North America Northwest Area 600 attend open house BROOKHURST, ORE. - Some 200 non-members were among 600 people who attended a recent open house in a new two-ward meetinghouse and seminary here.
Civic and religious leaders were invited, as well as the faculty and staff from North Medford High School across the street. Invitations were given personally and through brochures inserted in a local newspaper to "See What Goes On in a Mormon Church Building."On display was a presentation of a family home evening, and exhibits on welfare projects, ranging from family preparedness and local canneries to water projects in Africa.
"We were trying to let our non-member friends know we do support a lot of other agencies and people in need around the world," said Ken Lindbloom, public affairs director of the Medford Oregon Stake.
In various classrooms were displays by each of the auxiliaries. Other aspects of Church programs were also explained, including seminary.
"Our seminary principal set up a seminary classroom similar to what students and visitors would find on any school day," said Brother Lindbloom. North America Southeast Area Raps counter drugs, violence BIRMINGHAM, ALA. - Appalled by the effects of drug addiction, violence and school dropouts in their city, two teenage members of the predominantly black Birmingham (Ala.) 3rd Branch decided to use their talents to help bring about a change.
Melvin Williams, teachers quorum president, and his second counselor, Trevaine Lee, enlisted the help of Melvin's half-brother and song writer, Bobby Hawkins, to create rap music with lyrics that encourage youth to avoid drugs and violence, stay in school, and lead clean lives.
The two young men have already appeared three times on a cable television public-access channel, as well as at Birmingham Stake's winter youth conference. They anticipate performing later this year with other groups as part of an inner-city concert to promote non-violent behavior and drug awareness.
"We hope our efforts help make a difference," Melvin said. Utah North Area Stake teaches parenting
WELLSVILLE, UTAH - The Wellsville Utah Stake Relief Society recently sponsored a conference for all the adult members of the stake. The focus of the conference was to help the adults strengthen the children in the community.
Speaking at the conference was Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Seventy and his wife, Jutta. Elder and Sister Busche told the congregation of more than 400 that children are on loan, and they need to be loved and taught with gentleness and love.
Elder Busche, first counselor in the Utah North Area presidency, counseled that parents can teach and guide children with the help of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Parents can change and can parent in the Lord's way. North America Central Area Commodities center to open
DENVER, COLO. - The Church has joined several other faiths to sponsor the new Provider's Retail Clearinghouse that provides clothing, bedding and other commodities for the homeless. The interfaith effort is headquartered in a remodeled warehouse. The center will distribute commodities to various relief agencies in much the same manner as a food bank does. The new facility is expected to open in May.
Ilene Dibble, the Church's community relations director in the Denver Multi-region, serves on the board, and others are helping with the publicity, said Twila Bird of the Denver Bi-region Public Affairs Council.
Recipients of goods from the clearinghouse will have the opportunity to work for them. Some of the supplies will be donated by the Church. Philippines/Micronesia Area Easier to attend seminary
BACOLOD CITY, PHILIPPINES - Seminary classes are now being held during regular school periods in three high schools here, following recent approval from Bacolod City Schools Division Supt. Trinidad D. Seva.
The superintendent approved the request made by Bishop Rufino A. Villanueva, Church Educational System coordinator for Negros Occidental, to conduct seminary classes in Bacolod City National High School, Domingo Lacson National High School and Negros Occidental High School.
In Order No. 69, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports approved "religious instruction of students/pupils in public elementary and high schools within regular class hours."
Church members teach the classes to members as well as some non-members. LDS students said they welcomed the change from early-morning seminary, which makes it easier for them to attend classes. In a related development at La Carlota City, south of Bacolod City, seminary is also taught at La Carlota City College. Europe North Area Romanian relief supported LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Following a monthlong community service effort with other churches in the area, the Liverpool Ward, Liverpool England Stake, raised more than $300 and gathered supplies worth nearly $1,500 for disadvantaged people in Romania. Ann Nugent was the Liverpool Ward coordinator for the effort.
A convoy with the funds and supplies from the interfaith effort recently left for Arad, Romania, where they were given to `Timisoara,' an orphanage for mentally handicapped, and to an orphanage and high school nearby.
An evening of slides and music at the Liverpool Ward was later scheduled for the interfaith organizers, said Bishop D. J. Hoare. Brazil Area Sisters provide relief
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - Relief Society members in the Ahu Ward, Brazil Curitiba Bacacheri Stake, recently collected old clothing, which they patched, washed, ironed and sent to a hospital. The hospital, which specializes in treating benign or malignant tumors in children, received the donations with appreciation.
The Relief Society later made quilts to donate to needy families and are collecting plastic bags that will be used to cushion people suffering from a painful skin disease known as "pemphigus."
Readers from around the world are invited to submit news items and photos for this feature on Church events worldwide. Submissions should include a telephone number of someone who can be contacted for additional information. Items should be mailed to Church News, "From Around the World," P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2121.
