Today during third hour we had a representative from Stake Public Affairs come and speak to us. She encouraged us to be involved in our communities. This includes our schools, knowing our neighbors, and serving where we can. We were also encouraged to be involved politically and work to persevere religious freedoms and other rights. The website JUSTSERVE.org has been updated and has many opportunities very close to our homes. Each of us can make a difference as we are involved and allow those in our community to get to know us and what we stand for.
- Karen
Monday, January 30, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Service Opportunity
ARVADA FOOD BANK- Birthday Bag Drive
Hungry families have kids with birthdays, too!
A2 Relief Society is collecting birthday items now through March 9th. There will be a box outside the RS room to put your donated items in.
What to donate: cake mix, frosting, candles, paper plates, napkins, and anything else that can make up a party in a bag. Add a small toy, crayons, coloring book or other gift item, and put them in a nice party bag, and mark if it’s for a boy or girl.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Jan 22nd
For this week’s lesson, the teacher mostly focused on the General Conference talk by Carole M. Stephens, “The Master Healer”. Sister Stephens started by saying, “We need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ.” She went on to read from 2 Nephi 31:19-21 which reminds us that the doctrine of Christ includes faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, being steadfast in Christ, having hope, loving of God and all men, and enduring to the end. Living these principles helps us develop greater love for our Savior as we realize that He is our foundation.
Sister Stephens then described three ways our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can be deepened as we endure adversity. These experiences can refine and bless us.
1. “The Savior, the Master Healer, has the power to change our hearts and give us permanent relief from the sorrow caused by our own sin.” Our Savior’s promise is simple and merciful, as long as we come unto Him with a teachable and humble heart, He will meet us where we are. He can change us so that we can go forward as stronger individuals. Elder Renlund, in his conference talk, reminded us “repentance is not only possible but also joyful because of the Savior.”
2. “The Master Healer can comfort and strengthen us when we experience pain because of the unrighteous actions of others.” Many feel guilty and ashamed and want to hide the painful things that have happened to them, but this will not bring healing. Hope and healing will return to our lives as we turn to Jesus Christ and invite His love into our lives.
She quoted the talk Elder Richard G. Scott gave in the October General Conference of 2002. He said, “When you have done what is reasonable to help one you love, lay the burden at the feet of the Savior…As you so act, not only will you find peace but will demonstrate your faith in the power of the Savior to lift the burden of sin from a loved one through his repentance and obedience…Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through the Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.”
3. “The Master Healer can comfort and sustain us as we experience painful realities of mortality such as disaster, mental illness, disease, chronic pain, and death.” The pain we feel in mortality as we see loved ones suffer can be very painful. She reminded us that when we feel we want to take away the suffering of others, we can look to our Savior who has suffered all things and can lift and help all those who will turn to Him.
Sister Stephens closed by pleading with us not to suffer alone. If we will come to our Savior, Jesus Christ, He will heal us and take away our pain.
Sister Stephens then described three ways our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can be deepened as we endure adversity. These experiences can refine and bless us.
1. “The Savior, the Master Healer, has the power to change our hearts and give us permanent relief from the sorrow caused by our own sin.” Our Savior’s promise is simple and merciful, as long as we come unto Him with a teachable and humble heart, He will meet us where we are. He can change us so that we can go forward as stronger individuals. Elder Renlund, in his conference talk, reminded us “repentance is not only possible but also joyful because of the Savior.”
2. “The Master Healer can comfort and strengthen us when we experience pain because of the unrighteous actions of others.” Many feel guilty and ashamed and want to hide the painful things that have happened to them, but this will not bring healing. Hope and healing will return to our lives as we turn to Jesus Christ and invite His love into our lives.
She quoted the talk Elder Richard G. Scott gave in the October General Conference of 2002. He said, “When you have done what is reasonable to help one you love, lay the burden at the feet of the Savior…As you so act, not only will you find peace but will demonstrate your faith in the power of the Savior to lift the burden of sin from a loved one through his repentance and obedience…Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through the Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.”
3. “The Master Healer can comfort and sustain us as we experience painful realities of mortality such as disaster, mental illness, disease, chronic pain, and death.” The pain we feel in mortality as we see loved ones suffer can be very painful. She reminded us that when we feel we want to take away the suffering of others, we can look to our Savior who has suffered all things and can lift and help all those who will turn to Him.
Sister Stephens closed by pleading with us not to suffer alone. If we will come to our Savior, Jesus Christ, He will heal us and take away our pain.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Jan 15th
An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World
President Hinckley taught that the Restoration of the Gospel though Joseph Smith began the fulfilling of the prophesy in Daniel chapter 2 that describes the stone cut out of the mountain without hands that fills the whole earth. In 1830, the Church was organized with only six members and now it flourishes throughout the earth. President Hinckley prophesied, “This is only the beginning. This work will continue to grow and prosper and move across the earth.” We each have a part to play in the building of the kingdom of God on the earth. Though we may seem small and insignificant, each of us are part of the bigger picture; the fulfilling of Daniel’s prophesy.
One way we can be a light to the world is by standing up for what is right and to be strong, especially when the world’s standards are increasingly permissive. President Hinckley mentions sexual permissiveness, increasing abuse of drugs and alcohol, and the disregard for the Sabbath day. We discussed things we can do to be an ensign and light to the world in regard to these things. We discussed that teaching and exemplifying starts in the home. We must have open communication with our children. Teaching about these things clearly, as well as helping children understand the consequences of sin will help them to also be strong in the permissive world they live in. We also need to be involved in the schools and communities. It is our responsibility to not just blend into the background, but to stand up for what is right.
President Hinckley described how we can do this without being fearful or self-righteous. He said, “This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike.”
In conclusion, he called upon each one of us to be a leader in our communities by speaking up about these and other issues. As we help others uphold the values God has set forth, our civilizations will have greater peace and happiness. He reminded us that we do not do this alone; we have God’s help as we work to stand for the right.
President Hinckley taught that the Restoration of the Gospel though Joseph Smith began the fulfilling of the prophesy in Daniel chapter 2 that describes the stone cut out of the mountain without hands that fills the whole earth. In 1830, the Church was organized with only six members and now it flourishes throughout the earth. President Hinckley prophesied, “This is only the beginning. This work will continue to grow and prosper and move across the earth.” We each have a part to play in the building of the kingdom of God on the earth. Though we may seem small and insignificant, each of us are part of the bigger picture; the fulfilling of Daniel’s prophesy.
One way we can be a light to the world is by standing up for what is right and to be strong, especially when the world’s standards are increasingly permissive. President Hinckley mentions sexual permissiveness, increasing abuse of drugs and alcohol, and the disregard for the Sabbath day. We discussed things we can do to be an ensign and light to the world in regard to these things. We discussed that teaching and exemplifying starts in the home. We must have open communication with our children. Teaching about these things clearly, as well as helping children understand the consequences of sin will help them to also be strong in the permissive world they live in. We also need to be involved in the schools and communities. It is our responsibility to not just blend into the background, but to stand up for what is right.
President Hinckley described how we can do this without being fearful or self-righteous. He said, “This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike.”
In conclusion, he called upon each one of us to be a leader in our communities by speaking up about these and other issues. As we help others uphold the values God has set forth, our civilizations will have greater peace and happiness. He reminded us that we do not do this alone; we have God’s help as we work to stand for the right.
Monday, January 9, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Jan 8th
This week we learned more of the Restoration of the Gospel - The Dawning of a Brighter Day.
In 1820 Joseph Smith wanted to know which church he should join. He read James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. He acted on that scripture and prayed to know which to join. Our teacher read part of Joseph Smith's account HERE. He was given the charge to restore Christ's church on earth again. It had been taken away during the apostasy. The renaissance and reform helped prepare the way for the restoration. People looked toward heaven again and churches began to be formed.
We learn of the importance of having the fullness of Christ's church back on the earth again. President Hinkley shares his testimony of the restoration.
"Every claim that we make concerning divine authority, every truth that we offer concerning the validity of this work, all finds its root in the First Vision of the boy prophet. Without it we would not have anything much to say. This was the great curtain-raiser on the dispensation of the fulness of times, when God promised that He would restore all the power, the gifts, the blessings, of all previous dispensations."
After more than 1,000 years without the gospel of Jesus Christ, why did the world need the church to be restored? What sets us apart from other religions?
- Godhead - Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ, they are separate beings.
- Priesthood - This was the first thing to be restored. All the other churches were good, but lacked the priesthood. John the Baptist brought back the Aaronic. Peter, James and John brought back the Melchizedek. Only heavenly messengers could do this since no one on earth had the keys. Joseph couldn't give it to himself.
- Book of Mormon - Another testament of Jesus Christ.
- Church Organization - We are not paid for the church service we give.
- Modern Revelation - We receive guidance from a living Prophet.
- The Nature, Purpose and Potential of God's Children - They called and spoke to Joseph by name. God knows us all by name. We have a pre-existence relationship with Him as well as on earth and after this life.
- Salvation for the Dead - We do temple work for those who have left this life.
- Innocence of Children - We believe children are innocent. They are accountable for their own sins at the age of 8. This is when they can be baptized.
- Family - They can be eternal by Priesthood authority.
We were asked to ponder on this: Think of your own testimony of the Restoration. Do you have one? How much does this one event mean to you? How has it changed your life?
IF YE LACK WISDOM ASK GOD
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Sunday Lesson, Jan 1st
The Life and Ministry of Gordon B. Hinckley
The text for 2017 features the teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley, who served 20 years as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He then served 14 years as a counselor in the First Presidency. When he became President of the Church at age 84, he led it through nearly 13 years of dynamic growth.
Please read, “The Life and Ministry of Gordon B. Hinckley” found at the beginning of this text. The life stories he tells contain themes that will be taught this year. President Hinckley learned and grew from his experiences. Knowing these stories help us to know this beloved prophet.
The following are just a few stories from his early years:
President Hinkley grew up with 12 siblings. His parents were optimistic, diligent parents who created opportunities for their children to grow and succeed. They held family home evening and shared bedtime stories, often from the scriptures. At the age of twelve, while attending a stake priesthood session, he stood and sang, “Praise to the Man” with three or four hundred men. He recalled, “Something happened within me as I heard those men of faith sing. There came into my boyish heart a knowledge, placed there by the Holy Spirit, that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet of the Almighty”
Attending the University of Utah during the Great Depression was a challenge financially and emotionally. There was a cynicism about faith and the future. While Gordon also questioned, his faith was not shaken. He said, “Although in our youth we had trouble understanding many things, there was in our hearts something of a love for God and his great work that carried us above any doubts and fears, We loved the Lord and we loved good and honorable friends. From such love we drew strength.”
After graduating in English and just before his 23rd birthday, Gordon was asked to serve a mission in Preston, England. “When he left for his mission,” Gordon later said, “my good father handed me a card on which were written five words….’Be not afraid, only believe’ (Mark 5:36) As he became homesick, and feeling he was wasting his time and his family’s money, he wrote an unhappy letter to his Father. His father replied with advice his son would follow throughout his life. “Dear Gordon,” he wrote, “I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion. Forget yourself and go to work.” This counsel echoed a scripture passage Elder Hinkley had read earlier that day: “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). With his father’s letter in his hand, the young Elder Hinkley got on his knees and made a pledge the he would give himself to the Lord. The effect was almost immediate. “The whole world changed,” he said. “The fog lifted. The sun began to shine in my life. I had a new interest. I saw the beauty of this land. I saw the greatness of the people. I began to feel at home in this wonderful land.”
“I am an optimist!” President Hinkley often declared. “My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.”
President Hinckley told a congregation. “If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us.”
- Marty
The text for 2017 features the teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley, who served 20 years as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He then served 14 years as a counselor in the First Presidency. When he became President of the Church at age 84, he led it through nearly 13 years of dynamic growth.
Please read, “The Life and Ministry of Gordon B. Hinckley” found at the beginning of this text. The life stories he tells contain themes that will be taught this year. President Hinckley learned and grew from his experiences. Knowing these stories help us to know this beloved prophet.
The following are just a few stories from his early years:
President Hinkley grew up with 12 siblings. His parents were optimistic, diligent parents who created opportunities for their children to grow and succeed. They held family home evening and shared bedtime stories, often from the scriptures. At the age of twelve, while attending a stake priesthood session, he stood and sang, “Praise to the Man” with three or four hundred men. He recalled, “Something happened within me as I heard those men of faith sing. There came into my boyish heart a knowledge, placed there by the Holy Spirit, that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet of the Almighty”
Attending the University of Utah during the Great Depression was a challenge financially and emotionally. There was a cynicism about faith and the future. While Gordon also questioned, his faith was not shaken. He said, “Although in our youth we had trouble understanding many things, there was in our hearts something of a love for God and his great work that carried us above any doubts and fears, We loved the Lord and we loved good and honorable friends. From such love we drew strength.”
After graduating in English and just before his 23rd birthday, Gordon was asked to serve a mission in Preston, England. “When he left for his mission,” Gordon later said, “my good father handed me a card on which were written five words….’Be not afraid, only believe’ (Mark 5:36) As he became homesick, and feeling he was wasting his time and his family’s money, he wrote an unhappy letter to his Father. His father replied with advice his son would follow throughout his life. “Dear Gordon,” he wrote, “I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion. Forget yourself and go to work.” This counsel echoed a scripture passage Elder Hinkley had read earlier that day: “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it” (Mark 8:35). With his father’s letter in his hand, the young Elder Hinkley got on his knees and made a pledge the he would give himself to the Lord. The effect was almost immediate. “The whole world changed,” he said. “The fog lifted. The sun began to shine in my life. I had a new interest. I saw the beauty of this land. I saw the greatness of the people. I began to feel at home in this wonderful land.”
“I am an optimist!” President Hinkley often declared. “My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.”
President Hinckley told a congregation. “If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us.”
- Marty
Monday, January 2, 2017
January Activities
BOOK GROUP
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4TH AT 7:00 PM – Marty’s home
We will be discussing Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.
You can come even if you haven’t read it.
Temple is closed from
January 16th – 30th
LUNCH BUNCH
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17TH at 11:30 am
WENDY’S (58TH & Indep.)
WENDY’S (58TH & Indep.)
Everyone is invited – Each person pays for their own.
PROJECT NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18TH 7:00 PM – Quail Bldg.
Fabric Garland taught by Martha Cardon
$8.00 - Money is due by Sunday 15th
$8.00 - Money is due by Sunday 15th
If you are not interested in making the above organized craft
and have another project you are working on,
please feel free to bring it.
OR contact Martha or Jan to have them add your name. **
LADIES NIGHT OUT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd AT 8:00 PM
MALONES GRILL – 64TH and Indiana
Come enjoy dinner or dessert with the ladies.
Everyone is invited – Each person pays for their own.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
January Newsletter
Presidency Message by Jan Welling
I recently heard something that keeps coming back to my mind.
Think of something that you have been working toward. Or possibly something you strive to have or do. It could be something at home, work, school, a relationship, parenting, maybe personal worship and study. This statement by Elder Bednar can be applied to all of these. We cannot simply think or say we will do something and it will happen. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort on our part.
An example of this was given by Sister Bingham, 1st counselor on the General Primary Board. If we brush our teeth for 20 minutes on Sunday does that mean we don’t have to brush our teeth for the rest of the week? No, of course not. The same applies to our scripture study, personal prayers, or any other area we may need to improve on. If we want the blessings of a peaceful home, healthy relationships with others, or an unwavering testimony of the scriptures, prayer, Jesus Christ, etc., it is up to us as individuals to put forth the effort necessary. By being consistent we will gain the blessings of those things we desire.
I know this to be true. I know that when I give my best effort and am consistent I get closer to that which I hope for. When I make time everyday for the things that are truly important my day goes better. I would add that consistency coupled with prayer brings added strength to achieve our goals. I feel the companionship of the Holy Ghost reminding me throughout the day when I pray for assistance in things. A favorite scripture of mine is, Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” I have a testimony of this and know He stands ready to help us. We just need to ask, have faith, and put forth consistent effort. I know that with Him all things are possible.
Birthdays
6 Ranya Kelly
9 Janet Bunn
9 Linda Spano
21 Regina Lehman
23 Larkin Harman
23 Debbie Orvin
30 Suzanne Erekson
Lesson Schedule – (Gordon B Hinkley)
Jan 1 Presidency message Marty Rozeski
Jan 8 #1 “The Restoration of the Gospel – The Dawning of a Brighter Day” taught by Sue Thomson
Jan 15 #2 “An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World” taught by Kay Bashford
Jan 22 “The Master Healer” by Carole M Stephens AND “Repentance: a Joyful Choice: by Dale G Renlund taught be Mary Kay Bashford
Jan 29 Bishop’s Instruction
Upcoming Events
Jan 16-30 Temple closed
Other Opportunities
Jan 4 Book Group 7 pm at Marty’s Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Jan 17 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 at Wendy’s
Jan 18 Project Night at 7 pm at Quail Bldg
Feb 2 Lady’s Night Out at 8 pm at Malone’s (64th & Indiana)
Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
I recently heard something that keeps coming back to my mind.
Consistency in small things brings great blessings. – Elder David A. Bednar
Think of something that you have been working toward. Or possibly something you strive to have or do. It could be something at home, work, school, a relationship, parenting, maybe personal worship and study. This statement by Elder Bednar can be applied to all of these. We cannot simply think or say we will do something and it will happen. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort on our part.
An example of this was given by Sister Bingham, 1st counselor on the General Primary Board. If we brush our teeth for 20 minutes on Sunday does that mean we don’t have to brush our teeth for the rest of the week? No, of course not. The same applies to our scripture study, personal prayers, or any other area we may need to improve on. If we want the blessings of a peaceful home, healthy relationships with others, or an unwavering testimony of the scriptures, prayer, Jesus Christ, etc., it is up to us as individuals to put forth the effort necessary. By being consistent we will gain the blessings of those things we desire.
I know this to be true. I know that when I give my best effort and am consistent I get closer to that which I hope for. When I make time everyday for the things that are truly important my day goes better. I would add that consistency coupled with prayer brings added strength to achieve our goals. I feel the companionship of the Holy Ghost reminding me throughout the day when I pray for assistance in things. A favorite scripture of mine is, Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” I have a testimony of this and know He stands ready to help us. We just need to ask, have faith, and put forth consistent effort. I know that with Him all things are possible.
Birthdays
6 Ranya Kelly
9 Janet Bunn
9 Linda Spano
21 Regina Lehman
23 Larkin Harman
23 Debbie Orvin
30 Suzanne Erekson
Lesson Schedule – (Gordon B Hinkley)
Jan 1 Presidency message Marty Rozeski
Jan 8 #1 “The Restoration of the Gospel – The Dawning of a Brighter Day” taught by Sue Thomson
Jan 15 #2 “An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World” taught by Kay Bashford
Jan 22 “The Master Healer” by Carole M Stephens AND “Repentance: a Joyful Choice: by Dale G Renlund taught be Mary Kay Bashford
Jan 29 Bishop’s Instruction
Upcoming Events
Jan 16-30 Temple closed
Other Opportunities
Jan 4 Book Group 7 pm at Marty’s Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Jan 17 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 at Wendy’s
Jan 18 Project Night at 7 pm at Quail Bldg
Feb 2 Lady’s Night Out at 8 pm at Malone’s (64th & Indiana)
Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
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