level of experience improves hand–eye coordination, stimulates mental alertness, concentration, and of course physical well being. So why not come along and have some fun and keep fit and healthy at the same time!
Indoor Bowls
Our enthusiastic and dedicated bowling club members meet on Wednesday nights at 7.15 pm in the Parish Centre, and our season runs from September through to Easter. During the summer also, a few dedicated members meet weekly to play outdoor bowls.
The club currently has 30 members, well balanced between men and women. We are always looking for new members, especially younger ones. The club can supply bowls, together with expert tuition. Our membership fee is terrific value at £20, but why not come along for a few weeks free trial so you can ‘try before you buy’.
The Annual Dinner and Prizegiving is very popular!
Choir and Music
Ballyholme Parish enjoys a broad and inclusive array of musical worship ranging from traditional Anglican chanting to modern worship songs and contemplative Taize and Iona folk styles such is the variety of our services and our worshippers.
Central to leading the worship of these services is our dedicated mixed voice choir whose commitment in time and talent are very much appreciated by everyone.
New styles of worship including the Introspective prayerful responses from the Taize and Iona communities are combined with traditional hymns, canticles and versicles to support the liturgy and the ministry team. Much time and thought is given to help the music and the liturgical content add to the worship.
The Choir have been joined by a small and very talented group of musicians whose occasional leading of All Age worship services at 10.00 a.m. adds a broad, ageless dimension to our services.
St Columbanus Walkers
St Columbanus Walkers meet once a month, usually on the first Saturday, to enjoy a good walk through the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland
The walks are generally 10k – 13k and always involve a coffee shop and lunch stop. They range from the nearby Scrabo Country Park area to farther afield in the Mournes, the Sperrins and the North Coast. We meet in the Church car park between 8.30 am and 9.30 am depending on where we are going and lifts are organised so don’t worry if you don’t have a car! We bring a packed lunch. In December we celebrate with a special Christmas lunch. So for plenty of fun, fellowship and fitness come and join the team for a good walk.
Facebook
YouTube