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.