Sundays from Carrickfergus Vineyard Church

In this message, we explore the Holy Spirit through the biblical picture of ruach — breath, wind and Spirit. From creation and Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones, to Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto his disciples and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, we see how God's Spirit brings life, restores what is broken and empowers us to speak words that bring encouragement and life to others. As we continue our “Come Holy Spirit” series, we're reminded that the Holy Spirit is actively at work — drawing us into relationship with God, reminding us of Jesus' words, guiding us into truth and bringing transformation to our lives and the lives of those around us.

In Week 2 of our Come Holy Spirit series, we explore what it means to be people who are “tabernacled” by the presence of God. From the Spirit hovering over creation, to God's presence dwelling in the tabernacle, to Jesus becoming the living temple, we discover how the Holy Spirit now lives in ordinary followers of Jesus. The Holy Spirit isn't an optional extra or something reserved for a few “super-spiritual” Christians. We are invited to know Him, be filled by Him and carry the presence of God into our everyday lives. As we look at the balance between God's Word and God's Spirit, we're encouraged to open our hearts, let go of fear and become increasingly aware of God's presence with us.

In this opening message of our Come Holy Spirit series, we explore who the Holy Spirit is, His role throughout Scripture, and why relationship with the Holy Spirit is such an important part of the Vineyard. Whether you're thirsty for more, suspicious because of past experiences, or simply uninformed about the Holy Spirit, we're invited to come on the journey together. Through Scripture, personal stories and the story of the Vineyard, we discover that the Holy Spirit doesn't simply give us something to believe in — He empowers us to live out the mission of Jesus, brings comfort and freedom, and draws us into deeper relationship with Him.

What happens when we pray? In this message, Chantel explores the powerful words, “Where stood a wall, now stands a way,” and challenges us to move beyond simply singing about breakthrough to actively praying and contending for it. Through personal stories and testimonies from Sharon, Bronwen and Hugh, we're encouraged to pray specifically for our families, our global neighbours and our local communities. We're reminded that God's promises are secure in Christ, that our prayers can go where our feet cannot, and that God invites ordinary people to partner with Him in seeing His kingdom come. This is a call to wake up, take our place in the battle, and become a people who pray.

What will people remember about your life? As we reach the final Hero of the Faith in this series, we look at Abraham — a man remembered not for his wealth, influence or achievements, but simply for his faith. Abraham trusted God's promises even when he couldn't see how they would be fulfilled. His journey teaches us that faith means stepping out in obedience, persevering through delay and uncertainty, and trusting God when we don't have the whole picture. This message challenges us to consider where God is asking us to take our next step, what we are holding too tightly, and what we are planting today that could outlive us. Like Abraham, we may not see the whole road ahead, but we can know the One who walks with us.

In this message from our Heroes of the Faith series, we look at the life of Matthew — a tax collector who was despised by his own people, yet personally invited by Jesus to “follow me.” Matthew's story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. His encounter with Jesus transformed his life, his relationships and ultimately his purpose. The very skills Matthew had developed as a tax collector were later used to write one of the four Gospels and leave a lasting legacy. As we explore Matthew's story, we're challenged to consider who Jesus might be asking us to reach, how we can use the gifts God has given us, and perhaps most importantly: What legacy are we going to leave behind?

What does it look like to live faithfully when the world around us is going in a completely different direction? In this message, we look at Noah and discover five lessons from his faith: believing God when no one else does, obeying before seeing the evidence, persevering through decades of ordinary faithfulness, recognising the influence our faith can have on those around us, and ultimately seeing how Noah's story points us towards Jesus and God's provision for salvation. Noah reminds us that faith isn't simply believing certain truths — it's living as though God's promises are certain, even before we see them fulfilled.

Joshua's life reminds us that faithful leadership doesn't happen overnight. Before leading Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua spent years serving, learning, and seeking God's presence. In this message, Allan explores Joshua's journey from apprentice to leader, highlighting the importance of mentorship, courage, obedience, and trusting God through every battle. As we face our own challenges, we're invited to ask a powerful question: "Am I on God's side?" and to echo Joshua's lifelong commitment: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

This week in our Heroes of the Faith series, Ellie explores the life of Peter—a disciple whose story is marked by bold faith, painful failure, and remarkable restoration. Through Peter's journey, we're reminded that God doesn't call perfect people; He calls ordinary people, shapes them through every success and setback, and invites them to step out in faith again and again. If you've ever felt like you've failed God or questioned your purpose, this message is a powerful reminder that Jesus' grace is greater than your mistakes.

Mary of Bethany only appears three times in the Gospels, yet her life offers a powerful picture of what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. In this message from our Heroes of the Faith series, we explore Mary's example of sitting at Jesus' feet, bringing her grief to Him, and offering Him her very best. Discover how her life challenges us to slow down, listen for God's voice, and choose devotion over distraction.

Rahab is one of the most surprising heroes in Hebrews 11. In this message, we explore how God used an unlikely woman—an outsider with a difficult past—to demonstrate extraordinary faith. Through the story of Jericho, the scarlet cord and God's remarkable rescue, we're reminded that our past doesn't define us, and that faith in Jesus can change both our story and our future.

This week we kick off our Heroes of the Faith series and Emma explores the remarkable story of Ruth—a woman whose loyalty, humility and courage became part of God's greater story of redemption. Through Ruth's ordinary yet faithful decisions, we're reminded that God shapes extraordinary purposes through everyday people. Discover how spending time with Jesus forms our character, why bold humility matters, and how God can use our lives to bring hope to others.

As summer beings, we're reminded that rest if one of God's gifts. This week Paul explores how slowing down, staying connected to church family, and making space for God can refresh our hearts and prepare us for what's ahead.

This week Brian concludes our teaching on the book of Psalms by exploring Psalm 2.

This week Chantel explores Psalm 91

This week, as part of our Living Well series, Paul explores Psalm 121.

This week Ellie continues our Living Well teaching series by taking a deep dive into Psalm 139.

This week Paul reflects on Psalm 145

This week we had the absolute joy of baptising five wonderful people in the life of our church.

This week Brian explores Psalm 103 as we journey through the book of Psalms. This sermon was taken from our baptism service, so please make sure to listen to the God stories of the five people we baptised!

This week, as part of our Living Well series, Mark/Surgi explores Psalm 51.

Join us as Chantel continues in our new teaching series, Living Well, as she explores Psalm 42.

This week Paul explores perhaps the most well known Psalm, Psalm 23.

Join us as we start a new teaching series “Living Well” as we search the book of Psalms over the next number of weeks.

This week we gathered as a whole church family for our Family Gathering.

This week, as we conclude our series on the gospel of Mark, Brian shares on the resurrection of Jesus as we celebrate Easter.

This week Chantel takes us into a deep dive into the end of Mark chapter 15, the death of Jesus.

This week, as we approach the end of our journey through the gospel of Mark, Paul takes us through the events leading up to Jesus' death.

This week, as we journey through Mark, Paul takes us into a deep dive in Mark chapter 15.

This week, as we continue our journey through Mark's gospel, Paul explores chapter 14 — Jesus' arrival at Bethany and the Last Supper. *apologies about the audio quality, we experienced a technical error.

At Encounter Emma and Brian sat down and chatted about Brian's new role as Associate Pastor.

This week Geoff Magill takes us through Mark chapter 13.

This week Mark takes a deeper dive into Mark 12 and explores how Jesus responded when asked what is the most important command?

This week, as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark, Paul takes a deep dive into Mark 11.

This week we were thrilled to be joined by our friend, Nathan Duddy, of Downshire Church, as he spoke so brilliantly on the Transfiguration of Jesus.

This week Brian brings us back to Mark 6, and asks some poignant questions.

This week Hannah explores Mark 9 and 10 as we journey through the Gospel of Mark together.

This week, as we kick off 2026, we were delighted to have our dear friend Andy Hickford, from Jubilee Leadership, share with us on Mary being at the feet of Jesus.

This week, as part of our Christmas Family Gathering, Brian shares a little behind the meaning of Christmas.

Join us as we journey through Mark chapter 10.

This week we were thrilled to have Kathy Maskell join us from East Denver Vineyard.

This week we spent some time thanking Philippa for her service to the women of Carrickfergus Vineyard and beyond over the last 7 years.

This week, as part of our journey through Marks gospel, Geoff, who together with his wife Lynn lead our children's ministry here at Carrick Vineyard, brings us a profound look into Mark chapter 9.

This week Paul takes us on a whistle stop tour of Mark chapter 8.

This week Paul explores Mark chapter 7 and we gather around the Lord's table for Communion so if you'd like to take communion with us, please get something to represent the Body and the Blood of Jesus.

This week, as part of our journey through Mark's gospel, Paul takes a look at Mark chapter 6.

This week, as we continue our deep dive into Mark's gospel, Chantel takes a look at Mark chapter 5.

This week, as we take a break from our teaching from the Gospel of Mark, we reflect on what God has done, is doing and will continue to do in and through our wee church in Carrickfergus. We also commission and pray for Brian Moore, as he steps into his role of Associate Pastor here at Carrickfergus Vineyard Church.

Join us as Paul continues in our deep dive into the Gopsel of Mark, as we look at chapter 4.

This week, as Ian continues our Marked series, we take a deep dive into Mark chapter 3.

This week, as we continue our series “Marked”, Chantel takes us through Mark chapter 2, and asks what are we marked by? In Mark chapter 2 we read of Jesus forgiving and healing a paralysed man, Jesus calling Levi (Matthew), A discussion about fasting and A discussion about the Sabbath