On Friday evening, the Grace United Church bid farewell to Rev. Hazel Arbon after nearly five and a half years with the church.

A farewell party was held for Arbon at the church with the theme "Hoedown for Hazel." A potluck supper was held followed by a dance. On behalf of the congregation, Vic Wiebe presented Arbon with a print by local artist Eltje Degenhart.

When Arbon first came to Weyburn, she worked with the Sunday School and the youth groups, while rotating in leading the worship services. In the past year, she has been primarily doing the worship services.

Arbon, however, has meant more to the church than just leading the services. Much of the art and craft work around the church has been done by her.

"I have loved the fact that this job has allowed me to be creative," said Arbon.

She said that the worship model allows her to design her own or combine it with other models, which also allows her to be creative. Arbon added that she will really miss the special services.

One memory special to her was during a Pentecost Sunday service. She was talking about a character named Peter the Pentecost Balloon. Arbon had blown up a large balloon with "Peter" wrote on it and threw it out into the congregation. Throughout Arbon's service the congregation ended up batting the balloon through the church.

Besides the church, Arbon has also been involved with the Hilltop Painters, the Rotary Club and the Humane Society. She is also known for doing Pet Parade on Access 7.

"Some people remember you for doing someone's funeral. Well, I have had people say 'I remember you, you're on Pet Parade'," Arbon said.

Most recently, Arbon joined the Rotary Club, which turned out to be something she really enjoys.

"It is also an organization where I don't have to be the leader," Arbon said.

An aspect of life in Weyburn she is going to miss is being a part of the community, and she has really appreciated being a part of the Weyburn Ministerial Association on behalf of Grace United Church.

"The people have let me be myself and let me do things I appreciate," Arbon said.

Arbon will be moving on to an administrative job with the United Church in Regina and has purchased a house in Vibank. She will be holding a part-time position as a Ministry Vocations officer. No replacement has been named yet for the United Church.