Closing celebration for hugely successful ‘Beyond The Veil’ exhibition
Magheralin Parish’s hugely successful ‘Beyond the Veil’ wedding dress exhibition ended last night with a closing celebration in the church which was full to overflowing.
The preacher was Mrs Hilary McClay whose husband, David, was a former curate in Magheralin. Hilary preached from Luke 1 and God’s intervention in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth. These 2 women – one married and one preparing for her wedding – responded with obedience and trust and their lives took on eternal significance. In the light of God’s love and care for us, she challenged us to respond with a ‘yes’, both to God’s invitation to the Wedding Feast and his call upon our lives.
Also taking part was ‘Kerygma, The Good News Choir’ (below) and their musical director, Lorna Palmer. The choir was formed for the Year of Mission and they performed; How can l keep from singing/Praise Him, Via Dolorsa, Behold The Man and When the Saints Go Marching In.
One of the hymns was an arrangement of, My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness, by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend. Just before singing it the congregation watched a short video message from Keith whose great grandparents were members of the parish. His wife Kristyn’s dress was also part of the exhibition.
The service was also the occasion of a surprise presentation to the rector, Canon Gareth Harron, who was celebrating 20 years of ordained ministry. The parish presented him with an ‘Ebenezer’ a carved stone inscribed with the words from Ephesians 3: 20 & 21. (Literally speaking, an Ebenezer is a “stone of help,” or a reminder of God’s real, holy presence and divine aid).
The exhibition, which had several thousand visitors over 9 days, sought to tell the ‘big’ story of the Bible by highlighting the lives of famous women in scripture but also to raise both awareness and funds to support the work of A21, an anti–human trafficking charity. The sum raised has yet to be announced but will be significant. The Church Renovation Fund will also benefit.
Bishop Harold commented:
“What a brilliant ‘Year of Mission’ project the ‘Behind the Veil’ exhibition was in Magheralin church. Sunday night was the finale with music from Kerygma – the Good News Choir. It was an unforgettable service: after the Christmas festival and ‘Behind the Veil’, I wonder what comes next!?”
View a gallery of the exhibition here.