5th Sunday Lesson: Mar 29th

We all met together during 3rd hour this past Sunday, it being the 5th Sunday of the month. Bishop Larson asked a few member of our ward to share their experiences with Family History. 

Sis. Jessee started off by sharing a scripture in 3 Nephi 25: 5-6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Sis. Jessee also shared very personal experiences with how she got started doing Family History in her youth, starting with her patriarcal blessing. She also had some incredible dreams regarding some of her ancestors that she shared. 

She reminded us that there are 3 things we take with us when we die: 
1) Relationships 
2) Knowledge 
3) Temple Ordinances 

Family History is definitely part of our familial relationships and they are in need of saving ordinances just as we are. 

Bro. Schilling also shared amazing stories of his background and how he became interested in family history work. It also started as a dream for him, impressing to him the importance of finding out about his heritage. Bro. Schilling has become so involved in his genealogy that he even took a trip back to Germany to walk and be where his ancestors once were. 

Bishop Larson reminded us of the recent conference talk by Elder Allan Packer about Spiritual Passports. Every person on earth needs to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for exaltation. One of those qualifications is being involved in Family History work for our loved ones on the other side of the veil. Bishop Larson counseled all of us to be trained and converted in this important work. He encouraged us to be involved in the opportunities that have been provided us. 

There are many people in our ward and stake that are either set-apart missionaries for Family History work or know and extensive amount of information on how to get started. There are classes held every 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays at 7pm at the Family History Library in the Stake Center. Contact Bro. or Sis. Orvin for more information on these classes.

He Lives

2015 General Women's Conference

During a year when the Church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of family home evening and the 20th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," general leaders of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations are looking forward with great anticipation to the general women’s session of general conference. Though no topics were assigned, leaders say they have felt guided to prepare messages with a focus on homes and families. 

Watch with us at the Arvada Stake Center on 
Saturday, march 28th at 6:00 pm. 

For all women and girls age 8 and older.

See article HERE 

Celebrate Relief Society

CHURCH NEWS

Each spring, Latter-day Saint women across the globe commemorate the founding of the Relief Society by the Prophet Joseph Smith on March 17, 1842. But Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, wants women to know that they are celebrating so much more than just a birthday for the organization.

“What are we celebrating?” she asked. “We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before. And we are celebrating our purpose.” Sister Burton and her counselors, Sister Carole M. Stephens and Sister Linda S. Reeves, met this March with the Church News to talk about Relief Society and the organization’s history and relevance today.

Sister Burton said as Latter-day Saint women think about the history of Relief Society, “we appropriately celebrate being taught by Joseph Smith in our early meetings. But I wonder how often we stop and celebrate the blessing of having the teachings of modern-day prophets in our day. We have the opportunity to learn together their words in our meetings, just as our sisters in Nauvoo were taught by the Prophet Joseph, the living prophet in their day.”

Celebrate the restoration of Relief Society

Sister Stephens noted that Joseph Smith restored the Relief Society. We know little about a formal women’s organization at the time of the Savior. But “the restoration of an ancient pattern is so significant,” said Sister Reeves. “Women were vital participants in the Savior’s day.”

Sister Burton added, “It wasn't just a group of sewing sisters. This was ‘something better,’ the Prophet Joseph said.”

Sister Stephens said Relief Society sisters today could learn much by studying the women in the scriptures. “Martha and Mary, Phoebe, Tabitha, and Priscilla, along with many other women named and unnamed were disciples of Jesus Christ and active participants in the Lord’s ministry.”

Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, left, and her counselors, Sister Carole M. Stephens and Sister Linda S. Reeves, meet to discuss the anniversary of the organization, which was founded on March 17, 1842. Photo by Chelsey Allder, Deseret News.

“You can see what they did and how they followed the Savior and ministered to Him and how He ministered to them,” said Sister Reeves.

“He forgave them, had compassion on them, taught them in their homes and on the seashores,” said Sister Burton.

Relief Society “is a temporal and a spiritual work,” said Sister Stephens. “That is what the women did in the Savior’s day, and that is what we continue to do.”

Celebrate the purpose of Relief Society

The purpose of Relief Society, Sister Burton explained, is to “prepare women for the blessings of eternal life.” That is accomplished as sisters increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes as they make and keep sacred covenants, and offer relief to those in need, working in unity with priesthood holders, she added.

Sister Burton said understanding the purpose of Relief Society will not only bless the lives of individual women, but it will also help them bless the lives of others “in their homes and families and also in their communities.”

Celebrate “who we are”

“The First Presidency has told us who we are: beloved daughters of Heavenly Father and dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ who are part of a great worldwide sisterhood,” said Sister Burton, noting that there are almost 7 million Relief Society members in 185 different countries. “We are sisters,” she said.

“We are covenant women,” added Sister Reeves.

“The ordinances we receive and the associated covenants we keep set us apart from the world,” noted Sister Stephens.

It is not “just a nice organization,” said Sister Burton. “Think of it. We are beloved daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are part of a great worldwide sisterhood. We are sisters.”

Celebrate “our vital part” in the work

Sister Reeves said there has never been a time in history that women have faced more distractions than they do today. “Many of the choices we make are not between good and bad; they are between good, better, and best,” Sister Stephens said.

Sister Burton said women should celebrate “our vital part in the work.”

“This is our opportunity to be unified in the work—not just the temporal work, but the spiritual work,” said Sister Stephens. She said women are looking to accomplish something big. “But the extraordinary thing is that we do small things behind closed doors—small and simple things that make an extraordinary difference.”

Sister Stephens said as women “act on a prompting to do a small and simple thing, that small and simple thing may mean the world to someone else.”

Sister Reeves said Latter-day Saint women should petition the Lord about the needs of their sisters. Then they can express the love that He expresses, she said. “He is so anxious to bless our lives, and we help Him with His work.”

Celebrate those who have gone before

Today, we celebrate not only the work of early Relief Society leaders but also the significant contributions of past Relief Society leaders, said Sister Burton, noting that her presidency and board members recently attended a luncheon with several past Relief Society general presidencies and board members.

“Their inspiring influence continues on,” she said. “Wow! What marvelous women.” She said Church members also celebrate the teachings of former Relief Society leaders. “We have many of their words in Daughters in My Kingdom, side by side with modern-day prophets,” she said. “We celebrate that.”

---

The [Relief] Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls. —Joseph Smith (Daughters in My Kingdom [2011], 24)

There are many sisters who are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes. … It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for rags. —President Spencer W. Kimball (Daughters in My Kingdom, 117)

Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently. —Eliza R. Snow, Relief Society general president, 1866–87 (Daughters in My Kingdom, 1)

Sunday Lesson: Mar 22nd

Priesthood Session talk by President Monson, Guided Safely Home.

President Monson tells a story of a ship – A German Battleship known as “The Bismark”. It was considered unsinkable and the greatest of its time. It was the pride of the German Navy. In an effort to sink the ship the British concentrated the strength of five battleships, two aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers and 21 destroyers. During these battles, shell after shell inflicted only superficial damage on the Bismarck. Was it unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit, which jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed and the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow circle. Just beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The Bismarck could not reach the safety of home port. Neither could it provide the needed haven, for the Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder, no help, no port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and sank the once seemingly indestructible vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic first lapped at the sides and then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The Bismarck was no more.

President Monson likens our lives to a ship, similar like that of the German Bismarck. We battle things every day, and need to be prepared hit after hit as the world strikes against us, our families, marriages, our children, our finances, our health etc… we need to be prepared for battle and what comes our way. However, it’s the rudder of a ship, that steers it and when that is lost it will never make it back to home port.

Think about yourself for a minute and ask yourself……What is your rudder? What steers you? Each one of us has something….. something that keeps us going. Gives us hope, it’s what we believe in… Our individual rudders may be different than one another’s. Think about what it is that keeps you from veering off the path. When you are tempted, when trials come, when we are tested… what keeps YOU on the path?

Examples of our own personal rudders that keep us on the straight and narrow might be:

Family, an eternal family

Our relationship with the Savior

Marriage

Covenants we make

We want to be different than our friends

Testimonies

The examples of our parents

The well know scripture story about Daniel is a great example of this. He was offered great riches and power. He was offered things representing the world and not of God. When Daniel chose to continue worshiping God even after a decree that would forbid such worship.

Daniels determination to steer a steady course never faltered and as a result, it provided a great protection and a sanctuary of safety for him.

President Monson states that such a protection and safety can be ours as we also steer a steady course toward our eternal home.

Quote 1 " We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through MAN". What do you think he means when he says: the power of God as it works through man?

Story of Natalie. She is a single mother of 5, and her youngest son, Boston, has Down Syndrome. Her husband left her and she found herself raising her children alone. Her Aunt Susie recently moved into her neighborhood from Georgia. Her aunt was a fomer Relief Society president and was surprised that her new calling in her new ward was to be Boston's helper during primary hours. 'Is this really a calling?' Susie thought to herself. Little did she know the blessings that would come to her and to Natalie as she became close to Boston. This little boy loves his Aunt Susie and the impact of her help to Natalie is tremendous. This is an example of how the power of God works through man. Strength and power often times come through small and simple means.

Examples of efforts where God worked through you or someone else that have benefited your own life, or where you have been able to help someone else. Sometimes just smiling or acknowledging someone makes all the difference in the world. Being a friend or being aware of someone elses struggles and being supportive can help in a way we may never know. Acts of service also help those around us and we learn to be more like our Savior and we serve. All of these things not only help shield us from the battles that hit us every day, but they also make us strong, keep us pure, keep our focus, they give us faith as we strive to maintain a straight heaven bound course.

As the world beats down on you and attacks you it's always best to fight back with dignity, purity and kindness. You become great examples and leaders that others admire. The power of God really is working through you by the small and simple things you do.

Quote: 2 When we maintain our personel purity we become righteous examples for others to follow. The Apostle Paul admonished " Be though and example of the believers. In word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." He also wrote that the followers of Christ should "be as lights in the world." Providing an example of righteousness can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world.

Sis. Bashford talked of her grandmother. She was raised as a member of the church and married a non-member, he was a great man who supported her in all that she did. She raised 6 children. faithfully attending her meetings, serving others, praying, and following the prophets counsel all of her days. By simply staying on course, charting her way through the rough waters of life, she raised bishops, stake presidents, temple sealers and workers, missionaries, relief society and primary presidents, and teachers of all sorts. Those 6 children raised her 41 grandchildren, who followed in their parents footsteps. Those 41 grandchildren (who Sis. Bashford is one of) are now trying their best to raise her 66 great grandchildren.

One person, who came from modest beginnings and remained faithful all her days, never lost sight of her heavenly home. Just think of the difference if she would have lost her course, and the impact it would have had on these generations!

Quote #3 Always remember that people are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt for generations to come.”

We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man. To sail safely the seas of mortality, we need the guidance of that Eternal Mariner—even the great Jehovah. We reach out, we reach up to obtain heavenly help.

The need to remain focused on eternal goals is illustrated in the biblical account of Jesus walking on the sea and Peter’s desire to do the same. Peter progressed over the water so long as he looked to Christ. But when he diverted his gaze away from the Master and allowed fear and doubt to enter in, he began to sink. If we, like Peter, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our eternal destination, we, too, may “walk triumphantly" over the swelling waves of our lives. We must not allow the things of the world to dim our vision of the eternal destination. Nor must we permit the “voices in the world” to lead us off course.

Sis. Bashford closed her lesson by reading a quote from Pres. Monson's talk: "The clock of history, like the sands of the hourglass, marks the passage of time. A new cast occupies the stage of life. The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Throughout the history of the world, Satan has worked tirelessly for the destruction of the followers of the Savior. If we succumb to his enticings, we—like the mighty Bismarck—will lose that rudder which can guide us to safety. Instead, surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. Our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered. As we seek heavenly help, our rudder, unlike that of the Bismarck, will not fail."

Arvada Stake Women's Conference 2015

AWAKE, ARISE AND PUT ON THY BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS, O DAUGHTER OF ZION

MORONI 10:31

INCREASE FAITH AND PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS:
1. The Enabling Power of the Atonement
Teacher: Judy Morgan, Arvada Sake
Understanding Sanctification - what it is and what is the role of Atonement, what is Grace, how do Obedience, Sacrifice, Consecration, and our Covenants play a part in the process of sanctification.
2. Understanding and Accessing Priesthood Power
Teacher: Vicki Garfield, Arvada Stake
Understanding and accessing Priesthood power and blessings in the lives of women
3. Choosing the Abundant Life
Teacher: Melissa Aschenbrenner, Brighton Stake
Understanding how to live after the manner of Happiness as a Zion Person;
Recognizing the three fold blessing of living after the manner of happiness and love: 1. for me right now of friendship, less loneliness, less insecurity; 2. blessing the one I serve and 3. Personal preparation to live in Zion.
Choices I can make to be happier now and to move toward becoming a Zion person who is focused outward and filled with love.
4. Strengthening our Communion with the Savior through Prayer and Scripture Study
Teacher: Renae Lewis, Arvada Sake
More Meaningful prayers; Learning to speak and understand the language of the Holy Ghost through prayer and scripture study; Learning how to receive personal revelation

STRENGTHEN FAMILIES AND HOMES:
5. Parenting Skills 201
Teacher: Bishop James Skeen, Ft. Collins Stake
6. Living in the world: Fortifying Families against Pornography
Teacher: Ashley Smart, Westminster Stake
How we can strengthen ourselves, our children and our youth to avoid or overcome the trap of Pornography
7. Building Blocks for Strong Marriage Relationships
Teacher: Jim Jacobs, ? Stake
A class for anyone who is married or single and looking forward to a Celestial Marriage whether in this life or the next

HELP THOSE IN NEED
Service Project:
Donate to “Serving Kids”
– A Jeffco Schools Foundation providing new or clean, gently used clothing for school age children and teens

Women’s Conference Schedule – Saturday, April 18th

8:30 – 9:45 Opening and Keynote address – President Michael Jones

10:00 – 10:50 Class #1

11:00 – 11:50 Lunch

12:00 – 12:50 Class #2

1:00 – 1:50 Class #3

RS Meeting: A Rainbow of Personalities

We had such a great time learning more about each other and ourselves during our recent RS Meeting. The color test was a hit and enlightening. Thank you to Larkin for her words, Jenny and Libby for the delicious cupcakes, the committee for their hard word and time, and all those that came and participated.

March Newsletter

Presidency Message by Lisa Lara 

This past week has been a little more difficult than I anticipated. I unknowingly injured my neck and as the days wore on it became increasingly painful and almost impossible to take care of my family and my responsibilities at home. A few nights ago I became very scared when I realized that it was only getting worse and I didn't have a solution. I made an appointment to see a doctor the following day, but at that moment I needed help and reassurance from a different source. My husband and home teacher gave me a blessing that night. When I woke up the next morning, I was still in pain, but it wasn't anything like I had been experiencing. The first thing I felt was gratitude for my Heavenly Father and gratitude for a worthy husband and home teacher. I knew things were going to be alright and I felt at peace. I still went to the doctor just to make sure all would be well. Perhaps without a priesthood blessing things would have turned out the same. Even so, it was so comforting to know that Heavenly Father knows me and watches out for me. 

Pres. James E. Faust said, "All blessings come from God. Our Heavenly Father knows His children. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He knows their capabilities and potential...Our blessings can encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are fearful, comfort us when we sorrow, give us courage when we are filled with anxiety, and lift us up when we are weak in spirit." 

Please do not ever forget that if you need a blessing for whatever may be happening in your life, do not hesitate to ask for one. If there is not a priesthood holder in your home, ask a home teacher, a friend, or someone close to you that holds the priesthood for a blessing. Heavenly Father wants to bless us, we need to be willing to ask. 

Love, Marty, Lisa, Jan, & Debbie 

Birthdays 

1 Corinne Roberts 

1 Kristina Stringham 

4 Christine Topp 

10 Michelle Page 

12 Claudia Bullock 

13 Jennifer Ambrose 

15 Susan Sorensen 

17 Sonya Evans 

17 Kathy Hall 

19 Marianne Monagle 

20 Susan Lloyd 

24 Amanda True 

25 Danean Defauw 

25 Judith Hart 

25 Cheryl Seigal 

27 Sharon Ferguson 

30 Marrah Nielson 

Lesson Schedule – (Ezra Taft Benson) 

Mar 1 Presidency Lesson by Jan Welling 

Mar 8 #5 “ Principles of True Repentance” taught by Jenny Maxwell 

Mar 15 #6 “Jesus Christ, Our Savior & Redeemer” taught by Kay Bashford 

Mar 22 "Guided Safely Home" by President Monson taught by Mary Kay Bashford 

Mar 29 Bishop Instruction 

Upcoming Events 

Mar 7 – Ward Chili Cook-Off 6 pm 

Mar 12 – Relief Society Meeting 7 pm 

Mar 18 – All Day Temple Day 

Mar 28 – General Women’s Conference 6 pm 

April 4&5 – General Conference 

Other Opportunities 

Mar 10 Lunch Bunch 11am at Jack-in-the-Box 

Mar 26 Book Club 7pm at Marty Rozeski’s "Of Mice & Men" by Jon Steinbeck 

Thursdays 9:30 am playgroup 

Saturdays 8 am pickup basketball Stake Center 

Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
1,2,4 Wednesdays Family History classes 7 pm

Sunday Lesson: Mar 1st

In Doctrine and Covenants section 38:39 we read; beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old. Because of pride the Nephites destroyed each other.

There is a classic talk that was given in 1989 by President Benson, ‘Beware of Pride’. 

President Benson says this, "Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing. The central feature of pride is enmity—enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen.  Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us. In the pre-earthly council, Lucifer placed his proposal in competition with the Father’s plan as advocated by Jesus Christ. He wished to be honored above all others. His prideful desire was to dethrone God." 

Pride is:  rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, is easily offended, sign seeker, elevate ourselves, faultfinding, gossiping & backbiting, murmuring,  living beyond our means coveting & envying withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another,  being jealous,

contention arguments, fights, unrighteous dominion, generation gaps divorces, spouse abuse, iots, easily offended, hold grudges, being unforgiving. 

When pride has a hold on our hearts, we lose our independence of the world and deliver our freedoms to the bondage of men’s judgment. The world shouts louder than the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. The reasoning of men overrides the revelations of God, and the proud let go of the iron rod.

President Benson teaches us the cure for pride. 

It is humility—meekness, submissiveness.

It is a broken heart and contrite spirit.

These are divine attributes of children - they are able to forgive more easily because of these qualities. We need to be like them so that in a sense we do not destroy oursleves as the Nephites did. By learning to forgive as children do, we can have more peace in our lives. 

   Matthew 18:4 - Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

   Mosiah 3:19 - Become as a child - submissive, meek, humble, patient, and full of love.

Forgiving others does not mean approving of their wrongdoing or offense. Forgiving someone means that with the help of our Father in Heaven, we can cleanse our hearts of anger or hatred toward the offender, cease to dwell on the offense, and feel peace. This process is not always easy or quick, but Heavenly Father will help us as we try to forgive.

• Elder Richard G. Scott said, "Forgiveness allows the love of God to purge your hear and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord." 

The Lord is willing to forgive us as often as we seek forgiveness with real intent. We should have the same willingness to forgive others so that we may become more like Him.  Jesus does not give us a precise number of times we must forgive others, we should forgive as often as is needed. We should show others the same kindness and mercy the Lord shows us. It is required for us to forgive all men (D&C 64: 9-10). It is a greater sin to refuse to forgive someone. When we refuse to forgive other, we can become filled with anger, hate and a desire for revenge. These feelings can cause us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost and make it more difficult for us to live other gospel principles. The Lord promises to call us his children if we forgive others. 

 Elder Gordon B. Hinckley “There is no peace in harboring old grudges. There is no peace in reflecting on the pain of old wounds. There is peace only in repentance and forgiveness. This is the sweet peace of the Christ, who said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God’       

 CHRIST IS AN  EXAMPLE OF FORGIVING LOVE:

“All his life he had been the victim of ugliness. As a newborn infant he had been spirited away to save his life at the instruction of an angel in a dream. … At the end of a hectic life he had stood in quiet, restrained, divine dignity. …     “He was beaten, laughed at. He wore a crown of thorns. … He was mocked and jeered. He suffered every indignity at the hands of his own people. … He was required to carry his own cross. … Finally, with the soldiers and his accusers down below him, he looked upon the Roman soldiers and said these immortal words: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ 

(Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 279–80).