Around the Lake Ward

Dear Lake Ward members,

Hiro H spoke and told us about the missionaries finding him in 1980 and teaching him about the gospel.  Hiro is a self described thrill seeker, adventurous and crazy!  In June of 1996 he has competing in sky diving competitions.  One night he was looking at the ceiling, when it changed to a movie screen and he saw 2 white angels holding his body in the air.  Hiro didn't know what to make of what he had seen.

The next day he went sky diving again.  He jumped out of the airplane at 13,000 feet and enjoyed the free fall until at 2,500 feet he opened his chute.  It didn't open property and at 1,000 he was still free falling, started to spin out of control and he couldn't open his reserve chute.  He passed out and woke up in the hospital.  The doctor, Dr. Hope, did a CAT scan and said that he was okay and didn't have a broken bone in his body.  The doctor asked Hiro if he had really jumped out of a plane because most people he had seen who had done that didn't live through it or had brain damage, spinal cord damage or were a vegetable.

Around the Lake Ward

Debbie was visiting grandkids last Sunday so I once again am making the report. I'm late getting it done because I was traveling this week, also! There is a small chance we'll both be home at the same time at least once before the end of the year! :-)

We got a special treat in sacrament meeting this Sunday. Sister M arranged with the Westpark Ward's primary to have 6 or 8 primary children visit the ward and sing a primary song to open our meeting. The kids were delightful and sang well, but acted like, well, kids! That made the treat even more enjoyable. I saw many teary eyes in the congregation during the performance.

In Ward Business, Mark J was released as Ward Mission Leader (a change in his job situation made him no longer available) and Matthew B was called to replace him. Michael D was sustained to be a member of the Activities Committee. Scott G was sustained as the Ward PFR (in charge of building clean-up and maintenance), and LaRee A as Ward Librarian. (With the new church handbook, Ward Activities Committees were eliminated, but we have too many activities to function without one. The Bishopric is deciding how best to proceed, but until we figure it out, we'll continue as currently constituted.)

Dear Lake Ward,

It was Stake Conference this week, so we didn't meet as a ward.  Here is a wrap up of stake conference.

Around the Lake Ward

Debbie had a sore back from the hike in the sand Saturday night, so was not at church (she's doing fine now). That means I had to take notes and write this message. I apologize for the lack of warmth and depth that you would normally get from Debbie's write up -- and for being late!

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sabbath,

There was some stake business, Frank M was released as the Stake Emergency Prep person and Br. & Sis. S were called as the Advisors to the Lake Ward, to work with the less active and those transitioning from the Ranch Branch.  Harry H, who has moved, was released as the assistant PFR.

The Relief Society presidency spoke on service.

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sabbath,

We had 2 wonderful speakers last Sunday who spoke on "Why I believe" with emphasis on a conference talk.  

Scott G referenced David A. Bednar's talk, "Receive the Holy Ghost" during his talk.  Scott said when we receive the Holy Ghost it is an admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon.  The Holy Ghost bears witness of all truth, he is the messenger and witness of God and Christ.  The power of the Holy Ghost is for everyone.  The gift of the Holy Ghost is for those who have been baptized by the proper authority.  To have the companionship of the Holy Ghost we need to desire it, invite the Holy Ghost into our lives and obey God's commandments.  Scott told of an experience early in his life when he first felt the spirit.  Scott testified that if we live worthy and listen to the Holy Ghost we can work miracles in our lives and in the lives of others.

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

Here is the last of my catch up before church today :-).  See you shortly!

With  much love,

Debbie

September 5, 2010

We had a wonderful Fast and Testimony meeting, started by Br. Pinto.  He talked about searching our lives to see if our daily activities lead up to our ultimate goal of eternal life.  He thanked all those who helped his family to move.  He testified that in times of need, our prayers are answered by those around us – by people freely giving service to others.

Around the Lake Ward, finally :-)

Hi All,

Sorry I’ve been negligent in keeping up with the Around the Lake Ward wrap-ups.  School has started which means I started back to work and life got rather crazy, starting the last 2 weeks of August.  I've worked MANY 10-12 hour days, and Saturdays.  I finally feel that I’m above water again, so I’m going to try to go back and do the wrap-ups that I missed.  I will send out the weeks that I've missed over the course of this week.  Our meetings are just too good to miss!!!

August 29, 2010

The only ward business was that Sung K was called to the FHE committee.

Erin C was the first speaker and she started off by telling us about a survey of American’s knowledge about Mormons.  They had quite a few misconceptions.  As the public affairs person for our ward, she posed the question,  “What can we do to improve our image?”  A couple that she mentioned:  develop relationships with others in our area and become involved with events in the community.  We can change people’s perception one program, one event and one contact at a time.

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sabbath,

I am so glad to be back in Irvine and be able to attend the Lake Ward with you today!  Here is a wrap up of the goings on today.

Martine J, John W, Scott M were all called to be ward missionaries.  There were 2 members released from callings; Jeanette J from the Fellowshipping committe and Beth B from the FHE committee.

Jillian T gave a wonderful talk today.  She pointed out that we all make determination of others all the time.  She told a story of when her brother was playing the part of Judd Fry, in Oklahoma, on the stage.  He got into the part and grew a straggly beard and let his hair grow long.  When she first saw him, she thought he looked a little scary - and he is her brother!  She went out to dinner with him and was afraid that the people in the restaurant would judge him because of his looks.  Much to her surprise, and joy, his personality came through his exterior looks and everyone accepted him.  Jillian pointed out that we are all God's children and we need to treat each other as such.  God looks not on the outside, but on the heart and we need to do the same thing.  Sometimes we criticize others, and ourselves - Satan preys on our weakness.  Jillian reminded us that if we don't see ourselves as God's children, how could we see others that way.  She ended her talk by reading Moroni 7: 15-16 where Moroni tells us that "it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil."

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

We had a wonderful Sabbath Day in the Lake Ward!!!  It had the best start ever with the confirmation of Laurie A, our newest member who was baptized last Sunday.  Congratulation and welcome to Laurie - give her a hug when you see her :-).

Margot N bore her testimony and told us about how her niece, Nicole, came to live with her.  Margot spoke about how important the church has been in her life, how it has helped through in all aspects of her life and shared her hopes that it will help Nicole as much as it has helped her.  

Elder Curtis, a full-time elder from Highland, Utah, spoke next.  He spoke about meeting and teaching Laurie and his excitement for her because her decision to be baptized.   He said that Laurie's conversion was possible because of her immense desire to follow Christ and the friendships that had been made and nurtured by members of the church.  Elder Curtis taught us out of Preach My Gospel and said that the purpose of the manual was to help others to Come Unto Christ.  He pointed out that when investigators have lessons with members, the friendship and support are already there.  Members can be a big help in finding those who are ready to hear the gospel and they have several resources that they can use:  the Holy Ghost, the Book of Mormon, Fasting, Prayer and bearing your Testimony.  He testified that we will receive more happiness as we serve others and share the gospel with them.

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sabbath,

It has been a great Sunday for me, I felt the Spirit very strong through out the meetings!  Let me tell you about church today.  

In ward business, the releasings were: Diane R from the FHE committee, Thom Z as a ward missionary and Kip N as co-teacher of the Gospel Essentials class because she is moving to Florida with her daughter's family for a year.  We sustained Jillian T as the 30s Sunday School teacher and Christina M as a Relief Society Teacher.  With Laurie A's baptism coming up next Sunday, the Bishop spoke about missionary work and has asked the speakers for this month to talk about their conversion to the truthfulness of the gospel - whether a convert or born into the the church.  The Bishop said that the ward council has decided that the Lake Ward should support a missionary from the Irvine Stake that has put in his papers to serve a mission.  So if you would like to contribute help for a missionary, include the money on your tithing slip and be sure to put it in the "ward mission fund" line.  The ward will also be reading Preach My Gospel in 90 days together in the fall and using lessons from that in Priesthood and Relief Society.

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

We had a wonderful Ward Conference on Sunday.  During the ward business, Mark N was released from activities committee (because he was married on Saturday), Marcia C was sustained as the communication specialist and Erin C was sustained to oversee the outreach communication efforts.

After the sacrament, Laurie A bore her testimony and told us of her upcoming baptism on July 18th. She spoke wonderfully and brought much excitement to the ward.

The Bishop and President Rasmussen were our 2 speakers at ward conference.  The Bishop spoke about his reflection on the past year and a half as Bishop with peace and satisfaction that the ward had done well.  He reminded us about his first few weeks being Bishop and the urgency he felt to 'grow the ward.'  He then gave us 4 reasons he felt that we needed to grow the ward.

1.  Build critical mass 

2.  So we would have enough members to carry out the responsibilities;  temple assignments, service, reach out to others, help those with special needs, touch the inactives...

3.  Show the church that our ward model is a good one for the singles in the church, that it is an effective way to serve singles.

4.  Rescue and help the many singles in the area who struggle and stray.
(Click here for the full text of the bishop's talk.)

Around the Lake Ward

Debbie is in Utah with our youngest son on a temple tour. He is heading to Argentina on his mission in a few weeks so the two of them went to see how many temples they could visit over the weekend. Their goal is 8 temples in 3 days (Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday)!

So, I will try to fill in and provide a tidbit about what is happening in the ward this week.

Last Monday we had a great barbeque at our house. It got hectic so we didn't get an exact count, but we think about 50 ward members and friends came to visit! It was wonderful. We had originally planned on 8 to 10 but then started hearing there would be quite a few more, so we scrambled to make sure we'd have enough food. Thanks to the generosity of so many who came, there was plenty of food for all. We had an absolutely wonderful time. I sure enjoy seeing so many people come together to socialize and strengthen friendships and I so enjoy your warm friendship with us.

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

Hope you are all enjoying the Memorial Day weekend!!!

Today we had a real youth speaker.  Emily M spoke to us about her favorite scripture story, the 2,000 Stripling Warriors.  Then she told us a story from her life where she was having trouble with her friends and she asked her mom what to do.  Sister Moon told Emily to pray about it and she got the impression to find new friends and now all is well.  Emily pointed out that we, like the 2,000 Striping Warriors, need to listen to our moms :-).  

Thom Z started his talk by asking, "Why are you here in the Lake Ward?"  A few of his possible answers were; a quiet sacrament meeting, less questions about being single, free food...  But he suggested that people attended the Lake Ward because they were looking for friendship.  He went on to speak about friendship and charity - we need to love each other AS Christ loved.  Thom stressed that we should strive to be kind to each other and make new friends within the ward.  

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

Sorry I haven't been on top of doing an Around the Lake Ward for the past couple of weeks.  We've been traveling and had LOTS of company.  

On Sunday there were a few changes;  Beth B was released from the Activities Committee and Mariann C was released from the Relief Society Weekday Committee.  Barb L was called to the Relief Society Weekday Committee and as a Visiting Teaching Supervisor and Leanne A was called as a Website Editor.

We had 2 great talks given by the Bishop and his wonderful wife.  I spoke on impressions I'd received in the temple; man is to be happy and have joy and it isn't good for man to be alone.  I gave 3 personal stories of people; my sister who was always happy, a teacher who was never happy and my daughter who was unhappy and when it was pointed out to her, she changed.  A sign that I have at work says, "Attitude is everything, pick a good one." I then spoke briefly about dating - that everyone should date frequently and date many people.  Dating doesn't have to be expensive; be creative.  Go for a walk on the beach, a picnic in the park, the dollar movies, play games, watch the sunset and talk....  I challenged the men to ask someone out during the month of June.  Margot N favored us with a beautiful piano solo!!!

The Bishop spoke on the priesthood and how important it is that the brethren in the ward honor their priesthood and make use of the awesome power that Heavenly Father has given us. He encouraged the men to remember his advice from 6 months ago to become more healthy, take care of their appearance, and improve their temporal situation. He then encouraged all those who don't have a current temple recommend to work to obtain one and those who have one but haven't attended lately to be more diligent. He ended his talk by reminding the brethren that the priesthood power that they hold is the very power by which God created the heavens and the earth, so clearly it has the power to change lives.

Family Home Evening on Monday, May 31st will be a BBQ at our home.  We will be eating at 4:00 p.m.  All are welcome, but please RSVP so we know how many to cook for.  Please bring a salad, dessert or drink to share.

With much love,

Debbie

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sabbath!!!

The Moons are back in town with their newly adopted son, Gavin Thomas - who is the newest hit in the ward :-).  Gavin was 9 lbs 2 oz, happy and healthy and Kristin is delighted to share him with others.

We had a few releases and sustainings.  Releases were:  Yadira C as the 3rd counselor in the RS presidency and Mariann C from the RS weekday committee.  Lauren S was sustained to the fellowshipping committee.

Martine J spoke on motherhood and mentioned mothers from each of the scriptures;  the Old Testament says to honor your father and mother, Mary from the New Testament, the 2,000 Stripling Warriors and their mothers from the Book of Mormon, Emma from the Doctrine and Covenants and Eve from the Pearl of Great Price.  Lauren S, new to our ward, spoke on mothers and service and said that public service is our rent for our place here on this earth.  Lauren also retold the story of the statue of Christ that was damaged during WWII and was left with no hands and now bears a plaque that says, "We are His hands."  Randy S and Marcia R did a flute/piano duet of Love at Home that was beautiful!!!  Bob B spoke and told 2 stories; one about a quadriplegic who didn't let his disabilities stop him or get him down.  The story was of a friend who has been dealing with depression and tried to end her life, but a friend happened to stop by and get her help.  He said that he gave her a jar and a bunch of marbles and told her that she was to think of the good in her life and put a marble in the jar for everything good thing she could think of.  Bob pointed out that we each have lives with the jar half empty and the jar half full and it all depends on what we choose to think about and focus on as to whether we see the good or see the bad.  

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

Sunday was Fast Sunday and we enjoyed hearing the testimonies that were borne.  The Bishop started by sharing about his experiences about being stuck in Ireland, because of the ash cloud, and trying to get home to speak in church (which he missed) and then attend our son's college graduation (which he made).  The Bishop shared 3 ways in which he has received revelation and the different ways they come and how different they feel.   Br. Pinto ended the meeting by speaking about his opportunity to attend a special training on Saturday (for 5 hours) for Stake Presidencies and Bishops from 9 stakes, led by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, one of the Twelve Apostles.  Steve O bore his testimony and bid us farewell, as he is moving back to Utah.  

We had three new members welcomed into our ward.  We even had enough people filled in on 2 rows that the sacrament was able to to be passed along the entire row!!!

Priesthood was taught by Marcia C.  She spoke to the men about personal appearance and manners and the impact that they have on women.

Around the Lake Ward

Happy Sunday!!!  

Church today was wonderful. 

In ward business, Carrie F was released from the Family History Committee, thanks for all your efforts in that calling! Lorette B was sustained as the Relief Society Weekday Activities Coordinator.

Bishop and Sister Lutz were the speakers, with the choir singing, "There is a Green Hill Far Away" as the musical interlude.  

Around the Lake Ward

Blast from the past week:

Dean D was sustained as the new executive secretary - now we need a new Priesthood Quorum President. Matthew B was sustained as a member of the Fellowshipping Committee and Rick F as a member of the Activities Committee with a focus on OCBC. The Stake sustained Cindy H as a Stake OCBC Representative.  During sacrament meeting, testimonies were shared, hearts touched and our ward strengthened. Thanks to those who voiced their testimonies this month and remember the Bishop's challenge to share yours sometime this year in any setting of your choosing.  

Thanks to Martine J for her continuing dance instruction every 2nd and 4th Thursday in the Bryan Building. 

Around the Lake Ward

Hi All,

This is the first of what will be a weekly e-mail with a recap of the past week and a look forward into the week to come.  We want to keep everyone informed and involved, so please join us in the activities when you can :-).