Joyous Sounds Abound!

A Birthday Celebration of Leaside United Church

Days later and the joyous sounds of voices and instruments still ringing in my ear. Someone came up to me and described it as a “welcoming Spirit” as we have the opportunity to sing in community and share bread at the Common Table. What a way to mark the first Sunday of Pentecost!

The past Sunday we celebrated the two-year anniversary of the coming together of Leaside and Presteign-Woodbine United Church. This celebration was marked with a slideshow during the morning service, followed by cake and face painting.

In the afternoon, we had a Festival of Hymns. I was astonished to see the community come together even in June with beautiful weather! For this event, I formed the Leaside Festival Choir with members drawn from the Chancel Choir, congregation, community at large, friends, and those who just love to sing!

We were also fortunate to have guest commentator John Ambrose and organist, Lydia Pedersen, as well as the Venabrass Quartet join us for this celebration. This festival could not conclude without a supper as the community packed the gym in fellowship.

This event could also not have been possible without the work of many. What a birthday celebration to remember!

Matthew Boutda, Director of Music at Leaside United Church 


Watch this video of the powerful Anthem Greater Love Hath No Man performed by the Festival Choir, conducted by Matthew Boutda.


Listen to Rev. Emily Gordon’s thoughtful sermon titled: Diverse Voices, Common Vision from last Sunday’s June 9th celebration service:


Look at these fabulous pictures captured by our Volunteer Photographer Murray Fenner of a very special day at Leaside United Church: