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.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Lakeview Lighthouse
JUNE 2010
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
During the past month I have read or listened to much of our April Conference. I love conference and how even though the Brethren have not been assigned topics. Their talks blend together and common themes manifest themselves. Two talks that impressed me because of their similarity and needed message were Elder Koichi Aoyagi’s "Helping Hands, Saving Hands" and President Uchtdorf’s "You Are My Hands".
Elder Aoyagi said "may we follow the counsel and example of the prophet and each day seek out those in need, that we might be the hands of the Lord in helping and saving His children..." and President Uchtdorf said "...every day, as we contemplate with reverence and awe how our Savior embraces us, comforts us, and heals us, let us commit to become His hands, that others through us may feel His loving embrace." Elder Aoyagi quoted President Monson in his talk as having said "My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers.
We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." As all three of these quotes suggest, our hands are to become the hands of the Lord in lifting, building, and blessing the lives of others. These talks stood out to me because at the same time I was reviewing them I had the opportunity to witness and be aware of individuals and families in the ward being the helping hands of the Savior for other members of the ward. Had the Bishop not been away, I would not have known of these multiple quiet acts of service. I was impressed as I often have been when I witness your love and concern for each other.
Elder Aoyagi said "I know many of you privately extend your loving and saving hands each day....I do not have time to tell you about all the good things I see Church members do. They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully." This was echoed by President Uchtdorf when he said "I am deeply impressed by the way our Church members extend themselves to others.
As we hear of your selfless sacrifice and overwhelming compassion, our hearts swell with gratitude and happiness. You are a shining light to the world, and you are known for your goodness and compassion all around the globe." With all the good that is being done there are still those who go unnoticed, those who feel alone, those in need of love and encouragement. Elder Uchtdorf suggested that we need to "...let our hearts and hands be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn. We are commanded ‘to mourn with those that mourn’ and ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort’."
Brothers and Sisters, I know that as we make time in our busy hectic world to follow this counsel we will be blessed. President Uchtdorf spoke of those blessings when he said "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christ like love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."
May these blessings be ours as we become the helping saving hands of the Savior.
-Brother Matthew Wright
Relief Society News
Relief Society Activity
Potluck Picnic and Garden Walk
For Relief Society Sisters and Young Women
Thursday, June 10, 6:00 p.m.
Bring a potluck salad and meet at Posterity Park at 6:00 p.m. Rolls, drink and dessert will be provided. After dinner we will go on a garden walk to see the different ways our neighbors garden
2010 Cub Scout Summer Day Camps at Jeremiah Johnson (Hobble Creek Canyon)
Wolf & Bear Day Camp will be on June 30th
Webelo Day Camp will be on June 26th
*Return 'permission to go slip' to Memoree Durfee no later than April 29th...camp spots will be reserved according to slips returned.
*Pay $15.00 camp fee on donation slip marking cub scout summer day camp in "other" box.
Scout camp: June 26-July 3, Camp New Fork (Wyoming)
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
Each young man needs to earn $52 and have that turned in several weeks before the campout! (Deacons need their money turned in by June 7.)
This year our ward has decided to incorporate supporting a local charity into
our ward activities. The Christmas Box Club ( a charity that helps abused
children that have been removed from their homes) is the charity we have
selected. We appreciate all those who were able to attend our Christmas Box
Club fireside to learn more about the organization and our goal for this year.
We would like every family to counsel together and decide what they can
contribute. The Young Men, Young Women and primary organizations will also
be involved in projects. We will also do some service activities at the ward camp
out in July. We have a list of the items that are needed (all items need to be
purchased new or newly made). Our goal is to collect throughout the year and
present it to the Christmas Box Club at our ward Christmas party! If you have
any questions, would like a list of items needed, or would like to drop off any
items your family would like to contribute please contact Devin Dye (801-362-
9966).
JUNE 2010
Please visit us at: Lakeviewlighthouse.blogspot.com
Bishopric message
During the past month I have read or listened to much of our April Conference. I love conference and how even though the Brethren have not been assigned topics. Their talks blend together and common themes manifest themselves. Two talks that impressed me because of their similarity and needed message were Elder Koichi Aoyagi’s "Helping Hands, Saving Hands" and President Uchtdorf’s "You Are My Hands".
Elder Aoyagi said "may we follow the counsel and example of the prophet and each day seek out those in need, that we might be the hands of the Lord in helping and saving His children..." and President Uchtdorf said "...every day, as we contemplate with reverence and awe how our Savior embraces us, comforts us, and heals us, let us commit to become His hands, that others through us may feel His loving embrace." Elder Aoyagi quoted President Monson in his talk as having said "My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers.
We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us." As all three of these quotes suggest, our hands are to become the hands of the Lord in lifting, building, and blessing the lives of others. These talks stood out to me because at the same time I was reviewing them I had the opportunity to witness and be aware of individuals and families in the ward being the helping hands of the Savior for other members of the ward. Had the Bishop not been away, I would not have known of these multiple quiet acts of service. I was impressed as I often have been when I witness your love and concern for each other.
Elder Aoyagi said "I know many of you privately extend your loving and saving hands each day....I do not have time to tell you about all the good things I see Church members do. They follow the counsel of the prophet—not out of duty or responsibility but of their own free will, anonymously and joyfully." This was echoed by President Uchtdorf when he said "I am deeply impressed by the way our Church members extend themselves to others.
As we hear of your selfless sacrifice and overwhelming compassion, our hearts swell with gratitude and happiness. You are a shining light to the world, and you are known for your goodness and compassion all around the globe." With all the good that is being done there are still those who go unnoticed, those who feel alone, those in need of love and encouragement. Elder Uchtdorf suggested that we need to "...let our hearts and hands be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn. We are commanded ‘to mourn with those that mourn’ and ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort’."
Brothers and Sisters, I know that as we make time in our busy hectic world to follow this counsel we will be blessed. President Uchtdorf spoke of those blessings when he said "As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christ like love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit."
May these blessings be ours as we become the helping saving hands of the Savior.
-Brother Matthew Wright
Relief Society News
Relief Society Activity
Potluck Picnic and Garden Walk
For Relief Society Sisters and Young Women
Thursday, June 10, 6:00 p.m.
Bring a potluck salad and meet at Posterity Park at 6:00 p.m. Rolls, drink and dessert will be provided. After dinner we will go on a garden walk to see the different ways our neighbors garden
2010 Cub Scout Summer Day Camps at Jeremiah Johnson (Hobble Creek Canyon)
Wolf & Bear Day Camp will be on June 30th
Webelo Day Camp will be on June 26th
*Return 'permission to go slip' to Memoree Durfee no later than April 29th...camp spots will be reserved according to slips returned.
*Pay $15.00 camp fee on donation slip marking cub scout summer day camp in "other" box.
Scout camp: June 26-July 3, Camp New Fork (Wyoming)
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
Each young man needs to earn $52 and have that turned in several weeks before the campout! (Deacons need their money turned in by June 7.)
This year our ward has decided to incorporate supporting a local charity into
our ward activities. The Christmas Box Club ( a charity that helps abused
children that have been removed from their homes) is the charity we have
selected. We appreciate all those who were able to attend our Christmas Box
Club fireside to learn more about the organization and our goal for this year.
We would like every family to counsel together and decide what they can
contribute. The Young Men, Young Women and primary organizations will also
be involved in projects. We will also do some service activities at the ward camp
out in July. We have a list of the items that are needed (all items need to be
purchased new or newly made). Our goal is to collect throughout the year and
present it to the Christmas Box Club at our ward Christmas party! If you have
any questions, would like a list of items needed, or would like to drop off any
items your family would like to contribute please contact Devin Dye (801-362-
9966).
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Lakeview Lighthouse
May 2010
Bishopric message
In listening to Bro. Matthew Wright and Bro. Mark Lekic speak this past Sunday in Sacrament meeting, I was reminded again how important it is to review the words of our prophets, seers and revelators. As I heard President Uchtdorf and President Eyring give their Priesthood session addresses in April, I knew that we needed to have those same messages in a sacrament meeting, and soon! How pleased I was that my counselors not only addressed the themes of patience and diligence, they also shared wonderful insights with us from their own personal experiences. As we review the teachings of our church leaders from the latest General Conference, we always pick up on different things that they touch upon, as opposed to when we first hear them speak. And the church has made it so easy for us to review their messages. We can view, listen or read them online at lds.org or we can wait until the Ensign magazine becomes available to review their teachings.
Many of these leaders talked about the importance of families and how we need to teach one another and not wait for the church to take sole responsibility to teach our family members. As parents, this is our role and charge. As children, it is important that we remain teachable and listen to what our parents are trying to teach us. We can’t always expect a Primary Teacher, a Sunday School teacher, a Young Men or Young Women leader to teach us the things we need to know. Certainly they can help, but the essential resource for us to learn basic gospel principles is in the home. This principle was repeated time and again in this most recent General Conference. I hope that you will join with me in reviewing these important and timely messages. May we do all that we can to apply these teachings in our homes with our families. As we make the effort to reinforce the principles taught in General Conference, love can prevail and our ability to cope with challenges and trials that we face will increase.
A few weeks ago, I asked my son, Roger, to help with the Tresner family’s move to their new home in the 6th ward. As we were working side by side he mentioned how serving always seems hard before you begin doing the work. Once you get started, serving others actually gives you more energy and you don’t seem to get tired or fatigued. I’m glad he shared that with me, as I think it applies to our efforts in teaching and reinforcing the principles taught in General Conference in our own homes. We might feel unsure how to begin or even where to start, but once we get involved in reviewing their messages and how they might be applied in our own personal situations, it will undoubtedly become easier.
We live in a great neighborhood and ward. I so appreciate the things that you good people do for one another. Please take the time to do good things in your own homes by teaching, reviewing, and learning from the messages of our church leaders. As we do so, I testify that we will be blessed and strengthened and that a greater spirit of love and understanding will prevail in our lives.
Bishop Ron Brough
Primary Happenings— May 2010
This past two months we have talked about how the Savior blesses our lives through giving us prophets. During April we have talked about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his important role as the first prophet or our dispensation. We talked about how Joseph Smith was able translate the Book of Mormon though the power of God. We discussed how Jesus restored His true church to the earth through Joseph Smith. It has been a month of testimony building as we have realized the blessings of being a part of this restoration.
In May we will be discussing the basic principles and ordinances of the gospel and how these lead us to Christ. We will take particular notice of the covenants we make at baptism and how we can be more mindful of those covenants in our lives. We are looking forward to a wonderful month.
Coming & Going
We said “good-bye” to two of our Valiant 11 students during the past two months. Tiffany Morales and Christopher Nielson both turned 12 and have moved on to the Young Men’s and Women’s programs. Both Tiffany and Christopher earned their Faith in God Award before graduating. We appreciate the example they have been to the rest of us and we will miss them in our primary.
We also said farewell to Sister April Woodhouse in March as she was released as our Primary councilor. She is moving on to work with the stake girl’s camp program this summer. She has served in primary for many years as a teacher then councilor. We appreciate her faithfulness and diligent work and wish her well in her new church service. In turn, we welcome Sister Kristen Bingham as our new Primary councilor. She has been serving in the nursery and we are excited to have her with us in primary.
Young Women activities for May-
May 5- Fiesta De Fun @ the Stake Center
May 12- Camp Kickoff!
May 19- Learning the camp skit
May 26- Video Festival
Girls, please remember your money for camp ($52) is due May 9!
Congratulations to Sheri Millard who was elected Mountain View's Student Body President!
Belated thank you to Toma Blair, Cheryl Yeager, Rachel Hirschi, and Michelle Rasmussen.
Thank you for all your great lessons and thoughts. You will be missed!
Scouting Announcements:
The Scout-o-Rama is going to be held on Saturday, May 22nd at the Scera Park (550 South State Street). It goes from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It is a 3 District event for the entire Utah National Parks Council. The event is free for all Scouts and cubscouts. It will have pinewood derby events with prizes (I'd bring your pinewood derby car) , cub scout booths, merit badge booths, and food to buy (fry bread $2 and Taco lunch $4). For more information: go to www.oremscoutorama.org. It is especially fun for scouts, but families may just like to wander around and look at the fun exhibits.
2010 Cub Scout Summer Day Camps at Jeremiah Johnson (Hobble Creek Canyon)
Wolf & Bear Day Camp will be on June 30th
Webelo Day Camp will be on June 26th
*Return 'permission to go slip' to Memoree Durfee no later than April 29th...camp spots will be reserved according to slips returned.
*Pay $15.00 camp fee on donation slip marking cub scout summer day camp in "other" box.
Scout camp: June 26-July 3, Camp New Fork (Wyoming)
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
Each young man needs to earn $52 and have that turned in several weeks before the campout! (Deacons need their money turned in by June 7.)
May 2010
Bishopric message
In listening to Bro. Matthew Wright and Bro. Mark Lekic speak this past Sunday in Sacrament meeting, I was reminded again how important it is to review the words of our prophets, seers and revelators. As I heard President Uchtdorf and President Eyring give their Priesthood session addresses in April, I knew that we needed to have those same messages in a sacrament meeting, and soon! How pleased I was that my counselors not only addressed the themes of patience and diligence, they also shared wonderful insights with us from their own personal experiences. As we review the teachings of our church leaders from the latest General Conference, we always pick up on different things that they touch upon, as opposed to when we first hear them speak. And the church has made it so easy for us to review their messages. We can view, listen or read them online at lds.org or we can wait until the Ensign magazine becomes available to review their teachings.
Many of these leaders talked about the importance of families and how we need to teach one another and not wait for the church to take sole responsibility to teach our family members. As parents, this is our role and charge. As children, it is important that we remain teachable and listen to what our parents are trying to teach us. We can’t always expect a Primary Teacher, a Sunday School teacher, a Young Men or Young Women leader to teach us the things we need to know. Certainly they can help, but the essential resource for us to learn basic gospel principles is in the home. This principle was repeated time and again in this most recent General Conference. I hope that you will join with me in reviewing these important and timely messages. May we do all that we can to apply these teachings in our homes with our families. As we make the effort to reinforce the principles taught in General Conference, love can prevail and our ability to cope with challenges and trials that we face will increase.
A few weeks ago, I asked my son, Roger, to help with the Tresner family’s move to their new home in the 6th ward. As we were working side by side he mentioned how serving always seems hard before you begin doing the work. Once you get started, serving others actually gives you more energy and you don’t seem to get tired or fatigued. I’m glad he shared that with me, as I think it applies to our efforts in teaching and reinforcing the principles taught in General Conference in our own homes. We might feel unsure how to begin or even where to start, but once we get involved in reviewing their messages and how they might be applied in our own personal situations, it will undoubtedly become easier.
We live in a great neighborhood and ward. I so appreciate the things that you good people do for one another. Please take the time to do good things in your own homes by teaching, reviewing, and learning from the messages of our church leaders. As we do so, I testify that we will be blessed and strengthened and that a greater spirit of love and understanding will prevail in our lives.
Bishop Ron Brough
Primary Happenings— May 2010
This past two months we have talked about how the Savior blesses our lives through giving us prophets. During April we have talked about the Prophet Joseph Smith and his important role as the first prophet or our dispensation. We talked about how Joseph Smith was able translate the Book of Mormon though the power of God. We discussed how Jesus restored His true church to the earth through Joseph Smith. It has been a month of testimony building as we have realized the blessings of being a part of this restoration.
In May we will be discussing the basic principles and ordinances of the gospel and how these lead us to Christ. We will take particular notice of the covenants we make at baptism and how we can be more mindful of those covenants in our lives. We are looking forward to a wonderful month.
Coming & Going
We said “good-bye” to two of our Valiant 11 students during the past two months. Tiffany Morales and Christopher Nielson both turned 12 and have moved on to the Young Men’s and Women’s programs. Both Tiffany and Christopher earned their Faith in God Award before graduating. We appreciate the example they have been to the rest of us and we will miss them in our primary.
We also said farewell to Sister April Woodhouse in March as she was released as our Primary councilor. She is moving on to work with the stake girl’s camp program this summer. She has served in primary for many years as a teacher then councilor. We appreciate her faithfulness and diligent work and wish her well in her new church service. In turn, we welcome Sister Kristen Bingham as our new Primary councilor. She has been serving in the nursery and we are excited to have her with us in primary.
Young Women activities for May-
May 5- Fiesta De Fun @ the Stake Center
May 12- Camp Kickoff!
May 19- Learning the camp skit
May 26- Video Festival
Girls, please remember your money for camp ($52) is due May 9!
Congratulations to Sheri Millard who was elected Mountain View's Student Body President!
Belated thank you to Toma Blair, Cheryl Yeager, Rachel Hirschi, and Michelle Rasmussen.
Thank you for all your great lessons and thoughts. You will be missed!
Scouting Announcements:
The Scout-o-Rama is going to be held on Saturday, May 22nd at the Scera Park (550 South State Street). It goes from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It is a 3 District event for the entire Utah National Parks Council. The event is free for all Scouts and cubscouts. It will have pinewood derby events with prizes (I'd bring your pinewood derby car) , cub scout booths, merit badge booths, and food to buy (fry bread $2 and Taco lunch $4). For more information: go to www.oremscoutorama.org. It is especially fun for scouts, but families may just like to wander around and look at the fun exhibits.
2010 Cub Scout Summer Day Camps at Jeremiah Johnson (Hobble Creek Canyon)
Wolf & Bear Day Camp will be on June 30th
Webelo Day Camp will be on June 26th
*Return 'permission to go slip' to Memoree Durfee no later than April 29th...camp spots will be reserved according to slips returned.
*Pay $15.00 camp fee on donation slip marking cub scout summer day camp in "other" box.
Scout camp: June 26-July 3, Camp New Fork (Wyoming)
Varsity weeklong: Aug 3-7, Camp Wild (Idaho)
Venturer’s weeklong: Aug 3-7, Cedar City/St. George
Each young man needs to earn $52 and have that turned in several weeks before the campout! (Deacons need their money turned in by June 7.)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Lakeview Lighthouse: March 2010
LAKEVIEW LIGHTHOUSE
Lakeview 8th Ward Newsletter: March 2010
Over the past several weeks as I’ve thumbed through the newspaper I’ve read some of the following headlines: “Pediatrician’s alleged victims may surpass 103”, “Top Executives not sure problems are solved”, “Classes resume after deadly shooting”, “Man pleads Guilty to terror plot”, “Heroine clings to life after hit-and-run”, etc., etc., etc. The numbers of uplifting stories were seemingly dwarfed in comparison to those that portray the darker side of humanity. But for me, the stories that provoked the most interest were from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC.
As I watched and read about various events I was reminded of the opening theme from the old TV sports program ABC Wide World of Sports where Jim McKay announced “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat . . . The human drama of athletic competition”. For me this phrase is nowhere better dramatized than in the Olympic Games. Here are young men and women who have put forth the time, the effort, and the sacrifice necessary to be a part of this ultimate competition. They have trained under the guidance of equally dedicated coaches and have listened to the voice of experience, which has led them to athletic prominence. I marveled and watched in fascination at the level of perfection achieved by these many talented athletes in their respective events. To my untrained eye I was unable to distinguish small errors in certain routines that inevitably resulted in lost points and ultimately the chance for higher achievement for these individuals.
One event captured my attention above all others. It was the mens ‘10,000 Meter Speed Skating’. A young man from Holland was the favorite to win the race. He was more than 4 seconds ahead of the all other’s in the field and a clear favorite to set not only an Olympic record but a world record as well. Then, with 8 (short) laps to go he passed a crucial point (cone) on the track, a crossroad of sorts, in which lane changes normally occur. At this point in the race he was expected to stay in the outer lane and he later recounted:
“I wanted to go on the outer lane. Then just before the cone [my coach] shouted: 'inner lane!' I thought he's probably right and [I] went to the inner lane. At first I thought my skates passed the cone on the wrong side…then I noticed in the stadium something was wrong. You have to decide in a split second. Afterwards I should have gone with my own thoughts, but I was brought into doubt. This is a real expensive mistake.”
His coach had made an innocent error by miscounting the number of laps. As a result of listening to that “other voice” this athlete committed a lane infraction which resulted in disqualification from the race and ultimately cost him an Olympic Gold Medal. Truly going from the “thrill of victory” to the “agony of defeat” in a split second.
We may not be athletes preparing for Olympic competition but we are “children of the most High” preparing ourselves to “return and report” to Him our stewardship on earth. Like these athletes, we too have our own moments when we’ve felt either the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Considering the time, effort, and sacrifice that we put into achieving our own dreams, some of us would say we experience more of the latter than the former.
How do we then make all of our hard work pay off so that we may reach that seemingly elusive Celestial “medals podium”? May I suggest that even though we cannot stop listening completely to all the “other voices” in our lives, we can listen to “The Voice”…that of the Holy Ghost. On our team is the ultimate coaching staff making the ultimate winning calls for our success. They are a Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They make no mistakes in leading us at the critical decision points! They impart this wisdom to us through their chosen servants on earth. These Prophets, Seers, and Revelators have the revealed game plan for our individual victory. They also coach us directly through divine promptings that come to us through the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Part of our “celestial” training is learning to recognize and distinguish between Their voices and the “other” voices so that we may make the right decisions at the crossroads in our lives. I hope and pray that we will take the time to stay within their training program as outlined in the Restored Gospel and avoid the pitfalls and distractions of the world that would disqualify us from our rightful reward.
Mark Lekic
2nd Counselor
Relief Society:
The Relief Society Activity in February was a hit! Our night began with an interactive lesson from Memorie Durfee. We discussed how debt enslaves us and Memorie gave everyone a card (to be kept with a credit card) that said “A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.” ---Fortune Cookie I CAN’T AFFORD IT! Next Elaine Andelin entertained us by showing how to make whole wheat bread. She shared her bread, hot out of the oven, with strawberry and apricot freezer jams and a relish tray. While we ate refreshments, Melodee Andersen shared her knowledge about storing food and cooking from food storage. She displayed a year supply of food for one person and estimated the cost. She also shared many examples of how we could integrate whole foods (from our food storage) into our daily meals and had some yummy samples of things such as sprouted grains and peas. We were well fed…both spiritually and physically! Thank you to those who helped make the night a success.
Primary Happenings— March 2010
Primary is now settled into the new year and our new classes. We have wonderful teachers and we appreciate all they do to prepare for primary each week. During January and February, our sharing time themes have been about Jesus Christ and His role as our Savior. In March and the months that follow we will be learning about the many wonderful gifts our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us to guide us while we are on earth. In March we will be talking about Prophets and how they testify of Jesus Christ and guide us safely back to our heavenly home.
Scripture Power
This year we have set a goal to learn more of our Savior through studying the scriptures. Each week in Senior Primary we mark a scripture relating to our theme of the day. Our teachers are also using scriptures in the classrooms. For this reason, we want to encourage all of our reading Primary children to bring their scriptures each week. We also are sending home a monthly bookmark. This has a list of scriptures relating to the theme of the month. We are challenging the children to read at least a scripture verse a day. The bookmark serves as a reminder of this goal. We hope that parents are helping their children with this goal by discussing the scripture verse with your child as you read. With your help they will be able to read and understand their scriptures.
Activities
We had our first quarterly activity in February. We had special guest presenters (Sister Barnes, Brother Hans Andersen, and Brother & Sister Parkinson) teach us about the origin and preservation of the Old & New Testaments and the Pearl of Great Price. We learned so much we didn’t know before!
Our next activity will be in May and the Sr. Primary children will take the stage as they present skits about their favorite Old Testament stories. This should be great fun for performers and viewers alike!
We are also looking forward to a Faith in God activity on March 13th for all Primary children 8 and older. This is a Stake activity and more details will be forthcoming. It will be at the Stake Center, though time is still pending.
Our Activity Day girls are busy with their biweekly meetings. You may have noticed some homes that were heart attacked! I think these girls might know something about that! They are looking forward to a fun night with their daddies on March 11th. Our cub scout and 11 y/o scouting groups are meeting weekly and are doing great things as the boys work towards their goals and achievements. We so appreciate our dedicated leaders who make this all happen week after week!
Announcements:
PRIESTS:
Priest’s/ Venturer’s Summer Weeklong ActivityAugust 3-7, Cedar City and environsPlease put on your family calendars!
YOUNG WOMEN:
Wed. March 3-Activity
Laurels: Dance card interviews/packing the trailer for Youth Conference
Mia Maids: Dance card interviews/packing the trailer for Youth Conference
Beehives: Cake Decorating
Thu. March 4 - Sat. March 6: Event
Youth Conference (Leaving 3:00 PM Thu. March 4 returning 12:00 PM Sat. March 6)
Wed. March 10- Activity (Combined: Beehives, Mia Maids, Laurels)
Band Night
Sat. March 13-Event
7:00 PM Stake Youth Dance
Tue. March 16- Event (Laurels Only)
Stake Relief Society Commemoration
Wed. March 17-Activity
Laurels: No activity
Mia Maids: Stevenson's Genealogy Center to bind Personal Progress books
Beehives: Talent Show
Tue. March 23-Event
7:00 PM Stake Young Women Camp Kickoff
Wed. March 24-Activity
Laurels: Budget Shopping (Combined w/ Priests)
Mia Maids: Blanket making (Combined w/ Teachers)
Beehives: Scripture recipes (Combined w/ Deacons)
Sat. March 27-Event
6:00 PM Young Women General Broadcast
Wed. March 31-Activity
Laurels: Passover Activity
Mia Maids: Calligraphy
Beehives: Fondue night & budgeting
Stake Relief Society Meeting – Tuesday, March 16th, 7pm.
Celebrating the beginning of Relief Society. ALL laurels and sisters invited.
It will be held in the chapel so we ask that the sisters wear dresses.
Scout Uniforms Wanted!
The 8th Ward Scouts are setting up a scout uniform bank. We want each scout to have a complete uniform and to take advantage of the all benefits that wearing the uniform provides.
The uniform reminds a Scout of who he is and what is expected of him. It identifies him as part of a patrol, troop, council and worldwide youth movement.
He can take pride in being a Scout, and in the achievements shown on his uniform and sash.
The uniform bank will allow us to have uniforms for each boy and will help reduce the costs to the families especially since a boy will outgrow his first uniform before he is out of scouting. So we need all sizes of pants and shirts. Socks, belts, hats and sashes are also needed.
We currently have 14 boys in our troop.
As a reminder, there are three aims to Scouting:
To build character
To build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect
To foster citizenship
To foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of
service to others and an understanding of democratic principles.
To develop fitness
To develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will
stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.
One of Scouting’s methods for youth development is wearing the uniform.
If you have any scout uniforms you would like to donate, please contact Brian Andelin (801-222-9641) or Dave Blair (801-427-5743) and we will come pick them up.
Thank You.
Lakeview 8th Ward Newsletter: March 2010
Over the past several weeks as I’ve thumbed through the newspaper I’ve read some of the following headlines: “Pediatrician’s alleged victims may surpass 103”, “Top Executives not sure problems are solved”, “Classes resume after deadly shooting”, “Man pleads Guilty to terror plot”, “Heroine clings to life after hit-and-run”, etc., etc., etc. The numbers of uplifting stories were seemingly dwarfed in comparison to those that portray the darker side of humanity. But for me, the stories that provoked the most interest were from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC.
As I watched and read about various events I was reminded of the opening theme from the old TV sports program ABC Wide World of Sports where Jim McKay announced “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat . . . The human drama of athletic competition”. For me this phrase is nowhere better dramatized than in the Olympic Games. Here are young men and women who have put forth the time, the effort, and the sacrifice necessary to be a part of this ultimate competition. They have trained under the guidance of equally dedicated coaches and have listened to the voice of experience, which has led them to athletic prominence. I marveled and watched in fascination at the level of perfection achieved by these many talented athletes in their respective events. To my untrained eye I was unable to distinguish small errors in certain routines that inevitably resulted in lost points and ultimately the chance for higher achievement for these individuals.
One event captured my attention above all others. It was the mens ‘10,000 Meter Speed Skating’. A young man from Holland was the favorite to win the race. He was more than 4 seconds ahead of the all other’s in the field and a clear favorite to set not only an Olympic record but a world record as well. Then, with 8 (short) laps to go he passed a crucial point (cone) on the track, a crossroad of sorts, in which lane changes normally occur. At this point in the race he was expected to stay in the outer lane and he later recounted:
“I wanted to go on the outer lane. Then just before the cone [my coach] shouted: 'inner lane!' I thought he's probably right and [I] went to the inner lane. At first I thought my skates passed the cone on the wrong side…then I noticed in the stadium something was wrong. You have to decide in a split second. Afterwards I should have gone with my own thoughts, but I was brought into doubt. This is a real expensive mistake.”
His coach had made an innocent error by miscounting the number of laps. As a result of listening to that “other voice” this athlete committed a lane infraction which resulted in disqualification from the race and ultimately cost him an Olympic Gold Medal. Truly going from the “thrill of victory” to the “agony of defeat” in a split second.
We may not be athletes preparing for Olympic competition but we are “children of the most High” preparing ourselves to “return and report” to Him our stewardship on earth. Like these athletes, we too have our own moments when we’ve felt either the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Considering the time, effort, and sacrifice that we put into achieving our own dreams, some of us would say we experience more of the latter than the former.
How do we then make all of our hard work pay off so that we may reach that seemingly elusive Celestial “medals podium”? May I suggest that even though we cannot stop listening completely to all the “other voices” in our lives, we can listen to “The Voice”…that of the Holy Ghost. On our team is the ultimate coaching staff making the ultimate winning calls for our success. They are a Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. They make no mistakes in leading us at the critical decision points! They impart this wisdom to us through their chosen servants on earth. These Prophets, Seers, and Revelators have the revealed game plan for our individual victory. They also coach us directly through divine promptings that come to us through the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Part of our “celestial” training is learning to recognize and distinguish between Their voices and the “other” voices so that we may make the right decisions at the crossroads in our lives. I hope and pray that we will take the time to stay within their training program as outlined in the Restored Gospel and avoid the pitfalls and distractions of the world that would disqualify us from our rightful reward.
Mark Lekic
2nd Counselor
Relief Society:
The Relief Society Activity in February was a hit! Our night began with an interactive lesson from Memorie Durfee. We discussed how debt enslaves us and Memorie gave everyone a card (to be kept with a credit card) that said “A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.” ---Fortune Cookie I CAN’T AFFORD IT! Next Elaine Andelin entertained us by showing how to make whole wheat bread. She shared her bread, hot out of the oven, with strawberry and apricot freezer jams and a relish tray. While we ate refreshments, Melodee Andersen shared her knowledge about storing food and cooking from food storage. She displayed a year supply of food for one person and estimated the cost. She also shared many examples of how we could integrate whole foods (from our food storage) into our daily meals and had some yummy samples of things such as sprouted grains and peas. We were well fed…both spiritually and physically! Thank you to those who helped make the night a success.
Primary Happenings— March 2010
Primary is now settled into the new year and our new classes. We have wonderful teachers and we appreciate all they do to prepare for primary each week. During January and February, our sharing time themes have been about Jesus Christ and His role as our Savior. In March and the months that follow we will be learning about the many wonderful gifts our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us to guide us while we are on earth. In March we will be talking about Prophets and how they testify of Jesus Christ and guide us safely back to our heavenly home.
Scripture Power
This year we have set a goal to learn more of our Savior through studying the scriptures. Each week in Senior Primary we mark a scripture relating to our theme of the day. Our teachers are also using scriptures in the classrooms. For this reason, we want to encourage all of our reading Primary children to bring their scriptures each week. We also are sending home a monthly bookmark. This has a list of scriptures relating to the theme of the month. We are challenging the children to read at least a scripture verse a day. The bookmark serves as a reminder of this goal. We hope that parents are helping their children with this goal by discussing the scripture verse with your child as you read. With your help they will be able to read and understand their scriptures.
Activities
We had our first quarterly activity in February. We had special guest presenters (Sister Barnes, Brother Hans Andersen, and Brother & Sister Parkinson) teach us about the origin and preservation of the Old & New Testaments and the Pearl of Great Price. We learned so much we didn’t know before!
Our next activity will be in May and the Sr. Primary children will take the stage as they present skits about their favorite Old Testament stories. This should be great fun for performers and viewers alike!
We are also looking forward to a Faith in God activity on March 13th for all Primary children 8 and older. This is a Stake activity and more details will be forthcoming. It will be at the Stake Center, though time is still pending.
Our Activity Day girls are busy with their biweekly meetings. You may have noticed some homes that were heart attacked! I think these girls might know something about that! They are looking forward to a fun night with their daddies on March 11th. Our cub scout and 11 y/o scouting groups are meeting weekly and are doing great things as the boys work towards their goals and achievements. We so appreciate our dedicated leaders who make this all happen week after week!
Announcements:
PRIESTS:
Priest’s/ Venturer’s Summer Weeklong ActivityAugust 3-7, Cedar City and environsPlease put on your family calendars!
YOUNG WOMEN:
Wed. March 3-Activity
Laurels: Dance card interviews/packing the trailer for Youth Conference
Mia Maids: Dance card interviews/packing the trailer for Youth Conference
Beehives: Cake Decorating
Thu. March 4 - Sat. March 6: Event
Youth Conference (Leaving 3:00 PM Thu. March 4 returning 12:00 PM Sat. March 6)
Wed. March 10- Activity (Combined: Beehives, Mia Maids, Laurels)
Band Night
Sat. March 13-Event
7:00 PM Stake Youth Dance
Tue. March 16- Event (Laurels Only)
Stake Relief Society Commemoration
Wed. March 17-Activity
Laurels: No activity
Mia Maids: Stevenson's Genealogy Center to bind Personal Progress books
Beehives: Talent Show
Tue. March 23-Event
7:00 PM Stake Young Women Camp Kickoff
Wed. March 24-Activity
Laurels: Budget Shopping (Combined w/ Priests)
Mia Maids: Blanket making (Combined w/ Teachers)
Beehives: Scripture recipes (Combined w/ Deacons)
Sat. March 27-Event
6:00 PM Young Women General Broadcast
Wed. March 31-Activity
Laurels: Passover Activity
Mia Maids: Calligraphy
Beehives: Fondue night & budgeting
Stake Relief Society Meeting – Tuesday, March 16th, 7pm.
Celebrating the beginning of Relief Society. ALL laurels and sisters invited.
It will be held in the chapel so we ask that the sisters wear dresses.
Scout Uniforms Wanted!
The 8th Ward Scouts are setting up a scout uniform bank. We want each scout to have a complete uniform and to take advantage of the all benefits that wearing the uniform provides.
The uniform reminds a Scout of who he is and what is expected of him. It identifies him as part of a patrol, troop, council and worldwide youth movement.
He can take pride in being a Scout, and in the achievements shown on his uniform and sash.
The uniform bank will allow us to have uniforms for each boy and will help reduce the costs to the families especially since a boy will outgrow his first uniform before he is out of scouting. So we need all sizes of pants and shirts. Socks, belts, hats and sashes are also needed.
We currently have 14 boys in our troop.
As a reminder, there are three aims to Scouting:
To build character
To build self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence and self-respect
To foster citizenship
To foster love of community, country and world, along with a commitment of
service to others and an understanding of democratic principles.
To develop fitness
To develop physical, mental, emotional, and moral fitness that will
stay with a Scout for the rest of his life.
One of Scouting’s methods for youth development is wearing the uniform.
If you have any scout uniforms you would like to donate, please contact Brian Andelin (801-222-9641) or Dave Blair (801-427-5743) and we will come pick them up.
Thank You.
Lakeview 8th Ward Newsletter: February 2010
Lakeview 8th Ward News:
February 1st,2010
February Home Teaching Message: On Being Spiritually Prepared: Counsel from our Prophet, President Monson
A Foundation of Faith: “If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us. Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble – that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us.”
Visiting Teaching Message: Managing Resources Wisely and Staying Out of Debt
“Provident living…implies the conserving of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision of personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency…If we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand.” Spencer W. Kimball
First Presidency Appeals to Members to Help Haiti
In an official statement, the First Presidency has appealed to the worldwide membership of the Church to help relieve the suffering in Haiti. To make a donation, go to the Humanitarian Services Emergency Response donation form.
New Web Site for Youth
Youth.lds.org is a new Web site for youth ages 12 to 18. It features prophetic guidance for youth, along with media featuring youth around the world following the example of the Savior in serving and strengthening one another. The site is also the online home of A Brand New Year 2010, where youth bear witness of the power of living the standards in For the Strength of Youth.
Temple to Be Built in Payson, Utah
President Thomas S. Monson has announced that a temple will be built in Payson, Utah.
Young Women activities for February:
Feb 3
Combined YM & YW: Brad Wilcox @ Mountain View High School auditoriumFeb 10YW & their mothers: New Beginnings - Mad Hatter Tea Party
Feb 17
Beehives-Cooking demo
Miamaids-Cake decorating
Laurels-Service project at the Provo DI
Feb 24
Combined activity-Deacons in charge
February 1st,2010
February Home Teaching Message: On Being Spiritually Prepared: Counsel from our Prophet, President Monson
A Foundation of Faith: “If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us. Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. These can break us, and the surface of our souls may crack and crumble – that is, if our foundations of faith, our testimonies of truth are not deeply embedded within us.”
Visiting Teaching Message: Managing Resources Wisely and Staying Out of Debt
“Provident living…implies the conserving of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision of personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency…If we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand.” Spencer W. Kimball
First Presidency Appeals to Members to Help Haiti
In an official statement, the First Presidency has appealed to the worldwide membership of the Church to help relieve the suffering in Haiti. To make a donation, go to the Humanitarian Services Emergency Response donation form.
New Web Site for Youth
Youth.lds.org is a new Web site for youth ages 12 to 18. It features prophetic guidance for youth, along with media featuring youth around the world following the example of the Savior in serving and strengthening one another. The site is also the online home of A Brand New Year 2010, where youth bear witness of the power of living the standards in For the Strength of Youth.
Temple to Be Built in Payson, Utah
President Thomas S. Monson has announced that a temple will be built in Payson, Utah.
Young Women activities for February:
Feb 3
Combined YM & YW: Brad Wilcox @ Mountain View High School auditoriumFeb 10YW & their mothers: New Beginnings - Mad Hatter Tea Party
Feb 17
Beehives-Cooking demo
Miamaids-Cake decorating
Laurels-Service project at the Provo DI
Feb 24
Combined activity-Deacons in charge
Lakeview January 2010 Newsleter
Lakeview 8th Ward News
January 2010
"New Beginnings"
In my reading of the Book of Mormon the last few weeks I've completed the book of Helaman and moved on to 3rd Nephi. It always amazes me how quickly the people move through the pride cycle....from righteousness to wickedness. Because it's not talking about me it's easy to judge and to question how they could go astray so easily and quickly over and over again. Then I stop and wonder what those in the future reading our history will think of us. After this revolving cycle the Savior comes in 3rd Nephi and the people have another "new beginning".
I know the youth in the ward will think I'm crazy but I always loved school because there are regular "new beginnings"! (The new school year, the new semester or new term) You can be done with the past and start fresh with new determination and hope to do better.
We now stand at the threshold of a new beginning as we move into the year 2010. What will this new year bring? What do I bring to it? What do I have to look forward to? How am I going to make it a better year? More importantly, how will I make it my best year yet?
When the Savior came in 3rd Nephi it was different because the people managed to avoid starting the pride cycle for almost 170 years. Obviously, the impact of the Savior's visit had a long lasting effect. As the Savior taught at that time He asked the question "what manner of men ought ye to be?" Answering His own question the Savior said "even as I am." He also taught that we were to become perfect even as He and His Father in Heaven were perfect. Perhaps if we were to take on this challenge in specific ways our new beginning this year could have a more lasting effect. We only have one verse of scripture that talks about the Savior's growth and development in his early life. In Luke 2:52 we read: "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This verse speaks of four areas we could work on to become more like the Savior. They are intellectual (in wisdom), physical (in stature), social (in favor with man) and spiritual (in favor with God). I think if we were to look at each of these areas on a regular basis and set specific goals in each of these areas we would find happiness and growth that would make this new beginning last a lifetime.
It is my prayer that this new beginning of 2010 will be a positive, 3rd Nephi kind of new beginning for each of us.
Forging onward,
Brother Matthew Wright
Primary Happenings— December
Remembering Christ Blesses Our Family
This is the final monthly theme of our year of the family. What a wonderful year this has been in primary as we have talked about families, their importance in our lives, how the gospel strengthens our families, and what we can do to help our families. We are so blessed to have the gospel and the primary to teach us these important truths in this world of confusion! We hope that as you talk of Christ and sing of Christ during this Christmas season, you will feel His blessings and love in your home.
A New Theme for 2010
In the coming year, we will be talking about our new theme for 2010: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Isn’t that a wonderful theme for a new year and a new decade? We look forward to a year of wonderful spiritual feelings and testimony-building as we learn of our Savior.
We have a change or two with the new year. The classes are being adjusted in their numbering. The class will be like the Sunday School in that a child will be in the class of his age on January 1st. For instance, if a child is 7, he/she will be in the CTR 7 class this year. This means that most of our children will be in the same numerical class as this past year. There will no longer be a Valiant 12 class and we will now have a CTR 4 class. The Sunbeams through CTR 7 classes will be in the JR. Primary and the SR. Primary will be the Valiant 8 through the Valiant 11. The Valiant classes will be studying the Old Testament and the CTR classes will be using the Primary Manual #3. We will go through the class changes with the children on December 27th. Hopefully, they will know right where to go on January 3rd.
Primary Milestones
We are saying good-bye to our final Valiant 12 student, Ari Johnson. Ari has been the final member of her class in our Sr. Primary time since we said good bye to Shoshana Weaver clear back in September. But Ari has been undaunted and positive in her primary participation clear to the end. She has also completed the requirements for her Faith in God award. We will miss you, Ari, but we wish you well in the Young Women’s program. We know they will love and enjoy you as much as we have.
FUN GANG SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY :
JANUARY 6, WED. TEMPLE EXCURSION TO THE MT. TIMPANOGOS TEMPLE.
Meet at the Church at 9:30 a.m. Please schedule your first Wednesdays so you can attend the Temple with us. It is such an important opportunity. Such a Blessing to live so close to the Lord's Temple. Please join with us.
JANUARY 13, WED. MOVIE NIGHT AT LEILA'S
The movie will be "A Place for Annie" and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
JANUARY 20. WED. This is our usual LUNCH BUNCH day. Since the Lunch Bunch can no longer be sponsored by the Relief Society, it will be up to you to let LeIla know if you want to continue having lunch together on this day. We can still meet and enjoy each other's company as we eat lunch. It will not be announced in R.S. or on the R.S. Bulletin. I would still like to go to lunch as a group if you are interested. Just let me know. Anyone and everyone can come. LeIla
January 2010
"New Beginnings"
In my reading of the Book of Mormon the last few weeks I've completed the book of Helaman and moved on to 3rd Nephi. It always amazes me how quickly the people move through the pride cycle....from righteousness to wickedness. Because it's not talking about me it's easy to judge and to question how they could go astray so easily and quickly over and over again. Then I stop and wonder what those in the future reading our history will think of us. After this revolving cycle the Savior comes in 3rd Nephi and the people have another "new beginning".
I know the youth in the ward will think I'm crazy but I always loved school because there are regular "new beginnings"! (The new school year, the new semester or new term) You can be done with the past and start fresh with new determination and hope to do better.
We now stand at the threshold of a new beginning as we move into the year 2010. What will this new year bring? What do I bring to it? What do I have to look forward to? How am I going to make it a better year? More importantly, how will I make it my best year yet?
When the Savior came in 3rd Nephi it was different because the people managed to avoid starting the pride cycle for almost 170 years. Obviously, the impact of the Savior's visit had a long lasting effect. As the Savior taught at that time He asked the question "what manner of men ought ye to be?" Answering His own question the Savior said "even as I am." He also taught that we were to become perfect even as He and His Father in Heaven were perfect. Perhaps if we were to take on this challenge in specific ways our new beginning this year could have a more lasting effect. We only have one verse of scripture that talks about the Savior's growth and development in his early life. In Luke 2:52 we read: "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." This verse speaks of four areas we could work on to become more like the Savior. They are intellectual (in wisdom), physical (in stature), social (in favor with man) and spiritual (in favor with God). I think if we were to look at each of these areas on a regular basis and set specific goals in each of these areas we would find happiness and growth that would make this new beginning last a lifetime.
It is my prayer that this new beginning of 2010 will be a positive, 3rd Nephi kind of new beginning for each of us.
Forging onward,
Brother Matthew Wright
Primary Happenings— December
Remembering Christ Blesses Our Family
This is the final monthly theme of our year of the family. What a wonderful year this has been in primary as we have talked about families, their importance in our lives, how the gospel strengthens our families, and what we can do to help our families. We are so blessed to have the gospel and the primary to teach us these important truths in this world of confusion! We hope that as you talk of Christ and sing of Christ during this Christmas season, you will feel His blessings and love in your home.
A New Theme for 2010
In the coming year, we will be talking about our new theme for 2010: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.” Isn’t that a wonderful theme for a new year and a new decade? We look forward to a year of wonderful spiritual feelings and testimony-building as we learn of our Savior.
We have a change or two with the new year. The classes are being adjusted in their numbering. The class will be like the Sunday School in that a child will be in the class of his age on January 1st. For instance, if a child is 7, he/she will be in the CTR 7 class this year. This means that most of our children will be in the same numerical class as this past year. There will no longer be a Valiant 12 class and we will now have a CTR 4 class. The Sunbeams through CTR 7 classes will be in the JR. Primary and the SR. Primary will be the Valiant 8 through the Valiant 11. The Valiant classes will be studying the Old Testament and the CTR classes will be using the Primary Manual #3. We will go through the class changes with the children on December 27th. Hopefully, they will know right where to go on January 3rd.
Primary Milestones
We are saying good-bye to our final Valiant 12 student, Ari Johnson. Ari has been the final member of her class in our Sr. Primary time since we said good bye to Shoshana Weaver clear back in September. But Ari has been undaunted and positive in her primary participation clear to the end. She has also completed the requirements for her Faith in God award. We will miss you, Ari, but we wish you well in the Young Women’s program. We know they will love and enjoy you as much as we have.
FUN GANG SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY :
JANUARY 6, WED. TEMPLE EXCURSION TO THE MT. TIMPANOGOS TEMPLE.
Meet at the Church at 9:30 a.m. Please schedule your first Wednesdays so you can attend the Temple with us. It is such an important opportunity. Such a Blessing to live so close to the Lord's Temple. Please join with us.
JANUARY 13, WED. MOVIE NIGHT AT LEILA'S
The movie will be "A Place for Annie" and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
JANUARY 20. WED. This is our usual LUNCH BUNCH day. Since the Lunch Bunch can no longer be sponsored by the Relief Society, it will be up to you to let LeIla know if you want to continue having lunch together on this day. We can still meet and enjoy each other's company as we eat lunch. It will not be announced in R.S. or on the R.S. Bulletin. I would still like to go to lunch as a group if you are interested. Just let me know. Anyone and everyone can come. LeIla
Lakeview December 2009 Newseletter
Lakeview 8th ward News
December 6th, 2009
As we begin the Christmas season, it is a time to think of the birth of our Savior. It is a time of gift giving. In an Ensign article, President Faust wrote in the First Presidency Message of gifts given by the heart as he recounted a childhood memory visiting his grandparents many years ago. They had very little to share other than food, good company and love for one another and for the season. President Faust mentioned that this was one of his most memorable Christmas experiences. He wrote, “There is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart and mind.”
Our Heavenly Father gave us one of the greatest gifts of all – His only begotten Son.
As the angel taught Nephi, “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” (1 Nephi 11:16), I believe we know something of His condescension—not only as God the Creator, or God the Redeemer, but also as God the Exemplar. Think about His life and the example he provided for you and me.
· He descended to be born of mortal woman, even though He was already glorified.
· He descended to be baptized of man, even though He was perfect and sinless.
· He descended to minister to the humblest of the humble, even though He was exalted.
· He descended to subject Himself to the will of the Father, suffering Himself to be tempted, mocked, scourged, cast out, and disowned, even though He was all-powerful.
· He descended to be judged of the world, even though He was the Judge of the world.
· He descended to be lifted on the cross and slain for the sins of the world, even though no man could take away His life.
So what does this mean for you and me? What can we do during this season of Christmas to appreciate our understanding of the importance of the condescension of Jesus Christ?
Our understanding needs to take us beyond feelings of awe and deep gratitude. As members of His Church, being called to represent Him and testify of Him, our great opportunity is to try to emulate Him.
We cannot emulate him as a creator. The world has already been created.
We cannot emulate him as a redeemer, for we are redeemed of our sins (if we will repent) by his suffering and death. But we can testify of Him and declare His gospel. One might ask, can we testify of him only as missionaries would?
Yes and no. We should always be willing to testify of Him as we are all member missionaries. Yet, we can testify of him in several additional ways: by showing love, mercy, being submissive, providing service, being willing to sacrifice and to minister to those in need. This can occur in our families, in our callings at church, in our neighborhoods, at work, wherever we might be.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught,
The condescension of the Father of our spirits, in providing a sacrifice for His creatures, a plan of redemption,. … ought to inspire everyone who is called to be a minister of these glad tidings, to so improve his talent that he may gain other talents, that when the Master sits down to take an account of the conduct of His servants, it may be said, Well done, good and faithful servant. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 48)
For us to follow the Savior’s example in all aspects of our lives, we can be kind to all in which we come in contact. We can build others, inspire them, lift them, and teach rather than criticize. We can show love, respect, and caring to all those we meet. We can “descend” to be the servant of even the humblest.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell conveyed the following thought:
When at times we encounter a situation in church service [or in life] in which a pigeon seems to be supervising an eagle, we need to be accepting even if our evaluation seems accurate. Besides, humility keeps us from spending our time and talent wastefully in counting the plumage of our peers. Remember, this is a kingdom wherein the First is the servant of all! (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, 49)
The “First” of whom Elder Maxwell speaks is our Savior and Redeemer. I hope and pray that each of us will do our best to follow the example of Jesus. May we extend ourselves in serving others, concerning ourselves with what we can give, rather than what we may receive; that our gifts will be riches of the heart and mind rather than those of great monetary value.
Bishop Ron Brough
Young Women Message:
Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back—later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind. In Lehi’s vision he saw many who let go of the iron rod. Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” (1 Nephi 8:32). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go.
Ann M. Dibb Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Primary Message:
We can provide an environment at church that allows the Spirit to give divine confirmation to what is being taught. Teachers and leaders do more than teach lessons or conduct meetings. They facilitate the whisperings of the Spirit to each member. Elder Richard G. Scott has said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally.”13
A Sunbeam teacher wrapped each of her class members one by one in a blanket to teach them how the Spirit feels like the comfort and security of that covering. A visiting mother also heard the lesson.
Many months later the mother thanked the teacher. She told how she had been less active when she accompanied her young daughter to Primary. Several weeks after the lesson, the mother suffered a miscarriage. She was overcome with grief when suddenly she felt a great warmth and peace. It felt like someone had covered her with a warm blanket. She recognized the reassurance of the Spirit and knew that Heavenly Father was aware of her and that He loved her.
When we come to understand the whisperings of the Spirit, we will be able to hear Him teach us “the peaceable things of the kingdom”14 and “all things what [we] should do.”15 We will recognize answers to our prayers and know how to live the gospel more fully each day. We will be guided and protected. And we can cultivate this gift in our lives as we follow those spiritual promptings. Most importantly, we will feel Him witness to us of the Father and of the Son.
Vicki F. Matsumori Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
December 6th, 2009
As we begin the Christmas season, it is a time to think of the birth of our Savior. It is a time of gift giving. In an Ensign article, President Faust wrote in the First Presidency Message of gifts given by the heart as he recounted a childhood memory visiting his grandparents many years ago. They had very little to share other than food, good company and love for one another and for the season. President Faust mentioned that this was one of his most memorable Christmas experiences. He wrote, “There is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves - giving of the riches of the heart and mind.”
Our Heavenly Father gave us one of the greatest gifts of all – His only begotten Son.
As the angel taught Nephi, “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” (1 Nephi 11:16), I believe we know something of His condescension—not only as God the Creator, or God the Redeemer, but also as God the Exemplar. Think about His life and the example he provided for you and me.
· He descended to be born of mortal woman, even though He was already glorified.
· He descended to be baptized of man, even though He was perfect and sinless.
· He descended to minister to the humblest of the humble, even though He was exalted.
· He descended to subject Himself to the will of the Father, suffering Himself to be tempted, mocked, scourged, cast out, and disowned, even though He was all-powerful.
· He descended to be judged of the world, even though He was the Judge of the world.
· He descended to be lifted on the cross and slain for the sins of the world, even though no man could take away His life.
So what does this mean for you and me? What can we do during this season of Christmas to appreciate our understanding of the importance of the condescension of Jesus Christ?
Our understanding needs to take us beyond feelings of awe and deep gratitude. As members of His Church, being called to represent Him and testify of Him, our great opportunity is to try to emulate Him.
We cannot emulate him as a creator. The world has already been created.
We cannot emulate him as a redeemer, for we are redeemed of our sins (if we will repent) by his suffering and death. But we can testify of Him and declare His gospel. One might ask, can we testify of him only as missionaries would?
Yes and no. We should always be willing to testify of Him as we are all member missionaries. Yet, we can testify of him in several additional ways: by showing love, mercy, being submissive, providing service, being willing to sacrifice and to minister to those in need. This can occur in our families, in our callings at church, in our neighborhoods, at work, wherever we might be.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught,
The condescension of the Father of our spirits, in providing a sacrifice for His creatures, a plan of redemption,. … ought to inspire everyone who is called to be a minister of these glad tidings, to so improve his talent that he may gain other talents, that when the Master sits down to take an account of the conduct of His servants, it may be said, Well done, good and faithful servant. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 48)
For us to follow the Savior’s example in all aspects of our lives, we can be kind to all in which we come in contact. We can build others, inspire them, lift them, and teach rather than criticize. We can show love, respect, and caring to all those we meet. We can “descend” to be the servant of even the humblest.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell conveyed the following thought:
When at times we encounter a situation in church service [or in life] in which a pigeon seems to be supervising an eagle, we need to be accepting even if our evaluation seems accurate. Besides, humility keeps us from spending our time and talent wastefully in counting the plumage of our peers. Remember, this is a kingdom wherein the First is the servant of all! (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, 49)
The “First” of whom Elder Maxwell speaks is our Savior and Redeemer. I hope and pray that each of us will do our best to follow the example of Jesus. May we extend ourselves in serving others, concerning ourselves with what we can give, rather than what we may receive; that our gifts will be riches of the heart and mind rather than those of great monetary value.
Bishop Ron Brough
Young Women Message:
Holding to the iron rod is not always easy. We may let go because of peer pressure or pride, thinking we can find our own way back—later. When we do so, we are leaving our safety equipment behind. In Lehi’s vision he saw many who let go of the iron rod. Nephi says, “And many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads” (1 Nephi 8:32). In difficult times in our own lives, we may find we are also “wandering in strange roads.” Let me reassure you that it is always possible for us to find our way back. Through repentance, made possible by the atoning sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can regain and recommit to a strong grip on the iron rod and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father once again. The Savior has extended an open invitation to us: repent, hold on, and don’t let go.
Ann M. Dibb Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Primary Message:
We can provide an environment at church that allows the Spirit to give divine confirmation to what is being taught. Teachers and leaders do more than teach lessons or conduct meetings. They facilitate the whisperings of the Spirit to each member. Elder Richard G. Scott has said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally.”13
A Sunbeam teacher wrapped each of her class members one by one in a blanket to teach them how the Spirit feels like the comfort and security of that covering. A visiting mother also heard the lesson.
Many months later the mother thanked the teacher. She told how she had been less active when she accompanied her young daughter to Primary. Several weeks after the lesson, the mother suffered a miscarriage. She was overcome with grief when suddenly she felt a great warmth and peace. It felt like someone had covered her with a warm blanket. She recognized the reassurance of the Spirit and knew that Heavenly Father was aware of her and that He loved her.
When we come to understand the whisperings of the Spirit, we will be able to hear Him teach us “the peaceable things of the kingdom”14 and “all things what [we] should do.”15 We will recognize answers to our prayers and know how to live the gospel more fully each day. We will be guided and protected. And we can cultivate this gift in our lives as we follow those spiritual promptings. Most importantly, we will feel Him witness to us of the Father and of the Son.
Vicki F. Matsumori Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)