2012 Christmas Party

This year, since the Kentlands Ward held their Christmas party a week earlier at the Foulger Farm, our branch was left to set up all of the decorations at the chapel. After intense preparation, the Christmas trees were set up in the foyers, and the lights and wreaths were strung along the walls of the cultural hall. Brother Jeremy Bates, a new member in our branch, was asked to plan the Christmas party. Elder McLane emceed the evening's event. After a delectable dinner, the program featured a return of the Nativity reenactment. Primary children and the young men acted as shepherds and wise men. Brother and Sister Ly were perfect as Joseph and Mary with their new baby son, Jacob. This year's play starred Richard Huang as King Herod. As an added surprise, an angel appeared from above with a trumpet to help announce the Savior's birth.

The young women presented their own version of the Grinch, set to Chipmunk-like Christmas music. Although the Grinch attempted to ruin Christmas by destroying presents and trees, the inhabitants of Whoville were still very happy in their celebration of Christmas. Afterwards, the Relief Society sang a hymn for us.

This year, we did something never before tried in our branch. After Santa's appearance, a dozen tables were prepared for eager participants to create the best gingerbread houses out of basic ingredients: graham crackers, marshmallows, sprinkles, gum drops, M&Ms, plates, and aluminum foil. Everyone had fun making the sweet gingerbread houses. Thanks to all for their hard work. Merry Christmas to all!

                                                     

           Click here for all the photos

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Baptism of Gong Nai-Chang

Brother Nai-Chang Gong, who is reportedly 83 years old, was baptized today by Brother James Mu. Speakers included Elder McLane and Sister Sara Huang. Mike Cunningham welcomed Brother Gong to the Elders Quorum, and President Shen welcomed him to our branch. Ben Tsai conducted the meeting.

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Primary Christmas Activity

About 17 children came to the chapel to participate in the Primary Christmas activity.  Four stations were set up with special activities.  The stations included Pin the Nose on Rudolph, Pingpong Ball Toss, Paper Christmas Tree Decoration, and a Paper Wreath.  Afterwards, everyone indulged in the sweet refreshments, which included delicious cupcakes, candy canes, egg nog, milk, and chocolate chip cookies.  All were well rewarded for attending.

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Sacrament Farewell for Kristy Tung

The time finally came.  Today in Sacrament Meeting after the blessing of the Chang baby daughter, we were honored to hear talks from Kristy and members of her family.  Her older sister, Caroline, candidly shared three bits of wisdom from an older sibling: to love others, to love herself, and to remember her family's love for her.  Her father, Robert, read a letter from her mom, who could not be there today.  He also recounted some significant events in Kristy's life that led up to her decision to go on her mission and thanked the church for providing a good environment for her daughter.  The young women sang a beautiful rendition of "Guardians of Virtue" for Kristy.  Finally, Kristy gave an amazing talk on the reasons why she is going on a mission.  She credits her dad for being the first person who encouraged her to go on a mission.  Her primary reason for serving a mission was to repay in part her Heavenly Father for all the many blessings she has received in her life.  We congratulate Kristy on her mission call and look forward to great reports of her mission successess.

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Baby Boy for Liu Family

On November 1, 2012, a cute baby boy was born to Tony & Yiwen Liu.  He was named Elijah Zilin Liu 刘子麟. He was born weighing 7 lbs 6 oz and was 20 inches tall.  Congratulations to Tony & Yiwen on their son!

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Baptism of Wang Hong Ling

On Sunday, October 28, Sister Wang was baptized by Charles Huang.

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Relief Society Super Activity

The Relief Society started with a clothing exchange on a Saturday afternoon.  Sister Lee Yuk Lin demonstrated how to give a haircut to our two missionaries.  They enjoyed crafts, including origami and vase decorating.

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Young Women's Activity

The Young Women gathered at the Ye's home to discuss and share General Conference experiences.  Then they took photos in the surrounding neighbor hood.

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Missionary Age Lowered

In a surprise announcement by President Monson during the first session of General Conference, he said that from now on, the minimum age for young men was lowered to 18, while the minimum age for young women was lowered to 19.  Within minutes, everyone was talking about this welcomed news.  Even our daughter called us with such excitement.  This is a milestone in the history of the church.  Here is an excerpt of President Monson's talk:

"I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. …

As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21.

We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty—and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men. We assure the young sisters of the Church, however, that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome their service."

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Moon Festival Activity

On a beautiful crisp autumn evening amidst a white moon and silvery wispy clouds, this year's moon festival started at an earlier time to accommodate the sister's attending the General Relief Society Broadcast afterwards.  Sister Xiaojun Jones, the evening's emcee, welcomed all the participants at 5:30pm as scheduled.  Although the room was only half full initially, the punctual beginning allowed the early arrivers to get a head start on the food and the rest to join us when they arrived.  After enjoying the sumptuous potluck dinner, the emcee invited all those who had finished eating to move up to the chairs near the front.  The program started at 6:30pm with a Mormon.org video about families with subtitles in Chinese.  Then the fabulous youth and Vincent Li performed "The Moon Represents My Heart" in Chinese, accompanied by Sister Tsai on the piano and featured Noel Jones on the violin.  The beautiful song aligned our hearts with the full moon outside.  Next, the phenomenal Mike Cunningham hosted the Montgomery Chinese Branch version of the Family Feud.  Jeremy and Sharon Bates captained the two teams of youth.  Questions created thoughtfully by our full-time missionaries and vocalized in the game host's humorous style thoroughly entertained the audience.  After Jeremy's team won and played the bonus round in saying "family" in seven foreign languages.  Following the game, the Huaxia Chorus favored the audience with two traditional Chinese songs: "Waipo de Penghu Wan" and "Kang Ding Qing Ge."  Finally, our very own Brother Mu shared his thought on how the Moon Festival and families are related.  We concluded with everyone singing "Love at Home."  After the benediction by Amy Ye, authentic homemade mooncakes were served for everyone to savor.

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A Day to Serve

After many months of detailed planning, the Washington DC carried out A Day to Serve on the morning of Saturday, September 29, 2012, at the 16th Street Chapel.  We were privileged to participate in the service project to pack dried foods in boxes.  In the brand new cultural hall, teams of busy helpers scurried around the three long lines of boxes of food, stuffing dried food into boxes, checking them, packing them, and carrying them to pallets outside.  The excess of workers, over 200, finished the job in less than one hour.  DC mayor, Vincent Gray, came to inspect, speak, and help out a little at the end.  Simultaneously, the open house was carried out elsewhere in the chapel.  At 12:00 noon, our branch had the opportunity of singing for 30 minutes.  We sang a variety of Chinese hymns and also "In the Hollow of Thy Hand."  It was an amazing feeling singing in the new chapel.  A sister missionary helped us with the piano playing.

Below is an English translation of the Chinese article written by Maryland Reporter Fen-Yu Mao.  The reporter interviewed our very own Stake President Harrison and his wife, Debbie, about "A Day to Serve" and its significance.  President Harrison has also served in our branch twice, first as our first Gospel Doctrine teacher, and second, as the executive secretary to President George Chiang.

Ron Harrison Calls on Chinese People to Participate in "A Day to Serve"

Written by Maryland Reporter Fen-Yu Mao
September 27, 2012

[Photo of Debbie and Ron Harrison]

Couple, Debbie, granddaughter of Marriott International founder, and her husband, Ron Harrison, called on Chinese people to take part in "A Day to Serve." (Reporter Fen-Yu Mao/ photographer)

Leaders of the Greater Washington area, including Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, have jointly set apart the 29th of this month, Saturday, as "A Day to Serve," and asked everyone to join together in this day of community service in helping the hungry.

As part of the response by The Interfaith Network of the Greater Washington area religious organizations, Ron Harrison, a young missionary in the 1970s and a grandson-in-law of Marriott International hotel giant founder, made a special appeal to the Chinese community to participate in this service opportunity.

As the head of Marriott International global building and construction, Ron Harrison is in charge of 18 Marriott hotels and resorts.  In his office, he hangs a photo of the world's highest luxury hotel in Hong Kong which he created, as well as a map of China, both which show the company's ambition to enter the hotel industry in China.

Besides his close professional relationship with China, he also has Chinese cultural ties that can be traced back nearly 40 years ago.

At the age of 19, Ron Harrison was sent by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve as a missionary in Taiwan for two years.  He learned fluent Mandarin and fell in love with Chinese culture. He says he "likes anything related to Chinese culture."  Although not a sinologist, he is deeply interested in the philosophies of Confucius, Mencius, and Tao.

Ron Harrison appreciates the Chinese concepts of self-cultivation, constant motivation to become a better person, and the importance of the family, filial traditional qualities, and reverence with the aforementioned great thinkers of philosophy.

The doctrine of the Confucius Analects, "refine self, establish family, govern nation, and bring peace to the whole world," are in fact quite consistent with the teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that "no success can compensate for failure in the home."  Both teachings speak to the need of perfecting ourselves first and then our own families.  If everyone can do the same to care for themselves and their families, they can in turn benefit society and then even contribute to the harmony and integration of the community, the country and the world.

Calling himself a "citizen of the world," Ron Harrison uses the Chinese idiom, "a frog in the bottom of the well," to describe himself.  It is evident that Chinese culture and the depth of its philosophy is available for the world to learn from.  Besides his business profession, he lead the Washington DC Stake in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which includes the Montgomery Chinese Branch.

The response of the Church to "A Day to Serve" was to launch fund-raising activities in Salt Lake City and to drive six trucks loaded with 1000 boxes containing a dozen kinds of food to the Washington area to be donated to the greater Washington area food banks.

Along with the "A Day to Serve" activities, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold an open house on September 29th from 10:00am to 1:00pm at a new chapel, which has not been dedicated yet and has not been used yet for church meetings.  The new chapel located at 4901 16th Street NW, Washington, DC, will be the scene of dispensing food and distributing the food for "A Day to Serve."

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Mission Call for Lee Ming-Chieh

Our very own Lee Ming-Chieh just received his mission call from his home ward in Taiwan.  He has been called to the Australia Melbourne Mission and will report to the New Zealand MTC on Thursday, December 20, 2012.  Congratulations, Ming-Chieh!

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Elder Tsai Arrives in Australia

Elder Tsai arrived safely in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday afternoon (Sydney time).  After 3 months in the MTC, he is excited and ready to get to work in the field.

Letters can be written to Elder Tsai to the following address:

 

Elder Joshua Jr-Syan Tsai
Australia Sydney Mission
P.O. Box 2723
Carlingford NSW 2118
Australia

 

Meanwhile, packages can be sent to him at the following address:

 

Elder Joshua Jr-Syan Tsai
Australia Sydney Mission
756 Pennant Hills Rd
Carlingford NSW 2118
Australia

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Missionary Fireside

On the evening of August 26, Elder McLane debuted in conducting the missionary fireside at the Kentlands Chapel.  Steve and Betty Anderson shared their testimonies of missionary work.  The young women (Emerald, Alice, and Amanda) sang the hymn “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” and shared their thanks for the Anderson’s.  Kristy Tung shared her testimony.  The elders showed an inspirational video which described the purpose of missionary work in helping friends change.  Then they shared their own testimonies of missionary work.

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Baby Groberg Girl

Tayvia Louise Groberg was born on 3 Aug 2012 at 10:55pm. She weighed 7 lb 1.6 oz, and she was 20.5 inches long. We are thrilled to have a third member in our family.  Thank you to all the branch members for their love and support.

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Mission Call for Kristy Tung

This week Kristy Tung received her mission call to the Taiwan Taichung Mission.  She is scheduled to report to the MTC on December 19, 2012.

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New Callings

With the departure of Jess and Ashley Theodore this past week, the branch presidency has released the Young Men's presidency (Jess Theodore and Dan Xing) and the Primary presidency (Ashley Theodore, Tanisha Groberg, and Sara Huang).  Today the new Young Men's President (David Chang) and Primary presidency (Sophie Fugal, Sara Huang, and Carole Hardy) were called.  We will miss the Theodore's and wish them good luck in Utah.  At the same time, we welcome and congratulate the newly called leaders in the branch.

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Elder Tsai Enters MTC

On July 1st, Joshua was set apart as a full-time missionary. For the following 24 months, since he will be focusing on doing the Lord's work, contact with him will be limited to letters and packages. He entered the MTC today, and for the next three or so months his mailing address will be:

Elder Joshua Jr-Syan Tsai
MTC Mailbox # 106
AST-SYD 0919
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Your letters would be highly appreciated! TYou are encouraged to use http://www.dearelder.com/ to write letters to Elder Tsai.  We will update you with his new address when he arrives in Australia.

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Hilton Remarks at Closing Fireside

Dear brothers and sisters, congratulations on 20 wonderful years of progress and growth here in the Montgomery Chinese Branch.  I am pleased to have been invited this evening to provide a brief report of the establishment and recent progress of the Twin Lakes Chinese Branch in Northern Virginia.

In January 2010, under the direction of the Seventy, the Centreville Virginia Stake established a Chinese language group to give Chinese-speaking members and investigators throughout Northern Virginia Chinese to attend Latter-day Saint Sunday worship services.

During the ensuing 21 months, under the direction of the Group Leadership, we experienced much progress, not only in numbers, but in strength of spirit.  The Group leadership at that time was Matt Salmon, Zhu Bowei, and Jared Pendleton (for a few months), and Ye Chengxi. Under their leadership, the Group progressed in every way and met all the Church’s requirements to formally establish an independent Branch.

Therefore, on August 21, 2011, I was very pleased to formally announce that the First Presidency had authorized the formal establishment of a new independent Chinese Branch to serve all eight stakes of the Washington DC South Coordinating Council.

Concurrently, I invited all Chinese- speaking members and returned missionaries and friends and families in Northern Virginia to attend the meeting wherein we would form the new branch.
The next month, on September 18, 2011, we formally created an independent Chinese branch of the Church—the Twin Lakes Branch.

At that time we released and thanked the leaders of the Chinese Group. We are very grateful to them for their truly great sacrifices and service. The following brethren were then sustained as the new branch presidency.

•    Hsū Tàchéng, Branch President
•    Máo Zhìpíng (Kevin Mallory), First Counselor
•    Shén Zhǐqìng, Second Counselor

Since September 18, four new Chinese converts have been baptized and joined the branch, and five Chinese members of the branch have received their own endowment in the temple.

Today the Twin Lakes Branch is still very small, and has all the challenges of being very small, but the spirit is strong, and the members are serving and sacrificing selflessly under the leadership of the branch presidency.

As I have watched the continuing progress of the branch, my love for the Chinese members has deepened and broadened, and my gratitude to Heavenly Father for his blessings to the branch and its members has grown.

I bear testimony that Jesus Christ lives. That He is our Savior and Redeemer, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His one and only true church on the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I bear testimony that Thomas S. Monson is God’s living prophet on the earth today.  I truly hope that every one of us will obey God’s every commandment and prepare as families to return to his presence. I leave this report and testimony with you humbly, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Tsai Remarks at Closing Fireside

Brothers and sisters, tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings which God has bestowed upon our families and upon our Chinese Branch.  Over the past twenty years, eight missionaries from our branch have served full-time missions.  This does not include President & Sister Foulger, who were called as full-time missionaries to serve in our branch, nor does it include Joshua Tsai, Kristy Tung, and others, who will leave in the future to serve full-time missions.  I am confident that many more Primary children and Youth will serve missions.  If my counting is correct, 100 missionaries have served in our branch, and Elders Hsiung and McLane are the 99^th and 100^th missionaries.  These wonderful missionaries have been the backbone of the growth of the Chinese Branch.  Through their efforts, 202 converts have joined the church.  President Monson said that “Missionary work is the lifeblood of the kingdom.” (Thomas S. Monson, “It’s Conference Once Again,” April 2011 General Conference)  Truly, each one of us have either been taught by a missionary or have had an ancestor join the church through a missionary.  My parents were taught by missionaries in 1971 in Taiwan, as were Sister Tsai and her parents.  This is God’s inspired church because he calls missionaries to declare his word.  In a few minutes, we will have an opportunity to watch a slideshow, listing all of the missionaries and converts in our branch.  As we watch, let us ponder the great blessings that have occurred because of them.

This work is God’s work.  God directs this work.  This church is God’s church.  I would like to say a few words about our special branch and the work of God in this branch.

First, I want to say something about branch presidents.  We have had five branch presidents who have served in our branch.  I want you to know that none of our branch presidents are perfect.  I know that for sure.  None of them sought the calling.  When they were called, they all had their doubts.  But they accepted the calling because they knew the calling came from God, they loved God, and they loved their fellowmen.  As an example, our first branch president, President Breglio, hesitated to accept the calling because he had forgotten much Chinese and because he had severe back problems.  Yet, he accepted the calling because he knew it was from God.  And we have been blessed because of his choice.

I believe that God established this Chinese Branch for special purposes.  President Hardy and the stake leaders were inspired to request the creation of this wonderful branch over twenty years ago.  God has led members and converts to come to this branch at the appropriate times to be part of and to bless this branch.  The branch is a great miracle.  To me, the branch has had three purposes.

First, this branch has given us the opportunity to use our native tongue to learn the gospel principles, to receive priesthood ordinances, and to perform these ordinances.  How many gospel lessons, Family Home Evenings, and missionary discussions have been taught in Chinese?  How many blessings for the sick, priesthood ordinations, Sacrament prayers, and temple ordinances have been performed in Chinese?  We have been truly blessed to receive these blessings in Chinese.  This is a direct fulfillment of Joseph Smith’s prophecy: “For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fullness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (D&C 90:11)

Second, this branch has helped us preserve our Chinese culture for ourselves and for our posterity.  Almost every year, we have celebrated the Chinese New Year and the Moon Festival.  We also have had a Dragonboat festival, a dragon boat race, and a celebration of Lover’s Day on the 7^th of July.  Since we live in America, we have also assimilated the American culture.  So, each year we have celebrated Christmas and New Year.  In addition, we have also celebrated Pioneers Day, Easter, and even Independence Day.  Through these celebrations, we have developed strong traditions for our families and for our branch.

Third, this branch has been a training ground for future leaders, teachers, and missionaries.  President Harrison is one of those leaders who have been trained by our branch, since he has served in our branch on two occasions, first as a Sunday School teacher and second as President Chiang’s executive secretary.   Then he was called as a bishop, mission president, and now stake president.  We have had eight missionaries sent out to be missionaries throughout the whole world.  Brother Shu Zhan returned to China and served as an Elders Quorum president.  Elder Sheffield is now living in Texas and serves as a bishop in his ward.  Many more leaders will go forth to the whole world from this branch.

The goal of this reunion was to bring members closer to Christ by:

• fellowshipping and reuniting with previous members and missionaries;
• sharing and rekindling faith-building testimonies; and
• reminiscing about the miracles of conversion, preparation of leaders, and growth in the branch.

I think we have accomplished each of these goals.

May God continue to bless this Chinese Branch and others like it throughout the world.  May God bless the Chinese people that their hearts may be prepared to receive the gospel.  May God bless the leaders of China, that the doors of China one day soon may be opened to the full-time missionaries.  May we continue to prepare ourselves to help in small ways to build the kingdom of God on this earth, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

弟兄姊妹: 今晚我的心充滿對神的感激. 感謝神給我的家庭以及這個分會的許多祝福. 過去的二十年裏,我們分會送出八位全時間傳教士. 這不包括Foulger會長夫婦,也不包括將要去傳教的蔡致賢長老, 及未來的幾位要去傳教的弟兄姐妹像 Kristy董敏姊妹和李明杰弟兄. 我相信還有更多我們現在的初級會兒童和男女青年會加入這項傳教的行列. 如果我的計算是正確的, ,這二十年來我們今天正好有一百位傳教士來我們分會服務過. 熊長老是第九十九位, 林長老(McLane)正是第一百位. 這些美好的傳教士是本分會成長的動力. 經由他們辛勤努力的結果, 兩百零二位歸信者加入了教會. 孟孫會長曾說”傳道事工是神國的血脈.” 真的, 我們每一個人不是直接由傳教士授課不然就是我們的祖先接受了傳教士的教導. 我的父母於1971年在台灣接受傳教士的教導,蔡姊妹的父母也是. 這是神啟發的教會,因為祂召喚傳教士們去宣講祂的話語,再過幾分鐘,我們將有機會看到許多過去的傳教士及歸信者的紀錄影片.

當我們在觀賞時,讓我們記得由於這些傳教士 我們所受的極大祝福.

這是神的事工,神引導著. 這是神的教會. 我想簡短的談一下我們這個特別的分會:

首先, 談到分會會長,從分會成立到現在我們有五位分會會長: Brelio, Foulger, 江會長,蔡會長和現任的沈會長. 我要大家知道沒有一位分會會長是完美的, 當他們接受召喚時,他們一定都懷疑過自己的能力,但他們接受召喚因為他們知道這召喚是來自神. 他們愛神,也愛他們的同胞. 我們分會的第一任會長: Brelio會長,害怕接受這召喚因為他已忘了很多中文, 他當時還有背的健康問題, 然而他還是接受了這項召喚. 因為他知道這是神的召喚. 也因為他的選擇, 我們受到了許多的祝福.

我相信神成立這個分會有祂的用意及特別的目的. 20年前, Hardy會長和支聯會領袖們受到靈感成立了這個分會.神一直在不同的時間裏帶領許多教友及歸信者來到這個分會,祝福了這個分會. 這個分會是一個奇蹟.

對我而言,這分會有三個目的:

第一: 是讓我們有機會用我們的母語,也就是華語,來學習福音原則、接受聖職教儀和其他各種教儀. 在這裡,曾經有過多少福音課程、家庭晚會及傳教士課程是用中文教導的?曾經有多少治病的祝福、聖職權柄的按立、聖餐祝福的教儀以及聖殿教儀是用中文實行的? 用中文母語使我們受到許多益處和祝福 (D&C 90:11)

第二: 這分會為我們和我們的後代保留祝中華文化的傳統.  每一年我們都慶祝中國農曆新年和中秋節. 我們也參與龍舟慶典、龍舟競賽以及七夕情人節. 我們既是住在美國也入境隨俗的慶祝聖誕節、獨立節和各種其他慶典,再加上教會傳統的先驅者紀念日和復活節等等…經由這些慶典我們發展出了強壯且獨特的家庭和分會文化傳統.

第三: 這分會是未來領袖、教師和傳教士的訓練基地. 豪會長曾在本分會主日學教師及執行祕書. 後來他被召喚為主教、傳道部會長, 然後是現在我們的支聯會會長. 本分會送出去八位傳教士到世界各地去傳播福音. 本分會受洗的舒展弟兄返回中國大陸後曾任長老定額組. 蔡致潔現在是亞洲單身支會慈助會諮理….我知道將來會有更多的領袖會從本分會出去.

這次的週年紀念活動的目標是要藉著(1)聚集和交誼來鞏固過去和現在的教會成員和傳教士. (2)分享見證,並鼓舞火熱的信心之建立(3)溫習回憶舊時歸信的奇蹟,  將教會成員帶向基督.

願神繼續祝福我們華語分會和世上所有各分之會. 願神祝福中國人,幫助他們的心準備好接受福音. 願神祝福中國的領袖們, 使中國在不久的將來接納全時間傳教士. 願我們繼續努力準備我們自己最小的一部分來建立神在世上的國度.

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Reunion Closing Fireside

The final event of the Montgomery Branch 20th Anniversary Reunion was the closing fireside held in the chapel of the Kentlands building.  Adam Fugal conducted the meeting with President Harrison presiding.  Emerald Shen played the piano with Melinda Tsai acting as chorister.

At 6:30pm, Brother Fugal welcome to everyone to the Montgomery Branch 20th Anniversary Fireside.  He acknowledged the presence of President Ronald Harrison, presiding officer; Elder Ralph Hardy, former stake president who requested the creation of the Montgomery Chinese Branch 20 years ago; President Steve Hilton, Centreville Stake President, who requested the creation of the Twin Lakes Chinese Branch in Virginia; and, President Patrick Shen, our very own branch president.  He reminded everyone that no photographic or recording equipment was allowed in chapel and that only two people have been given special permission (Brothers Da Zhao and Brian Johnson) to record the program in the chapel.  Michael Cunningham provided the simultaneous translation by headset.

After the congregation singing the opening hymn, "Now Let us Rejoice," Brother Jess Theodore offered the invocation.  The first testimony was given by President Ron Harrison.  He began by recalling his mission call to Taiwan, where he felt a duty to preach the gospel to the Chinese people there.  He served in a place called Aihe.  He related his experiences in the Sacred Grove and shared his testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.  He then stressed the importance of temple ordinances in this great work.

He was followed by a testimony from Benjamin Tsai.  See text.

We then enjoyed a slide show, featuring all 100 full-time missionaries who have served in our branch all 202 converts who have been baptized into the branch.  The Primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth" was sung in Chinese by all missionaries present who now serve or have served in our branch.  President Steve Hilton shared the experience of organizing the Twin Lakes Branch and hist testimonry.  After President Steve Hilton's remarks, the branch orchestra (consisting of Jessica Tsai, Joshua Tsai, Melinda Tsai, and Vincent Li) played and sang "Joseph Smith's First Prayer."

Elder Ralph Hardy spoke of the Diaspora of Chinese people.  He expounded on memories and reminiscing.  He told a story of how the Toronto members remembered Elder Hardy.  Over twenty years, Michael Seay, then the stake mission president, suggested that a Chinese branch was needed.  Then Stake President Hardy picked a name, the Montgomery Branch, and a new branch president, Vincent Breglio.  He invited President Breglio to this reunion.  He also talked about meeting Brother Bowei Zhu in the Washington Temple, where he and his wife are serving as temple workers.  He quoted 2 Nephi 1:6: "there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord."  If we keep the commandments, the blessings of the gospel will distill upon us and bless our children and us.  The Holy Ghost will be with us.  President Shen is God's anointed in our branch.

President Patrick Shen was the concluding speaker.  He remarked that this fireside may be considered as nought to outsiders.  In attendance tonight, we have witnessed two current stake presidents who speak Mandarin Chinese.  What could he add to the words of two stake presidents and a General Authority?  He thanked the stake for their continual support.  He thanked the Johnson's and the Theodore's.  Over the next twenty years of the Montgomery Chinese Branch, we must be more diligent.   Without the 100 missionaries, we sould not be here.  But members must put their shoulders to the wheel.

Brother Fugal then announced that the group photo was going to be taken in the cultural hall immediately after closing prayer and that there were refreshments afterwards.  The concluding musical number "Charity" was sung by the branch choir.  The benediction was then offered.

Everyone then gathered in the cultural hall for the group photo.  Then we enjoyed the birthday cake and light refreshments.

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Farewell Sacrament Meeting for Joshua Tsai

The Reunion Sacrament Program mainly consisted of a farewell for Elder Joshua Tsai.  His mom first spoke, followed by the branch and members of the Yellow River Ensemble singing "Nearer My God to Thee."  After his dad spoke, his parents sang "In the Hollow of Thy Hand" with Elder Tsai at the piano and their whole family singing the chorus.  Elder Tsai was the concluding speaker.

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Reunion Farm Activity

After the baptism for Brennan Zhao, we shifted focus and headed for the Foulger Farm at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.  Guillermo and Betty Azucena prepared and grilled the delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken legs.  Outside the barn, many competed in the hula hoop, foot peg, and burlap sack races.  Little children enjoyed the water balloons and sprinklers.  Still others enjoyed tossing a football.  Ray Pratt made three trips for a hay ride in his truck.  At the end of the third run, we posed for a huge group photo.  Andrew Shen was the emcee for the evening and conducted the trivia contest.  Inside the barn, there were also dance activities.  After cleanup, as the evening sun was setting, a bonfire was built and Smores were shared.  Almost 200 people attended the farm activity tonight.

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Baptism of Brennan Zhao

It's hard to believe Brennan turned eight this June. Brennan has always been a outgoing talkative little guy. We are happy that he made the right decision to get baptized. On June 23rd, Brennan was baptized by his dad, Da, at the Kentlands Chapel. His grandma from Hong Kong and many relatives from father's side attended. Many friends from the branch came to support him also. We hope that with the Holy Ghost as his companion, he will remember to make righteous choices.

Da & Abbey Zhao

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Reunion Temple Activity

As a first, the temple presidency offered to hold a special prayer meeting before the Chinese endowment session.  About 25 people met in the chapel at 8:45am for the prayer.  Benjamin Tsai was asked to conduct the short meeting.  He led the small congregation in singing "I Am a Child of God" with Li-Fang Tsai at the organ.  Then President Brad Bryan taught us about the temple, while Bowei Zhu translated for him.  We then walked up to the endowment room.  About 40 people participated in the Mandarin endowment session.  It was an amazing outpouring of the Spirit.  Afterwards, we met in front for group photos.

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Reunion Primary Activity

The first activity of our 2012 branch reunion was the Primary activity held in the multi-purpose room of the Washington DC Stake Center.  This activity was concurrent with the temple activity, so the parents started bringing their children at around 8:15am.  Sherry Wei, assisted by Meili Shen and Ada Huang, conducted the activity.  After a breakfast of donuts, cupcakes, milk, juice, and fruit, the young women (Alice, Amanda, Amy, Emerald, Melinda) and Vincent assisted in the activities, consisting of games, a lesson on baptism, and making a gift for Brennan in preparation for his baptism (more on this in another article).  Afterwards, the children joined the adults for photos in front of the temple.  Thanks to the adults and youth who supervised this activity for the six Primary children that came.

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Baptism Activity

On the Friday evening before the reunion, a few of the youth and Sister Sun, a recent convert, participated in the baptism activity at the temple.

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Passing Away of Devin Landeen

The younger brother of our Elder Dylan Landeen, Devin Landeen, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2012. With permission from Dylan and his mom, we would like to share this link with you. Please pass your thoughts and condolences to Dylan directly.

http://www.woodfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/WoodFu2/obit.cgi?user=654211Landeen#.T-7yElByIp1.email

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Final Announcement for Reunion

Brother, Sisters and Friends of the Montgomery Branch:

We would like to remind everyone that the Montgomery Chinese Branch will be celebrating its 20th anniversary during the weekend of June 23-24, 2012. We hope that you and your loved ones can join us.

Please the final schedule of events below:

1.      Mandarin Endowment Session (June 23. @ 8:45AM) – Washington, DC Temple

Please be dressed appropriately and report to the DC Temple’s chapel by 8:45 AM.  A concurrent primary activity is schedule in the DC Stake Center adjacent to the Temple.  Parents who wish to attend the endowment session may leave their children at the activity at 8:30.

2.      Branch Picnic (June 23 @ 4:00PM to 9:00PM) – Foulger Pratt Farm

Celebrate the 20^th Anniversary with a barbeque and picnic at the Foulger-Pratt Farm (direction below).  The Branch is providing the barbeque.  Attendees will please bring a picnic dish to share.

The address of the Foulger-Pratt Farm is 1101 Sugarloaf Mountain Road Dickerson MD 20842.  If you need directions please contact Ben Tsai.

3.      Church Service (June 24 @ 9:00AM) – Kentlands Chapel

We will be especially blessed to hear Elder Joshua Tsai’s mission farewell address, musical presentation by the Tsai Family, and our branch choir along with members from the Yellow River Ensemble (well known Chinese community chorus in the Washington, DC area will be singing to us.

4.      Closing Fireside (June 24 @ 6:15PM) – Kentlands Chapel

This will be a wonderful opportunity for past, present and future members of the branch to share their testimonies and express their feelings about the 20^th anniversary of the Montgomery Branch.

Light refreshments only will be served.

Other important events not officially part of the 20 anniversary celebration:

June 22 @ 6:00 PM – Proxy baptism @ the Washington, DC Temple

June 22 @ 6:00 PM  – Open house for Jessica Tsai and Henry Lin @ the Tsai residence

June 23 @ 1:00 PM – Baptism of Brennan Zhao – Kentlands Chapel

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