Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas


Watch this short message from our first presidency.
Wishing you peace and joy this season and in the New Year.
Christmas is... Joyful Filled with light
Sacred...Warm and bright
Exciting! Colorful!
A time to give
Grateful for our Savior
whose Birth and Life
and Atoning Sacrifice
bids us to ever live.--Carlene Adams

Monday, December 24, 2012

Monday Minutes

**If you no longer live in the ward, have changed your email address or do not want to receive the Monday Minutes please email Julie Ellis and let her know which email address to delete.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
Sister Saunders taught our lesson on Sunday. We talked about making room for the Savior in our life during this Christmas season and throughout the year. We talked about what it is we do and how it feels to have a closer relationship with the Savior. We ended the meeting with sisters bearing their testimonies. 
"What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the Gift of Gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He went about doing good. As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours."-President Thomas S. Monson
 
The women were asked to write down what Christmas meant to them. Carlene Adams shared this beautiful impromptu poem she created:
 
Christmas is... Joyful Filled with light
Sacred...Warm and bright
Exciting! Colorful!
A time to give
Grateful for our Savior
whose Birth and Life
and Atoning Sacrifice
bids us to ever live.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
24th- Julie Ellis & Amanda Padilla
25th- Sue Walker & Christine Miles
26th- Jeanette Erickson & Laurie Rippon
27th- Kim Vanderveen
29th- Kathryn Brown
30th- Megan Hunt

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
TFOT, Pres. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets & Resolutions", p.21

Monday, December 17, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
In our meeting we talked about righteous living in perilous times. We talked about inviting the Spirit into our homes by doing the simple "primary things" (praying & reading the scriptures). As we strengthen our homes and fill our lamps we will be able to be a positive influence in the world. President George Albert Smith said, "I want to plead with you,...be as anchors in the community in which you live that others may be drawn to you and feel secure. Let your light so shine that others seeing your good works will have a desire in their hearts to be like you."

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
19th- Debbie Wentz
21st- Jennifer McCleve
23rd- Katie Williams

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Presidency lesson taught by Mimi Saunders

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Martha’s Scalloped Potatoes

by Martha Stewart

This is a to die for recipe we sampled at the ward Christmas dinner. If you want to wow yourself or your family/guests, these are the potatoes to make with any Christmas dinner. Thank Julie for sharing with us.

  • 3 pound yellow potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 3 cups milk
  • 5 ounces Gruyere cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream

1. Heat oven to 325. In a large saucepan, combine sliced potatoes and milk, and place over
high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer until potatoes just
begin to get tender, about 3 minutes. (it seems to take my potatoes a little longer)

2. Meanwhile, grate cheese and set aside. Place a colander over a large bowl, and drain
potatoes, reserving milk. (You should have 2 cups of thick, starchy milk. If the potatoes
have absorbed more than 1 cup of milk, you must add enough milk to bring the reserved
milk volume to 2 cups.)

3. Rub a 3 ½ quart oval casserole with garlic and butter. Arrange sliced potatoes in the
casserole in two layers, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Dot remaining butter and
pour in the reserved cooking milk and cream. Scatter grated cheese over the top. (I have
about 4 or 5 layers in my casserole dish and between each layer I put a little bit of the
grated cheese. The remaining cheese goes on the top.)

4. Place casserole in the lower third of the oven and bake until the cheese has turned deep
golden brown and the milk has reduced and thickened, 80 to 90 minutes. Remove from
oven and serve immediately.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
In our meeting we talked about the power of kindness and how a simple act of smiling or giving a genuine compliment can brighten a person's day. George Albert Smith said, " I plead with you my brethren and sisters, let us be generous with one another. Let us be patient with one another as we would like others to be with us. Let us see the virtues of our neighbors and our friends and speak of those virtues, not find fault and criticize."

UPCOMING EVENTS:
11th- R.S. Daytime Activity, 11 am

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
10th- Phimpha Simongkhonh
11th- Jessica Swenson

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Lesson 24 (NOT #23), "Righteous Living in Perilous Times"

Monday, December 3, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
The Bishop taught a combined lesson about family history. He encouraged each of us to take our own family names to the temple especially the youth. “Spiritual connections . . . are formed when a young woman helps her grandmother enter family information into a computer or when a young man sees the name of his great-grandfather on a census record. When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us. We feel part of something greater than ourselves.”- Russell M. Nelson 

UPCOMING EVENTS:
8th- Ward Christmas Party, 6pm, If you signed-up to bring a salad or a potato dish please bring enough to serve 15
11th- R.S. Daytime Activity, 11 am

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
8- Samantha Seibert

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Lesson #21, "The Power of Kindness"

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Christmas Brunch

We kicked off the Christmas season in style on the first day of December, with our annual Christmas Brunch. We, the presidency, really wanted to pamper our sisters whom we love so very much. Sweet Sister Crawford graciously offered up her beautiful home. She also wanted to share her Brazilian heritage with us by making homemade pasteis (empanadas) and sweets (taste like yummy truffles). Thank you Leticia, for your generosity and love.
We ate off fine china
The entire home was decorated to perfection. So inviting and warm. Sister Crawford, Rudd, and Chumley worked hard to make this day so special.
Brazilian Sweets, chocolate, coconut, and date with almond and a yummy filling...
Refreshing fruit kabobs
Spinach fritattas made with love, by the Rudd team of Joan and Jess
Ever the worker bee, Geri refilling the pasteis, there was food everywhere!
Our fearless and beautiful leader enjoying some hot cider upon arrival
Sister Crawford welcoming everyone
Conversing and partaking in good company
More beautiful ladies
And more lovely ladies
And even more lovely ladies!
I liked this one of Sariah, she is such a sweet soul

Joyce ended up with Elf on the Shelf!
I think everyone walked away with something they wanted from our white elephant gift exchange.
There were so many more lovely pictures taken, thank you so much Francys for capturing the fun morning. It was nice to look back and remember just how fun it was. We really enjoyed every bit of it, from the atmosphere to the food and especially the company.
What will you and I give for Christmas this year? Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He 'went about doing good.' As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours. --President Monson
We love you very much, your RS Presidency.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"My brothers and sisters, the Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us." President Thomas S. Monson

UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 29- Ward temple cleaning night, contact Jess Rudd 752-9866 if you can help that night

December 1- R.S. Brunch, 10am, at Leticia Crawford's home
Invite your visiting teachees, and your friends! Bring a wrapped white elephant gift to exchange.
 
DIRECTIONS: Take Mt. Baker Hwy East almost 2 miles PAST Britton Rd.
Turn RIGHT onto Saddlestone Dr. (after the white fence)
Go up steep, winding road to 2nd house on the right (4367 Saddlestone Drive)
*If you would like to carpool to Sister Crawford's house please call one of the R.S. Presidency

December 8- Ward Christmas Party, 6pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
27- Donna Ewing
30- Angela Barney

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Combined lesson with the Priesthood under the direction of the Bishop

Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"I suppose people think when they pay their tithing that they are making a sacrifice, but they are not; they are making a real investment that will return an eternal dividend. Our Heavenly Father gives us all that we have. He places all in our hands, authorizing us to retain for our own use nine-tenths of it, and then He asks that we put His tenth where He directs, where He knows it will accomplish the most good in developing His Church" -George Albert Smith

UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 29- Ward temple cleaning night, contact Jess Rudd 752-9866 if you can help that night

December 1- R.S. Brunch, 10am, at Leticia Crawford's home
DIRECTIONS: Take Mt. Baker Hwy East almost 2 miles PAST Britton Rd.
Turn RIGHT onto Saddlestone Dr. (after the white fence)
Go up steep, winding road to 2nd house on the right (4367 Saddlestone Drive)

December 8- Ward Christmas Party

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
21- Christina Barr
24- Marcia Leishman & Shirley Todd
25- Kathleen Macmillan

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
TFOT Lesson: Pres. Monson, Oct. 2012, p.86, "Consider the Blessings"

Monday, November 12, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"I am fully convinced that the Lord in His mercy, when He gave us the Word of Wisdom, gave it to us, not alone that we might have health while we live in the world, but that our faith might be strengthened, that our testimony of the divinity of the mission of our Lord and Master might be increased, that thereby we might be better prepared to return to his presence when our labor here is complete." -George Albert Smith

UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 13- Daytime RS. Katie Oslapas will be talking about some of their experiences in Nepal at 11:00 with a Potluck Lunch to follow.
November 15- Blankets for Afghanistan, 7pm, Mimi's home
November 29-Ward Temple Night and Cleaning
December 1- R.S. Brunch, 10am, at Leticia Crawford's home
December 8- Ward Christmas Party

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
12- Erminia Alvarez & Telena Ruhl
13- Dawn Hatch
15- Debbie Burley
16- Lori Bockwoldt
17- Angela Harvill
18- Kathy Wiles

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Lesson #20 "Temporal Salvation for Ourselves and Others"

Monday, November 5, 2012

MONDAY MINUTES

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
Today in Relief Society we shared our testimonies through music. We shared our favorite hymn and explained why it was our favorite. Then we sang one verse from the hymn. It was wonderful to get to know more about each other and feel the Spirit that comes from singing sacred music.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

NOVEMBER 10- B-2 RS Mini-Conference (combined with the YSA Ward). 10:00 to 4:00 at the James Street Bldg. GREAT speakers, lunch, and time to mingle. Bring those you Visit Teach.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Here is the speaking schedule for the Mini-Conference-

10:00- 11:00 Keynote Speaker: Gene Hatch, Bellingham Stake Patriarch

11:10 – 12:00  
Charity – The Pure Love of Christ Chapel
Coping with Toxic Families RS Room
Baby Steps to the temple & ongoing Worthiness YW Room

12:00 – 12:50 Lunch in the Cultural Hall

1:00 – 1:50 
Charity – The Pure Love of Christ Chapel
How to receive & Recognize personal revelation RS Room
Baby Steps to the temple & ongoing Worthiness YW Room


2:00 – 2:50 
Fitting in when you don’t feel like you fit Chapel
How to receive & recognize personal revelation RS Room
Mixed Membership Families YW Room

3:00 – 3:50 
 Fitting in when you don’t feel like you fit Chapel
Coping with Toxic Families RS Room
Mixed Membership Families YW Room

3:50 Closing Exercises in Chapel followed by cream puffs in the Cultural Hall
****************************************************************************************************************************************************
NOVEMBER 13- Daytime RS. Katie Oslapas will be talking about some of her experiences in Nepal, 11:00 with a Potluck Lunch to follow.

NOVEMBER 15- Blankets for Afghanistan, 7pm, Mimi's home

DECEMBER 1- R.S. Brunch, 10am, at Leticia Crawford's home

DECEMBER 8- Ward Christmas Party

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
5th:Joanne Bramer
7th: Bobbie Schenk & Elizabeth Sawyer
10th:Linda Rensink & Jessie Lydiard
11th: Constance Faulkner

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Lesson #19 "Temporal and Spiritual Blessings from the Word of Wisdom"

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Baby Blankets Service Project

We had a presentation in church from Jill Reid, who is in the Blaine Ward. Her husband works in Afghanistan and she told the story of a refugee camp there where babies literally froze to death. It just touched us so deeply, we had to do something. We got Bishop's approval and a generous donation from a ward member. Taya bought all the fabric, Katie took charge, helping me to set up and directing traffic. Without these two ladies, this project would not have gone so smoothly. Thanks to all the lovely ladies who came and helped cut fabric, mark fabric, put fabric together, pinned, removed pins, serged, and sewed. We were able to complete in just two hours time, 20 blankets. We have about 20 more to do. The next service night will be at Mimi's on November 15, 7pm. We feel good knowing that we have done just a small part in helping those in need even if they are half a world away. About 30 minutes into the night, the power flickered. We thought it was the sewing machines, but come to find out, most people's power went out but ours stayed on so we could finish our project...coincidence? Luck? You tell me!

Sergers and sewers at one table.
Which one of these does not fit? Yes, me. The other three ladies are EXPERT seamstresses. I love the talent in our ward!
The hardworking cutters
Our youngest helper!

The finished product!

Thanks to all who came and the goodies were yummy too. I found one lemon bar left. And finished it up! A big thank you to Francys for taking pictures...but where is one of you?


Monday, October 29, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this
life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness,
bitterness, and resentment. We are not perfect. The people around us
are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger.
In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must
let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn
how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way.  Remember,
heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are
forgiven. And they forgive. Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let
go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your
heart. Love one another. Forgive one another. The merciful will obtain
mercy." -President Uchtdorf


UPCOMING EVENTS:
November 10-  R.S. Mini Conference (combined with YSA Ward), 10am-4pm, James St. Bldg. GREAT Speakers, lunch, time to mingle, lots of FUN!
November 13- Daytime R.S. Activity, Katy Oslapas will present on her travels to Nepal, 11am
November 15- Blankets for Afghanistan, 7pm, Mimi's home
December 1- R.S. Brunch, 10am, at Leticia Crawford's home
December 8- Ward Christmas Party

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

October 31: Martha Burke & Iris Lauzon
November 4: Marti Duprau

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Presidency Message given by Sister Chumley

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:
Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Sunday, October 21, 2012

SUPER SATURDAY SUCCESS!

We had so much fun at Super Saturday! We also got a LOT done! I was busy doing all of my projects, but had time to snap a few pictures. This was towards the end of the day when most people had left...we call ourselves the die hards.

We made a LOT of sweet smelling soaps. Sky did a fantastic job of making it really easy for us with her organization.

The art gallery signs were a huge hit.
Here, Geri and Sariah work to fix up broken hymnals.Bonnie is in the background helping with the blankets for babies in Afghanistan (more to follow on that one!).
Leticia's lavendar made the whole gym smell better than it ever smelled before!
The sock puppets were a huge hit! And turned out darling. Arunas was such a trooper, spent all day on his Saturday off to help us with our projects. What a sweet guy! Someone should bake that man (and Don Chumley) some cookies!
 
I usually come home with half done projects, but I went home with a ton of completed projects, one of which I already used last night! A HUGE THANK YOU to the Relief Society Activity Committee members for all their hard work. We could not have done it without you!









Sunday, October 14, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"When we become confused, and find ourselves confronted by obstacles
we, seemingly, cannot overcome, having faith in the Redeemer of the
world, we can go to Him and know that our prayers will be answered for
our good. The Lord has a way of accomplishing things that we are
unable to do, and never asks us to do anything that he does not make
the way possible."- George Albert Smith


UPCOMING EVENTS:
OCT 18-RS Service Project, 7pm @ Mimi's house
OCT 20-SUPER SATURDAY 10-4
OCT 27-Ward Chili Cook Off/ Trunk or Treat 6pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

15- Lee Ann Wankasky
16-Tamara Glick
18- Shirleen Larson
19- Christen Hogsett

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:
Lesson #18: Stay on the Lord's Side of the Line

NOTE FROM THE RS PRESIDENCY:
-For our service project on the 18th we will be making baby blankets
for the children of Afghanistan. They are also in need of baby
formula, Pediasure, and Flinstones vitamins. If you are able to donate
any of these items please bring them to the service project.

-Check out our blog at bham2sisters.blogspot.com and leave a comment.

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:
Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
Sister Olney taught from President Eyring's conference talk, Mountains to Climb. She reinforced that a foundation of faith takes time to build. It takes hard work, patience, and personal integrity. It is choosing the right consistently. The metal framework around which our faith is built is the gospel of Jesus Christ. "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved...The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word."

UPCOMING EVENTS:

OCT 6-7 General Conference
OCT 18-RS Service Project, 7pm @ Mimi's house
OCT 20-SUPER SATURDAY 10-4
OCT 27-Ward Chili Cook Off/ Trunk or Treat 6pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

2-Tina McWhirk
5-Sarah Kwon
6-Inge Wolf


NEXT WEEKS LESSON (when we meet again):
Lesson #17: The Strengthening Power of Faith

NOTE FROM THE RS PRESIDENCY:
Please call your visiting teaching supervisors and report today!
Check out our blog at bham2sisters.blogspot.com and leave a comment.

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:
Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
Sister Jill Reid gave a special presentation about her families'
experiences of "caring for the one" as they have worked and traveled
around the world. She reminded us that Heavenly Father loves all His
children and He will bring the gospel to them in His time. Sister Reid
also shared moving stories of faithful members of the church in
Cambodia who have very little in way of earthly treasures, but are
willing to sacrifice to be able to receive the blessings of the
temple.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

September 29: General Women's Broadcast at Stake Center 5pm
Oct. 20: Super Saturday: Please look for the table in the foyer with Super Saturday projects and sign up for the ones you would like to do. All projects are FREE and only take your time.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
None

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

TFOT, April 2012 Conference, Pres. Eyring, Mountains to Climb, p.23

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:

Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
"He has set apart one day in seven, not to make it a burden, but to
bring joy into our lives and cause that our homes may be the gathering
place of the family....Honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy,
Latter-day Saints, and it will bring to you great joy and our Heavenly
Father will bestow upon you the blessings that result from obedience
to his advice and counsel." - George Albert Smith

UPCOMING EVENTS:
September 20: Evening RS Activity 7pm, bring your favorite General
Conference snack to share
September 22: Primary Program Practice 10-11:30am at James St. Bldg.
September 29: General Women's Broadcast at Stake Center 5pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:
17th: Joan Rudd & Amanda Sell
20th: Michelle Gordon, Christine Harrison, Andrea Williams
21st: Florence Fairbanks & Kimberly Nichols
22nd: Faith Willison

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Special Presentation by Sister Jill Reid

NOTE FROM THE RS PRESIDENCY:

 Check out our blog at bham2sisters.blogspot.com and leave a comment.

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:

Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Three Amigas...Second Edition!

So remember when we featured our three ladies who are the three stake presidents in their auxiliaries? Well, it donned on me that the three SECRETARIES (a very important job) in our stake presidencies are ALSO from our ward. Can you believe it? I am telling you, we have the most amazing people in our ward.

You have already met Emily Pool. She was just recently called as the Stake Primary Secretary. She is also serving in our very ward as the new Sunbeams teacher! Check her out here. She was our very first spotlight!

Our Stake Young Women's Secretary has been a secretary since she moved into our ward four years ago. Taya Somes was first called as our Relief Society Secretary, then our Young Women Secretary, and now she is the Stake's. Taya was raised in Ephrata, Washington where she also graduated from high school. She has three sisters and one brother. Something you may not know about Taya, she has seven living grandparents. Yes, you read it right. Her mom was adopted, and the rest is history! Taya went on to Washington State University and received a degree in Business Management. She also met the man of her dreams there--Tyler (who is our ward scoutmaster!). She says it was definitely love at first sight. Their first date was a WSU football game, and years later, after Tyler came back from his mission to the Philippines, he proposed to Taya at a WSU football game! Sam (6) and Gavin (4) were born in Pullman while they were still students. After graduation, Tyler landed a job with BP.

 Taya with her beautiful family


Taya lived in Blaine for a year before moving into our ward (we are so glad she did!). They also have a sweet little peanut named Ella, and one on the way!!! While she is not busy being a mom, Taya loves to craft. She is very creative and is an expert seamstress as well. She also sells "tutorials" on Etsy. She loves to work with her hands, and they together also love to work on projects around their home.We love Taya, and appreciate her testimony, you can read it below!

"I am so grateful to have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has given me the strength to get through hard times and I have found a great amount of joy in my life because to it. My family growing up was not always the most active family. But I always felt a peace and comfort whenever I was involved in church activities. It wasn't until college that I realized how much the gospel meant to me. My testimony grew tremendously over those years and when I was married in the Seattle temple to my sweetheart I knew that Heavenly Father had great plans for me! I know that we are blessed when we are striving to live righteously. I know that God lives and loves each of his children. We are so blessed to have such a unique understanding of what our Heavenly Father has planned for us, and what joy it brings me to know that someday I will have the opportunity to live with him again. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

Stay tuned for our last amiga...

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Remembering...

"Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (October 2001 General Conference).

In memory of 9/11, as a National Day of Service, our ward combined with two other wards in a very successful blood drive. Many of you ladies in the Relief Society were there, donating blood, or helping with the event. You are doing much good and we thank you.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:
Sister Masterson taught the last in a series of lessons on missionary
work. She pointed out that the September Ensign seems to be focused on
advancing the work of the Lord as well. We talked about the advances
in technology that have allowed people all over the world to learn
about the gospel. A couple sisters shared how they have been able to
use Facebook to share their beliefs with friends that don't live close
to them. "The Savior said this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all nations.... He is removing the
obstructions, and the gospel shall be preached."- George Albert Smith

UPCOMING EVENTS:

September 11: Daytime RS Activity, 11am
September 15: Ward BBQ, 5-7pm, Cornwall Park, A-L please bring a salad
or side dish, M-Z please bring a dessert
September 20: Evening RS Activity, 7pm
September 22: Primary Program Practice 10-11:30am at James St. Bldg.
September 29: General Women's Broadcast at Stake Center 5pm

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

10th: Patricia Ferrie
16th: Harriet Hatch

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Chapter 16, "Offer Up Thy Sacraments Upon My Holy Day"

NOTE FROM THE RS PRESIDENCY:

 Check out our blog at bham2sisters.blogspot.com and leave a comment.

NOTE FROM THE STAKE RS PRESIDENCY:

Looking for someone to serve? Do you have a visiting teaching list?
Visiting teaching isn't a calling it's a covenant. It is about the
service, prayer, the time and the experience."

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Mother's Day....Memories?

I finally was able to get a CD of pictures taken by the FABULOUS Courtney Bowlden (an extremely talented professional photographer, who happens to be in our ward--I told you we have amazing women in this ward!).

Anyway, she was kind enough to snap some shots of our wonderful day. We had three wonderful speakers, Christen Hogsett, Bobbie Schenk, and April Loveland, followed by a beautiful musical number sung by Dawn Hatch, Julie Ellis, and Christie Madsen.

Afterwards, we went into the cultural hall for a light brunch, a good time was had by all. The women also received a little booklet by Elder Quentin L. Cook, entitled, LDS Women are Incredible! There were at least 70 women in attendance (we ran out of booklets, that's how we know!).




















 How I love ALL of these ladies and their beautiful families.
I used to say when I grow up I want to be like Joan Rudd. But now that I have gotten to know these ladies in the presidency, when I grow up I want to be like Joan Rudd and Geri Chumley both! Julie is high in my book too, except I think I am older than she is! Love this presidency!