It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Heggarty during the early hours of Monday morning, 30th June 2025. Elizabeth was a cherished soul whose warmth, faith, and steadfast presence touched so many lives, including those of us at Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church. As the beloved mother of Paula, David, and Jonathan, Elizabeth was more than a matriarch; she was a beacon of love, grace, and devotion, whose legacy will forever resonate in our hearts and community.
Each Sabbath, it was a true blessing to witness the beautiful tapestry of three generations of the Lewis family—Paul and Paula, their sons Matthew and Andrew, and dear Elizabeth—joining together in worship. Elizabeth’s presence was a quiet yet powerful testament to her unwavering faith in God and her deep commitment to her family and church. Her gentle smile and kind spirit radiated a warmth that made everyone feel welcomed, loved, and uplifted. She was a woman of grace, whose life exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion, and devotion to her Lord. Her gifts and giving were donated with a warm, voluntary spirit, as she devoted herself to her Redeemer.
As the mother of Paula, Elizabeth poured her heart into raising a daughter who carries forward her strength and faith. Together with Paul, Paula, Matthew, and Andrew, Elizabeth formed a family whose unity and love for one another were evident to all who knew them. Their shared moments of worship with us were a reminder of the beauty of generational faith, a legacy that Elizabeth nurtured with care and prayer. The same is true for her boys David and Jonathan, their wives, and families.
Elizabeth’s life was a living testimony to the words of Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Her faithfulness to God and her family was a source of inspiration, and her memory will continue to encourage us to live with the same steadfast love and devotion.
To Paula, Paul, Matthew, Andrew, and the entire family circle, we extend our deepest sympathies. We pray that the God of all comfort will wrap you in His peace and sustain you with His love in the days ahead. Elizabeth’s life was a gift, and her memory will remain a blessing to us all. May we take comfort in knowing that she now rests in the presence of her Saviour, where we shall one day be reunited in eternal worship.
With love and prayers,
The Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church Family
Called Home on 30th June 2025 at Beverly Lodge Care Home. Loving mother of Paula, Jonathan, and David. Mother-in-law to Paul, Julia, and Gill. Cherished Nana to Matthew, Andrew, James, Ben, John, Abigail, Olivia, Elizabeth, and Mary. Beloved sister of Dr. Grace Pettigrew. Greatly missed by her entire family circle and friends.
A Service of Thanksgiving for her life will be held on Saturday 5th July at 12 noon in Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to OMF International, c/o David Crymble and Sons Funeral Directors, 330 Woodstock Road, Belfast, BT6 9DP. (Cheques made payable to the charity, please.)
Family and friends are warmly welcome to visit the family and share refreshments at 11 Bloomfield Gardens, Belfast, BT5 5JU on Wednesday & Thursday from 1pm to 8pm.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Psalm 116:15
Service of Thanksgiving Live Stream
Summary of the Sermon on Psalm 23
The sermon, delivered with a focus on Psalm 23, is a heartfelt reflection on the comforting and guiding role of God as the shepherd, particularly in the context of the life and passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Heggarty, who faced significant illness. The preacher uses Psalm 23 to convey themes of divine guidance, provision, presence, peace, and promise, weaving in personal anecdotes and theological insights to emphasize the personal relationship believers can have with God through Jesus Christ.
Key Points of the Sermon:
- Personal Connection to Psalm 23:
- The preacher begins by reading Psalm 23 twice: first in its traditional form and then personalized by substituting Elizabeth’s name for the pronouns “I” and “me.” This personalization underscores the intimate, comforting role the psalm played in Elizabeth’s life, especially during her illness over the past two years.
- The preacher notes that he frequently read this psalm to Elizabeth, highlighting its significance in offering her solace and hope during her struggles.
- Authorship and Context of Psalm 23:
- Attributed to King David, the psalm is believed to have been written in his old age, reflecting on a life guided by God.
- David, a former shepherd himself, draws on his experience to liken God to a shepherd who cares for His sheep, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His people.
- The Necessity of the Shepherd:
- The sermon explains why a shepherd is essential: without one, sheep (symbolizing humans) are lost, prone to straying, and unable to find meaning or direction in life.
- Scriptural references, such as Isaiah 53:6 (“All we like sheep have gone astray”) and Psalm 119:176, reinforce humanity’s need for divine guidance due to sin and waywardness.
- The preacher asserts that humans are created for a relationship with the “heavenly shepherd,” without whom life lacks purpose.
- The Identity of the Shepherd:
- The term “Lord” in Psalm 23, written in capital letters, signifies Jehovah, the covenant God, identified in the New Testament as Jesus Christ.
- Jesus is described as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), the “Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20), and the “Chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), emphasizing His divine role in guiding and sacrificing for His people.
- The sermon highlights Jesus’ sinless life, atoning death, and role as the mediator of salvation, underscoring His identity as God incarnate.
- The Personal Relationship with the Shepherd:
- The phrase “my shepherd” in Psalm 23 signifies a personal, possessive relationship with God, not merely an abstract acknowledgment of His role.
- An anecdote contrasts a skilled orator who recites Psalm 23 flawlessly but lacks personal faith with an old minister who recites it with deep conviction, knowing the Shepherd personally. This illustrates the difference between intellectual knowledge and a heartfelt relationship with God.
- The Provision of the Shepherd:
- The sermon outlines the provisions of the shepherd in Psalm 23:
- Rest: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures” symbolizes tranquility and peace.
- Refreshment: “He leadeth me beside the still waters” reflects God’s provision of spiritual refreshment.
- Restoration: “He restoreth my soul” points to spiritual renewal.
- Righteousness: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness” refers to both Christ’s imputed righteousness and the call to live rightly according to God’s Word.
- These provisions highlight God’s active role in nurturing and guiding His people.
- The sermon outlines the provisions of the shepherd in Psalm 23:
- The Presence of the Shepherd:
- The phrase “Thou art with me” is described as the central theme of Psalm 23, emphasizing God’s constant presence, especially in life’s darkest moments, such as “the valley of the shadow of death.”
- The shepherd’s rod (for counting and protecting sheep) and staff (for guiding them back to safety) symbolize God’s comfort and correction.
- The sermon stresses that true Christians need not fear death because God is with them, providing assurance and companionship.
- The Peace of the Shepherd:
- Verses 5–6 of Psalm 23 depict God preparing a table in the presence of enemies, anointing the head with oil, and causing the cup to overflow, symbolizing peace, safety, and abundance even amidst adversity.
- The preacher shares a story about an art competition where the winning painting depicted a dove finding peace in a rock’s cleft during a storm, illustrating the biblical promise of “perfect peace” (Isaiah 26:3) for those who trust in God.
- Elizabeth’s life is cited as an example of finding peace in God’s promises despite numerous personal storms.
- The Promise of the Shepherd:
- The sermon concludes with the assurance of Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
- The preacher likens goodness and mercy to guardian angels or sheepdogs that accompany believers through life.
- Elizabeth’s assurance of heaven is attributed not to her own merits but to God’s grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). Her salvation rested on Christ’s sinless life, atoning death, and substitutionary sacrifice, not on her works or religiosity.
- Application and Call to Faith:
- The sermon challenges listeners to consider whether they can personally claim, “The Lord is my shepherd,” urging them to trust in Jesus as their Savior and Shepherd.
- It emphasizes universal sinfulness (Romans 3:23) and the need for a Savior to guide the soul through life and into eternity.
- The preacher encourages those facing difficulties or feeling lost to find hope and peace in Christ, who offers forgiveness and eternal life.
Theological Themes:
- Divine Guidance: God, as the shepherd, leads, protects, and restores His people.
- Personal Relationship: Salvation involves a personal, trusting relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Grace and Faith: Salvation is by grace through faith, not works, as exemplified by Elizabeth’s trust in Christ.
- Assurance of Salvation: Believers can have confidence in eternal life through Christ’s finished work.
- Peace in Adversity: God provides peace and strength in life’s storms, as illustrated by Elizabeth’s experience.
Emotional and Contextual Notes:
- The sermon is deeply personal, reflecting the preacher’s long relationship with Elizabeth (26 years) and her struggles with illness.
- It is delivered in a memorial or funeral context, aiming to comfort mourners while pointing them to the hope of salvation in Christ.
- The tone is pastoral, blending scriptural exposition with practical application and emotional resonance, particularly through anecdotes and Elizabeth’s story.
This sermon uses Psalm 23 to affirm God’s faithful guidance and provision, offering comfort to those grieving Elizabeth’s loss while calling others to a personal faith in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
