Back in April, I received my 4th church calling change in less than a year. This time I was to be working with the stake, picking up those responsibilities that the stake secretaries just didn’t have the time to get to. Since this calling isn’t a standard calling, it didn’t originally have a name. It was finally decided that it would be called ‘Stake Communications Director.’
I am a liaison, of sorts, between the stake/ward leaders and the stake presidency, as well as the church public affairs, etc. I also keep the Hyde Park Chapel’s calendar up to date, scheduling any new events, maintenance, and special visitors that come up. This also entails brushing off my photoshop skills for making fliers, etc.
I didn’t have to wait very long to feel like I was busier than ever! We found out the Piano Guys were coming to London on tour and were interested in holding a devotional in our building. As soon as it was opened up as a ‘multi-stake devotional,’ the interest became in the thousands. Being fearful that bus-loads of people would be showing up at Hyde Park Chapel’s doors, we had to issue and allocate tickets to certain surrounding stakes so that we could stay within our 600 seating capacity.
It was a stressful time . . and a little surreal at times, realizing who I was e-mailing to arrange details. But, the day came and many prayers were offered.
The evening was amazing. The testimonies the Piano Guys shared were inspiring and the few songs they were permitted to play (due to their promoter’s contract) were awesome!
Afterward, we had to usher everyone outside during the ‘meet and greet’ time so that we could control the crowds a bit better.
As we stood on the steps looking down at these men with their wives, speaking sincerely with all those that were in attendance, it was truly humbling.
There was so much sincerity, respect, and love being shown to each individual person.
Piano Guys/Gals with Visitors’ Centre Staff
Before Chris helped take the couples back to their hotel, they even took a few minutes to spend a short time with our family.
Just having had an amazing Sunday . . . .
- Stake Conference Broadcast for Northern Europe with Elder Holland: All those asked to speak and bear testimony were very well done, topped off by Elder Holland’s powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon. Many said afterward that his talk is one that will go down in the history of the church . . . and one that we hope will be printed!
- Sister Elaine Dalton (past General Young Women’s President) was in our chapel that morning for the broadcast. When Emma saw her, she had Chris introduce her. As soon as Sister Dalton heard Emma’s name, she told her that ‘Emma’ was her mother’s name. Everywhere she goes, she is given an ‘Emma’ to let her know her mother is thinking of her. Sister Dalton then gave Emma a hug and thanked her for being her ‘Emma’ for the day.
. . . this truly was the perfect way to top off the evening.
To then top off our week, the following Saturday, we were able to attend their one night performance in London.
The show was truly amazing and it was inspiring to see how open and easy the ‘guys’ made it seem to share the gospel. We were awed to hear Al (the producer) share his voice talents and see some wackier sides of the others. It really was a great night out with our friends, the Ashton’s.
Concert Night with “Stephash” Group
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