THE HAPPENINGS

2010-05-09T23:02:00.001-07:00

Save the date for the Midsingles annual camping trip over the weekend of June 18-19 at Smith Mountain Lake. More details will follow...

2010-05-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Potomac Ward Institute on Tuesday!!

This week we will be led in a discussion of "For Times of Trouble" by Elder Holland, and "Fear Not," by Sister Holland.

The Potomac Ward Institute is held on Tuesdays at 7:45 at the King Street Chapel 2810 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302

May

- 11: “Broken Things to Mend" and "The Comforter Wherewith We Are Comforted”

- 18: None Were With Him

Tennis Clinic Singles Activity

2010-04-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Come one! Come all! At 9am on Saturday May 1st, the Crystal City ward will be offering a 90-minute tennis clinic at the Pentagon City Park near Fashion Center Mall. The park is located between 15th and 18th st on Hayes st. We will have at least two courts of instruction and hopefully three courts for all different skill levels. Sara Cranford, a former all-star college player, and Spencer Kerr, who learned everything he knows about tennis from years of watching tennis on TV, will be your instructors. Bring your rackets and tennis shoes. Be prompt. And be ready to play.

After tennis, we will be mixing up smoothies at Spencer Kerr's place. He lives within walking distance of the tennis courts at 1773 S Hayes st apt B, Arlington, VA 22202. If you would like, you can bring your favorite fruit to mix into the smoothies and relax after a hard morning of tennis. Hope to see you there.

If you have any questions, please contact Spencer Kerr on his cell phone (480)383-9082.

April 5 FHE

2010-04-01T12:37:00.002-07:00

If you are missing Scott Porter and need to fill that hole in your life, here's your chance. We're going to have a game night for FHE and we're going to have a blast playing Scott's very own Sedarach (charades backwards). And there will be treats :)

Time: 7:30pm

Date: April 5th

Location: TBD

2nd Annual DC Midsingles Conference

2010-04-01T12:37:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars! The second annual Washington, DC-area mid-singles conference is scheduled for July 9-11. This conference will be a fabulous weekend for approximately 400 mid-singles, full of fun activities for both small and large groups. Events include an evening riverboat cruise on the Potomac, a Thai dinner, small group activities as part of our very own Amazing Race, a barbecue, fireworks in Old Town, a concluding Sunday meeting, and more!

Additional information will be forthcoming. If you would like to volunteer to help with the conference, please email Diedra Spencer at diedra.spencer@gmail.com. Thanks!

FHE Tonight

2009-12-07T12:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas is a time for giving and letting others know that they are special and loved, and what better way to do that than with SUGAR COOKIES!
We will be decorating Christmas sugar cookies to give away and spread Christmas Cheer. This is also a great missionary opportunity to give some Christmas cheer and share the gospel.

Icing and cookies will be provided, but bring any special toppings that you can think of i.e. sprinkles, red hots, gummy bears, etc.
Date: Monday, December 7th
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: King Street Chapel (2810 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302)
Bring: toppings and friends

President Nixon Teaching Institute/Announcing New Singles Ward

2009-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

It will be my privilege to teach the Mid-Singles Institute class this
Tuesday evening, December 8, 2009, 7:45 PM, at the King Street Chapel. In
addition to my lesson on Joseph Fielding Smith, I will take the opportunity
to announce the First Presidency’s approval of the new Mount Vernon Virginia
Stake Singles Ward.

At that time, I will also be sharing:

The Stake Presidency’s vision for this new ward.

The name of the new ward.

The names of the new bishopric members.

The place and time when the new ward will start meeting.

Who is eligible to attend the new ward.

Why the creation of this ward required approval from the Quorum of the
Twelve and the First Presidency.

On that occasion, I will also introduce the new bishop and allow him to
share his testimony and vision for the ward, its members and future.

With gratitude and love,

President Nixon

Dinner Groups Sign Up by Friday!

2009-11-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

Last chance to sign up for small group dinners on Saturday, November 21st!

If you want to join a dinner group email Ellen Stucki at stuckiest@yahoo.com by noon on Friday.

If you can't make it for dinner, but you still want to party, join us for desert and karaoke beginning at 8:30. Just come to 3092 South Glebe in Arlington (a.k.a the Melrose) - no R.S.V.P. required. Parking is available along South Glebe and in the shopping center across the street.

Hope to see you there!

THANKSGIVING DINNER - THIS SATURDAY!

2009-11-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Reminder: The annual mid-singles Thanksgiving Dinner is this Saturday!!! This should be a really fun event, and last year approximately 300 people attended. We still need volunteers to bring food and help with set-up and take down.

Turkey will be provided, and we are asking people to sign up to bring a traditional Thanksgiving side dish. If you are planning to attend, please email Joy Buhler (joybuhler@gmail.com) and let her know which of the following sides you are planning to bring:

Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

Gravy

Stuffing

Green bean casserole (or other vegetables)

Cranberries

Dinner rolls

Pie

Beverages

Also, we will need approximately 5 volunteers to help set up around 4:30pm and then 5 to help clean up after. Please email Michael Taylor at MTAYL2@yahoo.com if you can you help.

As a reminder, the dinner will be held at the Stake Center at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. We hope to see you there!

Halloween Extravaganza!

2009-10-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mid-Single Adult Halloween Extravaganza

What: *Hay Rack Rides
*Costume Contest
*Bonfire
*DJ
*Stick Pulling Contest
*Apple Bobbing
*Much - Much - More!!!

When: Saturday October 24th - Party Starts at 8pm!

Where: The Awesome Folger Pratt Barn
1101 Sugar Loaf Mtn. Rd
Dickerson, MD 20842
http://www.mapquest .com/mq/9- LDFt

Who: For Mid-Singles 30-45 in the Greater DC Metro Area and Beyond. Come! Join us and bring your friends for this great fall fun. You'll be glad you made the drive! (Costumes recommended, but not required. :-) )

Questions: Email Michael Amesquita at mikeamesquita@ gmail.com

Harpers Ferry Tubing Trip - This Saturday

2009-09-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Harpers Ferry Tubing Trip is finally here!! This Saturday - come and join us!!

The weather on Saturday will be 70 degrees in Harpers Ferry. Only 30% chance of rain, so things are looking really good for our 2 ½ hour tubing trip! (If the weather deteriorates, we’ll do a historical tour of Harpers Ferry, but I think we’ll be able to tube. :-) )

We will be floating at 12:15pm with the River Riders. If we miss that time, the next start time isn’t until 2:30pm. So…

We are meeting at the Chevy Chase building at 9:45am. We must be on the road by 10am to ensure we get to the departure point on time. Please be on time. Chapel address: 5460 Western Ave Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (On Western between Connecticut and Wisconsin)

For those of you coming from VA, if you’d like to drive separately, please note the driving directions below and plan to meet us at the River Riders location at noon.

We will be back in DC/NoVA in time for the sisters to get ready for the General Relief Society Broadcast that evening, if they choose to attend.

What to bring:

$25 - $20 for the tubing trip and $5 gas money for your driver
You MUST wear shoes that are strapped to your feet and around your ankle. Old sneakers, water shoes, or strapped sandals are appropriate. River Riders won’t let you go without them.
Lunch – it will be easier if you pack food. At the very least, bring snacks for yourself.
Bottled water.
You may want to wear the clothes you plan on floating in so we can get right into the water when we get there.
Dry clothes for the return trip. (Your drivers will thank you.)
A car – if you are willing to drive others. (Thank you!)
Cap, visor or inexpensive sun glasses; bathing suit or shorts and a T-shirt; sun screen.
Depending on the weather, you may not want to wear cotton. Cotton is a poor insulator when wet. (And you will get wet.) If you wear it, or you may be cold. Wool, polyester, polypropylene, nylon and other synthetics are good.

Additional Notes:
It is a good idea to make sure you have a secure place to keep your keys and other valuables while you are on the trips. They have one-time-use lockers to rent for $2 that take tokens or you can leave everything in your car and they can check your keys for $3.

Directions: (If you get lost on Saturday, please call Lisa Chapman at 202 270 9582.)

From the DC Area:

I-270 north to Frederick, MD. Merge with I-70 West at Frederick for about 1/2 a mile, Take Exit 52 - 340 West to Charles Town. Follow US 340 for 16 miles and cross the Potomac River Bridge. Continue 2 miles and cross the Shenandoah River Bridge. Follow 340 to the top of the hill and see Cliffside Quality Inn on the left. Get in the left lane and proceed downhill. (Look to your left and you will see our building - it is a large blue building with a red roof and "River Riders" in black letters on the front.) At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Millville Road (you will see a large flea market open on the weekends). Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.

From Northern VA:

Take 66 West to the Dulles Toll Road/Rt 267. Take the Rt 28 North Exit. Rt 28 ends at Rt 7. Get in the left lane and Take Rt. 7 (Leesburg Pike) west past Leesburg. Exit onto Rt. 9 West to Charles Town. Follow all the way to Charles Town. (Do not take Harpers Ferry Road - Rt. 671 to 340.) From Rt. 9 West exit onto 340 North towards Harpers Ferry. Go several miles and exit to stay on 340 North. Go 3 7/10 miles on US 340 north. Turn right onto Millville Road. Once on Millville Road, go three-tenths of one mile and make a sharp left turn onto Alstadts Hill Road. There is also a small blue "River Riders" sign. Follow this road to the last building on the right.

If you took Harpers Ferry Rd - Rt 671, at the end, turn left onto 340 and follow for about 2 miles. Turn left onto Millville Rd and follow the above directions.

See you Saturday!!

Chevy Chase Mid-Single Adult Group

Iron Chef Crystal City

2009-09-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

If you choose to accept this challenge, you and your team of chefs will have 60 minutes to prepare a minimum of three dishes based on a secret ingredient.

Location: The "Melrose" 3092 Glebe Rd, Arlington, there's plenty of parking across the street at the Giant.

On Monday October 5 we will meet at 7:00pm to divide into teams and the competition will begin at exactly 7:15pm. You must step away from the stove/table/knives at 8:15 sharp and judging will commence at 8:20pm

The dishes will be tasted by a panel of three judges. Each team of chefs can be awarded up to 20 points by each judge; consisting of up to 10 points for taste, up to 5 points for plating (the appearance of their presentation), and up to 5 points for the originality of their dishes. The team of chefs with the higher score is declared the winner.

The secret ingredient will be provided for you, but please bring an ingredient or two to contribute. Remember, the quality of your dishes will depend on the quality of the ingredients that you bring.

The secret ingredient will be chosen from one of the following:

-Artichoke

-Sweet Potato

-Mango

-Plantain

-Mushroom

Kennedy Center Open House THIS SATURDAY

2009-09-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Kennedy Center Open House THIS Saturday, September 12th at 1:15 PM.

We walk among spectacular performers every day. They entertain on street corners, sidewalks, subway platforms, and improvised stages across the globe. All they ask is that we stop, watch, and appreciate their art. The Kennedy Center Open House presents boulevard entertainers from France, Canada, Australia, and the D.C. area as part of the Washington D.C. Street Performance Festival in conjuction with the French-American Cultural Foundation. Meet characters large and small, from the Unicycle Lady™ on her six-foot-tall one-wheeled ride to the tiny Alberti Flea Circus. Plus there's lots more music and fun! Bounce to the Afrofunk of Chopteeth or rock out to Mambo Sauce, PT Walkley, and DJ Lunch Money while constructing a cardboard-box skyline with We Built This City. Then sit and watch L'Arsenal à Musique's wild interpretation of the Carnival of the Animals with the National Symphony Orchestra. Discover a world of performance art that's lit by both spotlights and stoplights.

Meet up at 1:15 on the North Plaza of the Kennedy Center (call Jennifer Fox if you can't find the group 571-215-2880 - if you're really late please text) There are multiple performances going on all over the Kennedy Center so your best bet is to show up on time and break into groups depending on what performances you'd like to see.

La Voile (Meet up performance)

Aerialist performs hanging high in the air in front of the theater

After this I'm heading to Urban Artistry for breakdancing on the front plaza at 2:15. You can stay as long as you like but I'll probably end my evening at Bio Ritmo - a salsa band in the Theater Lab dance hall from 5:00-5:45.

Full Performance Schedule: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/openhouse/schedule.cfm

Map: http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/festivals/openhouse/OpenHouseMap.pdf

FHE Service Project - Sept 14 from 7:30-8:45pm

2009-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars and please join us for FHE on September 14th from 7:30-8:45pm. There is an elderly couple in Crystal City that desperately needs our help with yard work. It has been years since major yard work has been done, leaving the back yard completely overgrown. We will be pulling weeds, pruning trees and bushes, edging, weed whacking, sweeping, making minor repairs and potentially doing a little outdoor painting. Please dress appropriately. Work gloves will be provided. The service project will be held across the street from Jen Anderson & Mandy Wollenzien's home. The address is 2747 Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. We will meet at Mandy & Jen's place afterwards for refreshments.

If you have yard tools, such as pruning shears, weed whackers, rakes, industrial brooms or dust pans, etc, please send Jen Anderson an email and let her know. Her email is jennifer.anderson1@netzero.com (860) 395-8232. We will be sure there are enough tools and assignments for everyone to be productive.

Quarterly Mid-Singles Temple Trip

2009-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Endowment Session Saturday August 29th at 3:00 pm

After you've done some good works, join in for some socializing...

Option A-

Take a short drive to Taipei Tokyo Cafe for some delicious Japanese and/or Chinese food.

11510 Rockville Pike # A, Rockville, MD

Option B-

Take a long drive (about an hour) out 66 West for a fantastic night of Polo. It's true, you can attend a real polo match with real polo ponies and pretend that you are British royalty, and it's all great fun. It's $20 per car, and there is great BBQ that you can buy or you can bring your own picnic.

Also bring some blankets and chairs for your viewing comfort.

For more info http://www.greatmeadow.org/EventInformation/PoloEvents/TwilightPolo/tabid/64/Default.aspx

Call 801-518-3586 (Amanda) with any questions.

Institute Kickoff BBQ

2009-08-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

There are no mid-singles institute classes in August. However, mark your calendars for a fully catered BBQ to kick of fall 2009 mid-singles institute! The BBQ will be held at 7:30 p.m. sharp on Tuesday, September 1, at the King Street Chapel. Bring a friend!

The course of study for fall 2009 mid-singles institute will be the modern prophets. We will focus on Truman G. Madsen's, "The Presidents of the Church: Insights into Their Lives and Teachings."

See you on September 1!

2009-08-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

Paddle Boat on the Tidal Basin

Saturday, August 22 at 10:30

Come enjoy the last days of Summer with us! Rent a paddle boat from Tidal Basin Paddle Boats and enjoy the fresh air and terrific views of the Jefferson Memorial. The Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Dock is located on the eastern shore, next to the concession stand. From the National Mall, walk west on Independence Avenue to 15th Street, turn left and head south along 15th Street toward the Jefferson Memorial. The boat dock is to the right and we will meet you there. Cost: $10.00 per hour - 2 passenger boat or $18.00 per hour - 4 passenger boat (they accept Visa/Mastercard).

After the paddle boats we’ll head to the US Botanical Gardens. During the Culinary Arts festival, you can discover the role plants play in food. Sample different recipes and explore the culinary arts. This event is free will happen outside under a tent rain or shine from 10-3 pm. There are plenty of places to eat nearby so we may break into informal lunch groups around noon. Hope to see you there!

On-site Contact: Jennifer Fox 571-215-2880 or jenniferjfox@gmail.com

Sunday Brunch

2009-07-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Declare your independence and bring WHATEVER DISH YOU WANT to our brunch this Sunday!

Sunday, July 19 at 11:30am
Sharyn, Patty, Angela, Karyn's house
3744 12th St. S, Arlington, VA 22204

Please park on the street
(if you park in the adjacent apartment parking lot you will be towed).

2009-07-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Single Adult Southern BBQ and Dance
Saturday, July 25
Dinner at 7pm
Dance 8-11:30pm
Centreville Stake Center
14150 Upperridge Dr.
Centreville, VA 20120
Email your music requests to: jsondiototal@gmail.com

Institute

2009-07-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

Come join us Tuesday at 7:30pm for Institute. The lesson will cover:

Physical Self-Reliance: Health Issues for People in their 30s and 40s.

Meet at the King Street Chapel (2810 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302)

Great Race Scavenger Hunt

2009-05-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

A spy is loose in Washington, D.C. with a mission - and you and your teammates must race against each other and be the first to stop him!

Join the Chevy Chase Ward Mid-Single Adults for an exciting brand new 3 hour race in Washington, D.C.on Saturday May 30th, filled with unique activities, great exercise and lots of fun!

How does it work?

1) Sign up by sending an email to mikeamesquita@gmail.com or lisachapman@att.net

or contact Mike Amesquita or Lisa Chapman to get on the list. Teams consist of 6-8 people and you may form your own team or be assigned.

2.) We will begin at 1pm and meet at a central location where you will be placed onto one of many teams. You'll be given a clue as to the location of the next check in point (where the spy has last been seen). Then, the game is on!

You must RSVP to Mike or Lisa to be added to a team. Details on where to meet will be provided when you register. You can also join the facebook page for this event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95974239104 . Note: If you join the facebook page, you must still email Lisa or Mike to get on the list.

Feel free to invite friends. You won't want to miss this event!

Summer Institute

2009-05-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Summer 2009 Mid-Singles Institute

Tuesdays, June 2 - July 28

7:30pm

King Street Chapel - 2810 King St., Alexandria

June 2: Doctrinal basis of self-reliance

· The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance – Marion G. Romney

· Developing Christlike Attributes - Dieter F. Uchdorf

· Principles of Temporal Salvation - Marion G. Romney

· Becoming Self-Reliant – L. Tom Perry

June 9: Financial self-reliance: Buying a house

June 16: Financial self-reliance: Saving, budgeting, and planning for retirement

· The Responsibility for Welfare Rests with Me and My Family – James E. Faust

· Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare – Thomas S. Monson

· All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances

· Family Home Storage: A New Message

June 23: Emotional self-reliance: Maintaining good emotional health

The Dignity of Self – James E. Faust
Welcoming Every Single One – James E. Faust
Making the Most of Our Single Years – Russell Stevenson
Single and Steadfast: Lessons in Hope – Christine S. Packard and Wendy Ulrich
Looking to the Lord – Mary N. Cook
Having Faith in God’s Timeline – Catherine Edwards

June 30: Physical self-reliance: Food storage, 24 hour kits, emergency preparedness

· All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage

· Family Home Storage: A New Message

· I Have a Question

July 7: Physical self-reliance: Health Issues for People in their 30s and 40s

July 14: Spiritual self-reliance

· Becoming Self-Reliant—Spiritually and Physically – Elder M. Russell Ballard

July 21: Emotional self-reliance: Psychological aspects of self-reliance, including overcoming additions and dealing with abuse

· To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse - Richard G. Scott

· The Power to Change – James E. Faust

· Addiction or Freedom - Russell M. Nelson

July 28: Intellectual self-reliance: History of Prophets’ Counsel Regarding Education

FHE - June 1st

2009-05-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

Are you super excited about all the summer BBQ's on the way but ashamed that you really don't know the difference between gas and charcoal, think that dry rub refers to a scary Swedish massage option, or have never touched a can of lighter fluid in your life? (if you ever went to boy scout camp I won't believe that last statement) Or do you just want some good food?

If so, you're in luck! Family Home Evening is going to be an evening of BBQ techniques and tips taught to us by the talented at everything Adam Ellison.

When: Monday, June 1st, 7:00 pm

Where: At Adam's house 1603 11th St S, Arlington, Virginia 22204

Important Info*: This is a BYOM&B (bring your own meat and buns) event, so whether you want chicken, hot dogs, bratwurst, filet mignon, or tofu burgers- bring it along with you.

Also if you're feeling generous and want to show off your summer salad making skills, you will not be turned away.

p.s. It's rumored that Adam owns a copy of Lord of the Dance, and we may be able to persuade him to put it on the big screen, if he has a VCR that is :)

* Don't forget the Midsingles conference on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th for mid-singles from around the country ages 31-45! Go to www.mtvernonmidsingles.com for more information and to register and pay on the website! *

Institute

2009-05-18T16:07:00.001-07:00

Classes for the Mid-Singles Institute will be held Tuesday May 19 at 7:30 pm at the King Street Chapel 2810 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302

The lessons will cover the following talk by Elder Marvin J. Ashton:
May 19: Know He Is There

This will be the last lesson for a couple weeks (Happy Memorial Day!). More information to come about the next "semester" of classes.

2009-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

The First-Ever Washington, DC MIDSINGLES Conference
Ages 31-45 (sponsored by the Mt. Vernon, Virginia Stake)

Join up to 400 Mid-singles from the Washington, DC Metro Area and beyond for first-ever Washington, DC Midsingles Conference to take place on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2009!! Highlights include Sunday Service with President Earl C. Tingey - Washington, DC Temple President and former member of the Seventy, Friday Night Cruise on the Potomoc River, and Fireworks on the National Mall!! In addition, we will have break out small group dinners in Old Town Alexandria and Saturday morning July 4th break out activities all over the metro area! Midsingles from all over the country have registered so far. Get online and claim your spot now. Remember, this event is limited to the first 400 midsingles who register and pay the registration fee.

Get details, register and pay at www.mtvernonmidsingles.com ($60 by May 15, $75 after)

Eastern Market THIS SATURDAY

2009-05-11T19:56:00.001-07:00

How About Breakfast on the Hill? Meet up at Eastern Market!

Saturday May 16th, 8:30 AM - Join the Midsingles for a delicious breakfast in one of America's 10 best neighborhoods. While many people are willing to stand in line for the scrumptious pancakes, word on the street is that there are waffles available as well. For the French palate, crepes are also for sale near the arts and crafts area, in front of the numerous fresh fruit stands. Walk around, eat around, and/or shop around at your leisure. Afterward, at 10:30 AM, we will make our way over to explore the Visitors Center for the U.S. Capitol building. Feel free to spend part or all of your morning with us!

Location: 7th Street & North Carolina Avenue, SE Washington, D.C.; accessible by metrorail, just north of the Eastern Market stop (Orange and Blue Lines).

Assateague Island Camping Trip

2009-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Some people believe that the wild ponies of Assateague arrived on Assateague Island when a Spanish galleon cargo ship (with a cargo of horses) sank off the coast and the horses swam to shore. Others believe the wild horses arrived there via early colonial settlers. Recently in 1997, a Spanish shipwreck was discovered off Assateague Island, which lends credit to the first theory."

And you may not be allowed to touch the ponies, but there are no signs that say the ponies can't touch you!

When- Friday, June 12th through Sunday, June 14th. Hopefully we'll be arriving Friday evening with enough light left to set up camp, and leaving Sunday morning with plenty of time to be back for 3:00 church.

Where- Assateague Island Maryland State Park (the side that believes in mosquito abatement, hooray!)

Getting there: Parking can be limited in the campsites, so carpooling is a good idea. Please let someone on the Mid-Singles Committee (Jen Athay, Amanda Morgan or Scott Porter) know if you need help finding a ride.

(From Washington D.C.): Assateague Island is about a 3 hour drive. The park is in the eastern portion of the state in Worcester County, 8 miles south of Ocean City, and may be reached via MD RT 50 to MD RT 611.

Assateague State Park
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, MD 21811

Cost- $20 per person for camping and food, or $10 per person for food. We can only fit around 60 people in the campsites, so this is a first come first served outing. Amanda Morgan is collecting money so contact her to get on the list, 801-518-3586 or adangerm@gmail.com. If you have a tent please let Amanda know when you sign up as well as who you want to stay in your tent. Spaces will NOT be reserved without payment. Please make checks payable to Amanda Morgan. The $20 includes campsite, Friday snacks, Saturday breakfast and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. You're on your own for any other meals, so pack some food or plan on buying food in town or at the snack bar.

Accommodations- We have 9 sites that can each accommodate 2 tents. That means no more than 18 tents, so the more tents we have that can fit more than just 2 people, the more people can come. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are hot water bathhouse facilities available.

If you are not inclined to sleep out of doors, there are plenty of options to stay in town and you can meet up with us for fun times with the ponies. You can find information about lodging here

http://www.assateagueisland.com/

What to bring:

-Tent

-Sleeping bag

-Sleeping mat

-Pillow

-Flashlight or lantern

-Swimwear and Towel

-Sunscreen and a hat

-Mosquito repellent

-Lunch on Saturday or money for lunch

-Beach toys: Frisbee, floaties, boogie boards, sandcastle materials, kites, etc.

FHE Tonight

2009-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

So what do you do?
Join us at Brother Talbot's home (2100 S. Kenmore Street Arlington, Virginia 22204) at 7:30pm and bring your resume or CV and business cards to learn about other people's career paths. Even if you have a job and love it, come and share so that those who are looking now or who may be in the near future can learn from you. We're hoping to pool our resources in this tough economy to help each other out with our careers.

We will have a lesson and opportunity for all to talk briefly about your career path. We will also have Angela Roundy and Sheila Banister, who have experience helping with resumes and interviewing skills on hand to give you pointers on how to improve your resume.

When: Mon May 4 7:30 pm
Where: Brother Talbot's home (2100 S. Kenmore Street Arlington, Virginia 22204)

Hope to see you there!

Watershed Community Service Project

2009-04-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday is the big day! It's the day we, the Crystal City Ward, have the opportunity to help beautify our neighborhood. Wear your grubby clothes, grab your family and friends (ALL AGES ARE ENCOURAGED), and some work gloves and come join your neighbors in cleaning up the Potomac River Watershed. We have committed to having 60 members to contribute to this project. Below are all the details you need.

Date: Saturday, April 18 (in two days)
Time: 9 am to 12 pm (you can any time during this shift)
Who: Members of the Crystal City ward, their friends and family...All ages are welcomed!
Where: We will meet at the foot bridge in Shirlington Park . This is just off of Arlington Mill Dr, in between Randolph and Taylor streets (this is near the storage company). Parking is available in the Campbell Garage from Arlington Mill Drive or at Jennie Dean Park on S. Nelson Street
What to bring: Gloves and water (it should be a beautiful day)

DC Midsingles Conference

2009-04-13T16:39:00.001-07:00

Join 400 other mid-singles from the Washington, DC, area and beyond for a three-day conference from July 3 - 5, 2009. The schedule includes small group dinners and activities, a cruise on the Potomac, a BBQ lunch, fireworks on the Mall or elsewhere, a closing Sunday service, optional temple sessions, and more. The registration fee is $60 through May 15.

For additional information, please visit www.mtvernonmidsingles.com.
Also, post messages on the DC Midsingles Conference Facebook Group where you can talk to others going about carpools, hotels, activity group, or another topic that will make this conference an absolutely AWESOME experience! (Facebook group just created - join now and get the discussion started) http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=92331836814&ref=mf

Convenient payment found on the website. Register early. The conference will be capped at 400 midsingles!!

Save the Date: June 12-14 for Assateague State Park Camping Trip

2009-04-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

The CCW Midsingles are planning a beach camping trip at Assateague Island at Assateague State Park where we have reserved a number of camp sites. Assateague State Park is Maryland's only ocean park. It is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The island's bayside offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.

When: June 12-14 (plan to arrive Friday afternoon/evening and plan to return early Sun morning so that we can be back in time for church)
Why: Because camping on the beach is awesome and is even more fun with friends
Where: Assateague State Park in Maryland

Save the date and watch for further messages because space will be limited...

2009-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Night Institute:

Marvin J. Ashton: "Strengthen the Feeble Knees"

We'll be meeting at the King Street Chapel, 2810 King St, at 7:30pm.

Happenings This Week...

2009-04-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

FHE -
Boot Camp Fitness at the King Street Chapel, 1900 (7pm)

Boot Camp Fitness for all fitness levels – whether you work out daily or haven’t worked out since high school. All activities will be structured so that you can choose the appropriate intensity for your fitness level.

Mid-Singles Activity -
Cherry Blossom Festival Picnic and Fireworks
Saturday, April 11th from 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Bring your own picnic dinner and a dessert to share.
Gravelly Point (location may change - we'll keep you posted)

Potluck -
Mid-Singles Easter Pot Luck LUNCH - Sunday April 12th - 11:30 AM - It is time to break out your Mom's best Easter recipes. Tyler De Lange is hosting before church at - 1603 11th Street South, Arlington, Virginia 22204. See you there!

If your last name begins with...
A - B please bring Drinks
C - N please bring a Main Dish Please!
O - S please bring a Side Dish
T - Z please bring a Dessert

2009-03-29T03:39:00.000-07:00

THE DOCTRINE OF CELESTIAL MARRIAGE
Bishop Kyle Sampson
Crystal City Ward
March 22, 2009

Introduction

My remarks today are on the “Doctrine of Celestial Marriage.” I asked Noelle this
morning for her assurance that I would do well in giving these remarks. She assured me that
watching me give this talk would be like watching a NASCAR race: it would be exciting, and fun
to watch, and really great if it ends with a crash.

I gave myself this assignment and chose this topic for several reasons. Recently,
President Nixon informed the Bishops in the Stake that Elder Dallin H. Oaks had suggested, in
training Area Authorities and Stake Presidents on the East coast, that, as a Church, we are not
doing enough to teach the doctrine of Celestial Marriage. He counseled Church leaders in our
area to devote their best efforts to the strengthening of marriage and the home. Another
reason is the state of our world today. From Hollywood to Capitol Hill, our modern culture
seems intent on attacking the sanctity of marriage and undermining the importance of family.
From movies to public policy debates, the “background noise” we constantly hear transmits
messages of confusion about the meaning of marriage, the conduct that is acceptable in our
relationships, and so on.

Another reason I gave myself this assignment is the unique demographics of our ward.
As you know, we are blessed with an abundance of both Single Adults and newly married
couples (and a dearth of Youth). By my rough count, more than 80 percent of the active
members of our ward either are single or have been married for less than five years. (By
contrast, we have only five Young Women and two Young Men). So, unlike many Bishops, my
counseling often is more concerned with courtship and marriage than it is with merit badges or
MIA Maids.

Finally, I have chosen to speak on the doctrine of Celestial Marriage because, as
President Boyd K. Packer has taught, our understanding of our doctrine will influence our
behavior much more than talking about behavior will influence our behavior.1 On this point,
Elder David A. Bednar said, in remarks directed at single members of the Church: “The doctrine
of the plan leads men and women to hope and prepare for eternal marriage, and it defeats the
fears and overcomes the uncertainties that may cause some individuals to delay or avoid
marriage.”2 To married members of the Church, Elder Bednar stated: “A correct understanding
of the plan also strengthens our resolve to steadfastly honor the covenant of eternal
marriage.”3

Challenges

I have been somewhat nervous about giving remarks on this subject. I know that there
are some who feel guilty that they are not yet married (or believe that talks like this one are
designed to make them feel guilty). Others feel great frustration or even hopelessness about
being single -- so much so that they question their testimony of God’s love for them or the
truthfulness of His church. Still others have marriages that, for a variety of reasons, are really,
truly challenging.

When he spoke on the subject of Celestial Marriage, Elder Bednar said: “My hope is
that a review of our eternal possibilities and a reminder about who we are and why we are here
in mortality will provide direction, comfort, and sustaining hope for us all, regardless of our
marital status or personal present circumstances.”4 That is my hope as well. In addition, my
hope in speaking on this subject today is that each of us -- whether single or married, male or
female -- will, first, have a greater desire and hope for the blessings of Celestial Marriage and,
second, commit to make choices and take steps that will ultimately result in the obtaining of
those blessings. This is my hope for you and for me.

Questions

As you listen to my remarks, I invite you to consider the following questions: First, am I
striving to become a better husband or wife, or preparing to be a husband or wife, by
understanding the doctrine of Celestial Marriage? If you are married, perhaps you might reflect
on the one or two obstacles that you personally face that are hindering you from becoming a
better husband or wife. Similarly, if you are single, perhaps you might reflect on the one or two
obstacles that you personally face that might be hindering you from getting married. Second,
am I helping those around me to understand and apply the doctrine of Celestial Marriage?
Those around you may include your spouse, children, roommates, persons you home or visit
teach, or family members.

As you ponder these questions, please also consider the doctrine of choice. Recognizing
and taking responsibility for what is within our realm of control expands our sense of agency,
frees us from being “acted upon,” opens the channel for further light and inspiration, and
allows for growth even as we “wait upon the Lord.” This idea is encapsulated in our ward
theme: “Therefore, dearly beloved . . . , let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and
then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm
to be revealed” (D&C 123:17). Truly there is much that each of us can choose to do as we seek
to strengthen our marriages or as we prepare for marriage.

Understandings

I want to focus my remarks on the doctrinal “ideal of marriage.” The doctrinal ideal of
marriage is hard to describe. To me, it is:

· That perfect relationship that each of us -- married or single -- wants desperately. (Or
maybe that perfect relationship that we sometimes think others have.)
· It is that place where we experience joy and fulfillment and happiness and security and
completeness, and it includes mutual respect, affection, trust, and love between a
husband and wife.
· It is characterized by charity, and unity with our spouse, and closeness to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
· It is “eternal” in its duration, and “celestial” in its quality.
· It is where we experience and obtain “the ultimate blessings of love and happiness.” (This one is my favorite description.)
· It is where we long to be.

This ideal type of marriage is sometimes referred to by Church members as “temple
marriage,” but it is more than that. Men and women who are worthy can be married in the
temple, but only those who honor the marriage covenants made there can obtain this ideal
type of marriage.5 This ideal type of marriage is sometimes referred to as “righteous marriage,”
or “covenant marriage,” or “eternal marriage.” In my remarks, I will refer to this type of
marriage as “Celestial Marriage.” At the Church’s last General Conference, in October 2008,
Elder Russell M. Nelson taught that

[t]he full realization of the blessings of a [celestial] marriage is almost beyond our mortal
comprehension. Such a marriage will continue to grow in the celestial realm. There we
can become perfected. . . . . Celestial marriage is a pivotal part of preparation for eternal
life. It requires one to be married to the right person, in the right place, by the right
authority, and to obey that sacred covenant faithfully.6

I believe that all of Heavenly Father’s children -- members of the Church or not -- long
for Celestial Marriage, even if we don’t completely understand why. Sociologist Victor L. Brown,
Jr. has said that

[m]arriage is the relationship toward which most of us direct our social and emotional
interests. . . . The hunger for . . . [it] is, next to survival needs, our deepest human
longing. The very bizarreness of the searches we see today testifies to the strength of
that hunger.”7

Indeed, this yearning is the stuff that art and literature and music (especially music) are
made of. Let me share one example: during the 1990-91 school year, I was awakened every
single morning at 6:00 a.m. when an inconsiderate roommate blasted one of two songs -- it was
always one of two songs -- while he was getting ready to go to his ROTC meetings. I know the
words to both songs by heart because I heard them over and over that year. (I hope my
recitation of the lyrics will not be too irreverent in this setting.) The beginning of the first verse
of the first song went like this:

I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details . . . .

You’ve heard it? The beginning of the second verse went like this:

I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and
With every breath . . . .

And Depeche Mode doesn’t even know what we know about Celestial Marriage! The second
song that was played repeatedly that year was called “Everlasting Love,” by an artist named
Howard Jones. The chorus of that song is similarly emblematic of the universal longing for love:

I need an everlasting love,
I need a friend and a lover divine,
An everlasting precious love,
Wait for it, wait for it, give it some time.

This is a true story! That inconsiderate roommate preparing for ROTC meetings is now an Air
Force Colonel who is posted at the Pentagon and lives in the Kingstowne Ward with his wife
and six children. His name is Trevor Rosenberg -- you can look him up.
The universal longing for Celestial Marriage is much more than bad, 1980s-era love
poetry. It is God given. In speaking of the desire of single sisters to marry and have children,
Sister Julie B. Beck taught that this desire “probably won’t go away if they’re righteous, because
that is a God-given desire. It speaks to their very natures and the training they received in the
heavens. So that longing will not go away.”8 Although Sister Beck was speaking of sisters, I
believe that this longing for marriage and family is given by God to each of us, irrespective of
our gender.

But enough with the preliminaries: you now know why I’m speaking on this subject, and
what questions I want you to ask yourselves, and what I mean when I say “Celestial Marriage”
-- and you now all have at least conceded that we all desperately desire to obtain the ultimate
blessings of love and happiness that come from Celestial Marriage. So, let’s talk about some
doctrinal principles that hopefully will give us greater understanding and motivate us to change
our behavior where it needs to be improved.

Principles

I have gleaned the following doctrinal principles from the scriptures, the teachings of
Church leaders,9 and from many of you. Please know that there are other gospel principles that
can inform our understanding of the doctrine of Celestial Marriage.10 I have chosen the following principles because I think they have particular relevance for us.

Principle No. 1: Marriage is a divine commandment.
Scriptures declare that “it is lawful that [a man] should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation” (D&C 49:16). Another affirms that “the man [is not] without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:11). Thus, we know that marriage is a commandment.

We also know that the “Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save
he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth
them” (1 Ne. 3:7). Accordingly, whether single or married, we should not be afraid to try for a
Celestial Marriage, or be dissuaded if others are fearful, or worry if the world laughs at us or
mocks us. And we should try not to get discouraged by the challenges of dating or marriage,
which often are caused by the decisions of another or circumstances beyond our control. To
the contrary, we should be courageous and help others to understand and keep this
commandment.

The Lord commanded Nephi to go and get the plates
From the wicked Laban inside the city gates.
Laman and Lemuel were both afraid to try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”
The Lord commanded Nephi to go and build a boat.
Nephi’s older brothers believed it would not float.
Laughing and mocking, they said he should not try.
Nephi was courageous. This was his reply:
“I will go, I will do, the thing the Lord commands,
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”
The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:
“I will go, I will do, the thing the Lord commands,
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey!”11

Principle No. 2: Seeking for Celestial Marriage is risky and dangerous.

At dinner last week, a friend compared his decision to marry to the decision each of us made to leave our Heavenly Parents and come to earth. He told Noelle and me that the decision to marry
required him to exercise faith “all the way to the alter” because -- like the decision each of us
made to follow Heavenly Father’s plan and come to earth -- there was so much uncertainty and
risk involved, and there were indications that it would, at times, be difficult. He knew, however,
that it was the right thing to do if he wanted to follow Heavenly Father’s plan, and if he wanted
to learn and grow, and if he wanted to obtain the ultimate blessings of love and happiness.
On this point, C.S. Lewis said:

Of all arguments against love none makes so strong an appeal to my nature as “Careful!
This might lead to suffering.” To my nature, my temperament, yes. Not to my
conscience. When I respond to that appeal I seem to myself to be a thousand miles
away from Christ. If I am sure of anything I am sure that His teaching was never meant
to confirm my congenital preference for safe investments and limited liabilities.12

Professor Lewis goes on:

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung
and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your
heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little
luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your
selfishness. But in that casket -- safe, dark, motionless, airless -- it will change. It will
not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.13

Interestingly, Lewis ties our love and commitment to another person -- and our vulnerability before them14 -- to our relationship with Christ and our ability to be redeemed. He suggests that our vulnerability in that relationship enables or facilitates our relationship with Christ.

Principle No. 3: Celestial Marriage is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus
Christ.15

Our Heavenly Father declared, “This is my work and my glory -- to bring to pass the
immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The Atonement of Jesus Christ enabled both
of these objectives to be realized. Because of the Atonement, immortality -- or resurrection
from the dead -- became a reality for everyone. Because of the Atonement, eternal life -- which
is living forever in God’s presence, the “greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7) -- became a
possibility.

To qualify for eternal life, to make that possibility a reality, we must make an eternal
and everlasting covenant with Heavenly Father. This “eternal and everlasting covenant” is
described in D&C 132:19:

And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and
by the new and everlasting covenant [that is, in the temple by Priesthood authority], and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise [that is, they honor that covenant so
that their temple marriage becomes a Celestial Marriage] . . . , [then, that marriage]
shall be . . . of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the
angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, . . .
which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

This means that a Celestial Marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a
partnership with God. Elder Nelson has explained that:

While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. Only those who are
married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise will
continue as spouses after death and receive the highest degree of celestial glory, or
exaltation. A temple marriage is also called a celestial marriage. Within the celestial
glory are three levels. To obtain the highest, a husband and wife must be sealed for
time and all eternity and keep their covenants made in a holy temple. The noblest
yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death.16

In addition to establishing a pathway to eternal life, the Atonement also provides the
means for getting on the pathway and staying there. It is through receiving the blessings of the
Atonement that we can:
· Repent, so that we are worthy to receive inspiration about our dating or marriage relationships.
· Have our hearts changed so that we can be less selfish and love more fully.
· Forgive and be forgiven.
· Be healed when we have been injured.
· Learn from our experiences -- in life and in marriage -- without being condemned by them.

Principle No. 4: Celestial Marriage is achieved over time through hard work and God’s grace.

Temple marriage is not the end of the road, the crowning achievement of our mortal
lives. To the contrary, it is the beginning of a great project that two people launch together -- a
team project that provides opportunities for growth that cannot be gained any other way.
This conception of marriage often leads me to counsel individuals to put notions of
“romance” or “chemistry” to the side and think of marriage like they would think of a corporate
merger. Like a company considering a merger, I have found myself encouraging a cool-headed
assessment of the possible merger partner: What assets would he or she bring to the
combined company? Will both companies improve as a result of the merger? Are the two
corporate cultures compatible? Would the combined companies be more “productive”
together than they would be separately? More “profitable”? (What about possible tax
benefits?) Would a merger help the two companies get to where they need to go?

A recently married brother described this principle -- that marriage is a team project or
merger, not an achievement -- this way: “[M]arriage provide[s] a unique environment to learn
and grow in a way not otherwise possible; . . . the venue of marriage was specifically set up to
help us get to a place we need[] to go, but otherwise, on our own [cannot] . . . .”17

Elder Bednar has taught that one reason this is so is because the natures of male and
female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to
progress together toward exaltation. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual
premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose and, for divine purposes, male and female
spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. The unique combination of spiritual,
physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both men and women are needed to implement
the plan of happiness. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness
and a unity that can be achieved in no other way. The man completes and perfects the woman
and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen
and bless each other.18

To be sure, this team project of marriage is, at times, challenging. Like no other
relationship, it requires us to have and exercise charity. We must suffer long and be kind, and
envy not, and not be puffed up, and seek not our own, and not be easily provoked. We must
bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things.19 Jesus Christ, of course,
is the perfect example of charity -- the one we should emulate in all of our relationships. Elder
Jeffrey R. Holland has said that Christ

is the great example of one who bore and believed and hoped and endured.
We are invited to do the same in our courtship and in our marriage to the best of our ability. Bear up and be strong. Be hopeful and believing. Some things in life we have little or no

control over. These have to be endured. Some disappointments have to be lived with
in love and in marriage. These are not things anyone wants in life, but sometimes they
come. And when they come, we have to bear them; we have to believe; we have to
hope for an end to such sorrows and difficulty; we have to endure until things come
right in the end. One of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in these
times.20

I agree with Elder Holland that one of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in
tough times. I certainly have a testimony of that.

Principle No. 5: Celestial Marriage is a process that takes time and experience together.

I agree with Elder Holland that one of the great purposes of true love is to help each other in
tough times, but I also believe that true love -- a.k.a., Celestial Marriage -- is a consequence of
enduring difficult times together. In many respects, as James Thurber said, “love is what you go
through together.”21 Thus, although we long right now for Celestial Marriage (i.e., that
relationship wherein we obtain the ultimate blessings of love and happiness), Celestial
Marriage is a process that takes time. Understanding this principle -- that Celestial Marriage is a
process that takes time -- can change our behavior.

Consider a wife who dwells on the things about her husband that bother her. Flaws or
idiosyncrasies or even conduct that she wants him to change right now so that she can have the
happiness she wants. If she understands that obtaining Celestial Marriage is a process that
takes time, she will -- instead of nagging or making ultimatums or threatening to leave the
marriage or worse -- remember the covenants she made in the temple and consider her
husband’s great potential and focus on the things she can do to be supportive and caring, the
things she can do to strengthen their marriage. Over time, with her love, the husband will
change, or the flaws will not really matter, or the flaws will even become endearing. Right,
Noelle? (This hypothetical example obviously applies with gender roles reversed.) “Harmony in
marriage comes only when one esteems the welfare of his or her spouse among the highest of
priorities. When that really happens, a celestial marriage becomes a reality, bringing great joy
in this life and in the life to come.”22

Similarly, consider the single brother or sister “who [is] looking for that idealized partner
who is some perfect amalgamation of virtues and characteristics seen in parents, loved ones,
Church leaders, movie stars, sports heroes, political leaders, or any other wonderful men and
women they may have known.”23 A greater understanding of the doctrine that Celestial
Marriage is a process that takes time should change dating patterns, as both men and women
consider the potential of their dating partners and whether the person they are dating is
someone with whom a “corporate merger” just might make sense -- not whether that person,
right now, matches up to some list of required qualities.

A recently married brother told me that before he was married, while he “was insistent
on dating a good solid LDS girl, [he] was also hoping that she [would be] . . . musical, athletic,
physically, socially, and emotionally attractive . . . the list goes on [and on] . . .” He also
expected that she would be “a big sports [fan] (especially BYU).” He confessed that the woman
he married, however, “is not musical, is completely disinterested in ALL sports, and . . . went to
the U!” He said that for a year and a half prior to meeting his wife, he had been praying for a
greater understanding of Celestial Marriage. The result was that “while [we] were dating I
knew there was a good chance things might work out because I was not only willing, but
anxious to overlook things that in other situations I either would not, or felt like, no matter how
much I tried, I could not [overlook].” The doctrinal nugget he gleaned from his experience:

“What we [think we] want and what we need are often different. In all aspects of our [lives],
we need to learn to yield our will to God’s.”24

To yield our will to God’s will, we need to be open to the possibility that what we think
we want in a spouse is not, in fact, what we need. We need to worry less about the qualities
we want from others, and more the qualities we can give -- the virtues we have developed, and
the people we are trying to be and know that God expects us to be.

True love blooms when we care more about another person than we care about
ourselves. That is Christ’s great atoning example for us, and it ought to be more evident in the kindness we show, the respect we give, and the selflessness and courtesy we employ in our personal relationships.25

Indeed, as Christians, we should be kind and respectful and selfless and courteous in all our
relationships, be they dating relationships or marriage.

Principle No. 6: Although it is hard work, Celestial Marriage is definitely worth it.

Although achieving Celestial Marriage is hard work, like any worthwhile project, it is more than
worth it. Indeed, the benefits -- intellectual and emotional and physical and spiritual -- are both
incomparable and innumerable.

Regarding the spiritual benefits, a recently married brother in our ward -- a different
fellow than the one I’ve previously referenced -- told me that, for him, being married was “like
having an additional member of the Godhead in [his] presence.” What a testament to his wife!
He said that the

loving, refining and edifying influence conveyed by the Holy Ghost is similar to the
feeling shared by a righteous and loving marital companion. . . . I anticipated that this
should be the case when I was single and looking forward to marriage, but only since
marrying . . . have I actually experienced it.26

Indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of a Celestial Marriage. As a result, Elder
Bednar taught, as the

husband and wife are each drawn to the Lord, as they learn to serve and cherish one
another, as they share life experiences and grow together and become one, and as they
are blessed through the uniting of their distinctive natures, they begin to realize the
fulfillment that our heavenly father desires for His children. [The u]ltimate [blessings of
love and] happiness, which [are] the very object of the Father’s plan, [are] received
through the making and honoring of eternal marriage covenants.27

Conclusion

I testify that these principles are true: that Celestial Marriage is a divine commandment
that “brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.”28 I testify that
Celestial Marriage is possible because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. And I know that
Celestial Marriage -- although risky and dangerous and a lot of hard work -- is definitely worth it.

Noelle and I do not yet have a Celestial Marriage, but we catch glimpses of it from time to time
and, when we do, it is indescribably wonderful. I know that marriage is the most important
relationship we will have “in time and eternity -- and [I know that for] . . . the faithful what
doesn’t come in time will come in eternity.”29

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

1 See Boyd K. Packer, “Do Not Fear,” Liahona (May 2004) (“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and
behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will
improve behavior.”).
2 David A. Bednar, “Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign (June 2006).
3 Id.
4 Id.
5 Regarding the “quality” of our marriage relationships and how that quality might affect their duration, C.S. Lewis
insightfully stated: “Theologians have sometimes asked whether we shall ‘know one another’ in Heaven, and
whether the particular love-relations worked out on earth would then continue to have any significance. It seems
reasonable to reply: ‘It may depend what kind of love it had become, or was becoming on earth.’” C.S. Lewis, The
Four Loves 137 (Harcourt 1960).
6 Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” Ensign (Nov. 2008).
7 Victor L. Brown, Jr., Human Intimacy: Illusion & Reality 81 (Parliament 1981).
8 Julie B. Beck, Roundtable Discussion, 2008 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Building Up a Righteous
Posterity (Feb. 9, 2008).
9 Particularly helpful, but not otherwise quoted or cited herein, was Elder Bruce R. Hafen’s book, Covenant Hearts:
Marriage and the Joy of Human Love (Shadow Mountain 2005).
10 Other relevant principles include (1) that “Satan desires that all men and women might be miserable like unto
himself,” see Bednar, supra Note 2; (2) that “Celestial Marriage is an integral part of Heavenly Father’s plan for His
children,” see Nelson, supra Note 6 (“Whenever scriptures warn that the ‘earth would be utterly wasted,’ the
warning is connected to the need for priesthood authority to seal families together in holy temples.”); and (3) that
“By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best
setting for the rearing and nurturing of children,” see Bednar, supra Note 2; see also The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, “The Divine Institution of Marriage,” (Aug. 13, 2008) (responding to criticism of the Church’s
public support for California’s Proposition 8), available at lds.org.
11 “Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook 120 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2009) (emphases
added).
12 Lewis, supra Note 5, at 120.
13 Id. at 121.
14 On our vulnerability in interpersonal relationships, especially with our spouses, see Jeffrey R. Holland, “How Do I
Love Thee?,” Speeches: Brigham Young University 1999-2000 (Feb. 15, 2000) (“I want to impress upon you the
vulnerability and delicacy of your partner’s future as it is placed in your hands for safekeeping -- male and female,
it works both ways.”).
15 The discussion of this principle is taken primarily from Nelson, supra Note 6.
16 Id.
17 E-mail from S.H. to Kyle Sampson (Mar. 17, 2009).
18 See Bednar, supra Note 2.
19 See Moroni 7:45; 1 Corinthians 13:4.
20 Holland, supra Note 14 (emphasis added).
21 “Thurber,” Life (Mar. 14, 1960), at 108.
22 Nelson, supra Note 6.
23 Jeffrey R. & Patricia T. Holland, “Some Things We Have Learned -- Together,” Speeches: Brigham Young
University 1984-85 (Jan. 15, 1985).
24 E-mail, supra Note 17.
25 Holland, supra Note 14.
26 E-mail from O.C. to Kyle Sampson (Mar. 19, 2009).
27 Bednar, supra Note 2.
28 Nelson, supra Note 6.
29 Holland, supra Note 14 (emphasis in original); see also Nelson, supra Note 6 (“But what of the many mature
members of the Church who are not married? Through no failing of their own, they deal with the trials of life
12
alone. Be we all reminded that, in the Lord’s own way and time, no blessings will be withheld from His faithful
Saints. The Lord will judge and reward each individual according to heartfelt desire as well as deed.”).

Institute

2009-03-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Don't miss out on institute this week!
We will be studying Elder Marvin J. Ashton's talks
"The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword" and "Seeking Self-Control".
Where: King Street Chapel
When: 7:30pm

Rapid Fire Introductions

2009-03-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand...

What: Rapid Fire Introductions with the Chevy Chase ward, followed by games and snacks
Where: King Street Chapel at 2810 King St, Alexandria
When: Tonight, Saturday March 21 at 7:30p
Why: It's almost spring... besides, why not?
How: Arrive at 7:30 so you have time to register before we begin (this is not the kind of thing you want to be late for). You will have the opportunity to talk to several people one-on-one and after a few minutes if you'd like to get to know the person better, simply indicate their number on your form and all mutual matches will be notified via email. After the introductions we'll play a few of our favorite games and enjoy some refreshments.

Institute Tonight

2009-03-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Institute tonight, 7:30pm, at the King Street Building. We'll be studying Elder Marvin J. Ashton's talk: "On Being Worthy".

St. Patrick's Day Potluck

2009-03-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

Anything Green Goes!

Sunday, March 8, 2009, 7:00PM
Please join us for a night of Irish fun with Jen & Mandy
2746 Fort Scott Drive

If your last name starts with...
A-G: Dessert (green apple pie, key lime pie, green jello surprise, green rice krispie treats...)
H-M: Side Dish (spinach, peas, lettuce, asparagus...)
N-Z: Main Dish (pesto, green chili enchiladas, green curry...)

FHE - March 2

2009-02-25T16:05:00.000-08:00

FHE - A Healthier You
Monday, March 2; 7:30pm
1023 21rd St. S, Arlington, VA 22202

Part 1: Dental Health

The health of our teeth and mouth are linked to overall health and well-being in a number of ways. Come and learn from our very own dental expert, Tasha Greep, how taking care of your mouth can keep you healthier - and maybe even get a FREE toothbrush!

Part 2 - Eating Healthy

Despite the fact that we are 2 months too late for our New Year's resolutions, it's always important to focus on healthy eating habits. Jenny Heap, our fabulous nutritional expert, is going to give us a few tips on staying healthy with what you put in your mouth.

Save the Date: March 21

2009-02-20T23:23:00.000-08:00

The DC Mid-singles will be joining us for an activity that their group has thoroughly enjoyed - "Rapid-Fire Introductions". On Saturday, March 21st starting at 7:30pm we will be hosting them for a night of "Rapid-Fire Introductions" and games. The fun will be at the King Street Chapel in Alexandria. More details to come...but you won't want to miss this fun event, so save the date!

Tomorrow, The Next Day, and Tuesday...

2009-02-20T21:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (Saturday, February 21)...

70's Theme, Multi-Stake Singles Dinner Dance, 7pm at the Gainesville Meetinghouse.

The Next Day (Sunday, February 22)...

Come experience a bit of the Riviera and Mediterranean cuisine (Italian style) as we get together for our next mid-singles potluck Feb. 22nd (7:30pm) at the Grove (2311 25th Street South Arlington, VA 22206). Bonjourno!

If your last name starts with:
A-F - please bring a Dessert
G-R - please bring a Main Dish
S-Z - please bring a Side Dish

Tuesday (February 24)...

Institute, 7:30pm at the King Street Chapel. This weeks lesson is "A Pattern in All Things" by Elder Marvin J. Ashton.

Washington Post Article Suggested by Bishop Sampson

2009-02-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Bishop Sampson thought that our group might enjoy this article from the Washington Post - Happy Valentine's Week!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR200...

How to Get a Bead on Your True Love

By Kevin Hassett
Sunday, February 8, 2009; B01

My grandmother spent her whole youth hearing that she should stay away from strange men. Then she went and married one. But our family had a secret: She was a little strange, too. The two of them together were perfection.

Great matches have inspired philosophy and verse for as long as we have possessed charcoal to scratch with. But before a match can be celebrated, it has to happen. How do people do it? How do they sort through all the potential mates and find their true loves?

So often, it seems impossible. But to an economist, the most striking characteristic of sublime matches is that they are ubiquitous, in both society and nature. In fact, if Easter has the bunny, then Valentine's Day should have the albatross.

Like humans, albatrosses often mate for life, but only after a lengthy period of awkward dancing. They nest on remote oceanic islands, where their hatchlings take up to 10 months to mature. The birds can live more than 50 years, and a nesting pair will return to the same site year after year. But when one of them dies, a funny thing happens: The surviving partner will often find a new partner that has also lost its mate.

A large brooding colony has hundreds and hundreds of, shall we say, chicks, so you have to wonder: Exactly how do these birds find one another? How do they sort through all the possible matches and find such perfect partners?

As daunting as that challenge may seem, the fact is that humans face a much steeper hurdle. If you're not a numbers person, you might not have noticed how awe-inspiring the matching problem is.

There are approximately 6.7 billion people on earth. But finding your perfect mate is not as simple as evaluating the attractiveness of each world citizen one by one. Their feelings matter, too. A relationship worthy of song only happens when you are the best possible match for your mate, and he is the best possible match for you.

That little qualification makes the marriage problem almost unfathomable. The number of possible pairs of two in a population of 6.7 billion is very, very large, and an omniscient observer could find the best partners only by inspecting each and every possible match. There are 28 million times more possible romantic matches among people in this world than there are stars in the Milky Way. If God spent a minute evaluating each match before assigning people their spouses, the procedure would take 21.4 trillion years to complete. By then, the chocolates would be stale.

So how does it work?

Economists have made a science of studying the mechanisms humans have developed over time to achieve good matches. The pioneering work was published in 1962 by David Gale and Lloyd Shapley and was titled "College Admissions and the Stability of Marriage." They explored the question of whether a population of men and women could be sorted into stable "marriages" -- that is, pairings that would not be dissolved by defection. A marriage would dissolve if there were alternative interested partners whom each spouse would prefer to their own.

The revolutionary accomplishment of Gale and Shapley is that they proved that a simple algorithm could produce a stable set of matches that assign everyone a spouse. You might say that they proved with math that there is someone for everyone.

The algorithm, which was a purely theoretical construct, is simple and eerily reminiscent of historical social convention. Suppose that we put 10 men and 10 women, all heterosexual, in a room. The Gale-Shapley algorithm would assign their mates as follows: The men line up and,
one by one, propose to their favorite woman. The women can either reject the proposal or defer it until the next round by becoming "engaged." In the next round, each unengaged fellow tries again with his next favorite woman. A woman who was previously engaged can ditch her fiancé and become engaged to her new suitor if she wishes. The game continues until everyone is engaged, at which point, in cult-like fashion, everyone is married all at once.

The beauty of the approach is that it distributes people into stable matches. But there is a dark side to it as well. A matching game that proceeds with men signaling their interest and women choosing from among their suitors seems as though it gives women the power. But in fact, it does the reverse. Since each man proposes to the women starting with his most favorite and continuing through lesser choices, he is eventually matched with the woman who is his most favorite among the set of all women who would have him. The opposite is true for the women, whose most favorite men may not ever even propose to them.

Compared to the real world, there's also a little sleight of hand here. We began by placing 20 people in a room. Perhaps the biggest challenge is getting people into the room in the first place.

Since Gale and Shapley wrote, the literature identifying the methods we use to reduce the set of possible partners has grown enormously. The basic idea is, again, a simple one: We develop signals that we send one another to help us narrow the search.

A well known example in the economics community illustrates the function of such signals. Muriel Niederle is a renowned game theorist at Stanford. The dating Web site Cupid.com recently asked her to help solve a common problem: Women were being inundated by offers from men, which made it difficult for them to find good matches.

Niederle offered up a solution: Cupid.com should give each man two electronic roses per month to send to two women of his choice, along with an introductory note. Since the men were only allowed to send two roses, women found that they were choosing from a much better and smaller pool of candidates. Cupid.com chief executive Eric Straus told the Wall Street Journal that this approach improved a suitor's chances of success by 35 percent. This simple insight, of course, only replicates in electronic form the ritual that males of many species have followed since the dawn of time. A costly gift is a valuable signal.

That striking increase in the matching success rate is notable, because people presumably resorted to the dating service in the first place thinking that it was a better option than the bar or the water cooler. In other words, society as a whole is clearly not doing a good job at providing signaling opportunities.

But as albatrosses can attest, good signals make all the difference. The wild gesticulations of the albatross are not so much a dance as a language, and researchers report that old couples develop their own unique one over time. Widows probably find widowers in a crowded colony because birds signal their sad status to one another by performing half a dance.

Which brings us to Valentine's Day.

When I was very young, it was the practice at school for each child to give a valentine to all his classmates. Since everyone received a valentine, they provided no signal. Given our age, that was irrefutably a good thing. As we grew older, valentines dwindled and disappeared. As adults, it seems that most people who receive valentines have already found their matches.

But if you consider how difficult matching is, then you have to conclude that Valentine's Day has become an enormous missed opportunity. People have an almost impossible task in finding a mate. Society can do a better job of providing opportunities for them to signal interest in one another. We can start with Feb. 14. If every unattached person selected a few individuals they might be interested in and sent them a valentine, the literature suggests that it would significantly improve the quality of matches, just as a simple electronic rose launched thousands of Cupid's online arrows.

In addition to smoothing the matching process, a Valentine's Day revival would have a second effect. If both sexes signaled equally, then the whole process would no longer be slanted in favor of men.

This can begin only if a sufficient mass of citizens decides to start a new tradition. As albatrosses know, each would-be signaler needs the cover of a raucous colony.

Valentine's Day is next Saturday. Get moving. You still have time to send a few valentines.

Who knows, you might even end up as lucky as my grandfather.

khass...@aei.org

Kevin Hassett is director of economic policy studies and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He met his match in economics class and has been married to her for 22 years.

Multi-Stake Singles Dinner Dance Feb 21

2009-02-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Multi-Stake Singles Dinner Dance

Saturday February 21 at 7pm

70's Theme - Feel free to dress in 70's attire

Gainesville Meetinghouse

14015 Glenkirk Rd.

Gainesville, VA 20155

Chapel Directions:
From Points East: Take I-495 to I-66 West. Follow I-66 West. Take exit 43B toward US-29 N, this is 144 feet. Keep left at the fork to continue towards US-29, for 0.4 miles. Keep left at the fork to continue towards US-29 and merge onto US-29, this is 0.9 miles. Turn left at Gallagher Rd./Linton Hall Rd. for 0.9 miles. Continue to follow Linton Hall Rd for 0.9 miles. Turn right at Glenkirk Rd. in 0.8 miles. The Chapel will be on the left in 208 ft.

* Please note that this event is for singles who are 31+ and that divorces must be final. If you have any questions about this event, please contact either your stake representatives or your local leaders.

FHE Mon Feb 2

2009-01-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

We will be meeting at the King Street Chapel at 7pm for a lesson about how our bodies are temples and how proper care of them can increase our spirituality. This lesson will be followed by a yoga session taught by the Crystal City Ward's own Beverli DeWalt. Mats will be provided but please bring your own if you have one. Healthy snacks will also be provided following the yoga.

When: Mon Feb 2 - 7:00pm
Where: King Street Chapel (2810 King St, Alexandria , VA 22302)

See you there!

Mid-Singles Institute is back TONIGHT!

2009-01-27T08:56:00.000-08:00

Classes for the Mid-Singles Institute will start tonight January 27 at 7:30 pm at the King Street Chapel (2810 King St, Alexandria , VA 22302).

The lessons will cover the following talks by Elder Marvin J. Ashton.

Jan. 27: Carry Your Cross

Feb. 3: Who Will Forfeit the Harvest?

Feb. 10: "If Thou Endure It Well"

Feb. 17: Adversity and You

Feb. 24: A Pattern in All Things

March 3: The Measure of Our Hearts

March 10: On Being Worthy

March 17: ";Shake Off the Chains with Which Ye Are Bound" and Roadblocks to Progress

March 24: The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword and Seeking Self-Control

March 31: "There Are Many Gifts"

April 7: "Neither Boast of Faith Nor of Mighty Works"

April 14: "Strengthen the Feeble Knees"

April 21: A Time of Urgency and Prepare to Meet God

April 28: Peace—A Triumph of Principles

May 5: "Be of Good Cheer"

May 12: Straightway

May 19: Know He Is There

Mid-Singles Small Group Dinners

2009-01-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Mid-Singles Small Group Dinners

Happy new year!

Since Institute doesn't start until January 27, please join us THIS Tuesday (Tomorrow), January 13, at 7:30 p.m. for small group dinners. We'll eat in various restaurants in the Pentagon Row shopping are located in Pentagon City http://www.pentagonrow.com/directions/. Please meet outside Maggie Moo's between 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. As people arrive, we'll organize small groups to go to various restaurants in Pentagon Row. Please come no later than 7:45 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

Potluck - DATE CHANGE

2009-01-11T20:06:00.001-08:00

Potluck - Jan 25
The potluck will be Jan 25 after church with time and location TBA.

Winter Getaway Clarification

2009-01-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Winter Getaway! - Feb 6-7 2nd Annual Winter Getaway! Join us on February 6-7th in Gettysburg, PA for skiing or tubing, dining, and sightseeing. We will also have a room reserved on Friday night for Warren Miller movies and games. Please bring any board games or cards with you that you would like to play. Snacks will be provided.

Same rules as last year apply:
Find your own ride.
Hotel rooms are already reserved for us at the Days Inn http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=06239&brandInfo=DI
$55 per room (2 queen beds in each room). Get your moola into Scott Porter!

scottcporter@hotmail.com (all sales are final on Jan 27!)
The more roomies you get the cheaper your room!
Tubing is $18 for 1 hour or $22 for 2 hours (pay on your own on site)
Skiing/snowboarding is $45 for an 8 hour day pass (pay on your own on site)
Ski Rentals are $38.16 including tax and boots (pay on your own on site)
Snowboard Rentals are $44.52 including tax and boots (pay on your own on site)

2009-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Midsingles FHE - Mon Jan 12

Muda is a great Japanese word to know. It means "waste," specifically any human activity which absorbs resources but creates no value. Come to FHE, Monday, January 12, and learn a popular process improvement technique used in business and the DOD that is used to remove Muda. Then learn to use this technique to improve the state of your Emergency Preparedness. The goal is to come away with a plan tailor made to you.

Where: 618 26th Street South

When: 7:30 - 8:30

Hosted by: Andrea Wagenbach, Sharyn Hunt, and Suzanne Milne

Potluck - Jan 18

The potluck will be after church with time and location TBA.

Midsingles Institute - Jan 27

Classes for the Mid-Singles Institute will start on January 27 at 7:30 pm at
the King Street Chapel (2810 King St, Alexandria , VA 22302). The lessons will
cover talks by Elder Marvin J. Ashton. Jan. 27: Carry Your Cross Feb. 3: Who Will Forfeit the Harvest? Feb. 10: "If
Thou Endure It Well"

Winter Getaway! - Feb 6-7

2nd Annual Winter Getaway! Join us on February 6-7th in Gettysburg, PA for skiing or tubing, dining, and sightseeing. We will also have a room reserved on Friday night for Warren Miller movies and games. Please bring any board games or cards with you that you would like to play. Snacks will be provided.

Same rules as last year apply:
Find your own ride.
Hotel rooms are reserved at the Days Inn http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=06239&brandInfo=DI
$55 per room. Get your moola into Scott Porter! scottcporter@hotmail.com (all sales are final on Jan 27!)
The more roomies you get the cheaper your room!
Tubing is $18 for 1 hour or $22 for 2 hours (pay on your own on site)
Skiing/snowboarding is $45 for an 8 hour day pass (pay on your own on site)
Ski Rentals are $38.16 including tax and boots (pay on your own on site)
Snowboard Rentals are $44.52 including tax and boots (pay on your own on site)

Winter Getaway

2008-12-16T17:01:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Winter Getaway!

Skiing, Tubing, Dining, Sightseeing all in Gettysburg, PA!!!!

Join us on February 6-7th! In Gettysburg.

Same rules apply:
Find your own ride.
Hotel rooms reserved; get your moola into Scott Porter! (all sales are final on January 23rd)!
The more roomies you get the cheaper your room!
Group ski rates apply ($48.00 + rental) Ski Liberty www.skiliberty.com

More details to follow!

DC Area Singles Conference

2008-11-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

DC Area Singles Conference
December 31, 2008- January 3, 2009.
Keynote speaker will be Elder Earl C.Tingey, former General Authority and new President of the Washington DC Temple.

Please note that early registration is due by November 30 $75 for the early birds, $95 for latecomers and there are a la carte options available on a limited basis. Please check out the conference website for more details.

Conference website:

http://www.dcsaconference.org

This year's conference has a lot of new twists and unique aspects and we hope you will be decide to join us.

We need more volunteer help! If you are interested in helping on the planning committee or at the actual event, please notify Mike Brown mikecbrown1@cox.net or Serena Patrick rena_p80@yahoo.com

"CAN" paign

2008-11-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

*Month-long Service Activity
*Join our "Can"paign & bring a can of food to donate at all mid-singles
functions in November:
Tues Nov 4—Institute
Sun Nov 9—Potluck
Mon Nov 10—FHE
Tues Nov 11—Institute
Sat Nov 15—Mt. Vernon Mid-singles Institute Thanksgiving dinner
Tues Nov 18—Institute
All donations will be made to the Scouting for Food Drive.

FHE and POTLUCK!!!

2008-11-04T09:32:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!
We have some fun stuff going on this month so spread the word and save the
date! Crystal City Mid-singles (31-45) activities are not exclusive.
Activities are open to all mid-singles in the stake and outlining areas.
Spread the word!

*Potluck:
Sunday, November 9*
5:30 PM
Mid-Single Crystal City Ward Potluck at the home of Jennifer Anderson &
Mandy Wollenzien. Please use the ward website directory to get their address. Bring something good to share that reminds you of home!

*FHE:
Monday, November 10
Fitness Extravaganza
*The Energy Club: www.theenergyclub.com
2900 S. Quincy Street (Shirlington Village)
Arlington, VA 22206
Attend either 6:45pm—Fun Yoga class or 7:00pm—Energy Contact class then
8:15pm—Everyone regroup upstairs for orientation (nutrition, stretching)
then rotation through different fitness stations (more info to come)
Check in at front desk; Ask for Crystal City Ward group

Please write us @ this email if you have any questions.

Fall Institute

2008-09-03T08:52:00.001-07:00

Institute is back!!! We will have a kick-off lesson on the life of Jesus by Bishop Sampson on Tuesday September 9th at 7:30 pm in the chapel at the King Street building. Then on September 16th we will continue with the first lessons from "Jesus the Christ" by Elder James E. Talmage. Get your copy and read the lessons ahead of class to get the most from our discussions. Because of the length of the book, we have selected certain chapters to cover as follows:

Date, Chapter # and title:
Sept. 16; ch. 2- Preexistance and Foreordination of the Christ
Sept. 23; ch. 3- The Need for a Redeemer
Sept. 30; ch. 4- The Antemortal Godship of Christ
Oct. 7; ch. 8- The Babe of Bethleham
Oct. 14; ch. 17- The Sermon on the Mount
Oct. 21; ch. 18- As One Having Authority
Oct. 28; ch. 19- He Spake Many Things unto them in Parables
Nov. 4; ch. 21- The Apostolic Mission and Events Related Thereto
Nov. 11; ch. 29- On to Jerusalem
Nov. 18; ch. 33- The Last Supper and the Betrayal
Nov. 25 off for Thanksgiving week
Dec. 2; ch. 36- In the Realm of Disembodied Spirits
Dec. 9; ch. 42- Jesus the Christ to Return

Hope to see you there for this in depth study of Jesus the Christ.

September FHE and Pot Luck

2008-09-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

FHE: September 8th: Ultimate Frisbee and 1/2 price burgers at Whitlows on Wilson. If you can't make it to Ultimate join us at 8:30pm at Whitlows.

Ultimate: Game On at 7:00 Fort Scott Park off of Fort Scott Drive in Crystal City. Address is 2800 South Fort Scott Drive, Arlington, VA 22202
1/2 price burgers at Whitlows on Wilson: 8:30 pm. Address 2854 Wilson Blvd. Clarendon, VA 22201

Pot Luck: September 14th, 5:30pm @ JH & LQ's place, 20th Street South, Check out the ward bulletin for address information. Bring something goooood! :)

Please park on the side streets (not 20th) as much as possible. The police may take action for those parked on 20th Street (they have before).

Joint Activity w/ DC

2008-09-02T20:12:00.001-07:00

Finally, Mid-Single Adults from the Chevy Chase Ward and Crystal City Ward are officially meeting! Bring your friends and join the fun starting at 7pm on Saturday, Sept 20th at the Chevy Chase Ward Building in NW DC. (See address below.)

We'll start with a potluck dinner where you will meet new people and eat good food. Following dinner, we'll do speed dating. You'll have 12 five minute conversations with new men/women. No phone number exchanging in the moment – just meeting. If you'd find someone you'd like to contact again and they feel the same, we'll exchange your contact email information for you. Safe, fun, easy! At the very least, you'll have 12 interesting conversations. At the most…who knows! J

So, come and bring food, a smile, and a friend for moral support. Or, just come! You'll love it! We promise or we'll return your green Jello and carrot salad for free. J

See you there!

Questions? Contact: Michael Amesquita mikeamesquita@gmail.com

Lisa Chapman lisachapman@att.net

Alicia Poulton Alicia.poulton@gmail.com

Scott Porter scottcporter@hotmail.com

Address of the Chevy Chase Building: 5460 Western Ave Chevy Chase, MD (On Western between Connecticut and Wisconsin)

And, to subscribe to each ward's list serv for announcements regarding future events:

Chevy Chase Ward: Email: chevychasemidsingles@googlegroups.com

Crystal City Ward: ccwmidsingles.gmail.com

The Haps for August!!!

2008-08-02T07:27:00.001-07:00

Hi All-

Can you believe it is August? Wow where has the time gone! We have some great get togethers planned for August! Hope to see you there!

Monday August 4th, 7:30: President Ishtook from the stake presidency and his lovely wife will be hosting FHE at their new home in Franconia. He has a special message prepared for us and Sister Ishtook has a lovely treat planned. After the message we'll be heading outside for some croquet. (Who doesn't love croquet and bocce ball?) If you have an extra set and are willing to share please email Alicia Poulton.

SAVE GAS CALL A FRIEND AND CARPOOL!

Sunday August 10th, 5:30: Potluck hosted by Wendy and Dorian! Bring some yummy food!

Hill Cumorah Pageant

2008-07-14T05:19:00.001-07:00

Mid-Singles Hill Cumorah Pageant Trip
Saturday, July 19 – Sunday, July 20
Sat.: Meet @ 7 a.m. location TBD, Travel to Palmyra, see church sites, watch pageant @ night
Camp in tents Sat. night (showers and bathrooms included)
Sun.: Church in Palmyra, see church sites, back late p.m.
$80/each (includes van transport and camping only)
You will be responsible for your own food and camping gear (sleeping bags, tents)
Only 24 spots available
$80 due to Scott Porter by July 15

Institute Class Schedule & Readings

2008-06-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Mount Vernon Stake Mid-Singles Institute Program

“And They Twain Shall Be One Flesh”
Gospel Principles in the Marriage Relationship

Summer Series
(June 10 – July 29, 2008)

Foundational Principles for Relationships

June 10:Understanding Love

Instructor:Sis. Rosemay Webster, former LDS Social Services Counselor, Crystal City Ward

Materials

1.The Gospel and Romantic Love, Elder Bruce C, Hafen, BYU Speeches, Sept. 28, 1982.
2.Dating versus Hanging Out, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, June 2006, 10.

June 17: Choices and Expectations

Instructor: Bro. Andrew Crowshaw, Mount Vernon Stake High Council

Materials

1.Agency or Inspiration – Which? Elder Bruce R. McConkie, BYU Speeches, Feb. 27, 1973.
2.Reluctant to Marry, Victor L. Brown, Jr., Ensign, Apr. 1992, 44.
3.The Right Person, the Right Place, the Right Time: Guidelines for Wisely Choosing a Spouse, Thomas B. Holman, BYU Speeches, Aug. 1, 2000.

Making Relationships Work – Getting Past the Basics

June 24:Communication

Instructor:Bishop David Nielsen, Mount Vernon Ward

Materials

1.The Tongue of Angels, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, May 2007, 16.
2.When Couples Don’t Listen to Each Other, Larry K. Langlois, Tambuli, Oct. 1990, 19.
3.Overcoming Those Differences of Opinion, Robert E. Wells, Ensign, Jan. 1987, 60.
4.Words that Warm, Sara Brown Nielson, Ensign, Aug. 1994, 54.

July 1: Intimacy – Emotional and Physical

Instructor:Bishop Carlos and Sister Martha Rigby, members of Mount Vernon Ward

Materials

1.Of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, BYU Devotional, January 12, 1988, http://www.familylifeeducation.org/gilliland/procgroup/Souls.htm.
2.They Twain Shall Be One: Thoughts on Intimacy in Marriage,” Brent A. Barlow, Ensign, Sept. 1986, 49.

July 15:Understanding the Opposite Gender (Breakout Session)

Instructor:Scott and Catherine Ladd, Crystal City Ward

Materials

1.Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan, Elder David A. Bednar, Liahona, Jun 2006, 50.

Make It or Break It

July 22:Barriers in Relationships

Instructor:Tiffanie Williams, LDS Social Services counselor, Alexandria 1st Ward

Materials

1.A Gospel of Relationships, Marleen Williams, BYU Speeches, May 4, 2004.
2.Oneness in Marriage, Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Mar. 1977, 3.
3.My Conversion to Eternal Marriage, James Welch, Ensign, Sept. 2007, 28.

July 29:Moving Forward

Instructor:Bishop Dennis Lowe, Franconia Ward

Materials

1.A True and Sufficient Love, Burton C. Kelly, Ensign, Feb. 1979, 47.
2.Breaking Up Without Going to Pieces: When Dating Doesn’t End in Marriage, M. Gawain Wells, Ensign, June 1982, 58.
3.A Conversation with Single Adults, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Mar. 1997, 58.
4.To My Single Friends, Elder John K. Carmack, Ensign, Mar. 1989, 27.

BEACH PARTY

2008-06-17T11:33:00.001-07:00

BEACH PARTY!

Here is the info! Enjoy!

Save on Gas: We are meeting at the King Street Building at 6:45am and pulling out at 7:00am!
Directions: If you wish to drive separately, the directions are below.
How to find us!: When you pull into the parking lot, if you are looking at the ocean go toward the left end as far as you can. Park. When you get onto the beach we will be set up to the left. We will try to set up away from most of the beach goers. You can call Alicia Poulton or Nicole Peterson. We can’t guarantee we’ll answer…may be playing!
What to bring: what you usually bring to the beach…snacks will be provided, you’ll have to take care of your own lunch.

Indian River State
Park -- or Delaware Beach State park.
Here is the link: http://www.destateparks.com/dssp/dssp.asp

Take I-395 N Entering District of Columbia - 7.0 mi
Turn right at New York Ave NW Entering Maryland - 4.7 mi
Continue on US-50 E Partial toll road - 45.4 mi
Take the US-50 E exit toward Ocean City - 0.3 mi
Slight right at Ocean Gateway/US-50 E - 6.6 mi
Turn left at MD-404 Entering Delaware - 23.6 mi
Continue on Seashore Hwy - 3.3 mi
Turn left at Scotts Store Rd - 3.6 mi
Slight right at Hickman Rd - 0.7 mi
Continue on W Market St - 0.9 mi
Continue on Ellendale-Greenwood Hwy - 0.4 mi
Continue on Beach Hwy - 8.0 mi
Continue on Main St - 0.6 mi
Continue on Milton Ellendale Hwy - 5.5 mi
Continue on Broadkill Rd - 3.2 mi
Turn right at Coastal Hwy S/SR-1 S - 6.5 mi
Slight left to stay on Coastal Hwy S/SR-1 S
Continue to follow SR-1 S - 8.3mi
Turn left at Tower Rd - 167 ft

Beach Party June 21st

2008-06-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

21 JUNE Mid Singles Tri-Ward Beach Party!!! Indian River State Park/Beach in Delaware, apparently a well kept secret in these parts! We'll be meeting bright and early to avoid bridge traffic. Meet at the King Street chapel at 6:45am. Cars will take off at 7:00am. Drinks and snacks will be provided. You'll need to bring/plan your own lunch/dinner, sunscreen, towel, book, beach chair, etc. Get training for the volleyball and ultimate games (we may even be able to get a little tournament going)! There are showers and bathroom facilities at the beach.

Tonight's Activity A2 ward

2008-05-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

Just an FYI that Alexandria 2nd's activity for "Shakespeare in the Park" has been cancelled.

Singles Conference in Maryland

2008-05-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Seneca stake is hosting a singles conference June 20-22, 2008. Special guests include Marvin Goldstein and Sam Payne. For more information and registration go to www.joyinthejourney.us

Institute Updates

2008-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

There will be no class on May 20th. The final lesson in the Jewish festivals series will be on Tuesday May 27, taught by Bishop Read.

June 10th we will begin the next series, "Using Gospel Principles in Building Relationships". This is an exciting look at how to put scriptural principles and the teaching of modern prophets into action. This class is for everyone, so we encourage you to come even if you have not come out to Institute in a long time (or ever). The teachers will be a group of real pros on the subject. We will put out a syllabus once the teachers are set on dates.

Classes are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm at the King Street Chapel.

Alexandria 1st Events

2008-05-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Alexandria Ward single adults are off to the ball game. This year we will attend the Washington Nationals v Florida Marlins on Friday, May 9, 2008. Ticket cost will be $20.00. Mike will get advance tickets for everyone who has given Melissa or him a check for $20 by 11:49 PM Tuesday, May 7, 2008. You can hand your check to Mike or Melissa or mail it to Mike at 6203 Lakeview Drive Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia 22041. Please include with your check your name, e-mail address and cell phone number so we can contact you with last minute changes.

We will leave the Alexandria Chapel at 6:00 PM and carpool to the RFK Stadium Parking lot #8. Parking is free. We will take the free Nats Express to the new Nationals Stadium. If you prefer to meet us at the stadium, meet us there no later than 7:15PM. Please let Mike know if you will be meeting at the Stadium or at church. We will announce the meeting point soon. The game starts at 7:35.

Our meeting times and places may change. Be sure to watch for updates.

Everyone is welcome to join us regardless of age, gender, marital status, birthplace or team loyalty.

Please plan to join us for the other activities we have planned for the year. This is a tentative schedule that may be changed at the whim of Mother Nature and the organizers. Out tentative calendar of events for 2008 include the following:
June 6 - Fairfax Festival
June 28 - DC Caribbean Carnival
July 4 - Independence Day Organ Recital at National Cathedral &
Fireworks at Washington Monument
July – August - Canoe trip on Rapahannock River
August 29 - Les Miserables at Wolf Trap National Park
Sept. 13 - Hike
Oct. 10-11 - Campout and Horseback Ride in Shenandoah Valley
November - Capitals Hockey Game (date to be determined)
Dec. 6 - Night of Chili and Karaoke
Jan. 17 - Gourmet Dinner

If you have any questions please contact Michael Whalan (703-256-3247 or mdwdive@aol.com) or Melissa Hill (571-212-4707 or melissahill56@yahoo.com). Include your name, e-mail address and Ward name.

The Haps for May!

2008-05-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

FHE- Monday May 5th- Cinco De Mayo! 7:00pm Mandy and Jenn's place 2746 Fort Scott Park, Arlington 22202

INSTITUTE! May 6th- 7:30pm We invite you to a special three-course series with the Mid-Singles Institute. The first lecture will be on Jewish Festivals and the Restoration of the Gospel. It will beheld at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 6 at the King Street Chapel.

Baseball Game- May 9th- Alexandria 1st Ward is puttin' this on! And they aren't going for the cheap seats! ($20.00) If you'd like to go contact Melissa Hill by TUESDAY!!!! Her email i melissahill56@yahoo.com

Tri-Ward Potluck- May 11th- Bring soup, salad, or dessert to Brooksany Barrow's place 7:00pm- 201 Ellsworth St., Alexandria, VA 22314 Park on the street. Call (703) 823-2986 if you need directions.

Temple Night- May 16th 7:30 Session

Shakespeare in the Park- May 29th- SAVE THE DATE MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

May Institute Class

2008-04-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

We will be starting a three lesson series on Festivals of the Old Testament. The first lesson will be May 6. The class will be held in the King Street Chapel at 7:30 pm.

Servathon! How to sign up!

2008-04-20T06:01:00.001-07:00

Join our Servathon 2008 Team and help us support the cause! Let's make an impact on DC Public Schools by rallying together and delivering critical service needed in a fun and exciting marathon day of service.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, please join me and 3,000+ volunteers in the Greater Washington region’s largest day of service by participating in Servathon 2008! We would love to have you join us in serving the community.

Servathon is an event sponsored by Greater DC Cares that brings out over 3,000 volunteers in just one day! This year, Servathon will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, and, in support of efforts to revitalize the DC Public Schools, all 39 project sites will be at DCPS schools. In total, we expect to provide over $400,000 worth of services and supplies to these schools in just 5 hours! We will be painting, cleaning, landscaping, and revitalizing DC Public Schools from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. We will then all gather for an after party full of fun, prizes, inspiration, beer and food from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.! This is a great opportunity to connect with volunteers and to give back to our DC community.

Registering is simple! Just follow the steps below:

1) Visit www.servathon.org
2) Click Register Now
3) Click Register Here
4) Accept the Volunteer Waiver
5) Click Join a Team
6) Select the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mt. Vernon Team from the drop-down menu
7) Add your personal contact information and you will be registered!

If you aren’t available to volunteer on May 3rd, you can still support my efforts by making a donation to improve non-profits and schools in the region throughout the year. No donation is too small!

Your support of:

• $25 will help paint an elementary school classroom
• $50 will help landscape the grounds of a high school
• $150 will support a resume development training for students and parents
• $500 will buy a new piece of playground equipment
• $1,000 will help build a computer lab for students

You may also make a donation by check. Please make checks payable to Greater DC Cares and mail to the following address:

Greater DC Cares
c/o Servathon Operations Coordinator
1725 I Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20006

By making a donation, you make it possible for Greater DC Cares to provide services and programs to volunteers, nonprofits and public schools for free of charge on May 3rd and throughout the rest of the year!

We would really appreciate your commitment to supporting an event that is important to us. Let’s take action together and support DCPS and Servathon 2008!

Thanks!

Mt. Vernon Mid-Singles Committee

Nats vs. Mets!!!!!

2008-04-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing like baseball! Join us in watching the Nats take on the Mets!

Alexandria 2nd Ward is hosting the April Mid-singles tri-ward activity!

Nationals Baseball game on the 24th and starts at 7:10pm.

Sounds like a crazy fun match up!!

Cost is $9 for a group of 25 or more and tickets must be purchased at least a day in advance. No same day group sales.

All interested parties should contact David Briggs via email dbrig77@yahoo.com indicating how many tickets they want no later than the April 21st at 8pm This will allow him time to purchase tickets on the 22nd.

An order for tickets must be honored by payment to Dave Briggs by check to my home or cash in hand at church (when you email Dave let him know how you'll get the moola to him). You will be able to pick up tickets at the box office the night of the game. ID’s will have to be shown to receive their ticket at the Box office.

See you at the game!

The Haps for April!

2008-04-09T19:18:00.001-07:00

Hello All-

If you know of anyone that is not on this list and would like to participate in the "Goings On" that should be or wants to be, please forward this to them.

TXS!

Here are the "Goings On" in April

The "Spring Fling" activity for the 11th has been postponed. We'll let you know when the new date is set.

Pot Luck- April 13th 5:30 Tyler De Lange, Ben Cottle, and a few others sprinkled in there's place! 1603 11th St. S. Arlington, Virginia 22204 Bring something tasty!

Tri-Ward Activity- Nats game April 24th More info to come.

Temple Night- April 17th Endowment sessions 8:00 and 8:30 sessions.

YSA Fireside- April 20th Fireside with Elder Cook and Elder Tingey 7:00pm DC. Stake Center

Save the Dates-

May 3- Service Project in DC. Talk to co-workers, invite them to participate and donate! We want to help DC schools by raising $1500.00! We will be working with other groups to restore, paint, beautify DC schools. Please contact Rustin Pearce at rustinpearce@hotmail.com to sign up or add co workers names.

May 5- Cinco De Mayo- FHE Mandy and Jen's place

May 11- Potluck- Alexandria 1st ward hosting at Brooksany Barrows place!

Kite Festival- March 29th!

2008-03-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Come join the Alexandria 1st Ward Singles this Saturday at the Annual Kite Festival on the National Mall dowtown. If you've never been to the Kite Festival before, it's definitely something you should see! Hundreds of people bring bring their kites down and compete against each other. The Cherry Blossoms should be in full blossom too, so that just gives you another reason to join us on Saturday in the great outdoors!

The plan is to meet at the King Streeet Chapel at 12:00 and we will carpool down to the mall. Yes, we do think we will find parking! The plan is to park somewhere close to the Air and Space Museum and to have lunch there or at one of the Smithsonian buildings close by. Once we've had lunch, then we'll walk down near the Washington Monument and watch the competitions. The two best competitions start at 2:00 and 3:00. For more information on the Kite Festival, go to www.kitefestival.org

If you prefer to metro down and to meet up with us, feel free to call me on 571-212-4707 or Mike Whalen at 703-256-3247 and we can tell you where we are! Hopefully the beautiful spring weather will allow us to have a great time outdoors!!

Hope you can all join us! See ya Saturday!!

March 25 Institute cancelled

2008-03-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

The Mid-Singles Institute class for March 25th has been cancelled. We will resume the class on April 1st, no fooling. Bishop Sampson will teach the lesson on Elder Maxwell's talk "O Divine Redeemer".

The final lesson from the Elder Maxwell series will be "From Whom All Blessings Flow" taught by Bishop Salmons on April 8th.

Class time is 7:30 pm at the King Street Chapel. See you there.

Contra Dancing

2008-03-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Contra Dancing to Heaven!
Saturday, March 15th 8–11 p.m.
Come dance to a live band!
Gypsy Meltdown
http://www.gypsymeltdown.com/
Caller:
Mark Sherman
Location:
Mount Vernon Stake Center
6219 Villa St
Alexandria, VA
Hosted For:
Mt. Vernon
Young & Mid-Single Adults
essons:
Start at 8pm and continue through the evening. No partner or previous experience required!
Price:
FREE! as long as you have a good time!
(If you really think it’s awesome, then donations to help cover the band are greatly appreciated!)
What is Contra Dancing?:
For more info and links check out
www.blueguitardesign.com/March15contradancing.html
For more information contact:
Justin McCune at justin.mccune@gmail.com

Schedule:
8:00 - The Main Lesson
(courtesy of instructor Lindsey Dodson)
8:45- History of the dance & local venues
(courtesy of Neil Zimmerman)
8:50- The first set of contra dances
(called by Mark Sherman)
9:45- The waltz before the break
(short lesson by Neil Zimmerman)
BREAK
10:15- The second set of contra dances
(called by Mark Sherman)
11:00- The concluding Waltz
Light Refreshments & Water available throughout the evening...

Temple Night

2008-03-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Mid-Singles Temple Night

Join us for 8:00pm and 8:30pm sessions on Wednesday March 26th.

See you there!

Servathon

2008-03-04T18:38:00.000-08:00

We will be gathering a team to participate in the DC school's "Servathon". The day is May 3, 2008. Groups will revitalize playgrounds, paint classrooms, and lockers, landscape, and build planter benches.

If we get at least 25 people to sign up by March 16th we will get "team" t-shirts! GO TEAM!

To sign up post a comment to this blog with your name and email address, sign up at institute or church, or email Alicia Poulton.

Kite Festival

2008-03-04T18:34:00.001-08:00

Save the date to join Alexandria 2nd ward at the DC. Kite Festival!

March 16th Pot Luck

2008-03-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

Burn off calories as you move from house to house at March's Progressive Pot Luck!

We will start off with salads at Caroline Marriott's house located at 3052 South Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22202

Then saunter next door to Rob Griffin, Dallen Herzog, and Michael Taylor's place for an Italian main course. 3018 South Glebe Road

The final course will be desserts at Kevin Rees and Ben Bullough's place. 3014 South Glebe Road

Dining begins at 6:30pm March 16th

Alexandria 1st Ward please bring a dessert and drop it off at Kevin & Ben's place prior to appetizing at Caroline's.

Alexandria 2nd Ward please bring bread that would compliment an Italian meal. Drop the bread off at Rob, Michael, and Dallen's place first.

Crystal City Ward if your last name begins with letters from A-L please bring an Italian dish (main course) to be dropped off at Rob, Michael's and Dallen's first. M-Z please bring a side or salad to Caroline Marriott's.

MARCH FHE

2008-03-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Come join us a the home of Rob Griffin, Dallen Herzog, Scott Porter, Michael Taylor located at 3018 S. Glebe Rd. Arlington, Virginia 22206. The good times and spiritual upliftment starts at 7:30pm. Hope to see you there. Scott P. and I are making a "fantastic" St. Patrick's day treat not to be missed!!!!

Alicia

SKI TRIP!!!

2008-03-02T19:52:00.000-08:00

You couldn't have asked for a better weekend to go skiing/tubing/sightseeing in Gettysburg, PA. The snow was perfect (well as perfect as you can get out here), the dining at Dobbin's Tavern was historic, and the tubing was raging!

Some proved their mad card playing skills at the gathering in the hotel lobby. A great time was had by all!

FHE

2008-02-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

Come join us at the home of Diedra Spencer!
FEBRUARY 4, 2008
7:30pm

1013 26th St. S.
Arlington, Virginia 22202

Ice Skating!

2008-01-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

The annual ice skating extravaganza is officially on the calendar! Skate, eat dinner, shop...it is all there! Pentagon Row. Come skate the night away on Friday, January 25th 6:30 Dinner at Noodles and Co. (or where ever you'd like) Skating @7:30. Cost for two hours $8.00. Rentals $3.00. Dress Warm!

Don't FRET! You don't need to be an Olympic skater to join us!

Institute

2008-01-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Institute will start on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30pm.
The theme is "Discipleship" taught by various bishops in the stake.
We will be studying selected talks of Elder Neal A. Maxwell.
Watch for the selected reading schedule.

Dinner at Generous George's this Saturday!

2008-01-07T04:29:00.001-08:00

The Alexandria 1st Ward Single Adults are hosting dinner at Generous George's Pizza & Pasta Place on Saturday, January 12, 2008. The restaurant is located at 3006 Duke Street, Alexandria Virginia. Everyone is welcome to join us! The dinner cost is about $15 + tip & tax per person. After dinner we'll plan to go to the nearby Hoffman Theatres to see a movie (showtimes and movie selections will be disclosed Saturday at dinner).

After the movie, Craig Cheney has invited everyone back to his house for dessert. He only lives about a mile from the Hoffman Theaters and his address is 3112 Hatcher Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22303. His number is 703-317-317-0053.

THE PLAN: We will meet at the Alexandria King Street Chapel at 5:00pm and carpool since parking is limited at the restaurant. Please notify Mike or Melissa if you are coming so we can make reservations. We have over 30 people coming so far, so a private buffet dinner with pizza and pasta will be ready when we arrive.

To reserve your dinner or if you have any questions, please contact Melissa Hill (571-212-4707 or melissahill56@yahoo.com) or Michael Whalan (703-256-3247 or mdwdive@aol.com) by today Thursday, January 10, 2008.

We hope all can make it and we'll see you soon!

Pot Luck!

2008-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Save the date!

January 13th!
6:30pm
The Grove at Arlington's Clubhouse
2311 South 25th Street
Arlington, VA 22206

Ring in the New Year!
Bring a New dish to share!

FHE January 7th

2007-12-19T05:47:00.001-08:00

Family Home Evening will be held at Wendy and Dorian's new home on January 7th at 7:30pm (thanks Wendy, FYI Dorian). The topic will be "Getting Your House in Order in Preparation for Buying Your First Home". Lee Bray will discuss lessons learned about what lenders look for when you apply for a mortgage. Whether you plan to purchase your first home in 6 months or 6 years, the things you do now will affect the interest rate you pay, loan options offered to you, and even if you will be able to get a mortgage at all. Knowing how the game is played will help you be better stewards of the resources Heavenly Father has blessed you with, and put you in a better position to provide for your family in the future.

Address is 2610 S. Fern St., Arlington, Virginia
Call Lee at 847-404-5357 for further info.

Christmas in Alexandria

2007-11-27T05:50:00.003-08:00

December 9- Christmas in Alexandria- This is an event not to be missed! It will take the place of the pot luck. There will be no food for the belly but for the soul. :)

Dinner Groups

2007-11-27T05:50:00.001-08:00

December 6th at 7:30: Dinner Groups - Meet at the King Street Chapel at 7:15 p.m. - We will make reservations for parties of 6-10 people at multiple restaurants in Old Town Alexandria - Afterwards, we will gather together in the home of Allison Pond, Stephanie Todd, Liz Anderson, and Melanie Armstrong for dessert and socializing - Location 2026 Scroggins Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302. Thanks to the institute for sponsoring this!

FHE

2007-11-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

December 3- FHE 7:30- Cookie Exchange! Bring your favorite holiday cookie to Rustin, Casey, & Crew's place (2347 South Arlington Ridge Road, Arlington, Virginia 22202 ...parking is tricky, you'll need to park on one of the side streets close to the house). Once we've exchanged cookies and had a few to eat ourselves we'll be delivering them to friends and families in our ward.

Annual Memorial Illumination of the Antietam Battlefield

2007-11-27T05:48:00.000-08:00

December 1- TRI-WARD ACTVITY- Alexandria 1st & 2nd and Crystal City Ward Singles and anyone else will carpool to Sharpsburg, Maryland to attend the 19th Annual Memorial Illumination of the Antietam Battlefield. There will be 23,110 candles placed on the battlefield, each candle honoring a soldier who was wounded or killed at the Battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862 - the bloodiest single-day-battle in American History. The illumination is a very impressive sight.

We will meet at the Alexandria Chapel (2810 King Street, Alexandria) at 5:45 PM. We will drive to Frederick Maryland and gather for dinner at a restaurant. After dinner we will continue our journey to the battlefield and join the line up on the shoulder of Route 34, Turn off your headlights, and slowly make your way onto the Battlefield.

The wait can be a couple of hours, so come prepared with hot cocoa and good conversation. We welcome everyone to join us regardless of which side of the Mason-Dixon line you were born on. ;)

Please RSVP to Mike Whalan by noon Tuesday, November 27 so we can notify the restaurant how many to expect. Watch for further details and directions.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Whalan at 703-256-3247, mdwdive@aol.com or Melissa Hill at 571-212-4707, melissahill56@yahoo.com.

Regional Single Adult New Year's Conference!!

2007-11-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

This year's Regional Single Adult New Year's Conference will be held from
Dec 28-30, 2007.

Registration is now open and we encourage you to check out our site at
www.dcsinglesconference2007.com
for information and online registration (or you can print the form from this
site and mail it in).

We are excited about the conference agenda this year. Our theme is "For in
His Strength, I Can Do All Things" from Alma 26:12. Our keynote speaker is
none other than Ken Jennings (LDS member who is the all-time champion on
Jeopardy!) and we are pleased to offer a dinner dance evening at the Tyson's
Corner Marriott, which will feature an elegant 3-course dinner and 3 hours
of dancing "through the decades"!

The price for all 3 days is just $75 until the end of November. Starting
December 1st, the price will increase. See our site for more details.

We invite you to join us for the conference and also to pass this
information on to singles you know throughout the US!

p.s. anyone wishing to volunteer to help can contact me directly at this
e-mail (nativemai...@gmail.com). Thanks!

Leslie Smith (Co-Chair of the Planning Committee)

2nd Annual Huntington Beach Midsingles Conference

2007-11-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual HB Midsingles Conf date now officially set!
Posted by: "hbmidsinglesconference" hbmidsinglesconference@hotmail.com hbmidsinglesconference
Thu Nov 8, 2007 11:14 pm (PST)
Can you see believe I'm talking about our next Conference already?

But we've scheduled and received approval from the Stake Presidency
that our 2nd Annual Huntington Beach Midsingles Conference will be
April 25-27, 2008.

Begin now to plan your beach houses, hotels, flights, etc, etc, to
Huntington. (We had over 1,200 in attendance last April)

Registration will begin in January.

Stay tuned for more info...

Matt Campbell
Huntington Beach 1st Ward Midsingles
949-680-7619

MId Single Adult Temple Night

2007-10-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

The mid-single adult temple night will be November 8, 2007. We'll be meeting for the 7:30 session.

Around Town

2007-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

The happenings around town. Share some of the events, tours, happenings that you've really enjoyed around DC. Post it here!

First on my list is to check ou the new exhibits at the National Gallery of Art. Edward Hopper is on exhibit right now! Check out the link! I can't wait to find some time to go!