FAMILY NEWSLETTER

When my husband and I were married 15 years ago, his family was scattered throughout the country and had few contacts with each other. We were the only members of the Church in either family so we wanted to be good examples of the gospel and of family.

My husband and I began our contacts with an annual family newsletter that let other relatives know what was going on with us. Then we made phone calls to the closest relatives on important days such as birthdays, Christmas and Mother's Day. We also began visiting some of these relatives whenever and wherever possible.

Over the years, the other family members have begun to send cards to each other, make phone calls and even visit each other. Two years ago, our hearts were full when a "Christmas in July" was held with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathering at my husband's grandmother's home for a family reunion. This past summer, we rejoiced as one of my husband's brothers was baptized at the same time as our youngest daughter.

When my husband's grandmother died last month, we were thankful that we had made the investments in family and in letting our children really get to know their relatives, for these relationships are eternal. — Evelyn Rogers, Albuquerque, N.M.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Every quarter, my wife's family produces a newsletter called the "Goff Gazette." Compilation and distribution responsibility is assigned annually on a rotating basis to one of the six children in her family. The newsletter, which may include pictures, copies of talks and favorite recipes, in addition to the standard family report, keeps everyone abreast on each family member.

An annual family organization newsletter I edit is sent to many of my great-great-grandfather's approximately 10,000 descendants. Together with our organization's web site, this great tool keeps distant relatives connected to their shared heritage.

In our Manhattan apartment, we have hung pictures of living and deceased family members and talk about them often with our children. In addition, we regularly spend vacation time with family, so that our children may better know their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. — Brent J. Belnap, New York, N.Y.

FAMILY FAST

My mother has seven sisters. When there is a serious illness in the family, a family fast is held in connection with the regular fast day. The sisters call each other, and their respective families are notified. It's nice to know that many family members are fasting. — Elma Leta McBride, Salt Lake City, Utah

ELECTRONIC MAIL

My Aunt Marilyn, my dad's sister, is up with the latest in technology. She might be retired, but she hasn't slowed down at all. She helps to keep this family together. How does she do it? She got us all talking together on the electronic mail system, also known as e-mail.

Now, we carry on a continual conversation with many in the family spread out across Utah, Nevada, California and Arizona. We also have family in Ohio, New Mexico, Maryland, and in Canada, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Holland, Australia, etc. Our family is in touch like it's never been before, and we're becoming closer and more united all the time.

The Californians warn the Utahns of upcoming storms. We now all know when the corn is being planted on the farm and how hot it's getting in Phoenix. We work on priesthood, Relief Society, Primary, etc., lessons together. Much family history information is shared and stories retold. We are now much more aware of each others' hobbies, interests and dislikes. Even a little counseling goes on between the generations — both directions. Our family reunion attendance has greatly improved because we really have gotten to know each other during the year and can hardly wait to see each other again — and have so much more to say and talk about. — Dennis J. Davis, Azusa, Calif.

PUBLISHES OWN CALENDAR

The living descendants and spouses of my maternal grandparents number in excess of 150 people. Every year, our family publishes two lists that are distributed to every family. The first is a list with everyone's address and the second a list with everyone's birthday and anniversaries.

We also published a calendar using a different old family photo for each month, with a birthdate and anniversary of each person, living or dead, as well as death dates of deceased family members, in the appropriate date squares. Through these publications, we keep track of and are reminded of each other. — Jo Ellen Ashworth, Salt Lake City, Utah

FAMILY UNITY

I have seen family unity grow through letters. I am at a point where I sincerely care for and am interested in the lives of my extended family. Of course we will always care for our relatives, but when we add love we "sincerely care" and we see bonds strengthened. Simple inquiry and following up on activities, relaying good news or a simple hello to other family members cause that circle to grow even closer. — Damien Rhodes, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

WITHIN A FEW HOURS

To strengthen bonds within our family, I started sending e-mail letters last winter. Our son is in the Navy, and e-mail has helped him to keep in touch with his family when he is at sea. In our family, because of e-mail, we know within a few hours what happened in school, who has a new tooth, and other exciting events. Even the children who live within our local calling area receive e-mail letters. Since I forget who I have told some family news to, this makes certain everyone knows all the news at the same time.

I expanded my e-mail address list to include cousins. Since all of my family does not have access to computers, I started printing a few messages and mailing them. It is really fun to open the e-mail and read about everyone's day. I can truly say that I have grown to love family deeper by knowing them through their letters this last year. — Susan Fisher, Pocatello, Idaho