Thursday, December 13, 2018

'Til We Meet Again, Dear Sister Ruby Robinson

Our dear Ruby Robinson passed away peacefully, at age 90, at her Bloomington home on Thursday, December 6, 2018 surrounded by those she loved most in the world.  While she must be very happy to see her eternal companion Ray again, she leaves behind her family of nine children, 26 grands, 82 greats and 7 3/4 great-great grandchildren, all who consider her a model of what a successful life should look like. 

In school, Ruby became known as "Lucile Ball #2" because of her antics on stage in numerous plays and programs.  Ruby was “enormously talented” with her hands.  She could sew like a professional, knit, crochet, embroider, and stitch amazing needle point creations.  She kept books for Ray's business and others from her home and in between the needs of her children.  She loved to cook and travel with Ray for business or pleasure.  She served in numerous callings in whatever ward they lived, including Primary teacher, Young Women’s advisor, Relief Society president, and any other assignment she was given … the last as a Sacrament meeting greeter, with Ray.  

When she and Ray married in the 1960’s, together they set a goal to make all 9 children in their blended family “feel loved, wanted and accepted.”  Every family activity involved the kids.  If the kids were there, so was Ruby … from football to baseball, drama to band, camping, fishing or snow skiing.  

She was also a great supporter of Rotary.  Ray was the member of St. George Rotary Club with a perfect record of attendance for 19 years, while Ruby was Mom to more than a dozen Rotary exchange students over as many years.  They came from Peru, Germany, Brazil, Japan and other countries around the world … and Ruby welcomed and loved each of them as her own!  

Ray and Ruby later became Grandpa and Grandma Robinson to Primary children, as well as "bus stop grands" near their home on Bloomington Drive, where on their morning walk, they would wait for the school bus with neighborhood children, making sure each was safely on their way before continuing around the block.

Ruby loved to serve others, loved her family and friends, and was “a lady” in every sense of the word.

She was preceded in death by husband Ray; an infant son, Carl; a son, Kelly and a daughter, Linda.  She is survived by her children: Glenda (Jack) Fuller, Bonnie Peterson, Laurie (Bob) Garf, Mike (Janet) Robinson, TJ (Jennifer) Robinson, Ray (Tammy) Robinson, and Pat (Karen) Robinson and their families.  

Until we meet again, dear Sister Robinson, you are missed in our ward, our neighborhood and our hearts.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Mele Kalikimaka, B7 Ward Members and Friends

 On Saturday, December 8, members and friends of the B7 Ward said “mele Kalikimaka” with pupu chicken over rice, green and macaroni salad and a delightful assortment of desserts for about 200 attendees.  There was lots of happy chatter among neighbors catching up … and  Christmas carols performed by the Primary before Santa made his appearance. It was a noisy, fun evening with lots of good food and good friends celebrating together.

B7 Relief Society Celebrates Christmas

Nobody throws a party like the B7 Ward Relief Society!  This year’s Christmas party, on Thursday, December 6, featured beautifully decorated tables – each designed and laid out with exactness and detail in the spirit of Christmas  - by B7 Ward sisters.  The food was delectable beginning with ham and turkey but completed with traditional holiday side dishes provided by generous Relief Society sisters.   

Entertainment began with a vocal solo from Briette Peterson accompanied by Scott Ford.  Jill Fraser shared her grandmother’s hand-illustrated Christmas story.  Julie Welch shared her musical talent with a rocking Christmas carol on the piano, then the sisters played Christmas Carol Charades, which included gales of laughter.  The Brown-Van Wagoner family’s holiday favorite cinnamon rolls were dessert while Sister Aubrey read her family’s favorite Christmas story “Santa Calls”  The evening was topped off  with the hymn,“Will You Come to the Manger,” featured in the First Presidency Devotional and concluded with the gift of a necklace featuring the First Family.   

A special thanks to those 75 wonderful sisters who shared their delicious family favorites and came out on a chilly late fall evening to celebrate the glorious holiday season; and, to committee members Shar Simkins, Stephanie Bradbury and Aubrey Brown-Van Wagoner who created, yet another, memorable event for the B7 Ward Relief Society.

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Elder Jake Stokes Called to Idaho

Elder Jacob Stokes, oldest of John and Kris Stokes three children, entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 in final preparation for 2-years of full-time service to the Lord and His children in the Idaho Nampa Mission.  

In 1855, Church President Brigham Young asked 26 early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to settle among the Native Americans living along the Salmon River. They established Fort Lemhi in June 1855, but left three years later after problems with the natives. Latter-day Saint settlers came to the Franklin area in 1860 where they dug canals in the winter snows to be ready for summer irrigation. Franklin is Idaho's oldest permanent settlement. Other members colonized in Bear Lake Valley and in south central Idaho. Construction of the Utah Northern Railroad line brought settlement in the upper Snake River Valley in 1879. Church members taught agriculture, preached the gospel, and shared supplies with the Native Americans. A prominent chief, Shoshone Chief Washakie, was baptized during the early colonization efforts. 

When Idaho was given statehood in 1890, Latter-day Saints comprised about one-fifth of the state's population. Church Presidents Harold B. Lee, Ezra Taft Benson, and Howard W. Hunter were native sons of Idaho. Ricks Academy, founded in 1888, later became a junior college and was renamed Ricks College. In 2001 the school became a four-year university and was once again renamed, to become Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Today, Idaho church members number 450,347 with 5 temples and 4 missions in the Gem State.

We look forward to Elder Stokes' enthusiastic reports from the mission field and wish him godspeed and safe keeping in his work.

Sunday, November 18, 2018

Harvest Ball 2018

So, who says “Mormons can’t dance?” If you missed Saturday, November 17th’s Harvest Ball, you missed … well, a ball!  Beautiful decorations, delicious refreshments and lots of happy dancers, game players, dessert eaters and music from several generations for several generations, including littles, tweens, teens, young adults, parents and empty nesters.  It was a fun evening!

Saturday, November 10, 2018

May the Lord Be With You, Sister Grace Bown

Grace Bown, 4th beautiful daughter and 5thmissionary to serve from the family of Southgate Stake President James and Paula Bown’s family, entered the MTC on Wednesday, November  7, 2018 in final preparation for her 18-months of fulltime service to the Lord and His children in the Canada Winnipeg Mission, the only mission in the province of Manitoba.  

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Souris, Manitoba, petitioned the president of the Canadian Mission to send missionaries to Manitoba in 1897. The missionaries proselyted new church members there, although many of the converts emigrated to Alberta.
In 1910 the Winnipeg Sunday School was organized with 37 members. Church membership in the district grew to 197 by 1930, including those in the Winnipeg and Bergland, Ontario branches.
The Canada Winnipeg Mission was created in 1976 with about 4,200 members in four districts, including Saskatchewan and western Ontario. The Winnipeg Manitoba Stake was created in 1978.
Currently 4,639 members worship together in 13 congregations throughout Manitoba.
We pray Heavenly Father’s blessings upon this beautiful sister missionary and look forward to hearing of her experiences as one of the Lord’s army of men and women carrying the gospel to those prepared to hear His message.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Naomi is Baptized

Naomi Wood, oldest of Chris and Marcia Wood’s two little girls, was baptized and confirmed by her father on Saturday, November 3, 2018.  Before loved ones from Northern Utah, Nevada and Arizona, Naomi and her little sister Fiona, joined their voices to sing “He Lives and He Loves Me” as part of the program. 

This charmingly happy child, a 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School, loves arts and crafts – including gluing, cutting and glitter – piano, clogging, and learning about Heavenly Father in Primary.  

Through her baptism and confirmation, this beautiful 8-year-old - as all members of the Church do – has now received the Gift of the Holy Ghost and has covenanted to abide by the laws and principles of the new and everlasting covenant.  She has “come into the fold of God” to become one of the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and promises to “serve God and keep His commandments” throughout her lifetime.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

B7 Ward Celebrates Halloween 2018

The B7 Ward Trunk or Treat on October 31, 2018 brought out lots of excited trick-or-treaters - both boys and ghouls - of all shapes and sizes most in creative costumes and all looking for candy.  But, there was also plenty of delicious chili, rolls with “real butter” for the Bishop and fun to be had by all.  Happy Halloween to ward members, neighbors and friends!    

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Max Christensen is the Ward's Newest Member

Maxwell Christensen, only son of Eric and Kimberly Christensen's four children, was baptized and confirmed by his father on October 20, 2018 at the Bloomington Stake Center with lots of family present. Max is said to have been looking forward for a couple of years to taking this important first step on his journey through life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Max loves playing every sport there is, learning about science and history, reading, playing the piano and has a huge passion for life. He is a quick mover with great energy, a hard worker; very, very strong-willed but is also delightfully sweet. 


This handsome 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School  is now also the newest member of the Bloomington 7th Ward and a “fellowcitizen with the saints” in the “household of God” following the example of Jesus Christ. 

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Welcome Home, Elder Wilkes

Elder Kole Wilkes flew into the St. George Airport on October 16, 2018 and into the loving arms of his family all eagerly awaiting his return at the conclusion of 2-years as a fulltime missionary in the Florida Tallahassee Mission, one of five in the Sunshine State.  

The oldest son of Rob and Chardell Wilkes now plans to study filmmaking at Utah Valley University in Provo. 

Welcome home, Brother Wilkes and we look forward to seeing your name up in lights in the future. 

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Til We Meet Again, Gayle Morawetz

Our dear Sister Gayle Morawetz - wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, school teacher, real estate agent, college professor, board chair, missionary and world traveler - passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at her home in West Valley City surrounded by those she loved most in the world.  
Born 85 years ago in Rock Springs, WY, Gayle was the youngest of 9 children. She later moved to Salt Lake City where she graduated from Cyprus High School then attended Utah State University attaining a degree in education, and eventually a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University. While attending USU she met and married the love of her life, Francis E Morawetz.  Gayle and Fritz were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple.
She taught at Cyprus Jr. High in Granger, UT for 5 years while also learning the real estate business, but traded time with her students and her studies for her children after the birth of her daughter Kristin and two years later twins – daughter Kim and son Kirk. She loved being a mother, grandmother to 12 grands and now 21 greats. 
After 5 years at home with her young family, Gayle returned to the classroom, beginning a 22-year career at Salt Lake Community College. She attained full professorship, a status very unusual for a woman in those times. She served in many capacities in the LDS church and after retirement served a mission on Temple Square with Fritz. Gayle also served as a valued member in many medical specialty boards and enjoyed serving as board chairperson at Pioneer Valley Hospital for many years. Gayle enjoyed traveling and was privileged to travel the world with Fritz and their many good friends and family members.
In 2002, Gayle and Fritz decided to relocate to beautiful St. George where they made many friends who mean so much to them. Gayle will be missed by all who knew and loved her. But, we know she was warmly welcomed as she passed through the veil into the arms of those who went before her.
She has been laid to rest next to her grandmother in the small, old-fashioned cemetery located in Richmond, UT.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Young Women of Excellence 2018

B7 Ward’s amazing young women celebrated an Evening of Excellence on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.  This very special night featured a display of each young woman’s interests and hobbies with a theme of “Take Flight in the Light.”  

Speakers included Sage Wilkes who shared the importance of writing thank you notes to those who have done good things on her behalf.  

Melissa Larson talked about the lessons she learned in completing her 10-hour project.  Part of her assignment was to interview someone about their career.  Her choice among all those she could have chosen? Her mother Rebecca. 

Nathalie Bradbury shared her love for the Book of Mormon testifying it is part of God’s plan to bring His children to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

YW President Annie Green gave high praise to the girls who came up with the theme and the decorations on their own.  “They inspire me and are the future of the Church,” she said, as she shared a quote from President Spencer W. Kimball who said, “Much of the major growth coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.”

Brother Mike Foley expressed his love and admiration for “these beautiful young people who are making right choices, developing their talents including all the things you are doing to let your light take flight.”  He shared an experience of finding a bird which had flown into their sliding glass door and reminded the girls, “in life, you’re going to run into glass doors occasionally and when that happens, please allow others to help you through your pain … your parents, teachers and Church leaders are ready and willing to help you!”

Several of the young women - Grace Christensen, Olivia Kerr, Melissa Larson, Traci Clem, Makissa Peterson, Martha Bown, with Sister Katie Christensen conducting – performed a musical number.  Andrea Brown prepared the program in the form of an origami dove.  Delicious refreshments created by Sally and Meg Frazier were served following the program.

It was a beautiful evening for our beautiful Young Women.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Welcome Home, Jorgensens

Nick and Kim Jorgensen returned home to St. George on July 7, 2018 and have since jumped back into the life they left behind the day they entered the Provo MTC on their way to the New Hampshire Manchester Mission.  Since they reported to the Southgate Stake High Council and spoke in B7 Ward Sacrament meeting a few days after they stepped off the airplane, he is once again enjoying golfing, hiking, flying and photography and in his spare time he is serving as the ward clerk, as a Southgate Stake auditor … and has recently taken up indexing.  Kim says she is enjoying “our new grand baby, our new dog, caring for my aged parents and adjusting to my new calling as secretary to the President of the St. George Temple.”

Of their time spent caring for the grounds at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Historic Site, she notes, “It was a lot of hard work, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it!”

In the words of Sister Jorgensen: “Elder Jorgensen and I were one of six couples charged with doing any task required to keep the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial Historic Site beautiful and functioning for the public to visit.  Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, 'No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before'."

“And like Elder Uchtdorf said, this mission allowed us to create many things that did not exist before, ie:  gardens, Christmas lights, roads, and buildings.  I never imagined that in our sixties and seventies, that we would be able to perform the tasks that were asked of us during this past year.  We tried to follow President Hinckley's advice when he said, "Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your tasks."

“Except for parenthood, this mission turned out to be the hardest but most wonderful journey Nick and I have taken together. Not only did we find people we never would have met or loved, but we found a confidence in ourselves which will continue.  We learned you don't have to do great or perfect things in order for God to use us.

“We have a testimony of Jesus Christ as the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God who stands today on the right hand of His Father.  He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.  His way is the path leading to times of great joy in this life and eternal joy in our life to come.  We thank God for the matchless gift of his Divine Son and his gift of his mortal son, Joseph Smith.  We look forward to the day when the love of power in this world, will be replaced by the power of love through our beloved Savior.”

Welcome home, Nick and Kim Jorgensen.  We missed you!

Friday, August 10, 2018

Farewell, Brother Sid Atkin

It’s hard to adequately summarize a life lived to its fullest, but Sid Atkin, a longtime seasonal member of the B7 Ward who passed quietly into eternity on August 10, 2018 at the age of 84, left his mark in many ways on his hometown of “Dixie”, as well as the State of Utah and the world! 

Sid grew up at 67 N. 300 East in St. George where, in the red dirt of his hometown he played endless games of basketball and – as the enterprising businessman he would become – opened and operated his own shoeshine stand and, on weekends and during the summer months, worked at the Atkin ranch on the Arizona Strip.  

He went to the only elementary school in town and graduated from Woodward Jr. High School (the red sandstone school building behind the Tabernacle). He attended Dixie College when it was on the corner of Main Street and 100 South and where he developed lifelong friendships with a group calling themselves The Bunch. 

He served a mission in Great Britain, then returned to Dixie College, graduating in 1958. Immediately after graduation, he, his dad Rudger and brother Clayton sign the paperwork to become the owners of the Sugar Loaf Café where he worked as the manager.  Later he built a new café and the Rodeway Inn across St. George Blvd. and with his brother Bruce, built a Sugar Loaf Café and Rodeway Inn in Cedar City,

Sid, his dad, brothers Lee and Clayton joined his brother Ralph (with nephew Jerry – a former member of the B7 Ward - as the manager) in establishing SkyWest Airlines as a major success.

An avid golfer, Sid – when he was President of the SG Chamber of Commerce – was influential in the development of Red Hills Golf Course, the first course in a community where friends and neighbors questioned his intelligence in bringing this simple game to Dixie.  He loved the game and played frequently, getting his first and only hole-in-one on the 6thhole as an early member of the Bloomington Country Club.  In the past few years, he played regularly at Red Hills with a close group of friends until dementia robbed him of his ability.   

He served 8 years in the Utah House of Representatives, including as Majority Whip; was on the Dixie College board of governors, the board of directors at Dixie Regional Medical Center, State Parks board and the Washington County Library Board.  He was also an active and devoted member of his church, called to serve as a bishop at the tender age of 28.  

He and Mary Ann Hunt Atkin, his wife of 61 years, loved to travel and according to his obituary, “Africa was the only continent he missed and the only states he missed were North Dakota and Alabama.”

He leaves behind his wife, eight children, 33 “grands” and 20 in-law grandchildren, 26 “greats”, one sister and one brother, numerous in-laws, other family members and a beautiful home in Pine Valley where he and Mary Ann loved to spend the summer months.  

You are missed, Brother Atkin … in the ward and in your Dixie hometown.  Til we meet again!

Monday, July 9, 2018

MJ is the B7 Ward's Newest Member

Michael Joseph Anderson, youngest son of Michael and Kristin Anderson, was baptized and confirmed by his father on Sunday evening, July 8, 2018 to become the newest member of the Bloomington 7thWard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Eight-year-old MJ, who will soon be in 3rdgrade at Bloomington Elementary School where he is in the Chinese dual immersion program, came prepared with a special piano performance of “Gethsemane” during the short program.  According to his mom, MJ is happiest playing with friends and cousins and being a super awesome kid, so particularly enjoyed being surrounded members of his family from around St. George as well as from Cedar City, Ivins, Northern Utah … even South Dakota, on this happiest of occasions. 

In the words of Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "we do not know everything from the beginning or even along the way.  Our conversion comes step-by-step, line-upon-line.  We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord's answer will be, 'You don't know everything, but you know enough - enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right'." 

Congratulations, MJ on taking this important first step on your journey back to your Heavenly Father.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Welcome Home, Bronco Hollowell

Bronco Hollowell, son of former B7 Ward members Bob and Carol Hollowell, returned home with honor from 2 years of service to the Lord and His children in the Spain Malaga Mission.  Bronco, the 4thHollowell missionary, is excited to be home, but wishes he could have brought some of those he learned to love in Spain, home with him.

His future plans include attending Southern Utah University in Cedar City toward a goal – “waaaaay down the road” – of becoming a doctor, and more specifically a nephrologist, medical and pediatric specialist in the study of normal kidney function and kidney problems, the preservation of kidney health, and the treatment of kidney problems, from diet and medication to renal replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation).

Congratulations, Bronco on a successful mission ... and welcome home!

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Farewell, Brother Bob Knowlton

Robert Wells Knowlton, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 2, 2018 in St George, Utah.  He was born on July 4, 1946 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Donna Bennett and Robert Knowlton.  Until he was five, he thought all Independence Day celebrations were in his honor! His family moved to San Diego, CA when he was a small child and where he later graduated from Point Loma High School.  Growing up in Southern California, Bob spent the majority of his time golfing or surfing at the beach.  

Bob and Anita DeRoss were married on June 18, 1977 in Sacramento, CA.  They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Los Angeles Temple.  Together they moved to Southern California where Bob began his career at the Teledyne Corporation.  Bob graduated from Athens State College with degrees in both Business and Accounting. He retired from Telefyne Stillman-Larrs as their Chief Financial Officer then began a career as an independent consultant focusing on strategic planning.  He spent most of his time consulting in Las Vegas and the Bay Area. 

Bob was active in the LDS Church serving faithfully in numerous callings but had an especially deep love for temple service.  Bob also had a great love for his family and others.  During his life, he earned a reputation as a man with impeccable character and a brilliant mind combined with a special willingness and ability to help others. His life focus was driven by this love, ability, and compassion to give to others.  He had a positive impact on hundreds of individuals who he was asked to serve and help.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Knowlton.  He is survived by his wife, Anita and their three sons, Christopher (Leslie), Robert, III (Lisa), Jeffrey (Rachel), and nine grandchildren.  He was loved by his family and will be missed by all who knew him.  A private service will be held at Mt. Shasta Memorial Park in Mt. Shasta, CA.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Til We Meet Again, Sister Cardwell



Sister Kaye Cardwell passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 23, 2018 after many years of suffering since her diagnosis in 1993 of scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis, a chronic connective tissue disease. She leaves behind her husband Mike Cardwell, her two daughters, a son, 14 grandchildren and 2 "greats" but her family always said her favorite family members were her two pugs - Thelma and Louise. 
A visitation is scheduled at the Vintage Clubhouse on Tuesday, May 29 from 10 a.m. – noon followed by the dedication of the grave at Tonaquint cemetery.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Adieu, Sister Ruth Anderson

Our beautiful and ever-stylish Sister Ruth Bodon Anderson, 91, passed from this life on Monday evening, May 21 at The Meadows where she has been living for the past several months. 

She was born February 14, 1927 to Henry and Rosina Bodon in Stuttgart, Germany. She went on to become was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She married to Erwin Dussling in January 1947, and they had one daughter, Renata.

She was widowed in 1951 and in 1953 left her home country and traveled to Salt Lake City with her daughter, because her parents and siblings had moved there previously and she wanted to be close to her family. She and her daughter lived for three years with her sister, Charlotte Schneider and family. During this time, Ruth learned to speak English and became a U.S. citizen, studied data entry and was employed for more than 30 years at Kennecott Copper.

In 1956, she met and married Bill Anderson. They shared their love of music and singing. Ruth and Bill both had beautiful voices. They both sang in choirs and many family and social functions. In 2004, Ruth and Bill moved to St. George, Utah to be close to their daughter.

Ruth was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding several positions and making many lifelong friends.  Until her health slowed her down, Ruth enjoyed music, reading, traveling and adored spending time with family and friends. She was always a compassionate and generous person, giving love and service to all those around her. 


Ruth will be missed by those who knew and loved her but will always be remembered for her famous Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake, amazing soprano singing voice, her fashion sense and sweet smile. There was no funeral in St. George but a memorial service was held in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 4. Condolences may be sent to Renata and Ken Young, 833 W. 3100 South, St. George, UT 84790.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

B7 Relief Society Celebrates 176 Years

The sisters of the B7 Ward celebrated the 176th birthday of Relief Society on Thursday, March 22 with an abundANT dinner, a pleasANT program, some jubilANT music by Janet Labrum on her guitar as well as happy ANTics and an informANTive lesson on ANTS by Cheryl Terry.

Thanks to all who were not hesitANT to come out on a cool and cloudy spring evening.  Special thanks to those who gave their ever constANT support, talents and time including the food committee (Kathy Tobler as chair, Anita Sterner, Bonnie Sorenson and Elaine Christensen); Melissa and Sarah Larson and Martha Bown who cared for babies and toddlers so Moms' could attend the party; and Cheryl Terry who was responsible for the delightful program as well as the decorations.


It was a very fun evening and another triumphANT B7 event.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

New Beginnings Welcomes New Girls

New Beginnings on the evening of Sunday, February 11 was a beautiful program with our amazing young women welcoming 4 girls turning twelve in the next few months and transitioning from Primary into Young Women's.

To begin, New YW President Annie Green spoke on peace and the importance of finding peace in Christ.

From there, the program was almost all girl-powered with Olivia Kerr delivering the Young Womens theme, before inviting all to stand and recite it together.  Then Grace Christensen shared thoughts on the motto. 

Traci Clem, a member of the Beehive class; Sally Fraser, a Mia Maid; and Cara Bair, a Laurel, explained the symbols of each class.

Those who introduced the values of the Personal Progress program included Ivie Adams (Faith), Sage Wilkes (Divine Nature), Melissa Larson (Individual Worth and Good Works), Martha Bown (Knowledge), Alanis Taylor (Choice and Accountability), Alyssa Brown (Integrity) and Andrea Brown (Virtue).

Wrapping up this beautiful program, Laura Brown, who earned her Young Womanhood Recognition Award at an early age spoke on What My Honor Bee Means and Tavia Clem, who will soon be receiving her Young Womanhood Recognition spoke on why she decided to work toward this important achievement.

The future of the Church and the world was gathered in the YWs room.  What an outstanding group of Young Women.

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Returnere med ære, Sister Aspen Honey Bair


Sister Aspen Honey Bair, 3rd of Bishop Mike and Lori Bair's 4 children - and their 2nd missionary - entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, February 14 for the first 6 weeks of her 18 months of service in the Norway Oslo Mission.  This is also where she will begin to learn the language of her mission.  

Norwegian is a Germanic language but is closely related to Danish and Swedish. Written Norwegian is virtually identical to Danish. Swedes, Norwegians and the Danish understand each other easily. Norwegian is also related to Icelandic, German, Dutch, and English and is considered the easiest of the Scandinavian languages to learn.


Sister Bair states she requested a foreign mission when she submitted her missionary application, but was shocked to discover her assigned mission field when she opened her call letter just before Thanksgiving.  “I didn’t even know where Norway is,” she notes with a smile, “but those who have been there tell me 'it is beautiful, although the winters take some getting used to'.” 

The Book of Mormon was translated into Danish in 1850 - the first language other than English and only 20 years after the Church was organized – which was used in early proselytizing in Norway. The first missionaries came to Norway in 1851 and the first two congregations were organized in July 1852. By 1930 there were over 8,000 members. But, large numbers of Norwegian members emigrated to the United States beginning in the late 1800's although this out-migration virtually stopped after World War II.  This "seeking their Zion" limited expansion of the Church in Norway.  Post-war, Norway became in increasingly secular country.  Despite this secularization, there are now more than a few 2nd and 3rd generation faithful members and strong Church leadership in Norway.  Current membership in Norway's only mission is 4,633.

The members of the B7 Ward look forward to reading about your adventures and seeing the growth of your testimony.  May God be with you ...