Our Thankful Primary

As it is Thanksgiving in the US, sharing time in Harrogate ward primary this week was focused around the things that we are grateful for. The children made a blessing tree where they wrote on the leaves what they were thankful for. The things they were thankful for were lovely and included:

Jesus

Chocolate

Family

Mustaches

Smiles

Temples

Showers & baths

Living in beautiful England

Their head

Shoes

Mum & Dad

There are moments when working with and teaching these children really is priceless! I'm so thankful for the primary children in our ward and the smiles they bring each week.

Remembrance Sunday

Steve Gregory from the Bridlington Branch, travelled to London to help build the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.  Back home in Bridlington he took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade.

“I have been to London many times as an officer and have paraded in Whitehall in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minister on Remembrance Sunday. I have relatives who gave their lives in both the world wars, and I have worked with colleagues who have been killed in the line of duty. I feel a strong sense of thanks for the freedom we enjoy, which drives me to honour these people – particularly at this time of the year. I have many stories I could tell but I will save them for another time.

I have helped to build the Field of Remembrance before and it is very tiring both physically and emotionally. There were about 130,000 crosses to hammer into the ground this year and most of them had been handwritten by the people sending them in. Initially I read every one but soon realised that there was so much to do and not much time in which to do it and the emotion of reading some of the inscriptions was also taking its toll. The Field was completed in 3 days despite the rain and it was ready for opening by the Duke of Edinburgh on the Thursday.

As for the Sunday parade in Bridlington we all lined up at about 10:25. There was a pipe band in front, followed by the colours, and then the wreath bearers - which included myself representing the Church. The parade also included uniform and civic groups and was about 250 meters long. We paraded through the streets to the cenotaph where a short service was held followed by 2 minutes silence and then the laying of the wreaths. Each organisation was called out over the sound system and then their chosen representative walked forward and laid the wreath, and after stepping back either saluted or paused for a moment before returning to the parade. Our wreath bore the Church's name in bold letters and was laid in a prominent position at the front for all to see. It will remain there for several weeks before being moved by the council.

I know that the Lord Jesus Christ has blessed and protected me over many years. I see this clearly when I look back. I am so fortunate to be able to honour those who lost their lives.”

We Were There

York Members Celebrate First Stake Created in the Canary Islands

The following account is shared by Mark and Luz Cosnes, members of the York 2nd Ward:

In September this year, over forty years after the baptism of the first person from the Canary Islands to join the Church, Luz and I were privileged to attend and celebrate the creation of the first Stake of Zion there.

Luz and I sat on the front left of this picture

What a joyous occasion! Tears of joy flowed freely and frequently as stories and memories of faithful pioneers brought the real meaning of the word sacrifice into appreciation.

 

We met with active family and friends and many who had returned to witness the stake being established after periods of inactivity. There were many, many smiles and hugs.

 

We met with Elder Jose L. Reina of the Seventy, who is a good friend of Luz’s family and who mentioned Luz’s parents with affection in his talk as he reminisced over some of the first members of the Church in the islands.

Elder Jose Teixeira at the pulpit

We listened to inspired leaders teach Gospel direction to the gathered saints and visitors, including Elder Reina (otherwise affectionately known as ‘Pepon’!) who spoke about the supreme necessity for us all to leave past hurts behind and to forgive one another, and also Europe Area President Elder Jose Teixeira who celebrated the diverse and many nationalities of those being baptised across Europe.

Elder Reina with Brother Gomez, the first convert to the Church from the Canary Islands and currently the serving Bishop of Toledo Spain

Luz’s niece Denise Roka with a friend

For the full story please visit the official Spanish Mormon Newsroom website: 

http://www.saladeprensamormona.es/articulo/se-crea-la-estaca-de-las-palmas-en-las-islas-canarias-

More Pictures From Stake Conference

 Greeting those attending conference - the Stake President, Roy Tunnicliffe, along with two of the sister missionaries.

We're proud to support the Poppy Appeal which helps support he British Armed Forces past and present, and their families.

Those attending conference were asked to bring food that could be donated to the local Food Banks in York and the surrounding areas.

Stake Conference General Session

Members of the church and friends from York Stake area gathered together today to meet for the general session of Stake Conference today.  The theme of for the conference was ‘Joy In the Journey’.

Despite the impending stormy weather that is on the way, we enjoyed sunshine outside.  It was quite fitting that the choir sang the hymn ‘There is Sunshine In my Soul Today’ as we enjoyed many talks that were uplifting and inspiring.

Here are some of the messages shared by the speakers mixed with some photographs of those that attended:

President James Watson:

Finding joy in our personal journey.  Joy in the big things is often the result of many little steps.  We all have to find joy in the challenges.  The little daily accomplishments are what matter most, things like family prayer each day and Family Home Evening.  Remember the scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 64:33 ‘out of small things proceedeth that which is great.’  Take advantage of Christ’s atonement, repent of the little things before they have chance to grow.

Laura Lawrence:

The perspective on my life has changed over time especially since the birth of my first child.  Being a mother is a great privilege and something great to aspire to.  The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us to focus on the things that matter most.  We are blessed to have the joy that comes from the perspective that the gospel brings.

Ian Lewis:

He has lived in Harrogate since 1986 and has been part of the York Stake for many years.  Being a member of the Harrogate ward has made him very happy.  He will be moving soon [and we will miss him!]

Michael Gore:

Our lives can be very busy and full of many things.  Often we have many meetings, responsibilities and activities.  However, we should consider our perspective - are we able to look for the good even when things are difficult?  How would we answer, ‘how’s your week been?’  We can ask ourselves, ‘how am I doing?’  If we’re unhappy we should remember that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy – as it say’s in the scriptures (2 Nephi 2:25) ‘Men are, that they might have joy.’ 

Karyn Martin:

There is a great Mormon Messages video online titled ‘The Things That Matter Most’.  It made me think about our lives and especially the technology and machines we have that help us to do more.  Even with all these things to help us, are we focused on the things that matter most?  We give our lives to the things we give our time.  We should give time to our family.  Simple meaningful activities and time with our families is important.  We can build family traditions, build on existing traditions and create new ones.  Consistency, not perfection, is the key to success.  Each family prayer, scripture study, Family Home Evening – is a brush stroke on our ‘canvas’.  Small things can lead to significant results, and these will pass from generation to generation.  Take time to record our memories.  It can be as simple as: 1) keeping a shoebox to keep special items; 2) taking lots of photographs; 3) making scrapbooks.  This is our chance at life.  We should take time with our families and find joy in our daily living.  Make and treasure those moments that matter most.

President Kent Mayall

When someone passes away there are perhaps memories of them, often how they blessed our lives and made us better.  Indeed, a friend is someone who leaves you a better person.  We all want for friendship, someone we can trust, love, confide in and share things.  The scriptures teach us how to be a good friend.  Friendships are strengthened with gospel principles.  Everybody needs a friend, and we all need to be ‘nourished by the good word of God.’

Spencer Turner:

Alma 32:2 ‘And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.’  When I was young I found a talent for rugby league and played in many leagues for many teams.  I was blessed to achieve much success in just a few years.  I wanted a career in rugby, but all that changed when I went to Especially For Youth.  After much prayer, I felt a strong desire to change and prepare for a mission.  This was hard, but it was such a strong desire and feeling to prepare to serve a mission.  I knew that this was the right decision.  It was hard to let rugby go, especially as I had been given many offers to play for some big teams.  When I was on the phone to these coaches to decline their offer, I explained why I wanted to serve a mission.  I know this will help me to be the best young man I can be.

Megan Dolbyn:

I have been asked to speak about ‘The joy of being an LDS teenager’.  I thought of my family and thought that this could be a challenge!  I asked some of my friends what they through and they replied with many things that have inspired me too.  There are many aspects of being an LDS teenager that brings joy: 1) seminary and scripture study; 2) knowledge that I’m a daughter of God and He loves me and I’m not alone; 3) youth programmes and sharing activities with others that share the same standards – the highlight for me this year was the EFY convention; 4) the Personal Progress programme in Young Women’s; 5) going to the temple; 5) having other young people to look up to, such as those who have prepared and gone on missions.  I’m grateful to be an LDS youth.

President Roy Tunnicliffe:

We’ve heard many message today; it’s all about ‘finding joy in the journey’.  I’d like to reflect on the words in the first verse of the hymn ‘Come, Come Ye Saints’.  Sometimes in our lives we can have “useless cares” that get in the way of finding joy in our lives.  There was an experience travelling to America with my family, there were challenges at the airport, with immigration, with the hire car.  I wanted to find joy in the journey, but I allowed ‘useless cares’ to get in the way, and this deprives us of joy.  We could change the words to one of the hymns to ‘Where Can I Turn for Joy’.  We can liken finding joy to the ocean waters, where joy may not be on the surface, but the currents and the depth of the water.  Joy can sometimes be with the difficulties and challenges we face.  Whether we find joy or not is up to us.  There are many sources of joy – real and lasting joy: 1) when we turn to Jesus Christ and rely on His atoning sacrifice; 2) when we report and keep God’s commandments; 3) when we reach out to others and bring them to Christ.  It’s impossible to find real joy without these things.  We invite you to participate in a year of joy – seeking and sharing joy with as many people as you can.  Let it inspire us to help with moving God’s work forwards.

Stake Leadership Conference Session

Latest action from the Stake Leadership session of the York Stake Conference:

York Stake Conference

York Stake Conference - 26th October 2013

All Welcome

Members from the York Stake are gathering for a spiritually filled weekend at the York Stake Centre. Saturday kicks off with leadership training in the afternoon; where key topics include the York Public Relations release of a York Blog and Facebook site. Members were excited to see how technology can enable better communication amongst members and also help share our good works with others. 

The theme for the weekend is Joy in Hastening the Work.

Saturday afternoon adult session starts at 7pm and is a special session that the First Presidency has asked all Stakes around the world to see. Sunday morning session will start at 10am. Bring your family and friends, everyone is welcome. 

Harrogate Members Visit The Preston Temple

This August on a beautiful Saturday morning many of the Harrogate ward members piled onto a coach and drove over to the Preston Temple for the ward temple trip. The primary children had a really lovely time walking around the temple and gardens whilst the temple session was filled to overflowing by all the members that participated. There was a really lovely feeling and I think even the children felt the spirit as they learned of the importance of the temple. A really beautiful day all round.

Missionary Moment Aboard Ship

The following is an experience shared by a church member -

Missionary moments can happen anywhere; recently on a cruise to Norway with friends we had such an experience.

Going to breakfast in the morning we had a wonderful waitress serve us, so we made a point to always look out for her table each morning, after several days of serving us and asking if we wanted tea or coffee she finally asked us why we did not drink tea or coffee.  We told her it was because of our religion, which was funny at first, and then she came back a few minutes later and asked what church do you belong to.

We felt like badly prepared as we had no pass-along cards, or anything to give her, so on a scrap piece of paper we wrote down the Church website address for her and suggested she have a look at this to find out more.  We did tell her a few things about the church and the Word of Wisdom (the law of health given to church members). She explained that she had given up smoking one year ago and did not really drink tea or coffee either and didn’t like alcohol. 

We went out for the day around a beautiful city to see the sites and while eating an ice cream we saw two missionaries, we charged at them so fast they thought they were being attacked.  We asked if they had any pamphlets or a Book of Mormon, it was Monday and they said they didn’t have anything, but that around the corner was the Centre for Young Single Adults, so we followed them to it.  There we met five other missionaries and two church members in the centre.  They had pamphlets and a copy of The Books of Mormon; we asked if they had them in Bulgarian as this is where our waitress was from, they looked but could not find any. After talking a while one of the missionaries had another look and there in a corner of the cabinet was a set of leaflets, when she looked they were in Bulgarian.

Very excited the next morning to see our waitress at breakfast, we had put the items in a very nice little bag to give her as a gift.  Before we could do this however she told us that all night she had been thinking of the church and she remembered that some of her friends back home had joined the Mormon Church and said she would have to talk to them.   We told her of the experience with the missionaries, and she said she believed we had been guided to them.  We gave her the bag and when she looked inside and then realised that they were in Bulgarian tears came to her eyes and she thanked us very much.

We only had a couple of more days on board, but we saw her every breakfast and had a wonderful experience sharing some of our feelings.

Next time we go on holiday we are going to make sure to take a Book of Mormon and some pamphlets so we can be better prepared missionaries.

Bill & Sandra Kimberling, John & Kathy Gore  - York First Ward