October 2016
MANLY WARD UPDATE Harbour Stake, Sydney
Greetings For some of you this will be the first time, for others it’s been a long time since I have said “hello!” It’s been some time since I’ve written a ward update. I hope this message finds you and your family well.
What’s been happening A lot has happened in the ward over the past few months including the following:
Culture Night The cultural diversity of Manly ward was on show recently when we gathered together at the Chapel for a mixture of food and entertainment including contributions from South Africa, Philippines, Tonga, NZ, Australia, England. Particularly enjoyable were the 10-11yr old Primary Boys who performed a traditional Tongan dance. Other than their Primary Teacher (Isi Taufa), no one had any idea that they were going to perform...and perform in such a fine fashion. Of course all the food, include Spit pig was gobbled up quickly. Feel blessed to be part of a diverse community.
Primary Sacrament Presentation One of the best Sacrament meetings of any year is the annual Primary Presentation. It’s amazing how the Primary children be so “non-reverent” one minute, and “nek minute” teach and testify so powerfully at the pulpit.
2
Stake Young Men Camp, Pennant Hills This event was held at Baden Powell Scout Centre up at Pennant Hills. Events included touch footy, zip-lining, catapult water bomb fights, milo and marshmallows over bonfire, conversations deep into the night accompanied by RnB music, scripture study, hike to nowhere and back, testimony meeting. Sister Sengchanh and I have been to a number of Stake Young Women Camps over the years; and this was my first Stake Young Men Camp. It certainly is a different experience! No frills food would be the main difference! haha. Every time we decide to volunteer to be a part of a Stake Activity, I do so dragging my feet. But every time I find myself "involved" - it feels super good. I couldn't think of another place that the Lord would have me be. I am so glad I took time off my work to participate and serve. I am especially thankful for our Stake and Ward Leaders who devote so much of their time and talent. The Church is true; and His work will roll on forward!!
Manly Ward Conference At the Manly Ward Conference Sacrament meeting, our Ward Choir sung a beautiful prelude. Both Jeremy Ongosia (member of the Deacons Quorum) and Sister Mele Halaime (our Relief Society President) bore testimonies. Concluding speaker was President Paki (Stake President) who taught us that true conversion comes not by the administration/vision of angels; but by the Holy Ghost.
Youth Multi-stake dance - 90s rnb theme Sis Sengchanh and I had the opportunity to go along with our son to his first Church Youth Dance. We feel it’s very important for him to attend such social Church activities so his circle of Church friends can be wider. Attendance also helps him sustain his Church leaders, all of whom put in a lot of effort into organising such activities. Regularly at Sacrament we are asked to sustain our Church leaders. But sustaining continues long after an uplifted hand at Sacrament, and can be in the form of dancing feet! Oh yeah, I
3
didn’t get the memo that Church leaders were to dress in Sunday best, so Sis Sengchanh and I rocked up in our 90s RnB best. Haha.
Called to Serve Congratulations to Bro Jack Ongosia has been called to serve in the Hamilton New Zealand Mission. He leaves in December.
What’s coming up ●
Tithing Settlement Interviews - on now, make appointment through Exec Sec (Josh Faka’i
●
Ward Christmas Party - 12pm, Saturday 3rd December 2016
●
Ward New Year Activity - Raft Race; January 2017; watch this space
To keep up to date on what’s happening in the ward please join us on our Facebook group - search for Manly Ward, Harbour Stake; and/or like the Manly Ward Facebook Page.
Concluding thoughts Sister Sengchanh and I joke that camping is just not our thing. Well for me anyway. Having lived in a refugee camp, choosing to go on a “camp” nowadays seems to be going backwards in life! I’ve been there, done that...and don’t want to do it again! Haha. Maybe because of this, we have been blessed over the years to have attended many Stake Youth camps. Each time I attend a Church activity I learn important lessons. On this occasion as we gathered around a big bonfire, nibbling on the two marshmallows and 2 Tim Tams we were rationed, I was reminded of the importance of being around the Gospel “bonfire”. The bonfire encompasses all that brings are closer to God - including
4
-
Surrounding our families with the company of other active Church members
-
Serving, teaching and learning faithfully in Church
-
Attending Church meetings and activities
President Wolfgramm (2nd Counselor, Harbour Stake Presidency); taught at the YM Camp bonfire that we ought to get “involved”; and not sit on the sideline. When we roll up our sleeves and get involved, we are blessed with joy, peace, revelation, testimony. So I invite you all to “get involved” in the Gospel; for therein lies a fullness of love and joy. Thanks for reading Love Bishop Sengchanh and family
5