Christmas Party

This year under the direction of Brother Da Zhao, the Branch Christmas Party took place on Saturday, December 19 at the Kentlands Chapel.  To start the program, our emcees this year, Brother Mike Cunningham and Sister Ellen Li, welcomed everyone with a stirring dialogue introducing the meaning of Christmas.  As a surprise and delight to all of us, Ellen spoke in English, with Mike responding in Chinese.  President Shen offered a few words of welcome.  After the blessing on the food, over 100 people lined up at three rectangular, featuring some most delicious cuisine, including salad, soup, and a wonderful assortment of desserts.  We even caught a glimpse of the branch presidency, all dressed appropriately in red aprons and red Christmas hats, carving and serving the ham and turkey. (See photos for proof.)  Sister Bing Xia and one of her students favored us with a rendition of the Christmas carol on the guzheng.  The Primary sang four 4 songs.  One of the songs was accompanied by Elder Kerby's solo.  At the end of the 4th song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," a familiar visitor came ringing bells and greeting everyone.  He took his rightful place in his chair.  Then each child, one by one, came to sit on Santa's lap and talked with Santa before receiving a special treat.

This evening was a special time to meet old friends and new acquaintances.  Tonight we enjoyed great food and the Christmas spirit.  It was an occasion to celebrate the birth of our Savior and what he has done for each of us.  We are deeply appreciative of all those who made it possible.




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Primary Christmas Activity

All of the children enjoyed the Primary Christmas Part held on the morning of December 11, 2010.  No wonder they liked it.  They were able to create delicious and cute little nativity creches out of gingerbread and candy.  Then they had fun competing in a Christmas scripture chase.  Of course, they were happy to receive goody bags, well deserved for learning the Articles of Faith.  It sounded like a fun but meaningful activity for all who came.

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2010 December Newsletter

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New Baby for Rodgers

Bennett Daniel Rodgers was born on December 2, weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz and measuring 20 inches tall.  The baby is reported as "very content.  Baby and momma are doing well."  Congratulations to the Rodgers for Number 4!

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Missionary Appreciation Fireside

Each year around Thanksgiving, it is customary in our branch for our Relief Society to take the opportunity to express appreciation for the full-time missionaries in our branch, including those who have served in our branch and are still in the mission.  This year was no different.  On the Sunday evening of November 28, Brother Peng Lin, our new mission leader, conducted the fireside.  Our three missionaries led a discussion on the importance of missionary work and ways to be a good member missionary.  Michael Cunningham and David Chiao demonstrated three ways to be a missionary by role playing invitations to church and activities.  We were favored with a special solo rendition of "Hark, All Ye Nations" sung by Elder Kemper.  Nicholai Lazarev, just newly returned from the France Paris Chinese Speaking Mission, bore his testimony, followed Sister Helen He sharing with us her conversion story.  The elders asked everyone to pass out flyers for the Festival of Lights and to share Chinese Books of Mormon with their written testimonies.  Sisters Charlotte Shen and Betty Azucena then passed out bags and aprons, along with gifts and letters from home, to each of the elders.  Elder Lo was asked to read aloud his letter from his mother.  The very spiritual fireside was followed by light refreshments.

 

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