The Tender Mercies of the Lord

“Recall how the Savior instructed His Apostles that He would not leave them comfortless. Not only would He send ‘another Comforter’ (John 14:16), even the Holy Ghost, but the Savior said that He would come to them (see John 14:18). Let me suggest that one of the ways whereby the Savior comes to each of us is through His abundant and tender mercies. For instance, as you and I face challenges and tests in our lives, the gift of faith and an appropriate sense of personal confidence that reaches beyond our own capacity are two examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. Repentance and forgiveness‍ of sins and peace of conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord. And the persistence and the fortitude that enable us to press forward with cheerfulness through physical limitations and spiritual difficulties are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.”

David A. Bednar, April 2005 General Conference

The Reason for the Season

“Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life.

 ...There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord our God with all our heart—and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself gives all.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Gifts of Christmas,” Ensign, Dec 2003, 2–5

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

Sunday Lesson Schedule for December

Dec. 4th: Presidency Message

Dec. 11th: GPM, Ch. 46: The Final Judgment, taught by Sister Beck

Dec. 18th: GPM, Ch. 47: Exaltation, taught by Sister Remali

Dec. 25th: November 2011 Ensign, “A Time to Prepare”, by Elder Ardern, taught by Sister Metheny

Upcoming Announcements & Events

Our Stake Temple Weekend is December 2nd and 3rd.

Friday, December 2nd there is a YSA Tri-Stake Activity at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional is Sunday, December 4th at 8 pm.

There is a Ward Linger Longer Sunday, December 4th at 4pm at our ward building.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, December 4th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

For those of you who signed up to do the Christmas crafts, there is a RS craft night Thursday, December 8that 7 pm at Sister Pierce’s home.

There is a Ward Christmas Dinner Friday, December 9th at 6:30 pm at the ward building.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, December 14th (morning session).

Christmas Day is Sunday, December 25th.

There is a New Year’s Dance Saturday, December 31st.

Signs of the Times

“Speaking of His Second Coming, the Lord said, ‘The hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven’ (D&C 49:7). He taught this with the parable of the fig tree. He said that when we see a fig tree putting forth leaves, we can tell that summer will soon come. Likewise, when we see the signs described in the scriptures, we can know that His coming is near. (See Matthew 24:32–33.)

The Lord gives these signs to help us. We can put our lives in order and prepare ourselves and our families for those things yet to come.

 We have been warned of calamities and told to prepare for them, but we can also look forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad. The Lord said, ‘Be not troubled, for, when all these things [the signs] shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled’ (D&C 45:35). He said those who are righteous when He comes will not be destroyed ‘but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; … and their children shall grow up without sin. … For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver’ (D&C 45:57–59).”

 "Chapter 43: Signs of the Second Coming," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Charity

“Relief Society provides countless ways to serve others. One of the most important ways to practice charity is through visiting teaching. Through effective visiting teaching we have many opportunities to love, minister, and serve others. Expressing charity, or love, purifies and sanctifies our souls, helping us become more like the Savior. 

...To these faithful visiting teachers, I say, ‘Through those small acts of charity, you follow the Savior and you act as instruments in His hands as you help, care, lift, comfort, listen, encourage, nurture, teach, and strengthen the sisters under your care.’”

 Silvia H. Allred, October 2011 General Conference

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

“Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: ‘Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God’s laws the greater will be the endowment of faith’ (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 264). If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient. When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God’s commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things.”

 Kevin W. Pearson, April 2009 General Conference

Sunday Lesson Schedule for October

Oct. 2nd: General Conference

Oct. 9th: Introducing “Daughters of My Kingdom”

Oct. 16th: Combined Priesthood/RS Training

Oct. 23rd: GPM, Ch. 43: Signs of the Second Coming, taught by Sister Remali

Oct. 30th: May Ensign, “An Ensign to the Nations,” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

General Conference is Saturday, October 1st and Sunday, October 2nd.

There is a MSA Conference Friday, October 7th through Sunday, October 9th.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, October 12th (morning session).

The RS Activity schedueled for Thursday, October 13th has been cancelled.

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

There is a SA Fireside Sunday, October 16th at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a Stake RS and YW Volleyball Tournament Saturday, October 22nd from 9 am to 3 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a Ward Halloween Party Friday, October 28th.

The Spirit of Revelation

“The spirit of revelation is available to every person who receives by proper priesthood authority the saving ordinances of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost—and who is acting in faith to fulfill the priesthood injunction to ‘receive the Holy Ghost.’ This blessing is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of every man, woman, and child who reaches the age of accountability and enters into sacred covenants. Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.”
 
David A. Bednar, April 2011 General Conference

The Spirit World

“The Church is organized in the spirit world, and priesthood holders continue their responsibilities there (see D&C 138:30). President Wilford Woodruff taught: ‘The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. … Every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry’ (Deseret News, Jan. 25, 1882, 818).

 Family relationships are also important. President Jedediah M. Grant, a counselor to Brigham Young, saw the spirit world and described to Heber C. Kimball the organization that exists there: ‘He said that the people he there saw were organized in family capacities.’ … He said, ‘When I looked at families, there was a deficiency in some, … for I saw families that would not be permitted to come and dwell together, because they had not honored their calling here’ (Deseret News, Dec. 10, 1856, 316–17).”

 "Chapter 41: The Postmortal Spirit World," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Temple Work

“Our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has said, ‘We are determined … to take the temples to the people and afford them every opportunity for the very precious blessings that come of temple worship.’⁹ Our prophet knows that it is difficult to do temple work if we are not near a temple. This is our day, and temple work is the work that we have been prepared to do. It is a work for every generation, including and especially the youth of the Church.

In order to perform this great work, we must be worthy. No wonder we are surrounded on every side with things designed to discourage, distract, or disqualify us. We must keep our focus, and we must remember that the temple is the reason for everything we do in the Church.”

Elaine S. Dalton, October 2004 General Conference

Sunday Lesson Schedule for September

Sept. 4th: Presidency Message

Sept. 11th: GPM, Ch. 40: Temple Work and Family History, taught by Sister Beck

Sept. 18th: GPM, Ch. 41: The Postmortal Spirit World, taught by Sister Remali

Sept. 25th: May Ensign, “The Spirit of Revelation,” by President David A. Bednar, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Following the meetings on Sunday, September 4th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, September 4th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

The YSA Break the Fast is Sunday, September 4th at 6:30 pm at the Franklin Building.

There is a RS Quarterly Activity Thursday, September 8th at 6:30 p.m. The stake has prepared the evening for us entitled, "Preparing your Ark."

There is a CES Devotional for Young Adults on Sunday, September 11th that will be transmitted via satellite.

The 2nd Annual Family History Workshop is Saturday, September 17th at the Stake Center.

The General Relief Society Meeting is Saturday, September 24th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, September 25th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

Waiting on the Road to Damascus

“The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him. They will personally receive a divine portrait of the Master, although it most often comes in the form of a puzzle—one piece at a time. Each individual piece may not be easily recognizable by itself; it may not be clear how it relates to the whole. Each piece helps us to see the big picture a little more clearly. Eventually, after enough pieces have been put together, we recognize the grand beauty of it all. Then, looking back on our experience, we see that the Savior had indeed come to be with us—not all at once but quietly, gently, almost unnoticed.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, April 2011 General Conference

Visiting Teaching

Dear Visiting Teacher,

This lovely flower has come to say,
Someone missed you the other day.
She waited as the month slipped by,
And disappointed, she wondered why.

She missed the cheer your visit brings,
The won't-you-let-me-help-you, ' things.
She missed the sunny little chat,
Of life and love, and this and that.

Don't let this month come to it's end
Without that visit to your friend.
Stretch forth your heart and hands to reach
To that dear sister that you teach.

Author Unknown

Marriage is Ordained of God

“Marriage between a man and a woman is a vital part of God’s plan. The Lord has said, ‘Whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man’ (D&C 49:15). Since the beginning, marriage has been a law of the gospel. Marriages are intended to last forever, not just for our mortal lives.

Adam and Eve were married by God before there was any death in the world. They had an eternal marriage. They taught the law of eternal marriage to their children and their children’s children. As the years passed, wickedness entered the hearts of the people and the authority to perform this sacred ordinance was taken from the earth. Through the Restoration of the gospel, eternal marriage has been restored to earth.”

"Chapter 38: Eternal Marriage," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Sunday Lesson Schedule for August

Aug. 7th: Presidency Message

Aug. 14th: GPM, Ch. 38: Eternal Marriages, taught by Sister Beck

Aug. 21st: GPM, Ch. 39: The Law of Chastity, taught by Sister Remali

Aug. 28th: May Ensign, “Waiting on the Road to Damascus,” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Our Stake Temple Weekend is August 5th and 6th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, August 7th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, August 7th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, August 10th (morning session).

There is a Ward Service Project on Saturday, August 20th at the Interfaith Food Pantry from 10 am to 12 pm.

There is a MSA Temple Trip August 20th.

There is a SA Fireside Sunday, August 21st at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a Stake Softball Tourney on Saturday, August 27th.

Establishing a Christ-Centered Home

“Our eternal happiness is not one of Satan’s objectives. He knows that an essential key to making men and women miserable like himself is to deprive them of family relationships which have eternal potential. Because Satan understands that true happiness in this life and in the eternities is found in the form of family, he does everything in his power to destroy it.”

Richard J. Maynes, May 2011 Ensign

Family Responsibilities

“Each person has an important place in his or her family. Through prophets the Lord has explained how fathers, mothers, and children should behave and feel toward one another. As husbands, wives, and children, we need to learn what the Lord expects us to do to fulfill our purpose as a family. If we all do our part, we will be united eternally.

Some responsibilities must be shared by the husband and the wife. Parents should teach their children the gospel. The Lord warned that if parents do not teach their children about faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sin will be upon the heads of the parents. Parents should also teach their children to pray and to obey the Lord’s commandments. (See D&C 68:25, 28.)”


"Chapter 37: Family Responsibilities," Gospel Principles,

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

“Eternal life means to become like the Father and to live in families in happiness and joy forever, so of course we know that what he wants for us will require help beyond our powers. And if we have feelings of inadequacy, they can make it easier for us to repent and to be ready to rely on the Lord’s help. The fact that the proclamation is applicable to all the world—applicable to every person and government in it—gives us assurance that we need not be overwhelmed with our feelings of inadequacy. Whoever we are, however difficult our circumstances, we can know that what our Father requires of us if we are to qualify for the blessings of eternal life will not be beyond our ability. What a young boy said long ago when he faced a seemingly impossible assignment is true: ‘I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them’ (1 Ne. 3:7).”

Henry B. Eyring, February 1998 Ensign

Sunday Lesson Schedule for July

July 3rd: Presidency Message

July 10th: GPM, Ch. 36:The Family Can Be Eternal, taught by Sister Beck

July 17th: GPM, Ch. 37: Family Responsibilities, taught by Sister Remali

July 24th: May Ensign, “Establishing a Christ-Centered Home,” by Elder Richard J. Maynes, taught by Sister Metheny

July 31st: By Direction of the Bishop

Announcements & Upcoming Events

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, July 3rd at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

YSA Break the Fast will be held at the Franklin building on Sunday, July 3rd at 6 pm.

There is a Ward 4th of July Celebration at the Surface’s house on Monday, July 4th at 5 pm.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, July 13th (morning session).

There is a SA Fireside Sunday, July 17th at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

On Saturday, July 23rd there is a SA Safety and Finance Class at the Stake Center from 5 to 9 pm.

On July 23rd there is a Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert Broadcast.

Developing Our Talents

“We have a responsibility to develop the talents we have been given. Sometimes we think we do not have many talents or that other people have been blessed with more abilities than we possess. Sometimes we do not use our talents because we are afraid that we might fail or be criticized by others. We should not hide our talents. We should use them. Then others can see our good works and glorify our Heavenly Father (see Matthew 5:16).”

"Chapter 34: Developing Our Talents," Gospel Principles, (2009)

Obedience

“Obedience leads to true freedom. The more we obey revealed truth, the more we become liberated.”

James E. Faust, “Obedience: The Path to Freedom,” Ensign, May 1999.

The Atonement of Christ

“Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become ‘a saint through the atonement of Christ.’22 The pain you and I experience may be where this process is most measured. In extremity, we can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and ‘pray and work and wait’23 patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls. As Job, after being refined through our trials, we ‘shall come forth as gold.’24”

Kent F. Richards, “The Atonement Covers All Pain,” Ensign, May 2011.

Fathers

“The sacred title of ‘father’ is shared with the Almighty. In the Church men are called and released. Did you ever hear of a mortal father being released?

As I travel throughout the Church and see faithful families, I say, ‘Thank God for exemplary fathers and mothers.’ As I see faithful young people and am proud of their accomplishments, I say, ‘Thank God for diligent fathers and mothers.’

Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.
God bless all the fathers in Israel to do well the work within the walls of our own homes. With the Lord’s help we shall succeed in this, our most important responsibility.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 34

Sunday Lesson Schedule for June

June 5th: GPM, Ch. 33: Missionary Work, taught by Sister Carlson

June 12th: GPM, Ch. 34: Developing our Talents, taught by Sister Beck

June 19th: GPM, Ch. 35: Obedience, taught by Sister Remali

June 26th: May Ensign, “The Atonement Covers All Pain,” by Elder Kent F. Richards, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

There is a SA activity at the North Stake Center at 7 pm on Friday, June 3rd.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is June 3rd and 4th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, June 5th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, June 5th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

YSA Break the Fast will be held at the Franklin building on Sunday, June 5th at 6 pm.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, June 8th (morning session).

There is a RS Quarterly Activity on Thursday, June 9th at 6:30 pm at Sister Surface’s house.

Seminary graduation is Sunday, June 12th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19th.

The Things That Matter Most

“My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do ‘all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.’”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things That Matter Most,” Ensign, Oct 2010

Motherhood

“Most of you are mothers, and very many of you are grandmothers and even great-grandmothers. You have walked the sometimes painful, sometimes joyous path of parenthood. You have walked hand in hand with God in the great process of bringing children into the world that they might experience this estate along the road of immortality and eternal life. It has not been easy rearing a family. Most of you have had to sacrifice and skimp and labor night and day. As I think of you and your circumstances, I think of the words of Anne Campbell, who wrote as she looked upon her children:

You are the trip I did not take;
You are the pearls I cannot buy;
You are my blue Italian lake;
You are my piece of foreign sky.

(“To My Child,” quoted in Charles L. Wallis, ed., The Treasure Chest [1965], 54)

You [mothers] are the real builders of the nation wherever you live, for you have created homes of strength and peace and security. These become the very sinew of any nation.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov 1996, 67

Sunday Lesson Schedule for May

May 1st: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Bober
May 8th: GPM, Ch. 32: Tithes and Offerings, taught by Sister Beck
May 15th: Stake Conference
May 22nd: May Ensign, TBD, taught by Sister Metheny
May 29th: Combined Priesthood/RS

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Following the meetings on Sunday, May 1st, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, May 1st at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Following the YSA Break the Fast at the Franklin building May 1st at 6:30 pm, the CES fireside will be broadcast at 8 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is May 6th and 7th.

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, May 11th in the morning.

There is a RS Temple Trip Thursday, May 12th at 6:30 pm.

Our Stake Conference will be held at the Stake Center, Saturday May 14th at 7 pm and Sunday, May 15th at 10 am.

There is a MSA Temple Trip May 21st.

Sunday, May 22nd there is a SA Tri-Stake Fireside at the North Stake Building at 7 pm.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 30th.

Visiting Teaching

Don’t forget to report your visiting teaching to your supervisors each month! The supervisors would like a report on how the sisters are doing in addition to how they were visited.

Strong Women

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape-
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.
A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything-
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.
A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her-
but a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future-
but a woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes can also be God’s blessings and capitalizes on them.
A strong woman walks sure-footedly-
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face-
but a woman of strength wears grace.
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey-
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Dee Cheeks

Sunday Lesson Schedule for April

April 3rd: General Conference
April 10th: GPM, Ch. 30: Charity, taught by Sister Beck
April 17th: GPM, Ch. 31: Honesty
April 24th: November Ensign, “Be an Example of the Believers”, by Mary N. Cook, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

General Conference is Saturday, April 2nd and Sunday, April 3rd.

The Family History Classes will be held at Sister Surface’s house at 6:30 pm Wednesday, April 6th, and Wednesday, April 20th.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, April 13th in the morning.

There is a RS Activity Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 pm.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is April 15th and 16th.

There is a SA fireside Sunday, April 17th at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

Saturday, April 23rd there is a SA Family History Class & Dinner at the Stake Center from 5 to 8 pm.

“Time to Awaken-to the Things That Matters Most.” Our Stake RS Conference is Saturday, April 30th from 9 am to 1 pm at the Stake Center. This wonderful day will include inspiring talks, encouraging classes, plus a delicious lunch. All women and Laurels are invited! Think of who you would like to sit with...and make sure they know about it!

There is a MSA activity at the Stake Center Saturday, April 23rd at 7pm.

The Holy Ghost and Revelation

“The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and with the Father and the Son, He knows all things (see D&C 35:19; 42:17). He has several important roles; foremost among them is to teach and testify of the Father and the Son (see 3 Nephi 28:11). Other roles are that He reveals the truth of all things (see Moroni 10:5) and He leads to do good (see D&C 11:12).”

Jay E. Jensen, "The Holy Ghost and Revelation”, Ensign, Nov. 2010, 77

Service

“Women’s first responsibility for service is to their families, for this is the fundamental priority established by the Lord. It must be their first consideration, and that of all those who call them to positions or seek their assistance in any endeavor; for the building of strong families is fundamental to a strong society.

Service in the Church most often should be a woman’s next priority, with service in the community being a third consideration.

...Ranking first in the realm of Church is service the official calling...Besides the official calling there is an official assignment, which covers a whole gamut of service opportunities in the Church…Another area of service within the general context of Church service is that of individual compassionate service on a spontaneous, personal basis. It is the kind of watchful care that each woman is expected to give to a neighbor in need.”

Barbara B. Smith, “She Stretcheth Out Her Hand to the Poor”, Ensign, Nov. 1977, 89

Sunday Lesson Schedule for March

March. 6th: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Carroll

March 13th: GPM, Ch. 28: Service, taught by Sister Beck

March 20th: GPM, Ch. 29: The Lord’s Law of Health, taught by Sister Brownlee

March 27th: November Ensign, “The Holy Ghost and Revelation”, by Elder Jay E. Jensen, taught by Sister Metheny

Announcements & Upcoming Events

The Family History Classes will be held at Sister Surface’s house at 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 2nd, Wednesday, March 16th, Wednesday, April 6th, and Wednesday, April 20th.

Our Stake Temple Weekend is March 4th and 5th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, March 6th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

There is a CES Fireside for Young Adults that will be broadcasted at 8 pm on Sunday, March 6th.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, March 6th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.
Our RS Birthday Dinner is Thursday, March 10th at 6:30 at our ward building.

There is a Ward Spaghetti Dinner Friday, March 18th.

There is a Single Adult fireside Sunday, March 20th at 7 pm at the White River Building.

Following the meetings on Sunday, March 27th, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

The YSA Break the Fast is Sunday, March 27th at 6 pm at the Franklin Building.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, March 27th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Sacrifice

“President Gordon B. Hinckley defined sacrifice so beautifully when he said: ‘Without sacrifice there is no true worship of God. … The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave his life, and we do not worship unless we give—give of our substance, … our time, … strength, … talent, … faith, … [and] testimonies’ (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 565).

Brothers and sisters, the law of sacrifice is one of the things that sets us apart from the rest of the world. We are a covenant people, blessed with opportunities to worship and to give; but are we fully converted to the principle of sacrifice? I’m reminded of the wealthy young man, taught by the Savior, who asked, ‘What do I still lack in my life?’ (see Matt. 19:20). Jesus said to him, ‘If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell [all] that thou hast … and come and follow me’ (Matt. 19:21).”

Carol B. Thomas, "Sacrifice: An Eternal Investment", Ensign, May 2001, 63

The Power of God's Love

“When filled with God’s love, we can do and see and understand things that we could not otherwise do or see or understand. Filled with His love, we can endure pain, quell fear, forgive freely, avoid contention, renew strength, and bless and help others in ways surprising even to us.
Jesus Christ was filled with unfathomable love as He endured incomprehensible pain, cruelty, and injustice for us. Through His love for us, He rose above otherwise insurmountable barriers. His love knows no barriers. He invites us to follow Him and partake of His unlimited love so we too may rise above the pain and cruelty and injustice of this world and help and forgive and bless.”

John H. Groberg, “The Power of God’s Love”, October 2004 General Conference

Sunday Lesson Schedule for February

Feb. 6th: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Carlson

Feb. 13th: GPM, Ch. 26: Sacrifice, taught by Sister Beck

Feb. 20th: GPM, Ch. 27: Work & Personal Responsibility, taught by Sister Brownlee

Feb. 27th: By direction of the Stake

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Our Stake Temple Weekend is February 4th and 5th.

Following the meetings on Sunday, February 6th we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

The YSA Break the Fast is Sunday, February 6th at 6 pm at the Franklin Building.

MSA Break the Fast is Sunday, February 6th at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Our Visiting Teaching Conference is Thursday, February 10th at 6:30 pm at our ward building.

There is a MSA temple trip February 19th.

There is a SA activity and dinner from 5 to 8 pm on February 19th at the Stake Center.

There is a Single Adult fireside Sunday, February 20th at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

Book club will meet Wednesday, February 23rd at Sister Carlson’s house.

Our Ward Conference is Sunday, February 27th .

Weightier Matters

“In speaking of weightier matters, I seek to contrast our ultimate goals in eternity with the mortal methods or short-term objectives we use to pursue them. The Apostle Paul described the difference between earthly perspectives and eternal ones in these words: ‘We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal’ (2 Cor. 4:18).

If we concentrate too intently on our obvious earthly methods or objectives, we can lose sight of our eternal goals, which the Apostle called ‘things … not seen.’ If we do this, we can forget where we should be headed and in eternal terms go nowhere. We do not improve our position in eternity just by flying farther and faster in mortality, but only by moving knowledgeably in the right direction. As the Lord told us in modern revelation, ‘That which the Spirit testifies unto you … ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation’ (D&C 46:7; emphasis added).”

Dallin H. Oaks, "Weightier Matters", Ensign, Jan. 2001, 13

Faith Points to the Future

“As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Best Is Yet to Be", Ensign, Jan. 2010, 22–27

Sunday Lesson Schedule for January

Jan. 2nd: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Bober
Jan. 19th: GPM, Ch. 24: The Sabbath Day, taught by Sister Beck
Jan. 16th: GPM, Ch. 25: Fasting
Jan. 23rd: November Ensign, “Let There Be Light,” by Elder Quentin L. Cook taught by Sister Metheny
Jan. 30th: By Direction of the Bishop

Announcements & Upcoming Events

Following the meetings today, we will have a Ward Linger Longer from 4 to 5 pm.

This evening at 6 pm there will be a YSA Break the Fast at the Franklin Building.

Mid-Singles Break the Fast is also this evening at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a CES fireside for Young Adults Sunday, January 9th at 8 pm.

There is a RS Activity Thursday, January 13th at 6:30 pm at Sister Hammer’s home. We’ll be making the Book of Mormon Booklets. You’ll need to bring a 3-ring binder and 85 sheet protectors. The cost for copies will be no more than $8.20.

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

There is a Single Adult fireside Sunday, January 16th at 7 pm at the Stake Center.

Book club will meet Thursday, January 20th at Sister Weston’s house.

Saturday, January 22nd there is a Ward Game and Dessert Night from 5 to 9 pm.