On a drizzling, foggy Friday evening, at the Potomac Chapel, about 75 people gathered cozily in the cultural hall. The aroma of the potluck delicacies filled these air. At 7pm, President Charles Huang welcomed all tonight in bilingual fashion and invited Brother Jameson Fox to bless the dinner. Quite a few old friends came to visit us, and our hearts rejoiced to greet them. Brother Eric Nelson organized a little thoughtful musical program. The Branch Choir opened with a stirring rendition of the “Postal Carriage.” Richard Huang and Isaiah Shen entertained the audience with a classy piano duet featuring an upbeat Christmas song. The Primary children and Young Women and their families sang “Love Was Born.” Then Henri Ly played “O Holy Night,” accompanied by his sister, Amelia, on the violin. Last of all, the choir closed with “Infant Holy.” After the benediction, all helped to clean up and to bid Christmas wishes. We are grateful for this evening to gather with the saints and enjoy this evening together. Merry Christmas to all.
Elder Kevin Wu shared his testimony at his farewell Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, October 20. After his talk, Elder Wu and the four current missionaries (Elders Statham, McGhie, Wang, and Welton) sang "I'll Find You My Friend," accompanied by Elder Wu's friend, Kevin Chiu. On this day, our branch was asked to end our Sacrament Meeting early at 3:45pm, due to a special church wide devotional broadcast by President M. Russell Ballard and Elder D. Todd Christofferson for the whole America Northeast Area. However, our branch had already planned a special linger longer for Elder Wu after Sacrament Meeting. For this farewell, Elder Wu had invited 14 nonmember friends plus his parents. Elder Wu will enter the Massachusetts Boston Mission on Thursday, October 24. We wish Elder Wu a successful and meaningful two years of missionary service.
Brother Kevin Wu received his own Temple Endowment on Saturday 10/12/19 at the Philadelphia Temple. It was a gorgeous day his parents drove him all the way to Philly so he can receive his endowment. Although his parents weren't able to go inside the Temple to witness his endowment, President Huang was his escort to help him go through the ordinances. The Nelsons, Nings, and Zhaos also supported him at the temple endowment. Afterward, we all walked to Chinatown for DimSum, except for the Nelsons.
Reminiscent of the branch's activities in the Potomac Chapel in the 1990's, this year's Moon Festival Celebration brought back wonderful memories of activities long ago for long time branch members. Since the inception of the branch in 1993, the Potomac Chapel served as the locus of many historic meetings, activities, and memories.
Under the mastermind of Javi and Melinda Urbina, over 100 folks came to enjoy the richness of the Chinese culture and the unity and harmony of the Montgomery Branch. Walking into the cultural hall, one could sense the spirit of the Moon Festival Celebration with the Family History laptops on one side of the cultural hall and crafts on the other side. On the stage, a brilliant yellow moon amidst a black background attracted people to take a picture in the photo booth. Sister Li-Fang Tsai photographed individuals and families and groups as they dressed up in elaborate costumes or showcased authentic Chinese artefacts in hand.
After enjoying a satisfying dinner and mooncakes, the audience was treated to a special dance by 7 young ladies called “Our Moon Is Really Round” (我們的月亮已定圓). The branch choir performed "Under the Silver Moon" (在銀色的月光下). Then all were invited to engage in a game of Kahoot It. The task was to identify the name of individuals in baby photos shown on the screen. 25 photos were shown in total, and the participants were graded according to accuracy and speed. Abbey Zhao, Da Zhao, and Sophy Fugal were the three contestants with the highest scores. Last of all, a video clip collage of interviews with Kevin Wu, Betty Azucena, and the Fugal family, was shown. Their messages of families filled our hearts with joy and hope.
Although the actual Moon Festival past a couple of weeks ago, we were able to feel the spirit of the celebration and to enjoy each other's friendship. Thanks to Javi and Melinda and many others for the great organization and work to make this celebration a great success!
About 50 people attended the memorial service of Cheng Zheng at the Potomac Chapel on a Monday morning. The service, conducted by President Charles Huang, included 3 piano solos by the Zheng children (Michelle, William, and Steven), gospel remarks by President Huang, eulogies by the Zheng children, and an eulogy by a family friend, Gui Lin. Sister Li-Fang Tsai served as the organist, while Sister Michelle Zheng was the music director.
Our hearts were knit together in support of the Zheng family. We learned of the great father and friend Cheng Zheng was during his life. The children showed great love and courage and strength of character in their demeanors of speech and performance. We pray for the Zheng family that they may become stronger and more faithful.
For the first time since the Montgomery Branch left the Potomac Chapel for the Kentlands Chapel in 2001, a baptismal service was held in the Potomac Chapel. Due to a mold outbreak in the Kentlands Chapel, all branch meetings had been moved to the Potomac Chapel for at least two weeks.
Coincidentally Brother John Huang, branch mission leader, who conducted the meeting in English, had exactly the same name as the brother being baptized. Actually for the new convert, his English surname Huang came from his father, and his Chinese surname Ma came from his mother.
Brother Ben Tsai gave the talk about baptism, after which Elder Welton baptized John. While they dressed, Sister Melinda Urbina played a musical interlude. Brother Da Zhao gave the talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our mission leader, John Huang, welcomed the new convert, John Huang, into the Elders Quorum of the branch. Then President Charles Huang welcomed John as the newest member of our branch. Elder Welton was the pianist, while Sister Abbey Zhao was the music director. The opening and closing hymns were "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized" and "When I Was Baptized."
We were very happy to attend Brother Huang's baptism. The small baptismal room was filled to capacity with church members and friends. This baptism reminded some older members to reminisce on the many baptisms that were held at the Potomac Chapel. Congratulations, John, on your baptism!
Tonight, the Branch Presidency hosted a Branch Family Home Evening to allow Kevin Wu to announce where he is going for his full-time missionary service. About a week earlier, knowledge that he had received his mission call kept everyone in suspense. Finally this evening, all would learn about his mission call. Over 60 folks crowded in the Relief Society room of the Kentlands chapel, including members of the Kentlands Ward, Kevin's friends, and, of course, members of the Montgomery Chinese Branch. From 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Kevin's parents grilled chicken, hot dogs, kielbasa, and skewered vegetables on a stick. There was also congee, salad, and lots of other delicious food. At 7:30pm, Brother Da Zhao conducted a fireside. We sang a glorious round of "Called to Serve" to start the Family Home Evening. Brother Benjamin Tsai was invited to say a few words about Kevin's conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then Brother John Harding, Kentlands Ward Young Men's President, thanked Kevin for his wonderful example, especially at the Young Men's high adventure experience this year in New Hampshire. The most touching remarks came from Kevin's Mom, as Kevin stood by her side with his arms around her. She spoke of how grateful she was to see the marvelous changes in Kevin after he joined the church. At one time, Kevin choked up in tears during his translation. The fourth speaker was Kevin's Dad. With Kevin translating again, his father thanked the church members for accepting and helping Kevin.
After the speakers, Brother Zhao solicited guesses for where Kevin will serve. Responses ranged widely from California and Utah to Little Rock, Arkansas, to New York City and Boston and Newark, New Jersey. After the white board was completed filled, Brother Zhao invited Kevin to read his mission call. With lots of emotion, Kevin read his official mission call, assigning him to the Boston Massachusetts Mandarin speaking Mission. He will report to his mission on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Everyone clapped with joy upon hearing of his mission call. Finally, Brother John Harding took a group photo of everyone who attended. (See photo above)
We are so thrilled for Kevin receiving his mission call to Boston. We wish him success and growth and joy as he prepares for and serves his mission. May the Spirit of the Lord attend him on his mission. Kevin will become the 13th member from the Montgomery Chinese Branch to serve a full-time mission representing the Branch. Congratulations, Kevin, on this great milestone in your life and in the history of the Montgomery Branch.
