July - August 2010 Previous NewsBriefs

APOSTLE DAMON RETURNS FROM TRIP TO VISIT MISSIONS IN INDIA: We are pleased to report that Ralph Damon, President of the Apostolic Quorum, has returned safely from India and the inspection of our latest efforts to expand and develop our Mission activities in this vast land. He was able to visit extensively with our two regional leaders, High Priests Marisetti Srinivas and Johny Raju, and also to assist in carrying out extensive priesthood training as well as several baptisms. He also inspected the new Mission Center and Training Building, which has recently been nearly completed using a great deal of local labor by our members in the area. Brother Damon will prepare a detailed article for The Hastening Times with pictures to show our Remnant membership what has recently been accomplished.

SUMMARY OF OUR 2010 REUNIONS: The Iowa Reunion was again held at Guthrie Grove Campground north of Guthrie Center, IA, starting on June 5. The weather was mostly favorable, resulting in an attendance of about 70 Saints and friends. The theme for all the 2010 Reunions was “Led by the Holy Spirit.” This year the Reunion was jointly led by Elder Terry Patience and Bishop Jerry Shearer. Classes, Prayer Meetings and Preaching assignments were shared among President Robert Ostrander, Apostles Don Kite and Don Burnett, Bishop Kevin Romer, and Seventy Robert Piedimonte. Unfortunately, Apostle Gary Argotsinger could not attend because of the special needs of his wife’s foot injuries, these having earlier occurred in a car crash. Happily, we are told she is making progress towards a full recovery.

The Western States Reunion began June 12 at Camp Cascade, north of Boise, ID. About 50 Saints and friends attended, experiencing much-appreciated mild weather throughout the week. Pastor Ted Kollecker from Treasure Valley Branch, assisted by Apostle Ralph Damon, was Camp Director. Assigned leadership for teaching and preaching duties were President Fred Larsen, Apostle Damon and Seventy Donald Dunn. Apostle Argotsinger was unable to attend for the already-mentioned reason. As always, the beauty of the Cascade Mountains in late spring was inspiring to all the campers.

The Oklahoma Reunion met again in the always-hospitable environment of Northeast Oklahoma A&M College at Miami, OK. About 100 Saints and friends began their Reunion on June 19. Weather was warm but pleasant as assigned leaders began their sessions. Reunion Directors were H.P. Mike Hogan and P/E Ernie Shank. Other assigned ministers were President Lane Harold, Apostles Jim Rogers and Leland Collins, Seventy Dick Wilson and P/E T.J. Smith.

The Central (In-town) Reunion began at the Gathering Place in Independence on June 27. About 160 Saints and friends were registered. While most of those attending lived in the area, and many out-of-town attendees stayed with local Saints, some from distant places chose to stay in the Retreat Center Dorm Rooms at the Conference Center Building. Elder Bill Derr, assisted by Elder Edwin Gates, gave direction and registration services. Those who wished to avail themselves of a noon and evening meal at extra cost were served by the cooking of the Duane Cappo family and their assistants. Preaching and teaching ministries were provided by President Fred Larsen, Apostles Don Burnett and Jim Rogers, Bishop Don Owens, Seventy Dick Wilson and P/E Dan Gough.

Those attending expressed their pleasure in again having the opportunity to participate in one or more of four fine regional Reunions. Member Jeffrey Lysinger again took many candid photographs of all four of these gatherings, so that we will have available a diverse photo record for our future publications.

ENDOWMENT PRESENTATIONS BOOKLET OF 2009 PRIESTHOOD ASSEMBLY IS NOW AVAILABLE: As you may remember, this 2009 Assembly consisted of a series of five lectures on certain assigned topics, including questions about the anticipated Endowment, which had been raised and partially answered by Elder Earl Curry in his 1960s era book, The Endowment. Those presenters at last year’s retreat are to be commended for the quality of their presentations, here recorded for our future study. Those presenters were Apostle Don Burnett, Bishop Jerry Sherer, H.P. Richard Paris II and David Van Fleet, and P/E Carl VunCannon, Jr., with a Q and A session which is also included.

This 135-page booklet entitled The Endowment Questions Explored at the 2009 Priesthood Assembly is now available for sale to the membership. The cost is $5.00 plus any needed postage. Sister Pat Whiteman of Sperry Branch skillfully transcribed these lectures from recorded tapes, and proofreading and editing oversight was supplied by the First Presidency and Church Secretary Mike Lytle. Members of the priesthood who sign up to attend the Kirtland Assembly will be sent a complimentary copy for use in their future ministries.

THE 2010 PRIESTHOOD ASSEMBLY WILL BE AT KIRTLAND: Planning and preparations are now underway for the 2010 Priesthood Assembly to be held at the Kirtland House of the Lord. Those attending will need to personally arrange for any needed transportation. Many are planning to form van pools. All who can are urged to attend on the weekend of October 2-3, 2010. Those signing up will be receiving an instruction letter and complimentary copy of the 2009 Endowment Booklet, which has just been completed.

WOMEN’S RETREAT ALSO PLANNED: Our Remnant women should be planning to attend their Retreat, to be held on the weekend of September 24-25 at the Gathering Place. The details will be written in the September News Briefs.

LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP EXPLAINING THE NEED TO CANCEL TWO YOUTH CAMPS:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with a great deal of sorrow that we report that the decision was made to cancel Junior High Camp and Center Place Junior Retreat due to lack of preregistration on part of our youth. A great deal of planning, time, energy and prayers were put into these events, and although we did not want the planning to be in vain, the lack of youth who had committed themselves to going is evidence of the great need for us to be reminded of the importance of registering for Church events.

It was not with a sigh of relief that the cancellation phone calls were made, but rather with a pained heart; a heart broken over children and youth. What children will not be touched by camp this year? What did they find more important to do than to attend camp? Some, we do realize had other commitments, and a few had registered, yet it is still sad that several were not planning on going at all. Despite our hectic society, we still must choose Christ, and one way to grow closer to Him is often through Church-sponsored events.

Each member of this Church has a responsibility to encourage our children and youth to participate in these events—these events which strengthen the spiritual foundation of our young people. Share with them your memories in Zion’s League or your local youth group as well as your camp experiences. It is those special experiences that they will draw from when they need uplifting in the future. It is our hope that as we plan for future camps, retreats, and reunions, that each Congregation will focus their efforts on the needs of our youth.

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord…and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths;” Micah 4:2

Respond to His call not only by taking the time to fill out registration forms, but also respond by praying for our events, attending and encouraging attendance, and being ever willing to help make them a success.

Sincerely,

Megan Romer of the Camp Committee

UPCOMING CENTER PLACE YOUTH EVENTS:

• FISH Fridays 7-9 pm every Friday at the Gathering Place, starting August 20, 2010

• Remnant Warriors and Handmaidens, Monday nights 6:30-7:45 pm at the Gathering Place, beginning September 13. For more information contact Melody Moore (816) 812-5907.

For information on outlying Branches’ youth activities, please contact your Pastor or Youth Leader(s).