Deaconess Information - Elizabeth Matthews

Background:

Elizabeth comes from Dromore and was brought up in Banbridge Road congregation, later moving to Sloan Street, Lisburn. She completed a one year Woman Worker training course at Union Theological College during 1981/82 and served, firstly, in South Belfast Friendship House and then in a community outreach in Hill Street Presbyterian Church in Lurgan. Elizabeth commenced deaconess training in 1992 and was commissioned and inducted as a Deaconess in Hill Street in November 1994. In September 1998 she joined the Overseas Board and served as a PCI missionary in India until 2004 when she came home after illness. Following a period in Newington as a Pastoral Worker, she returned to Hill Street as a Deaconess in 2005. Elizabeth has two sons and four grandchildren.

Present Ministry:

Since the arrival of the new Minister in Hill Street, Elizabeth has taken on a new role in the congregation. Her remit is outreach from the congregation. She runs the Open Door Centre, a drop-in centre for the local community where lunch is also provided. She is also involved in the Mother & Toddler Group and has set up English classes for foreign nationals. She is involved in the summer outreach programme as well as the Minus One widows' group. She has also been appointed as a Voluntary Chaplain in Craigavon Area Hospital, a role she really enjoys.

Interests:

Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She also likes doing crafts, knitting, sewing and card making. She enjoys travel, and returns to India as often as she can.

Prayer Requests:

• Praise God for His faithfulness.
• Praise God for good health.
• Pray for Elizabeth's spiritual walk that she will keep close to God and that Christ will be central in everything she does.
• Pray that friendships will be built up with those who attend the English classes.
• Pray that our congregation will be salt and light in the community.