Relief Society Lesson: Sunday, Feb 16th

Sis. Jill Rockwood from the stake RS presidency taught from Elder D. Todd Christofferson's talk from last General Conference, 'The Moral Force of Women'.  Elder Christofferson says that, "A woman's moral influence is nowhere more powerfully felt or more beneficially employed than in the home. There is no better setting for rearing the rising generation than the traditional family, where a father and a mother work in harmony to provide for, teach, and nurture their children. Where this ideal does not exist, people strive to duplicate its benefits as best they can in their particular circumstances."
 
Sis. Rockwood shared some powerful examples in her life when she was able to be an influence for good while she was a Young Women's leader, before her own children came. She also expressed a great appreciation for women in her life who were wonderful examples to her own children. No matter what our individual circumstances, we can be a powerful influence for good by example and deed. 
 
Elder Christofferson talks about 3 forces and trends that are at work that weaken and even eliminate the good influence of women. 1) A pernicious philosophy that undermines women's moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. 2) Attitudes toward human sexuality threaten the moral authority of women on several fronts, such as abortion and sexual immorality. 3) The third area of concern comes from those who, in the name of equality, want to erase all differences between the masculine and the feminine.
 
Elder Christofferson quotes Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who said it well: "When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?"

Click HERE to see Elder Christofferson's talk.

Relief Society Lesson: Sunday, Feb 9th

We thank Sister Tanner for her sweet testimony and words given regarding The Plan of Salvation. There is so much peace and understanding we can have when we understand our Father in Heaven's plan for us in this life.  We shared experiences with each other on how the Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us as we work out our salvation during mortality.

“Our Father in Heaven established a plan of salvation for his spirit children.. to enable them to advance and progress until they obtain eternal life.”  -Joseph Fielding Smith 

"This mortal probation [is] a brief period, just a short span linking the eternity past with the eternity future. Yet it [is] a period of tremendous importance. … This life is the most vital period in our eternal existence."  -Joseph Fielding Smith 

The earth shall be in distress, man and women’s hearts are failing them because they forget their identity and purpose...with faith you can handle the difficulty knowing with an eternal perspective all will be well......   -Elder Nelson

Heartaches will come, death, children go astray, disability, illness, injury’s...to the individuals who are fearful in the heart be patient with yourself, perfection does not come in this life but the next life. Don’t demand things that are unreasonable... but demand in yourself improvement… as you let the lord help you through that he will make the difference…  -Elder Nelson

Click HERE to see the entire lesson.

Words with Friends - Mormon Messages

'Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon any time, anywhere in the world.'

February Newsletter

Presidency Message

During the month of February our thoughts are centered around love. We send valentines and cards and remember those who are important in our lives. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf helps us to remember the true meaning of love.

"True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long—we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it—but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1.  Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” Doctrine and Covenants 81:5 (You Are My Hands, May 2010 Ensign)

As sisters in the gospel we have the opportunity to exercise this true love, or the pure love of Christ, as we serve those around us and do as the Savior would do. Let us look to Christ as our example. Know that we as a presidency love each one of you; you are in our thoughts and prayers always.

Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie & Jenny



February 2014 Birthdays
     2   Jeannette Stone
    5   Jennifer Evans
    6   Kathy Williams
    8   Jenny Maxwell
    8   Jerry Whiting
  10   Genevia Nall
  16   Cynthia Stover
  18   Carol Chase
  18   Katherine Toone
  19   Margaret Agnew
  20   Amber Johnson
  20   Rachel Mason
  23   Kathy Conley
  25   Sabrina Hankal


Lesson Schedule
Feb 2 Presidency message taught      by Marty Rozeski
Feb 9 Chapter 3 “The Plan of Salvation” taught by Kristen Tanner
Feb 16 Ward Conference – Lesson taught by Stake Relief Society Presidency
Feb 23 Oct 2013 Conference talk “Small and Simple Things” by Amulfo Valenzuela taught by Kay Bashford

Upcoming Events
Feb 11   Lunch Bunch 11:00 meet at           Chick-fil-A (52th & Wadsworth)
Feb 16   Ward Conference
Feb 19   Ward Temple Day
Mar 13   Relief Society Birthday Party
 Mar 19   Stake All-Day Temple Day

Relief Society Lesson Sunday, February 2nd 2014

Today's lesson was given by Sister Marty Rozeski. Each of us, no matter who we are, or where we serve must make the most out of each opportunity that comes.  The fruit of our labors can heal the world, and sisters, in the process they can heal us. 

The lesson was taken from a talk given by Mary Ellen Smoot, The R.S. General President, at the R.S. General Meeting in 1999.  At that conference she presented The Relief Society Declaration.  This declaration was approved by the Prophet, and the Quorum of the twelve.  

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction:  Sister Smoot says: “We know we have and always will exist.  We know we have been sent to earth to gain experience and prove ourselves.  The decisions we make are vital if we are to gain eternal life and exaltation.  We know that this estate is important, and this understanding gives meaning, purpose, and direction in our lives.  Ultimately all of us want to learn our lessons well and return to our loving Heavenly Father.”

As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar:  Sister Smoot:  “We accept the Savior as the Only Begotten Son of our H.F.  We know that through him we will be redeemed and resurrected.     ‘We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ we preach of Chris.’”  (2 Ne. 25:26)

Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes:  Sister Smoot:  “We understand that the home is the basic unit created by God for us to learn in and serve in.  Spending time with our family is top priority.  We need to look inside in order to be kind and loving and forgiving to family members.  We are to encourage our children to embrace the gospel.”

Stand for truth and righteousness:  Sister Smoot: “We speak out to stop the flowing tide of filth and corruption that is a plaque in our society.  Sisters who know right from wrong stand firm on the Lord’s side, making choices that set them apart from the rest of the world as they fully monitor the family’s use of television programs, dress modestly, and refrain from watching any films that glorify violence and immoral behavior.”

Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth:  Sister Smoot:  “We rejoice as each child is blessed, each child is baptized, as we partake of the sacrament and are set apart for Church callings …  We are grateful for priesthood blessings that light our way and give direction and hope. “

Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation: Sister Smoot:  “Sisters who seek to make and keep their covenants and do work for their kindred dead, in the process find their own loads lifted and their power to resist temptation fortified.”

Relief Society Lesson Sunday, January 26th 2014

 Sister Harman shared a lesson on obeying the law of Tithing.

There are many blessings that come from obeying the law of tithing. Most of those blessings are significant but subtle. One of the biggest blessings we can receive by paying our tithing is an increase of gratitude in our lives.

Elder Bednar says, "The imagery of the “windows” of heaven used by Malachi is most instructive. Windows allow natural light to enter into a building. In like manner, spiritual illumination and perspective are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing."

Sis. Larkin Harman helped us understand that this spiritual illumination and perspective can help us see the subtle blessings in our lives. If we are looking for employment, a blessing from obeying the law of tithing may not be that someone offers us a job right away, but that we are enlightened on where to look for employment and where to apply.

Elder Bednar made a promise:
I promise that as you and I observe and keep the law of tithing, indeed the windows of heaven will be opened and spiritual and temporal blessings will be poured out such that there shall not be room enough to receive them (see Malachi 3:10). We also will remember the Lord’s declaration:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8–9).

Comments made during the lesson also taught and reminded us that a blessing we receive by obeying the law of tithing is the opportunity to attend the temple. Paying our tithing is also a commandment that we can be perfect at.

Relief Society Lesson Sunday, January 19th 2014

Sister Bashford shared with us just how strong yet tender President Joseph F Smith was.  Through his words and example we learn how close he was to the Savior and his hope and knowledge of the atonement.  She also reminded us that we should emulate the Savior and walk the path he walked.   

He wrote such a beautiful letter to his wife, Ethel, while he was away at a stake conference.  She was seven months pregnant at the time doing her best to care for the children at home.  In a letter to her, he said, "I am thinking of you and wish I could be with you constantly for the next few weeks, to help take care of you."  He closed the letter with a poem he had written.  Some of those words to that poem now appear in our Hymn book on page 127, "Does the Journey Seem Long?" {see pg 20 of lesson manual}

President Smith showed us a great example by bearing his testimony to his children.  It is so important that we too share our testimonies to our loved ones.  One of President Smith's sons recounted: "[Once] as I sat alone with my father in his study, I observed that he had been in deep meditation.  I hesitated to break the silence, but finally he spoke. 'Oh, my son, I wish you could have been with me last Thursday as I met with my Brethren in the temple.  Oh, if you could have heard them testify of their love for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!' Andy then he lowered his head, and tears streamed from his face and dropped to his shirt.  Then, after many seconds, without as much as raising his head, but moving his head back and forth, he said, 'Oh, how I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!" {see pg 50 of lesson manual}

Click HERE to see the entire lesson. 

Relief Society Lesson Sunday, January 12th 2014

Sister Tanner gave a wonderful lesson this week!  We learned about and discussed our relationship with our Father in Heaven and His nature.  Here are a few quotes that were shared.  We hope you will take some time to think about your relationship with Him and how you can strengthen it.

“It is my desire to remind you of the nature and kind of being that God is, so that you may worship him in spirit and in truth and thereby gain all of the blessings of his gospel.”  

-Joseph Fielding Smith

"Brothers and sisters, you may already know, deep in your soul, that God lives. You may not know all about Him yet and do not understand all His ways, but the light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God and the Light of Christ, which you are born with." 

-Elder Robert D. Hales

"No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Isn't it wonderful to know that we don’t have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father? We don’t have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God’s blessings. In fact, the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take toward the light..."

"The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul..."

"Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light."

-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Click HERE to read the entire lesson. 

January Newsletter

Presidency Message
This year, Relief Society sisters and Melchizedek Priesthood holders will study Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith.  This manual will help ensure that President Smith’s inspired teachings will be available for current and future generations, since he died in 1972 when Church membership was just over 3 million.  Few who are now living will have a personal memory of President Smith’s exemplary life, but all may be lifted and inspired by the power of his teachings.
As you prayerfully study and ponder President Smith’s teachings, you will discern how the Lord used him as a spokesman to clearly teach principles that bring immeasurable blessings when they are applied.  You will study subjects such as these:
Our relationship to our Father in Heaven and our Savior
The influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives
The mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith
The importance of temple covenants
How to be in the world but not of the world
How to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ by being true and faithful
You are encouraged to study the chapter before the lesson and bring your books with you each second and third Sundays. If you do so, you will be better prepared to participate in discussions and edify one another.
Manuals are provided by the Relief Society Presidency or can be found online at LDS.org and for mobile devices at mobile.lds.org.
To quote President Joseph Fielding Smith, “Let us be true and faithful always, with a desire to keep the commandments of the Lord and honor Him and remember the covenants we have made with Him.”
We wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to studying the life and ministry of President Joseph Fielding Smith together this coming year.
Sincerely, Sue, Amy, Lisa, Debbie and Jenny

Birthdays
  5  Kimberly Brown
  6  Ranya Kelly
  6  Linda West
  9  Janet Bunn
  9  Linda Spano
 22  Nancy O’Berry       
23  Larkin Harman
23  Debbie Orvin
30  Diana Dahlberg
30  Suzi Erekson  
31  Susi Maximoff

Lesson Schedule
Jan 5 Presidency message taught      by Jenny Maxwell
Jan 12 Chapter 1 “Our Father in Heaven” taught by Kristen Tanner
Jan 19 Chapter 2 “Our Savior, Jesus Christ” taught by Kay Bashford
Jan 26 Oct 2013 Conference talk “The Windows of Heaven” by David A Bednar

Upcoming Events
Jan  8       Lunch Bunch at 11am meet at Chipotle (64th & Ward)
Jan 15   Ward Temple Day
Jan 20-Feb 2 Temple closed
Feb 16   Ward Conference
Mar 13   Relief Society Birthday Party
Mar 19   Stake All-Day Temple Day

Articles of Faith 1:1
We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

Dry Pack Canery is now the Home Storage Center

Here is an article that appeared in the Church News about the Dry Pack Canneries.

Over the past several weeks, misinformation and unnecessary concern has been circulating on blogs, over social media channels, and by email regarding changes in operations at the Church’s home storage centers, which are located in the United States and Canada. Here are some important facts:

No home storage centers are being closed.

In 89 of the Church’s 101 home storage centers in the U.S. and Canada, patrons will no longer self-can products, but they may purchase these same items pre-canned or prepackaged at no additional cost.

While many individuals have enjoyed self-canning at the Church’s home storage centers, the advantages of providing pre-canned or prepackaged goods include:

· It’s more efficient and cost effective for the Church to produce and ship high-quality, pre-canned or prepackaged goods in bulk rather than ship the same goods and empty cans to a location where individuals can them on their own.

· By offering the goods pre-canned or prepackaged, the Church utilizes less warehouse space.

· Pre-canned and prepackaged operations allow for higher quality and safer preparation of home storage food.

· It is much more costly to maintain and upgrade facilities that must meet food production standards (such as in a self-canning operation) than it is to maintain a facility that simply distributes pre-canned and prepackaged food. 

             · Volunteer personnel time can be used more efficient.

Link to the original article

Link to the order form for the Home Storage Center