Reflections on Historic Schedule Change

Once in a long while, history presents itself with memorable but crucial milestones, which will be forever seared in our memories and will influence members in many ways. Such was today's milestone in the history of the Montgomery Chinese Branch. For the past decade, the branch church schedule has alternated between starting at 9am and starting at 1pm. Today, the whole time continuum has been altered and reset. Leaders in both units have been planning this change for many months to help integrate the children and youth of the branch with those from our sister Kentlands Ward. From now on, the branch will hold Sunday School and Priesthood/Relief Society meetings at the same time as the Kentlands Ward. The branch Sacrament Meeting will be held last at 12:10pm. The youth Sunday School, Primary, Young Men's, and Young Women's classes will be combined with those of the Kentlands Ward, but the adult classes and Sacrament Meeting will be held separately. The branch Seminary class will also be held separately.

No matter what feelings or reactions one might have had concerning the schedule merger, here are a few observations on the first day. 1. Leaders of the Kentlands Ward have been so gracious and accommodating in tending to the branch needs, that is the needs of a few. Even in their own Sacrament Meeting today, Brother Hellewell announced at the end of Sacrament Meeting that they were excited about the merger and encouraged their members to welcome branch members. 2. Members of the Kentlands Ward have opened their arms and hearts to welcome us, especially our children into their classes and circles. 3. A lot of thoughtful coordination went into the planning of the new schedule. Considerations were made for both units.

A little confusion and adjustment were expected, but the schedule seemed to run well. Time will reveal the fruits and effects of this historic merger on our Chinese Branch.