Mormon Life - England tag

Out-Door Preaching: Instructions to Missionaries, April 1883

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:53:00 -0600

source: keepapitchinin.org

The following instructions and tips were issued to elders of the British Mission in the spring of 1883. They suggest to me that Elders of the nineteenth century found it just as difficult as I would to do street preaching; I’m also struck by the cautions about too-bold attacking of other churches’ doctrines, and a suggestion that the elders not be too prompt in identifying themselves. What strikes you?

The season has now arrived for out-door preaching to be commenced, and we hope the Elders will push this part of the work vigorously.

Prince Charles and the Book of Mormon

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:06:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Mormon Life says: This is such a neat story! A quick, enjoyable read. As a musician, I spend my days promoting my music and my videos, but nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you’re promoting your faith.

I was sitting in Sunday School of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a few years ago when the ward mission leader walked into class with a stern look on his face. He had a box full of copies of the Book of Mormon and he gave one to each of us, challenging us to give it away this week and come back next week with a report of whom we gave it to.

My band was on tour that week doing a performance for a charity organization called “The Prince’s Trust.” Every year at this event, they celebrate the accomplishments of inner-city kids.

Missionary work in London reaching those from many countries

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Rejoice Osaremwimba was wandering through shops near the Peckham High Street in London. She was only 19 years old when she left her native Nigeria, hoping to find better employment and education opportunities in London than at home.

At times she was lonely for her parents and siblings who remain in Nigeria, but with a few new friends and great optimism, she continued to work nights in a local restaurant and was saving money to begin studying at the local university within a few months.

Osmonds visit LDS congregation in England

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:14:00 -0600

source: liverpoolecho.co.uk

Liverpool's very own “long haired lover” Jimmy Osmond dropped in with two of his brothers to speak to Merseyside worshippers during a church family night.

The visit to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Mill Bank, West Derby, came ahead of their show at the Philharmonic tonight.

Understanding what matters and what doesn't

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:43:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

It’s a story we’ve told many times before, but it deserves repeating here because of the powerful lesson it teaches about family priorities.

While serving as Mormon mission president in London, we got a call one day from headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was Arthur Haycock, secretary to President Spencer W. Kimball, who in his mind-mannered, humble way said, “President, we hate to impose, but the prophet will be coming to London next week on his way to the continent and if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, do you think you and Sister Eyre could meet our flight at Heathrow Airport and get us to our hotel in London?

Study abroad program in England put me on a quest to discover my ancestors

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:48:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Editor's note: This week Mormon Times shares stories from staffers' and contributors' family history whether one from an ancestor or their search to fill out their family tree that educate, entertain, inspire or uplift.

The day after I turned 20, I took my first international flight to London. My 42 study abroad friends and I lived in the beautiful BYU London Centre and spent four months befriending Big Ben, admiring National Gallery art, relishing British accents and snapping photos of real-life castles.

I also found a personal treasure — I found a connection with my English ancestors.

LDS England youth helping others

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:53:00 -0700

source: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

A group of young churchgoers in Keighley are collecting clothing for people in Ghana.

Teenagers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cross Roads, Keighley, are heavily involved in a range of community activities.

'Mormon moment' may be more curse than blessing for LDS Church

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:07:00 -0700

source: sltrib.com

The so-called “Mormon moment” is a passing fad, with more downsides than benefits to the Utah-based faith, writes Ronan James Head, at bycommonconsent.com.

Still, Head, who teaches religion and philosophy at a private boys school in England, believes there are consistent assumptions to be drawn from all the recent exposure:

UK members collect stamps for charity

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:38:00 -0700

source: leamingtonobserver.co.uk

STAMP-collecting church-goers in the area are doing their bit for charity.

Members of the Church of the latter Day Saints have collected 35,000 used stamps in the district to help Oxfam and Leukaemia Care.

The charities sort the stamps to identify any special ones that might be particularly valuable, while standard stamps are sold by weight and recycled for their silk content.

Stop preaching on buses, Mormon missionaries told

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:38:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

Mormon Life says: A bus company in England has asked missionaries to stop proselytizing riders. A British bus company is asking Mormon missionaries to stop proselytizing its riders, especially telling passengers that their faith is all wrong.

“We do not permit any commercial or other organization to promote their products, services or views,” Stephie Barber, operations manager for the company, Stagecoach in Lancaster, told the Lancaster Guardian, “through direct engagement with passengers on our services.”

Mormon Helping Hands clean in UK to celebrate 75th anniversary of Church Welfare

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:23:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Mormon Helping Hands projects to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Church Welfare Programme were fulfilled when over 300 faithful saints from the Greater London area turned out to work. We had dozens of youth there, building, instead of pulling down the community.

At each of the three sites friends were made and promises to maintain relationships were swapped. In particular, we proved to the Mayor of London's Office that on a weekday with short notice, the Church could mobilise significant numbers of cheerful, willing and able volunteers to serve with no thought of a return.

6 Must-see Castles in the British Isles

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Fun For Less Tours
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: We have made a list with pictures of the 6 castles we feel should not be missed when visiting the British Isles. There are over 10,000 castles in Europe and Asia. Our 6 recommended castles are on everyone's list of the top castles in the world. Take a look at the best of the best the British Isles has to offer, and then print the list so you will have it for your next tour or vacation to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Warwick Castle The Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire, England. It is on every ones list of the best castles in England and the world. It sits on a cliff overlooking a bend in the River Avon. It was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. Warwick Castle has been compared with Windsor Castle in terms of scale, cost and status.

The Tower of London Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress more commonly known as the Tower of London or The Tower, is a historical monument in Central London, on the north bank of the River Thames. The original fortress was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armory, a treasury, the Royal Mint and since 1303 it has been the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is located outside of London in Windsor, in the English County of Berkshire. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror. It is the oldest castle in continuous occupation. The castle's floor area is approximately 483,000 square feet. Queen Elizabeth spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Windsor Castle along with her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes.

Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle is unequaled in the whole British Isles. It has over 1,000 years of history and dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland. Edinburgh Castle is every schoolboy's dream of what a castle should look like. It is also the home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. Make sure you take the time to walk the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile acquired its name over the ages as Scottish and English Kings, queens and Royalty have traveled the approximate 1 mile from the Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Palace of Holyrood located at the bottom of Castle Hill.

Conwy Castle Conwy Castle was constructed by the English Monarch Edward 1 between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his "iron ring" of castles to contain the Welsh. Located in the northern part of Wales, Conwy was referred to by a distinguished historian as incomparably the most magnificent of Edward 1st Welsh fortresses. Conwy Castle is listed as a World Heritage Site. You can also enjoy the ancient walled city connected to the Castle.

Caernarfon Castle The mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wale's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily sets it apart from the rest. Begun in 1283 and finished in 1323. Like Conwy Castle it was part of the "iron ring" of castles to contain the Welsh. History comes alive at Caernarfon in so many ways – along the lofty wall walks, beneath the twin towered gatehouse and within imaginative exhibitions located within the towers.

--- To learn more, visit funforlesstours.com

The One Place in England I Must Always Visit

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by S. Michael Wilcox
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I have been thinking of writing about England for some time now, but I love the country so deeply that it has been difficult to focus on a single place to begin, so I keep putting it off. I am sure in the future there will be time and space to express gratitude and respect for all this "sceptered isle" gave to me by way of a legacy. Its history and its literature have been part and parcel of my soul's furniture for as long as I can remember. Its landscapes and cobblestoned villages, its castles and cottages have enriched my imagination and peopled it with characters as diverse as King Arthur and Ebenezer Scrooge. All my memories of England bring a smile and a welcoming invitation at reflection. So many gifts did God allow this island nation to bestow upon the world that I will inevitably be drawn out into pleasant reverie for hours. So - where to begin? Perhaps, at the ending place would be best.

Among all the vistas that linger through my mind, one always returns with a poignancy and vividness that is tinged with irony. It is a place in Liverpool along the Mersey River where so many of our ancestors took their last loving look at the land of their youth before setting sail to America. I know what it is like to sail into New York Harbor and see that sentinel of freedom, that lovely lady of liberty holding her torch for the "teeming masses." This was their first view of their new home, but what of the last view of their old one? Somehow, the Albert Dock fills the holding places of my heart with equal tenacity, and I feel the sacredness of so very many goodbyes that still echo across the river's water and among the brick buildings that once framed tall-masted ships.

An English friend once gave me an 1844 half farthing as a memorial to all the poor British saints that saved, sometimes for years, the tiny coins, one by one, until they had enough to buy their passage to Zion. It is worn and smoothed by many fingers. Now it rests in my own.

I carry this coin with me when I go to England and finger it softly as I walk the dockside. It takes me back into the past and I can see it all as if it were my own memory, my own farewell - the ship resting securely moored to the riverfront; trunks and cloth bundles waiting to be loaded, stacked pell-mell along the wharf; sacks of grain swinging precariously above the deck; sailors climbing the rope ladders and yardarms rhythmically moving to the music of their shanties. Everywhere there is bustle and hurry and business and excitement. I can hear the sounds of the loaded carts shaking along the cobblestones groaning under the burden of each family's precious belongings, taste the warm freshness of scones pedaled in the streets, feel the rope roughness of the ships rigging stretched taut against the sails, smell the salt sea breeze coming off the Atlantic and up the river, and see the fading evening light which heralds that last sacred day in England. Candles are flickering throughout the city and the ship's lanterns sway on the night air as the stars blink into life over Liverpool Cathedral. There is homesickness in the air, yet there is also the call of the new land and all its promises.

Then there are the people. Mothers clutching the hands of tiny children fearful of losing them in the rush of hurried preparations. Fathers with firm faces, trying so hard to hide their own anxieties and be strong for their families. Young men huddled in tight masses speaking knowingly of what they do not really know. Girls looking in the shop windows for that final stretch of ribbon or English lace to bring a memory of Europe to the log cabin wilderness into which they go. There is excitement, wonder, laughter, tears, longing and love washing across the riverfront, baptizing the red brick of the warehouses that still stand silently today as if they knew that they had witnessed God moving among his children directing them to a new world, new lives, new hopes. Were they not engaged in His work and was He not pleased with their sacrifices?

Some years ago, I also boarded a three-masted tall ship at the Albert Docks and sailed down the Mersey River. The fates were kind to me and I drew the position at the wheel. I steered a course straight down the river. The tide pulled the ship towards the Atlantic as the sails filled with the winds of England, a parting gift from the island that has almost become my own home. It seemed that all the hopes and dreams of tens of thousands sailed with me that evening. I looked back at the docks and could still see, over a century and a half later, the ghostly waving hands and handkerchiefs of loved ones left behind, whose faces and voices our ancestors would never see nor hear again. I thought of the words of one who stood on these same docks framed and sailed down the quiet waters of the Mersey toward America, my wife's great grandfather.

"We left Liverpool on the 18th of May. Seeing my native land gradually sink into the horizon gave me a feeling of loneliness and uncertainty. I realized how dear it was; containing all that had given me a fullness of joy. Loving parents, the companions of my childhood, all my relatives, faithful friends, the land I revered, the ancient castles whose ruins I loved to explore, the stately mansions, splendid cathedrals, green lanes, cozy cottages, the hills and vales, green fields and fragrant gardens ran through my mind. My path was separating us by an ocean, a continent, perhaps forever."

Yes, I must begin at this ending-place when I write about England, for it is here along the banks of the Mersey River with its quayside memories that all that is dear about England rises to the surface, and I begin to understand the sacrifice of those who went before me and they they bequeathed to me and my children - ah the loveliness of Zion - but at the price of the majesty of England.

Saints on the Seas

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Janine S. Creager
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Cori Connors does not profess to know music on a theoretical level. But what the Farmington, Utah, composer does understand is the bridge music creates: a bridge that can span generations, languages, even time itself. Cori Connors relied on her love of music when she was asked to write lyrically based songs for the oratorio Saints on the Seas, a composition commemorating the early pioneers who sailed to America from the British Isles and Scandinavia, meant for a 2001 European commemoration of the Saints. Connors's compositions spoke of the hearts, and heartaches, of those early Church members who sailed across the ocean on their way to Zion before they ever took a step on the trail westward.

Whenever Cori Connors begins a musical adventure, she is not always sure where exactly she will be able to make a difference. But she has to believe that she can.

"Life is just a series of little chippings away," she says. "If we set out to make a big difference, egos can get in our way. I didn't set out to be impressive. . . . I felt that my calling was to be a voice for those people who went before me."

She began her quest by reading hundreds of journal entries of those early sea-faring saints. The task was overwhelming. In time, however, she found herself drawn to the writings of Jean Rio Baker, who left her native England in 1851 to journey to the western United States. It seemed that every time Connors came across an entry that deeply moved her, she was not surprised to see Jean Rio Baker's name at the end.

"She saw beauty in the commonplace things. She charmed me," says Connors. "I'm glad she let the 'poetry' come out of her." That "poetry" formed the basis of several songs for the oratorio and for a later, simpler acoustic version which Connors has performed since the oratorio was performed in 2001.

Along with Kurt Bestor and Mark Robinette, Connors was able to bring to life music that has had a profound experience on the lives of individuals all over the world. But it has had perhaps the greatest impact on Connors herself.

"I feel that for me to make a difference for my Young Women or my family, if I define [my objective] clearly in my head, and my objective is true, the Lord will help me," she says. "Things just fall out in small ways and sometimes bigger ways. If you set out to just do what feels right, then making a difference is a byproduct."

For more information about "Saints on the Seas," visit coriconnors.com.