Sharon Park 8th Ward Newsletter
June 2023
The Lord commanded a feast for the 50th day after Passover. It was set at the Wheat Harvest, and called The Feast of Firstfuits. Before Jesus ascended, He told His disciples to harvest the world, but to wait just a few days for the power to do so. The Holy Ghost was bestowed on that Feast Day [now called Pentecost, celebrated in June]. Being filled with power, the apostles testified of Christ, and in the tongues of many Jews who had come back from different lands to celebrate. So powerful was their witness, 3000 persons were baptized that day, a great harvest (Acts 2:41).
Joyous was that occasion! When Alma’s people received the blessings of baptism, they ”clapped, their hands for joy.” (Mosiah 18:11). Joseph Smith reflected enormous Joy concerning baptism for the Dead. “Let your heart rejoice, and be exceedingly glad… Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise… for the prisoners shall go free” (D&C 128:22). May our hearts feel Joy, both in our own salvation, and in deeds that bring redemption to others. Our work is truly a work of Joy.
Bishop’s Message already appears on the Sharon Park 8th ward website. Check it out.
Getting to Know You! Here are insights into some of our wonderful members. To help you recognize them, please look up their pictures on our ward directory.
Guess Who are from New Mexico and members of the great Navajo Nation! (Bettina and Kumen Louis; 3 children) They aspire to be diligent members of the church. We welcome them!
Guess Who has two first degree black belts in tae Kwon do? (Hillary Muller). Stephen, her husband, has been to nine countries. He also has done the sound for BYU productions.
Guess Who speaks multiple languages? (Andrew Gossage). His wife, Emilie, has a degree in music theory. They are both Temple & Family History consultants and have two boys and a girl.
Guess who has a French name her mother found doing French endowments? (Ynes Raadgep). The Y is pronounced “e”, the “s” as z. 7th of 9 children, she likes reading, writing, running, and people. Adam, a member his whole life, sees his role in life as helping usher in Christ’s return.
Guess Who baptized his future wife? (Garlan Fitzgerald). A Nebraskan, he served a mission in British Isles before baptizing and marrying Carolyn. He played, then coached, soccer for over 60 years, 30 at Orem High. Together, they raised 8 children, then served a mission in the Philippines. Carolyn is very skilled at Family History, serving as Stake FH Director for years.
Guess Who was once secretary to Gerrit W. Gong? (LuAnn Hart). She loves playing piano and organ, sewing and making quilts, and having their large, talented family visit. Blake learned Portuguese as a Brazilian missionary, is a master gardener, and shares his grapes, raspberries, etc.
Guess Who likes ocean play, disc golf and corn hole? (Tossing games). (Gregor Kreutz). He is an accountant by profession, but likes building things as a hobby. Aubrey, his wife, loves teaching second grade but is now enjoying summer break. She likes to bake and to share it.
Guess Who was recently accepted into Medical School! (Paul Kocherhans). His wife, Laura, is an English major graduate. (and smart). They have two boys, ages 2 and 4.
Guess Who is one of those writing books; seeking publishers? (Kristen Danielson). She does a lovely R. S. Newsletter, so we expect success. Son, Alec, likes helping others, though quietly. Her husband Ron shoveled his neighbors’ sidewalks last winter, also quietly. But appreciated!
Guess Who, a UVU student, is about to apply for Nursing program, to become a CRNA! (Bridger Truman). His hobbies are golf and basketball. Jaylynn will graduate from UVU in December, in Art & Design; minor Art History. She loves travelling and the food that goes with it
Guess Who is a resident physician? (Bryan May). From Delta, his mission was in Raleigh NC & Chesapeake, VA. He’s had the opportunity to work in an observatory. He and Kelli, have two girls. Our amazing R.S. president, she served a mission in Wisconsin, and is now an Assistant Professor. At SUU, she won the Elaine C. Southwick Award, the top award for women.
Guess Who is very active in humanitarian work, using her skill for crafts? (Cindy Sawyer). She has been in ward abt. 40 years, teaching at Orem Jr. High School for 30, mostly Spanish. Then served as Librarian. She loves her Chihuahua and doing Come Follow Me studies.
Guess Who is another avid golfer in our ward? (Zach Gatherum). His wife, Aletse (UH-LET- SAY) gets her pleasure from board and video games, while he golfs and fulfills his work as a manager at FedEx.
Guess Who loves gardening because he finds plants make him happy? (their ward picture shows him fishing too). (Koby Jensen). His wife, Grace loves children for she is our Primary Pres.
Guess Who does insurance in Heber City with his Dad? (Timothy Stone, age 25).
Guess Who loves doing research on many interests, (like nature, history, the human body), so she too is writing and hoping to get her works published? (Malynda Walker)
Guess who plays video games — professionally! (David Livingston). Guess who enjoys baking while he does? (His wife, Karen ).
Much more to come about our fascinating members. Let us be kind, welcome, and get to know each other better.