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.