Getting to Know....

As you know, our first counselor in the presidency, Joan was called into Young Women's (they are so lucky to have her energy, compassion, and love). I have missed our daily emails, texts, and conversations! But I had to quickly find a new counselor to fill those HUGE shoes!

April with her beautiful family 

Please meet our new first counselor, April Loveland. I have been blessed to know April for almost ten years now. I think I was her visiting teacher and then she was mine! Now we are friends, isn't that how visiting teaching should work?

 April was born and raised in Las Vegas by the coolest parents ever. They moved here when she was twelve, and she graduated from Sehome High School. April has four other siblings and she is very close to all of them. She was sealed in the Las Vegas temple to her dream man Rob. They have four handsome and fun loving boys. April has had numerous callings in the church from RS Teacher, Young Women's Advisor, to her latest, 1st counselor in the Primary Presidency. She loves being a mom and wife. She loves to go on bike rides or on adventures to the beach or park with her family. One of April's greatest gifts is that she lives very close to the Spirit, it is something we should all strive to do. April is also a great example of living each day as if it were a gift. Please don't be shy, introduce yourself to her as she tries and learns all of your names and faces! You will be better for it!

Happy Birthday Relief Society

March 17 was the 171st birthday of our  Relief Society!

Since we are not having a Thursday night activity this month due to Savior of the World Productions, we celebrated at Ward Conference with cupcakes for everyone! I think the men and children enjoyed this more than the women! We also had homemade soaps and bookmarks for all our beautiful sisters.

The Relief Society (RS) is a philanthropic and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It was founded in 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois, USA and has approximately 6 million members in over 170 countries and territories. The Relief Society is often referred to by the church and others as "one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world."

PURPOSES OF RELIEF SOCIETY:

1. 1. Increase in faith and personal righteousness.
2. 2. 
   Strengthen families and homes.
3. 3. 
   Serve the Lord and His children.

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

President Nelson shared this quote with the combined Priesthood/Relief Society class, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."- Boyd K. Packer

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

18- Melinda Warren

19- Joyce Ellsworth

20- Linda Huberd

21- Jeannine Chapman & Gloria Rilev

23- Natalie Cuddy & Catrina Foulger

24- Mackenzie McCleve

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

TFOT, Elder Anderson, p.39, "Trial of Your Faith"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

March 29- If you signed up to provide cookies for the Savior of the World production, please drop off your cookies at either Mimi or Geri's homes.

 March 31- Easter

 April 6 & 7- General Conference

April 14- Fast Sunday

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

"Make up your minds to live humbly and in such a way that you will always have the Spirit of the Lord to be your friend." -Pres. Lorenzo Snow

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

16- Carolyn Haas & Haley Brown

17- Tara Johnson

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Ward Conference: Combined lesson taught by Stake leaders

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

 March 12- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am

 March 15-Card Making Open House @ Geri's 10am, come make cards, or just socialize!

 March 17- Ward Conference, combined R.S./Priesthood meeting

 March 31- Easter & Fast Sunday

 April 6 & 7- General Conference

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center

Getting to Know...

Hannah Thomas, a newlywed, was born in Creston, Canada. After graduating, she went to University at Lethbridge before following her mom down to the States. Hannah is now attending Western Washington University majoring in Marine Biology.

Hannah in her element!

 Did you know that Hannah played volleyball for Skagit Valley College? She is also a very talented musician, definitely a talent passed down from her mom. Hannah has been playing piano since she was three. She also played the violin for a while. She currently plays for Relief Society and is also very involved with the Savior of the World Production. She is playing Mary,the Mother of James, and also plays piano for the Cherub Choir. Come out and see her!

Hannah and her husband John met in the Young Single Adult ward here in Bellingham, had a "fast" engagement and were sealed in the Seattle Temple. When Hannah is not busy with music and school, she enjoys reading light novels (mainly romances--with happy endings) and knitting. There is a lot more to Hannah than meets the eye! If you have not introduced yourself to her, please do, you won't regret it! Welcome Hannah, to the ward!

Getting to Know...

Have you seen a beautiful blonde angel running around? That would be Rachelle Jones! She is new in our ward. Rachelle is married to Carson and has two lovely daughters, Eva (5) and Fiona (6 months). She is also very proud of their pug, Ginger.

Rachelle and fam--before baby Fiona!

Rachelle grew up in Montana, but moved to the Mill Creek area when she was older. Rachelle is one of five children. She graduated from Jackson High School and went on to BYU-Idaho where she received her Associates. Next stop on her adventure was BYU-Hawaii where she majored in Business and met her eternal companion. They were sealed in the Seattle Temple. They loved their time on the island. Rachelle continued her education with a Master's in Teaching from City University.
Rachelle currently serves as our Compassionate Service Assistant, but she has taught primary, Relief Society, and has been in Young Women's as well. When she is not loving and spending time with her family, she likes to go jogging or to ZUMBA and loves to be creative. She currently has an Etsy store where she sells beautiful jewelry and frames.  Most Sundays, you can find Rachelle in the hall holding her cute baby. Please get to know her, you will be so glad you did!

Monday Minutes

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEKS LESSON:

We had a combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting taught by Bishop Knutson. The Bishop spoke about missionary work and the Bellingham 2nd Ward Mission plan for 2013.  The goals for this year are;

 1. Baptize 6 individuals

 2. Retain 100% of members converted this year

 3. Temple attendance for new members within 3 months

 4. Reactivate 5 families

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK:

5- Francys Tobler & Angela Dowdle

6- Jo'elen Hagler, Kaylee Johnson & Marites Rosete

8- Bonnie Andrews

9- Amy Tyler

10- Amanda Bonilla

NEXT WEEKS LESSON:

Lorenzo Snow Chapter 4, "Strengthened by the Power of the Holy Ghost"

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

 March 12- Daytime R.S. Activity, 11am

 March 17- Ward Conference, combined R.S./Priesthood meeting

SAVE THE DATE *** May 11- Stake Relief Society Mini Conference, 9:30 - 2:00 at the Stake Center