Join Our Mailing List Email: Genesis Group Home Page President Don Harwell First Counselor Orin Howell Second Counselor Eddie Gist Webmaster and Newsletter Editor Kathryn Jenkins Archived Articles Meetinghouse: 6710 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City Cover Story: "Our Hands: What Will We Do?" Sister Karyn Dudley recalls an experience of taking a group of youth to Island Park, Idaho. Asking each to draw a picture of someone with whom he or she was angry, Sister Dudley gave the youth the chance to think about their "enemy"—and to remember exactly what things had happened to cause such anger and upset. The activity continued until the group of youth were gleefully throwing darts at their pictures, taking out their feelings of hurt and anger. What happened next shocked and embarrassed the group—and carried a critical message for each of us just as well as it did those who were gathered on the rustic benches around the roaring bonfire. Read Sister Dudley's thought-provoking message here. And as you ponder her message, take the opportunity to find out what forgiveness means to you, and to think about what you choose to do with your hands each day.   "How to Reach African-Americans" "How to Reach African-Americans," by Genesis Public Affairs Co-Chair Marvin Perkins, with expanded scriptural support and historical perspectives that show how all of us can be more effective in our missionary labors to all of Heavenly Father's children, particularly our Black friends and neighbors. July Genesis Fireside July 5—Join us for the July Genesis Group Fireside, when we will hear a stirring musical presentation by the group "Because We Sing!" Several Genesis members participate with this group, which recently performed in the Tabernacle. Don't miss this inspiring program! Genesis Primary Activity July 7—The Genesis summer Primary activity will be held Tuesday, July 7, at 12 noon at the fountain at Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City. Bring your own lunch, and the Primary will provide ice cream treats. Come and enjoy the best way to cool off in the summer heat! August Genesis Fireside August 2—Authors, musicians, and marriage and family therapist Gary and Joy Lundberg will be the speakers at the August Genesis fireside. For more information on the Lundbergs, click here. Elder Holland: "None Were with Him" Delivered on Easter Sunday, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's address captured the essence of the Savior's sacrifice for us and bore exquisite testimony of the Atonement. To read an excerpt, from the talk, click here. President Hinckley on Racial Intolerance It bears repeating: In chastising Church members for racial intolerance, President Hinckley stated in the April 2006 priesthood session of General Conference, "I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ." Read the excerpt of President Hinckley's talk here. Genesis Choir Member Reflects on Commemoration Genesis Choir member Ellie Awak offers tender reflections on her experience singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during the Church's commemoration celebration. Read her thoughts here. Emmanuel McFang Baptized in Salt Lake City Emmanuel McFang was baptized in Salt Lake City on April 25, and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 26. Emmanuel is from Cameroon, Africa, and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more, and find out how Emmanuel was friendshipped in a Salt Lake City branch, click here. Swahili Branch Unites LDS Africans in Salt Lake A Swahili Branch of the Church, which meets every Sunday in Salt Lake City, has been a unifying force for African members, mostly refugees from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and the Congo. For more about the branch, click here. Damion Ainsworth Baptized Damion Lornell Ainsworth, son of Keisha Ainsworth, was baptized on Saturday, May 2, at the Wilford Stake Center. Congratulations for making such a good choice, Damion, and welcome! Franklin, Historian Who Paved Civil Rights Path, Dies John Hope Franklin, one of the most prolific and well-respected chroniclers of America's torturous racial odyssey, has died of congestive heart failure at the age of 94 in a North Carolina, hospital. "My challenge," Mr. Franklin once said, "was to weave into the fabric of American history enough of the presence of Blacks so that the story of the United States could be told adequately and fairly." For more information on this influential pioneer, click here. This Week in History: June 22–28 Take a look at what happened during this week in history—and how African-Americans have influenced who, what, and where we are today. Genesis Choir The Genesis Choir practices at 6 p.m. at the Genesis meetinghouse before each Genesis meeting (the first Sunday of each month). If you are interested in singing in the choir, please come to practice! Need to Be Set Apart? If you have received a calling in the Genesis Group and need to be set apart, that ordinance takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the Relief Society Room on the first Sunday of each month, just before the Genesis meeting. No appointments are necessary. Scholarship Money for Minorities Unclaimed, Going to Waste Scholarship money available for minority students is going unclaimed, and the money is being returned to the donating companies and foundations. For a list of 49 scholarships up for grabs (and web sites for information on each), click here. Use Your Cell Phone to Help Save Your Life! We all carry them—now find out how your cell phone can speak for you in case of emergency. Read about the new system here. The Most Important Education: Spiritual Education Genesis Mission Leader Michael Rice compares the Church to a great spiritual university that gives us the education we need to obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Read about his allegory here. Reflections on Nearing the End Brother and Sister Norris Mills, will finish their mission on June 30, reflect on a district conference, the difficulty of joining the Church in a Buddhist country, the faithfulness of the members, the valor of the youth, and the joy of a nation now freed of war. Read their final update here. Serving as a District Leader Genesis member Elder David Ojuka is currently serving as a district leader in Thomaston, Georgia. He is happy, committed, humble (giving all credit to the Lord), and is being successful. The Church is doing well in Georgia—very exciting! Click here to read some inspirational excerpts from his letters. You can write to Elder Ojuka at 1268 Westridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30311. Submit News and Views Have information you'd like to submit to the Genesis Group newsletter? For submissions, email Margaret Young or Marvin Perkins of the Genesis Group Public Affairs Committee.