DC 3rd Ward

We are really enjoying the DC 3rd Ward. The bishop gave us a list of 42 names to check on. They are not totally inactive but he has been worrying about connecting with these 42 during the pandemic. One of the things he asked us to do was to check on what technology they have to connect to Zoom meetings (the 3rd ward uses Zoom for all meetings with some sacrament meeting speakers speaking from home). We tried all 42. Of the 19 that we were able to initially talk with, the lack of technology was surprising. Which goes to show there is still a digital divide. Of the 19 only six had a computer and the internet. Some had internet and a smart phone. Some had no internet but they did have a smartphone. Three only had cell phones. One only had landline. At least with Zoom, there is a phone number that those with just phones can call into. 

Yesterday we were able to deliver a computer and monitor to a member who had none. At the Barlow Center there was an extra computer (old by tech standards but still in good shape, with Windows 10). In talking with the head of BYU IT, he said that the computer was no longer on their inventory so he said we could do whatever we wanted with it, including giving it away. We contacted the 3rd ward and let them know. The Elders quorum president said they had a member who lost his job during the pandemic and could really use it to get a new job. We dropped it off yesterday. The EQ pres said they assigned a ministering elder to help him with getting it all set up.

Today, sacrament meeting was totally virtual. This was the opening hymn (I Need Thee Every Hour). It was a little unusual for sacrament meeting from what we are used to but it was great (the link to YouTube is embedded with the picture).

The talks have been wonderful. One of the first meetings in January had a couple speaking on inclusion. Turns out the husband is not a member. He said he was speaking as a "friend of the church." He grew up Catholic and loves his Catholic upbringing so he and his wife go to both Catholic mass and 3rd ward meetings. He was given a general conference talk on inclusion to speak from. He and his wife did a great job.

Two Sundays later, another couple spoke. It was the same thing where the husband was Catholic and the wife was a member of the 3rd ward, both talks were again wonderful. 

A couple weeks ago the main speaker said she was bisexual and active in the Alliance organization. That was not the subject of her talk but she did great.

This was the closing song today (How Great Thou Art):