I have been attending the University 7th Ward for a little over 3 years and it was the best experience of my twenties. Hands down. U7 (as we affectionately call it) was a part of a "Singles Stake" through Arizona State University and allowed singles (not necessarily students) to stay in the singles ward until the age of 33. This stake has been home for many older, single working adults and has been a place where we could serve and be treated more like our adult, but married, counterparts and not super-YOUNG single adults. I've had tons of opportunities to serve and learn in the gospel and I've made some of my best friends through this ward. It was a fantastic 3 years.
You may have picked up on my usage of the past tense... Back in February, the Stake announced that the church wanted the wards to be refined to meet church policy. You see, there is no such thing as a "Singles Stake", only "Student Stakes" like at BYU. So, starting in August, the Tempe Arizona University Stake was to only include single young adults, ages 18-30, living in Tempe and/or were ASU students. I only met the first two requirements and so did about half the Stake... and I'm not even kidding. There were 8 wards, now there are 4. I hope this isn't coming across as bitterness. I understand the policy and I feel blessed that I at least had three great years in the 7th ward. So, now I'm in a family ward, trying to decide if I should start attending the newly created single's ward in my stake.
Anyway, I've wanted to post some kind of tribute to U7 for awhile, so the rest of you can appreciate what I'm talking about. I just put together a little slide show of some of my favorite pictures, memories and people from the ward. Also, I've posted a video of a song (in two segments... my camera had a 3 min time limit) that our Bishopric members performed at the final ward activity. On the left is our first Bishop, Scott Kimball, the present Bishop, Paul Sandstrom, and our 2nd counselor, Ron Mabry.
I hope you enjoy just a taste of what I consider some of the best days of my life!
3 comments:
Look how much fun you have had. You have some great memories and wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime. Sorry U7 as you know it is over, but I am sure you will have no trouble adjusting. Love ya!
This makes me sad. I can't even think about it. Thanks for the video though. I didn't get to see it live.
I have such happy memories there too! I'm glad we got to share part of that time together!
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