Wednesday, July 31, 2013

God Speed, Elder Anderson


Ian Anderson, son of Gary and Nancy Anderson and Alia’s big brother, entered the MTC on Wednesday, July 31 in final preparation for fulltime missionary service alongside 170 other young men and women called to the Washington Kennewick Mission.  Pleased he will have the opportunity to serve in the United States, the 6’6” Elder Anderson calls his mission “a special opportunity and the right thing to do.” The Washington Kennewick Mission, one of 5 missions in the state, was organized in 2002 and, for those who know the area, extends west past Cathlamet, north past Ellensburg, south into central Oregon and east past Walla Walla.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Adios, Elder Chase

Elder Chase Evans, oldest of Eric and Shannon Evans three children, entered the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday in final preparation for two years as a fulltime missionary in the Wisconsin Milwaukee Spanish-speaking Mission.  The tall, handsome red-head is excited about this opportunity to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.”  He admits he will miss the "big bear hugs" from friends and family, including his younger, but taller brother Braden and little sister Ericka, but looks forward to sharing his testimony with the Lord's children in Wisconsin. 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Pine Valley Picnic

Like the early Mormon pioneers, more than 100 members of the B7 Ward escaped the triple-digit heat in Bloomington to enjoy a pleasantly cool evening together at the annual Pioneer Day Picnic on Wednesday, July 24 in Pine Valley. The relaxed late afternoon event included a pot luck dinner – with enough food to feed a small army – a pioneer quiz which led to interesting conversation, and a presentation by Darlene Rice who shared the circumstances surrounding the composition of four favorite Church hymns written by pioneer songwriters. Thanks to the Primary for well-planned and fun activities for ward children, including the creation of whirligigs (a pioneer button spinner), a nature hike and coloring pages. Many ward members stayed into the evening, reluctant to return to the Dixie summer weather and enjoying the chance to socialize together. Thanks to all who participated. It was a fun evening!!!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Girls Camp is Fun in the Sun

The Bloomington 7th Ward Young Women recently returned from a successful Girls Camp at the Clear Creek Family Ranch, east of Zion National Park.  The mutual theme for 2013 is, "Stand Ye in Holy Places and Be Not Moved".  With a Native American twist, this became the focus for all of our activities as we learned that even Girls Camp, is a Holy place.

The young women participated in a challenging obstacle course that required the combined strength of each girl in order to complete it.  They also created their own totem pole masterpieces, decorated and embellished with things that they 'stand' for. The girls were spiritually fed as they were taught mini-classes, including one by Sis. Mortensen, the 2nd Counselor in the Bloomington Stake Young Women's Presidency. The highlight of the week was the spiritual testimony meeting, proving indeed, the Holy Ghost dwells in holy places.  
 
Although the temperatures were stifling hot, everyone kept cool with a giant slip-n-slide and lake nearby. Our Priesthood leaders were invaluable.  They fixed a car, kept our water coolers filled with icy water, taught proper tent etiquette and fire safety.  We couldn't have done it without them.  Our camp directors, Sis. Annie Green and Sis. Lisa Carson, worked hard and provided our young women with a memorable experience.  We thank them for all of the time and sacrifice on our behalf.  We enjoyed the company of Sis. Smith, Sis. Wilkes,  Sis. Anderson, President Bown, and of course, Bro. Twitty, who saved us from starvation when he brought up Cafe Rio on the last evening.  Thank you all for contributing to our wonderful Girls Camp!