2025 will be a big year for Killyleagh Parish as we celebrate the 385th anniversary of St John the Evangelist’s establishment. The church that stands on the hill overlooking Killyleagh and Strangford lough is a quintessential landmark of the town.
We are putting our heads together as we prepare for this momentous milestone. ‘Vision 2025’ is about celebrating and reaffirming St John’s prominence in the community, not just as a landmark, but where people can connect with each other, worship together, and find the answers to life’s meaning.
‘Vision 2025’ is about:
1. Reimagining church to be accessible to all
2. Renewing our faith and commitment
3. Reviving the passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ
4. Reshaping our world
These four areas of re-viewing our current state may seem like four mountains to conquer, yet is completely do-able. In a symbolic act of faith, Rev Eben will be partaking in the 4-Peak Challenge, literally climbing the four highest mountain peaks of the UK (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, and Slieve Donard) over just three days from 21 to 23 June, to raise funds towards making ‘Vision 2025’ a reality.
The Diocese of Down and Dromore provided a £5000 grant to the parish for rejuvenating key areas, such as children’s ministries, evangelistic outreach, and community programmes. By doing the 4-Peak Challenge, Rev Eben is hoping that through sponsorship the parish can match the Diocese’s contribution.
'Vision 2025' is about seeing the lay of the land from a high vantage point, determining where we are going, and plotting a course of action so that the future can be reached with confidence. As we get to the top of the 4 peaks of ‘Vision 2025’, we will ensure that a 5th peak, the hill on which St John’s stands will be reached by multiple generations.
Make it known that we are determined to reach 4 peaks plus 1!