The UCW at the celebration are, back row from left: Wanda Burskey, Erma Johnson, Eleanor McLaughlin, Margaret Mathieson, Carol Lavallee, Freda Kinnear and Lois Dougherty.
Middle row: Gladys Powers, Verla Robinson, Shirley Collins, Lorna Stevenson,
Beulah Wright, Velma Hawthorne, Linda Hawthorne and Naida Robinson.
Front row: Dorothy MacGregor, Winnie Kennedy, Betty Phanenhour, Phyllis
McLeese, Reta Hawthorne and Lola Byce. Photo submitted
by Heather Campbell
BEACHBURG — On Sunday, Feb. 7th a special Appreciation Sunday was part of the regular service at Beachburg’s United Church.
Twenty Nine United Church Women (UCW) were honoured for their contribution over the years to the work of the church. Most of these women were in the 75 to 90-plus age bracket and have been wonderful volunteers in the church and community life for decades.
This event was hosted by the younger unit of the UCW known as the JOY (Jesus, Others, You) group.
Kathy Kenney, President of the UCW, and Grace Stephen delivered fitting tributes to the honoured members. As a small token of appreciation, each was presented with a carnation and a custom-designed card. In addition, in honour of these ladies, a special monetary donation was made to each of the church camps (Golden Lake and Camp Lauren). Eleanor McLaughlin graciously responded on behalf of the honoured ladies.
A final surprise was the singling out of two of these members, Shirley Collins and Eleanor McLaughlin. Each of them has held many offices within the UCW and the church body. Ms. Collins has been the social convener for years as well as the treasurer of the UCW. She has announced that, although she will remain as treasurer, she is retiring as social convener. For years, Ms. McLaughlin has been and is Clerk of Session as well as serving in so many other capacities it is difficult to list them all. A tribute was read and a potted floral arrangement was presented to each woman.
As a special treat, the children of the Sunday School, accompanied by their rhythm instruments, sang I’m Gonna’ Live So God Can Use Me.
Following the service, the congregation enjoyed a lunch prepared by JOY. It was wonderful to have present so many family members and close friends of these special ladies.
Everyone enjoyed the fellowship as they lingered over lunch. The event, in every way, echoed the belief that life is better when you share it!
