Memorial Day Photo Essay

    The three Lodi congregations (Mokelumne River Ward, Vineyard Ward, and Spanish Branch) joined together on Memorial Day for a pancake breakfast and bike ride.

The Elders Quorum of Mokelumne River ward, under the direction of President Don Daley prepared the delicious food.

Kids and adults alike ventured over to the face painting table for a cute design.

Before the breakfast began, Tim Leach from the Vineyard gave a personal and dynamic account of what Memorial Day means to him.  It involved the death of one of his leaders while he was serving in the military. This man left behind a wife, several children and the troop he led.  He helped us feel grateful for the service of those who protect our freedom.

It is nice, and we are blessed, to have a pavilion  where an event of this kind can be held.  The food was ready and kept on coming as people collected their choice of breakfast essentials.

Missionaries from both wards joined in the celebration.  The Elders from Vintage Ward brought an investigator to join in the fellowship of the day.  Mokelumne River Ward has a new Sister missionary from England.  Her name is Sister Graham and she is anxious to meet all of us.

The bike ride is about to begin, but first a traffic officer is present to instruct on safety issues while riding bikes on the street.  He did an excellent job.

Don Daley, Elders Quorum President not only spent most of the morning serving food, but was first in line to lead the bicycle riders on their adventure.

And here they go!! Many children decorated their bikes for the occasion, and parents and grandparents accompanied some of them.  It was a great time.

Emilia Carlston is Baptized a Member of the Church

     Emilia Mae Carlston, daughter of Liz and Ben Carlston was baptized and confirmed May 18, 2019 by her dad, Benjamin Carlston. When asked about her special day, Emilia said “I felt good and happy.”
     When she came out of the water, she wore a dress fashioned from her mom’s wedding dress.

     Her baby brother Bennett was blessed the same day and also wore an outfit made from mom’s wedding dress. He was wrapped in a special quilt made by his grandmother that showcases scraps of special family pieces including his dad’s shirt, his grandma’s first temple dress and handkerchiefs from his great grandmothers. His socks were purchased in Italy (where his dad served a mission) and his shoes were made by mom. It was a lovely occasion with family and friends!

Emergency Preparedness Plans

   Dave Gillingwater, who is an expert on the subject of preparedness, taught the Relief Society sisters all about it.  He explained what you should have in the car, or in your personal backpack, what you should have for infants and toddlers, seniors or disabled, or pets.
   We often think about food, but what non-food do we need?  Think in terms of tools, cooking, bedding, clothing, safety items, sanitation and hygiene.
   Dave also gave suggestions for a 72-hour emergency kit, keeping in mind the possibility that you may have to carry what you take.  Roads may not be open to use a car.  The most critical elements to consider are: body warmth, water and food.

   Dave had plenty of handouts and also went through some of his packs to demonstrate items that we may not have thought of.  A sewing kit may come in handy, or a little gadget lower left that is a radio, flashlight and can charge a phone. It can be powered by solar, battery, or hand generator. After the presentation Lisa Clegg, RS Monthly Meeting Coordinator, (lower right) demonstrated useful items that can be purchased from the church storehouse.  Samples were available to taste.

Family History in Action

    Tacos and Family History seem to go hand in hand. Sixty-five + people (young and old alike) came to enjoy food and learn more about how to research their family history.  Many of those attending had not been to a previous event, so all were open to learning.  Many were able to find family names and learn about "Ordinance Ready" in the family history site.
     The beginners were excited about one of the new links on FamilySearch called "Pioneer Ancestors." You can put in your name and find a page that is divided into sub-topics such as Pioneers, Missionaries, etc. You can find a name, then discover where he/she came from, how many days they were on a trek, and other information about them.  Cathy Leonard of the Family History staff said, "It makes it so real that you want to know all about them.  The spirit of Elijah was certainly there."
  Cathy also gave instructions, for those who weren't there, or need a review.
                                                          Instructions
     In the upper right corner of FamilySearch opening page, click on "Help." There is a drop down. Click on "Helper Resources." The next window shows a box where you will either see your own name or click "Added or Accepted."  You can click on your own name and it takes you to another window with panes to click on.  If you click on "Pioneer Ancestors" it will lead you to a a wealth of information on your ancestors.

   Travis Leonard was thrilled to be able to assist Ann Grether and get her more up to speed on using FamilySearch.  They had some great success.  (Ann must be saying "Oh, my goodness!!!" after Travis helped her find some family records!)
   Meantime Cathy Leonard also shared instructions with Andrea Mogler.  She had found her grandfather's file on FamilySearch, but didn't know how to add it to her own pedigree chart. " After getting it attached," Cathy said, "we found there was a duplicate record for him.  An Aunt had built another file for him, so it had a different ID number.  I proceeded to teach her how to merge the two records, so that opened up the opportunity for her to reserve his temple work and print cards for the temple."
   It was a successful evening.

Moreau Baby

Story coming ---