October 30th - 5th Sunday Recap

Today the Relief Society was combined with the men for a fifth Sunday lesson taught by Bishop Larson regarding the Law of the Fast.

Isaiah 58:6-10 gives lots of spiritual and physical blessings of the fast. We will have our burdens lifted even as we are able to lift some of the burdens of others by giving fast offerings to relieve the suffering of the poor. Perhaps one of the greatest blessings is in verse 9 of the same chapter, "Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am." The fast, simply put, it going 24 hours without food or drink, then giving a fast offering to help the poor and needy.

Spiritual Blessings of the Fast
Bishop Larson discussed that as a young missionary he learned that fasting is a way to overcome the natural man and prove we have the strength to overcome our weakness and addictions. He also learned that through fasting and prayer we can be filled with the Spirit and be a light to others.
Bishop Larson saw a great miracle come to pass while he was serving as a missionary in Italy. The area he was serving in needed more priesthood brethren to have a branch of their own. They met together at the start of a fast, united in prayer that they might find others to join with them to make this possible. Bishop Larson shared that work was often slow on his mission; he spent much of his time tracting and contacting on the street without much success. But the week following the special fast was different. On two different occasions, he and his companion were approached by a lady and asked to come give their respective families a lesson about Jesus Christ.Within a month, both of these two families were baptized into the Church and the Branch was able to be organized soon afterwards according to the prayers and faith of the members in the area. It was a miracle! Our Father hears and answers when we faithfully fast and pray.When we fast, we should be spiritually more in tune with the Spirit, this is why we have testimony Sunday associated with Fast Sunday.

Caring for the Needy
The Bishop had two members of the congregation share their experiences with receiving food and other help through the fast offerings of members of the church. One member said that they felt like they were part of a family beyond their own and that the ward loved them. He felt blessed through the sacrifices of others. The other member said that their family was usually such a mess but when their home teachers came she felt so much love and peace. She said the service of the home teachers and other ward members meet their spiritual and physical needs. It changed the course of generations through giving in this way and not giving up on her family. She said that because of the examples of those who served them she wanted to live the Gospel and always have the peace and love she felt because of interactions with ward members. We find out the needs in the ward through faithful home and visiting teachers who know the circumstances of those they look over. The welfare system is there to help in times of need and to lead to self-sufficiency. When we give more in fast offerings, we are proportionally strengthened spiritually.

The Bishop promised us that our lives will be blessed as we live the law of the fast. We will receive more blessings in return than those we have provided for others. Our Savior loves all of us and wants us to help each other physically and spiritually.

 - Karen

Sunday Lesson Oct 23rd

This week’s Teaching for our Times message was based on talks by two apostles during this past General Conference, Lest Thou Forget by Elder Ronald A. Rasband and To Whom Shall We Go, by Elder M. Russell Ballard. Both talks powerfully invited each of us at times of doubt and questioning to remember past spiritual experiences and to remember how much we have received though the blessings of the Gospel.

Elder Ballard began his address by quoting scriptures from the intercessory prayer, found in John 17:9, 11, 20-21.
“I pray for them … that they may be one, as we are. …
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”
Our teacher powerfully reminded us that our Savior, Jesus Christ prays for ALL those who believe in Him…and that is each of us! When we are struggling or doubting we can remember that He has great and tender concern for us and wants us to continue on the path that will lead to joy.
During our Savior’s ministry, He had those who had once followed Him turn back and follow Him no more. His tender question, “will ye also go away?” (John 6:67) again reminds us of how much He wants us to follow the truth and be happy.

Time hasn’t changed that we all have challenges of the heart or the spirit. If there are times when we are wondering if we should turn back from the path of discipleship, we should do as Peter did in response to this question from the Savior. He responded with pure and very simple testimony in John 6:68–69,
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou has the words of eternal life.
“And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
There have been and will be times when all of us are struggling and need our testimonies strengthened. It is important to never stop doing the things that will build our testimonies, but to also be open about times we had questions and whatwe did to find answers and find strength again so we can help others in their times of need.

The biggest thing that both Elders Rasband and Ballard pleaded with us to do in times of doubt or weakening of testimony is to remember. Remember spiritual experiences, tender mercies, and peace during difficult times. Remember when you first gained your testimony that what lead you to start the path of discipleship. Recording these experiences and having them in an accessible place can be very helpful during times of questioning.

Both of the Apostles reminded us that the effects of our spiritual decisions have an impact for years and generations to come for good or ill. They, and especially our Savior, want us to take the path that will lead to lasting peace and happiness, to remember our testimonies of the Gospel and stay true to them. They want us to know that questioning is a normal part of life and can be the motivation to seek our greater spiritual understanding and strength if we approach our doubts in the right way.

- Karen

Fort Collin's Temple Dedication Weekend

We hope you were all able to participate in some part of the Temple Dedication last weekend. Congratulations to the youth, leaders, and others who were part of the wonderful Cultural Celebration. It was obvious many hours went into it and it turned out fabulous.

We were so blessed to have President Utchorf preside and dedicate the Fort Collin's Temple. It will be such a blessing to us and those around us to have another temple so close. Life is Good!

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, greets the crowd gathered for the cornerstone ceremony of the Fort Collins Colorado Temple on October 16, 2016.  Photo by Marianne Holman Prescott. SEE HERE

Photo from Deseret News

Sunday Lesson, Oct 9th

Pres. Hunter said, "A successful life . . . requires commitment -- whole-souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has given." Our Commitment to God, Chapter 19 of the manual, was our RS lesson today. 

Our Father in Heaven requires our total commitment, not just a contribution. Pres. Hunter talks about how contributions to the gospel of Jesus Christ are important, but "they do not constitute our full offering to God. Ultimately, what our Father in Heaven will require of us is more than a contribution; it is a total commitment, a complete devotion, all that we are and all that we can be." Pres. Hunter explains that this commitment is not just to the Church, but it is a commitment to God that can be seen in our behavior, our personal integrity, and our loyalty to home and family and community, as well as to the Church. 

A perfect example of the commitment that Pres. Hunter is talking about can be found in the Old Testament regarding three young Israelites -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These three young men refused to worship the golden idol that King Nebuchandnezzar had commanded all to worship. They were unwavering and did not hesitate to obey God, even when they knew it would cost them their lives. These three young men were committed to the principles they knew to be true in the commandments that God has given us.
 

Be committed to obeying the Lord regardless of what others decide to do. Again an example from the scriptures can be found when Joshua was directed to destroy the city of Jericho. Joshua carried out the instructions the Lord had given him. "His commitment was to complete obedience." The miracle of the falling of the walls of Jericho followed. In Joshua's farewell address after many years of being a military and spiritual leader, he told the Israelite's, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15) Joshua was basically telling his people that no matter the actions or decisions of others, he would not be altered in his commitment to the Lord. He was committed to obedience.

Decide now to choose the path of strict obedience. Obedience is often described as the first law of heaven and it is neccessary for us to be obedient in order for us to be saved. We need to decide now, not when opposition strikes, that we will be strictly obedient to God's commands and the covenants we have made. The scriptures are full of examples of those who react to God's commands in the appropriate way. Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and Rachel all made the decision to follow the Lord and go and do what he had commanded them. Pres. Hunter urges us, "We should decide now, in the light of the morning, how we will act when the darkness of night and when the storms of temptation arrive."

Belief alone is not sufficient; we also need to do Heavenly Father's will. To say we have a testimony is one thing, but to act on that testimony and go out and serve those in need and be doers of the gospel is entirely different. Jesus tells us, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21) Pres. Hunter tells us, "We can be religious in worship on the Sabbath day, and we can be religious in our duties on the other six days of the week."

"Living members" strive to have a total commitment. "We know that this is a true and living church institutionally, but am I a true and living member individually?" The following questions will help us analyze our own actions regarding our level of commitment: Am I deeply and fully dedicated to keeping the covenants I have made with the Lord? Am I totally committed to live the gospel and be a doer of the word and not a hearer only? Do I live my religion? Will I remain true? Do I stand firm against Satan's temptations? 

Living members strive to have a total commitment. They recognize their duty to press forward. Living members give heed to the Spirit and constantly seek its direction. They put Christ first in their lives. Living members strengthen their brothers and sisters and are anxious to share their joy with others. They love one another and visit those who are sick and afflicted. The ultimate question is: Am I dedicated and committed, a true and living member? Blessings and joy will come to our lives if we strive to be fully committed to God and His Son. 

Service Opportunity

We are currently collecting Refugee Baskets to donate. Please read on and bring your completed baskets to any member of the Relief Society Presidency by the end of November.

Thank you for being a part of providing a warm welcome to newly arrived refugees. Through the generosity and the thoughtfulness of this gift you remind refugees that there are people in their new community who want them to feel welcomed. Thank you!

The following are a list of items that can be included in the welcome basket. Baskets do not need to contain all of the items on this list. Bolded items are preferred items. You can purchase items new, pick items up at a thrift store (gently used), or gather items from your own home that you no longer need. Please no ripped, stained, soiled or broken items. You can spend as little or as much as you want on a welcome basket. It’s up to you! Please do not include food items or any additional items that are not on this list. Thank you!

Please place all items in a plastic storage container that contains a lid and is no bigger/larger than 20 quarts. Families need to be able to easily carry the basket home on the bus. Anything larger than this size is too hard to carry.

* Small Sewing Kit
* Plastic Food Storage container sets with lids (Ziploc/Rubbermaid/Tupperware)
* Silverware set
* Package of Safety Envelopes
* Booklet of Stamps
* Calendar
* Folders
* Small dry erase board (magnetic to attach to fridge) and dry erase markers
* Reusable Shopping Bags
* Flashlight with battery Combo Set
* AA batteries
* Small Beginner Tool Set
* Hot Pads for Kitchen
* Hard Plastic Cups (like Tupperware cups)
* Box of black tea
* Large Serving Utensils (large plastic spoons, wooden spoons etc)
* Tape
* Pens
* Notebooks
* Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
* Power Strip
* Plastic Water bottles (like the Nalgene’s)
* Lunch Totes
* Ice Packs for Lunch Coolers
* Drying Mat for dishes
* Travel Size Kleenex
* Scrubbing pads for kitchen (scotch bright)
* Coloring Books
* Crayons
* Simple English children’s books
* Sticker books
* Small Hot wheels
* English Flash Cards
* Kindergarten Age Activity Books (Basic English, Math or other fun books)
* Gum
* Bar Mop Towels
* Gift cards to places like Walmart, Target, King Soopers, Safeway, 711, Walgreens
* Booklet of Bus passes
* Hand Made card with a personal message from you. If you want to include a photo of you and your family this is as wonderful way to personalize this gift and for the refugee family who will be receiving it to know that these items are specifically from you.

Contact the LFS Volunteer and Church Relations Coordinator if you would like to drop off completed baby baskets at refugeevolunteer@lfsrm.org or 303.225.0199. Due to limited storage space only completed baskets can be collected. We appreciate your understanding!

October 2016 General Conference Link

W hope you all enjoyed hearing from our church leaders as much as I did. What a blessing an a privilege to have a living prophet to lead and guide us. Such inspirational messages were given. Here is a link to listen to them again or for the first time. Take time to make notes, set goals, and make any changes necessary to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ more fully. Always remember you are a child of God, He loves you, and He has a plan for you!

OCTOBER GENERAL CONFERENCE LINK

October Newsletter

Presidency Message by Jan Welling
My heart has been so full of gratitude to all of you who serve selflessly daily. You serve in your families, your callings, within the community, and more. You serve humbly and quietly. As you serve you become an answer to prayers. With the recent service our ward did for those affected by the flood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana you all helped answer their prayers. To update you all on that, we collected and shipped over 400lbs of items to them at the end of August. The items ranged from clothes and shoes to bedding, kitchen items, school supplies, hygiene needs, toys, snacks, and more. Then again in September we sent 30 pillows, 40 bath towels, and adult size blankets. All thanks to your generous donations! This is just what I saw go out, but I hear from my sister-in-law that many of you sent things on your own too. You are wonderful examples to me. Thank you all!

A note from Chelsea to you all from LA: “I just wanted to thank you again for all of the work you all have done. It has been such a bright spot to have been able to help in bringing relief to the people we know and love who are suffering. When I brought the Ross family their items they were overwhelmed. They thanked me profusely. I told them over and over that I was only the delivery person. When I brought the boxes and blankets to the Jenkins’ kids, you would have thought it was Christmas. I delivered backpacks full of supplies to the grandmother of Kennedy, Davin, and Brady. She was really touched and emotional as I gave her the things. I was also able to bring a box to a family who were all sleeping in hammocks with no blankets and the house was completely bare. You could see through the entry way and see through the whole house because all the walls are gone. The kids were really excited and all of them hugged us many times. If I had to pick an expression that is the common experience between all the people it would be how surprised they are that people in Colorado care and know about them. They are overwhelmed by the gifts but even more surprised that they would matter to people outside the community. Also, please tell them that when I met with the general authorities I did tell them we had help coming from a ward in Colorado.”

Remember this scripture as you go about your day and know that your good works are appreciated by your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Be it a smile to someone, letting someone cut in front of you, or something else, all acts of service and kindness matter. Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Birthdays
2 Ann Miller
7 Kathleen Cernek
8 Colleen Riggs
12 Lisa Stringham
12 Carol Thorpe
22 Nora Petty
25 Samantha Phillips
26 Rachal McCown
27 Carol Petersen
27 Debbie Rolfson
28 Maddison Nelson

Lesson Schedule – (Howard W Hunter)
Oct 1&2 General Conference
Oct 9 #19 “Our Commitment to God” taught by Jenny Maxwell
Oct 16 Ft Collins Temple Dedication
Oct 23 Conference talk taught by Mary Kay Bashford
Oct 30 Bishop’s Instruction


Upcoming Events
Oct 1 & 2 General Conference
Oct 9 Fast Sunday
Oct 15 Cultural Celebration
Oct 16 Ft Collins Temple Dedication
Oct 19 Ward Temple Day
Oct 30 Fast Sunday
Nov 6 Stake Conference

Other Opportunities
Oct 11 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 (Subway)
Oct 15 Cultural Celebration
Oct 22 Primary Halloween Party
Oct 26 Book group 7pm at Melissa’s (13963 W 76th Lane) book “Left Neglected” by Lisa Genova
Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics