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.