Note: The church website is undergoing a major overhaul, which is making access to certain pages problematic this week. Here is the dedicatory prayer if the website isn’t working.
Newport Beach Temple - celebrating 15 years
A note from our Stake Relief Society president, Beth Garlock:
It is hard to believe that is has been 15 years since the dedication of our Newport Beach California Temple. I remember well the excitement and joy we felt as we anticipated its awaited opening. We, like our pioneer ancestors rejoiced in the completion and dedication of “The House of the Lord”. It stands today as another “proud monument of faith, perseverance and industry of the saints of God”. This hallowed edifice has truly blessed our lives.
We invite all to join with us in commemoration of this historic event. Over the next 6 weeks, we will have the opportunity to focus on some of the wonderful experiences that accompanied the conception and completion of our beautiful temple. Each Friday there will be a post on our Stake Instagram account (www.instagram.com/lagunaniguelstake/) as well as our stake website (www.lnstake.org/) featuring resources to read and study about the temple.
Week 1 (July 24th): Study the dedicatory prayer given by President Hinckley on August 28th, 2005.
Week 2 (July 31st): Watch a discussion on how the temple came to be with Don Laws, Steve Samuelian, Joseph Bentley; and John Dalton, posted on the stake YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3zVvKfoNI0&t=1s)
Week 3 (August 7th): Watch this short video explaining the history of temples throughout time. Explore the new material on the temples page on the church website. (www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples) Need a way to teach your kids more about the temple? Play our fun Kahoot, an interactive trivia game made for the whole family. Kids can play against their parents with iPads, chromebooks, or phones. (Newport Beach Temple Trivia Kahoot)
Week 4 (August 14th): Hear members of our stake share their testimonies of the temple on our stake podcast. (https://anchor.fm/lagunaniguelstake/episodes/What-the-Temple-Means-to-Me-ei59ep/a-a2use2t
Week 5 (August 21st): Learn about the symbolism and specific motifs of the Newport Beach temple with Ron and Joyce Hanson. (www.youtube.com/c/LagunaNiguelStakeVideoLibrary/)
Week 6 (August 28th): Listen to messages from President Evanson and the Newport Beach temple president, President Higham; via our stake YouTube channel. (www.youtube.com/c/LagunaNiguelStakeVideoLibrary/)
We hope you will enjoy celebrating this 15 year anniversary and that you will continue to feel the blessings of the temple in your life. Though we are not currently able to worship in our temple, we can as President Nelson has invited us, “increase our participation in family history, including family history research and indexing”. He then added this promise “As you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him”.
May we continue to “Hear Him” as we focus forward.
LN Stake Youth in July's New Era
Look for our youth in the July 2020 issue of the New Era magazine! The story features our youth conference last summer as our youth crossed the border and joined with the youth in Tijuana, Mexico. The three day conference was a wonderful opportunity to meet members of our faith in Mexico, serve at a local orphanage, learn about the beautiful Mexican culture and dancing, perform baptisms in the Tijuana temple, and build houses for those in need.
What did our youth learn as they served?
“I truly believe that we have to serve God’s children to really feel how much He cares about us. My favorite part of this service trip to Mexico was seeing and feeling the Lord’s love radiate through those we were serving and those I was serving with.”
“Jesus Christ really loves everyone and He blesses His Church in every area of the world. I am going to make it a goal to serve someone every day, even if it’s hard. Service is always worth it.”
“My favorite part of youth conference was definitely the service. Everybody was putting their hearts into building this home for the family, with a smile on their face. Service is an excellent source of joy.”
If you don’t subscribe to the New Era, you can read the whole story online.
july 2020 stake newsletter
A beginner's guide to indexing
A handwritten passenger list from a vessel arriving at Ellis Island.
Indexing simply means taking historical records and making them searchable. Many of these records (birth certificates, passenger lists, marriage certificates, census data, etc) were originally handwritten, so modern computers can’t access the information in data searches. When you index, you help connect families by typing up historical documents so they can be found online. This helps families connect family lines and learn more about their ancestors.
The best part about indexing is it’s really easy to start. Documents are handed out in batches by difficulty level, so you won’t start with anything too difficult. There are also great tutorials on FamilySearch to help you get started and know how to ask for help when you need it.
We asked Sam Smith, a 14 year old from our Laguna Niguel congregation, to give us some tips on getting started. Sam said, “About two years ago I started indexing when I wasn’t sure what else to do for family history. I like it because it feels so rewarding to complete a document and help others with their family history. I also love the feeling of being transported through time. I have indexed naturalization records, death certificates, and censuses. The most interesting thing I did was a passenger list of a ship coming into the U.S..”
Here are Sam’s top 10 tips for beginners:
1. Just jump in. Indexing is leveled, so you can start with easy entries.
2. Don’t give up. Sometimes it takes a while to get the hang of it.
3. Think of all the people you will bless by giving them records to find their family.
4. If the handwriting is difficult to read look at parts of it that you understand to figure out the other letters.
5. Set a goal. Use the progress chart tracker in FamilySearch.
6. You don’t have to do a lot to make an impact.
7. Do your best! Multiple people work on the same document so don’t stress.
8. Check out the tips and the tutorials on the FamilySearch site.
9. It’s okay to take a break or do it over multiple sessions.
10. Ask for a second opinion, sometimes a different perspective helps.
Kelly Kartchner, a recent high school graduate from our Dana Hills congregation, made a video tutorial to help understand what indexing is and how easy it is to get started. (You might remember Kelly from her previous FamilySearch video, teaching how to log in to the FamilySearch app and create an account and add records to your ancestors.)
For more information on indexing, visit the following pages on FamilySearch:
creating a family photo album
Pat Lau’s grandchildren flipping through the book their grandmother made.
When things slowed down during Covid-19 I decided to finally organize all my family photos into an album. I learned a few things along the way, so if you're wanting to start a similar project, here are some tips. Since this was my first attempt, I did it by the seat of my pants and it took a lot longer than if I had planned it out with an outline!
Five tips to know before you start your own photo album project:
1. Identify all pictures to be used, especially old photos. Reformat your photos ahead of time to be usable for today’s technologies, such as scanning them and saving them as jpegs. 300 dpi works best for printing.
2. Begin with a formal outline or plan for the story you want to tell. Write the narratives that go with the photos ahead of time instead of trying to write them as you go.
3. Organize the photos and narratives sequentially and make corrections in Word before trying to create layouts. It’s best to edit in Word, and then copy and paste the narratives to Shutterfly or a similar photo book service.
4. Make the photos and narratives larger in size, so they are easy to see and read. Since it was my first attempt using Shutterfly, I didn’t know some things would come out as small as they did.
5. Look for deals before you print (sometimes Shutterfly will run 50% off sales) or save the project until they have a sale because it can add up. Print enough copies to share with family members, especially your own children and maybe even grandchildren.
-Pat Lau (mother of Sarah Chang, Marina HIlls ward)
NOTE: The FamilySearch Memories app can help organize your photos and memories as you collect items for your photo album. You can create folders for each family, add photos with important notes and dates, record audio as you interview a relative, and add documents you’ve scanned.
discovering your family story
Looking for a really good book to read? What could be better than your family history? You will likely have to write it, but you could hardly find a more interesting subject. Here are some tips to help you.
My father-in-law John Huber, an unusually good man I didn’t know very well, wanted to save his life story in book form. He wasn’t a writer so I offered to write the book and my daughter Brooke, finishing a degree in graphic design, offered to design it. John had grown up on a family farm in Midway, Utah so we titled the book, Midway to Heaven. Brooke and I were both beginners but two good things came out of the project: I got to better know and appreciate my wife’s father, and the story and lessons of his life have been saved. Another good outcome was it inspired me to write the history of my own family.
John Henry Huber
Want to save your family’s story? Here are five tips:
1. Start now to save material. Even if you can’t begin writing yet, save the stuff of stories. Your method could be as simple as a box you drop things into, or a computer diary, but the stuff you collect will be a great help when you do start to write.
2. Interview and collect stories from those who might not be around when you do write. I haven’t met anyone who didn’t enjoy being interviewed and it’s remarkable how you both know and like each other better afterwards. Don’t wait; when someone dies many great stories die with them.
3. Save pictures— they’ll help tell your story. My Mom grew up in the Kodak era and saves pictures. Even better, she writes the date and names of people in the picture on the back. She also has an endearing habit for a great- or great-great-grandchild’s birthday of sending a card with a picture of their parent when they were the age of the child. The kids love it.
4. Study the history of your ancestor’s time. I once searched the names of Mayflower passengers in my family history index for the 1600s and learned we had Pilgrim ancestors. This caused me to study the Pilgrim and Puritan experience and understand our family’s role.
5. Look for the goodness in people. I find that people, for whatever reason, often fail to see the beauty and goodness of their lives. Your job, as the keeper of their story, is to preserve it.
I hope this brief account will inspire you to work on saving the story of your family. It could make a really good book. Start today. -R. Skip Hellewell (Laguna Beach Ward)
John and his wife Florence
John (back row, 5th from the left) with his brothers and sisters and mother and father (front row, center).
For more information on writing a family history, read these articles:
18 Writing Tips (Family Search)
How to Write Your Family History (Chicago Tribune)
20 Reasons Why You Should Write Your Family History (New York Public Library)
Writing Your Personal and Family History (General Conference talk by John Groberg)
Stake family history week
Join us for Family History Week, with posts all week long on our social media channels (see below) and here on our stake website. Have you ever felt connected to an ancestor you haven’t met? Have you spent time trying to understand what life was like for them. President Neff wrote about finding a family photo in his grandmother’s album, “When I see this photo, I see beautiful people. People exactly like me and exactly like you. Their lives were both marred by tragedy and washed over with joy. Like you and me, their lives were full of deep meaning, wonderful dreams and the sorrow of loss. I not only love coming to know my relatives, I love knowing they are more like me than I might ever imagine.”
“While worshipping in the temple is presently not possible, I invite you to increase your participation in family history, including family history research and indexing. I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him.”
If you’re missing time in the temple, we invite you to follow President Nelson’s advice above and increase the time you spend in family history. Don’t know where to start? Think all your family history is done? Our family history consultants tell us there is always family history work to be done.
This week we will focus on three main areas:
1) Writing your own Personal Family History
2) Making a Photo Book of Your Family Photos
3) Learning how to Index
We’ll also hear personal experiences from members of our stake, listen to musical numbers on the stake YouTube channel, see what the youth are doing to get involved, and learn more about the blessings we receive when we work on gathering Israel.
We have one request from our stake members: Please take a minute this week and post one photo or story about one of your ancestors on your personal social media (Instagram or Facebook).
If you need a hand getting started, please reach out to the family history consultants in your ward, via the TOOLS app:
Aliso Viejo (Jon Craig, Rich Bradarich, the Hayhursts)
Aliso Niguel (Karen Vallejo)
Laguna Hills (Jeanette Allen)
Laguna Niguel (Laura Del Rosario)
Wood Canyon (Trevor Agrelius, Nicole Davis, Pam Novillo)
Laguna Beach (Davis Patchell, Beth Sands)
Dana Hills (the Kartchners)
Marina Hills (Gary McCoy)
June 2020 stake newsletter
learning, understanding, empathizing
There is no way to capture in words the sadness we have felt witnessing the acts of racial violence in our country over the past few weeks. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd evidence a racism and blatant disregard for human life that are utterly inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are also saddened by the escalating violence and unrest those events have spawned.
Last night we recorded a discussion between President Evanson and three African-American brothers in our stake: Robert Brown, Adam Cubbage, and Kenneth Roberts. Prayerfully seek understanding by listening to their experiences and perspectives, as well as the counsel they offer for their brothers and sisters.
We pray that we can all grow from this experience and better foster a fundamental respect for the human dignity of every human soul, regardless of their color, creed, or cause.
Presidents Evanson, Miller, and Neff
2020 Crystal apple awards
The Crystal Apple Awards is a special way for the youth of Aliso Niguel, Dana Hills, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Hills high schools to recognize and thank teachers who have had a positive impact on their life. Two teachers from each high school are selected from nominations submitted by students.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, we had to cancel our in-person awards show this year, but we still wanted to recognize our winners. This video shares a little bit about the magic of each of these teachers, through the eyes of the nominating students. Thank you to our winners for your dedication to teaching and making such a positive impact on our communities and our students:
· Jon Hendrickson, Laguna Beach High School, nominated by Alexis Parness
· Jonathan Todd, Laguna Beach High School, nominated by Cambria Hall
· Tim Sampson, Dan Hills High School, nominated by Olivia Wettengel
· Randy Hudson, Dana Hills High School, nominated by Olivia Salazar-Hudgins
· Ryan Cox, Aliso Niguel High School, nominated by Ella & Ava Havranek
· Patricia Lusar, Aliso Niguel High School, nominated by Morgan Flynn
· Cheyenne Woodmansee, Laguna Hills High School, nominated by Cole Richards
· Joseph Brick, Laguna Hills High School, nominated by Truman Talbot
seminary graduation 2020
This was definitely a seminary graduation that won’t be forgotten! Due to Covid-19, we were unable to hold seminary graduation as we usually do. Thanks to some quick thinking, we came up with a creative solution for a drive through seminary graduation. Thank you to our inspired leaders who arranged and coordinated this event: Elaine Smith, Brett Brian, President Neff, President Miller, Stephanie Neff, Mark Pay, and Mike Nielson.
Students drove up in cars with their families, received their diploma from their bishop, and listened to talks over an FM transmitter while enjoying delicious Handel’s ice cream in their cars. Speakers included seminary graduate Tia Mills, seminary principal Elaine Smith, and stake president Blaine Evanson.
President Evanson shared his love for this class of seniors: “I can’t tell you how many times this past year I have heard one of you articulate a principle or doctrine that I learned in just the past few years. It took me a full-time mission, years of service in the priesthood, including as a bishop, and the lessons of raising a family to learn several things about life and the gospel that you already understand and are applying. You are lightyears ahead of where I was at your age. And I love each one of you -- to a person. I can’t wait to see the incredible things you will do in coming years.”
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Congratulations to all our graduating seniors from the Laguna Niguel stake in the class of 2020 from: Aliso Niguel High School, Laguna Beach High School, Dana Hills High School, and Laguna Hills High School.
On top of their schoolwork and extracurricular activities, they have also been attending early morning seminary where they study the scriptures before school each morning. We know your senior year has been different than what you expected, but we can't wait to see what amazing things you do in the future!
the gospel of second chances
Rich (left) and his son Kyle
I was converted to the gospel and baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when I was a student doing my undergraduate work at California State University Long Beach in 1972. I completed my education in 1973 and began a career as a high school teacher and basketball coach. For several years thereafter I was in and out of the Church. In 1996 I took a position as the Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher and basketball coach at La Quinta High School in Westminster, CA in Orange County. I was inactive in the Church at the time of my employment at La Quinta and remained inactive throughout the nineteen years I worked as a teacher and coach there. In 2014, one week before the start of school and the 2014-15 school year I was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer and given a 30% chance to survive the cancer. I immediately began radiation and chemotherapy treatments while I was able to continue both my teaching career and my daily workouts at 24 Hour Fitness in Aliso Viejo, CA where I lived. During my Christmas winter break from school in 2014, I was working out at 24 Hour Fitness when I met a gentleman who was wearing BYU gear (t-shirt and shorts). As soon as he began his exercise next to me, I felt prompted to begin a conversation with him and asked him if he was a BYU alum. He indicated that he was a BYU graduate, and then asked me if I was a BYU alum as well. I told him that I was not but that I had a son in his senior year as a BYU undergraduate.
I told this gentleman all about my son including what he was studying, how he was attending a YSA ward in Provo, and that he was very active in the Church but his dad, not so much. It was at this moment that the gentleman stuck out his hand and said, “Let me introduce myself. My name is Robert Davis and I am your stake president.” With a look of terror and shock on my face we shook hands and I introduced myself to him. We continued to talk for a few moments and at the end of the conversation President Davis invited me to attend the Wood Canyon Ward Sacrament meeting the following Sunday.
That night my son called from Provo to let me know that he was finishing up his last final and would be home for the Christmas break in just a day or two. I told him about my random meeting in the gym with President Davis and about his invitation to attend Church. Kyle arrived home for his Christmas break and we attended the Wood Canyon Sacrament meeting. After the meeting President Davis offered to give me a Priesthood blessing. We went into the stake offices and he and my son gave me a Priesthood blessing, my son being the voice. In the blessing the Lord blessed me with the desire to return to activity in the Church. The blessing was realized, and I began to attend Church once again as a member of the Aliso Viejo Ward. Shortly after my return to church activity I was called by President Davis to serve as an assistant stake clerk in the Laguna Niguel Stake. I served in the calling for two years. Then in February 2017 I was called to serve in the bishopric of the Aliso Viejo Ward. I served as first counselor in the bishopric for exactly three years. In February of 2020 I was released from the bishopric and called by new Laguna Niguel Stake President Blaine Evanson to serve on the Laguna Niguel Stake High Council, my current calling. Truly the gospel of Jesus Christ is the Gospel of Second Chances.
Rich and his wife Terry, who he married in 2018 in the San Diego temple.
Maintaining Holiness During the Sacrament
We asked our bishops to share their thoughts on the sacrament and how we can ensure that it remains sacred in our homes.
“In our home we require that the person who blesses the sacrament be dressed in a white shirt and tie. At home, it can be tempting to remain casually dressed, but making the effort to respect the ordinance by how we dress is akin to kneeling when we pray. It shows the lord we are willing to sacrifice and honor the privilege. Secondly, at church we automatically have time to reflect and covenant while the priesthood is distributing the sacrament to the congregation. At home we can lose that time. By allowing time after the bread, and not beginning the prayer for the water right away, and allowing time after the water is passed, it allows for each member of the family to be more intentional in their participation.” -Bishop Sedgwick (Laguna Hills ward)
“Remember that the General Handbook is now available to all. Contained therein is specific instruction on the administering of the sacrament, including “in Unusual Situations (See General Handbook 18.9.1 and General Handbook 29.2.2.10).” We are taught that, in any situation, “priesthood leaders should prepare carefully so it is orderly and reverent” and that “those who administer the sacrament should do so in a dignified manner, realizing they are representing the Lord.” As Sister Becky Craven so eloquently yet succinctly taught, we should be careful and not casual in our Sabbath-day worship and preparation to partake of the sacrament each week. As we seek to do so, it will be more meaningful to each of us, and we’ll be able to feel of the cleansing power of the atonement as we repent and renew our baptismal covenants with the Lord.” -Bishop Daly (Dana Hills ward)
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to renew my covenants by partaking of the Sacrament. It’s so special during this unprecedented time to partake of the sacrament emblems in my home. It’s amazing to feel of our Heavenly Fathers love as we think of our Savior’s sacrifice for us.” -Bishop Weaver (Wood Canyon ward)
“President Oaks has said that the ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. What a blessing that we are now able to perform the ordinance of the sacrament — and hold the most important meeting in the Church — in our own homes! As we plan our own family's sacrament meetings with care, attention, and a focus on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our homes transform into literal houses of prayer (D&C 59: 9-10). Sacrament meeting is the most sacred hour of our week and I know of no better way to partake of the Sacrament and hold Sacrament meetings than to treat these meetings — whether in a beautiful chapel or our own living rooms — as truly sacred. Our Ward family has witnessed tender mercies and miracles as the sacrament has been administered in our homes and I testify that holding these meetings and participating in this ordinance in our own homes can spiritually transform our homes and our families.” -Bishop Smith (Aliso Niguel ward)
“When we have the sacrament in our homes, it is important for us to honor this sacred ordinance by having the priesthood holders who administer the sacrament be dressed in white shirts and ties. It is also important to maintain reverence while blessing, passing and partaking the sacrament and allow those participating to have time to reflect on the ordinance and the words of the sacrament prayers.” -Bishop Eyre (Laguna Niguel ward)
“What a blessing it has been to partake of the sacrament in our homes over the last few weeks. In our home it felt a little strange at first holding this sacred ordinance outside of our traditional church sacrament meetings. As the weeks have gone on we have tried different things to make this special opportunity more sacred. Singing a sacrament specific hymn prior to administering the sacrament is one thing that has helped us to feel a little closer to the Savior as we prepare for the sacrament. The words of the sacrament specific hymns really focus in on the precious gifts Jesus has given us. Another change we have made is pausing for a few minutes after the sacrament has been administered to just sit quietly and think about those things we would normally think about during the administration of the sacrament at church. It takes all of 15 seconds to pass the emblems of the sacrament in our home. The extra few minutes of quiet reflection help provide a more meaningful focus on the most important thing we do each week.” -Bishop Austin (Marina Hills ward)
“When I partake of the sacrament, in a church building or at home, I endeavor to prepare myself spiritually for this sacred event by (i) reviewing my actions from the past week and pleading with Heavenly Father for forgiveness from all my sins, (ii) seeking the blessing of Heavenly Father by petitioning Him to pour out His spirit on our worship service and sanctify us through the power of the sacramental ordinance; (iii) dressing in my Sunday best so that my outward appearance reflects the reverence I feel for this sacred ordinance; (iv) humbly and prayerfully singing the sacrament song while considering the beautiful words and message; and (v) pondering upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as I partake of the sacrament. When I sincerely and with real intent follow this pattern, the sacrament is always a sacred and holy event for me and a powerful, sanctifying experience that strengthens me for the week ahead.” -Bishop Hanson (Laguna Beach ward)
“I would share some counsel my wife, Camille, gave me. She suggested we slow down and take time in between administering the bread and the water. Normally we have time during the administration of the emblems to ponder and pray as we wait for the priesthood holders to attend to the entire congregation. But at home we found ourselves going right from administering the bread to administering the water. We now sit as a family in silence for a few minutes after partaking of the bread and before partaking of the water. This has helped me have a more meaningful sacrament experience at home.” - Bishop Bunker (Aliso Niguel ward)
Mother's Day Moments 2020
Dear Sisters,
We have thought of you all so often over these past few weeks. Please know you have been in our constant prayers. We have asked each of the wives of the members of our Stake Presidency to share a brief message with you along with that of our Stake President, Blaine Evanson. We hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
Thank you for mentoring and nurturing our children and young people in your individual roles as teachers, Mothers, sisters and friends. Your influence for good will be felt for months and years to come!
We love you! The Laguna Niguel Stake Relief Society Board
You can also listen to all these messages, read by the authors, on our Laguna Niguel Stake podcast.
Patrice Miller
Aliso Viejo Ward
I have been blessed to have three mothers: my mom, my stepmom and my mother-in-law. I love each of these mothers and am so grateful for each of their unique strengths and talents. All of my moms have helped me when each of my children were born, when I had two major surgeries and in many other countless ways. Although my moms are all very different, they have been an example of selfless service to me. They have taught me “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17) I am a better person because I have these women in my life. Thank you moms! ❤️
Steph Neff
Laguna Beach Ward
Years ago when I was a young mother, I boarded a train called the Mother’s Day Martyr Train and rode that for a couple of years. I let an opportunity to have a fabulous day with my family become derailed with my expectations of what I thought my perfect day should be. Despite my good husband and children’s sweet efforts, I ended up feeling unhappy, under appreciated, and sorry for myself.
Luckily I got off this train quickly and learned a few things that have helped me look forward to and really enjoy Mother’s Day. Over the years, it has become a great day of celebration and gratitude for the amazing people who have had an influence for good in my life and for the abundance of life’s goodness. Things turned around for me when I focused on others instead of myself.
One year on Mother’s Day I wrote a gratitude letter to my own mother, mother-in-law and grandmothers. Another year, I wrote a heartfelt letter to each of my children. I took flowers and a note to the women in my life that had influenced me to be a better woman, sister, daughter, friend, wife, and mother. My kids and grandkids were excited one year recently, when I gave them each a gift on this day.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to be spoiled on Mother’s Day. But I’m more excited as I think of a way each year, that I can brighten someone else’s day!
Robin Evanson
Wood Canyon Ward
As Mother's Day approaches, I've been thinking about the wonderful women in my life. Starting with an incredible mother, and including relatives and friends, who have loved me and taught me just about everything I know. Most of what I've learned has come from the women in my life. I think Heavenly Father knew his daughters would hold that place for most of us.
I've also been reflecting on Eve, our first earthly mother, and what we can learn from her. Eve made a wise and courageous choice to leave the garden. She could have stayed there, safe and certain of what it had to offer. But instead she chose to gain experience. This included risk and uncertainty, and was probably scary. But along with uncertainly she chose Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith that he could fix whatever she messed up. Faith that he could help her to overcome her shortcomings and weaknesses. Faith to find forgiveness, including the ability to forgive herself. Faith that through Him it would all work out and she could find real joy.
It's hard to imagine all of the women I admire being hard on themselves, but as women we tend to do that. It's sort of a part of our nature. But I believe it's a condition of mortality, of the fall, chosen by Mother Eve. And that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can overcome those feelings. If we put our faith in Him, we will feel assured that he knows us and we are exactly who we are meant to be, learning exactly what we need to learn.
I am so grateful to the wonderful women of the Laguna Niguel Stake. I love you all and I know that you are a blessing to the world around you. Elder Craig C. Christensen once taught: "...your Heavenly Father knows ALL about you—your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows perfectly who you are, but He also knows who you can become. And with all of that knowledge, He has placed you here, right now, at the exact time and place where you can do the most good with the talents and gifts He has blessed you with."
Blaine Evanson
Stake President, Laguna Niguel Stake
Church of Jesus Christ
Happy Mother’s Day Sisters. I miss so much gathering with the members of our stake. Somehow the daily Zoom calls and FaceTime interviews don’t quite cut it. I miss the handshakes and the hugs. Our amazing stake relief society president, Beth Garlock, asked me to share a few comments for Mother’s Day. I am grateful for some incredible women in my life -- my mother, my wife, and the sisters with whom I serve shoulder-to-shoulder in this stake. And as I have reflected on this opportunity to share a message, I have been reminded of some of the extraordinary women in scripture and church history who have taught me about the Savior through their examples.
I’ll start with Mother Eve. Next to the Savior, I suspect no one person has made a more significant sacrifice for our salvation than Eve did. Eve partook of the fruit not out of weakness or by mistake, but of insight and courage. It was Eve who recognized that leaving the garden was necessary for her and Adam to have a family, to know good and evil, and to qualify for eternal life. It was also Eve who knew -- even as she was partaking -- that by doing so she was introducing evil and suffering into the world. That not only would she suffer the consequences of that action, but also her children and her grandchildren and all of her posterity.
Imagine the gravity of that decision, and imagine the mental suffering of knowing what flowed from it. But she had the courage to make it, because she recognized that there was no other way. And we all are indebted to her for doing it.
The second woman is Abigail, wife of Nabal in the Old Testament. We all know the story of David, who slew Goliath and became the king of Israel. Well, after David slew Goliath, David was living in the wilderness, and with a group of men, one of his jobs being to protect Nabal’s shepherds and flocks. There was a famine, and David sent his men to Nabal to ask for help. Nabal refused, and David was angry. So David and 400 men marched towards Carmel, where Nabal lived, ready for battle. Well, Nabal’s wife Abigail hears what is about to occur, and what does she do? From 1 Samuel 25:18 “Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ..., and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on asses.” Abigail rides to meet David and then bows before him, saying (v. 24): “Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be.” Now, Abigail did nothing wrong. She did not deserve the blame for the impending bloodshed. But because of her goodness, her charity, and her humility, she freed these men from the contention and enmity that would have destroyed them.
Verse 32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:
33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. Abigail is the great mediator, the ultimate peacemaker, and a type and symbol of the Savior and his ability to heal our relationships.
The third woman is Emma Smith. There is no restoration of the gospel without Emma Smith. When Joseph hiked the Hill Cumorah in September 1827 to retrieve the gold plates, he was not alone. He had tried the previous three years to obtain the plates, and had failed. But in January 1827, he married Emma. And with her at his side, he was finally ready to receive the plates. When Joseph began translating the Book of Mormon, who was his first scribe? Emma. She suffered immensely as a result of Joseph’s call as the prophet. She had children die as collateral damage from mob attacks. While Joseph was locked in Liberty Jail, Emma had to walk from Missouri to Nauvoo with her four children in tow, carrying two of them across the frozen Mississippi River, with Joseph’s bible translation sewn into her dress. As Joseph’s mother Lucy described her: “I have never seen a woman in my life who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal and patience ....”
When I look at the women in my life, I see elements of Eve, Abigail, and Emma. My mom devoted her life to making sure that I had a testimony and understanding of the gospel. She was beyond patient with me as a teenager. And to this day, she always knows when to call to cheer me up and give me advice. The women I get to serve with in this stake are remarkable. When I am struggling with an issue or a decision, without fail, I call Beth Garlock, and she gives me absolutely inspired counsel -- every time. Much of the inspiration I’ve received in this calling has come through her, Sister Ossola, Sister Budd, and so many other inspired sisters. The sisters on the stake council are to a person some of the most impressive, dedicated, and faithful women I have known in my life. They lead this stake shoulder to shoulder with the stake presidency and high council. And my wife Robin is the best person I know. She’s better than me in every way. She has Eve’s insight, Abigail’s charity, and Emma’s perseverance. Everything that is good in our life, everything that we’ve built or accomplished, has been because of her. She deserves the credit for everything.
I express my gratitude for every one of you sisters. Whether you have children or not, and whether your children are keeping their covenants or are far from the path, know that your Heavenly Parents love you. They are pleased with the way you strive to follow them, and for the example you are to the rest of us. Your effort will be enough, because the Savior’s sacrifice is perfect. And a loving God will compensate for every ounce of unfairness, every unfulfilled expectation, and every undeserved slight or suffering you are called to endure. You are His daughters, and He will seal you His. I know these things to be true, and bear testimony of them. And wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
May 2020 Stake Newsletter
We Need Your Stories!
Submit photos, videos, and written accounts of your experiences during Covid-19 to: ln.covid@gmail.com
lucy's brave battle
Lucy started her battle with Leukemia/cancer December 2017. She was 2 1/2 years old. Our entire world was flipped upside down and the past 2.5 years have been the hardest years of our lives.
There were many days we all wanted to give up or didn’t think we could take another day, but Lucy was the one that kept us all going and willing to fight. She endured endless amounts of chemo, over 50 lumbar punctures, many nights/weeks spent at CHOC hospital away from her family, allergic reactions to chemo, shots of chemo in her thigh for over 6 weeks, taking 6-8 oral chemo pills each night, telling me she felt car sick every single day, endless days of throwing up, getting her port accessed over a 100 times, severe leg pain unable to walk, loosing all of her beautiful hair, spending Christmas at the hospital, unable to leave the house for a year, I could go on and on.
I often wondered why it was Lucy and not me. Watching your own child suffer is something I can’t explain. I felt helpless. I wanted to trade her places every single day. I was told several times in the hospital that Lucy had a special spirit about her. She was calm and made everyone around her calm too. She came to earth with a sweet spirit and was able to share that with a new community of people and touch many people’s lives.
I would never wish the past 2.5 years upon anyone but will say that positive things came out of it. Our family was served and loved and carried by so many people in our stake and community. The endless amount of love that was shown to my family and kids during the past 2 1/2 years I will carry with me forever.
I personally felt Heavenly Father carrying me in the moments I didn’t think I could go on another day. I often had to remind myself that just like I would not leave Lucy stranded, my Heavenly Father did not leave me stranded and was with me every step of the way. Even at times I felt alone, He was near and placed people in my life to help carry my family along.
Cancer is a battle that is easily seen and people rally around. This has opened my eyes that everyone is fighting their own type of cancer and we all need to help and serve those around us. You never know what anyone else is going through, so remember to love and serve those around you because that is the one thing that kept my family afloat the past 2.5 years. Lucy ended treatment April 11, 2020. - Kim Townsend
Jayne Van Langeveld’s Mission
We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Jayne Van Langeveld, a member of our Dana Hills congregation. Jayne had spent the last two years serving a volunteer service mission teaching California history to local elementary school children. Prior to her passing, we had asked her to share her experiences, and we thought it appropriate to share them now.
“In 2017, I joined the recently established California Living History Service Mission. The mission consists of a team of dedicated history specialists who teach about courageous pioneers who came to California in the 1840’s, with the Mormon Battalion, the Ship Brooklyn, and Gold Rush. Our target audience is fourth grade students studying California history, but we also teach some fifth graders and other young adults preparing for pioneer treks.
Each missionary assumes a pioneer character and tells their story in first-person, which makes the details and obstacles of the pioneers real and interesting. Pioneer Day presentations are 1 – 3 hours of hands-on activities for the students in the following: Rope Making, Panning for Gold, Log Cabin Construction, Doll Making, Butter Making, Washboard Laundry, Printing Press, Roadometer, Pioneer games, songs, and stories.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this exciting and rewarding mission. We spent a lot of time studying and preparing for the presentations in the beginning. Although we started with few schools, we have booked 16 schools this year. Every school we attended last year asked us to come back this upcoming year.
Each time we present to a school, I leave feeling the boys and girls will always remember the fun they had at Pioneer Day. One little boy expressed to one of the missionaries, “This is the best day of my life!” Many of the schools have parent volunteers who join in helping us in different ways. They seem very interested and ask lots of questions. We receive written letters from most of the students and teachers. The program is very well received and expressions of gratitude come to us for our expertise and dedication.
I love being part of a way to show such gratitude for church pioneers. This has been the most exciting and active mission I can imagine participating in, and I know seeds are being planted for others to respect and one day want to learn more about certain pioneers.
Farewell to The Pilgrim
By Amy Hellewell
When I was in college, my roommate and I fell in love with a movie call “White Squall.” It was a movie about some young men, who during their senior year of high school, signed on to spend the year working on a Tallship (think pirate ship). It didn’t end well for those boys, but my roommate and I were so fascinated with this thought of sailing on a really old ship. We quickly searched for ships to sail on that next summer, but being poor college students, the dream quickly vanished.
Fast forward four years. I had graduated from BYU and moved back home in 2000 and caught the last 30 seconds of a PBS show about the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. During those last seconds they spoke about a ship called The Pilgrim that you could do volunteer work on Saturdays. I showed up that Saturday and started volunteering and was quickly welcomed into the family. I volunteered for 8 years, showing up most Saturdays to help maintain the ship, all for a chance to go sailing for a couple weeks. After a year I started working on the programs that you and/or many of your kids have been a part of. Elementary school children would come spend a day or night on the ship. The members of the crew would each play a part such as the Doc, the 1st and 2nd Mate, and the Captain. We provided an experience that you can’t have anywhere else and the kids, after 18 hours of being scared to death and then having a lot of fun, eventually didn’t want to leave. But it was sailing on the Pilgrim that I enjoyed the most.
We would leave Dana Point Harbor for two weeks and visit the different Channel Islands off the coast of California. Typically we would sail in the afternoon, anchor off of an island, explore the island and play in the water, and then pick up anchor the next afternoon and sail again. As a crew, we depended on each other everyday, working side by side, learning the uses for all 140 lines and which ones to haul on to raise and lower the 14 sails of the ship.
We not only depended on each other, but we depended on her, The Pilgrim, to get us to each destination safely. We took care of her and she became a living, breathing thing. Sometimes if the wind was strong enough we’d break her, and we’d spend the next day mending her wounds. We learned the different sounds, what angle the yard needed to be at to get the full wind into her sail, how to climb up to the Royal, the highest yard, in order to furl her sail and put her to bed for the night. As a crew we did hard things, we did things that scared us, and things that gave us a lot of satisfaction, and we did it all together.
It was an environment I thrived in, just like the team sports I grew up playing. When we were out at sea we didn’t have any worries of what was going on back on the mainland. It was a simple life and it gave us a great sense of accomplishment. It helped mold and shape me, gave me confidence in myself, gave me opportunities to be in charge, and to lead a crew. It was during this time that I started thinking about being a firefighter, which is my current job where I live now in Salt Lake City. I don’t think I’d be where I am today had I not had those experiences on The Pilgrim.
When I heard about her sinking, my heart sank. I’ve gone through a lot of emotions since and thought of all the good memories and friends I made during those years of sailing. It may sound funny, but it feels like I’ve lost really good friend. One of those friends that you could always count on. She was a lot of work, but if you took care of her, she’d take care of you.
