May Newsletter

Presidency Message

My mother has lots of mantras that she shares with her children. One of her most famous is 'Enjoy the Journey'. She has always encouraged us to enjoy what we are doing while we are doing it. The first few years of our marriage were a little rough. Poor students, little babies, and never enough time to get things done. Holding onto my mother's words was very important to me because it has helped me to remember to try and put the important things first in my life.

In the October 2008 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson shared these words: "This is our one and only chance at mortal life - here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey - now."

I appreciate how Pres. Monson says we should enjoy our journey NOW. Not tomorrow when the house is clean, or after the laundry is done, but enjoy what you are doing right this instant. Find the little blessings in life that remind you that Heavenly Father loves you and cares about you.

In the same talk Pres. Monson also taught us: "Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important - and what is most important almost always involves the people around us." Remember to let those you love know that you love them. Remember that people are more important than things. Remember that Heavenly Father is mindful of all His children and loves each one of us. As you work on enjoying the journey you will feel the love of the Lord in your life more fully and gratitude will fill your heart.

Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, Jenny

Birthdays
2 Claudia Forbes
14 Peggy Milligan
16 Mary Opidee
19 Carrie Brackett
21 Margaret Rhoades
23 Amy Johnson
29 Sharon Rankin
30 Jacquelyn Brady

Lesson Schedule
May 4 Presidency message taught by Marty Rozeski
May 11 Chapter 9 “Witnesses of the Book of Mormon” taught by Kay Bashford
May 18 Chapter 10 “Our Search for Truth” taught by Kristen Tanner
May 25 General Conference talk

Upcoming Events
May 3 Stake Women’s Conference 8:30-2:00 (Pick and choose from a list of 15 classes that you want to attend)
June 12 Relief Society Meeting 7:00

Other Opportunities
May 14 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Arby’s
(58th & Old Wadsworth Blvd)
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics

Sunday Lesson: April 20th

Sunday, April 20, 2014, the RS lesson was given by Sis. Kay Bashford. The lesson was Chp. 8 of the Joseph Fielding Smith manual, The Church and Kingdom of God. 

On Saturday morning, April 3, 1971, during his opening address at General Conference, President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "We announce that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on earth, the only place where men may come to learn the true doctrines of salvation and find the authority of the Holy Priesthood." He continued, "There is no need for anyone to remain in darkness; the light of the everlasting gospel is here; and every sincere investigator on earth can gain a personal witness from the Holy Spirit of the truth and divine nature of the Lord's work." 

At the beginning of our lesson it says, "Let all men know assuredly that this is the Lord's Church and He is directing it's affairs. What a privilege it is to have membership in such a divine institution!"

SIs. Bashford asked some thought provoking questions during her lesson. "How do you feel about your membership in the Church? Is it a privilege to be a member?" President Joseph Fielding Smith had no doubts about how he felt. He said, "I know that we have the truth of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, just as well as I know that I live. If I did not know it, I wouldn't want to be here or have anything to do with this work. But I know it in every fiber of my body."

SIs. Bashford says that it works both ways; when you know the Church is true, you work! When you work in the Church, you come to know more assuredly that it is true.

President Smith said, "In every gospel dispensation there are special needs to be met, problems to be solved, and help that must be given to assist and aid the members of the Church in working out their salvation 'with fear and trembling' before the Lord." Therefore, the Lord set up His Church as a Priesthood organization with other organizations to help, such as the Relief Society, Young Men and Young Women organizations, and the Primary. Sis. Bashford reminding us that our able service in the Church does not go unnoticed by the God whom we serve and in whose work we are engaged.

Our dispensation is different from the other dispensations of the earth. President Smith said, "There is one great thing we have received in this age that has never been had before. In this dispensation the Lord has decreed that the Church shall never again be lead astray; this time the gospel is here to stay. This time the revealed truth is destined to prepare a people for the second coming of the Son of Man, and the Church will be established in all parts of the earth when the Lord comes to usher in the millennial era of peace and righteousness."

To conclude the lesson Sis. Bashford asked us these questions:

How do you feel about your membership in the Church?

In what ways are you thankful for the gospel fullness?

What has it done for your life?

Do you find joy and happiness in life because of your membership in the Church?

Are you fully committed to be of service, to help build up the Kingdom of God on the earth today in this the last dispensation?

Find the entire lesson online HERE

Because of Him

In preparation for Easter this weekend here is a special video to watch and share with others!   

"Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him."

VISIT MORMON.ORG BY CLICKING HERE!

Stake Family Discovery Day

The Stake Family Discovery Day is just around the corner on April 19th.

We are so excited for all that has been planned and believe it will be a blessing to all who attend.

Fair information

Saturday, April 19, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 Open House

Alkire building

Youth - Please come the the Youth Discovery Booth in the RS room to discover where your family was in 1856

Youth - Special youth video broadcast at 12 noon - John Bythway teaching "The Power of Youth - Making a Difference"  playing in the chapel.

Families - come get your family photograph taken by professional photographers, go to the familymap booth to see where your family came from.,  Bring old photos and documents to learn how to scan them into digital copies, Come prepared to share a family story in front of the camera and receive a digital copy.

Researchers and family history want-a-be's  attend the Rootstech classes and visit the booths such as 1940 Census, FamilySearch.org, Indexing, Help booth, beginner booth etc.

There is something for everyone.  Please come - to learn and be filled with the spirit of Elijah!

Arvada Stake Relief Society Women's Conference

We hope you will make some time to join us for this fantastic day and opportunity for learning and growth!  The keynote speaker will start at 8:30 am and is sure to be inspiring and uplifting.  The classes that will be offered following his presentation are listed below. You are invited and welcome to come and go to the classes that you are interested and able to attend.  

Outline of Arvada Stake Relief Society Women’s Conference  

Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Arvada Stake Center 

8:30 am -2:00 pm

“Blessed Are They Who Shall Seek to Bring Forth My Zion”

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Ben Diamond
CU Boulder Institute Director

Classes offered at 10:00, 12:00, and 1:00 

Lunch served at 11:00 

Women's Conference Classes

The love of God did dwell in their hearts: Building a Relationship with Christ

Brother Tony Allen (10:00, 12:00)

And there was no poor among them: Finding Joy in Hard Times

President Robert Lewis (10:00, 1:00)

Hearts knit together in love: Building Relationships and Resolving Conflicts

Sister Meredith Hammond, Professional Counselor (10:00, 12:00)

I will gather out mine elect: Sharing the Gospel in Normal and Natural Ways

Brother Alan Curtis (10:00, 1:00)

Preparing Missionaries - What ever Mother and Leader should know

President and Sister Toombs (12:00, 1:00)

Stand Independent: Growing Resilient and Independent Children

Bishop James Skeen, Professional Counselor (10:00, 12:00)

3 Month Food and Water Storage Basics

Sister Tiffany Scott and Brother Howard Taylor (1:00)

Surely there was never a happier people: Dealing with Depression

Brother Drew Brazier and Jackie Sanders, Professional Counselors (12:00, 1:00)

Sunday Lesson: April 13th

Each one of us needs our own testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and specifically a testimony of the First Vision.

“The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith. … Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that [Joseph Smith] … declared”    - Joseph F Smith

 “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it

                                                                        -Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 (15):

“With his brother, my grandfather, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, he [Joseph Smith] sealed his testimony with his blood in Carthage Jail. And I, for one, want to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands of letting the ends of the earth know that salvation is again available because the Lord raised up a mighty seer in this day to reestablish his kingdom on earth.19

 We raise our voices in thanksgiving for the lives and ministries of the Prophet Joseph Smith, of Hyrum Smith the Patriarch, and of the prophets and apostles and righteous men and women who have built on the foundation they laid.20”  -Joseph Fielding Smith 

Can we have the same kind of brotherly love as Hyrum and Joseph Smith for our sisters? Can we share this same loyalty, dedication, and trust? Can we stand by one another, and mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice? I believe we can. As Lucy Mack wisely stated, ”We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

Read the entire lesson HERE

April Newsletter

Presidency Message 

 A few years ago I attended the funeral of a dear Uncle.  He was an Episcopal Priest of some 50 years. The common statement made by many was, "He was a true parish priest." It was said in a tone of high praise. I finally asked what the compliment meant, and was told he cared for his flock by ministering to them. He visited his parishioners and knew of their joys and sorrows. He offered care by offering himself.  In Relief Society, each sister has the opportunity to watch over and strengthen sisters one by one through visiting teaching. Sister Julie B. Beck, the fifteenth Relief Society general president, said, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, each, and minister in His behalf." Sister Elaine L. Jack, the twelfth Relief Society general president, taught: "In visiting teaching we reach out to each other. Hands often speak as voices can't. A warm embrace conveys volumes.  A laugh together unites us. A moment of sharing refreshes our souls. We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well."  When we serve others as visiting teachers, we receive blessings. One sister I visit always offers me a glass of ice water. Another sister let's me sample her daughter's latest new recipe. And another sister shares her latest gospel insight, as she thrills with the discovery of truth. All offer something of themselves and we share friendship. These sisters are helping me develop the pure love of Christ, and I hope in some measure I am helping them.  What high praise it would be, if a common statement used to describe each of our lives would be, "She was a true visiting teacher."

Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, Jenny

Upcoming Events
 March 29 RS General Broadcast 6:00 PM women 8 yrs and up
 April 5 & 6 General Conference
 April 13 Fast Sunday
 May 3 Women’s Conference (formerly Morningside) 8:30-3:00 with lunch no breakfast

April 2014
Birthdays
 2 Tiffany Markey
 3 Karen Schmidt
 8 Jan Welling
 9 Kierstin O’Flaherty
 9 Theresa Salankey
 11 Angie Dallaire
 13 Wendy Gordon
 15 Tesla Miller
 15 Marty Rozeski
 22 Charlene Browne
 22 Heidi Oaklief
 24 Pat Jentzsch
 24 Jackie Milonas
 28 Glenda Cross

Lesson Schedule
April 6 General Conference
April 13 Chapter 7 “Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Witnesses for Christ” taught by Kristen Tanner
April 20 Chapter 8 “The Church and Kingdom of God” taught by Kay Bashford
April 27 General Conference talk

Other Opportunities
Go to Arvada2ward.blogspot.com for more information
April 8 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Wendy’s on 58th & Independence
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics
May 1 7:00 PM at Kendra Mauger’s Book Club discussion of “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe

A few things going on...

Just in case you haven't looked through the tabs above lately, there have been updates.  Check out the following:  Single Adults, Our Missionaries, Family History, Primary/Cub Scouts, and Recycle & Reuse.  

Don't forget our young men and young women fundraiser dinner this Friday (April 11th).  The evening will begin at 6:00 pm at the Quail building.  A Mexican themed dinner will be served for a suggested donation of $5 per person or $20 per family.  We will also have a silent auction to help raise funds for the youth summer camps.  Come and enjoy an evening with our fantastic youth!