EARLIER this month we previewed a concert to celebrate the life of the Rev Liz McElhinney, a Church of Ireland minister who died in June from Motor Neurone Disease.
The concert, attended by more than 1,000 people, took place in Shankill Church in the centre of Lurgan last Friday, and the organisers are thrilled that more than £12,500 has so far been raised from the night.
Funds from the concert are to go to support the work of the MND Association Northern Ireland.
Bishop Ken Clarke, who was the compere for the evening, described the Rev McElhinney as a "joy carrier".
"Liz was caring, compassionate and consistent - a joy to be with; a privilege to know," he said.
The concert highlighted Rev McElhinney's vibrant Christian faith, particularly in the face of suffering.
A selection of poems that she wrote following her diagnosis with MND were at the heart of the evening, and were read by actors Ian McElhinney - a relative - and his son Matthew, who was Liz's godson.
Dr Sharon Heron, the Rev McElhinney's creative writing mentor, said that Liz's vision for the poems grew steadily as she wrote of her experience, hoping that "some glory might be brought to the Lord she loved".
The evening also included a poignant and inspiring video testimony that the Rev McElhinney recorded six months following her MND diagnosis and musical performances from the cross-community Lurgan Musical Society.
Shankill Parish Choir, accompanied by Carl McCambley, soloist Nicola Brown and traditional Irish musicians led by Sean Hanily from Dublin also took part.
Liz had discovered in Christ not only a 'bridge over troubled waters', but the best thing we should all seek and find
Twenty of the Rev McElhinney's poems have been compiled into a printed collection called Solid Joys, Lasting Treasure. The book has been illustrated by Liz's son, David.
"The poems in this booklet are witness to Liz's spirit swelling and her faith deepening, even in the darkest and most difficult and painful of times," said Bishop Clarke.
"She pressed on in the midst of pain and discomfort, the loss of independence and a raft of other challenges. But with her co–climber Christ beside her and within, she struggled to the summit.
"Liz had discovered in Christ not only a 'bridge over troubled waters', but the best thing we should all seek and find."
- Click here for more information about the MND Association.
- Copies of Liz McElhinney's poetry collection, Solid Joys, Lasting Treasure, and a CD of Ian McElhinney reading it, can be ordered here.
