Christmas Conference, 2012

Luz/Jardim do Sol Singing Carols.

The wise men make their entrance bearing gifts (a rubiks cube?).
Elders Morales and Long.

Taruma/Pinhais Zone

Boa Vista/Sao Lourenco Zone adding to the angels voices!

Sisters "Angels" arrive with Glad Tidings of Great Joy! (Sisters Arce, Patton, Cook and Lima)

Missionaries enjoying the Nativity.

Novo Mundo Zone in tune!

Curitiba/Iguacu Zone reenacting the Nativity.

Guarapuava and Paranagua Zones singing carols with Elder Brooksby
playing the accordionand Elder de Magalhaes on the guitar.

Boqueirao/SJDP Zone accompanied by Elder I. Silva on the recorder.

Today the whole mission came to Portao for our annual Mission Christmas Conference.  We started with trainings from Sister Cordon and the President and then had practice breakout sessions.  The mission was treated to a wonderful Christmas dinner made by Irma Burnedette from Ponta Grossa.  We then reenacted Luke 2 with each zone either singing or acting a part.  After a gift exchange we returned to the chapel for a special musical number by Sister Muehlstein and a closing by President Cordon.  It was touching to be together and see all of our missionaries in one room.  We love them all.  Merry Christmas Curitiba!!

Sinos de Natal, The Curitiba Temple

Missionaries sing with the multi-stake choir in front of the Temple.

Missionaries 

Sister Muhlestein sings in front of the Curitiba Temple.

The Living Nativity.

Missionaries in the tube returning to their areas following the program.

Tonight the choirs sang at the temple and our missionaries had another opportunity to sing and participate, bearing testimony of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Sinos de Natal, A Christmas Spectacular

Grande Finale!

Sister Muhlestein sings a solo during the show.

Elders singing!

Elders and Sisters on Stage for the Finale!

Our missionaries participated in a Church-sponsored Christmas Show held at a local university auditorium.  More than 5,000 people turned out for this event for the community.  Those attending were treated to Christmas music, choirs, dancing and Christmas traditions from around the world.  Approximately 50 of our elders and sisters participated.

Mission Blessings

Our Elder Cruz had the opportunity to be sealed to his family today in the Curitiba Temple.  His family traveled here from Sao Paulo and were all sealed together.  What an incredible blessing for him and his loved ones. We also found out that his sister is currently preparing her mission papers.

Zone Leader Council Meeting - December 2012

Today was our monthly zone leader council and training.  It was great to be with them and review December and the unique opportunities that exist for us to remember our Savior during this sacred month.

Elder Herrera from Chile Arrives in Curitiba

Elder Herrera arrived today from the CTM in Sao Paulo.  He is from Penaflor, Chile and will begin his service being trained by Elder Barrios from Argentina.  (Left to Right: Elders Gabriel, Hobbs, Sister & Presidente Cordon, Elders Herrera & Barrios).

Sunday in Prudentopolis

We attended Sunday services in our Prudentopolis Branch.  Elder McKinney was called today to serve as the new Branch President.  President Elias was released after serving for more than 5 years as the Branch President. We took this picture in the McKinney's home.  (l to r: Dallin, Pres. Cordon, Elder Brooksby, Elder Affonso, Presidente & Sister McKinney).