Autumn brings the waning days of our mission...

Sheldon Ward Friends

It is difficult to say goodbye to our friends in Sheldon whom we admire for their goodness and generosity. We thought you may be interested in meeting a few of them...

We love Carol, Paul, Amy and Jasper Wilkins as we have visited with them a couple of times each month. Paul is an expert in Family History and Carol works in the healthcare field.

Marguerite, Patrick and Timmy Carroll are inspirational to the entire ward. Hearts as large as the universe, they have taken Timmy into their home when he lost both parents and had no place to go but an institution.

Carol Wilkins, Anna Stilger (the Bishop's wife) and Sian Jones (Stake Relief Society President) happily hug in the chapel.

Elder and Sister Michaelis from Orem, Utah serve in the ward with us. These two wonderful people serve with the Lichfield YSA, Self-Reliance and in our ward.

We love to home teach Daniele and Anna Camisani along with Guilia, Fabio and Suzie. Daniele is a Software Architect serving as the First Counselor in the ward. You walk into their home where you feel love and an overwhelming sense of peace.

As a family counselor and loving friend, Sian she picks up Ricky and Sophie Williams every Sunday for church.

Sarah and Matthew Amison are a lovely young couple who represent the hope we have for the future of the Church in the British Isles. Matt is a 'Maths' teacher with an MA in Oceanogrpahy.

Beatti Wright is a German saint that lives in the UK and is part of our Relief Society Presidency.

Brother James Rollins is a culinary expert who contributes generously to the ward's parties despite the 7 stints in arteries to his heart.

Bishop Stilger's mother is a sweet German lady who lives with her family and speaks little English. But she always finds other ways to lovingly communicate.

Ian and Debbie Hadley support the ward as a High Counselor and Youth Sunday School teacher.

Prior to leaving the UK, we visited Churchill's Chartwell - Winston and Clementine Churchill's Estate

Dan happily wandering the grounds at Chartwell.

Our good friends, David and Debbie Jones, introduced us to Churchill's Chartwell on the Surrey weald near the London Temple.

Churchill's fourteen personal friends secretly purchased Chartwell to allow the great British Prime Minister to live in this beautiful spot in his later years. Having served his entire life in government, Churchill sadly retired with few resources.

Final Munch and Mingle at the Sheldon Ward

Dan starts his meal at the dessert end of the table. Costco cake, trifle, Victoria Sponge Cake, cookies....

Following Sunday meetings, members and guests truly enjoy the association and food at these get-togethers.

Elder Mthethwa and Elder Rane enjoy the food at the ward's Munch and Mingle.

Second to last visit to London via King's Cross Station.... Joyce uses her wand to take the Hogwort's Express!

 Harry, Ron and Hermione have nothing on Joyce...

Dinner at Pierino's with Sister Stevens prior to taking the tube to the West End play.

The Williams, Joneses and Gales pose for a photo after "Beautiful," a play about Carole King's life.

 Christine and Clayton Christensen share the gospel in the UK

Our wonderful friends, Christine (Quinn) and Clayton Christensen generously supported the mission of public affairs before we left England by sharing their insights and examples with members, missionaries and opinion leaders in the UK. Nothing has changed them over the nearly fifty years of our friendship as they represent the 'best of the best' in every aspect of their lives.  As a world-renowned scholar, Clayton continues to be humble in his goal to "help others" until the day he passes to the other side of the veil. His keen intellect is only surpassed by his large heart... and Christine is every bit his equal.

Christine, Clayton, Elder Herbertson (Area Seventy), President Phillips (Hyde Park Stake) prepare for the devotional.

 Clayton explaining the principles of how to become a more effective member missionary.

 Christine and Clayton engaging the congregation following the devotional in the Hyde Park Chapel.

More than 450 turned out to the Sunday evening Power of Answering Sincere Questions devotional.

 The Power of Everyday Missionaries training to the London Mission

 President Mark Stevens leading his mission in the principles of "Everyday Missionaries..."

The Christensens teaching the missionaries how to learn from the case study of Sister Susan Fulcher.

Clayton teaching the London Mission missionaries by asking questions using a Harvard Business School case methodology approach.

Returning to Oxford to speak to Oxford Ward FHE

Joining Clayton at Christ Church College at Oxford University.

President Aitchison introducing Clayton and Christine to faculty, students and ward members at the Oxford FHE. One guest, Dr. Cole, expressed to an LDS colleague that this experience was the most spiritual experience of his life.

Clayton speaking in the House of Commons

The Portcullis House is where the MPs offices are located as well as committee rooms for important hearings. One of the largest of the hearing rooms is the Boothroyd Room which was filled with members of government, business leaders and church members.

Elder Herbertson, Clayton and Christine solving the initial technical issues before the House of Commons presentation.

Over 150 packed the Boothroyd Room to listen to Clayton speak on how the UK and most of the world's developed economies need to turn from Efficiency to Market Creating Economies.

Elder Clifford Herbertson discusses Clayton's presentation with David Rutley, Conservative MP, and Barry Sheerman, Labour MP.

 Morning Breakfast at The House of Lords

Clayton spoke on the power of being "needed" in society and in business to 60 invited guests at the House of Lords including Lord and Lady Leitch. Lady Leitch is an American with a parent living in Moab, Utah. Lord Leitch is head of the largest private hospital group in the UK. While visiting Moab for his father-in-law's funeral, they came in contact with members of the Church. Even though Lady Leitch's parents aren't LDS, the Church members surrounded the family with love and support. The Leitches speak glowingly of their respect and love of the Church. Joyce presented them with a hardbound Family Home Evening Resource Book when Lady Leitch inquired about the "thing you Mormons do on Monday evening."

 Lord Sheikh introducing Clayton and Christine to the dignitaries at The House of Lords breakfast.

Elder Herbertson, Craig Whittaker MP, Clayton and Christine join interfaith leaders from Wales at the event.

Savannah Stevenson along with husband, Nathan Copier, joined the breakfast prior to her matinee performance in the role of Glinda in the West End play, Wicked.

View of the Thames from The House of Lords private terrace.

 Palace of Westminster tour and PM Questions

Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP and Church member, giving us a tour of the Palaces of Westminster prior to our attendance at the Prime Minister's Questions in The House of Commons.

 Speaking to stake leaders and wives at the London Temple Visitor's Centre 

While he presents a commanding intellectual and physical presence, Clayton at 6'8" is still the most humble man we know.

Teaching Area Seventies, Stake Presidents and wives how to invite others to participate with the Church.

Christine answering questions about member missionary opportunities.

What a remarkable way to conclude our service as missionaries! We love and admire these dear friends as they lift everyone around them despite the tremendous health concerns Clayton experiences. What an amazing week as we near the close of our mission!