October- Already?

I cannot believe it is fall. the weather here is beautiful. I have never seen more beautiful weather and fall leaves. We are very busy, our phones ring, ring, ring but that is a good thing.
We are loving the area and the people here in Massena and of course the Elders and Sisters. I am including a lot of photos that I have not yet posted so.......

                              L to R Sister Barlow (secretary), President Wirthlin, Brother Barlow

     In August all the Senior couples were invited to a retreat at the mission home in Utica. We arrived Friday evening and enjoyed a steak dinner and a meeting where we could ask President and Sister Wirthlin questions and give suggestions. The following morning we had a huge breakfast, and a meeting where each couple could tell a little about themselves and report their stewardship.

                                                      Sister Wirthlin in center

Early in the afternoon we all traveled to the Herkimer Diamond mine where we all mined for diamonds. We were given a hammer and chisel and pounded rocks. President Wirthlin related this to finding "diamonds" and bringing them unto Heavenly Fathers kingdom. Philip found several, it was fun but hard work... sound similar to missionary work?

                                  Roxanne Abernathy Makayla Nugent, and Makayla her friend

We have two young women in our branch, they are terrific and love the Wednesday night activities. This particular evening they decorated cupcakes..... ( I helped and made everyone smoothies while they worked)

Makayla, Makayla , Cooper and Dillon Abernathy

 

and then delivered them to the Branch President in his office (Philip)

                                             He thought it was great and so did the kids!!!!






On the third Sunday of each month we have a "Pot Luck" it has been a great success and has brought out more less actives.

The lady sitting in the walker is our downstairs neighbor Mary, we invited her and she came She loves the Elders or "the boys" as she calls them. She volunteers with them at the nursing home. Across from her is Sister Miller she is the Primary President with her nephew (green T-shirt)

 

Left- Makayla talking with Elder Huff and John Sterling we have been working with John since before the branch was opened, the sisters knocked on his door, it was raining that day and they had their umbrellas so he always calls them the Morton Salt girls.

Cooper Abernathy , Elder Mecham (West Jordan) and Brother Mayette. Brother Mayette was reactivated and does the ward bulletin, he also recently received the priesthood and often blesses the sacrament.

We love the branch and all the people there, we pray and hope you will too for them and the success of the branch in this area.