B7 Celebrates Christmas

The B7 Ward celebrated Christmas together on Monday, December 16 with a dinner featuring Mexican food prepared by Jack and Angelica Lancaster, an array of desserts created and donated by ward members, Christmas carols and other musical entertainment provided by Scott and Sophie Ford and Pat and Lauretta Swansborough. At the bishop’s request, members brought their favorite picture of the Savior for display as a reminder of the real “reason for the season.” Thanks to all who contributed desserts, talent and service to make this festive and fun evening a huge success.

Farewell for Now, Sister Doris Hansen

Doris Clark Hansen passed away on December 10, 2019 in St. George Utah. She was 95 years old. She was born February 10, 1924 to Joseph and Lettie Grace Clark of Clearfield, Utah.  She married C. Russell Hansen on February 12, 1942, in the Salt Lake Temple.  They lived and raised their six children in Syracuse, then retired to St. George, Utah.

Doris was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings.  The one she considered a highlight in her life was serving a mission alongside her husband in East Lansing, Michigan from 1973-1976.  There she helped Russell who served as Mission President, train missionaries and direct the missionary work.  She loved and enjoyed the hundreds of missionaries who served in their mission and taught them many valuable lessons.  

Family was the center of her life.  As a mother, she taught with love and by example. Six loving children called her mother.  She was their friend, confidant and teacher.  She has 20 adoring grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren, and 10 great- great grandchildren.  

Doris had several hobbies she excelled at during her life.  She was an outstanding hostess and cook.  She loved to invite family and friends into her home where she prepared wonderful meals for them to enjoy.  She was also a gifted candy maker, seamstress and gardener.  She always had a beautiful yard full of flowers and trees. She loved her roses and had the ability to nurture them into masterpieces.  She was an avid Jazz fan and rarely missed a televised game. Mom’s life was one of service and caring for others.  

She was preceded in death by her sweetheart Russell, and son, David Russell Hansen and is survived by five children; Carolyn and Flake Boone of Snowflake, Arizona, Scott and Sherrie Hansen of St. George, Utah, Jan and Tom Babcock of Centennial, Colorado, Brooks and Leah Hansen of Park City, Utah, and Shelley Hansen of St. George, Utah. 

There will be a celebration of her life and viewing at the Lindquist Mortuary located at 1867 N Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah on Sunday, December 15 from 6-8 PM.  Graveside services will be held at the Syracuse Cemetery on Monday morning at 11:00 AM.

Lucie Green is Baptized

The beautiful 8-year-old Lucie Green, 3^rd of Jake and Annie Green’s four children, stepped through the “narrow gate and onto the strait path” to become the newest member of the Bloomington 7th Ward on Saturday, November 30. 

Baptized and confirmed by her father after reaching the age of accountability, Lucie has learned at home and in Primary about the importance of baptism by immersion as a representation of the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of the most important decisions she will make in her life, this ordinance also serves as a reminder of her promise to follow the Savior and keep His commandments. 

Lucie loves to read and her mom says, she is very creative. But when not at Bloomington Elementary School where she is a 2nd grader in the Chinese duel-immersion program, Lucie's favorite pastime is playing with Barbies. 

As ward members, we can be proud of her choice to follow the Savior.

Truly Peterson is the Ward's Newest Member

Truly Consetta Peterson, youngest daughter of Brett and Briette Peterson, was baptized by her father on November 16, 2019.  She was then confirmed by her "Papa" Paul Peterson of Highland, UT, in town for this important event with Truly's "Nana," aunt and in the presence of many ward family members.

Through her baptism, this beautiful 8-year-old, covenants - as do all members of Church - to abide by the laws and requirements of the new and everlasting covenant. She will also covenant “to come into the fold of God” - that is, to become the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ and to “serve God and keep his commandments” throughout her lifetime.

Truly is a lively and happy 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary. When not in school, her favorite things to do include horses, singing, playing outside and swimming.  She also enjoys Primary, spending time with her family and taking piano and violin lessons.

Congratulations, Truly, for taking this important first step on your gospel path.

Sidney Kerr is Called to Independence, MO

Sidney Kerr, 2^nd missionary daughter of Charlie and Sarah Kerr, enters the Provo MTC on Wednesday, November 20 in final preparation for 18-months of full-time service in the Missouri Independence Mission, one of two missions (the other is the Missouri St. Louis Mission).

“I’ve always wanted to serve a mission because I have been extremely blessed in my life.  I have wonderful parents, amazing friends and an extremely long ‘to do’ list.  I know it will probably be the hardest – but most rewarding – thing I will ever do. I am excited and ready to go.”

In 1831, Joseph Smith, first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told Church members Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, was to be the gathering spot for the Church. The influx of members to the county raised concern among area settlers, who ordered the 1,200 members to leave. Church leaders were unsuccessful in their attempts to seek protection from the courts and mobs drove Church members out of the area. In 1834, Joseph Smith and 150-200 armed men, called Zion's Camp, arrived to protect the members. A storm prevented the confrontation and the camp was later disbanded.

Displaced Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay, Caldwell, and Davies Counties. By 1838, Far West had become Church headquarters with homes, hotels, a printing house, and school. Violence erupted in Gallatin in August 1838, when members were prevented from voting. Mob raids began, and Elder David W. Patten, the next Apostle in line to be Church President, was killed. The exaggerated rumors about Church members ultimately led to the literal extermination order from Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs in 1838. Eighteen men and boys were killed at Haun's Mill by an unauthorized militia. On 31 October, Joseph Smith was arrested and the next day sentenced to death, but Brig. Gen. A.W. Doniphan refused to carry out the order. Between 12,000 - 15,000 Church members fled to western Illinois in 1839 and established the city of Nauvoo on the Mississippi River. Several others moved to the more tolerant St. Louis, where many more members eventually came from Nauvoo. In the late 1850s, many members left for Utah to gather with the Saints. In June 1976, Governor Christopher S. Bond signed an executive order rescinding the extermination order issued 138 years earlier by Governor Boggs.

Sister Sidney will labor among the nearly 72,000 Saints in 153 wards in the "Show Me" state and who serve the Lord's departed children in the Kansas City Temple, the Church's 137th operating temple.  There was a previous attempt to build a temple in the area, was after Church President Joseph Smith, Jr. selected and dedicated property for the construction of a temple in Far West.  The temple in Far West was the second to be commenced but was never completed by the early Church.  Today the property is maintained as a historic site by the Church, featuring attractive landscaping and a large monument.  The aged cornerstones, laid for the temple in 1838, are beautifully preserved and displayed under protective glass.  

Wir trennen uns nur, um uns wieder zu treffen, Schwester Smith

Caroline Smith, first daughter of the four missionaries of Eric and Karin Smith, entered the London MTC on Wednesday, November 13 to strengthen her German-language skills before beginning service as a full-time proselyting missionary.  Her field of labor is the Alpine German-speaking Mission which encompasses parts of southern Germany, some of Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.  Sister Smith, who learned German at the same time she learned English as a young child, defines her mission as "service in German-speaking countries in the mountainous Alpine region of Europe."

This beautiful young woman is comfortable speaking two languages but recognizes she still has lots to learn. She feels confident "the Lord is sending me where he needs me" and would have been happy for a call to anywhere in the world.

Despite problems associated with two world wars, the Church continued to grow gradually in Germany. During the 1920s, there were three congregations in Chemnitz with more than 600 members. At the time, their's was the highest concentration of members in any city outside of the United States.

With the separation of Germany after World War II, East German Church members were cut off from other members until the country's reunification in 1990. Shortly after the end of World War II, Ezra Taft Benson, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and later U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, organized a great charitable operation to help the starving people in Germany. This charitable organization later became known as CARE. 

The Church continued to exist in the former GDR after the War. Faithful members continued to maintain contact with the Church in the West. These ongoing efforts made it possible to dedicate the Freiberg Temple (Saxony) in 1985, the first temple on German soil and the first in a (then) Communist country. Two years later, another temple was dedicated in Germany, located in Friedrichsdorf (Hessia).

Today, Latter-day Saints in Germany total approximately 40,000, many of them second, third, and fourth generation members and are organized in 183 congregations meeting in 161 meetinghouses.

Missionary work in Switzerland began on November 24, 1850. A Church publication, the Millennial Star, reported 20 converts were baptized in 1851, but many Church members emigrated to America until the 1950s.

Today members total approximately 9,000, with many coming from second, third, and fourth generations of Church members in Switzerland. Forty congregations meet in 27 meetinghouses. 

The first temple built in Europe was completed in Zollikofen, near Bern, September 11, 1955. Initially, it served Church members throughout Western Europe and the Nordic countries. The temple was later remodeled and rededicated by future Church President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency in October 1992. 

Orson Hyde, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was first to visit Austria in 1841. More than 20 years later, Apostle Orson Pratt and missionary William W. Ritter arrived in Austria to begin missionary work.

Missionary work returned at the end of World War I, and the number of Austrian Latter-day Saints increased. In 1920, the first district (a geographic area of several congregations) in Austria was organized, and a year later the Relief Society, the Church's women's organization, was formed in Vienna.

Austria granted official government recognition to The Church in September 1955.

Wir trennen uns nur, um uns wieder zu treffen, Schwester Smith.

Shane Joins the Eagle Nest

Shane Simkins, son of Randy and Sharlan Simkins, is the B7 Ward's newest Eagle Scout.  At a Court-of-Honor held on Friday, October 25, Colonel Jerome Gourney gave a special presentation of a neckerchief slide representing the Mormon Battalion.  Of the approximate 500 members of this historic volunteer army, Shane has 340 in his family line .... the most Colonel Gourley had ever seen.

Congratulations, Shane for all your hard work and accomplishment.

Happy Halloween, B7 Ward

The evening was unseasonably cool but the chili was hot ... and delicious at the B7 Ward's annual Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration. Ward members, friends and neighbors turned up in large numbers. There were amazing and creative costumes and the kids got their fill of candy. The competition for the best chili was stiff because EVERY pot of chili was amazing and delicious, but in the end, the winners were:

• Great Bowls of Fire (Spiciest chili) - Charles Dahlquist
• Casper's Favorite (Best white chili) - Lesa Day
• Mummy' Choice (Most kid friendly) - Lesa Day
• Ghostly Ghoulash (Best non-chili) - Kim Christensen
• People's Choice - Annie and Jake Green
• Halloween's Finest (Best overall) - Charles Dahlquist

It was a fun holiday event, shared with our ward family and friends. Happy Halloween, everyone!!!

Farewell, Sister Ruth Graf

Ruth Annie Mae Hawkes Corry Graf slipped peacefully into eternity on the afternoon of Thursday, October 10, 2019 at home at The SunRiver Retreat.  Ruth, the only child of Robert T. and Mae Stray Hawkes, was born on March 18, 1931 in Salt Lake City.  

The petite little blond was a spirited child and a spunky teenager who would become Valedictiorian of West High School’s Class of 1948.  As an adult she was known as a determined, organized, hardworking and no-nonsense woman.

Prior to graduation, her father told his “big city girl” she would need to get a fulltime job to take care of herself. Ruth responded she would get a job but only part time because she intended to go to college. She kept this important promise to herself, working her way through a few semesters at the University of Utah before leaving school to marry Alan Corry on March 21, 1961.  They had one child, Suzanne Corry, born August 3, 1952 in Ridgecrest, CA.  Ruth’s marriage did not last.  The recent divorcee then finished her education at California State University Northridge graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts.

With school behind her, she took an entry level job in the Los Angeles County Welfare Department and over the next 30 years, she worked her way into management where, among a myriad of other duties and responsibilities, she interpreted welfare rules from Sacramento.  She retired in 1991.

Her daughter Suzanne married Dean Chapman on December 11, 1971.  They had one chlld, Amber Chapman, born on July 25, 1975 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Unfortunately, her marriage did not last and to help her daughter Ruth took Amber into her home for many years.

Ruth met Richard (“Dick”) Dale Graf, the man who would become her husband, at church.  Her ward boundaries had changed, requiring her to attend a different ward.  “I’ll go to the new ward, Lord, if you’ll put a man there for me!”  At the same time, her future companion had made the decision to give up his wild Hollywood life, including high stakes poker, after he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1971. The handsome young actor – with his rich, deep movie star voice -  had a few women who found him beguiling, but Ruth was the one who captured his heart.  She was cautioned not to marry a risky, ex-actor / gambler, but she prevailed. They were married on May 27, 1972 and were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple as soon as time permitted.  At the time of her passing they had celebrated almost 47 ½  years together.  

About a year after their nuptials, Dick had not yet found steady work. Her patience wearing thin, Ruth told him, “get a job or it’s ‘goodbye, Buster’.”  Through Ruth’s references and persistence, he successfully passed the entry exam and was assigned the Juvenile Welfare Department in Pasadena. Later he transferred to a better position as a courtroom clerk in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.  He ultimately worked 20 years, having successfully moved into management.  The last 8 years of his working life, he managed 13 Family Law courtrooms in downtown Los Angeles.

The first 30 years of their marriage were lived in Tarzana, California.  They moved to St. George, Utah in September 2001.  Dick and Ruth were well known both in Tarzana and in St. George for their hobby of collecting and displaying Christmas Village houses. They would spend three days setting up their collection around Halloween and take it down in February. During the holiday season they would invite neighborhood friends and ward members over to see the displays and enjoy holiday treats.  Ruth always said, they bought their beautiful home in St. George because it had two basement storage rooms big enough to hold their entire collection.

For one year, Ruth was President of “Village Addicts Anonymous,” a 200-member Christmas village collectors club.  VAA was recognized countrywide as the largest membership club in the United States.  Every large city had at least one such club.  VAA met once a month, to trade, buy and sell duplicate or unwanted houses. They had a lot of fun together!  Dick composed a song for the VAA club, entitled … you guessed it … “Village Addicts Anonymous.”

With their closest friends John and Caroline Matthews, their travels took them to Alaska, New Zealand and Australia, Italy, Germany, England, Wales, and other scenic locations, including Mexico. Ruth even organized a month-long trip to China for 15 of her closest friends, including the Matthews! 

Ruth and Dick enjoyed spending time each year at their four Marriott timeshares.  They owned and used annually for 25 years their two weeks in Maui, Hawaii (their favorite), two weeks at Newport Beach, California; two weeks at Palm Desert (near Palm Springs) and one week at Park City, Utah. 

Ruth especially loved frequent trips to the Danish-style community of Solvang and visiting art galleries in Carmel, California. She looked forward to frequent visits to a mountain top outside of Los Angeles where they owned 1/5^thof a share of a mountain cabin.  Other loves in her life were two favorite mixed breed dogs, Ebenezer (also known as Bennie) and Fanny.

Ruth painted and enjoyed collecting artwork, playing card and board games with friends and family, and attending concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.  Together they could regularly be seen in the audience at the Glendale Center Theater where they had season tickets.

Ruth loved music. As a young woman she studied the violin and played in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.  In California, she served as Relief Society president in the Reseda Ward.  As a member of the Bloomington 7^th Ward, Ruth became well known for her organizational skills, particularly as the ward choir director.  Before every rehearsal and performance, she would call to remind each choir member and took meticulous care of the choir’s music library.  Because of her dedication, she had a very large choir.

Ruth leaves behind her husband Dick Graf, daughter Suzanne Corry Chapman of Canoga Park, CA; her granddaughter Amber Gwinn of Federal Way, WA; Dick’s son Dana Graf of Fort Collins, CO; Ruth’s half-brother Robert Hawkes of St. George, UT; niece Donna Phillips of Salt Lake City and nephew Stan Poulton of Placentia, CA; and nieces Janet Deveraux of Payson, UT; Sharon Grix of Sandy, UT; Winnie Stark of Modesto, CA, daughter of Ruth’s half-sister (deceased); and, all of Ruth's surviving relatives in England.

Special thanks to the kind and accommodating staff at the SunRiver Retreat for making the last few months of Ruth’s life enjoyable with fun and interesting activities, good food and new friends.  Dick wants to also express gratitude to Ruth’s devoted ministering sister and loving friend Paula Bown of Bloomington.

Walden's Will Serve in St. George

Elder James and Sister Linda Walden are heading for the Provo Missionary Training Center … again!  After serving 2 years in Australia (2014-16), the Lord – and Southgate Stake President James Bown – determined their skills and talents were needed again in another part of the vineyard … right here at home in St. George, UT!  Although Sister Walden admits she said, “no, no, no … probably a dozen times,” they finally agreed to serve for 12 months with the option to extend. Although they don’t know for sure what this mission entails, they do know they will be providing Member and Leader Support in the 6 wards in the Southgate Stake (and perhaps other assignments yet to be determined).

MLS couples in this area serve under the direction of the president of the Utah St. George Mission and it is likely their main calling will be to share the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, reactivate and rescue less-active members, retain new converts, strengthen young single adults, and support stake and ward leaders. The Walden’s will most certainly also provide a great and lasting influence on young missionaries.  

The Walden’s “job description” lists the skills/experiences the Lord needs for this calling include Church leadership, fellowshipping and teaching experience, good interpersonal and social abilities, and a loving desire to help others develop a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This seems like the perfect fit for this amazing couple!  

We look forward to watching your growing enthusiasm in this new calling as you set another important example to your family as well as to the rest of the B7 Ward.

Rest in peace, dear sweet Katie

Katie, the Labradoodle service dog of Debb Johnson who was diagnosed with polio as a toddler, passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 17, 2019 of complications from seizures.  She was 4 ½ years old (that’s 27 in “dog years”).  

Katie was an active member of the B7 Ward, regularly attending – though usually sleeping thru – Sacrament meeting, Relief Society and / or Sunday School.  She was a favorite of ward members young and old who loved to stroke her velvety ginger-colored fur coat or scratch her silky soft ears.

Sister Debb remembers, “Some things people do in their daily lives without even thinking can be difficult or impossible for someone in a wheelchair. It makes me smile to remember how Katie would hear me drop something and come running to pick it up for me.  I didn’t even have to ask.  Katie was also a life saver when it was time to get ready for bed. She pulled off my shoes and socks every night. And, imagine how hard it is trying to pull the door closed while backing my wheelchair out of the way. I could just say, 'Katie, get the door,' and she’d shut it for me.  She was my wingman, my buddy, and best of all she loved to show and receive affection. How did Katie change my life?  She put joy and independence into my days. I loved her dearly and she loved me back."

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, "service dogs are defined as canines of various breeds individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities." A service dog is not considered a pet but is specially trained to assist the handler with something directly related to his or her disability.

Katie will be missed by her many friends in the ward and certainly by her most important person Sister Debb. While Katie can never be replaced, Sister Debb is hoping one day she will be able to introduce another 4-legged family member to her neighbors and ward friends. 

Rest in peace, dear sweet Katie.

Regresa con honor, Elder Rowan Berry

Elder Rowan Berry, youngest son of Jason and Leah Berry, entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, September 3, 2019 for his final preparations to serve the Lord and His children in the Alabama Birmingham Spanish-speaking Mission. (Elder Rowan is the family's 2nd Spanish-speaking missionary. Elder Logan Berry is currently serving in the Equador Guayaquil Mission).

Elder Rowan Berry is about the same age as John Brown, the first missionary in Alabama and, it seems based on his talk in Sacrament meeting, he has the same exceptional speaking ability. 

The experience of missionary John Brown in Alabama is typical of other early missionaries. Community members assumed the 17-year-old dressed in ragged clothing was a simple cotton picker. They gathered to hear him speak one day in 1843, expecting entertainment by mocking the young preacher. After he began, however, the crowd members silenced and "were as motionless as statues of marble." Brown was well-treated afterward. 

In early 1844, there were approximately 120 members of the Church in Alabama in three congregations. Three months later, in areas including Mississippi, there were approximately 190 members in seven congregations. Early converts were often baptized in the Alabama River, and many immigrated West to avoid persecution. In 1930, there were nearly 2,520 members of the Church in Alabama. Several members came to Alabama employed by the military and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Today, there are over 38,000 members of the Church in 7 stakes / 76 wards and branches in Alabama's singular mission. The Birmingham Temple, the only temple in "the heart of Dixie" is located in Gardendale, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. The 10,700 square foot temple, with two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms, was dedicated on September 3, 2000 by President Gordon B. Hinckley to become the Church's 98th operating temple.

Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están contigo, Elder Berry.

Pine Valley Picnic Was A Cool Event

The weather was absolutely perfect at the 2^nd annual B7 Ward Pine Valley picnic and overnight campout on Friday, August 23, 2019.  The turnout was amazing and the food was delicious and plentiful (except for the absence of pickles and onions for the burgers).  Scott Ford and Pat Swansborough entertained with their guitars and enthusiastic singing.  On Saturday morning lots of happy campers in tents or trailers enjoyed hotcakes / flapjacks before heading home after another successful and fun ward event.   

Velkommen hjem, Søster Aspen Bair

Søster Aspen Honey Bair was welcomed into the waiting arms of her family - Bishop Mike and Sister Lori Bair, sisters Brianna Teddie Bair Lovell and Cara Cinnamon Bair, brother Dakota Black Bair and brother-in-law Selwin Lovell on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at the Salt Lake International Airport - after 18 months of faithfully serving the Lord and His children in the Norway Oslo Mission.

The 2nd daughter / 3rd Bair offspring served in a variety of wards and branches including "a small branch in North Norway to stronger wards in the Oslo area" where she blessed many with her strong testimony, enthusiasm and willingness to serve.  Specifically, she served in Tromso, Oslo, Arendal (made famous in the Disney movie "Frozen"), Stavanger and Lillehammer," seeing most of the country during her year and a half of missionary service.  She served as a trainer, a sister training leader, was involved for several months with the mission leadership council and baptized many in this challenging country.

Her mission President Wayne and Sister Patrice Tew say, "we have been impressed with her work ethic, her optimism and her ability to find good in everyone and in any circumstance.  She knows how to work, to have fun in the work and to create enthusiasm and light into anything.

"She comes home prepared to work and to make positive contributions to the church and to her community. She has a good plan for when she returns home and we are confident she will have a successful life."

According to Aspen, her "good plan" begins with a part time job coaching volleyball at Dixie High School and another part time job - this one online at home - translating information into Norwegian for customers of an American-based company with holdings in Norway.  All this, while waiting for the arrival of her first niece - baby daughter of Brianna and Selwin Lovell in late December - and saving up money to attend Utah Valley University in Provo beginning in January.

Calling her mission, "the best experience of my life" Aspen, like countless missionaries before her, will, for awhile at least, grieve the loss of her association with the amazing people with whom she served.  But, this spunky young woman promises to always do her best to influence people for good as she moves forward in a new phase of her life.

Welcome home, Aspen.

Hannah is Home from the Washington DC North Mission

Hannah Kerr arrived at the Cedar City Airport on Thursday, July 25 and was welcomed into the arms of her parents Charlie and Sarah Kerr and siblings Sidney, Charlie and Olivia, who have waited 18-months for their oldest's return from the Washington D. C. North Mission.  

As a full-time missionary in this part of the Lord's vineyard, her call letter indicated she would serve in the Washington D. C. Temple Visitor Center with additional opportunities to “knock doors” every other day in search of those the Lord has prepared to hear the gospel message.  Another assignment was as one of the Church’s online representatives, teaching those who call Church headquarters for more information, before passing them along to missionaries in their own area.

“I didn’t really have a burning desire to serve a mission,” said Sister Kerr, 18-months ago before leaving for the MTC.  Upon her return, she calls the opportunity to serve the Lord and His children in this part of the vineyard, "the best decision I've ever made in my life!"

Of this amazing and life-changing spiritual experience, she stated in her final letter home, "I can't adequately put into words my gratitude and love for this mission.  I am extremely grateful for the things I have learned and experienced.  This place is sacred and the people here in DC are special.  I am grateful for God's timing and His perfect plan!  It has been a privilege to teach people the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them make beautiful changes.  I know it doesn't stop here!  I have a deep and abiding love for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  He is what makes this work possible.  He is the source of my joy and I love Him.  I know this is His church.  For the knowledge of these things, I will be forever glad!

The future feels very bright and Hannah is excited for what is to come!  "The things I have experienced will influence the rest of my life!  These are days never to be forgotten."

Her immediate bright future finds her living at home for the next six months after which she will decide whether to attend hair school, LDS Business College or take business-related classes at Utah Valley University toward a goal of eventually owning her own salon or wellness center.

Welcome home, Sister Kerr.

Dotty is the Ward's Newest Member

Dorothy Catherine Adams - better known to family and friends as Dotty - was baptized (and confirmed) by her father Roy Adams on Sunday, July 28 to become the newest member of the Bloomington 7th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

The youngest child of Roy and Michaela and granddaughter of B3 Ward members Chauncey and Margaret Adams, is "a fun kid" according to her dad, "who loves to joke around with her brother Chauncey and sisters Ivie and Phoebe.  She also loves animals - especially cats - reading and drawing and is looking forward to being in the 3rd grade at the duel-immersion Bloomington Elementary School where she is learning Chinese.

Through baptism, Dotty is now in "this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” (2 Ne. 31:17–18).

This is the promise we are given when we come into His kingdom through baptism and when hands are laid upon our heads, the gift of the Holy Ghost is bestowed upon us, and we were confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—which means we became “fellow citizens with the saints” in the “household of God” (see Eph. 2:19).

As members of the Church - and the B7 Ward - it is our responsibility to help Dotty continue to strengthen and grow her testimony.

B7 Ward Splishes and Splashes at City Pool

On a warm late-July Thursday night, more than 100 B7 Ward members of all ages, gathered at the city pool (next to Dixie High School on 700 South) for food, socializing and pool play.  The biggest draw for the littlest ward members was the exciting 330-foot long hydro tube and for the "boys" it was playing pool basketball.  Thanks to those who brought cookies and chips to share and to the ward for providing 6' sandwiches and drinks.  It was a fun evening and it appeared everyone had a good time and went home happy.

Southgate Stake Trek Teaches Youth to Do Hard Things!

The day before the Southgate Stake Trek, the youth attended the temple and did baptisms for their ancestors.  The next morning eighteen young men and women, three couples of Ma’s and Pa’s and many other stake and activity committee members from the Bloomington 7^th Ward set out for three days in the Kaibab Forest near the Grand Canyon. On Day One we met our family and started making a banner for our handcart.  Finally we had everyone loaded up and headed out. Along the way we were introduced to some vignettes which talked about couples trekking along the Honeymoon trail for weeks and weeks to get sealed in the St George temple. Another told of an old Indian who followed a couple for hours to warn them of danger. The last one talked about how they had to get water by digging a hole and straining the mud through cloth. That day we trekked 9 miles of which the last mile or so was all up hill. 

First thing the next morning was the women’s pull. Sister Kerr talked to the women and said they were going to be asked to do something hard but the leaders had full faith we could do it. The trail was a tough uphill, rocky climb. Everyone was silent while the men and boys looked on, itching to help. Once a handcart reached the top the girls all rushed down to help the other carts make it up. At the top we had a little fireside and time to reflect on what we just accomplished. The rest of the day was about five miles.  

Once we got to camp and set up we had the opportunity to play pioneer games, sack races, stick pull, and tug-of-war. The Ma’s and Pa’s were crowned kings and queens of the tug of war. After dinner we heard stories about Samoan pioneers who first joined the church in their families. Next was the hoe down. The youth got to learn different dances and change partners so they all had a chance to dance with each other. It was a great time and all the youth enjoyed themselves.

The next morning we set out on a mile hike. Along the way the Stake Presidency taught about covenants and staying on the covenant path. At the top of the hill there was a beautiful overlook of the Grand Canyon. Before we started trekking for the day President Bown asked us to kneel around him as he gave a priesthood blessing on the whole company, especially the youth. It was a powerful moment and a great experience.  We only had a few more miles to trek that day until we reached the end and caravanned home.  There were a few blisters, hurt feet and knees but everyone arrived home safe and sound.

Te Veremos Pronto, Elder Conner Walden

Elder Conner Walden, oldest son of Matthew and Robin Walden and grandson of James and Linda Walden, has been called to serve the Lord and His children for 24 months in the Mexico Xalapa Mission. He will enter the Mexico City MTC on June 26 where he will learn Spanish over a period of several weeks before he begins knocking on doors. He claims he has no experience with the Spanish language so he is praying the Lord will bless him to be able to learn quickly.

In 1875, President Brigham Young called a party of six missionaries to take Spanish language materials about the Church from Salt Lake City to Mexico. Upon arriving in Mexico in 1876, the missionaries divided into two groups and shortly thereafter the first five Mexican converts were baptized by Helaman Pratt and Meliton Trejo, a Spanish convert.

In 1885, a group of nearly 400 colonists from Utah arrived at the northern Mexico Casas Grandes River and acquired property. Mexico's first stake was created in Colonia Juárez in 1895. By 1912, more than 4,000 members had settled in Chihuahua and Sonora.

When Rey L. Pratt returned to central Mexico in November of 1917, he found the members had remained faithful despite difficult living circumstances. Local Mexican leaders again maintained stability and expanded proselyting work, calling six local missionaries in 1930. In 1946 Church President George Albert Smith visited Mexico, where membership then numbered more than 5,300.

On 3 December 1961, the Mexico Stake was created, with Harold Brown as president. Membership numbered nearly 25,000. Church schools were begun in Mexico in 1959. On 3 April 1976, a temple was announced for Mexico City and the completed temple was dedicated 2 December 1983 by President Gordon B. Hinckley. At that time, membership in Mexico was conservatively numbered at about 240,000. Mexico was the first country outside the USA with 100 LDS stakes.

An historic moment came on 29 June 1993, when the Mexican government formally registered the Church, allowing it to own property. President Howard W. Hunter visited Mexico to create the Mexico City Contreras Stake, the Church's 2,000th, on 11 December 1994.

Today, 1.5 million – or 1 in 90 - people living in Mexico are church members.  There are now 34 missions and 13 temples.

Que el Señor vigilar y protegerle, le llevará a aquellos que Él ha preparado para escuchar el mensaje del Evangelio de usted corazón y el alma ... y te llevará a salvo a casa, Elder Walden.

Its the Colorado Denver North Mission for Elder Luke Wilkes

Luke Wilkes, one of 5 who call Rob and Chardell Wilkes “mom” and “dad”, has been called to serve in the Colorado Denver North Mission.  He entered the Provo MTC on Wednesday, June 26 for final preparations to serve the Lord and His children for 24-months as a fulltime missionary in and around "the mile high city."

A wagon train of 43 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints camped at Fort Pueblo in Colorado in 1846, after their journey was postponed. Several others joined the camp during the winter, including wives and children of Mormon Battalion members preparing to fight in the Mexican-American War. By the winter's end, 275 were in the camp. Some joined Church President Brigham Young's company traveling west while a few joined family members traveling east. Others joined later wagon trains. 

The first congregation of the Church in Colorado was organized in January 1897, one year after a mission was established in the area. Several Church immigrants settled communities in Conejos County, Manassa, Richfield, and Sanford. Missionaries campaigned against the growing number of saloons in 1909. In 1911, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, based in Utah, toured Colorado. The Church was publicized after completion of the Denver Colorado Temple in 1986.  In 2016, a second temple in Colorado was dedicated in Ft. Collins.

Today, there are more than 151,000 members in 4 missions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Elder Wilkes.  May the Lord protect you and lead you to those who have been prepared to hear the gospel message from you.