Manhattan residents and young single adults are two demographics within the church that are often in flux, so it is no surprise that change is a constant feature of the Inwood 3rd Ward. As in previous years, 2008 saw many ward members move out and move on, but fortunately in most cases, whenever someone left the city, turned 31, or got married, there was a new member ready to take their place.
This turnover necessitated many changes in ward leadership, most notably in the bishopric. Marc Fehlberg was called as 2nd counselor, replacing Doug Hall, who moved to California. A new Elders Quorum presidency was also called, and changes were made in the leadership of virtually every auxiliary.
The names and faces change, but the faithfulness, enthusiasm and willingness to serve remain regular characteristics of 3rd Ward members. They love to spend time together and support each other. Attendance is high at "official" ward events like activities, FHE and linger longers, and often even higher at informal activities like dances, birthday parties, talent shows, Thanksgiving dinners or the occasional game of Capture the Flag on the streets of Harlem. At the plays, concerts, dance recitals, comedy shows, cabarets and other performances featuring super-talented Inwood 3rd-ers, usually there are many ward members in attendance. Add in dinner groups, book club, Institute, and more...there are plenty of opportunities for members to find fellowship, and the ward's New Member Committee helps ensure those new to the city are quickly welcomed into these social circles.
The spirituality of the ward also remains high (though there is always room for improvement). Ward temple nights occur at least monthly, and many members serve as ordinance workers. Several members hold stake callings, serving in Young Women, Sunday School, and with the Institute program. Sunday instruction is of a high quality. The gospel doctrine teachers are diligent in encouraging class members to come prepared, having studied that week's lesson in advance. A rotation of elective classes such as Temple Prep and Preach My Gospel add variety and insight to gospel education. Bishop Orton has made creating spiritual experiences for members one of the ward's emphases, and the results are evident. Home and visiting teaching are constant concerns due to their nature (one can never truly be "done" with their home teaching), but ward leaders strive to see that the needs of each member are met.
With increased coordination between full-time and ward missionaries, and the grace of God, missionary work began picking up momentum late in the year, with a few new members joining the ranks in the fall and three converts baptized in the first 60 days of 2009. Many ward members invite their friends to activities and look for ways to share the gospel with their neighbors, coworkers, and online. Several prominent news stories in the past year provided increased opportunities for members to explain their beliefs.
Speaking of online, the Inwood 3rd Ward has established a strong presence on the Internet. Ward e-mails are sent out at least twice a week to keep members up to date on announcements and activities, a Facebook group has been created for the ward, and efforts have been made to increase the accuracy and usefulness of the official ward website on lds.org. Ward members also are into blogging: in addition to the dozens of Inwooders who keep personal blogs, Ann Poulsen set up a ward emergency preparedness blog, and a ward blog will soon be up and running, which will allow future ward histories to be more thorough and specific.
Generally speaking, things are going well in the Inwood 3rd Ward. There are problems, of course. Around the same time that the national economy really began to struggle, a jinx of sorts seemed to hit the Elders Quorum. A few brethren were hospitalized with various ailments, and at one point in September no less than three Elders were on crutches. All seem to be healing well, however.
Whether the trials faced by ward members are fiscal, physical, or otherwise, they know that it is still possible to live abundantly, another principle Bishop Orton likes to focus on. 2008 was good, and by serving and being served by their brothers and sisters in the ward and exercising faith in the Lord, members of the Inwood 3rd Ward are optimistic that 2009 will be even better.
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