Algonac Branch     By: Val Bradley

 

On February 14, an Algonac Priesthood meeting was held at our branch.  All of our priesthood attended.  They started the day with a worship service and ended with a discussion on procedures for sacraments and ordinances.

 

 

 

On March 6 & 7, three of our Algonac Priesthood were able to attend the Men’s retreat in Lansing.  They really enjoyed and appreciated the ministry of Elders Dave Teeple and Lyle Smith.  Thanks to Elder Earl Barks for organizing this retreat.

 

On March 24, our Women’s and Men’s meetings were held in the home of Ray and Nadine Moses.  Under the direction of our craft leader, Tina Yaney, the women made greeting cards.  We had a lot of fun choosing from a wide variety of paper stock, stickers, ribbons, buttons and other embellishments.  The men discussed church business and continued their study on the “Lectures on Faith.”

 

On April 10 quite a few of our Algonac church family attended a gathering at Hod and Nina Powers home to visit with Thilo and Rita, their “kids” from Germany.  We also had a chance to meet and welcome Thilo’s brother-in-law, Andy, who was here for the first time.  There was an abundance of good food, which included an endless array of delicious desserts!  There was quite a mix of family, friends, and neighbors in attendance and we all enjoyed the great company and lots of laughter.  Thanks Hod and Nina, for a wonderful evening of fellowship.

 

On April 12, Easter Sunday, we shared in a wonderful celebration of our Lord’s resurrection.  We started the day out right with our children’s program at 10:00 a.m.  Elder Hod Powers gave the opening prayer.  There were readings by Bethany Moses (That First Easter), Nick Monroe, Jr. (Thank You, Jesus), Brianna Morrison/Bethany Moses (Healing at the Cross), and Elder Todd Moses (His Cross Became My Crown).  The preschool and kindergarten classes presented ‘Jesus is Alive’ and also sang ‘God’s Gift.’  All of the youth sang ‘Jesus Loves Me; Easter Tells Me So’.  The congregation sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ together and then Kelli Williams read ‘A Cross in my Pocket.’  The program ended with the kids handing out small wooden crosses to everyone in the sanctuary.  We were told to put them in our pockets, wallets, or purses to remind us of the price Christ paid for us and that we should let Him be the Lord of our lives.  Hallelujah and Amen!  We thank Kelli Williams for planning and directing this program and Todd Moses for his help with the music.  We shared in a very special sacrament at our 11:00 a.m. service.  Baby Madison Isabelle (daughter of Amber and Nick Monroe) was blessed by Elder Gary Holmes (great grandfather) and Elder Todd Moses.  Madison is very precious to us and we continue to pray for guidance for her and her family and offer them our love and support.  Priest Dick Burns preached a marvelous Easter sermon and at the end of the service, Kelli had an Easter Egg Hunt outside for the children.

 

On Saturday, April 18, five of our Algonac women had the privilege of attending the Spring Women’s Retreat at the Port Huron-Sarnia Restoration Branch.  The theme, “Latter Day Saint Women in the Last Days” was a continuation of our 2008 fall retreat.  This one-day workshop was centered on survival.  There were two wonderful spiritual survival classes taught in the morning by Marylou Bartrow and Cathy Daggett.  That was followed by a great class on container gardening, taught by Sherry Purcell.  The next class was on natural healing, taught by the Hamilton ladies.  This included a very powerful testimony by Tracy regarding her physical healing through natural remedies, and of course, God!  This class was very interesting and informative and we learned a lot about herbs and spices and their various uses.  The afternoon’s activities began with a class on soap making by Carrie Britz.  We actually got to “create” our own bars of soap to take home … very cool!  Sherry Purcell then taught a class on “Survival to Go!”  She gave us a list of supplies we should have in our Disaster Kit and there was much discussion and laughter.  We ended the day with Elder Dave Teeple’s class on “Preparing our Spirit for the Last Days.”  He shared many Scriptures with us, his insight and understanding of them, and encouraged us to study further and seek out God on a more personal level … really get to KNOW Him.  He definitely gave us much ‘food for spiritual thought.’  At the end of the session we all got ‘very close’ to each other and held hands while brother Dave offered a closing prayer.  A big thanks to Kathi Havener and Sherry Purcell for organizing and directing this retreat; to all the teachers and Elder Dave Teeple for their ministry; to Cathy Daggett for the lovely bookmarks; and to the Port Huron-Sarnia Branch for the delicious luncheon and for hosting this wonderful retreat!  We all look forward to the next survival retreat at Oakwood in June!

 

On Sunday, April 19, our Women’s Department had a Baby Shower to welcome Madison Monroe, daughter of Amber and Nick.  It was held in our branch after our 11:00 a.m. worship service.  Thanks to Connie Burns, our fellowship hall and tables were beautifully decorated for the occasion.  We had a wonderful potluck meal, with plenty of wonderful desserts.  We enjoyed watching Amber open all sorts of cute, pretty, and useful baby items while the ladies took turns holding little “Maddie.”  She is such a doll and we are so happy for the whole family!  Special thanks to Great Grandma Marge Holmes, Nina Powers, Connie Burns and Tina Yaney for their help in putting together this afternoon of celebration.

 

April 24 – 26 Brianna Morrison, Joshua Pirt and Nathan LaFrance attended the Kids Retreat at the Port Huron-Sarnia Branch.  It was Nathan’s first camp experience.  Betty Lou said they really enjoyed having him there and hopes he comes to the next one!  We hear there was a nice, peaceful spirit present throughout the entire weekend.  Classes were taught by Ron Saylor and Dave Teeple, and the kids were very attentive and interested.  A big highlight for them was their time at the Hampton Inn, where they had supper and swam in the pool.  They had the place to themselves for 4 hours!  A big thanks to Betty Lou Newman, the Saylor family, and Dave Teeple for their time, preparation and commitment in making this a special weekend for the children.

 

On Saturday, April 25, all of our Algonac ladies had the pleasure of attending a Bridal Shower honoring Megan Yaney and Bret Bowman.  It was held at Olga’s Kitchen in Clinton Township.  The banquet room was beautifully decorated in green and pink, with pretty floral centerpieces on each table.  The lunch was delicious and once again, we enjoyed yummy ‘bumpy cake’ cupcakes.  Each one had a fun, flashy engagement ring on the top!  It was great sharing in this joyful celebration with Megan (Bret had to work), her family and friends.  It was fun watching Megan’s excitement as she opened each special gift and we wish her and Bret much happiness!

 

 

 

News and Notes

 

v    Elder Todd Yaney has our Algonac website up and running, so be sure to check it out at: www.algonacrestorationbranch.org Great job, Todd!

 

v    The end of February, Jim and Val Bradley took a 2-week road trip to Florida.  They were in the Zephyrhills area to celebrate Jim’s Mom’s 87^th birthday and also attend a mini Bradley family reunion.  While there, they were able to have a wonderful visit with sister Elaine Harm, visit Val’s cousins in North Port and the Ocala area.  Before heading back, they were also able to visit St. Augustine and take a tour of the downtown historic area.  They really enjoyed this trip and were especially thankful, as Jim had not been able to travel in a long time.

 

v    Welcome back to Elaine Harm, who has been in Florida all winter … it’s good to have you back!  We also welcome back Ray and Nadine Moses.  They flew to Florida, stayed and visited with Elaine for a while, then drove her back to Michigan.

 

v    A big congratulations to Brianna Morrison and Nick Monroe, Jr.  They both received awards at school for their kindness, caring and consideration of their classmates and willingness to help out.  We are so proud of both of you!

 

v    On Monday, March 30^th, Bethany Moses sang with a select choir of one hundred four 4^th – 6^th grade students in the Anchor Bay Youth Honors Choir. The choir sang various selections in a concert with the middle school choir and the top high school choir. The concert culminated with all three choirs combined performing their finale  ‘Why We Sing”, which started with the elementary soloist, our own Bethany Moses. Great job!

 

v    Anchor Bay High School’s theater department presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical“Cinderella” on April 23-25, 2009. Bethany Moses was selected from the district to be one of two elementary students involved in the production. She played a peasant girl in scene one with two solos in the opening song, a little gray mouse, which helped the fairy godmother in the transformation scene and a village girl attending the grand wedding at the final scene. She did a wonderful job and is becoming quite the little actress.

 

 

v    Prayers would be appreciated for Jean and Larry John, John Moses, Kelli Williams, and Patti Powers for various health problems.  Also, please keep Todd Yaney, Tim Holmes, Kevin Powers and Nick Monroe in your prayers (job situations).

 

We are keeping all of the branches in our prayers, also.  We hope you’ve rejoiced in the celebration of our Savior’s birth, the renewal of the earth, and warmer temperatures.  We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming reunion!

 

 

 

Atlanta Branch      By: Roberta Davis

 

“Behold, I make all things new …”

-         Revelation 21:5

 

Here at my home, the days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and when I walk around the backyard, I can hear the birds singing.  Spring is here!  And with it comes the promise of new life for all of God’s creation.  The fresh green of new growth, the blooming flowers, and lilting birdsong are welcome reminders that the Lord does indeed restore and transform our lives.  Let us celebrate this season of rebirth and renewal.

 

Church services were cancelled February 22^nd-due to rain, snow and icy road conditions.  March 1^st-due to too many of our members being ill.  March 29^th-due to a huge snowstorm.

 

The weekend of February 7^th, Mark made a trip to Missouri to visit his mother, who is very ill and also to see other members of his family.

 

We are happy to have our snowbirds home.  Doris returned from Texas the middle of March in time to celebrate her birthday and Easter with all her family.  Howard and Sue returned from Florida early April.  They had a very nice winter and were happy to have missed all the snow.  Gordon and Della returned from Missouri around the end of March.  They were very happy to finally sell their house in Engadine so they could re-locate to Missouri.  They now reside in Bates City, MO.  May God’s love warm their new home.  They are greatly missed by our church family.

 

April 12^th, Easter Sunday, there were 21 in attendance.  Elder Howard LaLone presented the Easter message at the 11:00 a.m. service.  We were admonished to strive to have a better relationship with God.

 

We were happy to welcome our visitors.  Sharon Joles, Plainwell, MI,  Jessica and Heath Slater, Vanderbuilt, MI,  John and Tracy Stokes, Utica, MI,  and Ned Burns, MO.

 

We will be having a Retreat the weekend of Father’s Day, June 20^th and June 21^st.  Our guests will be the Lade family from Missouri and Doug and Sue Daggett from Mt. Morris, MI.  David Ouderkirk just celebrated his eighth birthday March 1 and is very excited about being baptized at the Retreat.

 

Birthdays:

June        2 – Harvey Granger

                11 – Mark Ouderkirk          

    19 – Jacob Clay         

                 28 – Lillian Benac

July           2 – Mabel Peters

    10 – Eleanor Wregglesworth

    10 – Virginia Joles

    11 – Steve Bell

    18 – Tonja Korona

    20 – John Ponius

August   26 – Dallas Hyde

                 27 – Dan Tulgetske

 

Prayer Requests:  Jim Wregglesworth (stroke)-partial memory loss, Larry Peters (stroke), Ruth Guy (fractured pelvis), Kerry Burns (stroke)-speech affected, Mary Lade (severe headaches), Mary Gilbert (brain tumor), Dixie Goodfellow (cataracts), Christaniane (health), Amber (MS).

 

“A Bible that’s falling apart, belongs to someone who’s not.”

 

 

 

Garden City      By: Judy Monarch

 

Guest Ministry:  Elder Jay Havener (Kathi), Elder Dave Teeple, and

Elder Graham Fishwild (Brenda).  We are so blessed to have your ministry and friendship.

 

Prayer Requests:

Margret Baltzer, Glen Carnahan, Mary Deutsch, Bud Evans, Diana Ford, Doris Jones and Ivan Jones, Dave McKiddie, Jim McKiddie, Loretta McKiddie, Bob Murie Jr., Shirley Plotnik, Monica Shipley and Karen Stanley, Bess Warnick and

Jim Wregglesworth.

 

Easter Sunday Children’s Program

Mrs. Newman put together a cute Easter program for the children at the branch.  She also involved many adults from the congregation.  It was a wonderful program that all will remember.  We are very blessed to have Mrs. Newman offer her many talents.

 

 

 

 

Marriage Announcement

 

Ryan Monarch and Rachel Witte will be united in marriage May 23^rd @ 3:30 PM at the Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church, 1717 Broadway, Ann Arbor MI.

Elder Rex Monarch will perform the ceremony. 

 

 

May 10^th  Mother’s Day

 

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

"Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking it's life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"You will simply call her, 'Mom.'"

 

May 18^th Celebrate Victoria Day      

           

To all of our Canadian brothers and sisters: we wish you the best and send our love and prayers on your behalf.

 

May 25^th Memorial Day

Please remember our men and women in uniform that stand guard over our right to be a free people. Also, remember those who served our nation in years gone by. Especially those who gave their lives for this great nation and us.  Say Thank You to a veteran!

 

     

 

 

Note:

Anyone traveling to Detroit from Independence that is willing to help out by picking up some books for reunion at Price Publishing and bringing them to David Baltzer (Garden City Branch) please contact David at 1-734-243-1540.

 

Our Great Lakes Regional Website can be viewed at: www.greatlakesrestorationbranches.org There are great witnessing items there as well as study materials, a regional calendar with times and dates for regional activities, a regional branch directory with maps showing how to get to the branches, a world wide address book listing all of the Restoration Branches in each state and country along with pictures and other helps. Please visit the website and give us your feedback on how to improve the website.

 

June 21^st Father’s Day 

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail.

       

July 4^th  Independence Day

'Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.' — Declaration of Independence

 

      --Samuel Adams, August 1, 1776—

 

About the Fourth of July

 

Independence Day is the birthday of the United States of America and is celebrated on the Fourth of July each year. Independence Day is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

John Adams, one of the founders of our new nation, said, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward for evermore." Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a legal public holiday.

 

 

 

Lake Mission  By: Gail Platz

                                                                     Musings from Lake Mission-- Just a few lines to let all our friends know that we are still surviving. Our numbers are down over the past year. We have basically lost three families who have moved beyond a reasonable driving distance. Health issues and the economy have also played a role in our attendance. We have also lost an Elder and his wife , which leaves me as the only priesthood. For ten months in 2008, we had no services at all. In Febrary I came down with flu like symptons; high fever, chills, loss of appetite, and severe muscle fatigue. After taking a combination of antibiotics and Tamiflu, I awoke one morning with no muscle strength or control from my ribcage down. Through therapy and prayer, I had to learn how to walk all over again, and get my muscles to respond to my brain signals. Long story short: They determined I had developed a vitamin B12 deficiency due to the aging process. A supposedly common occurrence that I had never heard of before. Still working at getting all my strength back, but am content that I can walk again, even if not for long distances. Enough sad news! We are again having services, and leaning on God to lead us to new members. We have a baby blessing scheduled for Mothers Day. So all is not lost and we are looking forward with great anticipation.       As always--Under God's protection  Elder Gail Platz & the Lake saints

 

 

Lima Branch By: P.J. Fought

 

Hello everybody, some words from Lima Branch.  We are still meeting in a house and enjoy all the guest speakers for coming down and worshipping with our small, but steadfast group. 

 

In the month of April we were blessed to have Elder Mick Ruch and  Elder Doug Daggett visit us with their families.  While they were here Priest P.J. Fought and his wife Tierra had their new baby girl blessed.   Elder Mick Ruch blessed Aspen Sky Fought and Elder Doug Daggett brought the message. 

 

Upcoming guest ministers are Elder Leo Carroll and Elder Bob Ruch for the weekend of May 24, 2009.  Our branch and the Fought Family would like to thank you all for your prayers for Becky Fought and Aspen Fought because both are doing extremely well and would ask that you continue praying for our branch.  For those of you who don’t get a chance to share with us throughout the year, a few of the members will be attending Reunion this summer.  Can’t wait to see you there.

 

 

Oakwood    By: Jay Havener

 

Is it Really, Really Spring?

 

It seems like winter has lasted forever this year, but here at Oakwood one of the sure signs of spring is the return of our snowbirds! We are happy to have back with us Eloise Boat, Fred and Helen Brown, Dennis, Glenda, Deanna and Becky Smith, Mick, Shawn and Mike Ruch.

 

On a sad note, one of our snowbirds did not make it back to us. Elder Bob Porter passed away in February while in Florida. He was much loved in our branch and is missed very much. However, we rejoice knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father. He was such a humble and kind man.

 

We are adding onto our building! We are improving our entry to the church and we hired a very capable contractor for the job. Some of you probably know him pretty well—it is Steve Williams from the Algonac Branch. He is doing an excellent job and we are excited that it appears the project may reach its conclusion by the end of May. Steve has had to battle some awful winter weather but has forged ahead.

 

We will have a drive-through portico and an enclosed entryway with an elevator for those who have difficulty with steps or cannot use steps. Additionally, we are improving the look of the garden outside the building by taking down the old wooden retaining wall and installing a new block wall.

 

One of our members, Jacob Havener has been very busy of late. He recently became nationally certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

He has started fire training through Baker College and the local fire department. When he completes that training at the end of May, he will begin Paramedic training. Jake is a paid, per call firefighter for Oxford Township. Way to go Jake!

 

Throughout the winter months, we have held monthly packing and labeling parties to prepare the dozens of Digitalized Video Discs (DVDs) of our services far and wide to scattered Saints. We have gotten some very heart-felt letters of appreciation for our videos.

 

 Sometimes we forget that there are individual Saints that have no branch to attend or that there are small groups with only one or two aging priesthood men that find it difficult to always have a sermon every Sunday and still provide other ministry to their flocks.

 

On another very sad note, our branch lost one of our young Priests, Wade Everhart in March. He was killed in a car-train accident that was such a tragedy for his parents and grandparents. Wade was scheduled to serve communion on the Sunday following his death and to pay tribute to him, we left his chair on the rostrum open.

 

It was a simple, but heartfelt gesture the Oakwood Priesthood wanted to make on his behalf and on behalf of Don and Louise Everhart, his grandparents who attend our branch as well. However, we rejoice knowing that Wade will still have opportunities to minister in the hereafter and that he has the opportunity to learn his duties from those priesthood men who went before him. Perhaps he and Bob Porter have teamed up! Wade was 38 years old.

 

To not end on a sad note, our Oakwood mothers are looking forward to Mother’s Day again this year. For the past several years, some of the Oakwood men have put together a Mother’s Day Dinner. We are doing it again this year. There will be roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, vegetables, dessert and a good time for all Mom’s. Us men folk even do the dishes—and put them away! How’s that for making Mom’s day special?

 

Otter Lake   By: Susie Daggett

 

We are sorry to report the loss of our beloved brother Al Pallmig.  He passed away on the 26^th of January, surrounded by family.  He will be missed very much.  My apologies to those who didn’t get notified. 

 

We also lost our dear sister Freda Little this winter. She will be missed also.

 

 

We have a wedding planned for this fall for our members Brad Sutton and Lena Vaquera. Congratulations!

 

Denise Daggett was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for Community Colleges on April 17^th.    We are very proud of her. Congratulations Denise!

 

Our branch has enjoyed ministry from many visiting priesthood.  We thank Leo Carroll, Gary Holmes, Richard Burns, Dale Day, Jay Havener, Gary Stephens, Fred Brown Sr., Todd Moses, Dave Teeple, Brian Daggett, Dan Daggett, Bob Harris, Mick Ruch, Mike Ruch, Bob Ruch, Ed McDonald and Graham Fishwild for their willingness to travel to provide ministry.

 

We are trying to do more potlucks, especially when we have visiting ministry.  That way we can get to know one another better. 

 

We had to cancel church quite a bit this winter because of the weather, the driveway gets too icy and it isn’t safe to walk on.

 

 In the summer we like to have services in the garage so it is easier for those who have trouble with the stairs.

 

Our young couple Krystal and Rick Grant found out they are expecting a baby!  Congratulations to them and the future grandparents Don and Penny Deland. 

 

Our adult Sunday school class has recently started studying the Book of Mormon.  We look forward to learning more.

 

Please remember Vera Broughman, Bob and Bonnie Sutton in your prayers for their health. 

Port Huron-Sarnia         By: Millie Giles

 

Hello to all, and hope the Easter Spirit can still be found in your hearts and the hearts of the little children.

 

March 15:  We had our first Book of Mormon class during the Sunday School hour.  Some of our young adults requested the study and others joined for a refresher course.  Teachers are Elder David Teeple and Elder Jack Tynan.

 

April 12:     Easter Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunrise service was presented to us by Elder David Teeple.  His theme was ‘He Touched Me’ and songs by Bob Harris and Scott Bolt were shared with us. 

 

We also shared a family breakfast with Brian and Cathy Daggett and their granddaughter, Alexis and Mark & Kay Smith fixing pancakes and sausages and Connie DeBell and Ellie, her granddaughter preparing plates of fresh fruit.  If I missed anyone, it was because they were moving too fast. 

 

We enjoyed our breakfast of Physical food and the Spiritual food at our sunrise service and our 11:00 a.m. worship hour presented by Elder Brian Daggett.  Our heartfelt thanks to all who helped in any way and especially our praise and thanks to our ‘Risen Christ’ who makes “All Things’ possible.

 

 

The children enjoyed treats from Connie DeBell, our Sunday School Director and we adults were not left out.  We each received a small bag of 8 jellybeans.  It was called ‘Jelly Bean Prayer’.

 

Red is for the blood He gave.

Green is for the grass He made.

Yellow is for the sun so bright.

Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins we made.

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for His hour of sorrow.

Pink is for our new tomorrow.

 

IT WAS A GREAT ‘AMEN’ EASTER SUNDAY!

 

April 18:     Spring Women’s Workshop was held in Port Huron on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The workshop included a class on Spiritual Preparation by Cathy Daggett and Marylou Bartrow.  Soap making by Carrie Tynan – Herbs by Donna Hamilton – Emergency Preparations by Sherry Purcell.  Lunch by Cathy Daggett and Kay Smith.  There was fun and fellowship and the day closed with Elder David Teeple presenting the worship thoughts and ministry.

 

April 19:     Sacrament of the Blessing of Children.  Sean David Linden, son of Paul and Dawn Linden, grandson of Wayne and Marylou Bartrow was blessed by Elder Wayne Bartrow and Elder David Teeple.

 

ATTENTION:  Church has a new phone number.  1-810-488-7973

 

 

 

 

Bye for now.  Hope you all have a wonderful summer – we deserve it after our snowy winter months.

 

 

 

Restoration In The Woods Mission

 

Let us introduce ourselves, our names are Linda and Rick Tillson Sr., we live in a little town in the Southern part of the state of Wisconsin called Union Center. We have just gotten married on Easter weekend in Independence Missouri at the Restoration Church of Jesus Christ, on Saturday the 11 0f April at about 11:00 in the morning. We were married by Priest Robert C Harm. This was a long trip but through our determination of wanting to be married in the church of our faith we persevered. By driving the 700+ miles to the place we call Zion with three children in our back seat and a hatch full of suitcases.

     Now we are at home and we have no restoration branches within hundreds of miles of where we live. It is now our quest to take part in building a mission branch for those lost Saints that we know are here and we have made it our mission to gather these saints with our Heavenly Father’s help.

     We are both aware of what had happened to them because of the past two divisions and were left with no place to go. We have contacted some that are very pleased and look forward to the work that must be done to bring the saints home, by contacting the others that they know.

     We hope to have our first gathering soon but at this time we are planning to go to their homes to let them know that their Heavenly Father has not forgotten them. So far all we have is by word of mouth and would accept any ideas from any others out there in the restoration branches. You can contact us through this E-mail address: (lindaelmhorst@centurytel.net)

In Jesus Christ:

 Linda and Rick Tillson Sr.

Sanilac Branch    By: Barb Eliason

       

          “There is a sign, if I can see, the Father made for only me, that I might know the path ahead and always safely, surely tread.  There is a mark along the way to note the turns lest I should stray, a sure and certain path for me if I have only eyes to see.  O let me not in darkness grope and plod along with merest hope, but may I ever be aware that for my life the plan is there, that every forward step I take and every upward thrust I make unfolds a bit the perfect chart whereby God guides my trembling heart.  O make me quiet, make me still until I sense thy loving will.  Then, when the sign is given me, O give me, God, the eyes to see!”  by Helen K. Smales

 

          Happy Spring to one and all!  The sun is shining and the farmers are finally able to do field work.  That seems to make everyone happy.  The worked ground looks beautiful and the smell of the earth must make God feel His creation is good.  It is definitely a time of rebirth for the earth and one’s soul.  It’s been a long winter with a lot of snow, but March 6-7 all of our priesthood attended the Men’s Retreat in Lansing.  Those attending were Barent and Eric Eliason, and Jim Negaard.

 

          March 12^th Randy DesJardins had a beet truck accident that sent him to the Flint Hospital for surgery.  After several major surgeries and therapy sessions, he is still having problems with his right hand that was smashed.  Please remember Randy and his family in your prayers.

 

          April brought the Easter season, and even though it was cold outside, our hearts were warm within remembering the Easter story.  Our Branch held a Maundy Thursday service with 19 in attendance.  This special service found us all around a long table reading scripture from the Book of Mormon story of the visit of Christ in America.  Easter Sunday began with a breakfast and a very special Easter day with the choir singing the ministry of music.

 

 

          Sunday, April 26^th, after church, several headed north to the home of Sister Esther Markey to help her celebrate her 90^th birthday.  A worship service was the program with a plaque given to her in her honor.  Esther’s daughter, Phronsie, son-in law, Dave Miller, and granddaughter, Margo, were also present.  What a lovely family, and we pray God will continue to bless you all.

 

          Barb Eliason headed south to Independence for an exciting day of birthday celebration.  Barent and Barb’s daughter-in law, Tami, had her 40^th birthday April 19.  Their son, Barry, turned 40 in March as did their (adopted) daughter, Jill Beebe Resch.  A very special party was planned for the three 40 year olds with the addition of Barb’s Mother, who turned 88 on April 25^th.  Funny stories were told to the 27 in attendance as we all laughed in remembrance of special times with family.

 

          On May 2^nd sixty some Mothers, Daughters, and Aunts gathered at the church for our annual Mother-Daughter Banquet and program.  The theme this year was “A Mexican Fiesta” with the program theme of “Passport to Mexico.”  We were thrilled to have so many join us for this very exciting Saturday—even the sun was present!  The Banquet was a feast to remember with a Mexican buffet.  Our own Dora Gutierrez was in charge, and did a fantastic job with the selections.  The desserts were delicious donated by many great cooks.  The down stairs was decorated with two authentic Mexican wall murals and all the trimmings.  The very bright colorful tables made everyone happy and ready for the fiesta.  

 

          The upstairs was decorated with authentic Maya artifacts and lots of Mexican blankets.  The front was decorated as a jungle with a cave on the right side and a huge stone with hieroglyphs on it.  The program began with immigrations.  The inspector, Barb Eliason, asked group one consisting of Kathleen Palmer, Debbie and Emma DesJardins, and Dora Gutierrez some tough questions, then stamped their passports and welcomed them to Mexico by giving each one a sombrero.  Groups two and three consisted of Carol Hoeldtke, Cory Eliason, Mary Lee Cove, Denise and Aubree Rich, and Nellie Haynes.       

 

          After the welcome by Women’s Leader, Kathleen Palmer, Ricki Lynne Smith played a clarinet solo.  Three poems followed  “Mother’s Little Helper,” My Favorite Recipes” read by Debbie DesJardins with the help of her daughter, Emma, and  “Mother” read by Cory Eliason.  The audience sang the hymn, “Precious Name.” The voices blended to sound like angels.  Sister Val Bradley, Algonac, gave a very inspirational opening prayer.

 

          Next on the program it was time for the children’s part.  All little girls were asked to come up on the stage with the help of Aubree Rich and Bethany Moses.  Kathleen Palmer read the story of “Dora, the Explorer and Friends.”  What a treat to watch them go over the bridge, find monkeys in the trees, go past the water fall that made bubbles, then on to a campsite to find Dora’s buddy, Boots, and finally to find a hiding backpack with a flashlight to look in the cave for friends.  The girls then sang, “Jesus Loves Me” plus singing the chorus in Spanish.  At last the girls looked out into the audience and found their friends.  They passed out friendship bracelets to everyone in attendance.

 

          The last part of the program was entitled “An Adventure to the Maya Archeological Sites.”  This was a guided tour with everyone flying into Mexico.  The Tour Guide was Barb Eliason who introduced the Maya Indians.  The Sanilac ladies helped Barb by holding up pictures from the actual sites and items being discussed.  We flew into Cancun, and drove to our first site of Chichen Itza, viewing the majestic Temple of Kukulcan, and discussing the bearded white God, pyramids, and observatories.  It was then on to Palenque and the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Cross Complex.  We really took an adventure to Yaxchilan and talked about the hieroglyphs, the Quetzal Bird, and the Feathered Serpent.  The Sanilac group then sang the Spanish song “Santo, Santo, Santo,” meaning Holy, Holy, Holy in English.

 

          The group then flew to Oaxaca to visit Monte Alban discussing the Cross and enjoyed some shopping in the jewelry factories and with the venders.  The next stop was on the gulf side at Jalapa talking about the Maya Calendar and statues.  We then flew into Mexico City and on to the last site of Teotihuacan where we saw pictures of the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl (Jesus Christ).  Back in Mexico City we saw pictures of the murals on the National Palace wall by Diego Rivera.  We learned what a Codex was and then read a translation of the glyphs decoded from Palenque.  This part ended with a beautiful Indian version of “Make Me an Instrument” sung by Denise Rich after which Nina Powers gave a very spiritual closing prayer.

 

          After closing comments and waiting to fly back home, the Sanilac girls announced the theme for 2010 with red, white, and blue hats on their head and waving American flags singing with Lee Greenwood, “I’m Proud to be an American.”           They announced in unison “Welcome to the U.S.A.” is next year’s theme.  We want everyone to come dressed in red, white, and blue. (Note:  We were so happy to have 20 from Algonac.  You always add so much and this year was no exception with your sombreros.)

 

          Several have taken vacations during the last few months.  Bill and Kathleen Palmer were at Myrtle Beach, Wayne and Carol Hoeldtke were in Florida, Bev and Dan Miller were in Rhode Island visiting family, and Eric and Cory Eliason were in Oak Grove also visiting family and friends.

 

          Aubree Rich who is a sophomore has been having a very special year playing her French horn in the Sandusky High School Band.  The High School Band received a I rating, and on February 21^st Aubree received a II on her solo.  She was invited to play for the Sanilac County Honors Band.  We are very proud of you, Aubree.

 

          We noticed in the Port Huron Times Herald paper big photos of Elder Brian Daggett, and Elder Dave Teeple both from the Port Huron-Sarnia Branch. What a nice surprise, and congratulations.

 

Birthdays: 

Mar.  13    Barent Eliason

April 13   Annie Smith

April 28   Esther Markey

 

Anniversaries:

February 10  Lloyd and Denise Rich

March 31     Randy and Debbie DesJardins

April 2         Eric and Cory Eliason

April 10       Barent and Barb Eliason

 

          Thank you to our visiting ministers who brought ministry even when the weather was not the best on some Sundays.  The Lord (as always) blessed you and us on these days:  Bob Ruch and Jay Havener, Oakwood, Gary (Marge) Holmes and Jim (Val) Bradley, Algonac; and Brian (Cathy) Daggett and Bob Harris, Port Huron-Sarnia Branch.  You are all special and we feel you are part of the Sanilac family.  May God be with you!

 

We leave you with this thought:  “What’s missing in the ch_rch?”

 

 

St. Johns        By: Shaun Turner

 

 The time has come once again when all of creation awakens and gives testimony of the existence of our divine creator. It is no wonder that spring marks the beginning of life and time for us, and our fore fathers. As our surroundings continue to flourish, many at the St. Johns branch are preparing their fields in anticipation of a fall harvest. This time of the year brings much promise and faith to many.

 

As the labor in this part of the vineyard continues, our branch would like to announce the following:

 

June, 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th: The branch will be holding a “Church Benefit Sale”. Donations are welcome, and will be collected on Thursday evening at the St. Johns branch, starting at 5:30 pm. Any lightly used items will be accepted, as well as, crafts and baked goods. All proceeds will be used for the ministry of the Saints. Pricing items prior to delivery will be appreciated, but not required.

 

To be announced: The St. Johns branch will be gliding down the river together on their annual canoe trip. Contact the branch for more details.

 

Priesthood Visits: Richard Burns will be offering the message at the St. Johns branch on May 17.

Jim Bradley will be offering the message at the St. Johns branch on July 12.

 

Mr. Dan Rito, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Emma are relocating to St. Clair Shores from Kansas City. Elizabeth is the daughter of Mike Reeves (Priest), and Jodi Reeves. Dan will be working at a local hospital to fulfill the residency requirements for his M.D.

 

 

 Regional Activities for the next quarter

 

v    June 13^th -Spring Hootenanny  @Oakwood Branch,  Eat at 6:00 Show at 7:00

v    June 27^th –Women’s Retreat @ Oakwood Branch – survival skills cont’d.

v    June 28th thru July 4^th – Children’s Camp @ Erie Beach

v    July 19^th thru 25^th – Older Youth Camp @ Sanford Reunion Grounds, Sanford, MI

v    July 27^th thru Aug. 2^nd - Reunion @ Wesleyan Woods- Vassar, MI 

Theme is: “To Whom Much is Given – Much is Required!”