Thursday, January 21, 2016

New Primary Presidency Sustained

On Sunday, January 17, members of the B7 Ward sustained a new Primary presidency including Rebecca Larson (seated) as President; Maureen Taylor as 1st Counselor and Sheri Lamb as 2nd Counselor with Dominque Tharp as Secretary.  

Sister Larson, a mother of five including Sister Elizabeth Larson who recently left for 18-months of full-time missionary service in the Nebraska Omaha Mission, said of her new calling, "I love Primary.  There is no where else I would rather be!" 

B7 ward members also extended a vote of thanks for the hard work and dedication of outgoing Primary President Wendy Johnston who has led the Primary for the past year, working side-by-side with 1st Counselor Kam Capik, 2nd Counselor Lynda Hallman and Secretary Suzie Long.

The Primary organization of the Church has the responsibility, in Sunday meetings and weekday activities, of helping more than 2 million children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, live gospel principles, make and keep baptismal covenants, build strong, enduring testimonies and to prepare boys to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and girls to become righteous young women.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Til We Meet Again, Ruth Swanson

Ruth Wilhelmina Weindorf Swanson, age 98, passed away peacefully in her home on January 9, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born June 1, 1917 in Salt Lake City to parents, Ferdinand Peter Weindorf, and Karolina W. Erickson. She married Douglas A. Swanson on December 18, 1939 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
            
Ruth was raised in Oakland, CA in a neighborhood near the Oakland LDS Temple. She attended and graduated from the University of California in Berkeley working her way through school as a play-ground director. She raised three children and after they matured, turned her interests to working as a substitute elementary school teacher and also worked in the Real Estate field in communities in the San Joaquin Valley and throughout Southern California. During her lifetime she designed and built three homes, including her Bloomington home after Ruth and Douglas moved to St. George in 1976. 

She was an active member of the Bloomington 7th Ward from its beginning. Her church service included twice being called as a Relief Society President.  For several years, she served as a Temple Coordinator in the St. George Temple and fulfilled one of her lifelong goals by serving a mission in the St. George LDS historical sites. She loved living in St. George where she formed many great lasting friendships.
            
Sister Val Swanson said the family had gathered at her mother's bedside where they were practicing the song Ruth wanted on her funeral program. As the last note of the song was sung, Ruth slipped away!  "Just like my perfectly organized mother," said Val.

Those who knew and loved her will miss Ruth’s vivacious, welcoming personality, enthusiastic laughter and inspiring thoughts.  Rest in peace, dear Sister Swanson.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

New Relief Society Presidency Called

From left:  Kim Jorgensen, secretary; Cheryl Kanenwisher, 2nd Counselor;
Jill Jones RS President and Karin Smith, 1st Counselor
Jill Jones, who has served most recently as the RS activities chairman, was called and sustained as President of the B7 Ward Relief Society.  She will be assisted in her responsibilities by 1st Counselor Karin Smith and Cheryl Kanenwisher as 2nd Counselor, with Kim Jorgensen as secretary.

Jill, who was a Relief Society president "20-25 years ago" - notes she had an inkling, prior to her call and sustaining, the Lord wanted her in this position.  She recognizes she has big shoes to fill, but looks forward to serving her sisters in the B7 Ward.

For the 3 1/2 years she has served, Elaine Christensen has very much enjoyed her time and association with women strong in the gospel who have assisted her in her calling as B7 Ward RS President, including Sophia Ford, Dori Wilkerson, Anita Knowlton, Becky Jones, Shirley Golding and Kris Stokes.  Noting "change is good" the former ward leader is now looking forward to some down time and is excited to see what the Lord has in mind for her next.