Sunday, May 2, 2010
Women's Retreat
I was away this weekend on a congregational retreat for women. I was leading the theme and worship for the entire weekend and was the main facilitator for the event. It went REALLY well. I was a little worried because I usually work with children and youth. Adults are different in many ways so I worked extra hard to ensure that I gave a 110% effort. It paid off. People left this afternoon feeling refreshed, happy, content and spiritually-filled. I am sure they will return to church next Sunday and share wonderful stories. I returned home this afternoon feeling very satisfied with the experience. I've even been asked to do it again next year!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Power of One
I am heading away this weekend to Cultus Lake. It's the annual Children's Retreat and about 100 of us will gather for the weekend. We'll be exploring the theme of "Power of One" through crafts, games, drama, yoga, prayer, worship, music, campfire, hiking, quiet time and of course a lot of sleep (haha!).
There are 24 people going from my congregation; the largest representation from one church. I am pretty proud of the 9 adults and youth who are giving up their weekend to volunteer as leaders. I am really excited for the children who are coming especially those who are coming for the first time.
Imagine, 65 children between 8-11 years old for 48 hours for full time fun.
It's going to be grrrreat!
There are 24 people going from my congregation; the largest representation from one church. I am pretty proud of the 9 adults and youth who are giving up their weekend to volunteer as leaders. I am really excited for the children who are coming especially those who are coming for the first time.
Imagine, 65 children between 8-11 years old for 48 hours for full time fun.
It's going to be grrrreat!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Temple
A post especially for my family...
The first LDS (Mormon) Temple has been built in BC and is located ten minutes from my home. A couple of months ago my church received an invitation to attend the open house and specifically the faith leaders gathering. In talking with my colleague we decided to totally promote this open house to our entire congregation as a way of reaching out and exploring another place of worship and another faith community. There has been some really great press coverage on this temple with beautiful photos and articles making the front page of the Vancouver Sun, Langley Times and Surrey Now.
As someone who has grown up alongside a large LDS Family I feel pretty proud to be able to promote this special opportunity and to know a little bit more than the average visitor. The temple is open for a few more days and then will close forever on Saturday evening (April 24) at 8pm to the public. I've visited three times so far and expect to return one more time this week. So far 75 people from my congregation have visited with another large group going soon.
As I have only ever spent time in the waiting room of the temple it was honouring to finally see the rest of the building. It's only taken 33 years! I will especially appreciate the visual memory of the Creation Room (Instruction Room #1) and the Celestial Room (Prayer/Quiet Room).
On my first visit I connected with two missionaries; Sister L from Sandy, Utah and Sister Pung from San Diego, California. Sister "L" is short for a really long name and she said that it was easier to go with "L". They are serving Vancouver Island but are helping with the Open House for two weeks. They were really neat young women and each time I brought a group I would go and find them and they would be present to answer questions and wonderings. On Saturday they gave me a great big hug to say thank you. I think its because they had had a particularly challenging day with visitors.
Outside the temple many protesters carrying signs of all kinds have been present each day.
Conversations through my church building over the last week have been amazing! Many people talking about their experience of the temple. Ironically on tv, KCTS Channel 9 out of Seattle, has been presenting documentaries about the Mormon Church each evening over the week. What timing!
The first LDS (Mormon) Temple has been built in BC and is located ten minutes from my home. A couple of months ago my church received an invitation to attend the open house and specifically the faith leaders gathering. In talking with my colleague we decided to totally promote this open house to our entire congregation as a way of reaching out and exploring another place of worship and another faith community. There has been some really great press coverage on this temple with beautiful photos and articles making the front page of the Vancouver Sun, Langley Times and Surrey Now.
As someone who has grown up alongside a large LDS Family I feel pretty proud to be able to promote this special opportunity and to know a little bit more than the average visitor. The temple is open for a few more days and then will close forever on Saturday evening (April 24) at 8pm to the public. I've visited three times so far and expect to return one more time this week. So far 75 people from my congregation have visited with another large group going soon.
As I have only ever spent time in the waiting room of the temple it was honouring to finally see the rest of the building. It's only taken 33 years! I will especially appreciate the visual memory of the Creation Room (Instruction Room #1) and the Celestial Room (Prayer/Quiet Room).
On my first visit I connected with two missionaries; Sister L from Sandy, Utah and Sister Pung from San Diego, California. Sister "L" is short for a really long name and she said that it was easier to go with "L". They are serving Vancouver Island but are helping with the Open House for two weeks. They were really neat young women and each time I brought a group I would go and find them and they would be present to answer questions and wonderings. On Saturday they gave me a great big hug to say thank you. I think its because they had had a particularly challenging day with visitors.
Outside the temple many protesters carrying signs of all kinds have been present each day.
Conversations through my church building over the last week have been amazing! Many people talking about their experience of the temple. Ironically on tv, KCTS Channel 9 out of Seattle, has been presenting documentaries about the Mormon Church each evening over the week. What timing!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ready, Set, Go!
The Hockey Playoffs begin today and Game 1 for Vancouver is tonight. It's the Canucks against LA Kings. I'm looking forward to seeing some great hockey over the coming weeks. I've never been to a live Canuck's game but I hope to go one day, maybe next season. In the mean time I am rooting them on from home. Go Canucks Go!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Good Friday
Every Good Friday, after morning worship, I head to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary for a great peaceful walk and time of exploration. Last year it was with Alex, my little four year old "nephew" who likes to look for penguins and flamingalos. We didn't find any of those last year.....maybe this year?? So last Friday Cindy (Alex's Mom) and I headed off to the try again. It was a REALLY windy day and that added to the fun. The bonus was that we were basically the only people around. The ducks were friendly and at one point I had a whole group walking with me. We also saw 4 herons, a beaver dam, red jays and one pair of very loud Canadian geese. It's nesting time so we were glad to give them some food as a way to escape their aggressive defense techniques. We spent a couple of hours walking the paths and discovering the beauty. No luck with penguins or flamingalos however so I guess we'll be back next year!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
House Blessing
Yesterday I hosted my first party at my new home with 15 guests and a brand new little one. It was a combination of a baby shower and house blessing with friends who I've known for 15+ years. We had a wonderful time and lots of delicious food. I prepared the appetizers and everybody else brought dessert. We began at 2pm and went into the evening which included ordering in Chinese Food, watching the (terrible) Canuck's game and kick-starting the annual Earth Hour experience.
For appetizers I made:
1. veggies and dip. The dip was a delicious chipotle flavoured dip. I wanted to try something new after making the same dip for many years. It had a nice zip to it.
2. cheese ball and crackers - pretty simple and standard cheese ball without the nuts
3. broccoli salad - with sunflower seeds instead of cashews
4. guacamole and chips
5. prosciutto rolls
6. deviled eggs
7. spinach dip
The desserts that arrived were incredibly delicious. We had cream cheese tarts with raspberry sauce, homemade caramel corn, brownies, fruit plate and a strawberry shortcake.
I basically used all my favourite and regular appetizers that I take to the gazillion potlucks I attend each year. I think its time to open the cookbooks, expand the list and learn some new appetizers. Any suggestions?
For appetizers I made:
1. veggies and dip. The dip was a delicious chipotle flavoured dip. I wanted to try something new after making the same dip for many years. It had a nice zip to it.
2. cheese ball and crackers - pretty simple and standard cheese ball without the nuts
3. broccoli salad - with sunflower seeds instead of cashews
4. guacamole and chips
5. prosciutto rolls
6. deviled eggs
7. spinach dip
The desserts that arrived were incredibly delicious. We had cream cheese tarts with raspberry sauce, homemade caramel corn, brownies, fruit plate and a strawberry shortcake.
I basically used all my favourite and regular appetizers that I take to the gazillion potlucks I attend each year. I think its time to open the cookbooks, expand the list and learn some new appetizers. Any suggestions?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Family Week
This week is family week and I LOVE having family in town. It doesn't happen often so when it does it becomes top priority (as long as I know ahead of time that they are coming!).It also reminds me to be thankful for the many friends in my life who care for me year-round and especially during the holidays.
Mom flew into Vancouver LAST Thursday after being away for two weeks. She was judging the UBC Gala Ball this past weekend. We are meeting for lunch today at the Irish Pub just down the street from my house. Mom flies out tomorrow for three weeks of travel. I believe Halifax and Calgary are included in this trip and she will be back after Easter.
Dad flies in THIS Thursday and will be here for a six day visit. We are going to spend Saturday in Snohomish visiting my cousin and his wife. The added bonus is that I have the entire six days off of work and only one school (class) commitment.
I am looking forward to all the visits and fun.
Mom flew into Vancouver LAST Thursday after being away for two weeks. She was judging the UBC Gala Ball this past weekend. We are meeting for lunch today at the Irish Pub just down the street from my house. Mom flies out tomorrow for three weeks of travel. I believe Halifax and Calgary are included in this trip and she will be back after Easter.
Dad flies in THIS Thursday and will be here for a six day visit. We are going to spend Saturday in Snohomish visiting my cousin and his wife. The added bonus is that I have the entire six days off of work and only one school (class) commitment.
I am looking forward to all the visits and fun.
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