The story of Celestial Church of Christ, City of Kings Parish, Sunderland, UK is gradually becoming a story of faith, perseverance, growth and vision. Following the successful conclusion of its 2nd Adult Harvest Thanksgiving, themed “Greater Grace,” the Shepherd of the Parish, Superior Evangelist Akinbode Adeyemi has reaffirmed his determination to see the church grow beyond its present boundaries and establish a stronger and more enduring Celestial presence in the North East of England.
Located at St Bede United Reformed Church, 67 Sorley Street, Sunderland, SR4 7UY, CCC City of Kings Parish occupies a significant place in the development of the Celestial Church of Christ in the region, being regarded as the first CCC parish in North East England.
For its Shepherd, however, the achievement is only the beginning. “The vision is bigger than what we have today. We believe God will send the helpers who will help us take this work to the next level.”
The recently concluded Adult Harvest was an occasion of thanksgiving, but it also provided an opportunity for the parish to reflect on its journey. The theme, “Greater Grace,” captured the spirit of a congregation that believes its best days are still ahead.
From its foundation in Sunderland, the parish has continued to nurture worship, fellowship and the Celestial identity within the North East. Superior Evangelist Akinbode Adeyemi a native of Ondo State and product of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State believes that the church must continue to build on this foundation rather than remain satisfied with its present achievements.
His vision is to see CCC City of Kings Parish, Sunderland, UK develop into a strong spiritual centre capable of welcoming more worshippers and serving as a point of connection for Celestians across the North East. One of the most important aspirations now before the parish is the relocation to a larger auditorium.
The present worship location has provided a place for the congregation to gather, worship and grow. But with the Shepherd looking towards the future, the need for a more spacious and suitable facility has become increasingly important. A larger auditorium would provide greater capacity for worship services, harvest celebrations, evangelism, youth programmes, meetings and other activities associated with a growing parish.
For Superior Evangelist Akinbode Adeyemi, securing such a facility is not just a building project. It is part of a larger vision for the future of CCC in North East England. And while the resources required may appeal significant, the Shepherd remains unwavering in his faith.
Superior Evangelist Akinbode Adeyemi believes that there are people whom God will raise to identify with the work and assist the parish in achieving its dream. That assistance, he believes, may come through Celestians, philanthropists, organisations, friends of the church and individuals who understand the importance of establishing a permanent and flourishing Celestial presence in the region.
The call, therefore, is not simply for financial support but for partnership with a vision. A vision to create a facility that can serve the present congregation and generations of Celestians yet to come.
The significance of CCC City of Kings Parish, Sunderland, UK goes beyond its current congregation. As the first CCC parish in North East England, its development could provide a foundation upon which future Celestial parishes and communities in the region can be established.
The vision of the Shepherd is consequently one that looks beyond today’s membership. It is about creating something sustainable, something that younger members can inherit, develop and eventually pass on to another generation. This makes the proposed auditorium more than a physical structure. It represents a statement of permanence, commitment and confidence in the future of Celestial Church of Christ in North East England
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