A Beautiful Musical Sacrament Meeting for Christmas

   The chapel and cultural-hall-overflow were filled for Sacrament Meeting the Sunday before Christmas with members and guests who came to celebrate the birth of Christ.  The program was music oriented, with spiritual readings by Joseph Stringer, second counselor in the bishopric.
  The primary children sang "Picture a Christmas" and "Can I Hold the Baby?" The ward adult and youth choir sang two numbers with a special duet in between--"A Christmas Medley" piano/organ duet by Rocky Shore and JP Tingey.
     Sister Liz Kirkley directed the choir in their beautiful renditions. The congregation joined the choir singing "Silent Night," followed by a testimony of Jesus Christ and the significance of his birth elegantly given by Bishop Eric Holden. The closing song was a vocal solo "O Holy Night" by Caden Webb, accompanied by Ann Broughten.
      The pictures below are the adult/youth choir practicing in the Relief Society room the Sunday before the performance.

    The entire program was planned and orchestrated by Ward Music Chairperson Jackie Perry.  Jackie is a musician herself and had this to say about music in our lives, and especially at Christmas.
    "Music is a part of heaven and has been from the beginning.  I'm sure that at this moment angels surround God's throne singing and praising Him.  David O. McKay said that music was the fourth greatest need of man.  First is food to sustain life; second is shelter to protect us from the elements; third is clothing to protect our bodies; and fourth is music to sustain our souls and protect our spirits.
   "Music is of great importance here on earth as we express happiness, joy, love, celebration and worship and continue to praise God and His son.  I can't imagine Christmas without music, as it touches a special place within us and makes the birth in Bethlehem come alive.
   "God delights in the song of the heart and a song of the righteous is a prayer unto Him."

Sharing the Love of Christmas

      Achievement Day Girls brought the spirit of Christmas to Ashley Place Assisted Living.  The girls sang their hearts out with beautiful Christmas songs.  In addition, they mingled with the audience and handed out Christmas cards they had made.  Achievement Day Leaders are Ginny Shull, Sara Farlee, and Suzanne Fairbanks.  Primary teacher Katie Brown also joined the group, and Teresa Sroufe served as their pianist.    

Primary Children Go Caroling Sunday Morning

   
     Primary Music Leader Hillary Sroufe had a bright idea one day: THE PRIMARY CHILDREN NEED TO GO CAROLING!
     She was thinking that children didn't have many opportunities to sing Christmas songs, and they loved to sing them.  Why not sing for the adults in Priesthood and Relief Society?  She ran it by members of Ward Council so leaders would know.  The children who would be singing were the Senior Primary ages 8 to 11.
    Caroling began with a tap on the classroom door, then children marching in a line to the front, and singing began.  They started with "Christmas Bells" while ringing bells in their hands. (See picture.)  That was followed by "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night."
     Sister Sroufe had been looking for a "service oriented" activity for the children, and this turned out to be perfect.  They brought much love and Christmas joy to the adults who heard their precious voices.

Julie Evans Welcomed As Newest Member of the Church

    Julie Evans (center) was taught the gospel by our Sister Missionaries.  Sister White on the left, and Sister Schokker on the right received Julie's name from the Visitor's Center at the Oakland Temple.  She had been invited there by a co-worker and enjoyed it so much.
   "I have always had God in my life," Julie explained.  " When the chips are down, He is supporting me.  My decision to be baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did NOT come about by mistake."

       Vickie Anderson was one of several people Julie met in a work relationship. She observed and appreciated the way these people conducted themselves. Julie expressed thanks to her new friends for giving her the wisdom to see the truths of the Gospel.  On her decision to be baptized, one of them asked her, "How do you feel?"  She replied, "I feel so much joy. I just want to cry!"
    Julie asked President Joseph Anderson to baptize her. He said that other than temple baptisms, this is the first time he had baptized anyone since his daughter over 30 years ago. President Anderson also confirmed Julie a member of the Church the next day in Sacrament Meeting.
    A special guest at Julie's baptism was President Scott Hymas, president of the California Sacramento mission.

A Gift of Love Around the World

    Relief Society and Young Women celebrated Christmas by honoring the love Christ has for all of us, not just here, but around the world. Laurie Shore gave each sister a wooden box articulately  constructed by her husband Rocky. It didn't look like there was anything in the box, but the story under the green ribbon explained that it was filled with love. In it a young orphan boy explained that "You can't see what's in it.  And you can't touch it, but mother always said that it makes you feel good all the time, warm on a cold night and safe when you're alone."  Then he whispered softly, "And Mother always said it's best when you give it away."  Thanks to Rocky and Laurie for this special gift.

     Sisters young and old enjoyed a pot luck dinner featuring delicious food from around the world.  A lot of love was shared that night.

Ward Christmas Breakfast EXTRAORDINAIRE

                                By Cliff Kerr, Ward Historian

     As I began taking pictures of the early morning preparation for the Ward Christmas Breakfast, I was amazed at the smoothness with which the pancakes were being cooked,  the sausages and potatoes grilled, the eggs scrambled,  (all on outside grills) and then in the kitchen: bacon and sausage cut up, chocolate drink being mixed, all the while early cleaning was going on.

    It looked like a well-oiled machine organized by the Elders Quorum Presidency.  Men and boys were all doing their respective jobs.  Even before this, busy activity had commenced at 7 a.m. 100 potatoes, 25 dozen eggs, 150 lbs. of pancake mix, 200 sausages, over 200 packs of chocolate, tortilla shells, buttermilk pancake syrup, frozen strawberries, whipped cream, etc. were all purchased, prepared and served to hungry ward members and their friends.

   The brotherhood and sisterhood was palatable.  The Christmas story of Christ's birth was simply and beautifully presented in word and music. While everyone enjoyed hot chocolate, Santa made an appearance and visited with the children.  Overall, it was a great event.  Enjoy the pictures below.

(Remember to click on each collage to see it in a larger size.)

Top pictures:  George Tingey and Bruce Jonson are busy cooking pancakes.  Lower Left: David Banks, Shawna Banks, Joseph Stringer and Tyler Burton prepare scrambled eggs and bacon.  Center right: J.P. Tingey, Neil Anderson and Loren Perry fry sausages; Lower Right: Chene Mogler stirs hash browns made from baked potatoes.

It's all about the children.  They were everywhere.  They made it a point to always be first in line.

They had a wonderful time.

The Christmas story told through song and acting was appropriate and touching. The cute little sheep touched our hearts. The program was organized by Cori Daley.

Ann Kerr and Martha Farr pose before enjoying their breakfast burritos.  The man in the upper right is Peter Wang, a non-member friend who lives in the neighborhood of Don Daley, Tim Shull and Adam Sroufe. He works as a doctor of sports medicine at UOP. We were thrilled to have him come to the breakfast and observed him cooking, passing out music, and any other thing that needed attention. Lower right picture gives you an idea of the large attendance at the breakfast.

Oh, Come All Ye Faithful by Caden Webb

    Caden sang a beautiful rendition of this familiar Christmas hymn. You can watch part of it here:

Relief Society Sisters Commended for Excellence in Ministering

Judy Wilcox, Relief Society President

      Relief Society President Judy Wilcox wrote this note of appreciation to the Mokelumne River Ward Sisters:

     "We so appreciate how you are caring for each other as ministering sisters.  We are grateful for the love and care you express, and for how you are helping each other with struggles as well as joys.

    "You are the Savior's hands to  help His covenant children find their way back to Him in spite of the challenges of mortality.

      "Ministering interviews are held EACH QUARTER so that the presidency can know about the sisters to whom you minister What are their joys, their needs, their challenges, their faith?" 

  Sister Wilcox also expressed her thanks for all the sisters do to help one another. 

     

Eight-year-old Olivia McGhie Chooses to be Baptized

    Olivia McGhie, daughter of Julie and Evan (Skip) McGhie was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her father on November 17, 2018.
     Olivia was excited to turn eight and be baptized. The Gospel is important to her.  Her mother said she also loves ballet, computer games and reading.
    We welcome Olivia as an "official" member of the Mokelumne River Ward.

Olivia McGhie, center, with her mom and dad, Julie and Skip McGhie, on her baptism day.

  

Five New Babies for Mokelumne River Ward

Mathias Thor Congrave was born to Chris and BrieAnn Congrave on September 16 at 10:27 am. He was 9 lbs. 1 oz. and 22 inches long. He came by emergency C-section after his heart rate began lowering with each contraction due to the fact that his umbilical cord was wrapped around his body "like a seat belt. Once he was born he was totally healthy and started nursing right away," BreiAnn says. "He is a beautiful addition to our family. We love him. His sister Lydia adores him and he is definitely an adjustment for all of us. We are grateful for all the support and love we’ve received from our ward family."

Briella Victoria Hansford was born Nov. 1st, 2018 at 2:15 a.m. in Lodi to Tanya and Justin Hansford.  "Almost a Halloween baby, " her mother said.  "She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz and was 18.5 inches long.  Healthy baby girl and likes to sleep a lot . . . except at night!  She is such a blessing and keeps us smiling."

Lillian Kent Fairbanks joined the Eric and Suzanne Fairbanks family on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018 at 6:00 am.  She weighted in at 9 lbs.7 oz. and was 21.5 inches long.

Berny and Ashley Moreau are the proud parents of this sweet little angel.  Anaiya arrived on December 29, weighing 5 lbs., 19 oz. and was 18 inches long. She joins her brother Amari and sister Arabella.

Note:  Jonathan and Chrissy Plines have also recently had a new baby, but we have been unable to obtain information on it.

Two Pathway Students Graduate from BYU-Idaho

Shawna Lee Banks and Lisa Holden recently graduated from college with Bachelors Degrees.  This was quite an achievement for both of them.  Here are their stories.

Lisa Holden

Left: Shawna Banks, Right: Lisa Holden

     It was such an honor for me to be able to finish a lifelong goal of receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from BYU-Idaho. When I first heard the presentation about the Pathway Program I knew it was a way for me to finish. I had completed an AA degree from Delta College and I attended three semesters at UOP. UOP was too expensive for me to continue at that time when I still had a growing family at home. Heavenly Father provided a way for me to finish and I am so grateful that I followed the prompting and finished. I had many science courses over the years so the Public Health degree fit perfectly with my previous  college work. 

   I also felt it was such a blessing to take courses which always included the Savior and His gospel in our curriculum. I will always be grateful for this blessing in my life and at the same time I prepared myself to enter the working world with a degree if the need  should arise.

Shawna Lee Banks

    In the fall of 2015, I began a journey to complete a bachelors degree in Healthcare Administration. At the time I had been working for a Pediatrician for 6 years as his office manager. I had taken multiple classes at the local community college to improve my skills. But let me back up just a bit. After high school, I attended Ricks College for 3 semesters and left in good standing. Dave and I got married that July and stayed in Illinois to pursue school, work, and family. I started attending the local community college and graduated from there in December of 1998. Through the years I had worked in multiple fields and had finally landed in a pediatric office. I returned to school to continue improving my skill, but then my oldest daughter graduated from high school. I decided that if I was going to complete a bachelors degree before any of my kids did, I needed to get busy working on it.

    I thought about doing the Pathway program, but the closest one was a 2 hour drive from my home. With working full time and a house full of kids, this wasn’t an option. I then started looking to see if I could return as an online student. I was thrilled to find that they had a degree in Healthcare Administration and that it was available to me. I sent in my request to return and began my first classes the fall semester of 2015. I found the program to be excellent! The students and teachers engaging and eager to help. I wanted to show my kids that I could do hard things. I also wanted them to see how important education is to me by my example.

    The opportunity and experience is one of the greatest of my life. If anyone is wondering about doing Pathway or going back to school online, I would say do it! It is completely worth the time and energy. 

Beautiful Flower Arrangement Adds to Halloween Party Decor

    A "beautiful flower arrangement?" you say. The headline may sound a little strange for Halloween, but here's how it came down.  The arrangement on the left was created by talented Ken Adamska for stake conference the week before.  Ken was clever enough to use the now-wilted flowers to entice a big, black spider.  Then he and his wife Sherrill made even more spiders filled with helium and dangling over the tables.  It was a delight to see (and not really too scary) as hundreds of people from all three wards feasted on nachos.

   It was obvious that families with children were having a delightful time trunk-or-treating decorated cars in the back parking lot.  The top picture is the Kevin and Heather Stewart family. Lower picture is Kaela and Winston Burke with children and grandparents. Great costumes everyone.

Not one, not two, but THREE Gospel Doctrine teachers!

   Having three teachers for the adult Gospel Doctrine class makes for interesting lessons.  Each of the teachers has a set of skills that is excellent, but uniquely different in approach and execution.
   Vicki Anderson was experienced as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in Lodi Second Ward before it was merged with Lodi Third Ward just over a year ago. She is a competent and professional teacher, delving into the scriptures and leading a meaningful discussion.  For the first time in her life she went "techie" and learned how to make and present PowerPoint lessons.  She always finds interesting pictures to help drive home a point, and puts all the discussion scriptures on the screen to help students follow them more closely.  One of her first PP lessons was about the creation and Garden of Eden. She had some awesome pictures, as well as a video to give the class a feeling for these extensive and critical events.
   Vickie says, "I love teaching for so many reasons.  I learn so much studying the lessons and digging deeply into the scriptures.  I love to feel the Spirit as we share with one another our insights and experiences with the scriptures.  I am learning new ways to teach in the chapel that expand my knowledge.  I love teaching and helping others come to the Lord and feel His Spirit."
   Marie VerSteeg had never been a Gospel Doctrine teacher before, but says, "I enjoy teaching Sunday School because it gives me an opportunity to dive deeper into the scriptures."
     She comes in with a spirited and exciting approach.  No two lessons are the same. She has object lessons, videos, pictures, dramatization--whatever the spirit puts into her mind.  In a recent lesson, she conducted class in the cultural hall, not the chapel.  Class members sat at round tables and were given a scripture from the book of Isaiah.  Each group was to discuss what the scripture meant and draw a picture of it on a large piece of newsprint.  Then a representative from each table came up and told what they thought the scripture was saying.  It was a fascinating and instructional lesson. See pictures below.

    Nate Woods was recently called to be the third Gospel Doctrine teacher.  His strong point is his engaging personality, amazing classroom presence, and excellent discussion leadership.  To make sure every comment is heard he runs the microphone to each participant a soon as a hand is raised. (Good thing Nate used to coach a track team.)  Time flies when Nate is teaching.
  "Sunday School is a rare opportunity where I get the chance to share my thoughts and feelings on any given subject," Nate says, "and in return receive thoughts and feeling back.  Being called to teach adults has been the best learning experience and has brought me closer to the Savior.  Teaching is a lot of fun too!"

Youth Learn Family History

   The Young Men and Young Women had a joint activity to search for their ancestors and find names for temple work.  They started off the evening with a yummy taco dinner, then family history consultants invited them to the FHC to work on their family trees.  Cathy Leonard of the FHC staff reported that there were about 25 youth and "it got so busy and exciting to see the progress they were making. We printed out probably 35 ordinance cards.  Exciting!" The consultants were busy going from one person to another.  "We used every computer in all three rooms, Cathy said.  "We never stopped until it was time to end.  Phew!  It was so busy.  Lots of help, but lots of questions.  So rewarding."

Elder Evan Webb "Finally" Leaves on Mission

Elder Webb posing in front of the Sacramento Temple with a Bolivian flag.

 

Elder Webb leaves from the Sacramento Airport to fly to Salt Lake City.

   Evan Webb was called to serve in the Bolivia Santa Cruz North Mission and scheduled to leave on August 28, going directly to the MTC in Mexico City.  That all came to a halt when he was injured in a baseball game, suffering a PTL fracture and damaging the ligament in one leg.  He has been working hard to repair those issues and was scheduled to leave October 10, but his visa was not ready and so he is in the Provo, Utah MTC until his visa comes through.
   Soon after arriving at the MTC  he was called to be to be a district leader. This means he will serve as a leader for ten other Elders in his district.  He said, "I have been asked to direct the work of language study, spiritual edification, and to also make sure all who are with me are physically and mentally well."
  Doctors say his stretched ligament can possibly stretch again, so he was required to take a leg brace with him in case he needed to use it while serving in Bolivia.

Elder Webb (center front) with the district he is charged with overseeing in the Provo MTC.

Meet Our Sister Missionaries

Sister White, left, is from Mansfield, Texas (between Dalles and Forth Worth.)  Sister Simpson, right is from SLC.

     We welcome sister missionaries to our ward. They said their purpose for being on missions is to do whatever the spirit directs, and to bring people to Christ. Their mission president has instructed all missionaries in the Sacramento Mission to get out of their cars and talk to anyone.
   Sister White was given a blessing by her father that she should know immediately if she should serve a mission.  She woke up three times that night with the spirit telling her she should go on a mission. "The mission has opened my eyes to being involved with people," she said.  "I'm not nervous anymore.  I accept people for how they are."
   Sister Simpson's older brother and sister served missions, but she had never wanted to go.  She once received a text from her sister telling her she should think about a mission. She re-read her Patriarchal Blessing, and prayed, then had the answer that she should serve.  "I haven't regretted it," she said, "even for a day!" She says she has gone from being quiet,  to being able to have a conversation  about the Gospel.

Relief Society Service Projects Help Women's Center

    Janet Cook, right, helps Angie Bosworth pack donated items to make hygiene kits to be given to the Women's Center in Stockton, which also services Lodi.  Angie is the ward Relief Society weekday meeting coordinator who planned this project because she felt it was important to give to the community and help those in need.

   Sisters in the Mokelumne River Ward donated 24 blankets, 20 pairs of gloves, 53 scarfs, 132 hats, and 50 hygiene kits to the project.  The Women's Center counsels and  helps those in difficult family situations including runaway children, and domestic  violence. Men, as well as women and children can receive these items.

   Thirty to thirty-five sisters joined on a Thursday night to make blankets, crochet hats and pack kits.

Relief Society and Elders Quorum Presidencies Reajusted

Relief Society

  When Ruth Anderson was recently called to be the Stake Relief Society president, she was replaced in the Mokelumne River Ward RS Presidency by Kaela Burke.  Kaela will be in charge of the various monthly weekday activities. Wendy Weight will coordinate the Sunday lessons.

   President Judy Wilcox said the goal of the Relief Society is to develop more spirituality in the lives of the sisters.  This will be accomplished by good classes, council meetings and activities.  

L to R:  Kaela Burke, first counselor; Judy Wilcox. president; Wendy Weight, second counselor; Glenda Grover, secretary.

Elders Quorum

L to R:  Eric Fairbanks, secretary; Neil Anderson, second counselor; Adam Sroufe, first counselor; Don Daley, president.

  According to the presidency, "The purpose of the Elders Quorum is to unify all ward priesthood holders, and by extension, all Mokelumne Ward members, to accomplish the work of salvation."

Happy Birthday Mokelumne River Ward!

  We turned "One" in August!  It was a great year, so we celebrated it the way we began it -- with a great big party. Check out the pictures below to recall and share the excitement of that evening.

 These were the ingredients of a perfect party:  tri-tip cooked to perfection on an outdoor grill; lots of other yummy food for a gourmet meal; a dessert auction; and a dance to top it off.

  Fred Fairbanks did a professional and fun job (lower left) of auctioning desserts made by Young Women to support their camp experience.  Other ward members also contributed their favorite dessert creations.  Generosity abounded as buyers shared their purchase with others at their table.  Missionaries were the recipients of two pies sold at the auction. Most of the desserts went for $25 to over $100.  A table of small single treats were sold at a table in front for $1 each.

    We captured a few pictures of ward members enjoying the evening, and celebrating this important milestone for the Mokelumne River Ward.  We are a family in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Note:  Click on any of the collages to get a larger view.

Relief Society Sisters Make "Compassionate" Cards

   Getting together as friends is fun.  Making cards is fun.  Relief Society sisters met together August 16 for an enjoyable evening of making cards that can be used  as a way to minister to others in need.

   Angie Boswell brought craft supplies and card stock to make the handmade compassion cards.  They were embellished with ribbon, stickers, and stamped with words of encouragements.  It was a fun filled evening of conversations and making beautiful cards that would lift the lives of others.  Another way of giving service.

2018 Girls' Camp is Spirtual Experience

    Thirty-three Young Women along with the Mokelumne River Ward YW presidency enjoyed a week at Camp Richie at Bear River Reservoir.  A new manual from the Church de-emphasized camp skills and certification, and instead featured activities that increased spiritual awareness and love. Girls had experiences that increased their faith in God and helped them stay on the right path.

Young Woman President Bronwyn Webb reported that recently in Sacrament meeting the young women presented a camp themed program.  "We heard from a girl from each level at camp: 1st year: Aubrey Anderson; 2nd year: Natalie Robison; 3rd year: Gillian Versteeg; 4th year: Avery Self; 5th year: Addison Burton; 6th year: Brooklynn Shull.  We performed “As Sister’s in Zion” and “Peace in Christ” as a choir.  What beautiful, strong, Christlike girls they are, an example to us their leaders, in many ways!  We are so proud of the women they are becoming!"  

    The theme for the week was taken from D&C 19:23: “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.”  To illustrate this, girls participated in a faith walk.  As they journeyed  along a path they encountered stones that represented the burdens, trials, and struggles in life.  They had to carry these as they progressed.  The final stop was a campfire with a large image of Christ.  They dropped their stones at his feet and it was impressed on them to look to Christ and He would lighten their burdens.

     Each day all the girls in camp had a “Sacred Grove Time”—30 minutes of quiet to read, ponder, pray, or just sit and appreciate their beautiful surroundings.

   Here are some camp pictures for you to enjoy.

Left: Sunday picture of the Mokelumne River Ward girls who went to camp this year.  Bishop Holden was there for several days and the girls enjoyed his presence. 

Three Ward Members "Graduate" from Earth Life

   As announced in church Sunday, ward member Peg Thawley recently died and had a private service.  Ralph McDonald who was a ward clerk in Lodi Third Ward for many years also recently passed way.  He did not have a funeral.  Joyce Dickerson laid her husband Bruce to rest July 23 with a beautiful funeral service in the Stake Center chapel.
  Long time friends participated in the service.  Loren Perry gave the eulogy; Dave Gillingwater read remarks written by Joyce; Daughter Linda Huffman told family stories, and Bryant Bogren gave a beautiful spiritual message which included the plan of salvation.  A group of sisters sang "Abide With Me."
  At the request of Joyce, Linda Parker played Bruce's favorite piece of music, "Moonlight Sonata" as part of the prelude music.  There were many comments about the beauty and significance of her tender piano performance.

The Dickerson family poses for a picture before the grave dedication by Joseph Stringer, Second Counselor in the Mokelumne River Ward Bishopric.

Liz Sprowls (left), Judy Wilcox (center) are two of a group of Relief Society sisters who prepared and served a delicious luncheon for family and friends after the services.

Scouts Enjoy Being in Nature

   Mokelumne River Ward young men and their leaders attended the Marin-Sierra scout camp last week. Deacon's Quorum leader and scoutmaster, Tim Shull said, "It was an amazing time to camp in the woods and be one with nature." 
   They had daily visits from their bear buddy, who they affectionately named Jeremy! (Center Picture)  Brother Shull expressed his gratitude to Ben Brown, John Robison and Nathen Crum for their help during the camp.

Healthy Smoothies Highlight of Relief Society Event

Sister Vicki Kidd gave a presentation on "Gut Health and Delicious Smoothie Making," to twenty sisters attending the monthly weekday Relief Society meeting July 19. Tasty samples were enjoyed by all.  The evening concluded with members returning to their tables and working on their own projects.  It was an evening of learning, fellowship, and fun.  {Story and photos contributed by Jen Tovar, RS Historian.}

Young Men Have Amazing "Duty to God" Camp

 

    This past week the Young Men (Aaronic Priesthood) participated in a stake "Duty to God" camp in Hollister, California.  Priest age boys acted as DL's (district leaders,) mentoring the younger boys--structured much like a mission.
   As reported by Kelly Farlee, Bryce Farlee, Kedren Farlee and Matt Cooper, there were a lot of sporting activities:  BB shooting, shotgun shooting of clay pigeons, tug-of-war, swimming in the ocean, and much more.
    Along with the physical events, there was an overriding emphasis on spiritual growth.  The young men were directed to leave their mobile devices home for the week.  Their theme was D&C 19:23 which emphasized learning of Christ and finding peace.  To help them find this peace during the week they had a special sacred grove where they could quietly read, pray, or deeply ponder the meaning of this verse and its application in their personal lives.  They listened to special talks by Patriarch Jim Cook and Stake President Joseph Anderson.
     Newly called missionary Evan Webb taught a lesson about how the spirit can change someone.  He compared it to "physical vs. chemical."  As an object lesson he showed a piece of wet paper.  This is physical.  It is possible to dry it out and get the paper back.  But if you set the paper on fire there is a chemical change that makes it impossible to come back to paper again.  Elder Webb explained that you can have a desire to change, but you must have the spirit to help you.

   Following are pictures and comments about some of the activities.

Bishop Tom Busi of the Ione Ward, who "broke his leg," is carried off on a stretcher.  During the camp the Young Men learned how to make a stretcher, as well as a splint for a broken leg.  Mokelumne Ward First Counselor Tyler Burton also broke his leg and had to be carried out on a stretcher, but his picture was not available.

At the end of the camp, a trophy was to be awarded to the ward team who had the most all-around points in the games during the week. Mokelumne River Ward was tied with Galt's Twin Cities Ward, so the two teams competed in a tug-of-ward to determine the winner.  According to Evan Webb, "We broke them in less than 10 seconds!!"

This is the  #1 trophy with the #1 team.

You can find it displayed in Bishop Holden's office!

The Video: "Duty to God Camp 2018"

Watch this excellent video produced by Jordan Clark of the Vintage Ward. You will see lots of Mokelumne River Ward Young Men because (editor's note) they are active, awesome and the greatest kids ever!