September Newsletter

Presidency Message

During the summer months the kids are home, vacations are exciting, and things can be pretty sporadic. Although I am always sad to see summer winding down I look forward to the new season fall will bring. I like to look at it as a new beginning. This can be a time to start fresh, make goals, complete projects, and reflect on life. 

No matter what our personal season is, there is time to make resolutions to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. The time to improve ourselves is now. In the 1990 Liahona there is an article written to help us keep our resolutions.

“Make realistic resolutions. Don’t try too much too quickly. For example, if you are presently not reading your scriptures at all but your resolution is to read half an hour every day, you may be setting yourself up for failure. It may be more realistic to resolve just to read something, even if it is just a few verses, every day. After that becomes habit, then you can work on increasing your goal.

Set a series of smaller goals. Divide your big goal into smaller sections. Say, for instance, you want to save money. Instead of leaving your goal so vague, plan a reasonable amount to work toward in the first month, then a larger amount to have saved at the first quarter of the year. These smaller goals will keep you encouraged as you make progress.

Make reminders. After you decide the things you would like to work on, make several reminders for yourself. The old method of taping a sign on your mirror or somewhere you will see it regularly might work. But if you usually ignore your signs, try something different. Sometimes simple things can work. Take the resolution to read your scriptures every day, for example. When you get out of bed in the morning, place your scriptures on your pillow. It will be difficult to say you forgot when you have to move them before going to bed.

Be kind to yourself. If you find you’ve made resolutions that are making you miserable, be willing to change them. After all, they are your resolutions. Sometimes you can resolve to do things that are really too big to handle. Instead of giving up as a failure, modify your goals so that they will be a true help and result in improvement.”

Love, Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, & Jenny

Birthdays

     1 Joni Bowler

   12 Larissa Flores

   20 Sandra Crane

   21 Mary Kay Bashford

   23 Tiffanie Huntley

   24 Carmae Hiller

   27 Senta Miller

   30 Geraldine Romans

Lesson Schedule

Sep 7  Presidency Message by Lisa Lara

Sep 14  #17 “Sealing Power and Temple Blessings” taught by Kristen Tanner

Sep 21 #18 “Living by Every Word that Proceeds from the Mouth of God” taught by Kay Bashford

Sep 28 General Conference talk "Protection from Pronography - A Christ Centered Home" by Linda S Reeves

  

Upcoming Events
Sep 11 Relief Society Meeting at 7 pm
Sep 17  Temple Day
Sep 18 Class: Making Bread at 7 pm at Marty Rozeski's

Sep 24 Project Night: Making Wreaths at 7 pm at Jan Welling’s

Sep 27 General Relief Society Broadcast 6pm for Women and girls ages 8 and up

Oct 4&5 General Conference

Oct 11  Super Service Day 10-2 with Lunch from 12-1

  

Other Opportunities

Sep 9  Lunch Bunch at 11:00 Dairy Queen (11631 W 64^th)

Sep 13  Ward Family BBQ 5:30 Alkire Pavilion

Sep 16 Book Club at Jaynie Mauger’s home “Before We Were Free” by Julia Alvarez

Sep 20 Preparedness Fair 10-2 at Apex

Thursdays 9:30 am Playgroup (Contact Jan Welling for locations.)

Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball

Mon & Wed weekly 9am Aerobics

Back To School Night

RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING

Join us for our back to school night! We will be giving our mind, body and spirit a jump start. We have three special guest speakers you won’t want to miss.

Where: Quail Building

When: Thursday, Sept 11th

Time: 7:00 pm

There will be refreshments and a nursery provided.

Please bring items to donate to the Arvada Food Bank and Jeffco Libraries (books, magazines, movies).

Friends are welcome! We hope to see you there!!

Sunday Lesson: Aug 24th

Sis. Jacquelyn Brady was the teacher this past Sunday for the Teaching for our Times lesson. The two talks that were referenced were The Cost - and Blessings- of Discipleship by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland as well as The Joyful Burden of Discipleship by Elder Ronald A. Rashband.  

Sis. Brady also took some things from a talk by the late James E. Faust entitled Discipleship. 

What is a Disciple of Christ? A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Sis. Brady asked us to share personal experiences where we have felt the love of our Savior and known He was with us. As these experiences were shared in class, at the end of each experience Sis. Brady always asked, "How has this experience changed and affected you and how you treat others?" The stories that were shared were incredible! What was even more incredible, however, was the strengthening of the testimony of the sister because of the experience. Her desire to share the gospel and how she had personally felt the love of the Savior in her life was magnified because of her experience. 

James E. Faust said, "Everything in this life has a price. Considering the Savior's great promise for peace in this life and external life and the life to come, discipleship is a price worth paying. It is a price we cannot afford not to pay." Some may feel that being a disciple of Christ is hard or too much work. In Matthew 11:28-30 Christ tells us, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." He will help us be His true disciple; He will be there every step of the way.

Elder Holland teaches us in his talk: "So here we have the burden of those called to bear the messianic message. In addition to teaching, encouraging, and cheering people on (that is the pleasant part of discipleship), from time to time these same messengers are called upon to worry, to warn, and sometimes just to weep (that is the painful part of discipleship)." The Savior promises us in Luke 9:23-24, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

To conclude the lesson, Sis. Brady shared a beautiful acappella version of the primary song, "I'm Trying to be like Jesus." The song can be found at this link:

Just A Thought

School Is Back In Session

School is back in session for most of our ward family kids this week. We will be thinking about all of you sending your kids to school and wish you the best... and a little peace and quiet. Here is a little a little article with some ideas to help your kids this school year. 

Click on the article links in the message to direct you to more ideas. 

Bite-sized Spiritual Snacks

Right about now, many children are getting ready to go back to school.  If your kids are like mine, they often learn about recycling in their classes.  With this in mind, I thought of a way to make even more out of the Friend magazine that comes to our home each month. 

Using old magazines, I’ve created little note cards to slip into my children’s lunch boxes. 

There are tons of short and sweet nuggets of love and wisdom that you can use from the Friend, such as the pictures found in an article by Elder Robert D. Hales that answer the question "What can we do when hard things happen to us?" or tips on how to "Stop Bullying Now."  For a lighter lunchtime interlude, the "Back-to-School Humor" found in the September 2009 Friend will surely tickle their funny bones and remind them that they are loved, as they enjoy a bite-sized spiritual snack!

By Jocelyn Christensen
July 27, 2012

Sunday Lesson: Aug 17th

Our lesson this week was taught by Sis. Kay Bashford, Chapter 16 Bringing Up Children in Light and Truth.

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that "To withstand the influence of the adversary, parents must bring up their children in light and truth... There are many great and real dangers to be reckoned with, and those which concern us more than all others combined have to do with our children. The only real protection or adequate defense can be afforded by the home and its influences." We talked as a class that many of the things that parents worried about 'back in the day' continue to be a threat to our children now. Tobacco, alcohol, and pornography are still huge threats to our youth today, but the list has just gotten longer with worries regarding social media, prescription drugs, bullying and the like.

President Smith said, "The first duty pertaining to the training of the children of the Church belongs in the home. It is the responsibility of the parents to bring up their children in light and truth, and the Lord has declared that wherein they faith to do it, they will stand before the judgment seat to give answer." See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-26. However, President Smith also said that, "If parents have done all in their power to teach their children correctly by example and precept and the children then go astray, the parents will not be held responsible and the sin will be upon the children."

The Church also helps parents in their efforts to teach their children. There were many examples given in class of teachers and leaders helping to teach the children and youth of the church. Primary teachers, seminary teachers, and many others play such a great role in teaching the gospel to children. It takes a village to raise a child, and that cannot be more true than in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some of the most important things we should teach our children are to gain and keep a personal testimony. We are also responsible to teach our children to pray, read and study the scriptures, observe the Word of Wisdom, and walk faithfully and humbly before the Lord. President Smith also teaches us that "We must shelter children from the sins and evils of the world as much as we can so they will not be led away from the paths of truth and righteousness." As a class we talked about how important it is to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost to know when our children need our guidance. Our children need us to be close to the Spirit so we know how to teach them, what to say in teachable moments, and even in specific times of possible danger.

Some quotes that Sis. Kay Bashford had on the chalkboard to remind us how important it is to Bring up our Children in Light and Truth. She also handed out a list for grandparents (parent's as well) of 100 Things you can teach your grandchildren. There is a link to that list below.

"Show love to your children.  You know you love them.  

But make certain they know it as well."  

Thomas S. Monson

"Families are the treasure of heaven." 

Neil  Anderson of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles

"We must never lose sight of the strength of the women.  It is mothers who most directly affect the lives of their children.  Their influence is paramount."

Gordon B.  Hinckley

HANDOUT of 100 Things You Can Teach Your Grandchildren see HERE.

See entire lesson HERE.

Ward Temple Day

Reminder! 

Wednesday, August 20th is Ward Temple Day!!

Just A Thought

Sunday: Aug 10th

This last Sunday we had a combined lesson given by service missionaries.  We were introduced to and learned about an opportunity the church has made available to all church members to help continue educations  It is called the PATHWAY PROGRAM and you can find more information about it HERE.

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS SECTION 130: 18-19

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

Single Adult Activity

Multi Stake Single Adult Fireside

FIRESIDE WITH ROCKY 

Pot Luck: (True Pot Luck, no assigned items) 5:30 pm 

Fireside: 7:00 – 8:15 pm

Single Adults Welcome Nuggets SuperMascot Rocky as speaker at a Multi-Stake Single Adult Fireside and Potluck on. Rocky is recognized worldwide as the Denver Nuggets SuperMascot. He entered the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2008, and was awarded the title of Most Awesome Mascot for 2013. He is known for his community service and a whole generation has grown up loving his capers and stunts. In his persona as Rocky he never talks. As a brother in the gospel of Jesus Christ and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he shares his witness of the gospel’s truth and salvation in spite of today’s worldliness. 

 

Sunday Lesson: Aug 3rd

This weeks lesson was given by our Relief Society President, Marty Rozeski. It was a great reminder how we can over come our weaknesses.

She started by sharing a BYU devotional address given Dec. 3^rd of 2013.  It  was given by Gerald Causse, the 1^st counselor in the presiding Bishopric of the Church. He begins by reminding us of last year when the Lord decided to hasten his work.  President Monson announced that the ages for serving missions had been lowered. Since then tens of thousands of youth responded.

Those outside the Church probably wondered “Why would the Church put so much responsibility in the hands of inexperienced youngsters?” The scriptures are filled with stories of young and modest people who have great faith and are magnified by the power of God to accomplish exceptional things.  Such as...

   Enoch, who called himself  “a lad”  “slow of speech”  (Moses 6:31)

   Joseph Smith who described himself “an obscure boy”  “of no consequence in the world”

   The Virgin Mary who said “My soul doth magnify the Lord…for he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden”  (Luke 1:46)

Perhaps you feel too weak to overcome some challenges.  Perhaps you are afraid.  There is no shame in that!  Everyone has these feelings from time to time.

Sister Rozeski had us write down our talents, traits, attributes, inadequacies, abilities. Pointing out that * We are all a blend, multiple, and diverse. *Being objective and accurate about ourselves is difficult. *Some of us over estimate our strengths and others doubt our own abilities.

           

Elder Causse outlines 4 principles to 
help you receive strength to overcome life’s challenges:

1st Build on your Strengths

Our problem is never that we have no strengths; the problem comes when we don’t recognize our strengths and build upon them.We cannot be happy in life if we don’t acknowledge those gifts from the Spirit, develop them, and use them to bless others.

2^nd Recognize your Personal Limitations

It might be a challenge to accept a limitation.

Sister Rozeski told of a relative who for years listened well and memorized books in Elementary school because she had a reading disability and could not read.  Why would a child do this?  One reason, is that weakness is perceived by society as a fault or failure. The world values Superheroes. This ideology can lead to dangerous behavior.  People hide their problems by appearing strong with boasting, aggression or abusive behavior. What is the core trait of all this behavior? Answer: Pride! 

“Pride whispers, ‘You can get there all alone.  You just need a little intelligence and strength.’  This reasoning may work in certain aspects of our lives.  However, it is of no value in accomplishing the core purpose of our existence.  Are our personal abilities, intelligence, and work sufficient to enable us to fulfill the measure of our creation?  Can we, by our own efforts, raise ourselves to the level of perfection required to return to the presence of God?

3^rd Rely on the Lord

True wisdom causes us to recognize our dependence on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, to reach our full potential.

We have so many examples of this principle in the scriptures. Ammon’s success among the Lamanites. (Alma 26:12)

Another important point is that we usually experience our greatest growth when we face difficult, if not impossible situations. Why is that?  We are pushed to humble ourselves and to rely solely on His strength.

4^th Qualify yourselves to receive the grace of the Savior

  “As Elder Neil L. Andersen said, ‘Grace is spiritual knowledge and power that changes how someone sees himself, increases his capacities, and magnifies his ability to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord,’”

  “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. “ (Ether 12:27)

Grace is available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How do we access this grace? Answer, By receiving the ordinances of the Gospel: The Sacrament, Receiving the Holy Ghost. Each of us have gifts from God, Strengths we can build upon.

If you humbly recognize your personal limitations, remain faithful to our covenants and put our confidence in the Lord, our weaknesses will be transformed into strengths through the power and grace of His Atonement.

Just A Thought