Week 41

October 29, 2017

 

Dear Loved Ones,

This week has gone by very fast.  Monday night, was our Farewell party at Perkin’s restaurant for the Parkins and the Christensens. Elder Parkin has been the mission Executive Secretary, and his wife has been the Mission Secretary. They are replaced by the Rasmussens who served in those postitions before the Parkins, they didn’t need training. The Christensens are also leaving after Zone Conferences and all week they have been training the Robisons who will take their place. It is hard to say goodbye to these people that have grown to be such good friends.

Tuesday night, was my Public Affairs meeting.  We had the new minister from the Methodist Church come and talk to us about the founding of the Methodist Church, Charles Wesley, and some of his experience serving in Texas with the Church of the Nazarene that is a branch of the Methodist.  Interestingly, they favor baptism by emersion although how and when you are baptized is a matter of choice.

Next week we have Zone Conferences. Tuesday, we go to Blackfoot, Wednesday we stay in Pocatello, Friday we go to Paris and will meet in the famous Paris Tabernacle. We are all looking forward to that.

Today, was our Primary Program. I can’t believe how well it went with no Saturday practice. I think I told you how the Practice went last Sunday and the week before. I am amazed.  I think the success can be attributed to good teaching of the songs all year, and the program was kept simple. Each child had something to add, but easily learned.  I was surprised at how little the children needed prompting. The Sunbeams needed help but my little class knew their parts and spoke up clearly. I was so proud of them. Some of the older children gave talks throughout the program and the Bishop said sweet words at the end about the power of testimonies coming from the pure in heart. We finished a few minutes early. We went to Primary opening exercises and found that the Bishopric served up bowls of ice cream. They each had on their wife’s apron. That was hilarious!! I’ve mentioned that my bishop is of Santa Claus proportion, and he told the children to tell Elder Stoddard they liked his lace apron. We were all laughing. The third member of the bishopric was fortunate to have a barbeque style apron that only was feminine in the fabric. After getting their bowl of ice cream, they went to another table to choose some toppings: sprinkles, chocolate or caramel syrup, whipped cream, and cherries for the top.  While they ate, they were shown church videos.  It was nice to relax after the program. We then had class and the Senior primary got their ice cream. It was a great day!

Yesterday, was such a perfect fall day!! The temperature was mild and the sun shining.  After I took your Halloween packages to the Post Office I went over by the office and took some pictures of the fall colors. I will add a couple to this if I can.

Thanks for the pictures of Emily’s play – it looked darling in the 60’s costumes.  Wish I could have been there.  Congratulations Emily, I heard you did a great job!!!! Glad the Linfords were there to give me a good report.

Have a safe Halloween!

Love and Hugs,

Grammie/Sister Shill