January and February Rain with Activity

London brings training

Traveling to London in early January, we had the opportunity to spokesperson train the National Director of Public Affairs for Ireland, John Connolly of Dublin. Brother Connolly is a former District President and member of the Preston Temple Presidency with gifts of vision and persuasion.

Joyce conducting a mock television interview with John Connolly in the Hyde Park Hosting Room.

John's keen sense of humour and vast experience with help the perception of the Church in Ireland.

Our Story Goes On

Not only did this extraordinary choir perform in Downham, but they put on a missionary focused performance at the Chorley Stake Centre. Written with a combination of Church and popular songs, the production featured wonderful talents including Robin Dick.


Visit to Wales to see the Owens in Anglesey

Elder and Sister Owen are friends from Farmington with deep Welsh roots who are once again serving as missionaries in two small branches in northern Wales. Elder Owen is a Cambridge educated Chemistry professor with two doctorates and speaks Welsh. Sister Owen is as sweet an individual as there is and raised a wonderful family (three of their children's families live in our neighborhood in Somerset).

After lunch we enjoyed the sights and seacoast with each other.

The Owens have reconnected with friends and colleagues of thirty years ago with remarkable success in re-activating members and bringing the gospel to friends not of our faith.

Dare you to pronounce this short Welsh name for a city in Wales?

Garfield Elm with the Burkes

Elder and Sister Burke replaced us in Solihull prior to starting a new ambassadorial outreach in London. 53 Embassies have been contacted by the Burkes which have resulted in new-found friendships with Ambassadors from all over the globe. Elder Burke had ancestors that joined the Church from the United Brethren in Hertfordshire.

Elder Haw presenting the history of Gadfield Elm and the conversion of the United Brethren.

Sister Haw and Sister Turvey explaining the family history information of these early saints.

Self Reliance Launching Leaders 

These three YSAs from Manchester joined a Launching Leaders program based on the Self Reliance twelve core principles. Together with five Muslim students and three Catholic colleagues, they formed the first class of what the Roman Catholic Church hopes to be a collaborative program bringing young people of various faiths together in promoting inter-faith cooperation.

Mentors and students of the program participating in the joint
leadership program.

Manchester YSA Conference

Savannah Stevenson of West End Wicked fame was the featured speaker for the Manchester YSA Ward's Annual Conference featuring courses on how to live the gospel in a secular world.

Though her world may seem glamorous and exciting to many, she assured the YSAs that her life has been much like theirs, stressful and often filled with periods of rejection. Her anchor has been her personal testimony, relationship with God,  and association with others of like-minded values.

Together with her husband, Nate Copier whom she met in Utah while filming the Bible series for The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, Savannah is currently devoting time and attention to speaking to several youth groups, missionaries, and YSAs throughout the UK. (Savannah portrayed the role of Mary in the Bible series). 

Parrishes Arrive in London

Greeting Stan and Joyce Parrish at Heathrow on a beautiful sun-filled day in London proved curious as we all manned the luggage.

We were privileged to join with Lee and Diann Burke, President and Sister Stevens and other missionaries in welcoming the Elder and Sister Parrish to Public Affairs in the hosting room at Hyde Park Chapel.

Baptisms

Two dynamic sister missionaries, Sister Horwath from Switzerland and Sister Thornton from Australia, taught and prepared Ilene Mansea for baptism.

At the same time, they taught and prepared Jewel who courageously joined the Church.

Solihull Ward Conference Munch & Mingle 

Mixing, mingling and eating are a great anticipation for ward members as both the Sheldon and Solihull ward members seek to find common ground as one united ward.

What a joy to serve and to know you are on the Lord's errand.

Solihull Ward Missionaries: Elder and Sister Jones, Sister and Elder Wills, Elder Garralaga, Elder Kovach, Sister Thornton, and Sister Horwath.

The Partridges join the Solihull Public Affairs office

Standing in front of the mission office, President and Sister Leppard welcome Elder and Sister Partridge to the Birmingham Mission.

On their first cultural field trip, the Partridges stand in front of the ancient armor in Warwick Castle.

 Malcolm explains the importance of helping leaders see local opportunities to share their story.

Noticing an ice cream van parked  outside the Hyde Park Chapel, Dan and Joyce treat everyone to British ice cream with a "flake" included!

Elder Ron and Sister Marie Partridge are all smiles as they anticipate their new adventure as Public Affairs missionaries.

Looking Forward

To preserve the memories and the choice associations.

Return to the United Kingdom

Returning to the United Kingdom

Very early (5:09 a.m.) on October 10, 2016, the second Monday following General Conference, we received an email from Malcolm Adcock from Public Affairs in the United Kingdom asking, "Do you still love us in the UK?" We were made aware of many strategic events and responsibilities which needed our support. After a lengthy discussion regarding Elder and Sister Creer's need to return to the States for serious health reasons, Elder Kearon's approval, phone calls to our children, emails and phone calls to others with whom we have philanthropic responsibilities, we confirmed that "Yes! We are ready to return to the United Kingdom!" This time it would be for a short period until the Partridges arrive in February. After ten days of orientation, we will be returning home in early March.

Before leaving, it was important for us to put our arms around our children and grandchildren, especially since we would be missing Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. On October 23 (Joyce's birthday) we made a quick trip to St. Louis for a few days where we were greeted by Jameson, Laura, Rachel and Carter who met us in the driveway singing "Happy Birthday" followed by a delicious birthday dinner.  

In a matter of a few weeks, we found ourselves checking off our list. Paperwork was submitted, visa applications processed, and a quick (but important) trip to Idaho Falls to see where our Beahm family would be living after Christmas was accomplished. With their home in South Jordan stacked with moving boxes Brittany, Corey, Jackson, Madeleine, and London served us an early but beautiful Thanksgiving dinner. After a series of miracles, we found ourselves at the airport saying our goodbyes to loved ones on November 21 (our 44th anniversary).

One of our most urgent and important responsibilities was helping to plan and coordinate The Family Values Award event held on December 6, 2016 in the Churchill Room at the House of Commons in Parliament. It was a lovely event with 14 MP's in attendance, two ambassadors, two Peers (Lords and Ladies) and other distinguished guests  including Elder and Sister Kearon as well as Elder and Sister Herbertson totaling 62.

The Family Values Award Presentation honored Jim Shannon MP and Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the House of Commons, for their support and protection of family values.

Elder and Sister Jones try to sort the seating arrangements as we had five extra attendees (including two MPs) who graciously found time to attend the awards event.

We love our involvement with the young missionaries who are faithfully working hard. Elder Zollinger from Vancouver, Washington and Elder Garalagga from Ecudor make a great team. Feeding the elders and sisters is a pleasure as we feel of their spirits and dedication to serving the Lord.

A favorite Italian restaurant, Zizzy's, offers a tasty lasagna or spaghetti which we all enjoy.

Thanks to the planning of Anna Abbott and Sue Bates, our Office Christmas Lunch on December 8 took us to a nice carvery in Knowle, just minutes down the road from the office. With crowns, crackers, and full plates we shared the season's festivities with good friends.

Taking time to be a little silly and a lot festive made the occasion great fun.

Reuniting with our friends, Chris and Jeannie Wills, on December 4 was a highlight. Following church they invited us to their beautiful home to enjoy one of the best meals we have had in England, complete with Yorkshire pudding! They are currently serving as United Kingdom Church History Missionaries two days a week with their office on the first floor of our building. It is a delight to see them on a fairly regular basis.

Inviting the Sister Missionaries to our flat for dinner on Sunday, December 11, was special. Sister Thornton is from Australia while Sister Horwath is from Switzerland. As they shared their message and bore testimony, the spirit testified that what they were expressing was indeed true. They bring much light to our ward and area.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of President and Sister Stevens and Elder and Sister Burke we were invited to join the London senior missionaries for their Christmas Family Home Evening. What a wonderful night we enjoyed where we met new friends and reconnected with old acquaintances including Steve and Marcy Barlow's brother, Walter and his wife Charlotte, as well as Ann Marie and Michael Mullen, Cori Connors and Libby Hansen's sister and brother-in-law. We also saw enjoyed Elder and Sister Vernon from our Farmington North Stake as well as reconnected with a friend from Girl's State, Terri Larsen Delong. Joyce and Terri haven't seen each other since they were both 18 years old.

Public Affairs Missionaries, Elder and Sister Burke, have made marvelous strides with their Ambassadorial Outreach in London. Currently they have made contact with 50 ambassadors and have opened doors of communication which will bless the Church for decades to come. They return home in February when Elder and Sister Parrish arrive from SLC.

It was wonderful to meet Elder Walter and Sister Charlotte Barlow. One needs only look at him to see that he is a "Barlow."

Elder Michael and Sister Ann Marie Mullen are happy souls who bring much energy to any gathering. Cori and Libby are no exception to the family zeal and spirit.

President and Sister Stevens of the London Mission have hearts of gold and are beloved by all of their missionaries. They were quick to include us in their holiday events which meant so much to us.

To run into Sister Terri Larsen DeJong and Elder Stephen Delong was a wonderful reunion where Joyce and Terri reminisced about their days at Girl's State. Terri served as Girl's Nation Senator while Joyce was Girl's State Governor. Since that time Terri has been an emergency room physician. My, where have the years gone?

Outside the Hyde Park Chapel we enjoy Christmas celebrations. You can't beat watching ice skaters  on the corner next to the Science Museum on a perfect Monday evening with the live nativity in front of the chapel.

Birmingham's Christmas Market is famous, one of the largest outside of Germany and Bath. On a balmy evening, we jumped on the train and rode 15 minutes into Birmingham. After looking at all of the wares in the many kiosks and sharing a chicken schnitzel sandwich, we hugged each other and got back on the train to return to our flat. Simply, it was a perfect British night!

Thousands of people swarm the streets of Birmingham with music and happy chatter.

Twice blessed to serve with friends in Solihull. Without a car, dear Mary and Michael Reynolds-Jones make the effort to attend church each Sunday and midweek ward activities. Struggling to walk but with smiles on their faces,  they take two bus transfers to attend. They are an inspiration to us of faithful devotion, deep commitment, and pure testimony. For them nothing is easy, but worth the effort. To their side is Elder Martin who recently returned from serving in the Preston Temple.

Once again we celebrate the holidays with Joanna Essen, Tonia Milburn, Pat Sheridan, Marguerite and Patrick Carroll --- all with hearts of gold.

Linda Tucker and MaryJo Smith were the organizers for the Ward Christmas Party this year.

And of course, Danielle Camisani currently serving as a member of the bishopric, was in charge of the Christmas jumper (sweater) competition.

Our good Bishop Hesy Fakatou warmly welcomes everyone.

Thanks to the kind invitation of Julie and Matthew Jones, we attended Welcome to Bethlehem in Merthyr Tydfil, a season highlight! June and Arnold Jones (Matthew's father and mother), former Preston Temple President, organized the event with the two wards of Merthyr. Everyone came dressed in authentic dress with centurions at the door demanding we pay our taxes. With a colorful market tents, Bethlehem silhouettes and twinkle lights on every wall, delicious food, and the Christmas nativity unveiled from the stable on the stage, it was a magical night and a beautiful introduction to the reason for the season.

Even President Arnold Jones, former Preston Temple President, gets into the spirit of the event.

Market tents filled with tasty food and fruit nourish those coming to pay their taxes. On quilts strewn about the hall, families gather to learn of the birth of the Savior.

A sacred night is brought to life in Merthyr.

How appropriate to find the good Bishop at the well, distributing bottles of water symbolic of living water.

Daily Activities include sending "Thank You" emails as well as photographs to each attendee of the Family Values Award event.

After the laser show we drove to the mission home where President and Sister Leppard graciousy served us all hot chocolate and biscuits.

On a rainy Friday evening before Christmas, President and Sister Leppard of the Birmingham Mission invited us to join with the other senior missionaries on an outing to Lichfield Cathedral We ate together and then  attended a holiday laser show presented on the exterior walls of the ancient cathedral. After, there was a short walk through the cathedral where various charities had placed Christmas trees and donation containers.

Elder Dan and President Leppard outside the Walk-About restaurant.

Gathering at President and Sister Stevens' beautiful flat for a delicious lunch provided a joyous senior missionary gathering on Christmas Eve.

After enjoying a delicious luncheon we all walked to the Royal Albert Hall where we were treated to the magnificent performance of Carols by Candlelight with the Mozart Symphony and Mozart Choir complete with familiar Christmas sing-along carols (including the Hallelujah Chorus), professional Dickens' reader, and the appearance of famous soprano, Sky Ingram.

We join with the choirs both on earth and in heaven in singing Hallelujah praises to the "King of Kings! and Lord of lords!" We know He lives, He loves each of us and that "He shall reign forever and ever." Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you!