Organizational Wrap-Ups for 2022

                           Young Women

   Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all the ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

     "Trust in the Lord" was the theme for our youth in 2022. The Young Women of the Mokelumne River Ward have learned to "Trust in the Lord" and have found strength in their shared experiences as they have participated in the youth-led, leader supported activities. Under the guidance of President Hilary Sroufe and her counselors, Brenda Casper and Lisa Holden, the young woman planned and participated in several temple trips, unique service opportunities, and many skill building activities, as well as, plenty of relationship supporting fun. 

     Some highlights from the year were our temple trips, the former missionaries presentation night, the visit to River Fountains Care Facility where we spent time making friends with some of Lodi's more mature members, girls camp, the fall beach trip, and our friends-giving meal where many non-member friends joined us. These are just a few of the many activities our YW participated in this year which also include our Young Women Sunday lessons, firesides and stake activities. In other words, the youth are very busy!

     In October, we said goodbye to Sister Sroufe and her counselors while welcoming our new presidency, comprised of President Brenda Casper, first counselor Lisa Clegg and second counselor Megan Daley. Through this change, we learned that two things can be true at once and although, we were deeply saddened to say goodbye to Sister Sroufe and Sister Holden, and are very thankful for all they have done to love and support our young woman, we are very excited about the future with Sister Casper and her new presidency. 

     As this year comes to a close and we have an opportunity to reflect back, we are very thankful for all of those individuals who worked tirelessly to love and support our young women. Young women leaders leading by example and showing them what it means to truly trust in the Lord will have lasting consequence for years to come as understanding, faith and testimonies grow. We are equally thankful for the young women of our ward. They inspire through their thoughtful deeds and strong testimonies.  Their spirits help to uplift and strengthen those around them and we look forward to the strong women that they will become. 

             Relief Society

    President Lisa Clegg, and her counselors Suzanne Fairbanks and Tami Woods, with secretary

Julie McGhie, led the Mokelumne River ward Relief Society for most of 2022. During this time,

they brought the sisters closer to Christ—by facilitating the study of messages from our prophets

and apostles with wonderful teachers, Jenny Haynes and Cyndie Parker, by reaching out to the

sisters constantly through ministering interviews and one-on-one outreach, and through

enrichment activities monthly. They led a sister’s trip to the Sacramento temple in May and

September, game night August, a garden party in June, organized a Spring-cleaning activity in

April, and a service-with-love outreach in February.

         In late October, Sister Clegg and her valiant presidency were released, and a new Relief Society

presidency was called. President Julie Cooper and first counselor Kari Fairbanks, second

counselor Cyndie Parker, and secretary Betty McOmber will lead the Mokelumne River ward

into 2023. Sara Farlee has been called to replace Cyndie in the teaching line-up.

          Behind the scenes, so many sisters were involved in good works! Ardell Gillingwater and the

sisters who serve with her organized meals to so many who were in temporary need; without a

formal calling, many other sisters simply stepped in to help. Whether it is Bonnie Raingruber

visiting an elderly sister every single week to organize her medications, or Rita Caldwell, who

though long retired, still uses her professional nursing skills to help sisters in need, or Shirley

Mason, providing gorgeous poinsettias to decorate the chapel throughout December, most

service is done quietly, privately, acts small and large but constant as sisters minister to each

other.

                                                              Primary

   The power and testimony of the Savior was shown in Primary each week.  As the year began we learned songs that strengthened what the children have learned in class and at home about the stories in the Old Testament.  These teachings were solidified through songs such as "The Covenant" which gave the children the explanation and promises the covenants bring.  The song "Choose To Serve the Lord" taught them that they can be valiant in many ways like the heroes and heroines in the Old Testament.  The power of music in primary is real--the children often felt the spirit as they sang.

   The Primary children also had fun at the Unbirthday party in April?  Seventy-six children attended and celebrated.  We learned about the temple as primary families gathered on the temple grounds for a short lesson, craft and family photos were taken.  The primary presidency has visited every child in their home and tried to share with them the love their Savior has for each of them.

Service is a Continuing Circle

   Jackie came to Lodi in 2011 when she married Loren Perry.  Both of them had lost their mates.  She loved to take pictures as she explored her new world.  Jackie very quickly became one of the busiest sisters in the ward.  She was always taking food to a family in need, or being a friend to a sister who was having a difficult time.  She could drive someone to the doctor if necessary, or shop for groceries.  She is skilled in music and sang in the choir and could lead a chorus if necessary.

   Now, unfortunately, she is the one needing help.  She has been in weak health for several years, but in addition to that she recently fell and has been unable to walk for weeks.  It's Christmas season and her birthday was December 21.

   When Jackie Perry fell and broke her leg, she spent days in the hospital and two weeks in a care facility.  She didn't have many (if any) happy moments.  But that changed when she was allowed to come home. Her face in the picture above tells it all.  The Young Men in the ward came and sang Christmas carols to her. They were accompanied by a smiling Bishop Adam Sroufe (sitting next to her) and four adult male leaders (who aren't in the picture.)  Sister Jackie Perry said, "It was so touching. I felt that they were giving me a gift that they couldn't give in any other way."

      Help in the home was still needed.  Families in the ward brought food for the Perrys, came to visit, ran errands, and sent cards filled with love.  The five sisters in this picture were there on her birthday (more details below.)  They are from L to R: Ann Kerr, Ardell Gillingwater, Rita Caldwell, Jackie's sister Cindy Van Gergen, and Kitty Tippets, a long time friend and member who lives with the Perry's and helps out.

       Jackie turned 81 on December 21.  Not being able to have a normal celebration, the pictures above show a little of the joy she felt on this birthday. Jackie  loves music so she was given a set of ear pods (lying on her shirt) so she could listen to beautiful music anytime she wanted. Sister Kerr set her up with a musical app and showed her how to use the pods.  Going to A&W for a root beer float is a tradition that couldn't be missed, so the sisters rounded up some mugs and made it happen in her home.  Jackie received many birthday cards which she enjoyed reading.

   The reason we've giving more space in the ward history to a birthday, is so future readers can get a feeling for how Mokelumne River members look out for, and help, each other. They are truly serving in the Savior's way--and this goes on all year long.

Ward Christmas Party Celebrates the Birth of Christ

     All of the organizations in the ward contributed to a Christmas celebration that was beautiful, timely, and touched the hearts of the large group who attended. Visitors began their experience by exploring a room of nativities contributed by various families, enhanced by lights and decorations.  Some of the nativities were created by hand from Christ-loving people around the world.

   Next we are in Bethlehem where the Inn Keeper lets us know that that is NO room for Mary and Joseph.  They will have to look elsewhere.  Next we see a stable where Mary and Joseph welcome the newborn Christ child.  (Editor's note: This is a VERY beautiful stable!)

   The decorations for dinner were lovely and many walked around the hall to see them all before choosing a seat.  A young pianist played music while the crowd made their way through a delicious assortment of salad, potatoes, meat, bread, vegetables, and dessert. (Contributed by almost everyone who came!) Our fulltime Sister Missionaries (lower center pix) enjoyed the evening.

   To end the evening our new bishop, Bishop Adam Sroufe led us in singing Christmas carols. Everyone had a sheet of paper with the words on it and it sounded like a heavenly choir.

    As a final act of kindness these girls made sure each family had an ornament to take home and hang on their Christmas tree. It displayed the theme of the occasion: "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus."

Christmas Boxes for Grace Mercy Foundation

An assortment of adult volunteers from Mokelumne River Ward came to the aid of Grace Mercy and their delivery of food to those in need.  Our group filled 60 Christmas boxes of food that were delivered by the foundation.

Ward Youth and Children Participate in Lodi Light Parade

    The Lodi Light Parade is an annual event organized by the Lodi Kiwanis Club.  It draws thousands of spectators from all over the region and attracts between 60 and 80 entrants.  This is the 27th parade, but the first time in several years that the Lodi Wards have participated.  This was a great opportunity  for community outreach as our ward members, young and old, participated in the parade by both walking next to and riding on the float. Their theme was "Light the World" and banners were prominently displayed on the float. 

     Young Men, Young Women, and Primary children showed up with their advisors to participate.  When Gwen Daley was asked how she felt about participating she responded by saying that she loved how many people in the ward came out to participate and that she was so excited to see so many of her friend's faces in the crowd.  Erica Peters expressed that she hopes it becomes a yearly tradition. 

     The day was rainy and there was a fear of parade cancelation, but the rain stopped and it turned out to be a wonderful event. We hope that our participation in the parade was a success and that those we met felt our love for them and for our Savior through our interactions.

   Grand Marshals of the parade were Drs. Jasper and Param Gill, who were chosen because of their contributions to the greater Lodi area in the way of health care. Mokelumne River's thirteen-year-old Olivia Brown, who suffers from cancer, was the honorary Grand Marshal.  Her mother Katie Brown said this, "Tonight was great.  We got to be the number two car in the parade and ride in a convertible Carmaro.  It was a wonderful opportunity."  (Brown family in the picture.)

    

 

Nora Daley is Baptized

    Nora was baptized on Dec. 3, 2022  by her father Cory Daley.  Nora's mother writes: Nora’s baptism was an incredibly spiritual experience for our family—and I believe for everyone in attendance. It was simple and straightforward, but we were reminded of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us so that we could have the gift of repentance and be able to feel clean and at one with God, even when we make mistakes. Corey Brink, Nora’s grandpa, spoke about the sacrament table and how each week we are expected to bring an offering for Jesus. We are to bring him a broken heart and our past mistakes and a desire to change and be better. 

    The primary children sang The Covenant and brought such a sweet spirit to the meeting. It will be a day to remember! Thanks to Bishop Adam Sroufe and Ginny Shull, the Primary President, for conducting and supporting Nora in her journey on the covenant path! 

Mokelumne River Ward Members Help Stock Giving Machine

 

   For the last few years the church has been operating "Giving Machines" in various places. Anyone who wants to donate towards an item shown in the machine can do so with a credit card.  The machine is stocked with cards that represent things like clothes, meals, bicycles and other items.  All of the things bought will be given to charities and those in need.  There are only two machines in California and one of them is in Roseville. Lodi Stake is one of the stakes involved.  Mokelumne River Ward members participating in the stocking were John and Karen Robinson and their daughter Natalie on the left.  On the right are President Scott Means, his wife Jill, and their daughter Natalie, as well as Cathy and Travis Leonard.

A New Sister Missionary Joins Us!

        Sister Dunn on the left is the new companion for Sister Mills.  Her last assignment was in Stockton. She hails from Bountiful Utah, and has spent a year studying at BYU Provo before beginning her mission. She said she came on a mission to get closer to Jesus Christ and get to know Him. She has a delightful personality and we welcome her to our ward.

A Special Photo Event for Families of Primary Age Children

 

   There's no temple lesson more valuable than one taught at an actual temple -- and remembering that experience with a photograph will bring back the importance of that experience. On November 5  a primary activity was held on the grounds of the Sacramento Temple. Families with primary age children were invited to come and be together where photographer Ben Carlston (also a counselor in the bishopric) would take their picture.  Above are two examples of the twelve families who participated in this event.  These are pictures that will be treasured for a lifetime. 

       Primary secretary Teresa Sroufe helped the children make a frame for their picture and enjoy a white donut as a treat. They received the pictures the next day at primary.

      The real treat was the message Brother and Sister Wilcox gave.  They are temple ordinance workers and had the opportunity to share their thoughts and testimonies of the temple.  Brother Wilcox encouraged the children to help gather Israel by encouraging their parents to come to the temple often.  As he spoke he felt a great love for the children and their parents. He said, "God loves you and I know that the Holy Ghost carries that message to the hearts of many, perhaps all."  He said it was a message  he can't  describe, but "It fills my soul.  I now know," he said.

   Sister Wilcox taught that God loves all his children and wants us all to return to live with Him. She said, "To do that we need to make and keep covenants with Him.  Our first covenant of baptism starts us on the path.  We promised to obey and always remember Jesus. Heavenly Father promises to send the Holy Ghost to guide us.  In the temple those same covenants can be made by us for our deceased ancestors who did not have the chance in this life to make them.  Also in the temple we make additional covenants with Heavenly Father.  He promises us blessings for each covenant.  The highest blessing is that we can be together forever as families as we live the gospel and keep our part of the covenant." 

  Brother and Sister Wilcox both said "The temple is God's house.  His presence is felt there, and He directs the service performed there.  It was a special experience to be able to share this with the children and their families."

   This activity was an effort to strengthen children's faith and desire to be in the temple.  What was said or done may not be remembered very long, but we hope that they will remember the feelings they had while on the temple grounds.

   

Kenzie Alysa Kidd--A Beautiful New Baby

             Kaitlyn and Austin Kidd welcomed their daughter Kenzie into their home July 28th, 2022. She weighed 9 lb. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. Austin gave her a beautiful blessing during sacrament meeting November 6, 2022. She never made one sound during the meeting--just smiled as her parents introduced her to the members. Since the beginning of this blog five years ago, Kaitlyn and Austin have been featured on the masthead.  Austin Baptized Kaitlyn in the Mokelumne River in 2010.  It is such a joy to see the family growing and progressing. 

We Say Goodbye to Mary Ellen Meyers

   
Mary Ellen Meyers returned to her heavenly home October 20, 2022 a few weeks shy of her 81st  birthday. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to all, a giver of smiles and joy to others as a representative of Jesus Christ and a member of the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Her days were spent in gospel study and kind service to fellow saints and neighbors. Her funeral was held November 2 conducted by Stake President Counselor Dan Sroufe who is a member of Mokelumne River Ward.

   The pictures on the right above were taken in 2016 when Mary Ellen was recovering from a long hospital stay. She enjoys a PowerPoint RS lesson with Ann Kerr and a friend. Suzanne Fairbanks and her daughter visited Mary Ellen with gifts of flowers and magazines.

    As mentioned before, Mary Ellen was always smiling.  In the picture on the left she was visited in the hospital in Sacramento just before her death by her ministering couple Loren and Jackie Perry.  Brother Perry gave her a priesthood blessing that she would be comforted and without pain. He also spoke at her funeral, teaching about the plan of salvation that is a blessing to all righteous followers of Christ. Her grandson Adam Meyers wrote this about her:  "Because of you, I know my Savior Jesus Christ better because you always strived to be like Him.  You are as celestial as they come.  Now rest easy and watch over us until we meet again."  We will miss her!

Ward Halloween Party Was A Blast!

    The Halloween party has been a wonderful tradition since the beginning of Mokelumne River Ward.  It's a fun get together. Families decorate their cars for "trunk or treat."  Members donate candy to be used for the event. The children have an amazing time trick or treating in a safe place. And they don't just collect candy--many of the cars have games to play and a fun time to be had.  The above pictures are just a few of the decorations and excitement of the evening.

   Almost everyone was involved. Is that Bishop Sroufe and his wife Hillary on the right?  And to their left is Dan Sroufe who is a counselor in the stake presidency.  The skeletons serving fruit and vegetables instead of candy are Ruth Anderson, Stake RS President, and her husband Neil. (Their daughter Aubrey was at the same location sending candy down a long tube to the waiting hands of children!) Then we have Janet Cook at Jurassic park and ward clerk Cody Nore  serving chili and cornbread to hungry children as well as adults.  Hot dogs and drinks were also served at another location.

  Adults as well as children got creative with their costumes. The Sister Missionaries don't have much to choose from in Halloween gear so they got creative and came as Brother Missionaries.  They were quite proud of their presentation too!  The whole event was a lot of fun and a bonding of the ward as we got to know each other better.

A Special Day for the Holden Family

          On the same day (September 24) Carson Holden was baptized and his new sister Sydney was blessed.  They are the oldest and youngest of the Colby and Rebecca Holden family which made it even more special for all of them.  This is Carson's testimony:  I know I made the right choice getting baptized because my sins were washed away and I have the Holy Ghost with me now.

Megan Caldwell Joins the Church

   Megan Caldwell, daughter of Dave and Ginna Caldwell, was taught by these three wonderful missionaries and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 29.  She was first taught by Sister Tolman on the right, who was then transferred to another location.  Sisters Black and Miller finished the lessons.  Three very devoted and happy missionaries!

   Megan was baptized by Elder Cioffe and confirmed by Elder White, local missionaries who hold the priesthood.  Sister Tolman gave a talk on the Holy Ghost during the program. Branda Croiser of Canyon Creek Ward gave a wonderful talk on baptism.  Relief Society president Julie Cooper welcomed Megan into the ward.

   Special family members (both of her grandmothers, Gaye Cornell and Rita Caldwell) at the baptism. (picture on the left.)  In the picture on the right Megan is posing with her parents Dave and Ginna Caldwell.

 

Youth Learn Gun Safety

   The ward's youth participated in a shooting activity supervised by Brother Eric Holden and Brother Terry Renberg (San Andreas Ward.)  This was a wonderful opportunity to learn about gun safely and handling, as well as have an opportunity to try out new skills by shooting targets.  One of our young men, Carson Burke, had superior skills when target shooting.  Sheriff Renberg said to Carson, "Wow you're our first person to hit the target 100%, 10 out of 10 times.  Carson shrugged, smiled, and said, "Well, I've been shooting Nerf guns my whole life!"

    As a whole, those youth who participated had a fantastic and educational time. We thank Brother Renberg and Holden for sharing their time, patience and expertise with our youth.  We greatly appreciate it!  (Reported by Cori Daley, Young Women Secretary.)

Young Men Service Project

 Mary Sterrett (center of picture) is a widow and unable to take care of her yard.  A group of young men from the ward  helped her out and it was really appreciated! 

Out of Date Plaques

 These plaques have been taken from the walls in the meetinghouse and have been photographed so they can be remembered.

Sister Miller is Our New Missionary

    Sister Miller, right is Sister Black's, left, new companion.  She's just arrived from Logan, Utah and has only been here for one and a half weeks. She is a licensed cosmetologist and is also a talented wedding photographer.

   She comes from a family of five children and has always wanted to go on a mission.  She loves our ward and is happy to be here.  Welcome Sister Miller! This is a great place to begin your mission.

Young Men and Young Women Enjoy the Beach

      When the youth planned their activities for the year, one of them was to take a trip to the beach. They wanted to be together and have fun. Little did they know then that they would have a new bishop to get to know a little better.  Bishop Adam Sroufe was sustained as bishop the Sunday before the trip.  Along with his wife Hillary who is the ward young women leader, they were joined by stake president Scott Means and his wife Jill. Also making the trip were Luis Gonzalez, Winston Burke, Brenda Casper and Rylie Nore.  There were twenty-nine youth.

   The warm weather at RioDelMar Beach was perfect for swimming in the ocean.  Lots of splashing and fun.

       Playing games in the sand was enjoyed by all the youth, especially the young men.

    Talking and relaxing in the sun made for a perfect day.  After a day of fun the group went to Pizza My Heart to have pizza and get a T-shirt.  Sister Sroufe said it was a great activity for adults and youth alike and was a wonderful opportunity for the youth to get to know their new bishop. 

 

Adam Sroufe Called As Bishop of Mokelumne River Ward

 

Mokelumne River Ward new bishopric: L to R: Ben Carlston, 2nd Counselor; Adam Sroufe, Bishop; John Godi, 1st Counselor.

    Bishops are asked to serve for 5 years.  Bishop Eric Holden was called as the first bishop of the Mokelumne River Ward.  We recently had the ward's 5th birthday party, although at the time we didn't realize it would also be a farewell to our bishop.  Bishop Holden has been a wonderful bishop.  In a general conference talk in 2017 Elder Uchtdorf said, "We accept callings with grace, humility and gratitude.  When we are released from these callings, we accept the change with the same grace, humility and gratitude.  Our service--whether great or small--refines our spirits, opens the windows of heaven and releases God's blessings not only upon those we serve but upon us as well."  In his farewell remarks, Bishop Holden said, "It's bitter sweet, but it's been a blessing to serve this ward."

    God has blessed us with a new bishopric.  Adam Sroufe was called to be bishop.  In his remarks he said that he knows we are sons and daughters of God.  He has peace that Christ is with us and acknowledges our service with approval.  We are blessed with another amazing, but humble,  bishop.  Brother John Godi was called to be first counselor in the bishopric. In his remarks he said that he was excited for the opportunity to serve.  He is grateful for the blessings service gives us in this gospel.  Brother Ben Carlston is our new second counselor.  He said he knows  that the Lord loves all of us the same.  He wants us to love Him and do our best to serve Him.  Brother Carlston said he knows the gospel is true.

Coyle Brother and Sister Baptized Together

    Emma and her brother Eli had a joint baptism! Their parents said they had worked really hard to gain their own testimonies through lots of study and meetings with the sister missionaries.  "They received their answers in individual and unique ways and were very prepared to partake of the baptism covenant.  It was a very special, very spiritual baptism service," they said. The cute picture on the left was on the cover of their baptism program.  The sister missionaries are shown in the picture on the right with the children and their father Chris Coyle who baptized them

   

Amari Moreau Baptized

    Berny Moreau had the privilege and opportunity of baptizing his son Amari. It was lovely for Amari to start on the covenant path. Ward and family members (including his grandparents from Haiti) were there to support hm. 

Ward Members Participate In 9-11 Day of Service

September 11 is a day of remembrance and service.  Under the direction of Cathy Leonard (a member of our ward who serves as Stake Communications Director), adults and youth from the Lodi wards and branch gathered together to serve the Lodi Community.  Mokelumne River Ward was highly represented in the project.

   Ninety-eight  bags of groceries, laundry detergent, dish soap and home essentials were prepared for the LOEL Center in Lodi who delivers "Meals on Wheels" to their clients.  Young youth emptied products from delivery boxes and others bagged them, putting the liquids in plastic bags.  

 Another project enjoyed by the youth was making 240 peanut butter sandwiches to be delivered to "Showered with Love," a group who provides showers and food to the homeless.

    Our sister missionaries (left) are always involved in service activities and are shown here giving sandwiches to Connie Anderson and her husband from Showered with Love.  Pictures on the right show adults who delivered the goods to the LOEL Center for their distribution.

 

Youth Enjoy Temple Trip

    On Tuesday, August 23rd, the youth in our ward participated in baptisms at the temple. We had a great turn out with approximately 25 youth participating which was really fantastic considering that everyone was newly back to school. The spirit was felt by all. The service these young people were able to provide will not only strengthen them, but those who have gone before. We are very blessed to have such wonderful young men and women in our ward. 
 

Contagious Musical Goosebumps!

 

     Musical Goosebumps were contagious in Primary as the children sang in preparation for their upcoming sacrament meeting presentation.  The messages of the songs they have learned are helping them develop testimonies of the Savior and the scriptures with songs like "I Will Walk With Jesus" and lyrics such as "Queen Ester story taught me that I can stand for right . . . "

Mokelumne River Ward Celebrates 5th Annivesary

 

    There was a great turnout for the 5th ward anniversary.  An official count wasn't taken, but officials guessed the attendance to be over 200. There was lots of good food, beautiful decorations, and several contests (see below.)  The event was headed up by Sister Andrea Mogler who is a member of the ward activities committee. She did an excellent job.  Bishop Holden said it was the best of all the birthday celebrations since the ward was organized.

   The delicious dinner consisted of  homemade chili, barbecued chicken and tri-tip, salad, cornbread, cookies and pies.

    The children's cookie contest overall winner was Maggie McGhie who made caramel apple oatmeal cookies.  Primary winner was Natalie Broughton and Hazel who made mint triple coco cookies.  The YM/YW winners were Fiti Rosenbush and Katelyn McGhie with their milk cookie bars. Other winners of the evening were Loren Perry for most unique chili, Megan Blackwell for hottest chili, Heather Stewart for overall chili winner.  In the pie section Lisa Holden had best pie crust, most original  Betty McOmber with a chocolate pie, best overall Viola Stringer with a strawberry pie.

    The bishopric had a blast enjoying the pie eating contest.  You can tell by their faces that it was extremely yummy.  The winner of the contest was Cody Nore (center) who is a ward clerk.

   Another good thing about the birthday party is that active members invited friends who had been away from church for a long time. They enjoyed the friendship and love felt at the event.

     Some of the other interesting tidbits from the party are  (above) Leanna Clegg learning how to be a disk jockey.  According to Sister Mogler "She rocked the night and was absolutely amazing!" (Above right) Andrea's oldest daughter  Pamela cane to help her dad, Chene Mogler, with the chicken and tri-tip cooking.  Chene did an excellent job of cooking the delicious meat to perfection.  He says he loves to cook. (Bottom right) is the display made by Dave Gillingwater to encourage us to have food in a 72 hour emergency kit. His pot of chili was made from food storage!  

Francesca Jo Carlston is Baptized

 

     Francesca Jo Carlston was baptized by her father, Ben Carlston, on August 19, 2022. It was a beautiful evening attended by close family and friends. Francesca wore her mother’s baptism dress in the waters of baptism and a cut down version of her mother’s wedding dress for her confirmation. 

Francesca is happy to be an official member of our ward and loves going to primary and reading the scriptures with her family.