Sunday Lesson: June 29th

As the fifth Sunday we had the privilege of meeting together, RS and Priesthood, and were instructed by Bishop Larson. He read a letter regarding the guidelines for feeding and helping the full time missionaries. We are to be mindful of their responsibility to teach about Christ and His church. When feeding them we should keep to their schedule of eating between 5-6 pm. It is important for them to be about the Lord's work during those evening hours.

Bishop also shared with us a letter from Elder Ben Tyus, a missionary serving from our ward. Elder Tyus gave us perspective as to how important the congregation is in doing missionary work. This letter was followed up by Mitchell Larson, who recently returned from a full time mission, explaining how members from a branch where he served were crucial to growth of their branch. Those branch members brought their friends and family to the missionaries to teach because they wanted to share with their loved ones something that was so special to them, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We watched some videos - including the video below.

Bishop Larson reminded us that by reading the scriptures, praying, and looking for opportunities to be involved in sharing the gospel we will be blessed with what we should say and do. We should help others have the blessings that we have. The missionaries are tools for us to use in our efforts to reach out to those we care about. We are so blessed to have the knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, let us share it with others.

Check out the website found  HERE for more help in hastening the work. Contact the ward mission leader, Brother Jentzsch or the missionaries with more questions.

Sunday Lesson: June 22nd

Sis. Suzy Erekson was a guest teacher for our Teaching for Our Times (TFOT) lesson this month. The conference talks that were referenced in this lesson were from President Thomas S. Monson Be Strong and of Good Courage and from Elder Russell M. Nelson Let Your Faith Show. 

Elder Nelson teaches, "When we speak of faith - the faith that can move mountains - we are not speaking of faith in general but of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can be bolstered as we learn about Him and live our religion. The doctrine of Jesus Christ was designed by the Lord to help us increase our faith. In today's vernacular, however the word religion can mean different things to different people. The word religion literally means "to ligate again" or "to tie back" to God. The question we might ask ourselves is, are we securely tied to God so that our faith shows, or are we actually tied to something else?"

Sis. Erekson asked each of us to write down on a card how we had shown our faith during the past week. She then collected the cards and read some of them to the class. There were some really great examples of faith from our RS Sisters! Things like 'stood up for my beliefs in a group of people even though it was not accepted'. Another way that a sister showed faith was being patient with an anxious dog that she was watching. 

Elder Nelson shares a story of a time when he was chastised by a medical colleague because he did not separate his professional knowledge from his religious convictions. "He demanded that I not combine the two. How could I do that? Truth is truth! It is not divisible, and any part of it cannot be set aside....Whether truth emerges from a scientific laboratory or through revelation, all truth emanates from God. All truth is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet I was being asked to hide my faith. I did not comply with my colleague's request. I let my faith show!"

Elder Nelson later says that, "Spiritual truth cannot be ignored - especially divine commandments. Keeping divine commandments brings blessings, every time! Breaking divine commandments brings a loss of blessings, every time!"

President Monson tells us that, "We live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround us. We are faced with persistent pressures and insidious influences tearing down what is decent and attempting to substitute the shallow philosophies and practices of a secular society....Because of these and other challenges, decisions are constantly before us which can determine our destiny. In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed - the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right."

Sis. Erekson started talking to us about how nice it would be to go to the store and pick out a bunch of crisp, juicy apples. What a great snack that would be! Red, ripe, and delicious. As she was talking to us about the apples, she was holding an orange. She had many confused stares while she was holding an orange and talking about apples. She pointed out that no matter how many people say that something is right, even though it is not, it still doesn't make it right. Even if 50 million people vote that her orange is an apple, it doesn't make it an apple. We need to do the same. President Monson teaches us that, "The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. Every day of our lives courage is needed - not just for the momentous events but more often as we make decisions or respond to circumstances around us."

Read or listen to the conference talk HERE.

Sunday Announcements: June 22nd

Calendar Items:
June 30th: Single Adult (and their children) BBQ at President Jones Home at 6:30 pm. Bring salad or side dish to share.
July 2nd: Book Club at 7:00 pm
July 4th: 7 am 5K fun run - 8 am Breakfast - 9 am Home Run derby (Alkire Bldg. ?)
July 9th: Lunch Bunch - Location TBA

Temple Information:
Our next Temple day is Wed. July 15th
Temple will be closed June 30th-July 14th
Stake Temple interviews will be Wed. July 9th at 7 pm 

Choir Practice: 
Choir practice will resume on Sept 7th each Sunday from 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm in the Chapel.

Summer Activities:
Tuesdays: Kid Friendly Hiking Group 
Thursdays: Summer Drama Group (kids age 6-12) 
~Email Jan at poulsenj@hotmail.com for details.

Sunday Lesson: June 15th

Relief Society Lesson for June – #12 –Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

The Blessings of the Lord are offered to the Saints and the world through the ministrations of those who hold HIS Holy Priesthood, and represent the Lord.

This lesson is taken from 5 talks that President Smith gave in Priesthood sessions of general conference. His words include an understanding that the power of the Priesthood is a great blessing for all members of the Church. He said in one of those addresses, “I think we all know that the blessings of the Priesthood are not confined to men alone. These blessings are also poured out upon our wives and daughters and upon all the faithful women of the Church. These good sisters can prepare themselves for the blessings of the House of the Lord, by keeping the commandments and by serving in the Church, The Lord offers to his daughters every spiritual gift and blessing that can be obtained by his sons…….. He said, “Everything connected with the Melchizedek Priesthood is designed and intended to prepare us to gain eternal life in the Kingdom of God.”

If we have a clear understanding of the covenant made when men receive the Priesthood and of the promises the Lord gives if they magnify their callings, all of us will have a greater incentive to do all we must do to gain eternal life.

Why is it important to us, as women to understand the Priesthood and why is it important to us that men fulfill their responsibility in the Priesthood?

President Smith stated not long after he was sustained as President of the Church that His one desire was to magnify to the best of his ability the calling which was his. He frequently exhorted Priesthood holders to magnify their calling in the Priesthood.

Elder Francis M Gibbons who served as a secretary to the First Presidency, shared insight into the way President Smith magnified his callings in the Priesthood. Besides his leadership responsibilities, his constant traveling, teaching and preaching Elder Gibbons said, “He was always meek and mild mannered….His character was devoid of arrogance, posturing or self-importance…..He never put on airs, or flaunted his office.”

How can we help the holders of the Priesthood magnify their callings?

A term we hear often in the Church is the oath and covenant of the Priesthood.

First what is an oath? “A solemn pronouncement to affirm the truth of a statement – judicial swearing – solemn appeal to deity in witness of truth or a promise.”

President Smith taught – “To swear with an oath is the most solemn and binding form of speech known to the human tongue; and it was this type of language which the Father chose to have used in the great Messianic prophecy about Christ and the Priesthood. Speaking of Christ the prophecy says: “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Paul explained that Jesus had “an unchangeable priesthood and that through it came “the power of an endless life. Joseph Smith said that “all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.” That is, if they are faithful and true.

In D&C section 84, the Priesthood section, which we will discuss later it says, 39: and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

40: therefore, all those who receive the Priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which HE (the father) cannot break, neither can it be moved.

What is a covenant? An agreement between two or more to do or not do something –

Example: Covenant between God and Ancient Israel that God would protect them IF they kept His law and were faithful to Him.

Section 84 of the D&C is referred to as the Priesthood section and contains the oath and covenant of the Priesthood. In this section are the names of those who were given the Priesthood – from Adam down through the generations. They are listed and in verse 17 the Lord explains about the Priesthood that was given to them.

Verse 17 – “Which priesthood continues in the church of God in all generations and without beginning of days or end of years.” The Priesthood is everlasting.

Verse 21 and 22 – “And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the Priesthood, they

see the face of God, even the Father, and live.”

D & C: 84:33

“For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two Priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.”

What does it mean to be sanctified? ----

Bruce R McConkie explains in his book, “Mormon Doctrine” that to be sanctified “Is to become clean, pure and spotless; to be free of the blood and sins of the world; to become a new creature…..is a state of saintliness, as state attained only by conformity to the laws and ordinances of the gospel”

What is the renewing of their bodies?

(Romans 8:11)

Explains renewing - “But if the Spirit of HIM that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, HE that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by HIS Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

Reading verse 33 again: “For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two Priesthood's of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling “become clean, pure and spotless” and will be quickened with the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead.”

Continuing verse 34 – “They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham and the church and kingdom and the elect of God

35: And also all they who receive this PH receive me, saith the Lord:

36: For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

37: and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

38: and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him

39: and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

40: therefore, all those who receive the Priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which HE (the father) cannot break, neither can it be moved.

The scriptures continue with an explanation of the penalty for breaking the covenant and turn away.

Those who receive the Melchizedek Priesthood do so by covenant. They promise to receive the Priesthood, to magnify their callings in it, to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God. The Lord promises that if we keep the covenant we shall receive all that the Father hath, which is life eternal.

The Priesthood administers the gospel – it is found in the true Church in all generations - it holds the keys of the knowledge of God. It enables the Lord’s people to be sanctified, to see the face of God and to enter into the rest of the Lord, which is the fullness of His glory.

What must we as women do to prepare for the blessings of the Priesthood and to be worthy of them?

Follow the example of the Savior in all things.

Conclusion: “The blessings of the Lord are offered to the Saints and to the world through the ministrations of those who hold his Holy Priesthood, who represent Him, who are in fact His servants and agents and are willing to serve Him and keep His commandments.

What a glorious thing it is to know that the Lord has offered to each of us the fullness of the Priesthood and has promised us that if we will receive this Priesthood and magnify our callings, we shall gain an everlasting inheritance with Him in His kingdom!”

See lesson in manual HERE.

Thank You!

We are so appreciative to the Relief Society Activities Committee for all of their planning and execution of our Cool-Aide Service Auction held this month. A lot of time and thought goes into these activities by the committee. On the same note these activities are only as successful and fun as those that come and participate. Thank you for those that make the time to join with us on these special RS evenings.  Thank you to for donating food, clothing for Bolivia, and your services. We have such wonderful sisters! We love each of you!!

Remember to contact the person whos service item you 'purchased' through our bidding auction. If you don't hear from the person who won the item you donated please make contact with them.  Service is not only good for the recipient, but also you will be blessed for serving others.

If you have thought of another service that you would like to give or you are in need of service please contact a member of the RS Presidency to let us know. Our sisterhood and friendships are strengthened as we serve each other.

Please check back on the blog frequently as things are updated and changed. Click on the SERVICE tab to see opportunities to serve.

"Service allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do. It connects us to those we serve and gives us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer."

Sunday Lesson: June 8th

Lesson 11

Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith 

"Every man who is properly chosen to preside in any capacity in the Church should be honored in his calling.” -Joseph F Smith

Joseph F Smith gave us two stories from his own life modeling this behavior.

"At one point in Joseph Fielding Smith’s service as an Apostle, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were engaged in an ongoing discussion about a difficult question. Elder Smith had expressed a strong opinion about the issue. One day President Heber J. Grant, who was then the President of the Church, came to Elder Smith’s office. President Grant explained that after prayerfully considering the issue, he had felt impressed to recommend an action that differed from Elder Smith’s views. Immediately Elder Smith voiced his support for President Grant’s decision. He later declared, “So far as I am concerned, when the President of the Church says the Lord has manifested to him or inspired him to do anything, I would support him fully in that action.”3

"Joseph Fielding Smith gave such support to all his priesthood leaders, not just the President of the Church. For example, Nathan Eldon Tanner was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1962. One year later, he was called as a Counselor in the First Presidency, thus placing him in a presiding position over President Smith, who was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. President Tanner later expressed his gratitude for President Smith’s support: “When I was called to the First Presidency, though he was the senior member of the Twelve and had been in office for over fifty years, he showed great respect for me in that position and gave me full support and confidence.”4

-Joseph F Smith

It is not about what kind of title or position we hold, it is about what kind of member we are and how many good things we set in motion or help with.

"The keys of priesthood had to be restored. It was not sufficient that John the Baptist came with the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John with the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, by virtue of which the Church was organized, but there had to be an opening of the heavens and a restoration of keys held by all the prophets who have headed dispensations from the days of Adam down to the days of Peter, James, and John. These prophets came in their turn and each bestowed the authority which he held.11"

"Brethren and sisters, this is a glorious dispensation. All other dispensations flow into it. All authorities, all powers, are centered in this dispensation in which we live. We are privileged to partake of these blessings through our faithfulness.16"

"May I now say—very plainly and very emphatically—that we have the holy priesthood and that the keys of the kingdom of God are here. They are found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.17"

-Joseph F Smith

A group of tourists who went into a deep, dark cave. Once inside the cave the guide turned off the lights, waited for a few minutes, and then asked each person to point in the direction of the exit. When the lights came back on, people were pointing in all different directions.  Elder Robert D. Hales: “If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. … There would be no light, no hope—only darkness” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, p. 40; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, p. 32).

“I think there is one thing which we should have exceedingly clear in our minds. Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the Lord.

"An individual may fall by the wayside, or have views, or give counsel which falls short of what the Lord intends. But the voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold with them the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be. …”

-Joseph F Smith

Relief Society Activity

Everyone come to our R.S. night on June 12 at 6:30 pm. We will be having a potato bar and a service auction. Please think of a service that you can donate. Can be anything from planting flowers for someone to babysitting their children to baking someones favorite cookies. you will get points that night to bid with. We will also have a nursery. Hope to see you there!

Also, remember to bring items to donate to an orphanage in Bolivia.  Used children's clothes (any size or gender), new underwear and socks, shoes, etc. are greatly appreciated. If anyone has any old suitcases they would be willing to donate to transport the items that would be great. Those suitcases they would be willing to donate to transport the items that would be great. Those suitcases would then be given to potential missionaries in Bolivia getting ready to serve. Even things like old prescription glasses could help. If you can't bring your items that night, feel free to drop them by Lisa Lara's home before July 8th.

We can't wait to see you all tomorrow night!

Ward Activity

Don't forget about the 2nd Ward Lake Party this Friday, June 6th, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Location is Hyatt Lake on the west side of Eldridge St. between 58th and 64th Ave. Anybody can come to play in the water from 3pm on, and fishing is also allowed. No need for a fishing licence.

Please bring a side or dessert to share, hamburgers and hot dogs and root beer will be provided. Bring toys and games and be ready to have fun!

June Newsletter

Presidency Message

Do you ever have those life experiences that change you? The ones that change the way you see things? Change the way you think and act? I'm guessing you would say yes. I often reflect on one of those experiences that I've had. This particular one happened when I was in my early 20's. We had moved out of state away from family and close friends to finish school newly married. We didn't know anyone within 900 miles. This was the first time that I had attended a ward where I didn't know anyone and they didn't know me. I always had family and good friends around me that I was comfortable with. Now I was completely out of my comfort zone. I didn't think much about this initially. I thought I was strong, independent, and could handle this change without problem. I soon found out that my strong, quiet, independent personality came across differently to those around me – those that didn't know anything about me or my background. The people here didn't seem friendly, they didn't talk to me, they they they is what I kept thinking. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I was starting to have built up feelings about how unfriendly all these people were. I thought these people were supposed to be my family away from family, my ward family as I'd heard. How selfish of me looking back!

It would have been easy to slip by and go unseen and possibly not attend church, but I knew that wouldn't help in the end. I was unsure of where I fit in here. I didn't know how to accept kind words from people well. I assumed they didn't genuinely care so I kept some distance because it felt safer than putting myself out there. I had a calling in YW's and I didn't participate very much in anything else. I kept up on my visiting teaching, but I felt better alone, so I thought. I was polite to others as much as I needed to be. After some time another couple invited us to dinner at their home. We accepted the invite. By the end of our stay I had been told that I was much nicer than I looked, acted, and then they thought I would be. How was I to take that?! Surprisingly things got better from then on. I began to realize that I had been the one that was choosing to be alone, not they as I had assumed. I had been rejecting others who were trying to do their best to befriend me, in whatever way they knew how. Thankfully, I realized this before we left. By the time we moved I was able to open myself up to others. We had wonderful experiences there and have lifelong friends. From this experience I made a promise to myself before we moved to Arvada that I would be willing to make the first move and let others get to know me. It was not easy! It is much easier for me to keep to myself because that feels safer. I made myself get involved, meet others, smile more, participate, and look for ways to serve even though it doesn't always come easy. I am reminded constantly about this experience.

Through these trying experiences I am reminded of the scripture found in D&C 122:7 "...know though, my son (daughter), that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." Looking back on this experience and many others I can see how I have changed because of them. How did I choose to handle a particular experience? Do I let my assumptions guide me or am I willing to have an open heart and mind? There are many questions we can ask ourselves when life comes our way. We have the gift of agency. How we handle it, what we learn, and where we go from there is up to us. President James E. Faust said, "Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today." I hope that we can look to our loving Father in Heaven daily during our experiences and make a choice that will bring us closer to Him. He is aware of us and loves us more than we can imagine.

With Sincerest Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, and Jenny

June 2014 Birthdays
1 June Berger
4 Annette Hess
6 Erin Jorgenson
14 Andi Cory
15 Lisa Anderson-Weldon
15 Jamie Whitmore
16 Connie Dachtler
17 Lisa Larson
17 Sandra Sullivan
18 Kristin Mann
20 Colleen Wagner
21 Sephora Haertel
24 Eva Carroll
30 Breanne Puff

Lesson Schedule
June 1 Stake Conference
June 8 #11 “Honoring the Priesthood Keys
Restored through Joseph Smith” taught by
Kristen Tanner
June 15 #12 “The Oath and Covenant of the
Priesthood” taught by Kay Bashford
June 22 General Conference talk “Be Strong and of Good Courage” by Thomas S Monson AND
“Let Your Faith Show” by Russell Nelson
June 29 Combined RS/Priesthood

Upcoming Events
June 1 Stake Conference 10:00 AM
June 12 Relief Society Meeting 6:30 PM
June 15 Father’s Day (Please bring pie to church)

Other Opportunities
June 2 Book Club 7:00 at Andrea Lentz discussing “The Astronaut Wives Club”
June 6 Ward Party 5:30-8:00 at Hyatt Lake
June 10 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Panda Express (5145 Kipling Street)
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2 yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics