Sunday, October 14, Bishop Charles Neville, who had served for nearly six years, was released and Chris Hooke was sustained as the new bishop. We still don't know everyone in the ward, but we had thought Chris Hooke was a likely "candidate." President Jones, the stake president, announced that he would be changing the bishopric; he released them, with a vote of thanks. He then asked that as he announced the names of those being called that each stand until sustained. The first name he announced was Charles Neville. Of course, he is right there on the stand and is shaking his head and hands "No," thinking that President Jones was reading his name to be the bishop (again :). President Jones presented him to be a member of the High Council before he announced the new bishopric members. It was rather humorous.
Bishop Neville, although we didn't know him as bishop for long, was a great bishop! His oldest son, Alexander, has just been called on a "mini mission" in "our" mission. He will serve for three months, just like a "regular" missionary. I'm not sure why they did this -- and I think we are going to get at least one other missionary from somewhere in this mission who will serve a mini mission here -- but if all goes well, then Elder Neville will be called to serve elsewhere and the three months will count as part of his two-year mission. Interesting. Not sure if this is some sort of pilot program or if they are doing this in other missions as well. More on this as I learn more --
As we attended Gospel Essentials class, I had my eyes opened to a concept that I have never even previously considered. One of the class members, a fairly recent convert, asked the teacher, who is also a convert of about two (or maybe it's three) years, what he thought about all "of this," gesturing with a sweeping motion of her arms and hands! "All of what?" he asked. She said the change in the bishopric. She said she didn't know how to feel -- but that Bishop Neville had been "her" bishop, and the only bishop she had ever known. Now what? As the majority of the class are converts, they discussed this for quite some time. I was really taken aback -- like I said, this is a concept I've never given any real thought to. It just happens and the ward goes on. A new perspective on a routine occurrence in the church.
I have to comment about our Gospel Essentials teacher, Brother Foster. He is a neat guy! He talks openly about how much his life has changed since he joined the church. Others who knew him before he joined say his countenance has completely changed.
The Ventura 1st Ward is very diverse. I love it! There are many converts. Several single adults. And, well, just lots of interesting people. I looked down the bench from me Sunday and we were sitting by a young couple who are usually in attendance. They have a cute and active little boy. The dad has an interesting hair style, which I have seen on a couple of the younger boys in the ward as well. One side of his hair is short and looks quite normal. The other side is quite long on the top of the head, and it hangs down over his eyes and ears and the long part has been bleached very blond. Well Sunday I nearly did a double take because the long hair is now a bright aqua color!! I didn't even notice at first because the side next to me was his short, normal side :) Well then later, as I was watching their cute little boy, I noticed that this guy was wearing bright striped socks that matched his hair color. I nearly giggled out loud.
Then there was the investigator that Elder Mecham visited with who is planning to join the church up in Paso Robles, where she has attended frequently with her mother, who lives up there. (Good for her!) She was wearing gray leggings to just below the knee, an interesting top, and cowboy boots that came half-way up her calves.
There is a lady who is a fairly recent convert that comes with two little kids. She always sits right up front, and the little guy is always very naughty. She chases him all over the front of the chapel and sometimes stands right up with him -- right up there in front of everyone. You would think she would sit at the back or at least in a pew where he couldn't so easily run around. Don't get me wrong. I really like this lady -- it's just hard to figure some people out. But it does make for an interesting meeting. We sit fairly close to the front and don't see what transpires behind us, or I could probably tell you about many more interesting scenarios.
I hear that when our meeting time changes to 9 o'clock next year, we will have very full meetings in the summer, because that is the time most of the vacationers like to attend. Should be interesting. Hmmm. I think I have over-used that word "interesting."
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