Congregation bids farewell to pastor

Pastor Dan Pearson, his wife, Leah, and their daughter, Clara, will be moving on to Minnedosa, Man. in July after five years at Off Lake Evangelical Covenant Church.
They were honoured at a fond farewell party Sunday, May 29. Friends participated in the dinner and program that followed in the church sanctuary, which was packed for the occasion.
Co-ordinated by Ruth Teeple and emceed by Bruce Steele, the program brought out laughter and tears as people recounted stories related to the couple’s stay in the area for the past five years.
The surprise of the evening was a barbershop quartet from Chicago, which just happened to be in the area on a fishing trip. By coincidence, Sonny Ferris came upon the four men and asked if they would come out and perform for the evening’s program.
This they did to the delight of the audience, singing four songs (the four are from two different barbershop quartets in Chicago).
Sonny Ferris opened the program with prayer, followed by the band–consisting of Ferris (banjo), Pearson and Donna Heyens (guitars), and Leah Pearson (piano)–leading in singing of several favourite choruses, namely “On Sunday I Am Happy,” “We are the Soldiers,” “My Jesus My Saviour,” “Open My Eyes of My Heart,” “Wings on An Eagle,” and “Worthy is Your Name.”
Linda Wilson then recited a poetic tribute to the young couple written just for this occasion. Lenita Wilson did a solo, “Beautiful,” while Debbie Griffiths sang “Who Am I.” Lisa Ferris chose a song reflecting on “Friends.”
Gloria Hamm read a poem contributed by Frank Schiebler, then a farewell Dan, Leah, and Clara song was sung by Hamm, Donna Heyens, and Ruth Teeple (who contributed it).
Brenda Roen and Susan Caul, on behalf of the Discovery Club, made a presentation to the couple. Then Linda Steele, on behalf of the congregation, presented a gift.
This included an easy chair made from willow and chimes to hang outside for the wind to ring out music.
The couple thanked everyone for coming. “It is with mixed emotions we are leaving,” said Leah Pearson, noting that leaving good friends behind is hard yet you realize there are new friends to meet, which will be a blessing getting to know.
“Thanks for everything to our church family at Off Lake,” the Pearsons said.