Sunday Lesson: Nov 22nd

Our teacher presented a wonderful lesson based on Pres. Uchtdorf's conference talk It works Wonderfully! Our teacher asked us the same question as Pres. Uchtdorf does, "Is the Gospel Working for You?" A way to know if we are on the right path to spiritual progression is to evaluate how things are working for us. We should ask ourselves these types of questions: 

Does my life have meaning? 

Do I believe in God? 

Do I believe that God knows and loves me.

Do I believe that God hears and answers my prayers?

Am I truly happy?

Are my efforts leading me to the highest spiritual goals and values in life?

Pres. Uchtdorf says, "I wonder if we as Church members might also benefit from asking ourselves from time to time: Is my experience in the Church working for me? Is it bringing me closer to Christ? Is it blessing me and my family with peace and joy as promised in the gospel?" Many members of the church will answer these questions very positively and say that all is working well for them in the Church. However, Pres. Uchtdorf recognized that this is not always the case. He says, " There are some who have a less-than fulfilling experience - who feel that their membership in the Church sometimes isn't quite what they had hoped for. This saddens me because I know firsthand how the gospel can invigorate and renew one's spirit - how it can fill our hearts with hope and our minds with light. I know for myself how the fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ can transform lives from the ordinary and dreary to the extraordinary and sublime."

He suggests two ways that we can help the gospel work better for us. The first is to Simplify! "This beautiful gospel is so simple a child can grasp it, yet so profound and complex that it will take a lifetime - even an eternity - of study and discovery to fully understand it." Pres. Uchtdorf tells us, "We need to make a conscientious effort to devote our energy and time to the things that truly matter, while uplifting our fellowmen and building the kingdom of God." Wise Pres. Uchtdorf says, "Brothers and sisters, if you ever think that the gospel isn't working so well for you, I invite you to step back, look at your life from a higher plane, and simplify your approach to discipleship. Focus on the basic doctrines, principles, and applications of the gospel. I promise that God will guide and bless you on your path to a fulfilling life, and the gospel will definitely work for you."

His second way that the gospel can work better for us to to Start Where You Are. "Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not 'more' of something - more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy, rich, friendly, or capable. Naturally, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve. God created us to grow and progress . . . Satan, on the other hand, uses our weaknesses to the point that we are discouraged from even trying." Pres. Uchtdorf promises us, "God will take yu as you are at this very moment and begin to work with you. All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord." There are so many examples in the scriptures where God molded ordinary men to become great prophets and servants in His name. "If we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become. He sees us as His sons and daughters, as beings of eternal light with everlasting potential and with a divine destiny."

Perhaps the most important thing we can learn from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk is this phrase: "Exaltation is our goal; discipleship is our journey." Pres. Uchtdorf encourages us to exercise a little faith and discover that the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed working in your life.

Sunday Lesson: Nov 15th

"The stakes and districts of Zion are symbolic of the holy places spoken of by the Lord where His Saints are to gather in the last days as a refuge from the storm." Our lesson this Sunday was Chp. 23 in our manual, Strengthen Thy Stakes. What is a stake in the organization of the church? It is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground. Many prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tend encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Pres. Benson explains to us that those stakes are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion.

We learn that a stake has a least four purposes. 1) A stake is presided over by 3 high priests, the stake presidency, and supported by 12 men known as the high council. This is symbolic to the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. "The purpose of the stake is to unify and perfect the members who live in those boundaries by extending to them the Church programs, ordinances, and gospel instruction. 2) Members of stakes are to be models or standards of righteousness. We all can be examples to those around us right where we are. 3) Stakes are to be a defense by unifying themselves under local priesthood leaders and by doing their duty to keep their covenants. Pres. Benson teaches that if we keep our covenants they will become a protection to us from error and calamity. 4) The last purpose Pres. Benson teaches is that a stake is to be a refuge from the storm. A stake should be a safe place for us.

In D&C 68:25-26 it says, "Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost.....the sin be upon the heads of the parents. For this shall be the law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized." This is one of the major purposes of the stakes of Zion. They are organized to help parents teach their children the gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation. 

In the Lord's preface revelation to the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 1:35) the Lord warned: "The day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion." We can all see this coming to pass. "Never has his (Satan's) influence been so great, and only those who have taken the Holy Spirit as their guide - and followed counsel from priesthood leaders - will be spared from the havoc of his evil influence." In the next verse of scripture the Lord also states that He will have power over His Saints "and shall reign in their midst." The Lord does this as He works through His chosen servants and stake and ward authorities.

Pres. Benson teaches us that, "...stakes are to be the gathering spots for the Zion of today, and they need to be spiritual sanctuaries and to be self-sufficient in as many ways as possible. The stakes and districts of Zion are symbolic of the holy places spoken of by the Lord where His Saints are to gather in the last days as a refuge from the storm. You and your children will gather here....to generally improve yourselves and one another."

The prophet Nephi for saw our day when the Saints would be scattered in stakes all over the world. He saw the time when the Lord would extend His protection to them through His stakes. "And it came to pass the I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory." (1 Nephi 14:14)

If we follow our local priesthood leaders, our bishop and stake president, we will be protected and be a light to the world in the last days. Pres. Benson visited many stakes throughout the world. He commented, "I have sometimes said to my wife, as I returned from visiting the stakes, that I do not know exactly what heaven is going to be like, but I could ask nothing finer over there than to have the pleasure and joy of associating with the type of men and women I meet in the leadership of the stakes and wards of Zion and the missions of the earth."

Sunday Lesson: Nov 8th

Chapter 22 from our manual, Carrying the Gospel to the World was our RS lesson this past Sunday. Pres. Benson and his family were amazing examples of enthusiastic missionaries. He would get so excited hearing about young people serving missions. Pres. Benson counseled the youth, "Prepare now...prepare yourselves physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually." His love for mankind was at the heart of his dedication to share the gospel. He said, "Our Father's children need the gospel . . . . I know the Lord loves them, and as his humble servant I have a love in my heart for the teeming millions of this world." He also said, "I have tasted the joy of missionary work. There is no work in all the world that can bring an individual greater joy and happiness."

Our teacher asked us an important question: Why does the world need the gospel? Pres. Benson answered the question this way, "It is my conviction that the world needs, as it need no other thing, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the people of the world want what the gospel will give, but they do not realize it. They want the anchor which the gospel provides, which gives them the answers to the problems that face them; that brings them a feeling of security and a feeling of inner peace. The gospel is the only answer to the problems of the world, my brothers and sisters." He also said, "The world is hungry for true religion, and we have it."

"The real purpose in sharing the gospel is to bring souls unto Christ, to teach and baptize our Heavenly Father's children so that we may rejoice with them." We all share the great responsibility of sharing the gospel. Now that we know how important it is to share the gospel with those around us, Pres. Benson encourages all of us, no matter what our age, to be missionaries. Young men and young women need to have a desire to serve a mission at a very young age. Pres. Benson teaches, "The home is the seedbed for the preparation of young men. And every young man should be prepared in his home to serve." Senior missionaries are also very important. They are able to share the gospel in so many unique ways. "Many older couples could serve missions. In so doing, they will find that a mission blesses their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren in a way that could not otherwise be done. It will set a great example for their posterity."

The most fruitful missionary work is done by members. Pres. Benson says, "Member-missionary work is one of the great keys to the individual growth of our members. It is my conviction that member-missionary work will raise the spirituality in any ward where applied." We are taught that, "The Lord expects us to be missionaries, to live the gospel - yes, wholly, and to help to build up His kingdom....The Lord will sustain members in their missionary responsibility if they just have the faith to try."

Full-time missionaries and member-missionaries alike, need to have a testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is "the greatest tool which God has given us to convert the world." We learn that, "The Book of Mormon is the great standard we are to use in our missionary work. It shows that Joseph Smith was a prophet. It contains the words of Christ, and its great mission is to bring men to Christ. All other things are secondary."

President Benson gives us four ways to be a successful missionary. First we must have the Spirit of the Lord. It is impossible to share the gospel without the Spirit guiding us. "It's the Spirit that counts. It is the Spirit that matters." Second we need to acquire humility. We need to be humble and full of love, which does not mean weakness or timidity or fear. We can be humble and also fearless. Third love the people. "Our hearts must go out to them in the pure love of the gospel, in a desire to lift them, to build them up, to point them to a higher, finer life and eventually to exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."Fourth work diligently. "One of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work. If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people, and he will be happy."

All of us, member missionaries and full-time missionaries alike can all learn from what Pres. Benson teaches. If we follow his guide, miracles will happen and more people will come to know and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Lesson: Nov 1st

Our amazing RS president, Marty Rozeski, taught our lesson this past Sunday. She chose a lesson from our manual, Chp. 16 entitled The Elderly in the Church. A current poet, Alex Morrit, wrote: "Age is a seasoned trickster. To our parents, we will always be children. Within ourselves, the same yearning of both; the same aspirations of adolescence, will last a lifetime. Only to the young - blinded by our grey hair and slowing gait - do we appear old and increasingly beyond the pale." 

Most of what is found in the lesson is based on a Conference talk given by Pres. Benson following his 90th birthday. He expressed his personal connection to this topic by saying, "I hold special feelings for the elderly - for this marvelous group of men and women. I feel that in some measure I understand them, for I am one of them." Sis. Rozeski's challenge to us as we learn from this lesson is to ask ourselves the question, How can any of the prophet's counsel apply to me now, and as I prepare for the future?

Pres. Benson said, "The Lord knows and loves the elderly among His people. It has always been so, upon them he has bestowed many of His greatest responsibilities." There are many examples of when the Lord has blessed the elderly: Sarah, in her old age, bore Abraham; King Benjamin's greatest sermon was given when he was very elderly and nigh unto death; last conference, Elder Bednar related that in the 11 years he has been an apostle, the average age of the men he has served with is 77. 

Why does the Lord often ask the elder to shoulder such great responsibilities? Pres. Benson teaches, "He has needed the wisdom and experience of age, the inspired direction from those with long years of proven faithfulness to His gospel." French philosopher John Paul Sarte said, "The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of life, the clearer we should see through it."

Pres. Benson suggests 8 areas in which we can make the most of our senior years (and this applies to all of us, no matter what our age). 

1) Work in the temple and attend often - there are now more temples on the earth, we need more people to work in them.

2) Collect and write family histories - often you are the only one that holds the history and memories of loved ones.

3) Become involved in missionary service - senior missionaries are often able to perform missionary service in ways that our younger missionaries cannot.

4) Provide leadership by building family togetherness - gather your families around you.

5) Accept and fulfill Church callings - Pres Benson said, "We need the counsel and influence of you who have walked the pathway of life. We need to hear of your successes and how you have risen above heartache, pain, or disappointment, having become stronger for experiencing them."

6) Plan for your financial future - avoid unnecessary debt, don't consign on financial notes, and always plan for the future.

7) Render Christlike service - The prophet Joseph Smith told us that we should "wear out our lives" in bringing to pass the Lord's purposes (D&C 123:13)

8) Stay physically fit, healthy, and active - Through keeping active both the mind and the body function better.

We are reminded that, "Sometimes there is for some of you feelings of uselessness and aloneness which can be almost overwhelming." Learning something new, an activity or skill, can help tremendously. Gabriel Garcia Marques, a Columbian novelist has said, "It's not true that people stop pursuing their dreams beacause they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing their dreams."

Service is such a wonderful way to overcoming lonliness. We learn from Pres. Benson: "The key to overcoming aloneness and a feeling of uselessness, for one who is physically able, is to step outside yourself by helping others who are truly needy. We promise those who will render this kind of service that, in some measure, you will be healed of the loss of loved ones or the dread of being alone. The way to feel better about your own situtation is to improve someone else's circumstances."

In the lesson Pres. Benson extended his love and concern to those who are ill and suffere pain. "Remember what Father Lehi said in blessing his son, Jacob, who had suffered at the hands of his older brothers Laman and Lemuel. 'Thou knows the greatness of God and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.' (2 Nephi 2:2)" Living in thanksgiving daily and generating good thoughts will help take away that which is harmful and destructive. Always offer your prayers daily, and even hourly if needed. 

Families of the elderly need to give the love, care and attention that their family member deserves. We learn about 5 ways to do this: 1) Treat them with love, appreciation and concern for their happiness. 2) Try to understand their point of view. 3) Be forgiving of mistakes they have made. 4) Allow them freedom of choice and independence. 5) Include them in family activities - show your children how to honor. 

The beginning of the poem by Robert Browning is recognizable, but most don't know it all. "Grow old with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in His hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid."

November Newsletter

Presidency Message by Marty Rozeski
It’s a beautiful autumn. I often tire of summer heat and winter cold, but autumn never seems quite long enough. It seems like a transitional season sliding from summer to winter. This transition is exciting. Change can be exciting and renewing. New projects pop into our minds, and the wrapping up of past projects becomes a priority.

We also have seasons in our lives. When we focus on the opportunities, not the limitations, of each season, we realize the truth of the Old Testament teaching: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1) Each season teaches us and prepares us to become the daughter our Father knows we can be. The season of being a nurtured child, can turn into an appreciation of family unity. The season of focusing on an education, can turn into an appreciation and search for constant learning opportunities. The season of learning from trusting children, can turn into a gratitude and respect for these sweet innocents. The season of hard work, can turn into an appreciation for an active life. The season of physical aches, can turn into a gratitude for our earthly temples.

Our lives are always changing, and each season of our lives brings change. This change can be exciting. Joy comes from discovering and appreciating the opportunities of each time period in our lives. Happiness doesn’t make us grateful. Gratitude makes us happy.

Latter-day Saint poet Emma Lou Thayne says, “whether a season has bought joy or sorrow," she has been “nurtured by all that comes along at any stage, in any time,” and she rejoices in “the absence of fear and the presence of faith.” She expresses this serenity in the following poem:

So Come Tomorrow

Security is not in knowing what will come nor if it will be bad or good.

It is a faith drawn taut with having learned and seen and done that says, Tomorrow, come.

November Birthdays
1 Kendra Mauger
4 Ashlee Irwin
5 Krysti Hampton
5 Kelley Witte
11 Contessa Hardman
11 President Michael Jones
12 Marianne Nance
16 Amber Graves
17 Jackie Tomaselli
19 Irene Hoycott
28 Karen Hamblin
29 Deanna Allred
29 Aridne Sorensen
29 Amy Wagner
30 Jeanette Morrison

Lesson Schedule – (Ezra Taft Benson)
Nov 1 Presidency Message by Marty Rozeski
Nov 8 #22 “Carrying the Gospel to the World” taught by Jenny Maxwell
Nov 15 #23 “Strengthen Thy Stakes” taught by Kay Bashford Uchtdorf taught by Mary Kay Bashford
Nov 29 Bishop’s Instruction

Upcoming Events
Nov 18 – Ward Temple Day
Dec 5 – Ward Christmas Party
4:15 Santa, 5:00 Dinner & play

Other Opportunities
Nov 8 Linger-Longer after church
Nov 10 Lunch Bunch at 11:00 am atBurger King (by Target)
Nov 11 Veterans Day (Thank you)
Nov 18 Book Club 7 pm Kendra Mauger’s “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert
Nov 26 Thanksgiving
Thursdays 9:00 am playgroup (see Jan)
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics