Oct 15 - Oct 27

Christmas is Coming to Leeds, England

All the malls, streets, and shopping centers are filled with Christmas decorations. Jesus Christ isn't found on a store shelf but rather in our hearts as we strive to learn of Him and feel His love for us.

Elder Holland spoke in the last general conference about the importance of Jesus Christ as our focus and example. He said, "If Jesus--His name, His doctrine, His example, His divinity--can be at the center of our worship, we will be reinforcing the great truth Alma once taught:
There be many things to come; (but) behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all--the Reedeemer (who) liveth and cometh among His people. 

Zone Conference 

We listened to one of the assistants recite the Living Christ, a testimony of the apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints written in 2000. Then, we were each challenged to memorize it for ourselves before the Christmas zone conference in December. Pete and I have been working on this challenge and are feeling the spirit as we strive to memorize the words exactly. We are blessed to understand more about Christ and know of the great power of His atonement. 

The senior missionaries were responsible for providing the lunch for the 50 missionaries who attended. We served Taco Soup, salad, and Costco cookies. The food disappeared quickly. We're happy to bring joy to the young missionaries through food. 

 

Autumn Dance

We were invited to help with the drinks, 'mocktails,' at the Autumn Ball. Pete had a grand time at the party and even showed his singing and dancing abilities during the 70's music. Regrettably, I didn't get a picture. We were glad to enjoy the Leeds Stake members and get to know them better as we danced and enjoyed food together. Everything was 'over-the-top' at this party. Lots of food, fun, and entertainment. 

 

Sister Carrier & Sister Wassmer (office sister) Waiting for Everyone to Arrive

Pete Having Fun Making the 'Mocktails'

English Style Square Dancing with an Irish Band (only in England!)

Rootstech

We had the opportunity to attend Rootstech in London, England. We took a coach that the stake provided. The day began early as we left on the bus at 7:00 am. It was a 4 1/2 hour ride to the event. Donny Osmond performed and then talked to lots of people who waited in line to visit with him. We took a picture from the side. We weren't about to stand in line to visit with Donny. Also, during the day we attended three different classes, enjoyed the youth discussion with Elder Bednar, felt the spirit as Elder and Sister Bednar spoke at the devotional to end the Rootstech in London. It was a big event, a once in a lifetime experience for all who attended. We left at 7:30 for a long ride back to Leeds. Most of us slept. 

Donny Osmond Speaking in the Media Booth

Elder Bednar with the Youth

Final Devotional with Elder & Sister Bednar

Sunday Night Devotional with Craig Jessop

President and Sister Green were able to arrange a fireside with Craig Jessop and his wife. He was the director of the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square and a missionary for the England, Leeds Mission in 1969. His first area was in the Leeds 1st ward which we have been assigned. Much of his remarks were centered around the great people of northern Yorkshire. All were uplifted and spiritually fed. 

Pete snapped a picture at the end of the fireside. We were very grateful to be in attendance at this spiritually uplifting meeting. The best part of the evening was when he sang with the congregation the song, England's Green and Pleasant Land, Jerusalem. The Yorkshire people are a proud people and it was great fun to hear them sing this anthem. We visited with Craig Jessop for a bit after the fireside about the mission we're serving. He's a great man with a strong testimony. We were so blessed to feel of his spirit. 

Craig Jessop with his wife on the right

Final Pictures of the Single Adults from the  Leeds Institute of Religion.

We feel so blessed to be serving in this mission and we love working with the young adults. Their spirit and enthusiasm for life inspire us each day. It's a blessing to teach the gospel in a classroom setting and to feel of their spirit as they share their love for Christ. We enjoy the fun they have brought into our life as well. We work hard, but feel satisfaction and blessings for being part of the Leeds Institute of Religion. These friends will be part of our life eternally. 

Choir Rehearsal led by Lydia Smith

Young Adult Silliness after Church 

Heavenly Father and and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ love all of us. May we each move forward on this journey called life and remember that no matter where we are on the road Their love surrounds us!

September 30 - October 13

Four Truths

Every Friday after pancake breakfast we have a devotional with the young single adults. Last week we showed Elder Lawrence E Corbridge's talk which he gave at BYU on January 22, 2019. The talk was called, Stand Forever. It's a powerful talk.  https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/lawrence-e-corbridge/stand-for-ever/ 

Elder Corbridge said, "Begin by answering the primary questions. There are primary questions and there are secondary questions. Answer the primary questions first. Not all questions are equal and not all truths are equal. The primary questions are the most important. Everything else is subordinate. There are only a few primary questions.
1. Is there a God who is our Father?
2. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world?
3. Was Joseph Smith a prophet?
4. Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the kingdom of God on the earth?"

As I listened to Elder Corbridge's talk I found myself pondering on experiences I've had in my life that have born witness to me that the answers to all those primary questions are "Yes!" This witness has strengthened me during trials, conflicts, and hardships  More importantly, it's buoyed me up and strengthened my love of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their plan is a perfect plan meant to help each of us know joy and feel His love.

I hope as we ponder these four truths, we all will feel the peace and safety that comes from answering "Yes" to these primary questions.

Bike Race in Leeds, England

One Sunday morning Pete and I looked out the window from our apartment atop the institute and saw many bicycle's warming up for a bike race that covered 150 miles. Before it started Pete went out and talked with one of the police officers put in place to patrol the cars during their ride. He learned it was a week long race of 5 segments with a distance of 150 miles each segment. Every night they were to end in Harrogate, England. Quite an amazing ride for these professional bikers of all ages. It was fun to watch them pass in front of our view.  

Leeds Institute of Religion

The masses have returned to the institute. Most are members but a few are 'friends' of the missionaries. All come frequently to visit the institute, participate in gospel lessons, study, play, and feel the spirit. We love to feel of their strength and love of the gospel.

Johnny is a friend of the missionaries. He wanted to know why his picture wasn't on the board. So, we took a picture and added him. He was so happy to see his picture and walked back to the board several times to point to his picture. He was happy to be considered part of this great group of young adults. 

Kate Evans is one of the 'special friends' we've made. She is now working in London. It was a sad day to say good-bye to her but we're so grateful for her friendship & love.



Our focus this new school year includes an emphasis on bringing 'friends' to the institute. Elder Carrier ordered some signs that we placed out front of the institute. It's interchangeable with signs inviting to Religion Classes, English Classes, and Pancake Breakfast.

General Conference

Conference was live for a few sessions, and rebroadcast on the others, in the basement gathering room of the institute. I cooked a big pot of taco soup and had cinnamon rolls, and treats throughout all the sessions. We had a big group. Most came dressed in proper Church attire. I was impressed.  

Jason & Kyle

Mingling and resting in between sessions

Luke and Sophie (front), another Luke, Kyle, Jason, & Meg (back)

Seat order changed throughout the day & night

Snacks in between meetings

Elysia & Luke

Fun times with food

Laughter & Love

Home Evening

We bought some bean bag chairs for the Institute lounge room because Home Evening Group has gotten too big for all to gather. The kids were really excited to see them and enjoyed sitting in them. 

This home evening included two general authorities who came for a visit. Elder Tunnecliffe, Area Seventy & Country Director of Seminaries & Institutes of Religion was there. Elder Franck Poznanski, Europe Area Director of Seminaries & Institutes of Religion was also there. Jason Mitchell gave the lesson and he did a great job. His lesson and the discussion that ensued brought the spirit. The two general authorities were quite impressed. 

Each week in Home Evening someone signs up for the 'hot seat.' This is where a timer is set for 5 minutes and everyone sends out questions quickly for the person sitting on the seat to answer. Elder Tunnecliffe & Elder Poznanski both sat in the hot seat.  Tommy Sorsby also sat in the hot seat. He's a return missionary and new freshman to the Leeds University. Great night of learning & fun!

Bean Bag Chairs to the Rescue! We finally found a store that sold them. Pete tested them out. 

Jason Mitchell, center with the big smile, gave the lesson

Elder Tunnecliffe, the older guy on the left in the suit. Elder Poznanski, the older guy on the right in the suit, Tommy is sitting on the hot seat answering everyone's questions.

Fun and games after Home Evening

Light Show

The light show is an annual event in Leeds. Leeds had many 'light shows & activities' in the downtown area. It's a huge display of many lights. Young single adults met at the institute and ventured in the cold to see all the spectacular lights. Pete went without me. It was too cold for me. I enjoyed the fun before they left and then enjoyed doing Family History work with no distractions. I was trying to find more names for the YSA to take to the temple. We left for the Preston temple bright and early at 6:30 a.m. the following morning. Despite the late night activity everyone got up early to meet at the institute for the temple trip. Good kids they are! 

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A few of our institute YSA

White Rose Mall

Pete and I have started walking in the White Rose Mall in the morning when we have too much rain. It's about a 15 min drive from our home. One morning we saw a great display of owls in the mall. Pete enjoyed holding the big owl. 

Pete found this cute little boy in a paw patrol truck. It reminded him of our grandson, Kade, who loves Paw Patrol. Pete asked the mom if he could put money in the police car to make it work. The little boy was very happy. The mom even let us take a picture. Paw Patrol to the rescue!!!

Baptism

Two sisters taught and saw baptized a new YSA member named Andy. He's made a few changes in his life to become a member. We enjoyed having him with us at the institute. 

Senior Missionaries

Our last senior activity was held at the queens winter palace, Sandringham. We had loads of fun with these fine senior missionaries. Three were missing from the picture.  

President and Sister Green are on the right end of the picture. Pete and I are in the center.

We love the England, Leeds Mission! We love sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ! We love and miss our family and friends but know the Lord is blessing them too!