Expert: Drew Williams - 10/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: We now have a secretary in our Primary and I am hoping to research her role. What I know so far is that a secretary should mark our childrens attendance and record the minutes of the meetings. Can you please advise me on the full extent of a secretary's role in Primary or where I can access information for this matter?
I love you and wish you a good day!
Arohanui, Lee


ANSWER: Kia ora and Tena koe to you, Lee.

As far as your question goes, the ultimate advisor for you in appointing the responsibilities of your new secretary would be your bishop He can give you the official guidelines and spiritual counsel on how best to utilize this role.

Secretaries are usually employed to not only keep records, but also to serve as a "third advisor" to the president of their auxiliary. They can also serve as substitute teachers as needed.

But again, your bishop could give you far greater advice.

Best wishes, and I hope you are enjoying the spring that we are sending you from Utah (it snowed here today--first time of the season).

Best wishes.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi there! I sent you an email but it returned so I'll cut and paste what I sent.
Hi Drew, you gave me your email from allexperts.com. I had to get back to you to ask how you know the Maori greetings. I've only just found out that when the experts receive mail it tells them which country the sender is from. Did you then google it? jokes. Have you been here before?
Thanks for the spring you all sent us, its temporarily making way for the after effects of the tsunami from Samoa but I'm sure we'll be able to see it soon!
Arohanui, Lee

If you want you may email me
Im an old lady that enjoys the blessings of friendship! Thankyou

Answer
I have spent a lot of time in NZ, over the past 16 years. I have good friends there still--Ganesh Cherian, I worked for the Beyalls, Richard and Robert Gordon--both Kiwis and former Stake Presidents, now live in Aus, but Richard is a close friend.

I used to lecture there, and I will never forget the night I visited the Hamilton Temple. I was the only white guy in a crowded chapel. The temple president pointed me out and said,"I'm sorry, we didn't know you were coming"--as if I were a General Authority.

Nothing but good memories there.

More snow here--very cold.

Enjoy your beautiful islands.

Drew