Lurgan: Shankill
Christ the Redeemer, Church Place, Lurgan
Directions to the church:
Shankill Parish Church is located right in the centre of Lurgan's Main Street. The Church is approx 3 miles from the Lurgan exit of the M1 Motorway.
Service times:
Sundays
9am: Early Morning Service
Holy Communion: Weekly
10.30am: Main Morning Service
Baptism Service: 1st Sunday
Family Service: 3rd Sunday
Holy Communion: 4th Sunday
6.30pm: Evening Service
Celebration Service: 2nd & 4th Sunday
Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday
Contact us:
Rev Geoff Wilson (Rector)
028 3832 5673 (Office)
The Revd Craig Cooney (Curate)
(028) 3834 4402
The Revd Carlton Baxter (NSM Curate)
(028) 3833 0144
The Revd Canon John Moore (Auxiliary Minister)
(028) 3832 1606
Denis Johnston (Lay Reader)
(028) 3832 2044
Mrs Christine Connolly (Lay Reader)
(028) 3834 7443
Miss Laura Kenwell (Children & Youth Pastor)
(028) 3832 6040
Mrs Joy Stevenson (Young Families)
(028) 3832 5673
Heather Clarke (Parish Administrator)
(028) 3832 5673
Jethro Centre Website - www.jethrocentre.org
The Jethro Centre, Flush Place, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, BT66 7DT
Telephone: (028) 3832 5673
Trevor Douglas (Jethro Centre Manager)
(028) 3832 5673
A bit about us:
The original church was founded on Oxford Island (approx 5 miles from present site) in 1411. With the arrival of John Brownlow into the area in 1609, the nucleus of the town of Lurgan was established and a new church was built in 1609 on a new site (approx 1 mile from present site). A new church became necessary in the early 18th Century and a fund was commenced to build on the green of Lurgan. This church was consecrated in 1725, a steeple was added in 1736 and 20 years later this was topped by a spire. In 1829 more seating was needed and 20 years later a gallery was erected in the south transcept.In 1859 the building was taken down and replaced with the current church structure. The foundation stone for this building was laid in 1861 and the church was consecrated and dedicated as 'Christ Church' in 1863. Galleries were built on 3 sides. As it stands today, the church seats 2000 people and is the largest parish church in Ireland. Although the dedication was as Christ Church, it is now known as Christ the Redeemer.
Shankill parish once included the area now adminsitered by St John's, Lurgan. It became independent in 1968, but some years earlier the expansion of Lurgan necessitated the building of another church/hall on the Banbridge Road. This was Brownlow Hall, dedicated in the name of St Andrew and was opened in 1963. This building was replaced by the Jethro Centre in 2005.
The building became too small and permission was granted by the Irish Parliament to build a church on the present site, known as the green of Lurgan. Shankill Parish Church was completed and consecrated in 1725. The "Big Church" as Shankill is known locally, is the largest parish church in Ireland, serving some 1400 families.
Shankill Parish is a Christ centred, lively and culturally relevant church for all ages. Our aim is to be "a welcoming Christian community, enabling more and more people to experience the reconciling love of Christ". Our core values are based on relationships that matter:
Receiving relevant Biblical teaching
Engaging in dynamic worship
Living in a loving community
Applying consistently what we learn
Tithing our income and being wise stewarts Offering our gifts in service to others Nurturing children and young people as Christian disciples Supporting and growing a vibrant network of small groups Helping one another in practical ways Increasing awareness of global mission
Pursuing excellence
Submitting to Christ in all things
The Jethro Centre first opened its doors in September 2006 and is managed by the Shankill Parish Caring Association (SPCA). The vision of the Shankill Parish Caring Association is to seek to promote the well being of the inhabitants of Lurgan and its envions and to promote the Christian faith among them. The Jethro Centre is a modern, 23,000 sq ft building which provided top class facilities including, conference halls, meeting rooms and a Cafe.
Many varied and interesting courses take place within the Centre which meets the needs of the Local Community and enables The Shankill Parish Caring Association fulfil its mission.
For more information, visit www.jethrocentre.org
Activities at the Jethro Centre;
- Kidz Patch - breakfast and after school care
- Cafe Zipporah
- Bowling Tournament
- Monthly indoor boot sale
- Craft Fairs
- Birthday Parties
- Community Worship
The Future:
Shankill Parish's vision for the next five years is based on "together knowing Jesus and seeking to make Him known". We are committed to be focused on Jesus, to enable ministry, to develop leaders, to be committed to evangelism, to prioritise young families, to be involved in society and to advance the Kingdom of God.
Organisations in the parish:
Choir
Praise Group
Forte - Creative Children's Group
Rainbow Guides
Brownies
Girl Guides
Squirrels
Beavers
Cub Scouts
Scouts
Youth Club
Crusaders
Junior Jesus Club
Kids for Jesus
Puppet Ministry
Toddler Time
Mens' Groups
Mothers' Union
Womens' Guild
Fellowship groups
Cinema Club
Cedars - craft, Bible Class, walking (over 50s) @ the Jethro Centre
Friendship Centre
Classes - aerobics, craft, ballet, Jo Jingles, singing, dog training, stretch & relax, singing lessons, speech and drama @ the Jethro Centre
Southern Regional College classes - art, flower arranging, photography @ the Jethro Centre