The Son of God

“The entire Christian world now moves into the happiest season of the year. There is a magic in Christmas. Hearts are opened to a new measure of kindness. Love speaks with increased power. Tensions are eased. The generous instincts that lie within all of us are given added expression.

While there are those for whom Christmas is difficult—particularly those who have lost loved ones and for whom there is now a poignant loneliness—even to these there comes the assurance of future glad reunions made possible only because of the sacrifice of the Son of God, whose birth we commemorate at this season.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Son of God,” Ensign, Dec 1992, 2

Remembering Him

“When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year. We contemplate that first Christmas day, foretold by the prophets of old. You, with me, recall the words from Isaiah: ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel’4—meaning ‘God with us.’

On the American continent, the prophets said: ‘The time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. … He shall suffer temptations, and pain. … And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’5
Then came that night of nights when the shepherds were abiding in the fields and the angel of the Lord appeared to them, announcing the birth of the Savior. Later, Wise Men journeyed from the East to Jerusalem, ‘Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. …

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.’6Times change; years speed by; but Christmas continues sacred. In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Best Christmas Ever,” Ensign, Dec 2008, 2–6

Sunday Lesson Schedule for December

Dec. 5th: Presidency Message
Dec. 12th: Ch. 22: The Gifts of the Spirit, taught by Sister Beck
Dec. 19th: Ch. 23: The Sacrament, taught by Sister Scott
Dec. 26th: November Ensign, “The Three Rs of Choice,” by President Monson, taught by Sister Remali

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Mid-Singles Break the Fast is Sunday, December 5th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be broadcast Sunday, December 5th at 8 pm.

The Ward Christmas Dinner is Friday, December 10th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is December 17th and 18th.

Gratitude

“Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable.

You might be surprised to know that gratitude is a commandment of the Father. ‘Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things’ (D&C 59:7), the Lord has commanded in these latter days. Even further, He has admonished that ‘in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments’”(D&C 59:21).

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “‘Live in Thanksgiving Daily’,” Ensign, Sep 2001, 6

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

“The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: ‘There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.’ 5

The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church.

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost ‘the unspeakable gift.’ 6 It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, 7 teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. 8 The Holy Ghost also ‘will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.’”9

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign, May 2003, 26–29

Sunday Lesson Schedule for November

Nov. 7th: Presidency Message
Nov. 14th: Stake Conference
Nov. 21st: Ch. 21: The Gift of the Holy Ghost, taught by Sister Scott
Nov. 28th: November Ensign, Teachings for our Times, taught by Sister Remali

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There is a CES Fireside for Young Adults Sunday, November 7th at 8 pm.

There is a Mid-Singles Fireside Sunday, November 7th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.  

Our Relief Society Dinner is Wednesday, November 10th at 6:30 pm at Sister Carlson’s house.

Stake Conference will be held Saturday, November 13th and Sunday, November 14th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is November 19th and 20th.

The Ward Service Project is Saturday, November 20th from 10 am to 12 pm.

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, November 21st at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

Baptism

“At baptism we make a covenant with our Heavenly Father that we are willing to come into His kingdom and keep His commandments from that time forward, even though we still live in the world. We are reminded from the Book of Mormon that our baptism is a covenant to ‘stand as witnesses of God [and His kingdom] at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life’ (Mosiah 18:9; emphasis added).”

Robert D. Hales, “The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom,” Ensign, Jan 2001, 6–9

Always Remember Him

“Most people in trouble end up crying, ‘What was I thinking?’ Well, whatever they were thinking, they weren’t thinking of Christ. Yet, as members of His Church, we pledge every Sunday of our lives to take upon ourselves His name and promise to ‘always remember him.’ So let us work a little harder at remembering Him—especially that He has ‘borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows … , [that] he was bruised for our iniquities … ; and with his stripes we are healed.”’ Surely it would guide our actions in a dramatic way if we remembered that every time we transgress, we hurt not only those we love, but we also hurt Him, who so dearly loves us. But if we do sin, however serious that sin may be, we can be rescued by that same majestic figure, He who bears the only name given under heaven whereby any man or woman can be saved. When confronting our transgressions and our souls are harrowed up with true pain, may we all echo the repentant Alma and utter his life-changing cry: ‘O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me.’”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul,” Ensign, May 2010, 44–46

Sunday Lesson Schedule for October

Oct. 3rd: General Conference
Oct. 10th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 19: Repentance, taught by Sister Beck
Oct. 17th: Ch. 20: Baptism, taught by Sister Remali
Oct. 24th: May Ensign, “Place No More For the Enemy of My Soul,” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, taught by Sister Scott
Oct. 31: Bishopric Message

Announcements & Upcoming Events

General Conference is Saturday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 3rd.

The Indianapolis LDS Mid-Singles Conference is October 8th through October 10th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is October 15th and 16th

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, October 17th at 6:30 pm at the North Stake.

There is a RS Activity Thursday, October 21st.

There is a Ward Activity Friday, October 29th at 6:30 pm, which includes trunk or treat, and a chili cook-off and pie baking contest.

October 31st is the Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation.

Visiting Teaching

“Visiting teaching can be a means of strengthening the members of the Church. President Hinckley has said: ‘I believe our problems, almost every one, arise out of the homes of the people. If there is to be reformation, if there is to be a change, if there is to be a return to old and sacred values, it must begin in the home. It is here that truth is learned, that integrity is cultivated, that self-discipline is instilled, and that love is nurtured. . . . If anyone can change the dismal situation into which we are sliding, it is you. Rise up, O women of Zion, rise to the great challenge which faces you.’ Sisters, we can help meet this charge with visiting teaching.”

Bonnie D. Parkin, Relief Society General President, “Visiting Teaching: The Heart and Soul of Relief Society,” Fall 2003 Open House

Forgiveness

“Jesus taught us eternal truth when He taught us to pray: ‘Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. … For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not … neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’(3 Nephi 13:11, 14–15).

Therefore, extending forgiveness is a precondition to receiving forgiveness.

For our own good, we need the moral courage to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Never is the soul nobler and more courageous than when we forgive. This includes forgiving ourselves.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Is There a Point of No Return?,” NewEra, Jun 2010, 2–5

Sunday Lesson Schedule for September

Sept. 5th: Presidency Message
Sept. 12th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today, taught by Sister Beck
Sept. 19th: Ch. 18: Faith in Jesus Christ, taught by Sister Remali
Sept. 26th: May Ensign, “Mothers and Daughters” by Elder M. Russell Ballard, taught by Sister Scott

Announcements and Upcoming Events

There is a Mid-Singles Fireside Sunday, September 5th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a Ward Campout Friday, September 10th through Saturday, September 11th.

There is a CES Fireside for Young Adults Sunday, September 12th at 8 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is September 17th and 18th.

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, September 19th at 7pm at the Stake Center.

We will be canning at Sister Hammer’s house on Thursday, September 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The 1st Annual Indianapolis Stake Temple and Family History Workshop is Saturday,
September 18th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Stake Center.

Our Stake RS Service Project and Activity is Saturday, September 25th from 5 to 7 pm at the Stake Center and will be followed by the General RS Broadcast at 7pm.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There is a Single Adult fireside this evening at the Stake Center from 7 to 8 pm.

There is a RS Board Meeting Thursday, July 1st at Sister Carroll’s house at 7 pm.

July 3rd there is a Ward Independence Day Brunch at the Mehling’s home at 10 am.

There is a Relief Society Meeting at the Ward Building Thursday, July 15th at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be provided and there will be a lesson.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is July 16th and 17th.

Sunday, July 18th there is a SA Fireside at the Stake Center in the RS room at 7 pm.

The 1st Annual Indianapolis Stake Temple and Family History Workshop is Saturday,
September 18th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Stake Center.

The Indianapolis LDS Mid-Singles Conference is October 8th through October 10th.  

The Promised Land

“The Latter-day Saints believe Columbus was inspired to discover this land in order that a free nation, dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the rights of man, including his right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, might arise here; a nation founded upon the proposition that all men have equal rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed—a doctrine diametrically opposed to the old autocratic notions prevalent in European and oriental lands. And we further believe that this nation was established so that the great work of Israel’s God might come forth under its protecting aegis, and not be crushed out by the tyranny of man; to the end that the gospel, ‘the power of God unto salvation,’ might be preached in all the world as a witness before the end comes; that the House of Israel might be gathered in from their long dispersion, that Zion might arise, and the glory of God rest upon her, and the world be prepared for the coming of the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ, in his glory. We believe this fervently. It is our message to the world.”

Elder Orson F. Whitney, “Conference Reports”, Oct. 5, 1918, pp. 42–43

Good, Better, Best

“Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best. When the Lord told us to seek learning, He said, ‘Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom’ (D&C 88:118; emphasis added).”

“Parents should act to preserve time for family prayer, family scripture study, family home evening, and the other precious togetherness and individual one-on-one time that binds a family together and fixes children’s values on things of eternal worth. Parents should teach gospel priorities through what they do with their children.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Ensign Nov 2007, 104-8

Sunday Lesson Schedule for July

July 4th: Presidency Message
July 11th: Ch. 13: The Priesthood, taught by Sister Beck
July 18th: Ch. 14: Priesthood Organization, taught by Sister Remali
July 25th: May Ensign, Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others”, Elder Gregory A. Switzer, taught by Sister Scott

Announcements and Upcoming Events

There is a Ward Open House Sunday, June 6th at the Clark’s house.

There is a Mid-Singles Activity Friday, June 11th at 6 pm at the Indians Ballpark.

Seminary Graduation is Sunday, June 13th at the Ward Building from 6 to 8 pm.

There will be canning at Sister Hammer’s house on Thursday, June 17th from 6 to 9 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is June 18th and 19th.

Saturday, June 26th there is a SA service project at the Stake Center from 9 to 11 am.

There is a Single Adult fireside at the Stake Center Sunday, June 27th from 7 to 8 pm.

There is a RS Board Meeting Thursday, July 1st at Sister Carroll’s house at 7 pm.

The 1st Annual Indianapolis Stake Temple and Family History Workshop is Saturday,
September 18th from 9 am to 4 pm at the Stake Center.

The Indianapolis LDS Mid-Singles Conference is October 8th through October 10th.  

The Role of the Relief Society in Furthering the Work of the Savior

“We can start by strengthening ourselves spiritually through prayer and becoming self-reliant in scripture knowledge. We embrace the ordinances, covenants, and commandments the Lord has provided us.

We can then help gather scattered Israel. We have a duty to help prepare missionaries, to share the gospel, and to help retain those who are baptized. We have a responsibility to get ourselves and family members prepared for the temple. We can collect our family history and help the Lord’s children to be sealed in eternal families.”

Julie B. Beck, “Focusing on the Lord’s Work of Salvation,” Liahona, Mar 2009, 26–30

Stand in Holy Places

“The Saints should do their family research and attend the temple because they are moved by the Holy Spirit to do so. We should go to the temple, among other reasons, to safeguard our personal holiness and that of our families.”

James E. Faust, “Standing in Holy Places,” Ensign, May 2005, 62

Sunday Lesson Schedule for June

June 6th: Presidency Message
June 13th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 11: The Life of Christ, taught by Sister Beck
June 20th: Ch. 12: The Atonement, taught by Sister Remali
June 27th: May Ensign, “Healing the Sick” by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, taught by Sister Scott

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9th. Happy Mother’s Day!

Our Stake Temple Weekend is May 14th and 15th.

Our Relief Society temple trip is Saturday, May 15th. We will be attending the 12:45 pm session and meeting at the church at 9:45 am.

May 16th there is a Single Adult fireside that will be held at the Stake Center in the RS room. The topic is “Symbolisms of the Temple” and the speaker is Patriarch Les Scott.

There will be a canning activity Thursday, May 20th. Details to follow.

There is a Mid Singles Activity Friday, May 21st at the Stake Center from 7 to 11 pm. The activity is ballroom and salsa dance lessons.

Saturday, May 22nd there is an Adult Dinner and Social at the Ward Building from 6 to 8 pm.

There is a Stake Golf Outing Saturday, May 29th.

A Thought on Compassion

"Being compassionate is another great work of our Heavenly Father and a fundamental characteristic of who we are as a people. We are commanded to 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.'7 Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. Those who follow the Savior 'mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.'8 When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our lives are blessed as well. Service and sacrifice open the windows of heaven, allowing choice blessings to descend upon us. Surely our beloved Heavenly Father smiles upon those who care for the least of His children."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Happiness, Your Heritage,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 117–20

Sunday Lesson Schedule for May

May 2nd: Presidency Message
May 9th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 9: Prophets of God, taught by Sister Beck
May 16th: Ch. 10: Scriptures, taught by Sister Remali
May 23rd: Ensign, Teachings for our Times, “Ask, Seek, Knock,” by Elder Russell M. Nelson, taught by Sister Mills
May 30th: Combined Priesthood/RS

Canning

Just reminding you that on April 8th from 6 to 9 pm there will be canning at Sister Hammer's house. If you need an earlier time please call Sister Hammer to arrange it. We will be canning milk and sugar. You can bring your own or Sister Hammer and Sister Surface will pick it up at the storehouse on Tuesday. Click here for the storehouse form. Please let Sister Surface know the number of cans and the amount of sugar and/or powdered milk to pick up. You are welcome to bring anything to can, however this month we are focusing on powdered milk and sugar, and that will be what they pick up from the storehouse.

Sunday Lesson Schedule for April

April 4th: General Conference
April 11th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 7: The Holy Ghost, taught by Sister Beck
April 18th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 8: Praying to Our Heavenly Father, taught by Sister Remali
April 25th: Stake Conference

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There will not be a Mid-Singles Break the Fast or Fireside this month due to General Conference. FHE will be April 5th and April 19th at 7 pm at Brother and Sister White’s house. There will also be a Mid-Singles Conference in Indianapolis October 8th and 9th. More details to follow.

General Conference will be broadcasted Saturday, April 3rd and Sunday, April 4th.

The 1st Annual Indianapolis Stake Temple and Family History Workshop will be held September 18, 2010. For rules and submission information please visit www.IndyStakeTFHW.org.

The Ward Service Project is April 10th from 10 am to 12 pm at the Interfaith Food Pantry.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is April 16th and 17th.

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, April 18th at the Columbus Building at 7 pm.

Stake Conference is Sunday, April 25th from 10 am to 12 pm. The adult session will be held Saturday, April 24th from 7 to 8:30 pm.

A Thought on Missionary Work

“… as a member of the Church, do you realize that, as a member-missionary, you have a sacred responsibility to share the gospel with friends and family? The Lord needs every member of the Church having the faith and the courage to set a date to have someone prepared to be taught by the missionaries.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “‘Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him’,” Ensign, May 1988, 84

Sunday Lesson Schedule for March

March 7th: Presidency Message
March 14th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 5: The Creation, taught by Sister Beck
March 21st: Ch. 6: The Fall of Adam and Eve, taught by Sister Remali
March 28th: Ensign, Teaching for Our Times, "Moral Discipline" Elder D. Todd Christofferson, taught by Sister Mills

Announcements and Upcoming Events

There is a YSA Break the Fast every first Sunday at the Franklin Building from 5:30 to 8 pm.

There is also a Mid-Singles Break the Fast every first Sunday at 6:30 pm at the Stake Center.

Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month the Mid-Singles FHE group meets at Brother and Sister White’s home (close to the Stake Center) starting at 7 pm.

There is a CES Fireside for Young Adults (married and single) March 7th at 8 pm that will be transmitted via satellite.

Thursday, March 11th is the Relief Society birthday celebration. Details to follow.

The Stake Temple Weekend is the 19th – 20th.

There is a Single Adult Fireside March 21st at 7pm in the RS room at the Stake Center.

March 28th there is a Ward Open House at 5 pm at the Engelking’s house.

Mid Singles Break the Fast & FHE

Calling all Mid Singles
North, South, East and West
(Tri-Stake)

Who: All Singles between the ages of 28-45
When: 1st Sunday of each Month
Where: The South Stake Center 5:30pm
First Sunday Fireside will be held at the Stop 11 building beginning at 5:30 pm. This is a pitch in break the fast type event.
For March our Guest speaker will be: Gerald Smith from the West Stake. His specialty is Ancient Scriptures.
Other Activities: Family Home Evenings the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at Brother & Sister White's house. Contact a member of the RS Presidency for the address & directions. We are also having other activities and will keep you informed as we grow.

Please plan on joining us for these activities, and hope to see all of you there.

A Thought on Relief Society

"Sisters, we’re not a social club, though deep friendships form from our sisterhood. We are not, as I heard a young woman say, ‘the old women who meet on Sunday.’ We have power when we use it: power given to us through God to accomplish His purposes. We are the world’s largest women’s organization. As we reach into our communities with the knowledge and inspiration the Lord has granted us, we can help lead a world that needs our guidance. It’s what the Prophet Joseph expected; it’s what President Hinckley expects of us today.”

Kathleen H. Hughes, “In Covenant with Him,” Liahona, Nov 2003, 108–10

Sunday Lesson Schedule for February

Feb. 7th: Presidency Message
Feb. 14th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior, taught by Sister Beck
Feb. 21st: Special Stake Conference
Feb. 28th: Ensign, Teachings for our Times, taught by Sister Mills

Announcements and Upcoming Events

There is a Ward Open House next Sunday, February 7th at 5 pm at the Metheny’s house.

There is a Single Adult Valentine Dance at the Stake Center on February 13th from 8 to 11 pm.

There is a combined Relief Society/Young Women game night Thursday, February 18th at 7 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is Februaru19th-20th.

On February 20th there is a Ward Game & Dessert Night at 6:30 pm.

There is a special Stake Conference Sunday, February 21st from 9:45 am to 11:45 am. Elder Claudio R.M. Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy will preside.

There is a Single Adult Fireside at the Columbus Building on February 21st at 7 pm.

February Book Club

Book Club will be meeting Thursday, February 25th at 7 pm at Sister Marler's house. You will be reading The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder.

Relief Society Activity

There is a Relief Society activity Thursday, January 21st at 7 pm at Sister Surface's house. We will be learning how to make different freezer and crock pot meals.

Announcements and Upcoming Events

There is a CES Broadcast at the Franklin Building Sunday, January 10th at 8 pm in the chapel.

The Stake temple weekend is January 15th-16th.

There is a Single Adult Fireside Sunday, January 17th at 7 pm at the Stake Center in the RS room.

There is a RS Activity Thursday, January 21st. Details to follow.

Our Ward Conference is Sunday, January 31st at 9 am.

Sunday Lesson Schedule for January

Jan. 3rd: Presidency Message
Jan. 10th: Gospel Principles, Ch. 1: Our Father in Heaven, taught by Sister Beck
Jan. 17th: Ch. 2: Our Heavenly Family, taught by Sister Remali
Jan. 24th: Ensign, Teachings for our Time, taught by Sister Mills
Jan. 31st: Combined Priesthood/RS