Encounter: A morning for women in Down & Dromore

We're heading to the seaside for the next Encounter event for women in Down and Dromore on Saturday 6 June 2026. Please join us in St John's Newcastle, for worship, Bible teaching, fellowship and food. Bring along some friends!

Hosted by: Hilary McClay

Worship leader: Sarah McDonald

Testimony & story from: Carolina Schmidt and Jacqué McNeill

Bible teaching: Karen Salmon

CAROLINA SCHMIDT

Carolina is from Santiago, Chile and is visiting Northern Ireland with SAMS. She is currently taking part in a full-time ministerial apprenticeship programme at St James Anglican Church in Santiago where she is active in women’s ministry. Carolina worked in tourism for many years and would have described herself as an atheist. Ten years ago, however, her life took a profound turn when she committed herself fully to Christ.

JACQUÉ MCNEILL

Ballymena artist Jacqué McNeill is married to Ivan and has four children and seven grandchildren. Although she works in the art world her burning desire has been to use her talent to present the gospel message in a creative way. Jacqué had been running Christian workshops and organising creative services in First Ballymena Presbyterian Church for over 20 years before her artwork the Lion Of Judah appeared from rubbish and an amazing journey began.

KAREN SALMON

Karen is the rector of Magherally and Annaclone, but began her career as a nurse in Belfast City Hospital. That experience sparked a passion for preventive health care and led her into work as a health visitor in north Belfast. Over time, Karen sensed a call to overseas mission, which opened the door to a rich twenty-year period in Ethiopia with Crosslinks. On returning home, she pursued full-time ministry in the Church of Ireland and was ordained in 2018.

PROGRAMME

9.30am Coffee & registration

9.50am Welcome & worship

10.30am Testimony & Story

11.15am Brunch

12.00pm Bible Teaching

The event will end at approximately 1.00pm, although prayer ministry may continue.

BOOKS

As on previous occasions, our friends at will have a selection of books and gifts to buy.

Tickets are £12 per person and include brunch. Please book early as space is limited.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Diocese of Down & Dromore