This week we start a four week worship series called “Talking Taboos.” What are the topics we’re not supposed to talk about at a dinner party, or we seem to avoid talking about in our society? Faith connects to all of our lives. It’s about all the ways we live, all the things that we do. And it turns out that Jesus spent a lot of time talking about and doing things everyone else thought he shouldn’t.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone at Leaside Church for the wonderful celebrations of Friday evening and Sunday morning, I am the lucky one to have been with you for 25 years.
It was great to see so many people from all over the country, my special guests from the States and our church community.
The Leaside team that brought the party to fruition, my thanks as you were just amazing. The special cake and reception on Sunday was so thoughtful, not to mention yummy.
For 25 years we have been a community together and now I leave with a sense of thankfulness and joy. Your generous gift will allow me to pursue my travels to places near and far.
Thank you for the memories and your companionship.
Sharon’s “Thank You” Speech from Retirement Party – Friday, September 28, 2018
“My thanks for all of you for being here – I am honoured and overwhelmed – so much so that I’m speechless in more ways than one.
65 years ago my mom and dad chose a baby girl to come into their family. I am so grateful to them for their nurturing. I’m from a medical family but instead of becoming an MD I was able to pursue my love of music. Ballet at the age of three and actually dancing with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in my teens, Junior choir, senior choir and playing the organ at my home church – Oxford United in Winnipeg, Piano lessons which led to organ lessons, Synchronized Swimming – being Manitoba champ – all culminated in my Music studies at the University of Manitoba and graduate work at University of Alberta. You will notice everything had a basis of music.
When I first came to Leaside 25 years ago I really wanted to bring joy and a sense of fun. A sign that was on my door for years states – the values of a smile – it costs nothing. It enriches those who receive it, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yes it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away! Like the song –‘ love is something if you give it away – you end up having more”.
Throughout my time here there have been many ups and downs but I always try to look for the positive. I’m much like the cock-eyed optimist – how hard can this be? Rather corny, but that’s me. There have been many who have supported this journey of music ministry. I won’t name you for fear of forgetting a name (after-all I am now OLD – the government actually sends me a cheque each month!). All of you here in body and those in spirit have supported this journey and now I’m starting a new one.
To close I’ll say the words that Carol Burnett signed off every one of her shows with:
“I’m so glad we’ve had this time together,
Just to have a laugh and sing a song,
Seems we just get started and before you know it,
Comes the time we have to say so long!”
Thank you for the opportunity to serve in Music Ministry here at Leaside – and God bless all of you!”
Sharon L. Beckstead
How do you summarize 25 years of music ministry and accomplishments in one celebratory weekend. You don’t!
We will miss Sharon’s musical gifts and talents very much and wish her all the best in her retirement, enjoying weekends off for the first time in many years.
On Friday night we were treated to a fabulous concert of music featuring organ, trumpet and the Chancel Choir. Wonderful memories were shared by colleagues and friends from all over the world paying tribute to our wonderful Music Director, Sharon L. Beckstead.
Rob Oliphant, MP Don Valley West presented Sharon with a Citizenship Award and Medal for contributing to the promotion of active citizenship through 25 years of service as the Music Director for Leaside United Church. What a well deserved honour!
Then, on Sunday we came together and enjoyed a final worship service with Sharon as our Music Director, it was one of over a 1,000 services she has participated in over the last 25 years at Leaside United Church.
Thank you Sharon for enriching our spirits and lives through your gifts of music!
Enjoy these moments captured by our volunteer photographer Murray Fenner.
Friday night Retirement Celebration Party September 28th, 2018:
Sunday Final Service September 30th, 2018
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