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.)
(Click here for the full text of the bishop's talk.)
President Rasmussen spoke on the The Family: A Proclamation to the World. He read from the document and spoke about how it was eternal and applicable across all wards. He encouraged us to study the proclamation and to look for principles that apply to the Lake Ward and our individual growth and search for happiness. Pres. Rasmussen talked about how we knew and worshipped God before we came to this earth. Our objective in this life is to become like the Savior, to interact and serve others as He would. Pres. Rasmussen said that he loved that the Lake Ward was always willing to step up and help the stake in whatever way was needed.
Pres. Rasmussen then asked, "If an ideal mate was delivered to you on a platter today, would you be ready?" He pointed out that the Lake Ward provides an opportunity for us to work on things that need working on. Happiness is only possible when it is founded on Jesus Christ, so found yourself on principles of the gospel. He told us that there are hundreds of others that could grow with us, if we are willing to help find them and help them back to activity. He asked us to prayerfully take it to the Lord, to support the Bishop, to help grow the ward and it will make you closer to the Lord.
Br Kennedy gave a great Sunday School lesson on David and Bathsheba. We discussed that even the best of us can fall and what kinds of things we can do to avoid temptation. We had a lively discussion with lots of input from many people.
Ruth Ann E gave a wonderful Relief Society on Sis Beck's conference address about acquiring personal revelation. The quote she put on the board was, "The ability to qualify for, receive and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." Ruth Ann quoted 2 Ne 32:3, "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the wards of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." She touched on patriarchal blessings and the importance of receiving one and then studying it to receive personal revelation.
In Priesthood Meeting, Bob B was sustained as the new Elders Quorum Secretary and Harry H was sustained as the new sacrament coordinator. Pres. Mortenson taught the priesthood lesson. He spoke about the story of Gideon and the selection of his small army. In particular, he pointed out that those who were selected were masters of themselves and their passions, able to pay attention to dangers around them instead of giving in to their bodily needs.
It was a wonderful Sunday, filled with the spirit!
Monday's FHE was well attended and we had fun finding out a little more about those in attendance, had a great spiritual thought given by Beth B, followed by a fun game and finishing off with socializing.
Don't forget that this Friday is Restaurant Rush at the Panera on Barranca and Culver at 6:30, followed by games at our home (12 Timbergate Irvine, CA 92614) around 8:00. I hope you can join us for either one of both of these fun activities.
With much love,
Debbie
