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.
Friday was Restaurant Rush and Game Night. We ate at Ruby's on the pier then had games at our house. Because it got somewhat late, quite a few who went to Ruby's were unable to make game night, but quite a few showed up for game night who hadn't been at the restaurant! Two almost completely different crowds, but still delightful.
Saturday was an outstanding event for the Relief Society sisters. They held a "Spring Cleaning and Get Organized" event at Kristen C's home. It was extremely well attended and I heard numerous rave reviews -- especially of the "Kristen closet tour" where Kristen showed off her cleaning and organizational skills to many! I was tempted to crash the party, but decided I'd better leave it for the Relief Society sisters, so I can't report on the details, other than to repeat the phenomenal reports of an outstanding evening.
Today in Fast and Testimony meeting we heard from many brothers and sisters. Pres. Rasmussen visited so those in attendance crowded into the center section in a show of support for our stake president. I believe almost every row was full, it was quite a sight to behold. We heard testimonies about the wonders of reading the scriptures, the importance of attending the temple, the power of the atonement, how the Lord answers prayers, the joys of genealogy work, the value of free agency, and the beauty of letting your light shine to the world. I was uplifted and edified by all that was said.
I'm afraid I was unable to attend Sunday School or Priesthood/Relief Society, so I can't report on them, but I heard nothing but positive reports (as usual). Br. Pinto reported that the 30s group spoke about how a number of them had been rescued from inactivity by the outreach of loving, caring individuals, inspiring them to reach out to others in their rescue efforts. Next Sunday after church they will be making individual visits to people in the area, which would be a wonderful activity to participate in if you are looking for a way to impact those around you.
Break-the-fast was delicious and well attended, as usual. Beth had placed a list of questions on each of the tables to help people break the ice and get to know each other a little better. I understand this was well received by many as a simple, non-threatening way to help people get to know each other. Reports I heard indicated that at many tables almost no one knew each other (because of all the visitors) and this little touch from Beth was instrumental in fostering conversation and building friendships.
Don't forget the ward activity on Saturday -- meet at 5pm at the church and be an Iron Chef! Janice embarrassed the bishopric by making us wear chef hats as she announced the activity before we broke for Sunday School. As we donned our hats, I was thrilled to see many in the audience also don chef hats! Lots of enthusiasm and clever advertising! With that much cleverness, you just know the activity will be outstanding!
Wonderful new things are happening in the ward, in addition to the usual atmosphere of love and a desire to become closer to the Lord. In fact, rumor has it that next week we'll finally have a new Priesthood Quorum Presidency set apart! It's an exciting time to be a part of the Lake Ward.
Much love and support to all of you,
Bishop Gardner
P.S. I forgot to mention FHE tomorrow and it's going to be so outstanding that it deserves special mention. We are meeting at Laguna Beach at 7pm tomorrow (Monday) for beach volleyball, walks on the beach, and treats at the nearby shops. It should be an outstanding event that you won't want to miss.
