Ministering in the Savior's Way, May 21 - 27

Elder Pickup, Sister Pickup, Sister Aman, Sister Dickey

First Presbyterian Church (stock photo)

Hornell Branch
Today we met the members of our assigned Branch in Hornell, NY. (68 miles SW) And received our first assignment to give Helen Butler a ride.  She is a convert of about 4 years.  Her husband is also a member but struggles with COPD and allergies making going outside difficult.  We didn't get to meet him because we were pressed to get to church on time, but hope to soon.  I did speak to him on the phone and was impressed by his gentle ways.  The thought came to me during church that it would be wonderful if he could provided family names for the temple.  We will work with the local missionaries to see if he can get the support he needs for success.  Elder and Sister Buchanan and a set of full-time elders support the ward.

  After church we stayed to help them and others prepare, serve, and clean up an "Ecumenical Dinner" for the community.  "Dottie" organizes 6 different churches, each taking their turn to provide a meal for the underprivileged.  The meals are prepared and served at the First Presbyterian Church.   It was a fantastic experience and we got to know several members of the branch and other community leaders.

In Relief Society, we discussed ministering in the Saviors way.  We were asked to think of a time when the Savior ministered, then look for ways he met the spiritual and physical needs of those he served and then contemplate similar examples in our own lives.  I was paired with a sweet young mother.  She loved the story in the Book of Mormon when Christ comes and ministers to the children soon after His resurrection.  The Savior's compassion for these children, who had just been through a traumatic event, is a touching example of ministering.  The scriptures record how He took them one by one and blessed them. (3 Nephi 17:21)  I can only imagine the power and comfort this brought to each one.  His ministering was then followed by one of the most tender events recorded in scripture - angels also came to minister.  This sweet sister began to cry, deeply moved.  She shared how she had been struggling in her life some years ago and how a sweet Bishop had ministered to her as she sought for and found the sweet comfort and strength that only the spirit can bring.  It was a tender moment that we - two strangers - were able to share.  I say strangers but then my mind quickly turns to the verse in Ephesian 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."



It has been a busy week.  We have worked 4 shifts at the temple since arriving Tuesday afternoon.  We landed running.  And have already grown to love the work we are doing there.  We are busy on each shift with hardly a moment to breath and end the day happy and exhausted.

Sister and Elder Pickup at the Temple

We are so grateful for the training and preparation we received in the Logan Temple and the few days in Salt Lake.  It has provided confidence as we are instantly assigned to coordinate, clean, direct patrons, etc.  I have thought of my growing up years clean the church building with my family and how that prepared me, along with so many faith filled experiences over my life time.

At every turn we have found connections with those we serve with:  some know Pickup's here in the east, one sister served in the Las Vegas Temple with my sister Holly, many have roots in Cache Valley, some from Oregon.....the list goes on and on.  What a joyful surrounding.

Sister Dickey and Sister Pickup

We had a special treat on Saturday.
After getting back from our temple assignment, we heard a knock at the door.  It was the Sister Missionaries.  They were so full of joy and warmth.  We visited for a short while and discovered that Sister Dickey (from New Zealand)  served with Sister Embley (now Mrs. Sean Pickup) during her mission here.     She could hardly contain her joy at the connection.  I received several hugs that I am storing away for Rachel.  Then I met another set of Sister Missionaries who never served with Rachel but knew of her and her goodness.

Sister and Elder Pickup in front of our Apartment

We have settled comfortable into our apartment and are pleased that all our needs are met.  We do not have the largest apartment but it is all we need and more.  Slowly we are adding our own personal touch.  There is a place for everything. The safe is a remnant from before apartments were created.  No one knows whats in it as it can't be opened.  Well, not without some explosives anyway.  It's a rather unique addition.

Living room and safe

Kitchen and Dining Room

Things from home

 A quote given after our Relief Society Meeting today.  

At the end of the day, the only questions I will ask myself are....

Did I love enough?

Did I laugh enough?

Did I make a difference?

Hymn for the Week

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not I have failed indeed.

Has anyone's burden been lighter today because I was willing to share.

Have the sick and the weary, been helped on their way?

When they needed my help, was I there?

Training Complete - Sunday in Madison, May 20

Our trainers were Brother and Sister Allredge, (front right) 

former President and Matron of the Salt Lake City Temple.  

Their knowledge, love, and instruction was often breathtaking.  

Tears flowed easily as our love of temples 

and understanding of God's love grew.  Two couples are on their way to the Nauvoo temple.  I sent a hug & hello to my nephew David Stoddard and his wife, Denise serving there for the next year. 

Wednesday's training was focused on the Savior, the Redeemer of the World and the many symbols of his love and atonement through the temple experience.  I am beginning to realize that my understanding of temples is truly in it's infancy.  I am looking forward to the promises given that more light and knowledge will flow as we serve in the Palmyra temple.

REDEEMER OF ISRAEL

Redeemer of Israel our only delight. On whom for a blessing we call

Our shadow by day and our pillar by night Our King, our Deliverer our all!

As children of Zion good tidings for us. The tokens already appear

Fear not and be just for the kingdom is ours. The hour of redemption is near.

Restore, my dear Savior, the light of they face: Thy soul-cheering comfort impart;

And let the sweet longing for thy holy place, Bring hope to my desolate heart.

And off we go.......

It's a good thing one of us was not too tired to drive. 

HIGH ON A MOUNTAIN TOP

High on a Mountain Top a banner is unfurled

Ye nations now look up, it waves to all the world

In Deseret's sweet, peaceful land, On Zion's mount behold it stand!

For God remembers still His promise made of old

That He on Zion's hill truth's standard would unfold!

Her light should there attract the gaze, Of all the world in latter days.

His house shall there be reared, His glory to display,

And people shall be heard in distant lands to say:

We'll now go up and serve the Lord, obey His truth, and learn His word.

For there we shall be taught the law that will go forth.

With truth and wisdom fraught, to govern all the earth.

Forever there His ways we'll tread, And save ourselves with all our dead. 

Jennifer, Elder & Sister Pickup, Jessica

Arrived safely in Madison, Saturday afternoon.  We were able to attend a YSA activity on communication that Jessica was in charge of, then home to fix cars, listen to Jessica's new bassoon, eat, and visit, visit, visit....oh yeah and laundry!

First Day of Training

Some wonderful training today.  We met two other couples going to Palmyra Temple.  Others are going to Philippines, Spain, England, Nauvoo, Mexico, and Canada.  Quite a mix of faithful saints.  They hail from Arizona, California, and Utah.  Brother and Sister Alredge, former SLC Temple President and Matron are our trainers so you can imagine the depth and breadth of our instruction.  So many wonderful stories from all.   I was moved by these scriptures today as we embark on this journey.

Numbers 16:9 

Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

Doctrine and Covenants 109

 15 And that they may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost, and be organized according to thy laws, and be prepared to obtain every needful thing;

22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

CALLED TO SERVE -- for Senior Couples
We the couples recently retired
Heard our prophet's missionary call
With the faith and strength that is required
We responded one and all.

We the seniors who are getting older
Left our canes and rocking chairs behind
New responsibilities to shoulder
Challenges of every kind

We the seniors of a royal army
Called to serve in lands both far and near
Leaving home and all our friends and family
And a comfort zone so dear

We the seniors of a noble birthright
Here to represent our Lord and King
As we labor with our hearts and might
Precious souls to Him we bring

Seniors make a difference we are ready here and now,
Seniors make a difference and we're here to show you how
For decades we have labored and we've shed blood, sweat and tears
Youth of Zion - RISE- pay homage to the wisdom of our years. 

Our Journey Begins

 Sunday started with anticipation.  This is the day we will be set apart as Full Time Missionaries.

Lyla, Hannah, Nora, Kaleb, Kristi, Kade, Anna, Zane,
Alex, Evie w/Sharee, Zoey, Amelia, Jeff, Chris, 
Kevin, Holly, Hailey, Rachel, Ray, Lynnette

 Our Stake President  came to our home to set us apart to serve in the New York Palmyra Temple.  Thanks for Katie (Rachel's sister) for capturing a photo for us.

President Hancock asked us to share why we decided to serve a mission.   It was good to reflect.

Ray and I had set goals early in our marriage to first raise a family and then serve a mission.  It is amazing that we have reached this second goal.

We are anxious to be obedient to the Lord's request to serve as senior couples.  We are also confident that the Lord will bless our children and grandchildren while we are away.  I fully expect there to be greater blessings for them than if we were here.  The Lord has promised such through his prophets.

We are also eager to be of service to the Lord and to our fellow brothers and sisters on both sides of the veil.  We hope to share the joys of the gospel that we have received throughout our lives.  It truly is the 'good news'.

There was a special spirit surrounding this amazing moment.  Tremendous blessings were pronounced reassuring that we will be watched over and strengthened as we serve.

Evelynn Black, Hannah Pigg, and Grandma

Nora, Sharee, Kristi, Holly, Lynnette

It was also Mother's Day.  Here are the Moms relaxing while husbands and children scurried about making dinner.

Table of Contents

Our Journey Begins
        ~May 13, 2018

First Day of Training
        ~May 15
       

Training Complete - to Madison

       ~May 16-20

Ministering in the Savior's Way

       ~May 21-27

~

New Friends & Glenn Curtis Museum

       ~May 28-June 3

Priesthood Restoration Site
       ~June 4-10

Eire Canal & Connections to the Past
       ~June 11-17

A Rainy Walk, Flags, Family History
       ~June 18-30

Sacred Grove & Costumes
       ~July 1-7

Pageant, Pianos, Bikes & Things 

       ~July 8-23

Biking, Parks, Lessons, & Berries

       ~July 24-August 11

Thousand Island, Hornell, Corning, Parades

       ~August 12-18

Sean & Rachel Visit

       ~August 19-25

Sunsets & NY State Fair

       ~Aug. 26-Sept.10

Temple(s) Trip, Cleaning Break

       ~September 11-15

Steps, Pears, & Flowers

       ~September 17-22

Sunsets & Fire, Kings & Queens
       ~September 23-30

General Conference

       ~October 1-7

Fall Foliage, Labors, Geese, Graves

       ~October 8-13

Kade & Hailey, Church History & NY Sites

       ~October 14-27

Baseball & The Tree of Life
        ~Oct. 28-Nov. 5

Amish, Birthday, & Snow

       ~November 6-19

Thanksgiving, Temple, Niagara Falls

        ~November 20-26

Lost & Found, Kodak, Miracles

       ~Nov. 27-Dec. 9

Concerts, Service, Hastening Work

       ~December 10-17

It's A Wonderful Life & Christmas

       ~December 18-25

A quiet week & New Year's Eve

       ~December 26-31

Happy New Year, Coulter Lee Brooks

       ~January 1-7, 2019

Elizabeth Lynn Pickup, Snow, Snow, Snow

       ~January 8-21

Thunders of Heaven
        ~January 22-28

A Week of Contrasts

      ~Jan. 29-Feb. 6

God Speed the Right

       ~February 7-17

Kevin, Service, & Progress

       ~Feb. 22-March 3

His Hand is Stretched Out Still, Maple Tree

        ~March 4-10

Who You Are

         ~March 11-17

Be Not Afraid

       ~March 18-23

Basin City, Ice Cream, & Ships
       ~March 23-April 1

Sharee, Evie, & Conference
       ~April 2-8

Blessings & Easter

       ~April 9-21

Niagara on the Lake

       ~April 22-28

Tomlinson Inn and Mendon

       ~April 29-May 5

A Week of Farewells

       ~May 6-13

Our Mission Comes to a Close,

      ~Release Date May 25, 2019

Temple Presidencies & 
Temple Missionary Couples