A Glorious Christmas Sunday Meeting

    The Sunday before Christmas (12//19/2021) the ward was blessed with a beautiful Sacrament Meeting consisting (after the sacrament) of short narrations and a variety of music conceived by Jackie Perry who is the ward music chairperson. The program cover was illustrated with a lovely painting of the birth of Jesus.

    The Congregation sang several hymns separated by individual and group presentations. The youth in the ward performed "Away in a Manger" accompanied by Gillian Versteeg on the violin and Teresa Sroufe on the piano. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear was beautifully performed by Riley Broughton and his daughters, followed by the ward Primary singing "Could I Hold the Baby."

   The final number was a dramatic solo "O Holy Night" performed by Bernie Moreau and accompanied by Ruth Anderson. Bernie has a voice that rings through the rafters.  The song was longer than it usually is, but we hoped it could go on forever.  It was a little hard to understand the words on the last part, but Cliff Kerr (a former missionary in France) clued us in that Bernie was singing in French.  Oh! The lights came on!  He must be singing for his parents. Are they here? we wondered.

   Yes, Bernie's parents were here.  They are from Haiti and have been living with the Moreaus for several months. They speak only French and are not members of the church.  The picture below is Bernie and his parents.  It was easy to see how proud they are of him.

  

They requested a picture of them with the entire Moreau family.  So here it is below: they are joined with Bernie's wife Ashley and their four children--Amare, Arabella, Anaiya, and Ariya. 

Relief Society Celebrates Christmas with Special Evening Event

    Since the activity was for women, the RS Presidency featured a program called "The Women Who Knew Jesus."  It was beautiful.  Participating from L to R are Judy Wilcox who read what Elizabeth, Mother of John may have felt.  Next was Kathy Marshall, speaking as the wife of a shepherd (also featured in front with one of her lambs.)  Next was Cathy Leonard, wife of the keeper of an inn, and then Anne Corbin portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus.  It concluded with all the sisters in the room singing "Mary's Lullaby."

   The cultural hall  and tables were beautifully decorated and lent a festive feeling to the evening.  The programs were a digital art beauty.  A Christmas tree  decorated with leather-like card, each with a name that Jesus was known by in the scriptures.  Example: "Savior" or "Redeemer."  Each sister was invited to choose one to take home for her own tree.

 

                              Here are a few of the sisters who enjoyed the evening.

     The Decons who (it is rumored) volunteered to serve dinner and clean up, were a delight to the sisters.  They were so pleasant, and friendly, and looked like they enjoyed their service. The picture above is the boys in front with their Priesthood leaders behind.

Seven Year Olds Learn More About Baptism

     All children in the ward who will turn eight years old next year were invited to a special program which will help them get ready for this important event.  It was called "IT'S GREAT TO BE 8."  Baptismal songs were sung and Primary staff talked to them about what it means to be baptized and how important the event it will be in their lives.

   When it was Bishop Holden's turn to talk he included a special activity.  Inviting only the children for this event, and not the adults, he asked them to follow him.  He took them on a tour of an actual baptismal font (where the above picture was taken) and explained how the baptism would take place. This was intended to wipe away any fear the children may have of being baptized.

   In the Primary song called "Baptism" it says, "Now we know that we must also, Witness faith in Jesus' word. Be baptized to show obedience, As was Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Mokelumne River Ward Celebrates Christmas with a Dinner

The Christmas party was billed as a catered dinner. The word must have gotten out successfully--the hall was filled, and we couldn't get everyone in the picture--even with a wide angle lens.

   Amid beautiful decorations, members were renewing old friendships, and meeting new people.  Several non-members came and it was a delight to talk with them.

   The tacos and enchilada were a hit.  Then the elves brought out all kinds of Christmas cookies.   The children were devouring them by the plate full.

    The program which followed the dinner had been billed as a "variety show," and that was spot on. We saw everything from Polynesian dancers to a man who whistled to musical accompaniment. There was also a chance for everyone to join in some Christmas carols as the words appeared on the screen. It was a delightful evening enjoyed by all who were there.

Willa Joy Sroufe is Baptized

      Willa Sroufe became the latest "official" member of the church on November 20 when she was baptized by her father Adam Sroufe. In the top picture she poses for a photo with both her parents, Adam and Hilary Sroufe.  Grandparents Dan and Teresa Sroufe attended the baptism and supported Willa in her decision.  Below: Teresa poses with Willa and a special poster grandma made for the occasion. It lists Willa's outstanding characteristics. 

Primary Children Present Touching Sacrament Meeting Program

    Beautiful music and sweet testimonies highlighted the Primary's presentation.  Even the youngest children participated and sang a beautiful song ending in "I'll find my own sacred grove,"  Other touching lines from a song were: "I know He lives. I will follow Him, and I know that my Savior Loves me."

Four songs were sung -- each by a different group, and in a different language: Portuguese, Italian, Tongan, and Spanish.  They did an amazing job.   Then older children gave talks and the group sang "I love to see the temple, I'm going there some day."

   For the closing song, the children sang the first verse of "The Spirit of God," then joined the congregation in the other three verses.

California Pioneer History Event

 

   Mokelumne River Ward members participated in the annual California Pioneer History day.  Lodi Stake Communications Director Cathy Leonard (above in white apron and bonnet) and Laura Crayun,Stake  Relief Society 2nd counselor were instrumental in helping the event succeed.

   Another member of the ward, Kathy Marshall is a "California Living History Missionary" and was highly involved in producing all of these events through the years. The occasion celebrates the Ship Brooklyn saints who came to California to settle a place for the main body of saints who were coming West. Two hundred and thirty-eight pioneers were recruited to sail to the West coast.  It took them six months to sail 24,000 miles around cape Horn and arrive in Alta California, surviving two terrible storms.  They were instrumental in building San Francisco. Then Brigham Young and the saints arrived in the Salt Lake valley and it was announced that that was the new gathering place for the saints. The Brooklyn Saints wanted to go there but lacked resources to undertake an 800 mile journey. Within three months gold was discovered and and gave them the needed money.  Samuel Brannan became a millionaire and others were promptly rewarded for their work in placer mines along the American River. The help from the Brooklyn saints made it possible for the Utah group to succeed in settling. (This is the short version.  Read the entire story on the Wikipedia written by Kathy Marshall.

    Children pioneers had lots of fun doing all the activities planned for them in the beautiful setting of Marshall Gold Discovery Stake Park in Coloma, California. The picture in the upper right is called 
"The Storm Coaster," and while riding on it one has the experience of how it feels to be on rough water.  One little boy had so much fun that he did it seven times.

Top Picture:  Three Mokelumne River Ward families not only enjoyed the day, but camped overnight in the beautiful mountains. They were the Brad Parker, Tim Shull and Don Daley families.

Bottom Picture:  A group of young men and women sang pioneer songs for everyone to enjoy.

Mokelumne River Ward Contributes to Refugee Food Project

   Mokelumne River Ward has joined other wards in the Sacramento area to provide food for the refugees who are coming in from Afghanistan.  Thirty boxes were delivered last week, and 60 more will go to Sacramento next week. So far the stake has assembled 157 kits.  There are now another 67 kits at the Bishops Storehouse.  The plan is to build that up to 100, so when the Church Welcome Center calls for another 30-60 kits we are always ready.  The kits include flour, rice, cooking oil, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, lentil beans, raisins and tea.

   The young children have been busy coloring welcome cards and notes to welcome the refugees.  They are helped by the Sister Missionaries.

Sister Missionaries Clean Up Cemetery

 

      Sister  Gonzalez and Sister McLeod, our current ward missionaries, went to "Just Serve" on the Internet to see if they could find a service project.  They found that the historical Harmony Grove Cemetery needed some upkeep. So they volunteered.  They were helped by Manual (top picture,) a man they encountered while searching for people to teach.  They knocked on his door and asked him if he would like to help rake leaves.  He agreed and helped them out, as did Lisa Holden, Bishop Holden's wife.

    The bottom picture gives us a clue as to how much fun this project was!!  We have amazing full time missionaries in our ward.

Missionary Work Involves Love, Share, Invite

     There was a 5th Sunday in October, so it was used to enhance and encourage missionary work.  Brother Don Daley (center) is ward mission leader and led the discussion based on love, share, invite.  Sister missionaries Sister Gonzalez (left and Sister McLeod (right) spoke about the importance of these three things in having success in presenting the gospel to non-members. The group was composed of both adults and youth in the ward.

       Brother Daley asked the congregation to form three groups.  Each was to take one of the three subjects, discuss how it could be achieved and why it was important.  The reporter in group three was Owen Daley (right) and he did an excellent job of leading and reporting.

    Some of the suggestions from the groups are: introduce yourself, smile, serve each other, text or call, ministering to everyone, listen to the spirit, pray for people, be genuine and show genuine interest,  courage to act on inspiration, practice love, be friendly, build relationships, build a happy home where love can be felt.  Last, but not least: "You'll never meet someone the Lord doesn't love,"

Young Men and Young Women Celebrate Their Ancestors

 The oldest Young Women class (15-18,)  led by their leader Hilary Sroufe planned a joint activity to celebrate eternal families and loved  ones who have left this life.

    Each member of the group was asked to bring a picture or memento of an ancestor or family member. These are the pictures and objects that were displayed.

    Several things were encouraged:  Beginning a story of your own life, learning something about your ancestor, looking on the Family Search app to find out more.  Several found names ready to be taken to the temple!

   Another fun aspect of the evening was for each person to bring a family recipe dish or treat to share.  For example, cookies their grandma made or a roll recipe passed down in their family.  They definitely had a great night celebrating their families!

Best Halloween Ever

 

       The Mokelumne River Ward Halloween event was a great success.  A crowd of children and parents dressed in costumes "Trunk-or-Treated" the delightfully decorated car trunks prepared by various families.  The Halloween goodies were donated by members of the ward.  Before the candy hunt started, the children had a parade and showed off their costumes. The Primary was in charge of the event and was headed by Primary president Ginny Shull (bottom left.)

   Here are six of the beautifully decorated trunks. The children could visit them all--at the same time not having to worry about unsafe conditions. Everyone's participation  is what made this Saturday a wonderful time for the Halloween tradition which calendared the next day (Sunday.)

Young Women Make Fall Wreaths

    The youngest and oldest class in YW made fall wreaths and had a Halloween party. Sister Jill Disch came and taught the girls great wreath making skills! They also painted pumpkins and had a great time!

Kedrin Farlee Returns From Mission to Mexico

Brother Farlee was called to a mission in Mexico. He was only there for a short time when COVID-19 struck the earth and he was sent to Texas, then home, and finally back to Mexico. This was not what he expected and it was a very hard time for him. But he worked hard and learned from every situation. He even had the special privilege of attending the temple with converts that he had taught earlier in his mission. This is what he said about his mission: "My mission was the best two years of my life! I learned so very much and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Advance Directive Class for RS Sisters

    Relief Society Sisters had an informative class taught by Linsey Bailey about planning for end-of-life preferences they should consider. Linsey is the granddaughter of Joyce Dickerson and is a regestered nurse at Lodi Memorial Hospital. At the same time she is working online on her Bacheler's Degree from Aspen University. Following are the things that were covered: 

     A Living will communicates your values and treatment preferences should you be unable to speak for yourself. Often addresses end-or-life medical treatments, but can also include wishes, values, and goals of care. 

     Power of Attorney/Health Care Proxy designates someone else to make all medical treatment decsions for you if you cannot make them ourself. 

     POLST (Physician's Orders for Life-Sustainng Treatment) is not intended to replace an Advance Directive, but rather complement it by ensuring consistency. When signed, this form is a legally valid physican order and must be followed by health care providers according to California Law. Linsey answered questions and emphasized that all topics should be discused with family, friends, doctors, and whoever may be involved in decision making.

YM and YW Get Etiquette Lesson from Bishop

Bishop Holden

      The Young Men and the bishopric put on a delicious etiquette dinner for the youth in our ward. The etiquette lesson was presented by Bishop Holden, who got an early education in etiquette from his grandmother.   He taught the youth the proper use of all the utensils at the table along with being a conversationalist and all things included in dining with others or being invited to dine in someone's home.  From not talking with food in your mouth to thanking your host--the bishop covered it all.  SO--feel free to invite any of our wonderful youth over and test their skills!

  

                              Here are some snapshots of each of the tables at the etiquette dinner.

Members and Non-members Work Together to Harvest Pomegranates

    A non-member friend  who lives in the foothills had planted  24 acres pomegranates on his farm.  Soon after, he had a heart attack and was unable to care for it.  Mark Wilcox and Cliff Kerr stepped in and took care of it for two years.  When the first crop was ready to harvest there was no way it could be done by two people.  So they reached out to members of the ward, and to all their non-member friends who have an interest in fruit production.

  Here are a few pictures of the event.  Left: Sister Gonzalez enjoys picking the fruit and did an excellent job. Below left:  Brother Kerr introduces the Elders from our area and gets them started.  Center: Showing the sister missionaries how to measure a pomegranate for size. Right:  Ardell Gillingwater chats with the orchard owner.  Below light:  Mark Wilcox helps unload picked fruit. 

 

   This was an all-day project.  For lunch the 35 volunteers had a meal of hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by non-member Alvin Soto. He works as a custodian at Tokay High School and outdoor cooking is one of his many talents.

      Dave Gillingwater had plenty to do during the day, but his favorite thing is to talk about emergency preparedness, which is his specialty.  He cornered the sister missionaries and showed them his emergency kit which can take care of a stranded and injured person for three days, and is contained in a lunch bag.  Below are some of the items he showed.

     Top Row:  A good supply (40) of quarters, list of  emergency phone numbers, a blanket for warmth, a fire lighter and flashlight among other things.  Bottom Row: multiple knife, can of soup (the tape on the can can be used to open it, as well as tape on bandages if necessary,) a roll of toilet paper condensed to a small flat pack, and emergency sun screen.  

    This picture shows the lunch bag open.  On the left are two MRE's (meals ready to eat--beef stew.) Some (but not all) of the other things in the pack: mosquito repellent, plastic spoons, band aids and first aid kit, matches, sewing kit, buttons, magnifying glass which can also be used to start fires, razer blade, compass, and three snack bars.

    The pictures on the right show the small bag which is all packed.  Two bottles of water reside in the lid area. Dave suggests that each family have one of these and keep it in their car at all times.

Relief Society Sisters Create Hygiene Kits

 

     As part of the National Day of Service on September 11, 2021, as a ward we came together in remembrance of those we lost on 9/11, and collected items to put together hygiene kits for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  

    Generous members donated enough items to make 124 hygiene kits to give to the Sacramento chapter, who will then be able to give these kits to families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

Ward Birthday Bash/Carnival

    Mokelumne River Ward has a big birthday celebration every year in September.  This year was no exception and planning began months before. The party is known for it's excellent food. Food guru Cathy Leonard headed up the salad portion of the dinner.  She chose three delicious salads: Cowboy, Italian Pasta Primavera, and Classic Macaroni.   She bought the ingredients, cooked the macaroni and boiled eggs at home, then supervised a group of sisters for chopping , mixing, and packing the salads into little individual boxes.  See picture below.

Top row L to R:  Liz Sprowls, Lisa Holden, Betty McOmber, Joyce Dickerson, Ann Kerr

Bottom Row L to R: Jill Disch, Judy Wilcox, Suzanne Fairbanks, Cindie Parker, and Magalita Rosenbusch and her sister.

Casey Haynes (center, blue shirt) Elders Quorum President in the ward, is also the GO-TO man for delicious meat. Party goers had several things to choose from and all was cooked to perfection. Upper left corner is salad maker  Cathy Leonard enjoying the meal with her husband Travis.

   The carnival was enjoyed mostly by children and teens.  There were animals to pet, games to play, and lots of yummy prizes.

    Since the bash/carnival was held on September 11, the entry to the pavilion was lined with flags and everyone noted the occasion of the twin tower tragedy and the loss of lives.

Youth Excited About Temple Trip

   With the COVID pandemic going on for so long, youth temple trips were far and few between.  Thirteen teens from our ward were excited to be able to travel to the Oakland Temple (Sacramento was closed) and be baptized for 100 people who have died before being able to join the church. 

The group was accompanied by Tim and Genny Shull.

 

Sister Missionary Update

   Sisters Lund and Gonzalez pose together.  Sister Gonzalez was herself a new missionary for Mokelumne River ward just a month ago.  Now she is welcoming Sister Lund who is from Washington D.C.  and was recently serving in Stockton as a Spanish speaking trainer.  Before her mission she attended BYU-Provo  studying music and dance, and hopes to be accepted in one of BYU's traveling programs.  Unfortunately  (for us) she was only here for 12 days.
 

   Sister Gonzalez's new companion is Sister McLeod from Las Vegas, Nevada.  She has been in the mission field for seven months, and has a delightful personality.  Each gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting on September 12 and they were excellent.  We are blessed to have such amazing missionaries.