I am Rev. Peter Ferguson, Church of Ireland minister in Castlederg. I enjoy running and as I run, I talk to God about my concerns and hopes.I feel that God stretches me and gives me ideas - this is both exciting and exhilarating.

At this difficult time, I miss daily contact with parishioners, so had the idea of training for the first Derg and Killeter Door to Door Marathon, praying for the parish and community as I run. Many of our planned events are cancelled, and this on-line initiative is the only way we can reach out to the community.

In Derg and Killeter Parishes, our mission statement is " Reaching Up, Reaching In, Reaching Out : for God, for each other, for the community". This drives us in everything we do. We don't just think of our needs, but of others as well, as can be seen in the many community reaching projects and ministries we provide - at home and overseas . Examples are our parish shop, childrens & youth ministries and missionary partnerships.

In Killeter Parish, we are raising funds under the Bright and Beautiful Campaign to restore our beloved church. In Derg Parish we have ongoing maintenance works and a long term vision of seeing our Youth Hall upgraded.

To find out more about us, we can be found on our Youtube channel Derg and Killeter Church of Ireland or Facebook St. Johns Church, Castlederg or St. Bestius Church, Killeter .

I plan to run a solo marathon from the Rectory around the Parish on Friday,15th May starting 10.30am (TBC pending time for foot injury recovery). If all goes well, I plan to repeat this monthly as long as "lockdown" continues !

Note - this is NOT a weekly envelope replacement ! Many churches are providing hope and support , and are missing their weekly envelope donations and income from events , so please remember your church at this difficult time.

All funds generated from this initiative will go to ministry through Derg and Killeter Parishes.

Thank you for your support,

Peter