Being the Third Counselor in the Branch Presidency

Today Fast and Testimony meeting at the Medallion Supported Living Center was perfect.  

There were 15 people there. Including Dad, presiding, as the 3rd counselor in the Branch presidency, their financial clerk, high councilman, Todd Ekins. Also there was the branch Relief Society President and her husband and one other member of the 'priesthood leadership'. The stake Relief Society President was there with her teen son and daughter. The daughter shared a piano solo, the son passed the sacrament. Two other brethren provided the blessings on the sacrament. There were two residents, Jean an older sister and Angela, who told us in her testimony that she is 32. Angela sang for us before the meeting and commandeered the leading of the music. There was also one employee of the home, Anna. I was number 15.

Jean, Paula, Angela

Dad bore his testimony first and said that as Carson passed the sacrament, he was reminded of the time he was at a solemn assembly in the Salt Lake Temple and the apostles passed the sacrament. He said Elder Worthlin passed to his row and how he always felt a warm connection with him forever after. Remember Christ first passed the sacrament, it's about Him and his mission to bring us back. 

Then Dad mentioned  this picture. 

Next Dad talked about how Sister Wade mentioned her sons participation in a 100 miles in 30 hours endurance run, and how a pacer can keep them going, and keep them on the path. He likened that to our family and church members who enable us in the same way. I loved the analogy. 

Angela then jumped up to bear her sweet testimony. She said she knew the church was true, then told some random bits if her life and accomplishments  and how they each made her feel. Happy, sad, terrified (when at age 8 she fell into a swimming pool and almost drowned). her final words were that she has a great imagination.

One of the priesthood brethren stood and bore his testimony and then told of his experience attending a solemn assembly.  

Last of all, Anna bore her testimony and expressed her gratitude for the meetings the branch provides at the care centers.  She said that her family circumstances require that she work on Saturdays and Sunday's  and that she is so grateful that she can partake of the sacrament each week. She then  commented on how strong the spirit was there. 

Yes, the spirit was so strong.  I reveled in being able to share in this experience. Somehow this particular meeting perfectly exhibited the spiritual beauty that the branch design allows for all to come together and meet, to partake of the sacrament and to worship our Father and his son, as we are able.  

 I'm just grateful to be a small part of this.