The new hot spot at Ballymoney!

‘Hot Spot’ will be held between 1-3pm and offers a chance to meet new friends, enjoy chat, a quiet read of the papers, and a light lunch.

Eighteen ladies and gentlemen attended the Hot Spot launch last Monday and enjoyed homemade vegetable soup served with a bread roll and refreshments.

Mayor of Ballymoney Cllr Ian Stevenson was delighted to hear of the new venture and sent his best wishes to members and volunteers at Ballymoney Salvation Army saying: “‘I am always keen to support the work of those doing charitable work for the people of Ballymoney. During its time working for the community locally The Salvation Army has provided help in many ways to those in need within the borough and this lunch initiative will add to their work reaching out to the local community. I would commend all those involved in this initiative and wish it every success.’”

Hot Spot is one of several activities run by Ballymoney Salvation Army. On Tuesday mornings parents, carers and pre-school children meet at 10am for structured play time. Places are still available and cost just £1.50 per family each week. Prayer and bible study is open to everyone on Wednesday evenings from 7pm and Sunday worship for the whole family is held at 4pm.

“We were delighted to meet so many friends at the launch of Hot Spot last week and pray many more people will join with us in the coming weeks for a time of relaxation, fellowship and laughter together,” explained Divisional Envoy (minister) Victor Haslett of Ballymoney Salvation Army Community Church.

“As a church we have been praying for some time now about how God can reach out to the local community through The Salvation Army and address local needs. We know there are a lot of people who are struggling to keep warm during the current economic climate, who are lonely and keen to meet new friends and we pray Hot Spot will provide friendship and blessings to all who attend,” said Victor.

Victor and his wife Thelma have been attending Ballymoney Salvation Army Community Church for several years and are excited about the new

Hot Spot Initiative which has developed from a vision which Divisional Envoy Thelma had many months ago.

“As a church The Salvation Army seeks to be at the heart of communities and we want to reach out to people and get to know our neighbours. We are looking forward to welcoming many new friends to our church over the coming weeks and months,” said Thelma. “You don’t have to worship with us to come along to any of our activities,” she explained, ‘everyone is welcome and if you don’t already have a church where you worship regularly, then why not come along on Sunday afternoons and see what we are all about.’

For further information on Ballymoney Salvation Army Community Church and any of the weekly activities taking place, contact Victor and Thelma Haslett at 028 2957 1806.