Farewell to The Pilgrim

By Amy Hellewell

When I was in college, my roommate and I fell in love with a movie call “White Squall.” It was a movie about some young men, who during their senior year of high school, signed on to spend the year working on a Tallship (think pirate ship). It didn’t end well for those boys, but my roommate and I were so fascinated with this thought of sailing on a really old ship. We quickly searched for ships to sail on that next summer, but being poor college students, the dream quickly vanished.

Fast forward four years. I had graduated from BYU and moved back home in 2000 and caught the last 30 seconds of a PBS show about the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. During those last seconds they spoke about a ship called The Pilgrim that you could do volunteer work on Saturdays. I showed up that Saturday and started volunteering and was quickly welcomed into the family. I volunteered for 8 years, showing up most Saturdays to help maintain the ship, all for a chance to go sailing for a couple weeks. After a year I started working on the programs that you and/or many of your kids have been a part of. Elementary school children would come spend a day or night on the ship. The members of the crew would each play a part such as the Doc, the 1st and 2nd Mate, and the Captain. We provided an experience that you can’t have anywhere else and the kids, after 18 hours of being scared to death and then having a lot of fun, eventually didn’t want to leave. But it was sailing on the Pilgrim that I enjoyed the most.

We would leave Dana Point Harbor for two weeks and visit the different Channel Islands off the coast of California. Typically we would sail in the afternoon, anchor off of an island, explore the island and play in the water, and then pick up anchor the next afternoon and sail again. As a crew, we depended on each other everyday, working side by side, learning the uses for all 140 lines and which ones to haul on to raise and lower the 14 sails of the ship. 

We not only depended on each other, but we depended on her, The Pilgrim, to get us to each destination safely. We took care of her and she became a living, breathing thing. Sometimes if the wind was strong enough we’d break her, and we’d spend the next day mending her wounds. We learned the different sounds, what angle the yard needed to be at to get the full wind into her sail, how to climb up to the Royal, the highest yard, in order to furl her sail and put her to bed for the night.  As a crew we did hard things, we did things that scared us, and things that gave us a lot of satisfaction, and we did it all together.

It was an environment I thrived in, just like the team sports I grew up playing. When we were out at sea we didn’t have any worries of what was going on back on the mainland.  It was a simple life and it gave us a great sense of accomplishment.  It helped mold and shape me, gave me confidence in myself, gave me opportunities to be in charge, and to lead a crew.  It was during this time that I started thinking about being a firefighter, which is my current job where I live now in Salt Lake City. I don’t think I’d be where I am today had I not had those experiences on The Pilgrim.

When I heard about her sinking, my heart sank. I’ve gone through a lot of emotions since and thought of all the good memories and friends I made during those years of sailing. It may sound funny, but it feels like I’ve lost really good friend. One of those friends that you could always count on. She was a lot of work, but if you took care of her, she’d take care of you.

Serving While Social Distancing

Members of the Laguna Niguel stake are learning how to serve while sheltering in place. It’s not always easy to think of ways to serve while staying home (or 6 feet from other people), but we’ve been amazed at the creative things we’ve seen across our stake as people do their best to serve and minister to each other.

Sydney Stewart, home temporarily from her full time mission in the Philippines, sews medical masks with her grandmother Kandy Foster. Medical masks are in short supply across the country, so these home sewn masks are used by medical workers in doctors offices and nursing homes. For more info on how you can help, visit Just Serve Laguna Niguel’s instagram page.

Kate, age 8, helps prepare medical masks for sewing.

Mike Keneipp donates blood at the American Red Cross Blood Drive held at the Laguna Niguel stake center on March 19, 2020. One pint of donated blood can help save as many as 3 people. Our March blood drive produced 80 pints of blood, and reminded us all how important it is to pull together as a community during this time. Due to so many blood drives being canceled, we have been asked to host another blood drive for our community on April 15th from 10 AM to 4 PM. Please spread the word and mark your calendars! You can make an appointment online which should minimize any waiting time by visiting: https://www.redcrossblood.org/ Use sponsor code: ldslns

Our stake regularly contributes meals to Hands of Grace to feed the homeless in our community. Members of the Aliso Niguel Ward Relief Society had to find creative ways to feed people without gathering. They decided to put together sack dinners for people to come grab. One sister packed the veggies and left them on her porch for pickup. Another made the sandwiches. Another added the chips and water. Everything was organized via texts and exchanged off porches.

Adult Institute Class

 All our welcome to come to our Stake Adult Institute Class, starting February 24, 2020. Class will take place each Monday at 11 AM via the GoTo Meeting app. There will be a new code for each week’s meeting. To be added to the email list, please email: Tccarter4945@sbcglobal.net.

This year’s class will cover the “Come, Follow Me” curriculum for the Book of Mormon. Each week will cover one topic from that week’s lesson to study more in depth. Classes will continue for 13 weeks and then break for the summer, restarting again in September. The class will be taught by Lori and Tim Carter, from the Laguna Beach ward. A little more about Tim and Lori:

Tim and Lori Carter grew up together in the same ward in California. They dated each other’s friends but never dated one another. After Tim’s mission to Switzerland, Lori and Tim “discovered each other for the first time.” Three months later they were engaged, and three months after that they were sealed in the St. George Temple. They settled in Yorba Linda, and Tim finished his schooling at Cal State University, at Fullerton. Upon Tim’s graduation, he embarked on a successful career as a financial advisor. Tim and Lori started having children right away in hopes of being “young” when the last child left the proverbial nest. Children came on fast and furious and soon Benjamin, Brooke, Brittany and Braeden were all welcomed into their home. They were affectionately known as the “Killer B’s”. Life was busy with the Carters, and they found much happiness in their family, work and church responsibilities. Tim taught seminary for 6 yrs., and Lori served as Girl’s Camp Leader 16 times. After two of their kids were at BYU, Lori at age 43, found out that one more “ Killer B” was on his way. Bryce was made the “cool uncle” at age 3! Now with 17 grandchildren and one on the way, oddly, Lori and Tim are now known as “Grandpa and Grandma Bryce.” The Carter bonus baby is now a freshman at BYU and preparing for his mission. After 40 years of parenting their small army and watching each one leave home, Tim suggested to Lori that it might be fun if they moved to Laguna Beach! They are now officially beach bums. The Carters love the gospel of Jesus Christ and credit their lifelong dedication to the reading and studying of The Book of Mormon with their children, as the greatest blessing in parenting and their marriage.

A Home Centered Church

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, regular church meetings at our church buildings have been canceled throughout the stake beginning March 15th. Though we miss gathering together as saints, we are blessed to have the rare opportunity to partake of the sacrament in our homes during this time.

Here are a few glimpses of what church at home looks like: young children give talks, teenagers teach Sunday School lessons, sisters sing musical numbers together, children play hymns on the piano, the sacrament is blessed and passed by those holding the proper priesthood, and for a moment, our homes become the holiest of places.

When our prophet President Nelson introduced the idea of a “home centered, church supported church” last January, many of us didn’t understand how true that statement would become. Instead of focusing on lessons to be taught at church, the new curriculum shifted the emphasis to studying the scriptures as individuals and families at home, with Sunday meetings supporting that learning. Brain Hansbrow, one of the developers of the Come, Follow Me curriculum, noted that for years Church leaders have been emphasizing that home is the best place to live, learn, and teach the gospel, and that gospel learning and teaching should be part of our daily lives.

While isolated at home we have the chance to study the gospel as individuals and families using the Come, Follow Me manuals and online resources. With sports and activities canceled and children home from school, we are able to find more time each week to teach the gospel and feel the Spirit in our homes. In the past few weeks we truly have become a home centered church.

To study from the Come, Follow Me manual, visit here.

March 2020 Stake Newsletter

Stake fireside recap: Barbara Morgan Gardner

A huge thank you to Barbara Morgan Gardner for traveling from Utah to speak at our stake fireside on Sunday, February 2nd, 2020. Sister Gardner is an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University and the author of the book, The Priesthood Power of Women.

Her remarks were focused on helping men and women understand priesthood power, learn more about priesthood keys and priesthood authority, understand what it means to preside in the home, and gain a better understanding of our temple covenants.

Sister Gardner said, “We have the prophet of the Church telling us we don’t understand the priesthood, and we aren’t taking advantage of the privileges that could be ours, both men and women… The doctrine of the priesthood hasn’t changed at all. But the emphasis on women understanding their priesthood power and authority has changed. That’s what’s different.”

President Evanson closed with his testimony of priesthood power. He said, “President Nelson’s message is not only that women exercise that same priesthood authority as men. It’s that our covenants endow us with priesthood power and authority. … Our power in the priesthood—for ourselves, for our families—flows directly from how we live our covenants.”

Sister Gardner also shared a list of talks to study and reminded us of President Nelson’s plea to study Doctrine and Covenants sections 25, 84, and 107. We’ve linked the talks below to make them a little easier to find.

To listen to the full audio from the fireside, click here:

Suggested Resources to Study (with links)

“A Plea to my Sisters” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2015

“Keys and Authority of the Priesthood” by President Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference, April 2014

“Let Us Think Straight” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU Education Week, August 2013

“Women of Dedication, Faith, Determination, and Action” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2015

“Priesthood: A Sacred Trust to Be Used for the Benefit of Men, Women, and Children” by Linda K. Burton, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2013

“The Vision of Prophets Regarding Relief Society” by Julie B. Beck, General Conference, April 2012

“Rise Up in Strength, Oh Sisters in Zion” by Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Conference, October 2016

“This is a Women’s Church” by Sharon Eubank, FairMormon Conference, August 2014

“Young Women in the Work” by Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Conference, April 2018

“Women and Gospel Learning in the Home” by President Henry B. Eyring, General Conference, October 2018

“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2018

“Endowed With Priesthood Power” by Relief Society General Presidency, BYU Women’s Conference, May 2019

“Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing” by Elder David A. Bednar, General Conference, April 2019

“Spiritual Treasures” by President Russell M. Nelson, General Conference, October 2019

february 2020 stake newsletter

January 2020 stake newsletter

First Vision Study Guide

In the October 2019 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson invited everyone to “immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration” in preparation for the upcoming April 2020 General Conference. He suggested studying the First Vision and asking yourself important questions like “How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?” or “How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?”. President Nelson also promised, “It is your personal preparation that will help April’s general conference become for you not only memorable but unforgettable. The time to act is now. This is a hinge point in the history of the Church, and your part is vital.”

We’ve put together a list of 10 suggested study items for the upcoming 10 weeks leading up to General Conference. Preparing for conference will look different for each person—feel free to study as much or as little of this as you’d like. But we hope this will serve as a jumping off point for your own individual and family study.

Week 1: Read Joseph Smith’s First Vision in the Pearl of Great Price (1838 account)

Week 2: Read Elder Uchtdorf’s talk, “The Fruits of the First Vision”

Week 3: Read the First Vision gospel topic essay

Week 4: Study the other accounts of the First Vision; and the gospel topics essay “First Vision Accounts”

Week 5: Listen to “The First Vision”, a podcast the Church recently released (6 episodes)

Week 6: Read and discuss as a family “Because of Joseph”, New Era, April 2015

Week 7: Read Saints: The Standard of Truth, Volume 1 (Chapters 1 + 2)

Week 8: Watch the video "Ask of God"

Week 9: Learn more about the testimonies of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon

Week 10: Listen to the Truman G. Madsen lecture: “The First Vision and it's Aftermath”

Check our stake instagram page and Third Hour (our Facebook discussion group) for more information as we discuss one of these sources each week for the 10 weeks leading up to General Conference.

More information to study is also available at a new “Restoration” section of the Church website:
lds.org

---

Looking for more things to study? Here are a few more resources about Joseph Smith:
Once or Twice in a Thousand Years by Bruce R. McConkie
The Profile of a Prophet by Hugh B. Brown
BYU Speeches Joseph Smith collection Talks given at Brigham Young University

A Land of Promise

...we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord…there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. 2 Nephi 1: 5-6

I was born in Shanghai, China in 1930 and fondly remember my childhood memories. I lived an idyllic life until 1938 when Japan invaded China. My family lived under Japanese occupation through WWII. Shortly after the war ended, we thought we could return to normality. But soon the Communist regime overran China and we were forced to flee to Taiwan as refugees. I was 18 years old at the time. I remember the fear and trepidation as we crammed aboard a cargo ship to escape my home, never to return. Where would the future lead us?

My family continued to live in Taiwan until 1952 when I felt I needed to go to the United States to continue my college education. America was the land of opportunity. Taiwan was still a third world country at that time, so I left on my own with two suitcases and $2000, believing it would be best for me. However, I soon realized, studying as a foreign student with only a basic grasp of English was a very daunting task. This caused me to want to return home daily. Dealing with homesickness and loneliness did not help either. But I forced myself to stay and continue, so with an English to Chinese dictionary to help translate nearly every word when reading various American literary novels, I persisted as I cried myself to sleep nearly every night. My professors must have felt compassion towards this poor Chinese girl holed up everyday in the library until closing. After four years of this, the hard work finally paid off as I graduated from Ohio University with honors.

After graduation, I went to the East coast to work. There I got married and we lived there for several years. Ultimately job opportunities brought us to California. We didn’t make much money so we saved and scrimped every penny. We were able to buy a home and after a few years were even able to invest in a rental home to earn some secondary income.

It was from that second home that we met this peculiar family who were our tenants. We were impressed with this wholesome family and their friendliness. Our family was young and just getting started so we were intrigued what made theirs so happy. One day, after collecting the monthly rent, my husband felt prompted to invite them to dinner to get to know them better. This led to them reciprocating and inviting us over on a Monday night for what they referred to as a “family night.” Over the course of a year we continued to develop this relationship with this family and learned of their church as their “source of happiness.” We were baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1977. A year later we were sealed as an eternal family in the Los Angeles temple.

Reflecting back on this I see blessings the Lord has provided. This has developed into a family legacy now spanning 4 generations, resulting in 11 temple marriages and 13 full-time missions served. Leaving China in 1952 with truly not much more than the clothes on my back I can now see that we were truly directed “by the hand of the Lord.”
-Madeline Chao, a member of our Wood Canyon congregation and mother of Ed Chao and Frances Eyre

christmas chalk walk 2019

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Back for it’s sixth year, the Christmas Chalk Walk was hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friday and Saturday night (Dec. 13-14). This free community event included over 400 artists across 139 parking stalls. A mix of professional chalk artists and amateur artists of all ages started work on their art on Thursday, spending anywhere from 5 hours to more than 50 hours to complete their pieces. As word of the Christmas Chalk Walk spreads artists come from other areas including some from out of state. This year’s artists hailed from Colorado, Arizona, San Jose, Palmdale, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, La Habra and from cities all over Orange County. Children from local schools including St. Anne’s, Oxford Preparatory Academy, and Aliso Viejo Middle School created art for display or chalked their own stalls with the help of family and friends.

Thousands of people strolled through the Chalk Walk Friday and Saturday, enjoying the art and complimentary cinnamon rolls & hot chocolate. A live nativity was presented by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who stood in as Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds and wise men alternating during the two nights. Live music was performed by volunteers both nights as guests viewed the art and visited with friends and neighbors. Featured musicians included Lisa Van Riette, Steve Olsen and Co., Catherine Clegg, The Lamb Family, Bruce Chang and Family, the Aliso Viejo Children’s Choir, Brooke Lattin, Nikki Lloyd, and Brooke Wilkins.

Many city officials were on hand including Mayor Ross Chun (Aliso Viejo), Mayor Cynthia Conners (Laguna Woods), Mayor Pro Tem Fred Minagar (Laguna Niguel), and Mayor Don Sedgwick (Laguna Hills) who all presented their Mayor’s Choice Award for their favorite chalk art piece. Top awards were given to Joey Jorgensen of San Clemente who won Best Overall for his depiction of “The Three Kings”, Maribeth Friedman McFaul from Mission Viejo won first place for her “Mary and Baby Jesus”, Brianna Cunha from Lake Forest won second place for “Santa Claus” and Bryan Thacker of Laguna Beach won third place for his “Polar Express”.

Christmas Chalk Walk organizer, Kristen Kamerman, remarked, “Christmas is a wonderful time of year when we honor the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. There’s a special spirit in the air as people’s  hearts are softened and joy feels the atmosphere. The world comes together to unite in peace and love and happiness. The chalk walk brings people together of all walks of life and of all faiths and beliefs to enjoy others talents.”

A special thank you goes out to Kamerman’s amazing “Dream Team” of volunteers that work tirelessly throughout the year to put on an amazing event for the whole community to enjoy, and to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Baja Fish Tacos, Sabrosada Restaurant, and  DEFY Orange County who all donated prizes and food.

Tithing

Tithing is a commandment known since old testament times (see Genesis 14: 17-20 where Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek). We willingly give 10 percent of our income to the Church. It can sometimes be a struggle to pay our tithing when money is tight, but paying tithing first shows our faith in God and His work. The Lord has promised great blessings for those who obey this commandment. John Widtsoe said, “Obedience to the law of tithing, as to any other law, brings a deep, inward joy, a satisfaction and understanding that can be won in no other way.”

What does the Church do with our tithes? President Dallin H. Oaks explained: “[Tithing] funds are spent to build and maintain temples and houses of worship, to conduct our worldwide missionary work, to translate and publish scriptures, to provide resources to redeem the dead, to fund religious education, and to support other Church purposes selected by the designated servants of the Lord.”

Paul Chiniquy of the Laguna Hills ward received a testimony of tithing after a challenge he gave his wife when they were newly married. “In 1965 as a new convert to the Gospel, I didn’t have a testimony of the law of tithing. My wife, Cat, who grew up in the church had a strong testimony. It was a constant battle between us. She would place tithing envelops in my jacket, sock drawer, next to my toothbrush, in my glove compartment, etc.  etc. etc. I was in a straight commission job and wasn’t doing well. In fact, the only possible edible food in the house for Cat and our 3 year old daughter was an old can of sauerkraut.

 After we paid the necessary bills, we had $25.00 left. Cat asked if we would have another check that week? I said no. That did it for her. She complained that if we would have only paid our tithing we wouldn’t be in this mess. So wanting to blame anybody else but me for my failings, I challenged her. I said pay the $25.00 tithing. I was going to a sales meeting 40 miles away and had enough gas to get there but not make it back home unless, I used some of the $25.00.  When she complained again, I challenged her: “Pay the tithing of $25.00—you and our little daughter go without food & so will I.  If the Lord can get us out of this one, I will pay tithing the rest of my life, if not, don’t ever mention that word in this house again.” And I added, you can’t tell the Bishop or anyone else of our plight. I felt I was pretty safe. I had won. Then she said, “ Oh great, you create this problem, now you expect the Lord to get us out of it.”  I retorted: “Either you believe or you don’t believe.” She startled me by agreeing to my challenge. Then I tried to talk her out of it. But she wouldn’t budge.

I went to the meeting, and was shocked when my name was called. I received a bonus check in the amount of $25.00 for past sales efforts. I sat down and right there wrote out a check for $2.50. And I’ve been faithful ever since. Not only that, but the Relief Society had a special luncheon that day, and the president showed up at our door with a large amount of leftovers. Also, that night before I got home, our daughter developed a high fever. She told Cat the Bishop was coming to make her well. Cat said, no the Bishop wasn’t coming. Soon there was a knock at our door. There was our Bishop and his wife who were 20 minutes out of town when he felt they should turn around and go back to our house. He asked if everything was ok. I would later come to realize, the Lord loves the faith of a little child."

That was a turning point in my life. Four months later we were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple when Cat was 6 months pregnant with our second child, a boy.”

Many people have stories about times when they had little and still chose to pay tithing. Kianna Collier of the Marina Hills ward shared this story. “I have always believed in paying tithing and have felt the blessings of always having enough. I had lived on my own for a very long time and learned to pay my tithing and trust that God would take care of me. However, I had never been in a situation where I had no money and had to exercise total faith that things would work out, until about 6 years ago. 

I decided to movie to Southern California while dating my now husband to see if things would work out. I had a small savings account and moved here with no job and no place to live. I was blessed to find a job quickly but my savings account was about wiped out. I received my first paycheck and had to start paying rent and a few bills. I was left in a situation where I had enough money to pay my tithing and none left for food until I got paid again. I chose to pay and trust that things would work out. 

The following day I went to chipotle to get dinner with a gift card my sister had given me for Christmas. After waiting in line a little bit longer than normal because the chicken was not ready, they offered to give me my meal for free. This had never happened to me before and has never since. Then my boyfriend (now husband) happened to buy me some groceries without knowing my situation, which was also not a common occurrence. Later someone else gave me food as well. I was able to have plenty of food to make it until my next paycheck. This is a simple example of the blessings of tithing. It really taught me that if I put God first He will always take care of me.”

Marion G. Romney wrote, “Tithing is a debt which everyone owes to the Lord for his use of the things that the Lord has made and given to him to use. It is a debt just as literally as the grocery bill, or an (electricity) bill, or any other duly incurred obligation.” We are blessed when we are faithful.

Members of the Laguna Niguel Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share their feelings about Tithing:

Click below for more information on tithing:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-of-jesus-christ-finances

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/tithing?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/1982/01/the-blessings-of-an-honest-tithe?lang=eng

November Topic of the Month: Joy and Peace Through Holiness

Our topic of the month is Joy and Peace Through Holiness. What is holiness? And how do we qualify for that gift? How does holiness affect our happiness?

Look for talks on this topic by members of the stake council this Sunday.

To learn more about this topic, here are some talks to study:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/51eyring?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/14christofferson?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/54johnson?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng

International Youth Conference 2019 (Laguna Niguel, California and Tijuana, Mexico stakes)

It’s 5 A.M. when the alarm clock rings. Sixteen year old Trevor Doney grabs his packed bags and heads to the stake center. It’s Thursday, and Trevor and two hundred other high school youth are headed to Youth Conference. But this conference is a little different than previous ones. Today they will board busses and cross the border into Mexico to meet and gather with the youth in two Tijuana stakes.

Youth leaders from Laguna Niguel, California and Tijuana, Mexico have been planning this conference for the past year; coordinating details over email, traveling back and forth across the border to meet and make plans, and having weekly conference calls. Amy Ossola, Laguna Niguel Stake Young Women’s president, said “It wasn’t easy to plan a Youth Conference with youth from two different countries when you have language barriers and cultural considerations, but any challenges we may have had were worth the incredible experience that awaited our youth.”

The theme for 2019 for the youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints comes from John 14:15, “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments”. Inspired leaders saw this conference as a great way to put that theme in practice. As Laguna Niguel Stake President Blaine Evanson explained, “It is usually easy to love family and friends, and it’s usually easy to love members of our ward and our stake. It is harder to love those from another culture. It’s harder to love those who live, think, and act differently than we do.” At the beginning of the conference, he challenged the youth to open their hearts to the youth of Tijuana and gave a promise that if they did so, it would change them forever.

After crossing the border, the Laguna Niguel youth were joined by youth from two stakes in the Tijuana area. From the moment they arrived, youth from both countries hugged, embraced, and high-fived each other.  For some it was more natural to stick with their familiar groups, but many extended themselves, and throughout the day they performed baptisms together in the Tijuana temple, worked side by side at an orphanage, played games together, and enjoyed a makeshift soccer game. 

President Evanson helped the youth understand that this conference was a chance to follow President Nelson's charge to gather Israel. “When we think of gathering Israel, we usually think of baptizing people into the church, and that is a major part of the gathering. But gathering Israel is far more than just baptizing. Gathering Israel means looking past the differences between us that tend to drive us apart, and seeing each other the way God sees us so that we can gather together as sons and daughters of Heavenly parents.”

Youth were given the opportunity to help gather on both sides of the veil by attending the Tijuana temple alongside the youth from Mexico. After their visit, Noelle Large, 17, commented, “It was so cool to experience such a beautiful temple in another country with people who we barely knew, but bonded with through Christ. The spirit was so strong during our visit.” 

Ernesto Guerrero, from Tijuana, loved serving alongside the youth from California. He felt it was easy to love people he didn’t really know and didn’t have much in common with because we are all sons and daughters of God. When asked what he wanted the Laguna Niguel youth to remember, Ernesto said, “Above all, I want them to know that we love the gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we love the temple, and we love our families and want to be with them forever, just as they do.” 

Several of the youth from California speak fluent Spanish and acted as translators for their friends as they mingled and got to know the youth from Mexico. Ellie Dowling, 17, a senior in a Spanish immersion program, commented, “This was definitely one of the moments where I really saw the blessing of my bilingual education and I felt so happy that I was able to help people understand one another.”

One of the Tijuana sisters expressed gratitude for the Laguna Niguel stake’s willingness to come participate with them. She mentioned that it had been many years since a stake from the United States had come down to be with them, but that it had always been in more of a capacity of donating material items. They were grateful that the youth wanted to come and work and have fun alongside them. When asked what she learned from the youth in Mexico, Laurel Christensen, 15, said, "I learned that they are so incredibly kind, loving, and happy. It was such an honor to be able to interact with each of them and experience their beautiful culture!"

On Friday, each of the Stakes went out into communities and performed their own service activities. The Laguna Niguel Stake went into the barrio of Nuevo Milenio and built four homes for some very deserving families through Corazón, a group that has been building houses in Mexico for over 40 years.  The youth had the extraordinary experience of seeing a piece of land take shape through their hard work, and at the end the day be able to present the keys to a completed house to each family. Amy Ossola commented, “They got to know the families they were serving throughout the day, and I think it helped them appreciate the fact that because they have been blessed with so much they should give and serve to others who have less than them.  They also saw in these families that God loves all of His children. These families were humble, and full of gratitude and love, much like our Savior.” It was an amazing experience that none of the youth will ever forget. 

In the evenings, everyone enjoyed being together as they taught one another their own customs and ways of dancing.  One of the highlights for many of the youth were the beautiful dances the Mexican stakes performed in traditional costumes. Trevor Doney noted, “The youth in Mexico are very dedicated to things. I was impressed that they raised money and practiced for months to perform their amazing dances at the talent show.”

Firesides were held throughout the conference, translated in both Spanish and English. Elder Ruben Acosta of the Seventy commented, "After our fireside devotional my wife and I drove home marveling about how the gospel of Jesus Christ reaches through political, physical, language and cultural barriers and helps those who embrace it to become one."

As the conference concluded on Saturday, the youth gathered for a morning fireside where youth from both countries combined to sing “Come Unto Christ.”  They sang in both English and Spanish, and many felt the culmination of the entire conference—all the youth coming together, united as one, with the common goal of following their Savior.

Visit our stake YouTube channel to see videos of this Youth Conference:
2 minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDwjdcqFCc
20 minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcwvIgcPajE&t=2s

July Topic of the Month: Faith

What are the challenges to your faith? What are the greatest challenges to your faith? To the faith of members of your family? To the faith of the members in your stewardship?

What can we do to build and strengthen our faith? The faith of the members of our families? The faith of the members in our stewardships?

Our topic for the month of July is “Faith”. Look for talks on faith by stake leaders later this month, and study on your own by listening to these talks and articles:

Faith is Not By Chance, but by Choice, Neil L. Andersen

Mountains to Climb, Henry B. Eyring

The Opportunities and Responsibilities of CES Teachers in the 21st Century, M. Russell Ballard

Faith and Testimony, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter (section 3)

Please also reflect on this passage from President Kimball:
“Some reservoirs are to store water. Some are to store food, as we do in our family welfare program and as Joseph did in the land of Egypt during the seven years of plenty. There should also be reservoirs of knowledge to meet the future needs; reservoirs of courage to overcome the floods of fear that put uncertainty in our lives; reservoirs of physical strength to help us meet the frequent burdens of work and illness; reservoirs of goodness; reservoirs of stamina; reservoirs of faith.
“Yes, especially reservoirs of faith, so that when the world presses in upon us, we stand firm and strong; when the temptations of a decaying [and, I should add, increasingly permissive and wicked] world about us draw on our energies, sap our spiritual vitality, and seek to pull us down, we need a storage of faith that can carry youth, and later adults, over the dull, the difficult, the terrifying moments; disappointments; disillusionments; and years of adversity, want, confusion, and frustration.
“And who is to build these reservoirs? Is this not the reason that God gave to every child two parents?
“It is those parents who sired them and bore them who are expected [by the Lord] to lay foundations for their children and to build the barns and tanks and bins and reservoirs.”
(Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp. 110–11.)

JUNE TOPIC OF THE MONTH: THE GATHERING OF ISRAEL

Each month, the stake council chooses a topic to research and discuss. This month, the topic is the Gathering of Israel. Look for sacrament meeting talks from stake leaders on this subject on June 23rd, and in the meantime consider:

What does it mean to gather Israel?

What has our prophet specifically asked us to do to help?

In preparation for the talks you will hear later this month, we invite you to learn from these important talks:

Talks to read:

“The Gathering of Scattered Israel”, Russell M. Nelson

“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel,” Russell M. Nelson

“Worldwide Devotional for Youth,” President and Sister Nelson

“Gathering the Family of God,” Henry B. Eyring

“Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Dale G. Renlund

Videos to watch:

“Inviting Others to Come and See”

“Inviting Others to Come and Help”

“Missionaries and Ward Members Working Together”

Daddy Daughter Sock Hop 2019

Girls ages 7-11 were invited, along with their dads (or uncles, grandpas, and friends), for a night of dancing and fun back in the 1950’s. Everyone dressed for the occasion with poodle skirts and cat eyed sunglasses, leather jackets and saddle shoes.

The gym was transformed into “Dad’s Diner” which served root beer floats, cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream sundaes all night long and the girls had a blast learning how to swing dance with their dads.

Other activities included jump roping, hula hooping, driving remote control cars, hopscotch, photo booths, and beating the dads at bingo. Thanks to our stake Primary leaders for making this a night these girls won't ever forget!

MAY TOPIC OF THE MONTH: Repentance through the Sacrament

The Lord told the prophet Joseph Smith to “say nothing but repentance unto this generation” (D&C 6:9), and President Russell M. Nelson reiterated this counsel in his priesthood session talk in our last General Conference.  President Nelson taught that everyone needs to repent, and emphasized the "broader meaning of the word repent," which is focused on complete conversion and the Lord’s invitation to “change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our families, teach our children, and even care for our bodies."

In what ways can and should we repent? How does purposeful and sincere partaking of the sacrament each week help facilitate our personal repentance?

The stake council is studying the topic of repentance this month, and in particular the way in which purposeful and sincere partaking of the sacrament each week helps facilitate our personal repentance.  Look for sacrament meeting talks on this subject on May 26, and in the meantime consider in what ways can and should we repent?  In what ways can the sacrament help us do so?

For further reading on this important topic, please refer to the following talks:

Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins, David A Bednar

Behold the Lamb of God, Jeffrey R. Holland

The Divine Gift of Repentance, D. Todd Christofferson

Repent… That I May Heal You, Neil L. Andersen

We Can Do Better and Be Better, Russell M. Nelson

Repentance and Conversion, Russell M. Nelson

This Do in Remembrance of Me, Jeffrey R. Holland

BYU Commencement Address, April 2019
(beginning at about the 1 hour mark)

Getting Ready for General Conference

We all know it can be tricky to keep those little ones entertained during 4 sessions of Conference! Download and print these activity pages to keep those little hands busy.

For Primary kids:

Download the PDF for these activity pages here.

For Young Men and Young Women:

Download the PDF for this General Conference notebook HERE.