Excitement Builds as Sonshine Week Approaches at Green Pastures

With Sonshine Week fast approaching at Green Pastures, members and attendees from previous years have shared why the eagerly awaited church event in Ballymena has become the most popular on the Green Pastures calendar.

Held from 1 -7 July, Sonshine Week features a variety of events, including kids' clubs, coffee mornings, youth nights, men's nights, women's nights, carnival fun nights, a youth water fight, a mission night, Sonshine pop-ups at Harmony Hub, community projects, acts of kindness, and other fun activities.

Commented lead pastor Jeff Wright, "It's not just the most popular week of the year at our church, but possibly the busiest. There's so much taking place during Sonshine week it is hard to keep up with things. A lot of work and planning goes into the event, and one is certain: there's something for everyone, young and old."

Speaking about why Sonshine week is such a special time for the Faith Avenue-based assembly, Ruth Orr, an outreach person at the church, added. "It's the togetherness of the event that makes it so memorable. There's something about being on a mission at our local church and on the streets of our community. Everyone is on the same page, and we are reaching our town for the Lord Jesus. That's so exciting."

Another part of the regular outreach team, Richard Hastings, added, "It is an opportunity for Jesus to shine and hopefully for the sun to shine too. Regardless of good or bad weather, the most important thing is that the local community in Ballymena is exposed to family, friendship, fun, and faith. We believe Sonshine Week will deliver that."

Having attended several previous events, Noah McConnell, a youth leader, feels similar about why the mid-summer activity is so popular. "Sonshine Week is a wonderful chance to make the ‘Son’ shine in many people's lives, and with numerous events on offer, it never fails to disappoint. Of course, seeing someone accept the Son of God as their Saviour is the event's highlight and always makes the preparations worthwhile."

Gary Shirlow, a teacher and worship leader at Green Pastures and newly ordained Pastor at the church, said, "For me, the community spirit is the best part of seeing so many people have an awesome time. There's great craic, laughter, and some divine encounters during this special week of outreach."

Peter Dickey, a newly ordained pastor at Green Pastures, said, "The thing I love about Sonshine Week is that it shows our desire for God to step down into our community, and we always expect that He will do that."

This year's main events will be concluded by a giant celebration on the following Sunday featuring live worship and a message from Green Pastures' lead pastor, Jeff Wright.

A media representative at GP, Stacey Sheils, added, "Every single person, young to old, we pray will be impacted by who Jesus is and by the Sonshine Week volunteers. That's the aim of the whole week: to make the Son of God, Jesus Christ, shine and, in doing that, introduce people to the joy that changes all of our lives forever."

The message from GP, therefore, is that whether you're young, middle-aged, or elderly, Sonshine Week offers something for you, and most of all, a potentially life-changing encounter with God. So, why not see why this event should not be missed? 

For more information about Sonshine Week, which kicks off the following Monday, 1 July, visit the Green Pastures website or contact them at 028 2542 2541 or Faith Avenue, the Gateway, Ballymena.