S3 BISHOPRIC MESSAGES

S3 Ward Family, 

I invite all of us to listen/re-listen to this talk given at the April 2023 General Conference by Elder Gary Stevenson titled, The Greatest Easter Story Ever Told and to contemplate the messages we hear from it, and then to apply something that touches us into our Easter season.

One message I received personally came as he shared, "Lesa (his wife) and I have discussed ways that our family can do better during the Easter season. Perhaps the question we have asked ourselves is one we could all contemplate: How do we model the teaching and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Easter story, with the same balance, fulness, and rich religious tradition of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christmas story?" 

They came to the conclusion that reading the account of the resurrected Lord found in 3 Nephi 11:1-17 as a family would be one way to highlight the true meaning of Easter for them. I need to discuss his question with my family, which is why I am sending this today (on 7 March) even though Easter celebrations for 2024 aren't until the end of the month (Easter Sunday is 31 March), giving all of us time to counsel with our family and/or friends if we haven't already.

Both S3 Ward and Surrey Stake are striving to support your home efforts with the following (see applicable posters attached):

• Sunday, 24 March (Palm Sunday)

  • 9:30am - S3's typical sacrament meeting will feature extra musical numbers and the sharing of highlights of the first Easter, the final week of the Saviour's mortal ministry. Typical second hour classes to follow.
    
    

  • After 11:30am - All are invited to a potluck. While this isn't particularly Easter-ish, we do hope many members and friends invite friends to our services to hear the message of Easter and stay to socialize. Oh, and PLEASE bring a dish to share.
    
    

  • 7:00pm, Surrey Stake Centre - Surrey Stake Palm Sunday Devotional, featuring Easter-themed music and spoken word.  
    
    

• Sunday, 31 March (Easter Sunday)

  • 9:30am - 10:30am - Services will be just one hour, allowing households and friends to spend more time together with their new or existing Easter traditions. The one hour as a ward, however, will be a fast and testimony sacrament meeting (not on the first Sunday of April due to General Conference). While this testimony meeting will not be atypical, I envision that the output of this particular one should be the product of our increased household and ward focus on the Easter season with testimonies infused with our feelings for and understanding of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. 

Whether you attend every week or haven't been in decades, YOU are welcome and invited to attend as many of these opportunities as you wish. Come and be part of our imperfect-but-striving ward family; make us even better. 

In S3 Ward, we highlight Easter weekly by worshipping through testimony, music, prayer, and partaking of the sacrament, yet I am looking forward to this season during which we can more deliberately focus on Easter traditions that have the power to reaffirm the facts that: 

• Because of Jesus Christ, everything changed.

• Because of Him, everything is better.

• Because of Him, life is manageable—especially the painful moments.

• Because of Him, everything is possible.

I testify to these facts.

Much love, 

Bishop Olson // James; Oscar Flores; Shane Poettcker 

A call for united prayer and fasting for ward members

S3 Ward Family,

This coming weekend includes a *fast Sunday, which presents a scheduled opportunity to fast for the things that are important to each of us. As a bishopric, we are inviting you to add a specific petition to Heavenly Father for some miracles and tender mercies for your fellow ward family members. We are sending this out today with the encouragement to focus prayers towards this cause throughout the course of this week.

I am not going to go into the specifics of individual situations, but I will specifically mention there is a great need for miracles to occur with immigration-related and employment-related matters for several of our sisters and brothers. We all have challenges (health, relationships, faith struggles, etc.) so general prayers for your fellow brothers and sisters will be appreciated and worthwhile also. I feel good to know that I can pray for you and you can pray for me.

Despite having seen profound miracles that I attribute to our Father's response to fasting and prayer throughout my life, oftentimes I find my fasting to be far less consistently purposeful than at various other times in my life. If you are in this same boat, I invite you repent along with me. As we demonstrate faith by focusing spiritually and going without some of our physical comforts, I firmly believe our efforts will not be in vain.

As part of fast Sunday, we will have our monthly fast and testimony sacrament meeting. Let this be a moment for us to share statements of our belief in the power of the true light, life, and hope of the world, our Savior, Jesus Christ!

We love you and pray for you,

Bishop James Olson with Oscar Flores and Shane Poettcker

*What is fast Sunday? The Church designates one Sunday each month, usually the first Sunday, as a day of fasting. Members are asked to go without food and drink for two consecutive meals, or approximately 24 hours. They are also asked to contribute the money that they would have spent on food for those meals to the Church, which, through its welfare system, uses to care for those in need. This money is called a fast offering.

Due to health or perhaps young age, some people cannot go without food and drink for approximately 24 hours, but that doesn't mean you are excluded from this call to faith. What can you give up ... food for 12 hours, video games for a weekend, time that is spent in mighty prayer, something else? Fast from food and drink if you can, but recognize that, surely, any sincere sacrifice and focus on a spiritual aim will result in blessings from the Lord.

Great message from Brother Oscar Flores, bishopric 1st counsellor ...

Hola,

Today, many people write love letters to those around them. But the deepest and most enduring message of love comes from Jesus Christ and our heavenly parent. I want to invite you to hear this message of God's divine love for you.

(https://youtu.be/esaE1mJ4kiA?si=Pd2cUajtZGA939ZX)

#S3BishopricMessage (same as recent email)

S3 Ward Family,

O Come Let Us Adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

This Sunday, 24 December

9:30am

Surrey Stake Centre (6270 126 Street, Surrey)

S3 will have a one-hour sacrament service and you and yours are most welcome to join in worshipping together with hymns and special musical numbers, prayers, and sharing of testimonies and gospel truths. Add to that the opportunity to partake of the sacrament - our most powerful weekly remembrance of Christ - and we have a recipe for coming closer to our Saviour, our Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father, our Friend, even Jesus Christ.

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I like that the Primary activity this past Tuesday evening was a "birthday party for Jesus" - there were games, cookie decorating, balloons, and (as with any good birthday party) lots of yummy treats! So, in addition to "Merry Christmas", we also say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus"! I love this and other ways that the proverbial spotlight has been shone on Jesus Christ's birth throughout this season as a ward ... including, but not limited to:

• S3's Christmas party included a potluck, games, music, hot chocolate and dessert bars, and the First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2024 (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../2023-first...).

• A successful Adopt-A-Family initiative has provided a wonderful Christmas for a family in the community who has recently relocated here from Ukraine.

• Beautifully decorated "Light The World" Christmas trees in both foyers are adorned with tags highlighting acts of service we could perform to show forth love to others.

• A mighty group of S3's Relief Society women did super things on Super Saturday, much of which included crafts and service related to Christmas.

• S3 youth had two parties: The first took place at downtown Vancouver where they distributed hot chocolate in the rain. The second was at the church building where they made cards that are being distributed at a homeless shelter in time for Christmas morning.

• S3's Elders Quorum gathered to the temple and served together with a sense of comradery and spirit which one could envision as being among Christ and His apostles as they went about doing good.

• Surrey Stake's concert devotional showcased the musical talents of many S3 members and others. More importantly, the music shared message after message about the birth, life, and successful saving mission of Jesus Christ.

What did I miss? This doesn't include all of the instances of service and worship happening among ward members on a more personal level. When all gets added up and we reflect, I think all can agree that the Spirit of Christ has been able to touch all of us in one way or another this season.

I love that Jesus Christ was born and still lives today! I look forward to celebrating this with you this Sunday!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric - James Olson, Grant Hastings, Shane Poettcker

#S3BishopricMessage (same as recent email)

S3 Ward Family,

O Come Let Us Adore Him,

Christ, the Lord!

This Sunday, 24 December

9:30am

Surrey Stake Centre (6270 126 Street, Surrey)

S3 will have a one-hour sacrament service and you and yours are most welcome to join in worshipping together with hymns and special musical numbers, prayers, and sharing of testimonies and gospel truths. Add to that the opportunity to partake of the sacrament - our most powerful weekly remembrance of Christ - and we have a recipe for coming closer to our Saviour, our Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father, our Friend, even Jesus Christ.

We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I like that the Primary activity this past Tuesday evening was a "birthday party for Jesus" - there were games, cookie decorating, balloons, and (as with any good birthday party) lots of yummy treats! So, in addition to "Merry Christmas", we also say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus"! I love this and other ways that the proverbial spotlight has been shone on Jesus Christ's birth throughout this season as a ward ... including, but not limited to:

• S3's Christmas party included a potluck, games, music, hot chocolate and dessert bars, and the First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2024 (https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../2023-first...).

• A successful Adopt-A-Family initiative has provided a wonderful Christmas for a family in the community who has recently relocated here from Ukraine.

• Beautifully decorated "Light The World" Christmas trees in both foyers are adorned with tags highlighting acts of service we could perform to show forth love to others.

• A mighty group of S3's Relief Society women did super things on Super Saturday, much of which included crafts and service related to Christmas.

• S3 youth had two parties: The first took place at downtown Vancouver where they distributed hot chocolate in the rain. The second was at the church building where they made cards that are being distributed at a homeless shelter in time for Christmas morning.

• S3's Elders Quorum gathered to the temple and served together with a sense of comradery and spirit which one could envision as being among Christ and His apostles as they went about doing good.

• Surrey Stake's concert devotional showcased the musical talents of many S3 members and others. More importantly, the music shared message after message about the birth, life, and successful saving mission of Jesus Christ.

What did I miss? This doesn't include all of the instances of service and worship happening among ward members on a more personal level. When all gets added up and we reflect, I think all can agree that the Spirit of Christ has been able to touch all of us in one way or another this season.

I love that Jesus Christ was born and still lives today! I look forward to celebrating this with you this Sunday!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric - James Olson, Grant Hastings, Shane Poettcker

S3 Ward Family,

We have a new ward website: www.welcometos3.org

As many of you already know, we also have a long-time Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/welcometos3ward

We have three requests:

1. Get familiar with these communication channels. As applicable, join, follow, bookmark, save to your phone home screen, etc. (Note: Announcements and other content can be added the website quite easily by emailing welcometos3ward@gmail.com. You can also post on the FB group.)

2. Help someone else to connect to these communication channels and/or keep people without online access updated with announcements that may be of interest to them.

3. Provide your suggestions about content that would be useful to you and others and your feedback about what does or doesn't work on these communication channels. We are not social media or website gurus, and we would gladly accept your volunteered expertise to make either or both better.

These communication channels and others will continue to evolve. Thanks for your patience and understanding. We have them because we want YOU to be part of our activities and meetings. We welcome your friends and neighbours, too.

Have a great week!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric: James Olson, Grant Hastings, Shane Poettcker

S3 Ward Family,

As many of you witnessed today (Sunday), we have a new member of S3's bishopric, Shane Poettcker, who was sustained as the 2nd counsellor. After two years of invaluable service in this role, Brother David JD Van Nen will be serving as the Asst Ward Clerk, giving S3 a proverbial clerk dream team with David and Curt Gareau.

I cannot express my thanks and love enough to Brother Van Nen. He has been extremely patient with me (believe it or not, I am not always easy to work with), and is as diligent and spiritual as they come. I am one of his biggest fans as a human and a friend. S3 wouldn't be what it is today without his contributions and service in the bishopric and on Ward Council. For context, David has served on the Ward Council in multiple capacities for the vast majority of the past decade+.

Let it be unmistakeable here and now that I would have happily served with Brother Van Nen during my entire time as bishop if this was my work, but this is the work of God and Brother Van Nen is needed elsewhere.

Jumping to Brother Poettcker ... Shane is one of the best guys I know - he's devoted to his family, is a decorated professional, and is a wonderful teacher and speaker. I ask for your prayers on his behalf. He's a humble guy, so I am not going to go on and on. Our ward is going to be better because of his service in this capacity. His wife Loni Poettcker is a ray of sunshine and she will be an amazing support. Thank you in advance!

I have written about these two good men, but I want to be clear that it is a joy to work with all of you - regardless of your calling or assignment - in the work of the Lord. Speaking to all of you, I echo the words of Elder Bednar from last conference, "Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple. I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you."

Love,

Bishop James Olson

S3 Ward Family,

We hope you're staying reasonably dry after being pampered with bright skies for months! We have heard of seemingly dozens of ward members with varying degrees of colds. We hope that everyone heals up in speedy fashion!

We have two things to share:

1. TITHING DECLARATION. This is a short get-together with me, your bishop, to declare your tithing status and for us to visit. Even if your status is not "Full Tithe Payer", please know that I would still love for you to come and that you are not in trouble or going to be lectured. See, I rarely get to visit with everyone in the ward as I would like to and I sincerely cherish these brief sit-downs. You are my sisters and brothers!
   
   You can sign up at this link (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084CACA829AAF49-tithing6) or by reaching out to David Petty, the executive secretary, at 604-805-3582.

2. CHURCH MAGAZINES. Our area has been selected to receive no-cost church magazine subscriptions to:

• The Liahona (for adults) and/or

• For the Strength of Youth (for youth) and/or

• The Friend (for children).

Your household can order all three at no-cost, regardless of what ages you have in your home. If you have no little kids at home, but you have grandchildren who visit from time-to-time - order the Friend! Have no teens right now? Perhaps you have a co-worker with a teen who may enjoy the uplifting articles!

Depending on the language, you will receive 6-12 editions of each for the next year either by email or mail depending on your selection. (Note: these are already available at www.churchofJesusChrist.org or on the Gospel Library app, but paper copies tend to get read more often.)

ORDERING STEPS:

1. Go to: https://magazinesubscriptions.churchofjesuschrist.org/

2. Sign into your church online account.

• If you don't have one yet, create a church online account at account.churchofjesuschrist.org (Reach out to Brother David Van Nen (604-375-1719) if you don't have your membership number or look at your temple recommend if you have one).

• If you can't remember your username or password, click "Forgot Password" and follow prompts.

I'm not usually this concise. I better stop before I think of something else!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric - James Olson, Grant Hastings, David JD Van Nen

S3 Ward Family,

Since Surrey 3rd Ward's creation in 1991, perhaps no activity tradition has been as consistent throughout the decades as the annual CORN ROAST. It returns again this Saturday and you and yours are invited!

SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER

PART A (optional): Temple Trek

10:30am - 11:00am

YSA Building (20030 82 Ave, Langley)

• Participants “trek” from YSA building up to the temple pavilion, learning about the temple as they travel past six fun stations. Children and youth may love this most but adults will definitely also enjoy it!

• Participants can simply walk but some creativity is encouraged (decorate bikes/wagons/etc., use a “handcart”, etc)

• Leave at ~10:30am; gate will be accessible by 10:00am if you need to set-up ahead of time (I can open it earlier if requested)

• A shuttle will bring you back to your vehicles

Part B: Corn Roast

11:00am - 1:00pm

Temple Pavilion (on the temple and Templeview Chapel grounds at 20370 82 Ave, Langley)

• Food - potluck (bring something to share), chili cook-off (bring your entry), and, of course, CORN

• Games and activities

• Socializing

========================

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. The current weather forecast is for a beautiful day. However, if the weather is not cooperative, the back-up plan is the YSA building.

2. Seating at the pavilion is prioritized for those that need it the most (e.g., seniors, those with mobility issues). You are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, etc. We will have some extra canopies for shade.

3. Consider who may need a ride and reach out to offer one. We want as many ward members and friends all together! We typically have it closer, but we wanted to turn our attention to the newly-reopened Vancouver Temple this year.

Come and be part of this tradition for the 1st time or 32nd time!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us with questions, etc.

S3 Bishopric // James Olson, Grant Hastings, David JD Van Nen

S3 Ward Family,

Since May, the Vancouver Temple ((20370 82nd Avenue, Langley) has been closed for various upgrades and renovations. Today (Tuesday) it has reopened for all ordinances. Today is a good day!

Prior to the closing, I/Bishop encouraged people to use the time prior to the re-opening to:

• prepare to go to the temple for the first time

• prepare to return to the temple after an absence

• continue to attend, but more worthily

• seek out ways to support a ward member to attend (such as babysitting, going with them, be a listening ear, offer to be a mentor, remain non-judgmental)

• strive to prepare names of ancestors and/or engage in activities that will help others to do so, such as indexing

If you didn't accomplish everything on your walk to the temple yet, please don't cruelly beat yourself up - just keep striving. Personally, I had great intentions to utilize the time prior to temple reopening to adopt greater adherence to "do's" of the Word of Wisdom (helping me to feel more healthy and worthy). Instead, I only marginally improved and I have a loooong way to go. I am choosing to feel good about what I did accomplish and to better organize myself to continue to head in the right direction.

For me and the rest of the mortal/subject-to-weaknesses-of-some-sort crowd, might I suggest that each of us considers connecting with people who can help us to get to the temple or to strengthen our worthiness? I testify that Heavenly Father utilizes angels in his work; they may be celestial beings but, just as easily and more likely, they could be someone next to you in the same pew, a ministering brother or sister, someone you minister to, the Relief Society president/cy, the Elders Quorum president/cy, a family member, and/or friends. Make no mistake - I/Bishop am not too busy to help you in your steps to the temple.

It's not about simply going to the temple, a lovely building - it's about going to be with the Lord. For me, the temple is my escape from the noise of the world. There's no traffic, no deadlines, no arguments, no bills, no thorns or thistles. There is, however, peace; reminders of Christ through artwork, teaching, and sometimes video; stillness; promises; and symbolic entry into His presence where we can feel His deep love through the Holy Ghost. We could all use a healthy escape of this sort. We could all benefit from the satisfaction of entering into sacred covenants ourselves and from standing in place of those who weren't able to in this phase of life to give them the opportunity to make the decision to enter into the same covenants.

You can book appointments to worship directly through the LDS Tools app or by calling 604-513-5933. If you have questions, please reach out me or others. Let's worship in the temple together. Let's go to be with the Lord!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric

James Olson, Grant Hastings, David Van Nen

S3 Ward Family, 

Many of you have noticed a lot of callings changes in Surrey 3rd Ward in the last couple of weeks and I wanted to provide some brief insight into the revelatory experiences that testify to everyone willing to read this that revelation is alive and well, it has been flowing in abundance in our ward of late, and we are all entitled to it. (I will try to keep this concise, which isn't always my best quality.)

ARTICLE OF FAITH 5: "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."

THANKS. I have loved working with Greg Kervin and Michelle Dunne, past Elders Quorum and Relief Society presidents, respectively, during my time as bishop. Talents, unbelievable work ethic, and the desire and capacity to serve God overflow from both of them. I could go on and on. We extend gratitude to the presidents but also the presidency members, Geri Villeneuve, Curt Gareau, Janet Ming, and Ashton Tambre.  

RS PRESIDENT. I became aware that the Dunne's were moving to Maple Ridge and I realized that I had no choice but to essentially give up my proverbial right arm for the adults (Michelle was an amazing president to counsel with). I was initially panicked at the thought of having to find a replacement. Very quickly, that changed to feelings of being overwhelmed with gratitude to know that there were so many wonderful and capable sisters to choose from. It started with the bishopric counselling together. I then prayerfully started looking up and down a shorter list I had in front of me and I had a series of divine promptings directing me and redirecting me to Karen Vance. Every time, I thought I would take another look down the list because I questioned whether I was having strong feelings about Karen in that role because I like her so much or because she was who the Lord had prepared for this next season of S3 Ward. The promptings kept sending me back to Karen. I felt great peace. I recognized that this is what "called of God, by prophesy" looks like. 

EQ PRESIDENT. The bishop has some input into the calling of an EQ president, but it is very much the stake president's revelation and responsibility. If all men were like Greg Kervin, no one would ever feel unserved - his example is outstanding and without parallel. The stake presidency asked for some names to consider to add to those they compile (as they may not know everyone in our ward). Included in our list was Darren Larson ... I wrote: "Would be absolutely incredible - he is a workhorse who loves the scriptures and has energy. This would be a loss for seminary." Darren has served for 1.5 years as the seminary teacher (also a stake calling). You never had to wonder if he was going to be prepared. He always was because of years of personal study and experiences with the Spirit ... and his 4:00am daily wake-up time helped, too! When the stake shared that they would be calling Darren, feelings of peace came again; it was another example of "called by God, by prophesy".  

"REVELATORY DOMINOS". Additional revelatory experiences have flowed liberally since the calling of these two presidents, as one change often necessitates another change, which often necessitates another change:

• President Vance sought the Lord's guidance to select and request two counsellors (Amber Peters and Katie Nesom) and an additional secretary (Ann Pepito). The Spirit then affirmed those callings to the bishopric for approval. Janet Ming continues her incredible ministry working with the presidency, called as a self-reliance specialist and Allison Stark continues as a very dutiful RS secretary. 

• President Larson also sought the Lord's guidance to select and request two counsellors (Jaynas Prasad and Bernard Ghunney), first requesting from the bishopric and then from the stake for affirmation. On both levels we exclaimed, "What a presidency that will be!"

• Because Sister Nesom was serving in Primary as the music leader, it became the Primary president's (Valerie Ferland) opportunity to seek revelation to fill that important calling. She sought the Lord's guidance and the answer of recently-graduated Vienna Tambre quickly came.

• Because Jaynas Prasad was serving as the ward mission leader, a role he magnified alongside Ron Herrington, the bishopric (counselling with the new RS and EQ presidents) sought the Lord's guidance on the right replacement and Larry and Medi Inlayo came through revelation. 

• Because of further revelation (counselling with the new RS and EQ presidents), Ron and Sara Herrington were called as Temple and Family History Leaders for the ward to continue the amazing work the Carlsen's have performed in that role.

Each of those mentioned above had to have their own revelatory experiences in order to accept these callings. I believe some of you have had revelatory confirmations about these changes. I know ( for a fact because we need a new ward clerk) that many revelatory experiences await us individually, in our callings (whatever they may be), as a congregation, as families, and beyond.

INVITATION. In the case of callings, each person has been or will be set-apart for their responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority (a member of the bishopric for ward callings) and together S3 Ward will see amazing miracles, most being beautifully subtle, as we preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We invite everyone to ride this wave of revelatory energy and encourage you to infuse it into your callings, ministering, and in truly sustaining those called with support, grace, love, and positivity. This is much of what worship looks like! 

Much love and appreciation,

S3 Bishopric

James Olson, Grant Hastings, David Van Nen

Stake Conference this Weekend

S3 Ward Family,

It's stake conference weekend! Stake conference is a gathering of members from Surrey 1st, 2nd (Spanish), 3rd, White Rock, Brookswood, Richmond 1st wards & Richmond 2nd (Chinese) branch. There is also a choir made up of members from throughout the stake. There will be a diverse mix of members with a common focus: growing our faith in Jesus Christ.

During the sessions, we grow this faith from hearing from inspired stake leaders and other generous speakers. All sessions take place at the Surrey Stake Centre (which happens to be our building for a typical Sunday).

• SATURDAY, 4:00pm - LEADERSHIP SESSION - "All members of ward and stake organization presidencies and secretaries are encouraged to attend. No Zoom link provided."

• SATURDAY, 7:00pm - ADULT SESSION - "All adult members and friends are encouraged to attend in person if possible." If you can't make it in person, utilize Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92698321479, phone 778-907-2071, Webinar ID: 926 9832 1479

• SUNDAY, 10:00am - GENERAL SESSION - "All members and friends are encouraged to attend in person if possible." If you can't make it in person, utilize Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95015573471, phone 778 907 2071 Canada, Webinar ID: 950 1557 3471

Please reach out to those who may not be aware of the times, links, etc. and pass this invitation along. Besides getting to sleep in a very little bit longer on Sunday, I absolutely love stake conference weekend because of the opportunities to worship as a larger group and to receive inspired counsel - we are a mighty force for good across our area.

If you haven't been to church in a while, stake conference weekend is a great time to come to check things out with the ability to remain quite anonymous and see how it all feels. You are welcome and wanted anytime, though.

If you have any questions, etc. please reach out.

Much love,

S3 Bishopric

James Olson (778-680-7355 - call or text), Grant Hastings, JD Van Nen

Dear S3 Ward Family,

At the conclusion of 14 May's sacrament meeting, women of Surrey 3rd Ward will receive a little bag of cookies, each with a custom tag made by the ward's youth. This is a small but sincere (and hopefully not too dry or burnt) ward acknowledgment of Mother's Day, which we broaden to being a celebration of good women regardless of whether they have given birth or not.

The Saviour made a distinct point of acknowledging, respecting, and watching out for his mother, Mary. Then-Elder Thomas Monson described:

"From his tortured position on the cruel cross, he sees his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing by. He speaks: “… woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, "Behold thy mother"! …" Even amid this impossibly hard time, our Jesus Christ had the presence of mind to do this (i) because his mother - a good woman - deserved such treatment and (ii) as a divine example to each of us to follow.

"May each of us treasure this truth; one cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one."

We hope all are daily acknowledging, respecting, and watching out for the women of our ward family and the other women in our lives. If you are not doing so, we invite you to speedily repent. While we provide a small physical acknowledgment (a few cookies), it is a wholly inadequate way to sufficiently express our thanks for the sacrifices you make as parents, mentors, service providers, friends, quiet forces, teachers, sisters, companions, ministers, and daughters of God. Sisters, you are seen, loved, and valued and you deserve acknowledgment, respect, and a watchful eye - you deserve it!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric

James Olson + Grant Hastings and David JD Van Nen

S3 Ward Family,

Once a year we get special visitors to church: the stake leaders! We will have a plethora of bonus sisters and brothers who serve in various ways to strengthen our wards and our area via the Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, Sunday School, and the whole stake presidency, +++.

Here's what to expect ...

SACRAMENT MEETING. It will operate pretty much as usual except that we'll be privileged to have the stake president, Eden Engen, as our concluding speaker. Decades before he was "President Engen" and I was "Bishop Olson", he and I were both in Surrey 3rd Ward (early 1990s); he a young married member of the bishopric and me an oddball older teenager. He was a mentor and someone I looked up to (not just because he is taller than I am). In fact, I remember particular insights and lessons he taught me then resonate in my mind as clearly as those he has shared for the past couple of years as our stake president.

Now working with him as a bishop in 2023, I testify that he holds "priesthood keys" for our stake and he is a man who continues to have inspired insights and lessons that can strengthen all of us in our spiritual journeys to grow our conviction in and understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Come to ward conference to feel his genuine love and learn from him and the Holy Ghost who will testify to truths he shares!

SECOND HOUR MEETINGS & CLASSES.

• Combined youth meeting - Instruction from President and Sister Engen

• Combined adult meeting - Instruction from the Stake Relief Society Presidency and members of the Stake Presidency

• Primary - Stake Primary leaders will be in attendance and President Flavio Ortolano will share a brief message to the children

AFTER THE MEETINGS. Several stake and ward leaders are striving to combine to visit some ward members (unfortunately we won't be able to visit all of you, obviously). You will be contacted to set up a time. I encourage you to accept a visit if one if offered, as it is an opportunity for stake leaders to meet some of S3's great members. This is, in part, how we can sustain our stake leaders: by giving them the opportunity to meet and minister and better know the S3 flock.

YOUR INVITE. Whether you come to church every week, not even once in the last 40 years, or something in between, we invite you to come and join us this Sunday for ward conference. You are welcome and wanted!

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S3 Ward Conference Details

Sunday, 30 April

Sacrament Meeting: 9:30am

Second Hour Classes: 10:40am

6270 126 Street, Surrey

ZOOM LOG-IN: https://zoom.us/j/95198847038

By Phone: 778-907-2071 Canada, Webinar ID: 951 9884 7038

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Much love,

S3 Bishopric: James Olson, Grant Hastings, David JD Van Nen

Happy Easter S3 Ward Family,

We invite you to:

1. Watch this: John 3:17 Video (1:22); then

2. Read this: Will you please join us this Sunday? In Surrey 3rd Ward, we will come together to celebrate and worship through music, messages, and the administration of the sacrament which serves as a powerful and divinely-designed reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of our brother Jesus Christ, his resurrection, and the covenants we can make/have made with our Heavenly Father. I love Easter and everything it commemorates as it relates to our Saviour and Redeemer; then

3. Come this Sunday: Whether you come to church every week or you haven't been in a church building in years, you are warmly invited, welcomed, and wanted. Let's talk, rejoice, and preach of Christ this Sunday, so that all of us may be reminded to what source we may look for a remission of our sins.

This Sunday (9 April)

9:30am - 10:30am

6270 126 Street, Surrey

Contact us with any questions, etc. and know you are welcome and wanted always.

S3 Bishopric

James Olson (778-680-7355), Grant Hastings, David JD Van Nen

Dear S3 Ward Family:

Last week, I wrote about the "recipe" for an even better ward family, the ingredients being faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Today, I would like to briefly introduce S3's ward council, the ward family members who each play a unique volunteer role that affect the ward and/or a class/organization at large pertaining to some aspects of these ingredients. Additionally, each needs your help, understanding, and prayers.

Because of the diversity of our ward on many fronts, the members of the ward council naturally winds up with a pretty great representation of the members of the ward. We have:

• Significant cultural upbringing from six countries

• Singles; married without children; married living with children and/or teens and/or YSA and/or adult children; divorcees; grandparents; empty nesters

• Some who have never experienced poverty and others who have escaped it

• Members from birth; converts; members who returned to church after an absence; those who are building aspects their testimonies; some returned missionaries; some member missionaries

• Employees and self-employed; across the income spectrum; 9-5ers, 24-7ers, 20-80 hours per week; financial planners, graphic designers, IT professionals, programmers, managers, corporate senior executives, real estate and housing industry professionals, retailers, fashion gurus, +++; work from home, short/medium/long commutes

• Convergent, divergent, and lateral thinkers; cool blues, caring greens, sociable yellows, and confident reds.

It is wonderful to have a group who is not homogeneous (same type of background and present) - each brings their unique experiences from inside and outside of church settings, which makes for well-rounded, inspired decision-making. (Note that "inspired" does not necessarily equate perfection.) We generally meet 2-3 times per month early on Sunday mornings and we strive to communicate through various mediums in between. We frequently welcome other participants at ward council meetings when we need specialized insight, such as our temple and family history, ward mission, or self reliance leaders, among others.

In their callings outside of ward council, each member is working with counsellors or assistants and others to fulfill their organizational mandates. These are volunteer positions that could last for weeks or months but could be for years. Their roles are significant but so is every calling and assignment. We have dozens of members making a difference serving at the ward and stake. Everyone is needed!

Hopefully, this gives greater insight into who we can contact to support our at-home efforts and some ideas of where we might be able to further help to strengthen our ward family.

With Love,

S3 Bishopric - James Olson with Grant Hastings and David JD Van Nen

For the keeners ...

WARD COUNCIL MEMBERS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Relief Society president - Michelle Dunne (michelleldunne@gmail.com)

Elders Quorum president - Greg Kervin (greg_kervin@telus.net)

Both of these presidents are actively involved in leading the work of salvation. Many of the roles that you may have thought to turn to the bishop for are actually theirs.

RELIEF SOCIETY - 9.2.3.3 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../9-relief-society...

ELDERS QUORUM - 8.3.3.2 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../8-elders-quorum...

Primary president - Valerie

PRIMARY - 12.3.2 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../gen.../12-primary...

Sunday School president - Benjamin Espinosa (bensfinalheaven@hotmail.com)

SUNDAY SCHOOL - 13.2.2.2 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../13-sunday-school...

Young Women president - Subhashni Prasad (subhashnip@hotmail.com)

YOUNG WOMEN - 11.3.2 -https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../11-young-women...

Ward Clerk - Larry Inlayo (larryinlayo@gmail.com)

WARD CLERK - 33.4.2 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../33-records-and...

Bishopric - I'm Bishop James Olson (jamesolsonchurch@gmail.com) and I serve with Grant Hastings (gkhastings7@gmail.com) and David Van Nen (dvannen@yahoo.com).

BISHOPRIC - 7.1 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../general.../7...

Stake High Council member for S3 - Rajin Sakulsinghdusit

While not an official member of the ward council, the high council members is a valuable conduit between the stake leadership and S3.

Executive Secretary - Dave Petty (pettyd121@gmail.com)

To meet with the bishopric, please reach out to Brother Petty

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY - 7.3 - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../general.../7...

Sorry this is a little long ...

S3 Ward Family,

I toss around the term "Ward Family" frequently, as it is a reminder to me (and hopefully others) that despite the fact that we are put together simply based on our address falling within S3's prescribed geographic boundary, we should be striving to think of each other as brothers and sisters, and try to treat each other as such. I want to briefly explore that idea because I know that I and we can always do better to grow into an even stronger S3 ward family.

The Family Proclamation gives us a recipe for family success and there's no reason it wouldn't apply to our ward family: "Successful [ward] families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." None of these ingredients stands out as extraordinary. In fact, I think they are so basic that it is quite easy to read through the list and not stop to pay close attention to each of these areas. What would happen if you ever inadvertently baked a cake with a cup of salt instead of a cup of sugar because you failed to pay attention? A major fail! Each principle listed above is essential and deserves attention to avoid a botched recipe.

In the last couple of weeks, one of our member households has really struggled with health challenges (you may recall that I asked everyone to pray for Brother Joe Hall and family). Within minutes, we heard a prayer on their behalf - Wow! In the days following, I have seen love and compassion and witnessed work from several people, but most especially from a caring ministering couple who recognize their responsibility and opportunity to be their brother and sister's keepers. This is just one of the examples of which I am aware, and I know there are many ward family-strengthening acts taking place of which I am unaware.

On the flipside (and fortunately quite infrequently), I have witnessed firsthand situations that have caused me to call for the need for ALL S3 families and individuals to very seriously counsel together and to reflect on the questions:

1. What should "faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" look like in a ward family?

~and~

2, How are we doing as a household? In what ways could we improve (including repenting) and how?

We often treat people worse when we (consciously or unconsciously) judge them as being somehow less deserving of our faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Of "judging", Elder Uchtdorf taught: "This topic could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children."

If you haven't figured it out, I write these messages as prompts for myself as much as anyone else. I have to sit in a council of love with my family and especially with myself staring in a mirror and on my knees. My "natural man" tendencies will only be overcome as I 'yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and put off the natural man and become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord". I need to repent and I invite every individual and family to assess their answers to the two questions above and to recognize and repent of those things that require repentance.

Like our biological families, our ward families are imperfect. This additional quote from Elder Uchtdorf is instructive:

"We are not perfect. The people around us (in S3 Ward) are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way."

As a ward family, we hope everyone is taking note of the energy the Ward Council is striving to build behind:

1. preparing to go to the temple for the first time or

2. returning to the temple after an absence or

3. continuing to attend, but doing so more worthily and

4. helping someone else to do any of the above.

Certain special changes have taken place in the presentation of the temple endowment recently, but the prayer circle remains the same. “… The formation of the prayer circle suggests wholeness and eternity, and the participants, having affirmed that they bear no negative feelings toward other members of the circle, evoke communal harmony in a collective prayer ..." (Encyclopedia of Mormonism) I hope that as members of the same ward family we can ALL stand in the same temple prayer circle or even just be in any room bearing no negative feelings now and in the future. We need to be a ward family who repents and forgives and treats each other with kindness.

This is a youth problem, an adult problem, a singles problem, a marrieds problem, a parent problem, an empty nesters problem, a me problem, and possibly a you and yours problem. It is also our collective opportunity, as we lay things before the Lord and ask for his help to help us to be the best ward family we can be. As your bishop, I work with the relief society and elders quorum presidents to help members who are striving to turn to Christ and feel they need some additional guidance.

I have faith in Christ's willingness to help me to be better than I have been. I love all of you (even those I don't know so well) and I hope to be a better brother to you and to help my family to be likewise.

S3 Bishopric: James Olson, with Grant Hastings and David JD Van Nen

Come and LISTEN to Stake Conference!

S3 Ward Family,

You get the week off! (Well, kind of.) No early Sunday morning leadership meetings for many, no need to prepare lessons for others, no wrangling Primary kids, no running around as a clerk or tech specialist, or most of the other typical "work" that comes as part of our Sunday worship responsibilities. It's stake conference!

This weekend gives us the chance to put up our feet and just LISTEN to speakers at "stake conference", a coming together for members of S3 Ward and six other surrounding congregations. We'll hear from our Area President, Elder Mark A. Bragg; and from our stake presidency, Presidents Engen, Ortolano, and Roeder; and others they've felt inspired to have speak to us. Aside from getting dressed and deciding how you will watch the sessions (in-person or via Zoom), really you just have to commit to LISTEN.

I believe that you can expect multiple speakers with messages that will connect with you. (Teaser: I know that Michelle Dunne, our Relief Society president, and Fiona Minty, our Young Women class president, will both be speaking during the weekend.) Most importantly, I believe that the Holy Ghost will teach you, as a reward of sorts for choosing to just LISTEN.

I encourage you to participate as much as you can with the sessions that are meant for you ...

On Saturday, there's:

1) LEADERSHIP session (in-person only - for full adult organizational presidencies and bishoprics, etc.): 4:00pm

2) ADULT session (in-person and/or Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/99295306944) - for all those 18+): 7:00pm

On Sunday, there's:

3) YOUTH session (in-person only - for all youth (ages 11-18) and youth leaders): 8:30am

4) GENERAL session (in-person and/or Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/93818985566 - for all of us): 10:00am

Enjoy this weekend's stake conference break from the norm! When it's all said and done, feel free to share something with me that you felt from all that listening.

Much Love,

S3 Bishopric - James Olson, Grant Hastings, David Van Nen

S3 Ward Family,

In the next 48 hours, I invite you to make a goal for a habit regarding daily scripture study if you don't presently have one or need to energize what you have. Last week, I received an email that Brother Darren Larson sent to his seminary students and I loved the simplicity and power of his invitation so much that I wanted to extend it with all of you (with his permission) ...

Brother Larson wrote (with modifications):

... We are becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, which President Nelson has told us requires effort:

"As we seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our efforts to hear Him need to be ever more intentional. It takes conscious and consistent effort to fill our daily lives with His words, His teachings, His truths. …"

He has repeatedly emphasized the role that the scriptures play in our efforts:

"Daily immersion in the word of God is crucial for spiritual survival, especially in these days of increasing upheaval."

Personally write down your "intentional" goals of setting aside a specific (i) time and (ii) place to study on a daily basis.

Nothing could be of greater value than making time for the Lord and hearing him on a daily basis. Please take some time today to think about this crucial decision.

Please read these quotes, watch this clip, and be prayerful about this very important goal. Thank you for your efforts to let God prevail in your life.

QUOTE1: “When I say ‘study,’ I mean something more than reading. …you should care more about the amount of time you spend in the scriptures than about the amount you read in that time. I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you.” (D. Todd Christofferson, “When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 11)

QUOTE2: “Given the hectic pace of our lives, good intentions and simply “hoping” to find the time for meaningful scripture study are not sufficient. My experience suggests that a specific and scheduled time set aside each day and, as much as possible, a particular place for study greatly increase the effectiveness of our searching in and study of the scriptures.” (David A. Bednar, “Because We Have Them before Our Eyes,” New Era, Apr. 2006, 6)

QUOTE3: "Study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you." (President Russell M. Nelson, Apr 2021)

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JjwhVAPXtc

==============================

Thank you, Brother Larson!

As S3 ward members spend much of this year focusing on preparing to:

• attend the temple for the first time (for proxy baptisms and/or endowment),

• return to the temple after a hiatus,

• attend the temple more worthily, and

• support our brothers and sisters to do the same,

I believe that we can expect to face opposition - some will be "in-your-face" and some subtle - such as:

• busyness/distraction,

• bad habits that impede our worthiness,

• a feeling of disconnection from God,

• and the long list goes on ...

Of course, the adversary wants to keep us from the intended temple blessings awaiting ourselves and those beyond the veil! We are fortunate because the scriptures may be the most easily-accessible power boost we have - they can be an injection of spiritual resolve and focus in a matter of seconds in the palm of our hands.

I am pretty sure that I am not the only one who has a hard time sometimes with personal scripture study (last year's Old Testament was really hard for me), but I resolved to intentionally set a time and a place for it! I felt an immediate difference - I testify that God loves effort! Choose your next step to this habit: start, or reenergize, or continue as you are if you have a good thing going ... and help one or more of your brothers or sisters.

Much love,

S3 Bishopric - Bishop//James with Grant Hastings and David JD Van Nen

S3 Ward Family,

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE:

Sunday, 25 December,

9:30am - 10:30am,

Surrey Stake Centre (6270 126 Street, Surrey)

Let's worship together on Christmas Sunday! Yes, I am inviting you to put a pause on your Christmas morning - smack-dab in the middle of the "present exchange" part of Christmas for many of you - to come and celebrate the reason we have Christmas in the first place: to commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ (and everything of eternal significance that ultimately followed because of Him).

For some households, this pause will be easy and natural, while others will face varying degrees of opposition (internal and external). I am sending this email early in the week and am encouraging families to deliberately counsel together about how they might work together to come to S3's special sacrament meeting despite everything else you could all be doing at that time.

You might take a page from the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth, who were minding their flocks and were interrupted with the announcement of Christ's birth and where they could find Him. Luke 2 indicates to me that they counselled together: "the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass..." and they made haste. It doesn't give details, but assuredly, they had to make deliberate plans to ensure that things "went right" before they hustled away to go into town to seek Jesus. Determine your plans together for making attendance "go right" this Sunday ahead of time!

Sunday's program was created by the S3's Ward Youth Council (class and quorum presidents/cies among the 11-17-year-olds - Fiona Minty, Vienna Tambre, Kloie Gareau, Ryanka Raj, Ernesto Blandon, Max Tambre, Max Kervin). The theme they chose is "The Meaning of Christmas" as told by Sister Shelby Peters (age: , Brother Oscar Tambre (age: 12), Cheryl Bunker (age: none of your business), with concluding remarks by me (Bishop James Olson). Music will be a special part of our service with congregational singing and musical numbers by the S3 youth choir, vocalist Sister Katie Nesom, and violinist Brother Jeremy Ferland.

I believe that your household's experience this Sunday can bear many similarities to the experience of the shepherds who picked up and left with the intent to come closer to Christ ... and it paid spiritual dividends! "The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

Merry Christmas to all of you! I have a conviction that Jesus Christ was born and that birth is worth pausing to celebrate on this day of recognition. I would like to do so with you and yours!

Much love,

S3 Bishopric - Bishop Olson with Grant Hastings and David Van Nen