Stake Message: July 5, 2020

Dear brothers and sisters of the New Canoga Park Stake,

Happy Independence Day weekend! For most people, celebrations and family time together were a dramatic curtailment compared to years past. Some may have spent the 4th alone for the first time in their life. In many areas progress on resolving the pandemic is being made, but it remains a time for each of us to be focused on finding ways to lift he burdens of others. In spite of her flaws America and Americans have a long history of service to neighbor, and to country. There is so much that is good in this country, and so much potential to do even better. Every one of us can be a positive part of that future.

President Grasteit recorded a special message about caring, and ministering for us this weekend. The video can be viewed from https://youtu.be/-Iy4WSDcz1U

After the stake message, we invite you to listen to this inspiring and patriotic music from the musical group Gentri. Due to copyright limitations we could not splice it into the stake video. View and listen to it at https://youtu.be/v-27hj4z5u0

We think about you continuously and are deeply interested in your welfare. As far as we know, there have only been a few cases of COVID-19 in the stake and all have recovered. We invite all to join us in prayers of gratitude for this blessing, and also in continuing prayers on behalf of all who are ill, lonely, have lost jobs or suffered a reduction in income, and for a protective blessing over all who serve the sick and who search for a cure such as a vaccine.  

Faithfully yours,

The New Canoga Park Stake Presidency

     Ben Grasteit, David Benning, Mike Payne

P.S.  There will be another special virtual fireside of the Los Angeles mission tonight (Sunday, July 5) at 5pm. (see attached)  The event will be streamed as a Facebook Live event at https://www.facebook.com/lamissionfiresides

From the Relief Society

1. If any of you know of a place to live in our Ward boundaries please reach out to the RS Presidency.  The Campbell’s are looking for a room or guest house to move back into our ward.
2. Dianne Meyer is available to teach piano or cello and looking for a part-time job in the morning till about one or two in the afternoon. She is looking to take people to the store or take care of them. She is the daughter of Priscilla Taylor.
3. Tarzana Ward is hosting a weekly gathering to study “Come Follow Me” together and they have invited Woodland Hills Ward to join them.  This is every Wednesday at 6 PM.  Please reach out to Britton to get added to their Zoom meeting email list.
4. Sister Natalie Morris is expecting twins with a daughter Nadia who is almost 3.  She is looking for help with the newborns starting in mid-September for $20/hour.  The hours would be approx. 7 AM to 1 PM, but she is flexible and willing to talk about days and times.  Please reach out to her at 503-780-7912 if you would like to help or know of someone that would be available
5. Shirley Maney will be in need of our prayers as she prepares and has surgery on July 14th 
6. For those that would like to send cards and notes to Sister Kendrick, she is still in a rehab facility and in need of our prayers.  Please send those to her home address and Bro Kendrick will get them to her:  23314 Gonzales Dr, Woodland Hills, CA  91367
7. Our ministering sister phone calls/texts are more important than ever, and President Grasteit would like us to make sure we ask if families are continuing the Big 3 (prayer, scripture study and Family Home Evening).  If they aren’t please challenge them to work on one for that particular month and check back with them the following month.  If anyone needs help with food, getting groceries or anything else please let the RS Presidency know.  Also, if anyone needs a blessing please contact the Bishop