A Christmas Program

We’ve spent most of this week bringing Christmas messages to the less-active members and investigators for whom we have taken responsibility. We downloaded the free Tabernacle Choir Christmas music from mormon.org/Christmas and burned it to some CDs. We have been giving the CDs away as our gift to them this Christmas season. It is a blessing to have the means to be able to bring the Spirit in this manner into the lives of those we meet and teach. 

Sister Johnson has prepared a Christmas program will be presented next Sunday. It is called “Picture A Christmas” (a primary song) and utilizes other primary Christmas songs to form its central message. She is involving as many of the youth and young adults as she can as readers. It will be fantastic. It always is when she does it. Her descriptions and samples follow.

My story - I have always wanted to have the opportunity to work up a Christmas program.  When the children were little I member I would put together scripture and songs.  Over the years I loved to sing in the choir.  It made Christmas for me.  Since I am the one playing the piano this year and I had problems last year playing some of the musical numbers selected, I thought it might be easier if I chose the song/program.  In our branch we don't have a choir or any active Primary children, so I decided to use as many Primary songs while telling the story.  Then I noticed that Pat Graham ( Valley View Stake) had written a couple of the Primary Christmas songs.  The one I chose is "Picture A Christmas".  Each phrase of this song is the starting point for the narrative.  With the help of our Branch President who had three years of Christmas programs at his disposal, I came up with a nice narrative for each phrase.  I hope and pray as people listen to the narrative that special pictures are created in their minds.  The ultimate goal is to have everyone sing and understand the song, "Picture A Christmas".  The words are also  printed in the program and the narrative repeats each phrase so I'm hoping that by the time we get to the end they will know the song well enough to sing it as the closing song.  Each phrase tells most everything about the first Christmas night.  Then I have put little pictures into the program to help them visualize each phrase.  I then wanted people to read the narrative who might not have ever had a chance to participate, so I have chosen the youth and young adults as readers.  One young women said, "Yea, I get a part."  The congregation is the choir, with special numbers song by everyone, or just by the men or then just by the women. 

December 23, 2012

“Picture A Christmas”

Hymn #204 – “Silent Night”

Sung by all

Narrator – Becky Shimanek

“Once Within A Lowly Stable”

Sung by all

Reader – A. J. Krupinski

“Picture a stable in Judea. 

Picture a sacred, silent night.”

                                         “Stars Were Gleaming”

                                   Sung by all

Reader – Elder Christensen

“And can you hear The angles near and see the star so bright”

Reader – Jake Shimanek

        “Picture the kind and gentle Joseph”

                 “When Joseph Went to Bethlehem”

Sung by Men Only

Reader – Aurora Paquette

                                            “Picture the mother Mary, fair.”

“Mary’s Lullaby”

Sung by Women Only

Reader – Tanith Paquette

     Hymn #202 – “Away in A Manger”

 Verses Sung by all

    

Reader – Will Stevens

                             “And can you see So reverently 

                             The Shepherds kneeling there.”

Reader – Brian Luczak

                             “Picture the little baby Jesus.  

                        Think of his life and words so dear:  

                                     Sing praise to Him,”

Hymns # 202 & 20

“Oh, Come All Ye Faithful”

“Joy To The World”

Sung by all

Reader – Elder Trout

“Remember him,

As you picture Christmas this year”

“Picture A Christmas”

Sung by all

Sorry, the formatting wouldn't carry over without way more years of IT certification than I have...

which is NONE.

Looking forward, ever forward…

Elder and Sister Johnson

Branch Christmas Party Miracles

We had some great “payoffs” this week. On Saturday four of the families with whom we have been working acted on our invitation and came to the branch Christmas dinner and party. The Carlsons and their children, who haven’t been to church in over two years, came and were warmly greeted by the members. This is the family that we visit on a weekly basis and Sister Johnson teaches the children (and the parents) Primary lessons out of the Book of Mormon. We could tell something was touching them. Our visits this last month have been noticeably more spiritual. There have been fewer distractions, the house is cleaner and better organized and the family is there and waiting when we arrive for our appointment. The father’s work hours have changed some so maybe they will be able to attend more.

The second family is a young single mother with two of the cutest daughters a person could hope for. They have been before. She lives with her parents who are struggling, yet she responded to our invitation and came. I must say we used a little unorthodox persuasion by telling the parents of both families we would have gifts for their children so that we assumed they would be there unless they told us differently. We figured we had a less than 50% chance that this mother and her girls would come. We were wrong.

The third appearance was perhaps the sweetest. It was by the brother who asked for a blessing when we first arrived and through his faith was healed of a bunch of ailments that had been bothering him for years. We visit him and his father weekly and he has been making significant progress. His father was the counselor in the Branch Presidency when we arrived. This brother is not happy with the church for the way he perceives the church (or its leaders) treated his parents, especially his mother. He is friendly, however, and always glad to see us. He is a fantastic musician. He composes, sings and plays the electric guitar professionally. He was hoping for a career in rock music when all this stuff with the church happened. (It had nothing to do with his music). Because of his abilities Sister Johnson thought to request that he play Silent Night on the acoustic guitar as a fitting ending to the branch party. He refused. He knew the electric but not the acoustic…besides it was in church and he definitely was NOT coming there. We encouraged him to reconsider. Sometimes he said “maybe” but mostly it was “no”. Four days before the party he sort of agreed to come but it was still iffy. When he came, we were so excited to see him. After his performance, which for Sister Johnson and me was the highlight of the night, here is what he told us, “Yesterday I had decided not to come but when I got up this morning I had a pleasant but strange feeling come over me and I realized I was being a jerk about it”. He had experienced a  “change of heart” brought about by the Holy Ghost and the prayers of many of the members. He went on to thank us for hanging with him and giving him the “kick in the pants” when he needed it. He also thanked us for pushing him to pick up the acoustic guitar. After being forced to learn to play Silent Night he started to get the hang of it and said he quite liked it. So when he becomes famous remember, it is because of two over-the-hill missionaries and the Lord who refused to give up on a brother who has the talent to bless many of us. We are hopeful his progress will continue, as he is very much needed in this branch and is such a very good person.

Other notable attendees included all of the non-members that came to the Mormons Next Door presentation last Saturday. One young man already has a baptismal date after meeting with the Elders this last week. Also attending the branch party was the investigator with whom we have been working since arriving here. Our visit with him last week was quite intense. Our discussion centered on the necessity for and the requirement to exercise faith. His final response was, “I guess I don’t have enough faith”. The Spirit is telling us to keep the pressure on, so this coming week we will once more talk about the evidences God has given us to help us with our faith and how to recognize truth. He was at church again on Sunday. He seems to be sincere. We set a baptismal date for the 22^nd of December two weeks ago and we keep talking about it. For now it is “our date”, he hasn’t committed yet.

These experiences are very much like watching your children make good decisions that result in tangible blessings for you and them "...both are edified and rejoice together". It is a Spirit-to-Spirit kind of thing.

With much love and gratefulness,

Elder and Sister Johnson

If we don't remember later (and it's likely) here is a early Merry Christmas wish from us to you.

The Mormons Next Door

Our “Mormons Next Door” presentation went very well. Of the thirty people who attended five are not yet baptized. One young man, with whom the Elders have an appointment later this week, was alerted to the presentation by a Facebook post of one of our young women. This same young man asked for the times of our Sunday Service and expressed a desire to attend. He did attend our Fast and Testimony meeting and was impressed enough to accept the invitation to meet with the Elders. We previously knew three of the other non-members attending; they were the spouses or “good” friends of members. The remaining non-member attendee is doing some work for our Branch Mission Leader and has been hearing about the gospel from him. A big plus was the obvious energizing of branch members. They appreciated the professional approach and were happy they were involved. The next day at our Branch Council meeting we received more accolades and some suggestions as to how to improve the whole experience.

First, some of the things we feel made it work well:

-       We allowed six weeks from announcement to the actual program; this allowed reminders to be  given each week in Relief Society and Priesthood meetings

-       Some advertising was done by placing posters on community bulletin boards

-       Professional appearing invitations with envelopes that could be personally addressed and presented were used

-       We invited members to invite friends and relatives, thinking the missionaries would then have a follow-up contact person with any who were interested in knowing more

-       We held the presentation in a neutral place…the library

-       Branch members were used to present different sections of the presentation

Second, some things we will do better/again:

-       More advertising, specifically radio, TV, newspaper and social media.

-       Presentations in other parts of the Branch

-       Do it again next spring after Winter has gone away

-       Invite more people, more people mean more potential investigators

This was definitely a choice experience, one we will remember for a long time or until we are "gone" which by some standards may not be long at all. I think the most satisfying of all was how the members supported our efforts, became excited and began to offer suggestions and ideas. We in fact may be able to share what we have learned with other units in the stake. We invited out Branch President to talk with the Stake President to see if it is something he would like to do.

Some of our presenters. Left to Right Will Stevens,
Tanith Paquette, Steven Lewis and Shari Branham

The rest of the presenters. From left to right Brittney Stevens, Myron Berry,
Becky Shimanik, Cindy Gordon and Kerry Branham.

Other interesting news this week is the division of the district into two new ones with Elder Trout, here in Iron Mountain, serving as the new District Leader of the southern one. We will still have Escanaba and its companionship along with the Rileys the new senior couple. President Jones has also added the Marinette Elders for a total of ten individuals. We won't be driving to Marquette, at least not every week. 

"There is work enough to do, so put your shoulder to the wheel and push along" 

(that is if you can, all hunched over like that).

Loving the work,

Elder and Sister Johnson 

Thanksgiving Again and "You've Gotta Have Heart"

 We had been invited to spend Thanksgiving with Steve and Jan Lewis the branch mission leaders; however he became ill and was in the hospital. We took the opportunity to invite a single less active brother to a wonderful dinner that Sister Johnson made. 

2012 Thanksgiving Dinner created by chef Dawnine

(The dinner was great but all the extra effort and time on her feet gave her another reason, besides tryptophan, to take the traditional Thanksgiving Day nap.)  He is a fine man who was baptized a couple of years ago and whose young but not too responsible, family (non-members) gives him fits. I think Satan is whispering in his ear that since he joined the church, and his problems have been compounding, that the church must be the problem. It’s a common mis-perception and we all deal with it, “Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled” (D&C 58:31–33). We had the opportunity to talk with him about faith, patience and enduring. We would hate to lose him for the Lord’s sake, his sake and ours.

 Sadly, all of the other appointments we set last week were cut short or cancelled because of illness. At least our less-actives know we care about them and I am not just referencing the plate of cookies and pecan tarts that Sister Johnson also made and we took around. We have also had productive correlation meetings with the young elders. Since we have been here in Iron Mountain for a long (but happy) time we remember investigators previous sets of missionaries dropped. One of those investigators is talking about baptism. Yet another reason for Senior Missionary couples.

 Things are coming together well for our Mormons Next Door presentation next Saturday. We held a run-through after church yesterday and the participating members and others who watched it are all excited. We are getting reports of interest from friends and acquaintances of members. Like it usually happens it is the most recent members who seem to follow through the best. We took an invitation to a local judge and his wife who we met through our service at the senior center. They are very outgoing and open-minded. She said she would be there. (Her husband Ray, broke his foot while golfing and it is still healing but that is another story.)

 Now, to the report of our visit to the cardiologist for consultation about my suspected heart problem. The good news is there is probably not a problem and if there is, it is minor enough that no action needs to be taken at this time. They were worried about a dark spot on the “picture” of my heart that might indicate the muscle is not getting enough blood because of a blockage. Three things reduced his concern; first I have no real symptoms, second the dark spot could be the result of some other test variable and not actually there and third going in to look would be way more problematic, at this point in time, than just waiting and watching. For the most part he was happy with the medications I’ve been prescribed, some of which I’ve been on for 30+ years. The statins, in fact, may have gone a long way to prevent the heart problems that have plagued my brothers.

Not my heart even though there is a dark spot at the tip not unlike the one on my own heart.

With all our "heart(s)"... love, Elder and Sister Johnson

 Here is a photo from last week's Senior Missionary Training. The Ekins from Delta, UT and the McCalls from SC, left early before the picture was taken.

From left to right President and Sister Jones from Monroe, UT; The Johnsons from West Valley, UT;
The Heinzs from Gresham, WI: The Smarts from Clifton, ID; The Fackrells from Santa Clara, UT;
The Woods from No. Ogden, UT; The Shumways from Las Vegas, NV
 and the Rileys from Orem, UT.

Senior Training and Pig BBQ

 We experienced our usual highs this past week. We continue to make progress with Br. Rich Matson. Sister Johnson has asked him to play his acoustic guitar at this years Christmas sacrament meeting program. She has requested he play Silent Night. We think it will be a beautiful and spiritual experience. He hasn’t said yes yet but Dennis Klingman has offered to play chords on a different guitar to back him up. (This is only so he will feel more comfortable) Getting him to attend church is our foremost goal. Once more, while meeting with Bob Peters our investigator, we had an outpouring of the Spirit. It is frustrating because we know he experiences it, and this was not the first time. He will just not commit to baptism. We have explored the “why” and there is no good reason. Bob has been attending longer with more positive impact on the branch than many of the members. He would be such a great addition. He is still reading the Book of Mormon, attends church almost weekly and is praying (although he could pray with a little more intent). Family is not an issue. We think it may have to do with the deep hurt he experienced when his wife of 30+ years divorced him with “no good reason”. He may blame the church or someone in it, we can’t really tell. Those of you reading this blog who have any inclination, please join us and pray for him by name. Pray for him to receive the answers he seeks and we don't mean just about joining the church. He is troubled and needs the comfort that only the Savior's love brings. He invites us back for these weekly lessons and is happy to see us so, even though  we talk boldly, we don't think he feels like we are pressuring him.

 On Friday we attended a Senior Missionary training meeting in Oshkosh, our third. They just keep getting better. It was good to be able to meet the other seniors that have been called to serve here. They are all wonderful people with powerful and varied talents and testimonies. We anticipate they will be responsible for much future success in this mission. It did occur to us that from the stand point of being examples and because of the help senior couples offer to mission presidents, that senior missionary numbers will grow right along with the increased numbers of young missionaries. It was another witness to us of the importance of the revelation to adjust the missionary calling age. Coupled with the call for more seniors it is further evidence of God’s timeline for His creation, Earth. (Hint, the Lord is hastening the work see Matthew 24:22, I read "elect" as Saints). At this meeting were asked to teach the Restoration lesson using mormon.org. All of the missionary lessons are there under the heading "Our Beliefs" and President Jones wanted us to demonstrate how that could be done. We had never done it. To our knowledge no one in the mission had. Sister Johnson took the lead with the preparation and presentation and did a great job up to the point where the technology failed her. She was counting on the text from some of the slides on the webpage that didn't load and since it was our first time she had to "vamp" (look it up) her way through it. One of the Senior Missionaries complemented her on the great job although she was understandably a little frustrated. 

 We had a great experience in the Temple on Saturday. It was beautiful sunny, crisp fall day. 

You don't often see the back of the Chicago Temple, so here you go.

It wasn’t busy like we thought it might be. There was a wedding and it was kind of fun seeing all of the guests and the wedding photographers all waiting for the bride and groom. We did see and were able to visit with President and Sister Castleton (The Temple President and Matron) in the Temple. They had visited the Iron Mountain branch and spoken in Sacrament meeting about six weeks ago. They remembered us and were very supportive. On our way home we made our traditional stop at the "Apple Holler Family Farm". OK it was only the second time we have stopped there, the first being on our way home from the Temple last year, but it would become a tradition if we lived here. They have a wonderful menu with a great Cracker Barrellish ambience. Sister Johnson was right at home.

Let me describe, if possible, the wonderful dish Sister Johnson is eating, which BTW we
both ordered separately. The orange crinkly things are sweet potato fries. The name of
this deliciousness is "Pig BBQ", not elegant but descriptive, and consists of pulled
pork shoulder, onions, Wisconsin cheddar cheese and the most tasty BBQ sauce
you can imagine. The sauce, like everything else in the place, is made using a
small amount of apple in the recipe. All of this goodness was draped over
a French baguette that, as you can see, didn't quite fit. The only
thing missing were the bibs. Check it out online.

 We are headed to Green Bay on Tuesday (We will be missing district meeting) for an appointment with the cardiologist. He and I will discuss the results of my stress test and he will render an opinion as to my next step. We will let you know. 

It's great to be missionaries and y'all come out soon y'heah! (Sorry it's the Pig BBQ talking)

Elder and Sister Johnson

More Visitors from the West

 We enjoyed another busy week. Rich Matson is making great progress. He and his father are reading the Book of Mormon and asking questions. He has prayed nearly every week since we started teaching him. Our re-activated Elder, Dennis Klingman, lives in the same little town and has become friends with him. He invites Rich to come to church with him. The branch leaders are getting Rich to help his dad with the computer skills his dad needs as the new branch clerk. Sister Johnson has asked him to play Silent Night on his guitar at the branch Christmas sacrament meeting. When he does he will have then attended church, the last hurdle (excuse) before he returns to full activity.

 Elders Jones and Leavitt, our Zone Leaders, taught us at Zone Training Meeting this last week. We were once again reminded of the Spirit and power these young Elders possess. The organizational abilities, skills, concern, and pure love these elders share inspires not only us but also all of the elders and sisters in our district. This was demonstrated by the participation and willingness to commit to weekly goals by all present.  We always seem to learn something of value to help us with our investigators and less active members. This week came the reminder to ask those who are reading the Book of Mormon, “how does what we just read apply to your life?” Priceless! The meetings are all great but last week seemed extra special to us. The meeting was held 1/2 hour earlier than usual (although they forgot to tell us so we were late) because they needed to get to the town of Escanaba. They were moving furniture into a new apartment for an arriving Senior Couple, the Rileys from Orem, who have been assigned there. Not only will we have a new couple in the mission but they will be in our district. Yay! 

 We had another treat this week and I don’t mean pasty making, which came one week early because of the deer hunt. Our son Alex and his wife Amy, flew in from Mesa, AZ to visit for a couple of days. (Thursday – Saturday). It was really great to see and be with them. She is expecting their 4^th child, a boy, to arrive next March. He will be our 25^th grandchild.

Birthday gladiolas from Sister Johnson's visiting teacher.

 It was Dawnine's birthday on the 8^th so we scheduled dinner that night at the “The Four Seasons” resort where they stayed. A railroad company built it in 1925 to show off the north woods. Some members of the Chicago mob (think Al Capone) reportedly took a liking to the place, which made it the site of some nefarious activities.  It is situated on an island in the Menominee River about 8 miles east of Pembine, WI. (Still in our branch!) 

The Four Seasons Resort...it didn't look quite this lush and green last week!

Random visitors at the top of Pine Mountain.

 As you can see by the posted videos we captured shots of some daredevils, one who is climbing the rickety old ski jump on Pine Mountain; others, not with our party, are braving a seawall on Lake Superior, in a storm, even though the signs forbid it...there must be a college nearby.

 There are many, many veterans in the upper mid-west, Michigan, Wisconsin, etc., and that includes our branch. Even the Relief Society President is a veteran. So yesterday after church one sister made a cake and another brought ice cream and those that stayed paused to honor all those who have or are serving. The longer we live the more we appreciate this sacrifice. We are the "land of the free" because of the brave.

 Having family visit to support and encourage us coupled with the feedback we are receiving about how our children and grandchildren back home are focused on missionary work, is equally humbling and rewarding. And, to be able to live where we can freely share our message; our blessings are too many to even count.

With love, 

Elder and Sister Johnson

Spirals, The Deer Hunt and A Hernia

 It is humbling and amazing to see the way the Lord blesses those who keep His commandments. We are reminded of our own blessings or rather we see, with “new” eyes, the many blessings we enjoy by embracing His commandments when a less active member decides, with full purpose of heart, to rejoin the fold. As the reactivated member begins anew, step by step, to remake covenants, their blessings become many and easy to see. We, on the other hand, may have been taking those same blessings largely for granted.  An example of that is our Br. Klingman. With his new Elders Quorum presidency assignment he is now asked to teach the group at least once a month. This assignment means, of course, he will need to study and prepare. The experience will deepen his conversion, which will cause him to want to be closer to the Savior etc. This becomes an upward spiral, and it is a spiral not a circle, a growth spiral that leads him (and us all) to a perfected condition. 

We have been blessed to be and to continue to be a small part of this miracle.

 This coming week is Pasty week once again. It is scheduled one week earlier in November because nothing is allowed to get in the way of the deer hunt that begins on the 15^th. 

Bringing it home Yooper style.

 Also, this coming week our son and his wife are flying out from Mesa to see us and to see our area. They will be with us for just 3 days. They have asked to help with the Pasty preparation. We will see. The grandparents of his wife, our daughter-in-law, served their mission in Oshkosh and Iron Mountain in the 70s. Our daughter-in-law fondly remembers her grandmother’s pasties. One or two of the oldest members of the branch remember this couple, or think they do.

 

 We have friends (Gary and Nola Cockerham) who are serving in the office of one of the missions in the western U.S. Their president is telling them to expect a 30% increase in the number of missionaries in the next few months. According to what they have heard, because of visa restrictions, most of the recently called missionaries will be sent state-side. Procedural changes are being made. The MTC experience will be shortened, English speakers will have two weeks instead of three and foreign language missionaries will have six weeks instead of nine. In some cases the MTC experience will be skipped entirely with the training shifted to the mission. New cars, new apartments, new areas, new trainers, more office help needed, etc. we can’t imagine the challenges that will come with this latest “blessing”. The work is truly being hastened. (D&C 88:73)

 Elder Young who was "blessed" with a hernia which he discovered a few weeks back went into surgery last Friday to have it repaired. I picked up he and his companion at 5:45 AM that morning and went with them to the hospital. (I didn't know 5:45 came twice in one day) Everything went just fine. I knew he would survive when I offered to buy lunch for them and he said he wanted a "Baconator" and a large Coke from Wendys. I figured if the hernia didn't kill him then this probably wouldn't either. These Elders are amazing. They are frequently pressed into service moving members and non-members alike. I am surprised he has lasted this long without this happening. Also this week I was given the results of the stress test I took. My doctor was not happy with the results and has arranged for me to see a cardiologist later in the month. We will keep you posted.

With love,

Elder and Sister Johnson