Baptism of Michael Golden

Michael Golden, who just turned eight years old, was baptized by his father, Haoming Guo, after church on Sunday, June 26.  The baptismal room was packed with branch members and friends, who came to witness Michael's baptism and confirmation.  With our branch mission leader, Brother Peng Lin, conducting the baptismal service, the speakers included Richard Huang, Megan Tsai (read by Alice Huang), Alex Done, and Sister Yuan Zhu from the Northern Virginia Chinese Branch.  Michael's father also confirmed him a member of the church and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost.  After Sister Alexis Chang welcomed Michael to Primary, President Patrick Shen welcomed Michael to the branch.  Members enjoyed time to mingle together while enjoying a light dinner.  Congratulations, Michael on your baptism!




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Relief Society Dinner

Branch sisters gathered at the Kentlands Chapel to enjoy an evening by themselves for the Relief Society Enrichment night on Friday, June 24.  They had the opportunity to sit down together, eat together, talk together, and learn together.  Sister Betty Azucena shared a special thought.  She called on Sisters Helen He and Xiaojun Jones to bear their testimonies with everyone.  All were strengthened and edified on this special evening.

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Where Are They Now? ---> Erik & Margaret Peterson

We were members of the branch from.  Erik was in the Elder's Quorum presidency and taught the Gospel Essentials class.  Margaret worked with the Young Women.  Erik enjoyed going out with the missionaries when we were in the branch, and Margaret absolutely loved working with the Young Women and has great memories of parties at the Folger's house with them.

We are both working.  Erik is a computer programmer in charge of multilingual development for Janya, a language analysis company in Amherst, NY, near Buffalo.  Margaret teaches psychology classes at Canisius College in Buffalo.

Our son Daniel, 5, is about to finish his year in Kindergarten and our daughter Laurel, 3, is looking forward to starting preschool in the fall.

My website is still www.mandarintools.com.

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Seminary Graduation

With a record 5 seniors graduating from high school this year in our branch, three of them attended the Stake Seminary Graduation at the Stake Center on Sunday evening of June 12.  Michelle Chen, Joshua Tsai, and Pearl Zhang received their diplomas or certificates.  They were congratulated by President Holmstead of the Stake Presidency, Brother Rowberry representing CES and Institute, and Brother Tommy Jones representing our branch presidency.  Joshua also played a special musical number, Nessun Dorm, from Turandot.  Afterwards, all enjoyed some pie together.  Congratulations to the graduates.

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Young Single Adult Activity

On June 11, the young single adults held a farewell activity for David Chiao.  David will be joining the Navy and will be going to training next week in Baltimore.  The activity consisted of volleyball, badminton, and of course refreshments.  We will miss him.  Good luck, David!

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