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United Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough

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13.08.2025

Walking Together in the Vineyard – New Chapter for St Matthias’ Killiney–Ballybrack

Walking Together in the Vineyard – New Chapter for St Matthias’ Killiney–Ballybrack
The Revd Scott Evans with his wife Christina (right), parents Geoff and Margaret and sister Lindsay following Scott’s institution in St Matthias’ in Killiney–Ballybrack.

“Ministry in the Kingdom of God is a vineyard – growing and maturing together over time” a packed St Matthias’ Church heard yesterday evening (Tuesday August 12). Preaching at the institution of the Revd Scott Evans as Rector of Killiney–Ballybrack, the Revd Rob Jones said that Scott is called not just to lead but to equip, to walk alongside and to remind the parishioners that they too are branches on the vine.

The service was celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackson. The Revd Scott Evans was joined by his wife Christina, parents Geoff and Margaret and sister Lindsay and the wider family circle. Parishioners of St Matthias’ were joined in the pews by numerous friends and well wishers who have journeyed with Scott on his ministerial path as Chaplain in UCD and TUD and Curate in Holy Trinity, Rathmines, along with a great number of clerical colleagues.

Welcoming the congregation, Archbishop Michael Jackson thanked everyone who had made the service possible and for coming to welcome Scott and his family as he and the parish embark on a fresh chapter of ministry and of God’s ministry in Killiney–Ballybrack.

The new Rector of St Matthias, the Revd Scott Evans (centre) with Gillian Keogh, the Revd Sean Hanily, the Revd Rob Jones, Archbishop Michael Jackson, Archdeacon David Pierpoint and Leslie Grant.
The new Rector of St Matthias, the Revd Scott Evans (centre) with Gillian Keogh, the Revd Sean Hanily, the Revd Rob Jones, Archbishop Michael Jackson, Archdeacon David Pierpoint and Leslie Grant.

Rector of Holy Trinity, Rathmines, the Revd Rob Jones, said the institution is the beginning of the next chapter in Scott’s calling and a new chapter for the parish and for Scott and Christina and their family.

He reflected on the concept of calling. He said the call is personal, pointing to John 15 when Jesus says ‘I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.’ “There’s deep intimacy in this image — connection, relationship, organic growth, and the promise of new life,” he said.

But Rob noted that Jesus begins by saying to his disciples ‘Abide in me’. “Our first calling — before preaching, pastoring, or planning — is to abide. To dwell in the love of Christ. To sit at His feet. To cultivate, as tonight’s Psalm says, a rhythm of stillness, and listening , where we know — deeply — that God is our refuge and strength. Abiding is not a job description. It’s not a checklist. It’s not a chore. It’s a relationship,” he explained.

The Revd Rob Jones.
The Revd Rob Jones.

Yet while the call is personal, it is also to be shared. He said that the institution is not only about Scott or his family, it is about the community, the parish, the vine – “Because ministry in the Kingdom of God is never a solo act. It’s not a performance. It’s a vineyard — growing and maturing together over time.”

He said Scott will be a leader who deeply cares and will tend the branches on the vine. He is not entering a consumer–driven ministry, but joining an organic community which grows together, bears fruit together and perseveres together.

The call is beautiful but can be costly, the preacher said. He said there will be times when leadership feels more like a burden than a joy and that the call is not always to be strong or successful but it is to be faithful.

Finally, he said, the call is not conditional stating that Jesus said ‘you did not choose me, but I chose you’. “Scott, God is with you — in ways you can see, and in many you never will. The call is not something that is conditional on your effectiveness , or even your many gifts, it’s saying yes to being chosen and trusting for all that is ahead. And this parish — these wonderful people — walking alongside you, will be part of something new and exciting,” he stated.

The Revd Scott Evans is instituted by Archbishop Michael Jackson.
The Revd Scott Evans is instituted by Archbishop Michael Jackson.

He urged Scott to remain rooted in the vine, lead with humility, preach with clarity and conviction and teach with wisdom. He asked the parish to continue to pray for Scott, encourage him and walk with him. He also asked them to help him cut down on the amount of Monster Energy drinks he consumes. He closed with the Prayer for the Eastern Church from the Book of Common Prayer.

Speaking after the service Kate Patterson welcomed Scott and his family on behalf of the parish community. “We have been eagerly awaiting this day,” she said adding that the parish of St Matthias is dedicated to spreading the word of the Lord and living up to their motto ‘Embracing life in all its fullness’ [John 10:10]. They reach out to their community with love and compassion, she said adding that they were so excited to meet Scott and his family.

Fr John Sinnott PP of the nearby Our Lady of Good Counsel Church said he is delighted to see the wonderful warm welcome for Scott and his family on such a warm evening. As a fellow former Chaplain at UCD, he said he is very much looking forward to working with Scott in the field of the Lord.

The last word of the evening went to the new Rector who said he and his family have received an incredibly warm welcome to the parish. “During every step on the way, every member of the vestry, the nominators and those who have prepared the house, have been incredible,” he stated. He thanked all who had taught him how to lead, including the preacher the Revd Rob Jones. He said he could not wait to get to know St Matthias’ parishioners and prayed they would be gracious as they get to know him.

A packed St Matthias' Church for the institution of the new Rector.
A packed St Matthias' Church for the institution of the new Rector.

 

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