2017-02-11 Baptisms of William, Steven, & Michelle Zheng

The day finally arrived.  Not only was this a special branch activity with three people getting baptized, but the whole branch rejoiced today to witness the baptismal service for William, Steven, and Michelle Zheng.  We have been waiting for this day for a long time. Members of the Kentland's Ward joined our branch in a jam packed room with over 70 people to support these three.

 Elder Anderson conducted the meeting.  After the invocation by Richard Huang, Benjamin Tsai was invited to give a talk about the importance of baptism.  Then in succession, Elder Lyman baptized William, Elder Packer baptized Steven,  and Elder Shih baptized Michelle. After a musical interlude, the Primary children sang a rendition of Book of Mormon Stories. Next, Da Zhao gave a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Welcome messages were extended by Cary Ning for William and Steven to the Young Men, by Abbey Zhao for Michelle to the Primary, and by President Charles Huang for all three to the Branch. Today was the evidence of a great miracle, a "softening of hearts" as indicated by Brother Zhao, and a great milestone in the lives of three special young people and in the history of the Branch. We not welcome William and Steven and Michelle as the newest members in God's church today, but we also move forward with them as part of the Branch family in progressing through life's goals and
challenges. Welcome and congratulations, William, Steven, and Michelle!

 

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2017-02 新年晚會 Chinese New Year Celebration

On this eighth day of the Chinese lunar calendar, the Montgomery Branch helped usher in the Year of the Rooster with a festive celebration at the Washington DC Stake Center.  With brothers and missionaries arriving at 3pm, 18 dining tables, 6 serving tables, and 7 craft tables were quickly arranged in their designated locations on the cultural hall floor.  Wider aisles allowed for the easy movement of the lions and dragons in the program.  Beginning at 4pm, dress rehearsal for the lion dance, ribbon dance, Mr. Wang’s solo, and the dragon dance took place on the stage.  Indeed the whole hall rang with Chinese music mixed with the conversation and laughter of attendees.

Adam and Sophy Fugal served as the distinguished emcees this evening.  The program began with the excitement of the lion dance performed by our Young Single Adult friends from Virginia.  The Branch youth followed immediately with the entrance of the dragon dance.  After Robert Buss performed the Thai Flute, Allen Junjie Wang sang a Chinese folk song, “Counting You in the Sisterhood” 「就數妹妹親」.  Eight Primary aged girls danced the ribbon dance to the song, “Wonderful Day!” ：「好日子」.  The full-time missionaries, Elders Anderson, Lyman, Packer, and Shih, displayed their puppeteering prowess with a shadow puppet show about the origins and the race for the Chinese zodiac.  This dazzling skit was narrated by Jessie Li and Jacob Yang.  After Joseph Cunningham played the gourd instrument, the Branch choir sang “The Great Way” 「禮運大同篇」.  The congregation then joined in on singing “Congratulations!” 「恭喜恭喜」.  The evening was climaxed by the granting of red envelopes by our special guests: Hal & Kaye Jewel, and Andrew & Charlotte Shen.

Displayed prominently in the back of center stage was the large red poster created by Peter Zhang featuring a rooster, a hen, and three chicks.  Over 200 people attended the celebration tonight.  All enjoyed seeing many new and old friends from near and far.  Happy new year everyone and have a very prosperous Year of the Rooster.

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2017-02-01 Youth baptism for the dead

This night was especially memorable Baptism for the Dead where we have two newly baptized members able to go do this ordinance. Ruth Chang and her son, Jacob Yang was only baptized two months and 2 weeks ago, respectively. Ruth even brought one of family names to do the ordinance for them. Brennan Zhao also brought two family names from his mom's side to perform the ordinance. It was a great turn out for the young men and youth leaders.

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