2025-11-22 Branch Thanksgiving Dinner

The third annual Branch Thanksgiving Dinner took place this year the week before Thanksgiving, unlike the two previous years when it was held the week after Thanksgiving. This time it was held in the cultural hall to allow for more people to attend. Coincidentally, it happened to be the last Saturday before the cultural hall will be transformed into the Kentlands Nativity program, so the timing was perfect.

About 8 round tables and two rectangular tables were set up with beautiful decorations by Sister Frewin and Margery Anderson. In addition to the serving tables, one station was set up to be a reading station. Another table had some block toys for children. Still another table displayed board games for folks to play. The atmosphere was very casual. Everyone enjoyed eating and talking together.

In total about 70 people attended, with many of them being nonmembers and friends. It was a great opportunity for everyone to relax and get to know each other better and to celebrate Thanksgiving early.

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2025-11-08 Branch Temple baptism

The brisk cool autumn sky with a shimmering display of silver clouds across the sky was the perfect background for temple going and taking outdoor photos outside the Washington DC Temple. Almost 30 people gathered at the fountain for a group photo after a fulfilling session of baptism in the temple baptistry. Our original 1-hour appointment at 2pm turned into a 2-hour appointment because the 3pm group did not show up. The temple workers generously gave each patron 10 to 15 names of deceased folks to help with the baptisms. A longer time in the baptistry granted more time to feel the majesty of God’s work and to indulge in His Spirit while in His holy house.

In total 12 patrons participated in temple baptismal and confirmation ordinances. Three were newly baptized members attending temple ordinances for the first time: Brother Wu Huasheng, Sister Shen Lingjuan, and Brother Wu Dunfu. They each were encouraged to set up a FamilySearch account, enter names of their ancestors, and prepare them for temple baptisms. Their attendance at the temple was a culmination of their baptism into Christ’s church and a beginning of their journey on the straight and narrow path.

In addition, 8 adults and young women helped serve as a witness, recorder, or a priesthood holder performing an ordinance. The temple workers were most gracious and accommodating in helping us despite the delay at the beginning and the many small changes that occurred during the activity.

The small group photo amidst the backdrop of the majestic Washington DC Temple captured the momentous import of the work done today in the temple and the over 200 ordinances performed. The temple patrons were joined by family, friends, and sister missionaries who came from the Visitors’ Center. What a beautiful climax to the work done today in the temple!

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