submitted by Brother Terry Barnett, Ashland Ward Executive Secretary
The past few months have been busy in the Ashland Ward as we have worked hard to build our testimonies and advance the work of the gospel here on the earth. The events have ranged from spiritual to temporal, but all have had in common the fellowship of ward members, families, and friends of the Ashland Ward.
On March 16th, we held a ward temple day at the Columbus Ohio Temple, organized by the elders quorum presidency. First up for our adults was the 9 a.m. endowment session, attended by numerous couples and singles. Following the endowment session, many of those members proceeded to the adjoining chapel to provide child care so that parents with young children could attend the 11 a.m. session. Others met a large group of our youth and took part in the 11:30 a.m. Family File Baptistry session. Following the sessions, members were able to fellowship with each other and enjoy food provided by the elders quorum. The spirit of the Lord was in great abundance as we worshiped together and heeded President Nelson’s call “to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple.”
On March 31st, we followed up the temple trip with a fifth Sunday “Family History Extravaganza” during our second hour. The adults and youth were introduced to the Ashland Ward Temple and Family History Plan for 2019, before splitting off to work on their personal family history with the help of ward family history consultants and others. Primary children worked on creating a three‐generation chart complete with pictures! And the end of the hour, the Primary children were sent home with folders full of family history resources for children of all ages. Adults were encouraged to complete their four generation chart, download the Family Tree app to their mobile devices, and worthily hold (and renew) a temple recommend. A great time was had by all, and the work started continues to bless families here and now and for the eternities.
As the end of school approached, the Ashland Ward joined with the Wooster Ward for a fun night of swimming at the Ashland University Rec Center on May 15th. Youth and adults from both wards burned lots of calories swimming and diving in the pool, and then replaced those calories with TONS of yummy treats after the event. This has become an annual joint event for our two wards, and we so look forward to fellowshipping with our friends from Wooster!
And finally, our third annual Ashland Ward BBQ was held on Friday, May 24th to kickoff the long holiday weekend. Shawn Landoll and family graciously hosted over 75 members, families, and friends from across the ward for a great night of food and fellowship. Technically, the event is called the “Elders Quorum BBQ” but has expanded to include our entire ward as a great celebration and chance to spend time together.
Brother Landoll worked the grill at his amazing covered pavilion, while the rest of the ward contributed salads, BBQ pork, deserts, and anything else you could ever want to eat. The children and youth roamed the woods while the adults spread out camp chairs and enjoyed the early summer evening with a roaring bonfire. This annual BBQ has become one of the year’s favorite events, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the elders quorum presidency and Landoll family!
Akron Ohio Stake News 