September's Special Events

September was filled with several noteable events. Early in the month we focused upon visiting less active members and updating church records.  This took serious effort on our part. We were able to meet many in this area who have been baptized and then fallen away from church activity.  Some were warm and receptive and others wanted nothing to do with church missionaries. Mid-month in Priesthood Meeting, Elder Jeppesen conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Mike Sternisha and ordained him to the office of Priest.  Mike looked so handsome in his new suit and Marlene was so proud of him.  Just a week later the two of them spoke in Sacrament meeting.  They did an incredible job and we we felt a little like proud parents. The branch is blessed to have these devoted, capable, new members. On Saturday, September 22, Sister Marlene helped me plan and execute a "Skills and Talents Night" for the Cattaraugus Branch.  Marlene was MC of the program.  I made several calls encouraging branch members to bring pictures, objects, or samples of their talents and interests.  We displayed these on tables around the outside of the cultural hall with name cards next to them. Also included in the evening's activities was a program spotlighting the performance skills of various members.  We had an original piano composition performed by Denise Hoca, a vocal duet by Rebecca Austin and Gracie Wakefield (both 10 years old), a comedy act by Ted Hoca, two vocal numbers by the Kennedy sisters, two guitar numbers by the Jones', a Seneca language demonstration by Vicky Seneca and her grandsons, stories of the false faces of the Senecas told by sister Corline Campbell, and a history lesson by brother Monty Campbell.  The yummy food items provided by noted cooks in our branch comprised our refreshments.  With so many members attending and participating, we were well paid for our efforts.  It was obvious the branch members enjoyed sharing their skills and talents with one another. We were also thrilled that our friend, Sister Judy Boehm, felt well enough to attend.  Each Tuesday we provide a lesson and lunch to Sister Boehm, Sister Vicky Seneca, and Sister Jeanne Berlin at Sister Boehm's.  This weekend Sister Boehm experienced a decline.  We took her to the local hospital and she is now in intensive care in Buffalo.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her.

Transfer day for the young missionaries

Last Tuesday was transfer day for the young missionaries.  Elder Kitt, who has been with us since we arrived, was transferred to the Warsaw Ward.  Here is a photo of the missionaries in our district (the Freedom Branch and Cattaraugus Branch) right before the transfer. Left to right:  Elder Neilson, Sister Neilson, Elders Allen, Inkley, Kitt and Richardson, Sister Jeppesen and Elder Jeppesen.  We had dinner last night in our apartment for the new missionary, Elder Munnerlyn, along with Elder Richardson and our new converts, Mike and Marlene Sternisha.  It was a great night, good spirit, and seeing the Sternishas already so strong in the gospel was inspiring.  The two are preparing to speak in Sacrament meeting in a couple weeks, and Mike will be receiving the Aaronic Priesthood next Sunday.  Elder and Sister Neilson have become our great friends.  They are newlyweds of a year and a half.  Each have six children and numerous grandchildren back home and are serving a six month mission that ends in October.  Elder Neilson, as you can see, is someone to look up to!  Both are dedicated missionaries and we've enjoyed getting to know them.  The leaves are starting to turn already.  It's going to be incredibly beautiful here in a couple weeks.  Four months into our mission.  The blessings still coming in rich abundance.