Come... Sit With Us.

We used the scripture from this year's Stake theme as the scripture 

for Stake Women's Conference:

 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source 

they may look for a remission of their sins."

The decorations used remind us of all the settings we "sit together" as sisters...

Sister Karen Helton was the chair of the decorating committee.

Karen & her committee worked with Jennie Bennett - weaving the theme
into the decorations in such FUN ways!  Their committee included:

Missy Stevens, Tammy Meldrum, Debbie Maynard, Annie Kartchner, 

Holly Curtis, Stephanie Callicott, Melidee Barton

Holly Curtis & Jennie Bennett

Both entries to the Stake Center were an invitation to...
"Come Sit With Us"

The podium also had subtle reminders of "Come Sit With Us"

Roger - our Stake Technology Specialist -
was wonderful to set up the opening video presentation.

Thank you Roger Harrison!

A sweet example of sisters who invite others to "Come Sit With Us"
Sitting right down on the floor in the nursery when we serve in Primary...

We learn charity as we "sit together" in so many settings...
the most important setting (of course) being our own homes.

We sit together in the homes of sisters we serve when Visiting Teaching.

Sitting together as we enjoy food (always food!)

Sitting next to Young Women as they come into Relief Society this year...
Becoming friends, and staying close as we show them the way.

Sitting around a campfire as we serve in Young Women.

Sitting together with our families...

Being taught the Gospel at home - and rejoicing in, and preaching of Christ.

Sitting in hospital rooms & care centers with aging parents.

Sitting in rocking chairs - rocking our babies in the quiet midnight hours.

Sitting with a large, growing family -
giving & teaching through the busy years of raising a young family.

Before long, we've moved from a "long row" with a large family -
to the back row (and find our hair might be turning a little grey)

The cultural hall was turned into a mixture of elegance from yesteryear just in time for the refreshments.

Missy Stevens provided a beautiful "Shabby Chic" setting for the refreshment tables.

Come... Sing With Us

It was a wonderful experiment trying an "Instant Choir" for this year's Women's Conference!  ONE practice (one hour before the chapel meeting) was all that was needed for this talented group of sisters to sound just like the Tabernacle Choir!  Thanks to Myrl Breinholt - Stake Music Chairman - the music added the perfect spiritual touch to an inspirational chapel meeting.

A big "Thank You!" to all you dear sisters for sharing your time and talents that night!

Anthony Sweat (Barbara's son) presented his message on Faith, Hope, and Charity (what he calls "the Gospel Triplets")  *Highlights from his talk are found HERE.

Our beloved President Sohm spoke (as he always does) straight from his heart to the sisters.  His thoughts on the tender feelings of the sisters of the church touched us all.  When we asked him for notes from his talk, this was his response:

"I didn't really write out a talk, and only had some notes I was using for reference.  

I'm sorry, but hopefully the spirit felt will be more helpful than the written words.  

Please pass on my apology to those who asked."

During our day of service - there was a quilt tied for our wonderful President Sohm.  One small way to show our love for him and all he does to serve us.

Left to Right:
Jennie Bennett, Barbara Sweat,
our dear President Sohm & Becky,
Maria Lombardi, Anne Petersen

Come... Enjoy a Treat With Us!

We hope the sisters of the stake did not feel the least bit shortchanged without the dinner we have always held in years past...

We simplified in order to be able to have time & funds to offer service as a stake.

However, there was a little something for everyone's sweet (or savory) tooth after the Chapel Meeting.

Semi-circles of chairs were set up so we could "sit together"...

Pam McCarty - our food chairman - worked with representatives
from each ward to come up with 8 different "treat-in-a-cup"offerings.
Each ward arrived with a work of art ready-to-serve!  

Thank you to the food committee: 

Holly Johnson, Aleene Alder, Vicky Cushing, Sally Bennett, Val Doria, Kelli Noorda, 
Holly Holmes, Mandy Oras, Christine Farnsworth, Betty Morrison 

The committee addressed almost every possible need (gluten & dairy intolerance, 

sugar-free, nut allergies, etc...)  There was something for everyone.  

For the recipes, keep scrolling - or click HERE.

The cups were easy to hold - and there was ample time to visit, sit down and chat, or take a treat home on the run!  

Again - as always - we could not do it without our wonderful Priesthood brethren.  Thanks to Mike Wilson - our High Council representative to the Relief Society, and all the wonderful members of the High Council and Stake Presidency who set the food out, helped with parking, and assisted us in so many ways!  We love you!

We love you sisters, and hope you went home with a spring in your step!