To Every Mother

Every woman plays a role as a mother.  You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know!

Thank you for all you do!!

Sunday Lesson: May 4th

The Presidency message for May was taught by Marty Rozeski. She chose to teach Chapter 10 from the Joseph Fielding Smith manual, Our Search for Truth. Pres. Smith always had a thirst for gospel knowledge. He was given a copy of the Book of Mormon by his father at eight years old. He had such a love for the book that he was motivated to get chores done quickly and even left baseball games early in order to read. President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "All my life I have studied and pondered the principles of the gospel and sought to live the laws of the Lord. As a result there has come into my heart a great love for him and for his work and for all those who seek to further his purposes in the earth."

Sis. Rozeski shared with us her experience as she has searched for the truth. Throughout her life she has sought an education and is constantly learning. She commented that that as she has continued to make covenants with God, that her discernment of secular knowledge has been easier and made more sense.

As a people and a church we believe in education. However, President Smith teaches us that, "It is more important, a thousand times over, to have a knowledge of God and his laws, so that we can do the things which bring salvation, than it is to have all the worldly knowledge that can be obtained." The most important truth we should come to know is that of our Savior. "It is far more important to know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, that he has given unto us the principles of eternal life, than it is to know all that can be obtained in secular education."

President Joseph Fielding Smith: "I say to you, my brethren and sisters, you cannot keep the commandments of the Lord and walk in righteousness unless you know what they are." It is so important to search for ourselves and obtain knowledge through the scriptures. Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19 states, "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

We cannot forget the role of the Holy Ghost as we study and search for truth. President Smith teaches that, "Treasuring up his word is far more than merely reading it. To treasure it one must not only read and study but seek in humility and obedience to do the commandments given and gain the inspiration which the Holy Spirit will impart." As we are obedient and search for truth, we can always ask for help. "If there is any doctrine or principle connected with the teachings of the Church that we do not understand then let us get on our knees Let us go before the Lord in the spirit of prayer, of humility, and ask that our minds might be enlightened that we may understand."

"That which is of God is light, and he that receiveth light and continueth in God receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day." D&C 50:24.

See entire lesson HERE.

Sunday Lesson: Apr 27th

Tiffanie Huntley taught the RS lesson this past Sunday. The lesson came from the very recent General Conference talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,Grateful in Any Circumstances. To start the lesson off Sis. Huntley gave us a note card and told us to write down the things we are grateful for, in only 30 seconds. Then, we turned the note card over and wrote down the things we feel we can improve on, in 30 seconds as well. Sis. Huntley pointed out that if we found it easy to think of things we are grateful for, we are already being grateful in our circumstances, we are choosing to be grateful.

Pres. Uchtdorf teaches us that even though we will all be faced with trial and bitterness in our lives, "there is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!" "Why does God command us to be grateful? Our loving Heavenly Father knows that by choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and great happiness." It may be very hard to be grateful when our world is falling apart. Pres. Uchtdorf suggests that being grateful for thing is the wrong approach. He suggests that "we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation. Instead of being grateful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances - whatever they may be."

We can choose to be grateful, just like Nephi when his brothers tied him up. Job was grateful even though his whole world was falling apart taken from him. The pioneers maintained an attitude of gratitude as they crossed the plains, singing and dancing as they went. Joseph Smith continued to be grateful for his blessing even while being held prisoner in horrible conditions. Pres. Uchtdorf says, "When we are grateful to God in our circumstances we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation." Gratitude is an act of faith; it requires us to trust God and hope for things better.

Pres. Uchtdorf teaches us that because we are eternal beings, the endings in life seem unacceptable to us. "Why is this?" he asks. "Because we are made of the stuff of eternity. We are eternal beings....ending are not our destiny." "The more we learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the more we realize that ending here in mortality are not endings at all. They are merely interruptions."

"Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires our humanity and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God's creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues."

See the entire talk HERE

May Newsletter

Presidency Message

My mother has lots of mantras that she shares with her children. One of her most famous is 'Enjoy the Journey'. She has always encouraged us to enjoy what we are doing while we are doing it. The first few years of our marriage were a little rough. Poor students, little babies, and never enough time to get things done. Holding onto my mother's words was very important to me because it has helped me to remember to try and put the important things first in my life.

In the October 2008 General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson shared these words: "This is our one and only chance at mortal life - here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey - now."

I appreciate how Pres. Monson says we should enjoy our journey NOW. Not tomorrow when the house is clean, or after the laundry is done, but enjoy what you are doing right this instant. Find the little blessings in life that remind you that Heavenly Father loves you and cares about you.

In the same talk Pres. Monson also taught us: "Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important - and what is most important almost always involves the people around us." Remember to let those you love know that you love them. Remember that people are more important than things. Remember that Heavenly Father is mindful of all His children and loves each one of us. As you work on enjoying the journey you will feel the love of the Lord in your life more fully and gratitude will fill your heart.

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

Birthdays
2 Claudia Forbes
14 Peggy Milligan
16 Mary Opidee
19 Carrie Brackett
21 Margaret Rhoades
23 Amy Johnson
29 Sharon Rankin
30 Jacquelyn Brady

Lesson Schedule
May 4 Presidency message taught by Marty Rozeski
May 11 Chapter 9 “Witnesses of the Book of Mormon” taught by Kay Bashford
May 18 Chapter 10 “Our Search for Truth” taught by Kristen Tanner
May 25 General Conference talk

Upcoming Events
May 3 Stake Women’s Conference 8:30-2:00 (Pick and choose from a list of 15 classes that you want to attend)
June 12 Relief Society Meeting 7:00

Other Opportunities
May 14 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Arby’s
(58th & Old Wadsworth Blvd)
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics

Sunday Lesson: April 20th

Sunday, April 20, 2014, the RS lesson was given by Sis. Kay Bashford. The lesson was Chp. 8 of the Joseph Fielding Smith manual, The Church and Kingdom of God. 

On Saturday morning, April 3, 1971, during his opening address at General Conference, President Joseph Fielding Smith said, "We announce that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on earth, the only place where men may come to learn the true doctrines of salvation and find the authority of the Holy Priesthood." He continued, "There is no need for anyone to remain in darkness; the light of the everlasting gospel is here; and every sincere investigator on earth can gain a personal witness from the Holy Spirit of the truth and divine nature of the Lord's work." 

At the beginning of our lesson it says, "Let all men know assuredly that this is the Lord's Church and He is directing it's affairs. What a privilege it is to have membership in such a divine institution!"

SIs. Bashford asked some thought provoking questions during her lesson. "How do you feel about your membership in the Church? Is it a privilege to be a member?" President Joseph Fielding Smith had no doubts about how he felt. He said, "I know that we have the truth of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, just as well as I know that I live. If I did not know it, I wouldn't want to be here or have anything to do with this work. But I know it in every fiber of my body."

SIs. Bashford says that it works both ways; when you know the Church is true, you work! When you work in the Church, you come to know more assuredly that it is true.

President Smith said, "In every gospel dispensation there are special needs to be met, problems to be solved, and help that must be given to assist and aid the members of the Church in working out their salvation 'with fear and trembling' before the Lord." Therefore, the Lord set up His Church as a Priesthood organization with other organizations to help, such as the Relief Society, Young Men and Young Women organizations, and the Primary. Sis. Bashford reminding us that our able service in the Church does not go unnoticed by the God whom we serve and in whose work we are engaged.

Our dispensation is different from the other dispensations of the earth. President Smith said, "There is one great thing we have received in this age that has never been had before. In this dispensation the Lord has decreed that the Church shall never again be lead astray; this time the gospel is here to stay. This time the revealed truth is destined to prepare a people for the second coming of the Son of Man, and the Church will be established in all parts of the earth when the Lord comes to usher in the millennial era of peace and righteousness."

To conclude the lesson Sis. Bashford asked us these questions:

How do you feel about your membership in the Church?

In what ways are you thankful for the gospel fullness?

What has it done for your life?

Do you find joy and happiness in life because of your membership in the Church?

Are you fully committed to be of service, to help build up the Kingdom of God on the earth today in this the last dispensation?

Find the entire lesson online HERE

Because of Him

In preparation for Easter this weekend here is a special video to watch and share with others!   

"Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. We can change, we can start over—and we can live again with God. This Easter, celebrate His life and discover all that’s possible because of Him."

VISIT MORMON.ORG BY CLICKING HERE!

Stake Family Discovery Day

The Stake Family Discovery Day is just around the corner on April 19th.

We are so excited for all that has been planned and believe it will be a blessing to all who attend.

Fair information

Saturday, April 19, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 Open House

Alkire building

Youth - Please come the the Youth Discovery Booth in the RS room to discover where your family was in 1856

Youth - Special youth video broadcast at 12 noon - John Bythway teaching "The Power of Youth - Making a Difference"  playing in the chapel.

Families - come get your family photograph taken by professional photographers, go to the familymap booth to see where your family came from.,  Bring old photos and documents to learn how to scan them into digital copies, Come prepared to share a family story in front of the camera and receive a digital copy.

Researchers and family history want-a-be's  attend the Rootstech classes and visit the booths such as 1940 Census, FamilySearch.org, Indexing, Help booth, beginner booth etc.

There is something for everyone.  Please come - to learn and be filled with the spirit of Elijah!

Arvada Stake Relief Society Women's Conference

We hope you will make some time to join us for this fantastic day and opportunity for learning and growth!  The keynote speaker will start at 8:30 am and is sure to be inspiring and uplifting.  The classes that will be offered following his presentation are listed below. You are invited and welcome to come and go to the classes that you are interested and able to attend.  

Outline of Arvada Stake Relief Society Women’s Conference  

Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the Arvada Stake Center 

8:30 am -2:00 pm

“Blessed Are They Who Shall Seek to Bring Forth My Zion”

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Ben Diamond
CU Boulder Institute Director

Classes offered at 10:00, 12:00, and 1:00 

Lunch served at 11:00 

Women's Conference Classes

The love of God did dwell in their hearts: Building a Relationship with Christ

Brother Tony Allen (10:00, 12:00)

And there was no poor among them: Finding Joy in Hard Times

President Robert Lewis (10:00, 1:00)

Hearts knit together in love: Building Relationships and Resolving Conflicts

Sister Meredith Hammond, Professional Counselor (10:00, 12:00)

I will gather out mine elect: Sharing the Gospel in Normal and Natural Ways

Brother Alan Curtis (10:00, 1:00)

Preparing Missionaries - What ever Mother and Leader should know

President and Sister Toombs (12:00, 1:00)

Stand Independent: Growing Resilient and Independent Children

Bishop James Skeen, Professional Counselor (10:00, 12:00)

3 Month Food and Water Storage Basics

Sister Tiffany Scott and Brother Howard Taylor (1:00)

Surely there was never a happier people: Dealing with Depression

Brother Drew Brazier and Jackie Sanders, Professional Counselors (12:00, 1:00)

Sunday Lesson: April 13th

Each one of us needs our own testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and specifically a testimony of the First Vision.

“The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith. … Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that [Joseph Smith] … declared”    - Joseph F Smith

 “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it

                                                                        -Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 (15):

“With his brother, my grandfather, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, he [Joseph Smith] sealed his testimony with his blood in Carthage Jail. And I, for one, want to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands of letting the ends of the earth know that salvation is again available because the Lord raised up a mighty seer in this day to reestablish his kingdom on earth.19

 We raise our voices in thanksgiving for the lives and ministries of the Prophet Joseph Smith, of Hyrum Smith the Patriarch, and of the prophets and apostles and righteous men and women who have built on the foundation they laid.20”  -Joseph Fielding Smith 

Can we have the same kind of brotherly love as Hyrum and Joseph Smith for our sisters? Can we share this same loyalty, dedication, and trust? Can we stand by one another, and mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice? I believe we can. As Lucy Mack wisely stated, ”We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

Read the entire lesson HERE

April Newsletter

Presidency Message 

 A few years ago I attended the funeral of a dear Uncle.  He was an Episcopal Priest of some 50 years. The common statement made by many was, "He was a true parish priest." It was said in a tone of high praise. I finally asked what the compliment meant, and was told he cared for his flock by ministering to them. He visited his parishioners and knew of their joys and sorrows. He offered care by offering himself.  In Relief Society, each sister has the opportunity to watch over and strengthen sisters one by one through visiting teaching. Sister Julie B. Beck, the fifteenth Relief Society general president, said, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, each, and minister in His behalf." Sister Elaine L. Jack, the twelfth Relief Society general president, taught: "In visiting teaching we reach out to each other. Hands often speak as voices can't. A warm embrace conveys volumes.  A laugh together unites us. A moment of sharing refreshes our souls. We cannot always lift the burden of one who is troubled, but we can lift her so she can bear it well."  When we serve others as visiting teachers, we receive blessings. One sister I visit always offers me a glass of ice water. Another sister let's me sample her daughter's latest new recipe. And another sister shares her latest gospel insight, as she thrills with the discovery of truth. All offer something of themselves and we share friendship. These sisters are helping me develop the pure love of Christ, and I hope in some measure I am helping them.  What high praise it would be, if a common statement used to describe each of our lives would be, "She was a true visiting teacher."

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

Upcoming Events
 March 29 RS General Broadcast 6:00 PM women 8 yrs and up
 April 5 & 6 General Conference
 April 13 Fast Sunday
 May 3 Women’s Conference (formerly Morningside) 8:30-3:00 with lunch no breakfast

April 2014
Birthdays
 2 Tiffany Markey
 3 Karen Schmidt
 8 Jan Welling
 9 Kierstin O’Flaherty
 9 Theresa Salankey
 11 Angie Dallaire
 13 Wendy Gordon
 15 Tesla Miller
 15 Marty Rozeski
 22 Charlene Browne
 22 Heidi Oaklief
 24 Pat Jentzsch
 24 Jackie Milonas
 28 Glenda Cross

Lesson Schedule
April 6 General Conference
April 13 Chapter 7 “Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Witnesses for Christ” taught by Kristen Tanner
April 20 Chapter 8 “The Church and Kingdom of God” taught by Kay Bashford
April 27 General Conference talk

Other Opportunities
Go to Arvada2ward.blogspot.com for more information
April 8 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Wendy’s on 58th & Independence
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics
May 1 7:00 PM at Kendra Mauger’s Book Club discussion of “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe