Setting Apart as a Missionary - July 23, 2017

Elder Copeland was officially set apart as a missionary by President Bentley, First Counselor in the Stake Presidency.     This is the priesthood ordinance of giving authority to members called to labor in specific responsibilities.  It is done by those having the proper priesthood authority and by the laying on of hands.  He was given a beautiful blessing and many promises were made if he would devote these next two years to the Lord and be obedient in all his responsibilities.

 

President Bentley and Elder Copeland--now an official missionary for the next two years.

 Elder Copeland with his parents.

 Elder Copeland with his two brothers who have both returned from their missions and both speak Spanish.  Soon all three can speak Spanish together.

Elder Copeland with his two sisters.

 

 Elder Copeland's entire family.

 

 Elder Copeland's brother, Taylor, and wife, Ellie

 Elder Copeland with his cousin, Parker, who just returned from his two year mission to Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission.

 

Elder Copeland with both sets of grandparents:  Grandpa and Grandma Johns, along with Grandpa and Grandma Copeland

 Elder Copeland's Uncle Cameron was, also, in attendance at the setting apart.

Elder Copeland with his Uncle Kyle, Cousin Brady, and Aunt Kim who came over afterward to congratulate him.

Speaking in Sacrament Meeting and Farewell Party - July 23, 2017

Speaking in Sacrament Meeting - July 23, 2017

      Elder Copeland bore his testimony in his Alpine Ward Sacrament Meeting on July 23, 2017.  His message was about pioneers and how missionary work produces new pioneers in their families.  In addition, he talked about sitting right next to a man at the Yankees game that he attended when he was on his Origination tour.  He started a conversation with this man who just happened to have met Elder Copeland's cousin, Elder Wilde, who was on his mission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Elder Copeland pointed out this just wasn't a coincidence that he met this man and was able to give him a Book of Mormon.   The entire talk was absolutely beautiful that Elder Copeland gave from his heart.

 In May 1913, Elder Copeland's great-great-grandfather, Joseph Lester Rigby, left for a three year Mormon mission to the Samoan Islands.  His aunt pointed out how much Elder Copeland and his great-great-grandfather looked like each other as they were leaving for their missions.  We were all so amazed!  The likeness was unbelievable!  

After the Sacrament Meeting, Elder Copeland's family held a wonderful farewell party for family and friends.

Elder Copeland with some of his Copeland cousins who plan to be future missionaries, too!

Elder Copeland with his cousins, Kennedy and Lola.  They absolutely loved being around Elder Copeland every minute they could.

   

A family friend and home teacher of the Copeland family arranged two beautiful hymns which he shared with those attending the open house.  We were all thrilled to hear, "Called to Serve," and "I am a Child of God."

 A friend to Elder Copeland since they were toddlers--Izzy Johnson.

 Grandpa Copeland and Grandpa Johns

 Every grandchild in the Copeland family was in attendance at Elder Copeland's farewell--except for his cousin, Elder Copeland, who is currently serving in the Scotland/Ireland Mission.

 All seven of the Copeland siblings.

The entire Copeland Family (minus one missionary currently serving.)

    This was such a wonderful day of family and friends wishing Elder Copeland well as he serves the Lord for the next two years.

Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and Going Through the Temple

Receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel.


Upon reaching the age of 18, the higher priesthood, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is conferred upon faithful male members of the Church.  Through the laying on of hands, the office of "Elder" was conferred upon the new "Elder Copeland."  Through this office of the Melchizedek Priesthood, he may administer in higher ordinances such as giving the gift of the Holy Ghost to newly baptized members, healing the sick, and naming and blessing children.

Elder Copeland's father, Kevin Copeland, conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained him to the office of Elder by the laying on of hands with other Melchizedek Priesthood holders on Sunday, May 21, 2017.  This line of authority dates back to Jesus Christ.

Attending the Temple for the First Time

Elder Copeland  attended the Draper Temple on Saturday, May 27, 2017.  In addition to his parents, he had other family and friends attend with him.

 Elder Copeland with his parents, Kevin and Angie Copeland

 Elder Copeland with his brothers, Connor and Taylor
 
 Elder Copeland with brother Taylor and Taylor's wife, Ellie

 Copeland family:  Brother Taylor, Sister-in-law Ellie, Elder Copeland, Mother Angie, Dad Kevin, and brother Connor.

 A very good friend, Elder Conner Prosser, who will be laboring in the Argentina Mendoza Mission, attended the temple the same day as Elder Copeland

 Elder Prosser and Elder Copeland with their mothers.

 Elder Copeland with his Grandparents Robert and Marti Johns.

 Another very good friend, also, attended the temple this day:  Elder Ammon Hanneman, going to the California Roseville Mission.

 Elder Prosser, Elder Hanneman, and Elder Copeland

For a better understanding of why temples are so important in the lives of every individual, please click on the link below:

Why Mormons Build Temples