Zone Conference

May 21, 2013

       

Louisville West Zone Conference

Excerpts from newsletter about Louisville West Zone Conference (Just for explanation: Missionaries are divided into Districts, which consist of about 6 to 8 missionaries and then Zones, which include about 2 to 4 Districts) I included this so we could see a little of what happens during a Zone Conference. They are usually for instructions, correction, encouragement, and inspiration. 

Elder W conducted, Elder P did the opening prayer and Elder S led recitals. Elder W and Elder B did a contacting success story and Elder T and Elder L presented a conversion story. President W talked about auto safety and Sister W had everyone fill-out the Cleanliness Survey, awarding homemade chocolate chip cookies to the winners. Elder D talked about how to update referrals in the Church automated system then Sister W led the Missionary Medley. President B, counselor in the Mission Presidency spoke, then Sister V did a gorgeous musical number, "Consider the Lilies." Sister W did a workshop on effective lesson -planning and follow-up, then President W addressed the missionaries and did Tune-Ups.

A delicious chicken burritos bar was provided for our lunch by the Relief Society then we sang "Called to Serve" to thank them for their kindness and service. 

(I love that Sister W included this about the R.S. feeding the missionaries. When I was in the R.S. presidency here in Orchard View ward in California - we LOVED hosting the zone conferences for the missionaries. Little did I dream that within a few years, another Relief Society would be feeding my missionary daughter while at her zone conference in Kentucky! Forgive this little digression :)

Relief Society sisters that fed the missionaries - Bottom right picture. 

In the other 3 pics, Sister Lewis is so tiny that she 

sometimes is hard to pick out in the pictures. 

She has on a black short sweater just to the right of Sister S in yellow and 

Sister Lewis' companion, Sister H in black skirt, pink top. 

Clearly she is the smallest in the district :) Small but mighty!

After lunch two training sessions were held, with one Zone going with President W for training on how to begin to teach, and the other going with the Assistants to the President, Elder W and Elder D, to be trained on using the Book of Mormon more effectively to contact and teach, then trading locations and subjects. In the former, President W had the Elder and Sisters do a speed-beginning teaching exercise, (sort-of like speed-dating), which was very effective and confidence-building.

  The Zone Leaders took their respective Zone members and did training, then everyone reconvened in the chapel to hear the testimonies of the missionaries who will be going home before the next Zone Conference. President W also did some wrap-up comments.

Afterward, gathering in the gym, whole group shots were taken as well as smaller ones, Trumpet newsletters were handed out, copies of pictures that Sister W has taken in the last few months, and  two-each chocolate chip cookies because Sister W loves them and can't stand to see less tidy missionaries cry and beg cookies off those who won cookies for their cleanliness.

Then it was back for everyone to their areas and being amazing missionaries!