They always know what to say

So going into a new Ward can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. There is always the “what if” questions that come to mind. The thing is, the fact that we are in a new Ward is overwhelming period. It shows of the sheer amount of growth and the spread of the Gospel in this area. It is just amazing. How blessed we are to live in a time and area where we get to experience it first hand.

First, let me say that the new church building is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It is gorgeous. The Chapel is a simple, yet refined beautiful that is warm and welcoming. We did still have to open the over-flow portion, but it was more cozy feeling. I was surprised by the sheer amount of people who showed up early today. I don’t think that this will be a continual thing, but it was nice to see just once that others are early for the meeting.

Naturally, a new building has little quirks that need to be worked out. The heat wasn’t working on one side of the building. They did finally get that side of the building above “meat locker” temperatures. The sound wasn’t working properly in the chapel. It was on, but the quality was not ideal. It was better than no sound system at all. It was just little things. Those things that you don’t necessarily know that they don’t work as intended until they have been fired up and taken for a full-fledged run under normal operating procedures.

The first Sunday as the official Memorial Springs Ward was a delight. While a lot of the meetings were about business and making sure that everyone got to where they needed to be, I felt we were spiritually fed as well. Each of our Bishopric members spoke and it was nice to hear from them. They are truly inspired and each one of them touched my heart in some way today. Encouraging me to just keep doing and trying to keep doing a little better. It was nice to start the Sunday School lessons. I am looking forward to diving into the Old Testament this year. And it was nice to get the introduction in Relief Society, returning back to the basic principles upon which our faith is built.

So looking forward further into 2010, it is going to be a great year!