New Opportunities to Stretch

Due to substantial growth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in our area has had to make some adjustments to accommodate the number of church goers and church building availability.  Our congregations, or wards, are determined by a geographical area.  This may seem odd to other faiths but it is beneficial in at least two ways, 1.) you really get to know the people around you and where you can help and bless the lives of others as well as receive support; 2.) there is better handle on the number of people attending so all can be seated and have classrooms available for age specific Sunday school.  With these recent boundary changes we, and a few other families, from our previous congregation have been introduced into a new one, with an earlier meeting time (a plus) and access to a closer church building (another plus). 

Every adult in the congregation is given opportunities to serve when a calling is issued by the bishop (priesthood leader over a congregation).  Neal accepted the call to serve as Sunday School President.  As such, he oversees efforts to improve gospel learning and teaching in Sunday School. He and his presidency provide orientation to new teachers/librarians and offer continued support.  He also ensures that teaching is edifying and doctrinally correct.

Keri accepted the call to serve as First Counselor in the Young Women's Presidency (over 12-17 year-old ladies).  As such, she assists and supports the President in her responsibilities; more specifically, Keri will act as a steward over the 14 and 15 year-old young women, becoming familiar with each young woman's talents, interests, and challenges.  Given this knowledge she will teach, plan and carry out weekly activities, and provide guidance to them to work on their Personal Progress (a goal setting program equal to that of an Eagle Scout).  This calling has much more time involved than other callings Keri has had in the past few years so it will stretch both her and the family.

Given our new responsibilities with the youth and Sunday school programs, we have discussed where we could be of use without biting off more than we can chew.  We know there will be challenging moments but we know our Heavenly Father will provide a way for us to accomplish what he has asked of us.  We know we will learn so much from extending ourselves that we dare not pass it up.

Additionally, with both Sophie and Rhys in the public school system, we have had several invitations to assist in that context.  After discussion, Neal has decided to participate in the WatchDOGS (Dads of Great Students) Program as his schedule allows.  WatchDOGS is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security during the school day.

Keri has chosen to join the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) as their Healthy Lifestyles Chair.  In doing so, she will share a health based newsletter at least quarterly on the PTA website and promote the Allen Eagle 5K and Fun Run in the Spring.  This is obviously something our family is already passionate about so it is a very fine match.

There has been a lot of change in the past month with kids in school, Keri once again employed, new church callings and supporting our school community.  It is an exciting time for us.  We are grateful for the good health and capacity that we have been blessed so we may do these things.  We look forward to the growth these new experiences will provide.