Tag: the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints

  • Wedding Day

    Wedding Day

    The Day They Met 

    She arrived at the basketball game early for a sound check passing the high school’s trophy case of her dad’s glory days. Evie Clair was getting used to people recognizing her by now but this concert was different.  Most of the people arriving knew her father personally. Many were still grieving.

    Sporadically approaching her as she climbed the bleachers, kids and adults asked for her picture or autograph, asked about Simon Cowell, or just wanted to give her a hug. A very tall, handsome ball player with brown curly hair and a bruise over his eye approached her with a basketball to sign. He asked if she would sign it as “Evelyn Abplanalp,” revealing that he wasn’t enamored as a fan but wanted to connect with her personally. He introduced himself as Clancy and told her his dad, Boe Thomas, wrestled there on the same team as her dad. Clancy reminded her a little of her dad and she was more than happy to sign his basketball.

    As the game started she realized he was captain of the team and really good. It was the first time she ever watched a basketball game with such laser focus.

    Evelyn learned there would be a dance for youth in the area that night. She went hoping he would come. When she saw him arrive with his team then leave them with his head bobbing over the top of the crowd towards her, she knew he came for one reason. He stayed even after his team left to make sure he made an impression on her. He did.

    Not Dating

    Realizing an age gap and that they lived in separate states, the two became penpals and found opportunities to see each other for family disc golf games when she was in town visiting grandma. She was scheduled to sing for an event in Hawaii the following Spring. Evie’s mom, knowing she didn’t have many friends because of her show schedule, invited him to come along. Her brother Porter was protective. His dad was gone and he saw it as his duty to keep the two apart knowing that Evelyn already had her heart set on marrying Clancy someday. The standard in her church and in her family are not to date until 16 so they were careful to stay friends and until then. After she turned 16 they still lived apart. He had just finished a mission in South America and finally had a chance to take her out on a date when she was visiting Idaho. 

    Giving Her Away

    That day finally came and Porter gave his blessing as Clancy and Evelyn were married and sealed for eternity in the Tucson, Arizona temple. During the reception in San Tan Valley she had a special dance with her step dad to her daddy’s favorite song. The tears flowed. The looks on their faces told everyone’s hearts that Amos was there too dancing with his baby girl on her wedding day.

    The Temple

    Evie and Clancy were married in a temple. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and getting to the temple is the goal they set for themselves from the time they became members of the church at age 8. They kept themselves pure and clean and made special promises with God in order to enter the temple.

    A few friends were traveling from out of town to the wedding. They were not members of the couple’s church but they came to the temple and graciously waited in the waiting room with the children and others who were not able to witness the wedding and sealing ceremony. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell people they can’t attend the wedding of someone they love so much.  There are spiritual things involved with temple weddings that only those who have gone through for their own endowment would understand. Entering the temple for a wedding also requires a temple recommend from church leaders and the qualifications to enter are not easy. In this case, the friends understood and were happy just to be there on the majestic temple grounds. Evelyn and Clancy believe in marriage and families that last longer than death. This is why marriage in the temple was so important to them.

    The Reception

    After the wedding in Tucson, they traveled back to Evie’s church building to have a reception with close friends and family. The church building is special to Evie. Her dad was a bishop there and his funeral was filled from the chapel to the very back on that same overflow dance floor. It also happens to double as a basketball court which reminded us of where they met. The night was filled with good food and good music. Jill caught the bouquet then got married 2 weeks later to Evelyn’s brother. Evelyn’s cousins Buddy (The Way You Look Tonight), McKenna (Wonderful World) and Skylar (Forever Young), mom (Goodnight My Angel), sister Kirra (Grow as We Go) and uncle Ken (Perfect) sang some of her favorite songs. Her cousin Nick, brother Porter and Clancy’s brother who is also named Porter had some inspiring and hilarious words and memories to share. She ended the program singing a song by Jax called Like My Father…

    Special Thanks

    Thank you to all of you who sent gifts and well wishes to the couple and those who attended and performed – thank you so much. Special Thanks from Evelyn’s mom to: Patty Tonioli, Karyann Hoopes and her husband, Sarah Sheperd, Lyn Fulton, Christy Mann, Lori Marquez, Pam Michaelson, Phoebe and Ken Morris, The Thomas Family, Michael Fulton, President Anderson, Kathy Atwood, Michelle Rigby, Natalie Brokaw, Lissa and Jeromy Petersen, Josh and Natali Pearce, Ed and Deb Winters, Sarah & Dallin Welch, Kyle Morris, Elise Gloschat, Brother Westenscow, Anne Taylor, Panda Express that sent a thousand dollar gift card when they found out Evie Clair was serving Panda at her wedding, and everyone who stayed after to help clean up so fast. The blessings of such kind and selfless people mean so much and made Evelyn and Clancy’s day so special.

    I Love Clancy Because…

    “i love clancy because of his willingness and instinct to minister. he loves God and will always put Him first. he knows how to make me happy and he does it everyday!” -Evelyn Clair Thomas

     

  • Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center

    Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center

    A grand opening

    This week, Evie joined Olympian Mykayla Skinner, Apostle Ulisses Soares, and influencer/entrepreneur Bella Weems Lambert in a press conference for the new Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints builds these centers to uplift, and unite communities. The event made a great impact on everyone there. Evie loved the experience, saying, “No matter who comes here, there will be something for them to love.” Sadly, it’s rare to feel so at home in today’s world. Places like this provide a chance for much needed connection.

    Connect with your roots

    “We spent time with young adults in Mesa to learn how to create a space that works for them,” said director Tanner Kay. Although the focus of the Center is the Temple, it’s purpose is to unite people. Visitors are immersed in the rich history of Mesa, and it’s Temple. Upon entry, cards are available with the names of individual pioneers, natives, and immigrants. As you explore the Center, interactive stations unfold the story of that individual. The rich, mixed culture of Arizona comes alive as visitors connect to their common heritage. Furthermore, the Center houses dozens of computers and trained volunteers to help people learn about their own genealogy.

    Connect with yourself

    Along with connecting people to their past, the Visitors’ Center helps people connect with their present. Evie’s favorite display is a large wall with the title, “I can be a LIGHT”. Dozens of phrases cover the wall, each one illuminating when touched. They suggest simple acts of service, such as “Love yourself,” “Bake for a neighbor,” or “Be a Peacemaker.” The Center also features several “meditation pods”, where people can relax and ponder.

    Connect with God

    Above all, this center is to bring people closer to God. As the name of the Church suggests, it is based in Christianity. However, anyone will find their relationship with their God strengthened by this experience. The Spirit is palpable in every room. The information presented is clear, and inspiring. The sense of love and acceptance can’t be faked. Because of that feeling, Evie recommends that everyone makes a visit to the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center. You won’t regret it.

  • Evie Clair – I Feel My Savior’s Love

    Evie Clair – I Feel My Savior’s Love

    Evie Clair is a follower of Jesus Christ. Being a part of this project was special to her because she was able to bask in the spirit of the Savior’s love and tenderness of these children who have such a bright faith and understanding of Him. She was able to sing a beautiful recreation of one of her favorite primary melodies by Newell Dayley arranged by her friend Shaun Barrowes – former American Idol contestant and film score composer. She also had the chance once again to work with the brilliant film director Dan LaPray. It was a thrilling experience for Evie to record at LDS Motion Picture Studios and film in Goshen at the Jerusalem replica where season 2 of her favorite TV Series – The Chosen was filmed.

    Vocalist Evie Clair sings the well-known Primary song “I Feel My Savior’s Love,” while Primary-age children from around the world individually share how each feels the Savior’s love. The children share their love of the Savior and note how He sacrificed Himself, how He comforts them, how He loves everyone despite who they are. One calls Jesus Christ her friend. The music inspires introspection, prompting thoughts of how “His love is freely given.”

     

  • Wedding Weekend

    Wedding Weekend

    Evie traveled to Utah on April 26th to sing for the wedding reception of Elder Gressman, a missionary who served near her home last year. For the event, she worked with the mega talented director of the One Voice Children’s Choir, Masa Fukuda and top Utah cellist, Garrett Rosza.

    They covered a beautiful song by Ruelle called “I Get to Love You” that was requested by the bride. They also covered “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and some ‘on the spot’ requests. This is live, raw video footage filmed by A.J. Moss. Evie feels so grateful to be able to collaborate with such incredible musicians.

    Evie Clair loves visiting Utah because she has lots of beloved aunts, uncles and cousins there. On this trip she also got to spend some time with her best friend, Clancy Thomas and his mom, who came to see her perform. She was happy to get to see them since Clancy only has a few months until he leaves on his mission. Evie belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where young people as young as 18 serve and teach away from home for up to 2 years. Just like Elder Gressman who served his mission in Evie’s town of Florence, Arizona, her friend Clancy will leave home in August to serve the people in Vina Del Mar, Chile.

    Clancy has even helped Evie with lyrics for songs on her upcoming “Okay Day” Album that will be released June!

  • Silent Night #LIGHTtheWORLD

    Silent Night #LIGHTtheWORLD

    I Know that my redeemer lives Silent Night (sheet music)🎵Silent Night/ I Know That My Redeemer Lives – Evie Clair

    Created in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the 2016 Christmas Initiative #LIGHTtheWORLD. Learn more at https://www.mormon.org?cid=66200001

    In 25 Ways. Over 25 Days.

    Audio/Video Director & Producer: Stephen Moyer & Thomas Manning

    Performed by Evie Clair

    Arranged by Lissa Peterson

    Accompanied by Sister Kathy Ord

    Choir: Elder Alan James Ord, Sister Kathy Ord, Natali Pearce, Josh Pearce, Jeromy Peterson, Lissa Peterson, Michelle Moyer, Stephen Moyer and Hillary Abplanalp

    Cast: Evie Clair, Joseph Lawal, Victoria Lawal, Sister Mckayla Cordon, Sister Tarynn Henderson, Josh Mortensen and family, Elder Alan James Ord, Sister Kathy Ord, Natali Pearce, Josh Pearce, Jeromy Peterson, Lissa Peterson, Elder Keion Peterson, Elder Loti Aholelei, Elder Harrison Shoaf, Faith Flores, Bishop Amos Abplanalp and family, Ken Morris and family, Ron Elwood & the Magma Ranch Ward/Community.

    Silent Night

    Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848; trans. by John F. Young, 1820-1885 Music: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863

    Text: Samuel Medley, 1738-1799.  Music: Lewis D. Edwards, 1858-1921