Pictured: Whitney Sink, Cassie Owens and Alicia Sink
Cassie Owens, of Ringgold, has been called to serve as president of the Primary, an organization for children ages 18 months to 11 years old, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cassie Owens will serve in this position for the East Brainerd area of The Church. Whitney Sink and Alicia Sink, also from Ringgold, will serve as first and second counselors, respectively, in the Primary presidency.
"Primary presidencies seek to help children build faith in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The purpose of primary is to also strengthen families in their efforts to follow Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness. Central to the Father’s plan of Happiness is Jesus Christ. Primary children are taught to follow Jesus Christ – and to prepare for baptism by immersion at the age of 8 years old. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and a reminder that all shall be made alive in him," officials said.
The primary theme is “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”
As stated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the purpose of primary is to help children:
1. Feel Heavenly Father’s love for them.
2. Learn and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. Feel and recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost.
4. Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants.
As also noted by The Church, “parents have the first responsibility for the spiritual and physical welfare of their children…. Primary leaders, and Primary teachers support, but do not replace, parents in their responsibility.”
When asked what they look forward to with their new responsibilities, the three agree that they look forward to getting to know the children individually and being able to teach them more about the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
Ms. Owens said, "I hope in some way I can make the simple truths and teachings of Jesus Christ come alive and leave a lasting impact that will be the foundation of their growth and testimony in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Whitney Sink said, "Being in the Primary presidency is a new thing for me and I am excited to work with the presidency as well as the teachers and children. I look forward to helping the children learn and grow and gain a love for Jesus during classes, sharing and music time.”
Alicia Sink said, "The kids are so loving and I'm excited to be with them every week and teach them about gospel principles."
"The Church of Jesus Christ is a volunteer organization. Members are not paid for their service – and they do not seek positions. But when called, for the most part, they serve – giving of their time and talents to minister to others – like Cassie, Whitney and Alicia are doing for LDS children in the East Brainerd area. LDS services are open and free to all," officials said.