The Relief Society has two mid-week activities coming up in November and December:
Thursday, November 11th 7:00pm in the RS Room will be a Humanitarian presentation. Laura Beth Parkinson will share some of her experiences, and show some of her pictures from their recent trip to the Middle East, and there will be another speaker, as well. Mitch Bingham, our Ward Activities Committee Chairman, will also be there to let us know the needs of the Christmas Box, an organization for families in need, that our ward has decided to help as a ward project (part of our Ward Christmas Party this year). We will be donating gifts as families or individuals, which will then be taken to the Christmas Box by the ward. Mitch will answer questions you may have about this project. Dress is casual.
QUESTIONS? Call Christine Johnson, 801-226-2516
Thursday, December 2nd, 7:00pm in the Cultural Hall will be our "Girls' Night Out Before Christmas" for all women and girls aged 8 years old and older. Back by popular request will be the wonderful band that performed for us last year, starring some of our own ward members and neighbors, although Olivia tells us that see is NOT going to dance for us again this year....Those who missed her performance missed a lot of fun. Following the band, we will have refreshments; after which those who want to go home will depart, and those who want the fun to continue will stay for a rather wild version of the White Elephant Game. The party will end around 9pm.
Please bring:
1. a goodie or munchie to share (one per family)
2. for those staying for the white elephant game, each person playing should bring one wrapped white elephant gift to give away.
QUESTIONS? Call Gail Christensen, 801-225-8643
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Missionary Moments: November 2010
Elder Jason Robertson is presently serving the Spain, Madrid Mission.
After church, this week, we took a long walk out to Santa Marta, a small town on the outskirts of Salamanca, about a 40 minute walk. We taught a less active family from Honduras, and on our way back Elder Hanson just wanted to cross this bridge we found and take a different route. It led us through a forest and I took pictures. We walked for a long time and there was no one around, we thought there was a bridge at the end of the forest but when we got there we found out there wasn't, so we were trapped in by the river which meant we had to go back all the way around and we would be late for a 1st lesson with a couple from Nicaragua that we had talked to on the street.
Well, all the way at the edge of the forest we found a man from Bolivia fishing with his grandson. He said he's never been fishing before, and he had no luck so they were going home. It turns out he's painted some of our Mormon chapels in his country and he's really interested in meeting up with us. He lives in a mall town about 60 km away from Salamanca, and we're going to see him this Saturday. He was so happy to have found us, he wanted to take pictures with us, so we did. The lesson of the story is found in 1 Nephi 4:6 "and (we) were led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand....
After church, this week, we took a long walk out to Santa Marta, a small town on the outskirts of Salamanca, about a 40 minute walk. We taught a less active family from Honduras, and on our way back Elder Hanson just wanted to cross this bridge we found and take a different route. It led us through a forest and I took pictures. We walked for a long time and there was no one around, we thought there was a bridge at the end of the forest but when we got there we found out there wasn't, so we were trapped in by the river which meant we had to go back all the way around and we would be late for a 1st lesson with a couple from Nicaragua that we had talked to on the street.
Well, all the way at the edge of the forest we found a man from Bolivia fishing with his grandson. He said he's never been fishing before, and he had no luck so they were going home. It turns out he's painted some of our Mormon chapels in his country and he's really interested in meeting up with us. He lives in a mall town about 60 km away from Salamanca, and we're going to see him this Saturday. He was so happy to have found us, he wanted to take pictures with us, so we did. The lesson of the story is found in 1 Nephi 4:6 "and (we) were led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand....
Saturday, September 4, 2010
September News
SEPTEMBER 2010
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
Brothers & Sisters,
Sometimes for reasons unbeknownst to my wife, our mornings in the Hirschi household don’t quite go as planned. The plan calls for 20 minutes of uninterrupted family scripture study at a time if you ask me much too early for any child younger than 10, or adult male older than 36. I’ve been personally lobbying for evening scripture study for years to no avail. When the mornings don’t go exactly as planned, and Rachel is beginning to show signs of anxiety because the kids don’t have teeth brushed, bodies clothed, bellies fed, and the scriptures have yet to be read, I have to roll out of bed and save the day. Instead of the 20 minute scripture time Rachel had planned, I gather the children around and pull out one of the more powerful, yet shorter verses out of my repertoire. This morning, for instance, we read from Jacob 6:12, “o be wise, what more can I say”. One of my all time favorite s, and one my kids are quite familiar with. They are also keenly aware that Jesus wept and that Nephi was a tent dweller. But honestly, what better advice could a parent offer their child than to please, just be wise?
“O be wise” sounds like advice you’d hear from a parent before a sleep over (before they went out of style), something to go along with “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” So much easier said for a 50 year old father, than done for a 13 year old son. So how best to teach ourselves and our children to be wise?
I thought President Cole gave some great counsel on this subject Sunday evening as he addressed the youth and their parents. He didn’t offer any new revelations or tricks. He talked about the same stuff we’ve heard since we were eating animal crackers in nursery. He talked about how we could each have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and revelation. The (not so secret) formula is as follows:
1. Keep our covenants the best we can. He said that covenant keeping is proving you want the Holy Ghost. Covenant keeping is the price you pay for revelation, or perhaps he said the price you pay for revelation is covenant keeping.
2. Develop a softer heart. He said developing a softer heart is thee requirement for receiving revelation.
3. Study and treasure the word of God. President Cole shared a number of personal stories which illustrated times in his life where he was guided and directed when he needed guidance from the Lord. He spoke of experiences where promises from blessings, counsel from church leaders, and words of scripture he had pondered in his heart were brought back to his remembrance and he knew just what to say and/or do. He challenged the youth to read one principle per night from “For the Strength of Youth” and to keep a journal with any thoughts, observations, and feelings about their experience and growth so they can access that wisdom when it is most needed.
It is my hope and prayer that as I scream to my children to not do anything I wouldn’t do, and plead for them to be wise, that they will understand and come to believe if they keep their covenants, develop a softer heart and treasure the words of the Lord, wisdom will be theirs.
PRIMARY HAPPENINGS:
Primary Matters..
All year we have been learning about the Savior and His love for us as manifest by the many blessings he has given to us. These include his atonement, prophets, the restoration of the gospel, knowledge of the principles and ordinances we need to return to our Heavenly Father, the Holy Ghost, the example of His life and his service to others, and the miracles which bloess the lives of those who have faith. Now over the next three months, we will be discussing ways that we can serve the Lord and the blessings this brings to our lives. Of course, you will have the opportunity to hear what the children have learned in our Sacrament Meeting Program entitled "I Know That My Savior Lives" on October 24th.
"A Scripture a Day"
Each month we have had our "scripture a day" scripture lists that have gone along with the theme of the month. In light of the challenge given the ward by our bishop, our September marker will have a list of the chapters of the four gospels and 3rd Nephi. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to read and discuss the entirety of each chapter with your child or as a family. However, you may want to just read and discuss a few selected verses from a chapter with your child. Either way, you will be able to mark the chapter as you pass through it. This will be a great opportunity to strengthen testimonies as we read of the Savior.
Friends of Scouting
The annual "Friends of Scouting" fundraising drive is upon us. We encourage all to be generous in your support of this important cause. The Leaders of the Church fully endorse the merits of the Scouting program and the need to help fund it's operations.
The Aims of Scouting are: 1. Character Development 2.Citizenship training and 3. Physical & Mental Fitness. It is a vital part in the preparation that our young men receive to become good missionaries, effective priesthood leaders, and capable and caring husbands & fathers. This program benefits all of us, even those of you who have been blessed with more daughters than sons. Someday each of them will be looking for a good husband for themselves and a good father for your grandchildren. We all benefit either directly or indirectly.
Please understand the difference between this fundraiser and the Flag fundraiser. Friends of Scouting money goes to the BSA Council office to support the camps and programs run by BSA. Flag fundraiser money stays here in the ward to assist our youth with summer camp fees and troop equipment needs. The equipment, by the way, is kept in the scout trailer and is used by all organizations in the ward who need it for their activities. Please support both of these efforts. Friends of Scouting checks are made out to: BSA or Boy Scouts of America. Flag fundraiser money is put in a regular donation envelope and the words "flag fundraiser" need to be written in the "Other" section of the donation slip.
We hope this clears up any confusion. Thank you for your support.
LV8 Bishopric
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
Brothers & Sisters,
Sometimes for reasons unbeknownst to my wife, our mornings in the Hirschi household don’t quite go as planned. The plan calls for 20 minutes of uninterrupted family scripture study at a time if you ask me much too early for any child younger than 10, or adult male older than 36. I’ve been personally lobbying for evening scripture study for years to no avail. When the mornings don’t go exactly as planned, and Rachel is beginning to show signs of anxiety because the kids don’t have teeth brushed, bodies clothed, bellies fed, and the scriptures have yet to be read, I have to roll out of bed and save the day. Instead of the 20 minute scripture time Rachel had planned, I gather the children around and pull out one of the more powerful, yet shorter verses out of my repertoire. This morning, for instance, we read from Jacob 6:12, “o be wise, what more can I say”. One of my all time favorite s, and one my kids are quite familiar with. They are also keenly aware that Jesus wept and that Nephi was a tent dweller. But honestly, what better advice could a parent offer their child than to please, just be wise?
“O be wise” sounds like advice you’d hear from a parent before a sleep over (before they went out of style), something to go along with “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” So much easier said for a 50 year old father, than done for a 13 year old son. So how best to teach ourselves and our children to be wise?
I thought President Cole gave some great counsel on this subject Sunday evening as he addressed the youth and their parents. He didn’t offer any new revelations or tricks. He talked about the same stuff we’ve heard since we were eating animal crackers in nursery. He talked about how we could each have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and revelation. The (not so secret) formula is as follows:
1. Keep our covenants the best we can. He said that covenant keeping is proving you want the Holy Ghost. Covenant keeping is the price you pay for revelation, or perhaps he said the price you pay for revelation is covenant keeping.
2. Develop a softer heart. He said developing a softer heart is thee requirement for receiving revelation.
3. Study and treasure the word of God. President Cole shared a number of personal stories which illustrated times in his life where he was guided and directed when he needed guidance from the Lord. He spoke of experiences where promises from blessings, counsel from church leaders, and words of scripture he had pondered in his heart were brought back to his remembrance and he knew just what to say and/or do. He challenged the youth to read one principle per night from “For the Strength of Youth” and to keep a journal with any thoughts, observations, and feelings about their experience and growth so they can access that wisdom when it is most needed.
It is my hope and prayer that as I scream to my children to not do anything I wouldn’t do, and plead for them to be wise, that they will understand and come to believe if they keep their covenants, develop a softer heart and treasure the words of the Lord, wisdom will be theirs.
PRIMARY HAPPENINGS:
Primary Matters..
All year we have been learning about the Savior and His love for us as manifest by the many blessings he has given to us. These include his atonement, prophets, the restoration of the gospel, knowledge of the principles and ordinances we need to return to our Heavenly Father, the Holy Ghost, the example of His life and his service to others, and the miracles which bloess the lives of those who have faith. Now over the next three months, we will be discussing ways that we can serve the Lord and the blessings this brings to our lives. Of course, you will have the opportunity to hear what the children have learned in our Sacrament Meeting Program entitled "I Know That My Savior Lives" on October 24th.
"A Scripture a Day"
Each month we have had our "scripture a day" scripture lists that have gone along with the theme of the month. In light of the challenge given the ward by our bishop, our September marker will have a list of the chapters of the four gospels and 3rd Nephi. Depending on the age of your child, you may want to read and discuss the entirety of each chapter with your child or as a family. However, you may want to just read and discuss a few selected verses from a chapter with your child. Either way, you will be able to mark the chapter as you pass through it. This will be a great opportunity to strengthen testimonies as we read of the Savior.
Friends of Scouting
The annual "Friends of Scouting" fundraising drive is upon us. We encourage all to be generous in your support of this important cause. The Leaders of the Church fully endorse the merits of the Scouting program and the need to help fund it's operations.
The Aims of Scouting are: 1. Character Development 2.Citizenship training and 3. Physical & Mental Fitness. It is a vital part in the preparation that our young men receive to become good missionaries, effective priesthood leaders, and capable and caring husbands & fathers. This program benefits all of us, even those of you who have been blessed with more daughters than sons. Someday each of them will be looking for a good husband for themselves and a good father for your grandchildren. We all benefit either directly or indirectly.
Please understand the difference between this fundraiser and the Flag fundraiser. Friends of Scouting money goes to the BSA Council office to support the camps and programs run by BSA. Flag fundraiser money stays here in the ward to assist our youth with summer camp fees and troop equipment needs. The equipment, by the way, is kept in the scout trailer and is used by all organizations in the ward who need it for their activities. Please support both of these efforts. Friends of Scouting checks are made out to: BSA or Boy Scouts of America. Flag fundraiser money is put in a regular donation envelope and the words "flag fundraiser" need to be written in the "Other" section of the donation slip.
We hope this clears up any confusion. Thank you for your support.
LV8 Bishopric
Saturday, July 31, 2010
August 2010 Newsletter
Lakeview Lighthouse
AUGUST 2010
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
Brothers & Sisters,
First let me just take a moment to thank Bishop Brough, Matthew Wright, and Mark Lekic for their dedicated service and all their sacrifice of time and effort on our behalf. They've been a wonderful influence and a blessing to our ward family for many years now. We will especially miss Bishop Brough and his sweet wife Ralene as they've recently moved from our ward. We wish them all the best in whatever opportunities come their way in the future.
Next I would like to express appreciation for the opportunity to serve you in this new calling and testify that the Lord's hand truly was involved in the organizing of this new bishopric. In the past few weeks I have seen the mantel of the Bishop fall upon Bishop Jellen and have witnessed the increased communication of the spirit that he has received in organizing and guiding our little flock of followers of Christ here in Orem, Utah. You can be assured that we are in good hands with him at the helm. Now, it is just up to you and to me to follow the counsel that we receive from the Lord, through his chosen servant. As we do that, I testify that the Spirit of the Lord will abide with us and our problems will be fewer and more easily managed.
Finally, it is not uncommon whenever there is a change at the head of an organization, for other changes within the organization to follow. We shouldn't be surprised or alarmed when these occur and we need to understand that inspiration and guidance from above is always sought for when making any changes within the ward. It doesn't matter so much where you serve, but how you serve. All callings come with a built in release, we just don't know when that will occur. Make the most of your callings while you have them, because something new is always just around the corner.
Thanks to all of you who work so hard to magnify your callings. Your dedicated service is greatly appreciated. Many of you have been a wonderful influence in the lives of my family and I as you have taught us over the years. We have also been richly blessed as we have had the opportunity to serve you in various callings. Isn't the Lord's Church a wonderful thing? The way it's organized and the opportunities to put into practice the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ through serving one another is truly amazing.
I testify that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and Savior. This is His church and we are led by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. What a blessing it is to live in a time when the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fullness is upon the earth and when the priesthood of God has been given to man to further His work and prepare us with our families to return to his presence after a brief period of schooling here in this our second estate. May we continue to help one another in our efforts to do what is right, learn as much as we can, and follow the Savior.
Keith Robertson
Review of First Presidency Message for July:
One of the great tributes the Savior can give is to call us “friends.” We know that He loves with a perfect love all of His Heavenly Father’s children. Yet for those who have been faithful in their service with Him, He reserves this special title. You remember the words from the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants: “And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power” (D&C 84:77).
We become His friends as we serve others for Him. He is the perfect example of the kind of friend we are to become. He wants only what is best for His Heavenly Father’s children. Their happiness is His happiness. He feels their sorrow as His own because He has paid the price of all their sins, taken upon Himself all their infirmities, borne all their troubles, and felt all their longings. His motives are pure. He seeks no recognition for Himself but to give all glory to His Heavenly Father. The perfect friend, Jesus Christ, is completely selfless in offering happiness to others.
-President Henry B. Eyring
Review of Relief Society Message for July:
Strengthening Families and Homes
“Each of us is in a different family situation. Some families have a mother and father with children at home. Some couples no longer have children at home. Many members of the Church are single, and some are single parents. Others are widows or widowers living alone.
“No matter what our family looks like, each of us can work to strengthen our own families or help in strengthening others.“[Once] I stayed in the home of my niece and her family. That evening before the children went to bed, we had a short family home evening and a scripture story. Their father told about the family of Lehi and how he taught his children that they must hold fast to the iron rod, which is the word of God. Holding fast to the iron rod would keep them safe and lead them to joy and happiness. If they should let go of the iron rod, there was danger of drowning in the river of dirty water.
“To demonstrate this to the children, their mother became the ‘iron rod’ that they must cling to, and their father played the role of the devil, trying to pull the children away from safety and happiness. The children loved the story and learned how important it is to hold fast to the iron rod. After the scripture story it was time for family prayer…“Scriptures, family home evening, and family prayer will strengthen families. We need to take every opportunity to strengthen families and support one another to stay on the right path.”
-Barbara Thompson
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST:
Brigham Young Historic Park, 7:30pm
All ages are welcome….see www.lds.org for details
Tues. 3 Miles to Go
Bluegrass band performing old-fashioned tunes, country music, and train songs.
Fri. 6 Mercy River
Music ranging from inspirational and sacred to toe-tapping and upbeat, with a touch of Celtic flavor.
Tues. 10 Wasatch and District Pipe Band
Celtic and Scottish tunes, drum salutes, and marches by award-winning bagpipers.
Fri. 13 Kelly and Laura Griffiths (and All That Jazz)
Vocal jazz selections by a husband-and-wife performing duo.
Tues. 17 The Other Three Tenors
Lighthearted musical parody of the world’s most famous tenor trio.
Fri. 20 My Sisters
The Wolfgramm sisters, original members of the Jets, singing contemporary pop with Polynesian flair.
Tues. 24 Rebecca Lopez and the Familia Lopez
A variety of musical styles,including mariachi, ranchera, classical, pop, and country.
Fri. 27 Fire on the Mountain
Utah’s mountain music—a blend of folk, bluegrass, and comedy.
Announcements:
SCOUT CAMP:
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
AUGUST 2010
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
Brothers & Sisters,
First let me just take a moment to thank Bishop Brough, Matthew Wright, and Mark Lekic for their dedicated service and all their sacrifice of time and effort on our behalf. They've been a wonderful influence and a blessing to our ward family for many years now. We will especially miss Bishop Brough and his sweet wife Ralene as they've recently moved from our ward. We wish them all the best in whatever opportunities come their way in the future.
Next I would like to express appreciation for the opportunity to serve you in this new calling and testify that the Lord's hand truly was involved in the organizing of this new bishopric. In the past few weeks I have seen the mantel of the Bishop fall upon Bishop Jellen and have witnessed the increased communication of the spirit that he has received in organizing and guiding our little flock of followers of Christ here in Orem, Utah. You can be assured that we are in good hands with him at the helm. Now, it is just up to you and to me to follow the counsel that we receive from the Lord, through his chosen servant. As we do that, I testify that the Spirit of the Lord will abide with us and our problems will be fewer and more easily managed.
Finally, it is not uncommon whenever there is a change at the head of an organization, for other changes within the organization to follow. We shouldn't be surprised or alarmed when these occur and we need to understand that inspiration and guidance from above is always sought for when making any changes within the ward. It doesn't matter so much where you serve, but how you serve. All callings come with a built in release, we just don't know when that will occur. Make the most of your callings while you have them, because something new is always just around the corner.
Thanks to all of you who work so hard to magnify your callings. Your dedicated service is greatly appreciated. Many of you have been a wonderful influence in the lives of my family and I as you have taught us over the years. We have also been richly blessed as we have had the opportunity to serve you in various callings. Isn't the Lord's Church a wonderful thing? The way it's organized and the opportunities to put into practice the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ through serving one another is truly amazing.
I testify that God lives, and that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and Savior. This is His church and we are led by a living prophet today, President Thomas S. Monson. What a blessing it is to live in a time when the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it's fullness is upon the earth and when the priesthood of God has been given to man to further His work and prepare us with our families to return to his presence after a brief period of schooling here in this our second estate. May we continue to help one another in our efforts to do what is right, learn as much as we can, and follow the Savior.
Keith Robertson
Review of First Presidency Message for July:
One of the great tributes the Savior can give is to call us “friends.” We know that He loves with a perfect love all of His Heavenly Father’s children. Yet for those who have been faithful in their service with Him, He reserves this special title. You remember the words from the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants: “And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power” (D&C 84:77).
We become His friends as we serve others for Him. He is the perfect example of the kind of friend we are to become. He wants only what is best for His Heavenly Father’s children. Their happiness is His happiness. He feels their sorrow as His own because He has paid the price of all their sins, taken upon Himself all their infirmities, borne all their troubles, and felt all their longings. His motives are pure. He seeks no recognition for Himself but to give all glory to His Heavenly Father. The perfect friend, Jesus Christ, is completely selfless in offering happiness to others.
-President Henry B. Eyring
Review of Relief Society Message for July:
Strengthening Families and Homes
“Each of us is in a different family situation. Some families have a mother and father with children at home. Some couples no longer have children at home. Many members of the Church are single, and some are single parents. Others are widows or widowers living alone.
“No matter what our family looks like, each of us can work to strengthen our own families or help in strengthening others.“[Once] I stayed in the home of my niece and her family. That evening before the children went to bed, we had a short family home evening and a scripture story. Their father told about the family of Lehi and how he taught his children that they must hold fast to the iron rod, which is the word of God. Holding fast to the iron rod would keep them safe and lead them to joy and happiness. If they should let go of the iron rod, there was danger of drowning in the river of dirty water.
“To demonstrate this to the children, their mother became the ‘iron rod’ that they must cling to, and their father played the role of the devil, trying to pull the children away from safety and happiness. The children loved the story and learned how important it is to hold fast to the iron rod. After the scripture story it was time for family prayer…“Scriptures, family home evening, and family prayer will strengthen families. We need to take every opportunity to strengthen families and support one another to stay on the right path.”
-Barbara Thompson
FREE SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST:
Brigham Young Historic Park, 7:30pm
All ages are welcome….see www.lds.org for details
Tues. 3 Miles to Go
Bluegrass band performing old-fashioned tunes, country music, and train songs.
Fri. 6 Mercy River
Music ranging from inspirational and sacred to toe-tapping and upbeat, with a touch of Celtic flavor.
Tues. 10 Wasatch and District Pipe Band
Celtic and Scottish tunes, drum salutes, and marches by award-winning bagpipers.
Fri. 13 Kelly and Laura Griffiths (and All That Jazz)
Vocal jazz selections by a husband-and-wife performing duo.
Tues. 17 The Other Three Tenors
Lighthearted musical parody of the world’s most famous tenor trio.
Fri. 20 My Sisters
The Wolfgramm sisters, original members of the Jets, singing contemporary pop with Polynesian flair.
Tues. 24 Rebecca Lopez and the Familia Lopez
A variety of musical styles,including mariachi, ranchera, classical, pop, and country.
Fri. 27 Fire on the Mountain
Utah’s mountain music—a blend of folk, bluegrass, and comedy.
Announcements:
SCOUT CAMP:
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
Monday, July 5, 2010
Primary Happenings—July 2010
We have had a wonderful June in Primary as we have talked about the Holy Ghost. First, we reviewed the role of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead and how He differs from Christ and the Father. We have then talked at length about how the Holy Ghost speaks to us, the many ways He can help and influence us, and how we can invite Him into our lives by the choices we make. Needless to say, it has been a very uplifting and enlightening month for us. We hope as families of primary children, you have felt that Spirit as you have read scriptures about the Holy Ghost and discussed the influence of the Holy Ghost in your homes.
We now look forward to July and August where we will “speak and sing of Christ”. Our theme for July is “I can follow Jesus Christ’s example”. Brother Neal Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a wonderful talk in our last conference about telling our children the stories of Jesus. This is what we hope to do during July and August. We will be sharing the stories of Jesus, both stories of his life and the stories He told.
We hope that primary families will join in this quest as your children read their “scripture a day” at home. The July scripture list will be some of these stories and we hope you will enjoy reading and discussing them with your children. Please also review the talk from the April conference by Brother Anderson. Together we will tell the stories of Jesus that these precious children need to hear and remember.
Primary Activity—Friday, July 23rd—The Primary Pioneer Parade
We will be having a primary pioneer parade and activity from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The Manor Branch primary will also be joining us for this pioneer celebration. The children may come to the church parking lot at 9:30 if they would like to decorate their bikes or wagons. They also may wear pioneer clothes if they so choose, but it is certainly not mandatory. We will then begin the parade at 10:00 am as we parade around the block. We will head south past Sister Julia Olsen’s home and turn right at the corner by Brother David Stone’s home. We will continue past Sister Ogden’s and turn right again at Sister Marie Starrs home.
Once we reach the Benion’s home, we will turn right again and continue over to Posterity Park where we will play some pioneer games, churn some butter, and have an old-fashioned taffy pull! It will be great fun! Family and ward members are welcome to come and cheer the children as they parade around the block. If you have any questions, please contact a primary presidency member.
We have had a wonderful June in Primary as we have talked about the Holy Ghost. First, we reviewed the role of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead and how He differs from Christ and the Father. We have then talked at length about how the Holy Ghost speaks to us, the many ways He can help and influence us, and how we can invite Him into our lives by the choices we make. Needless to say, it has been a very uplifting and enlightening month for us. We hope as families of primary children, you have felt that Spirit as you have read scriptures about the Holy Ghost and discussed the influence of the Holy Ghost in your homes.
We now look forward to July and August where we will “speak and sing of Christ”. Our theme for July is “I can follow Jesus Christ’s example”. Brother Neal Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve gave a wonderful talk in our last conference about telling our children the stories of Jesus. This is what we hope to do during July and August. We will be sharing the stories of Jesus, both stories of his life and the stories He told.
We hope that primary families will join in this quest as your children read their “scripture a day” at home. The July scripture list will be some of these stories and we hope you will enjoy reading and discussing them with your children. Please also review the talk from the April conference by Brother Anderson. Together we will tell the stories of Jesus that these precious children need to hear and remember.
Primary Activity—Friday, July 23rd—The Primary Pioneer Parade
We will be having a primary pioneer parade and activity from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The Manor Branch primary will also be joining us for this pioneer celebration. The children may come to the church parking lot at 9:30 if they would like to decorate their bikes or wagons. They also may wear pioneer clothes if they so choose, but it is certainly not mandatory. We will then begin the parade at 10:00 am as we parade around the block. We will head south past Sister Julia Olsen’s home and turn right at the corner by Brother David Stone’s home. We will continue past Sister Ogden’s and turn right again at Sister Marie Starrs home.
Once we reach the Benion’s home, we will turn right again and continue over to Posterity Park where we will play some pioneer games, churn some butter, and have an old-fashioned taffy pull! It will be great fun! Family and ward members are welcome to come and cheer the children as they parade around the block. If you have any questions, please contact a primary presidency member.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Bishopric message
We begin the month of July in Church singing hymns about freedom and end the month with songs about the pioneers. Elder Charles W. Penrose tied these two themes together beautifully with a third theme – Temple work – when he wrote the words of the majestic hymn, O Ye Mountains High.
Temples have gradually grown on me. As a child, I remember passing the magnificent temple on Santa Monica Blvd. whenever we would go to my Aunt Elaine’s house in West Los Angeles. Later, after joining the Church, the L.A. Temple Visitor’s Center became a regular “hang out” place for Sunday-night movies with my friends. We occasionally performed youth baptisms, and a week or so before my mission I received my endowments there. During my MTC experience, I became a regular Temple patron for the first time in my life. My only Temple experience while in the mission field in Peru was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lima Temple; I will never forget the prophetic promise Elder Boyd K. Packer gave, that Peru would arise and take its place among the leading nations on earth once the Temple was built. After my mission and marriage, Temple attendance became occasional to monthly, and we then moved to the Midwest, where Temple attendance became a few-times-a-year event, mostly whenever we traveled to see family living near a Temple.
Since that time, I have had several poignant revelatory experiences in the Temple. Of equal or greater significance than those, however, has been the spiritual strength gained since I started regularly attending. Regular Temple attendance, to me, means weekly attendance with my wife Trish. That doesn’t necessarily mean we actually make it to the Temple every week, but since establishing a regular “Temple night” we have been getting there 2-3 evenings per month. If we only have an hour or two, we go and do 5-10 initiatories, or maybe sealings. These blessings of regular Temple attendance include better control of my temper and thoughts, increased ability to understand the Lord’s will or Priesthood power, more harmony in my marriage and family, and a desire in my children to participate in Temple baptisms with their friends.
President Howard W. Hunter made the Temple the focus of his short prophetic ministry. In his October, 1994 Ensign First Presidency Message, “The Great Symbol of Our Membership”, he asked us to consider the Lord’s promises for Temple patrons and the qualifications for Temple service in D&C 97:15-21:
“And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it; Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God… And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible. And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there; And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower. Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice.”
President Hunter also counseled us to, “be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people”, to “hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow… not only for our kindred dead, but…also…for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls”.
Temples are changing the world. Endowed people must have the freedom to abide by their covenants. The full sanctifying power of Christ’s Atonement must be extended to all of God’s children. This is the dispensation of the beginning of Israel’s great gathering, on the earth and through ages of time past. Regular Temple attendance will also change our lives. Section 109, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, speaks of these things. The very mountains that surround us here in Utah are symbols that remind us of these truths, as Elder Penrose recognized in his lovely lyrics. I solemnly testify and promise that they are true.
Review of June’s Home Teaching Message:
“To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. You ask, ‘How might we achieve these goals?’ I answer, ‘By gaining a true perspective of who we really are!’ We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God. We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power.
In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm. But from long ago the Lord’s counsel to Samuel the prophet echoes: ‘The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Redeemer chose imperfect people to teach the way to perfection. He did so then. He does so now—even yellow canaries with gray on their wings. He calls you and me to serve Him here below. Our commitment must be total. And in our struggle, should we stumble, let us plead: ‘Lead us, oh lead us, great Molder of men, out of the darkness to strive once again.’
My prayer is that we will follow the example of the Man of Galilee, who could be found mingling with the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the afflicted. May a true song come from our hearts as we do so.”
–President Thomas S. Monson
Review of June’s Relief Society Message:
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life. …
“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”
-Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice. …
“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”
-Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
Announcements:
Canyon Outing – For all Women and Young Women, aged 12 and up
Saturday, July 10th from 10:30am to 3:30pm at Christensen’s Cabin, near Sundance
• We will meet in the church parking lot at 10:30am to carpool, as parking space at the cabin is limited. It takes about halt an hour to drive to the cabin.
• The area is forested and unfenced, with a swift-running stream crossing the property, so please do not bring small children.
• We will relax, enjoy nature, and eat lunch at the cabin. Please bring whatever you would like to cook on a grill, and sign up for a potluck contribution (1 per family).
• One vehicle will leave right after lunch for those who may need to return early.
• We plan to leave for home about 3:00pm, arriving back at the church at 3:30pm
• Please bring a jacket, walking shoes, and WATER shoes if you wish to wade.
• Please sign up if you plan to come, so we will have an idea of numbers.
The Crawford’s home at 1760 S. Main Street will be available for rent in July. The rent can be either to three singles for $350 per month plus utilities, or to a family for $1100 plus utilities. If interested, please call Bro. Crawford at (801) 368-2262.
We begin the month of July in Church singing hymns about freedom and end the month with songs about the pioneers. Elder Charles W. Penrose tied these two themes together beautifully with a third theme – Temple work – when he wrote the words of the majestic hymn, O Ye Mountains High.
Temples have gradually grown on me. As a child, I remember passing the magnificent temple on Santa Monica Blvd. whenever we would go to my Aunt Elaine’s house in West Los Angeles. Later, after joining the Church, the L.A. Temple Visitor’s Center became a regular “hang out” place for Sunday-night movies with my friends. We occasionally performed youth baptisms, and a week or so before my mission I received my endowments there. During my MTC experience, I became a regular Temple patron for the first time in my life. My only Temple experience while in the mission field in Peru was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lima Temple; I will never forget the prophetic promise Elder Boyd K. Packer gave, that Peru would arise and take its place among the leading nations on earth once the Temple was built. After my mission and marriage, Temple attendance became occasional to monthly, and we then moved to the Midwest, where Temple attendance became a few-times-a-year event, mostly whenever we traveled to see family living near a Temple.
Since that time, I have had several poignant revelatory experiences in the Temple. Of equal or greater significance than those, however, has been the spiritual strength gained since I started regularly attending. Regular Temple attendance, to me, means weekly attendance with my wife Trish. That doesn’t necessarily mean we actually make it to the Temple every week, but since establishing a regular “Temple night” we have been getting there 2-3 evenings per month. If we only have an hour or two, we go and do 5-10 initiatories, or maybe sealings. These blessings of regular Temple attendance include better control of my temper and thoughts, increased ability to understand the Lord’s will or Priesthood power, more harmony in my marriage and family, and a desire in my children to participate in Temple baptisms with their friends.
President Howard W. Hunter made the Temple the focus of his short prophetic ministry. In his October, 1994 Ensign First Presidency Message, “The Great Symbol of Our Membership”, he asked us to consider the Lord’s promises for Temple patrons and the qualifications for Temple service in D&C 97:15-21:
“And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it; Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God… And, now, behold, if Zion do these things she shall prosper, and spread herself and become very glorious, very great, and very terrible. And the nations of the earth shall honor her, and shall say: Surely Zion is the city of our God, and surely Zion cannot fall, neither be moved out of her place, for God is there, and the hand of the Lord is there; And he hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her high tower. Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART; therefore, let Zion rejoice.”
President Hunter also counseled us to, “be a temple-attending and a temple-loving people”, to “hasten to the temple as frequently as time and means and personal circumstances allow… not only for our kindred dead, but…also…for the personal blessing of temple worship, for the sanctity and safety which is provided within those hallowed and consecrated walls”.
Temples are changing the world. Endowed people must have the freedom to abide by their covenants. The full sanctifying power of Christ’s Atonement must be extended to all of God’s children. This is the dispensation of the beginning of Israel’s great gathering, on the earth and through ages of time past. Regular Temple attendance will also change our lives. Section 109, the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, speaks of these things. The very mountains that surround us here in Utah are symbols that remind us of these truths, as Elder Penrose recognized in his lovely lyrics. I solemnly testify and promise that they are true.
Review of June’s Home Teaching Message:
“To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. You ask, ‘How might we achieve these goals?’ I answer, ‘By gaining a true perspective of who we really are!’ We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God. We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power.
In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm. But from long ago the Lord’s counsel to Samuel the prophet echoes: ‘The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Redeemer chose imperfect people to teach the way to perfection. He did so then. He does so now—even yellow canaries with gray on their wings. He calls you and me to serve Him here below. Our commitment must be total. And in our struggle, should we stumble, let us plead: ‘Lead us, oh lead us, great Molder of men, out of the darkness to strive once again.’
My prayer is that we will follow the example of the Man of Galilee, who could be found mingling with the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the afflicted. May a true song come from our hearts as we do so.”
–President Thomas S. Monson
Review of June’s Relief Society Message:
“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life. …
“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”
-Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice. …
“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”
-Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
Announcements:
Canyon Outing – For all Women and Young Women, aged 12 and up
Saturday, July 10th from 10:30am to 3:30pm at Christensen’s Cabin, near Sundance
• We will meet in the church parking lot at 10:30am to carpool, as parking space at the cabin is limited. It takes about halt an hour to drive to the cabin.
• The area is forested and unfenced, with a swift-running stream crossing the property, so please do not bring small children.
• We will relax, enjoy nature, and eat lunch at the cabin. Please bring whatever you would like to cook on a grill, and sign up for a potluck contribution (1 per family).
• One vehicle will leave right after lunch for those who may need to return early.
• We plan to leave for home about 3:00pm, arriving back at the church at 3:30pm
• Please bring a jacket, walking shoes, and WATER shoes if you wish to wade.
• Please sign up if you plan to come, so we will have an idea of numbers.
The Crawford’s home at 1760 S. Main Street will be available for rent in July. The rent can be either to three singles for $350 per month plus utilities, or to a family for $1100 plus utilities. If interested, please call Bro. Crawford at (801) 368-2262.
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