Sunday Lesson: Apr 19th

This Sunday's lesson was on Chp. 8 of our manual, The Power of the Word. The lesson comes from a talk given by President Benson at his first general conference as president of the church in April 1986. 

President Benson points out to us as members that, "We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, 'Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.'" (D&C 1:35) Pres. Benson talked about how John the Revelator foresaw our day when Satan would wage war against the members of the Church. He also reminds us that the prophet Lehi saw our day in his great dream of the tree of life. He saw that many people would wander blindly in the mists of darkenss and how some would fall away 'in forbidden paths'. The apostle Paul also saw our day and described things such as "blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound."

From Lehi's dream comes the answer to how we can stay out of the mists of darkness and be strong against the powers of Satan. Lehi saw in his dream that if people would hold fast to the iron rod, they wouldn't wander. Laman and Lemuel asked, "What meaneth the rod of iron?" Nephi answered, "It was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." President Benson teaches, "Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries."

President Benson quotes President Kimball when he said in a 1976 First Presidency message, "I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves - and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again..."  Sis. Bashford asked us what keeps us from having consistent scripture reading. There are many things that can keep us from making a consistent time to read the scriptures, but the biggest reason is that we are not committed. We need to make scripture study a priority in our lives, and not let other things take away from it. 

There are so many things from the lesson that teach us what constant scripture study can do for ourselves. As a class we discussed many of these. They include:

- Make wise unto salvation

- Never perish

- Control the adversary in our lives

- Get answers to our challenges

- Fortify us to resist eveil and find joy

- Find doctrines of salvation

- Nourish us spiritually

- Keep us active in the Church

- Increase our testimony and commitment

- Help us receive revelation

- Make us prosperous and successful in things that matter most

- Heal the wounded soul

- We will not be deceived

- Light our pathway

- Give us direction

- Stand up to the adversary

- Resist temptation

- Give guidance for our daily life

Pres. Benson pleads with us when he says, "Oh, my brethren, let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings...If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that 'the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just - yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them.'" (Alma 31:5)

Sunday Lesson: Apr 12th

Ezra Taft Benson manual, Joseph Smith, an Instrument in the Hands of the Lord. Throughout the lesson in the manual Pres. Benson shares a powerful testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. He said, "Joseph SMith was a prophet of the Living God, one of the greatest prophets that has ever lived upon the earth. He was the instrument in God's hand in ushering in a great gospel dispensation, the greatest ever, and the last of all in preparation for the second coming of the Master."

"Why do you think the First Vision the greatest event in history since the resurrection of Jesus Christ?" Pres. Benson teaches us, "it is not something that concerns only a handful of people. It is a message and a revelation intended for all of our Father's children living upon the face of the earth. It was the greatest event that has ever happened in this world since the resurrection of the Master. Sometimes I think we are so close to it that we don't fully appreciate its significance and importance and the magnitude of it."

During the lesson two sisters shared their testimonies about the Joseph Smith. It was such a treat to hear from both women; one who has been a member her whole life, and the other who is a recent convert. They both shared such powerful testimonies of the truthfulness of the First Vision and the important work that Joseph Smith did to restore the gospel in its fullness in this dispensation. 

"The most singular evidence in support of Joseph Smith's claim to being a spokes man for Almighty God was the publication of a scriptural record, the Book of Mormon," President Benson teaches us. "The major purpose of the record is to convince a latter generation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." "If you believe the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith was His prophet, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and it is being led today by a prophet receiving revelation."

Sis Maxwell invited all of us at the end of her lesson to pray about the Joseph Smith's first vision in order to know for ourselves if what he saw and all the work that he did was true. Pres. Benson says, "I testify to you that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, one of the truly and great prophets of all time, a man of destiny, a man of character, a man of courage, a man of deep spirituality, a God-like prophet of the Lord, a truly noble and great one of all time. Yes, Joseph Smith, the latter-day Prophet, was an instrument in the hands of the Lord in opening a new gospel dispensation, the last and greatest of all gospel dispensations."

Happy Easter

HE KNOW YOU! HE LOVES YOU!

GENERAL CONFERENCE

Don't miss General Conference! What a blessing and privilege it is to listen to living Prophets and Apostles of Jesus Christ. Our Savior lives, loves us, and still speaks to us through them. 

 Click here to watch 

2015 Spring Conference

April Newsletter

Presidency Message by Jan Welling
I absolutely love springtime. I cannot think of anything there isn’t to love about this time of year. The earth seems to come alive again. Spring is so fitting and perfect for Easter. The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings me so much joy.

It is a special year to have Easter Sunday and General Conference on the same day. We get to hear from living Prophets and Apostles on the same day we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. From the time earth began there have been prophets. Jesus Christ himself came to earth and established his church. He showed us the way we should live by his example. He taught us the way we should live through his teachings. He suffered for all of us in Gethsemane and on the cross that we too may live again. He rose in flesh and blood three days after he was crucified. Elder Russell M. Nelson teaches, “Understanding and having a testimony of the resurrection can give us hope and perspective as we experience the challenges, trials, and triumphs of life. We can find comfort in the assurance that the Savior lives and that through His Atonement we will live again too.”

This is one of my favorite songs. I feel its words deep in my heart and I feel closer to Jesus Christ when I sing it. I am incredibly grateful for Him and for His life and sacrifice for little me. I know that He loves me. I know that He was resurrected. I know that He lives!

‘I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence give!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love. He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.’

Love, Marty, Lisa, Jan, & Debbie

Birthdays
2 Tiffany Markey
3 Karen Schmidt
6 Miriam Herrera
8 Jan Welling
9 Kierstin O’Flaherty
9 Theresa Salankey
11 Andrea Brewer
11 Angie Dallaire
13 Wendy Gordon
13 Natalie Webb
15 Tesla Miller
15 Marty Rozeski
22 Charlene Browne
22 Brittany Meehan
24 Pat Jentzsch
24 Jackie Milonas
28 Glenda Cross

Lesson Schedule – (Ezra Taft Benson)
April 5 General Conference
April 12 #7 “Joseph Smith…” taught byJenny Maxwell
April 19 #8 “The Power of the Word” taught by Kay Bashford
April 26 Talk from General Conference taught by Mary Kay Bashford

Upcoming Events
April 4&5 – General Conference
April 18 – Women’s Conference 8:30 – 2:00
June 11 – Relief Society Meeting 6:45

Other Opportunities
April 1 Project Night 7pm at Jan Welling’s
April 8 Cooking Class 7pm at Pat Jentzsch
Apr 14 Lunch Bunch 11am at Chick-Fil-A (52nd& Wadsworth)
Apr 30 Book Club 7pm at Kyle Koyle’s “The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How my mother raised 10 kids on 25 words or less” by Terry Ryan
Thursdays 9:30 am playgroup
Saturdays 8 am pickup basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics
1,2,4 Wednesdays Family History classes 7 pm

5th Sunday Lesson: Mar 29th

We all met together during 3rd hour this past Sunday, it being the 5th Sunday of the month. Bishop Larson asked a few member of our ward to share their experiences with Family History. 

Sis. Jessee started off by sharing a scripture in 3 Nephi 25: 5-6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse." Sis. Jessee also shared very personal experiences with how she got started doing Family History in her youth, starting with her patriarcal blessing. She also had some incredible dreams regarding some of her ancestors that she shared. 

She reminded us that there are 3 things we take with us when we die: 
1) Relationships 
2) Knowledge 
3) Temple Ordinances 

Family History is definitely part of our familial relationships and they are in need of saving ordinances just as we are. 

Bro. Schilling also shared amazing stories of his background and how he became interested in family history work. It also started as a dream for him, impressing to him the importance of finding out about his heritage. Bro. Schilling has become so involved in his genealogy that he even took a trip back to Germany to walk and be where his ancestors once were. 

Bishop Larson reminded us of the recent conference talk by Elder Allan Packer about Spiritual Passports. Every person on earth needs to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for exaltation. One of those qualifications is being involved in Family History work for our loved ones on the other side of the veil. Bishop Larson counseled all of us to be trained and converted in this important work. He encouraged us to be involved in the opportunities that have been provided us. 

There are many people in our ward and stake that are either set-apart missionaries for Family History work or know and extensive amount of information on how to get started. There are classes held every 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays at 7pm at the Family History Library in the Stake Center. Contact Bro. or Sis. Orvin for more information on these classes.

He Lives

2015 General Women's Conference

During a year when the Church is celebrating the 100th anniversary of family home evening and the 20th anniversary of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," general leaders of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations are looking forward with great anticipation to the general women’s session of general conference. Though no topics were assigned, leaders say they have felt guided to prepare messages with a focus on homes and families. 

Watch with us at the Arvada Stake Center on 
Saturday, march 28th at 6:00 pm. 

For all women and girls age 8 and older.

See article HERE 

Celebrate Relief Society

CHURCH NEWS

Each spring, Latter-day Saint women across the globe commemorate the founding of the Relief Society by the Prophet Joseph Smith on March 17, 1842. But Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, wants women to know that they are celebrating so much more than just a birthday for the organization.

“What are we celebrating?” she asked. “We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before. And we are celebrating our purpose.” Sister Burton and her counselors, Sister Carole M. Stephens and Sister Linda S. Reeves, met this March with the Church News to talk about Relief Society and the organization’s history and relevance today.

Sister Burton said as Latter-day Saint women think about the history of Relief Society, “we appropriately celebrate being taught by Joseph Smith in our early meetings. But I wonder how often we stop and celebrate the blessing of having the teachings of modern-day prophets in our day. We have the opportunity to learn together their words in our meetings, just as our sisters in Nauvoo were taught by the Prophet Joseph, the living prophet in their day.”

Celebrate the restoration of Relief Society

Sister Stephens noted that Joseph Smith restored the Relief Society. We know little about a formal women’s organization at the time of the Savior. But “the restoration of an ancient pattern is so significant,” said Sister Reeves. “Women were vital participants in the Savior’s day.”

Sister Burton added, “It wasn't just a group of sewing sisters. This was ‘something better,’ the Prophet Joseph said.”

Sister Stephens said Relief Society sisters today could learn much by studying the women in the scriptures. “Martha and Mary, Phoebe, Tabitha, and Priscilla, along with many other women named and unnamed were disciples of Jesus Christ and active participants in the Lord’s ministry.”

Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, left, and her counselors, Sister Carole M. Stephens and Sister Linda S. Reeves, meet to discuss the anniversary of the organization, which was founded on March 17, 1842. Photo by Chelsey Allder, Deseret News.

“You can see what they did and how they followed the Savior and ministered to Him and how He ministered to them,” said Sister Reeves.

“He forgave them, had compassion on them, taught them in their homes and on the seashores,” said Sister Burton.

Relief Society “is a temporal and a spiritual work,” said Sister Stephens. “That is what the women did in the Savior’s day, and that is what we continue to do.”

Celebrate the purpose of Relief Society

The purpose of Relief Society, Sister Burton explained, is to “prepare women for the blessings of eternal life.” That is accomplished as sisters increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes as they make and keep sacred covenants, and offer relief to those in need, working in unity with priesthood holders, she added.

Sister Burton said understanding the purpose of Relief Society will not only bless the lives of individual women, but it will also help them bless the lives of others “in their homes and families and also in their communities.”

Celebrate “who we are”

“The First Presidency has told us who we are: beloved daughters of Heavenly Father and dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ who are part of a great worldwide sisterhood,” said Sister Burton, noting that there are almost 7 million Relief Society members in 185 different countries. “We are sisters,” she said.

“We are covenant women,” added Sister Reeves.

“The ordinances we receive and the associated covenants we keep set us apart from the world,” noted Sister Stephens.

It is not “just a nice organization,” said Sister Burton. “Think of it. We are beloved daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are part of a great worldwide sisterhood. We are sisters.”

Celebrate “our vital part” in the work

Sister Reeves said there has never been a time in history that women have faced more distractions than they do today. “Many of the choices we make are not between good and bad; they are between good, better, and best,” Sister Stephens said.

Sister Burton said women should celebrate “our vital part in the work.”

“This is our opportunity to be unified in the work—not just the temporal work, but the spiritual work,” said Sister Stephens. She said women are looking to accomplish something big. “But the extraordinary thing is that we do small things behind closed doors—small and simple things that make an extraordinary difference.”

Sister Stephens said as women “act on a prompting to do a small and simple thing, that small and simple thing may mean the world to someone else.”

Sister Reeves said Latter-day Saint women should petition the Lord about the needs of their sisters. Then they can express the love that He expresses, she said. “He is so anxious to bless our lives, and we help Him with His work.”

Celebrate those who have gone before

Today, we celebrate not only the work of early Relief Society leaders but also the significant contributions of past Relief Society leaders, said Sister Burton, noting that her presidency and board members recently attended a luncheon with several past Relief Society general presidencies and board members.

“Their inspiring influence continues on,” she said. “Wow! What marvelous women.” She said Church members also celebrate the teachings of former Relief Society leaders. “We have many of their words in Daughters in My Kingdom, side by side with modern-day prophets,” she said. “We celebrate that.”

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The [Relief] Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls. —Joseph Smith (Daughters in My Kingdom [2011], 24)

There are many sisters who are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes. … It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for rags. —President Spencer W. Kimball (Daughters in My Kingdom, 117)

Although the name may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin. We were told by our martyred prophet that the same organization existed in the church anciently. —Eliza R. Snow, Relief Society general president, 1866–87 (Daughters in My Kingdom, 1)

Sunday Lesson: Mar 22nd

Priesthood Session talk by President Monson, Guided Safely Home.

President Monson tells a story of a ship – A German Battleship known as “The Bismark”. It was considered unsinkable and the greatest of its time. It was the pride of the German Navy. In an effort to sink the ship the British concentrated the strength of five battleships, two aircraft carriers, 11 cruisers and 21 destroyers. During these battles, shell after shell inflicted only superficial damage on the Bismarck. Was it unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit, which jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed and the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow circle. Just beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The Bismarck could not reach the safety of home port. Neither could it provide the needed haven, for the Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder, no help, no port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and sank the once seemingly indestructible vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic first lapped at the sides and then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The Bismarck was no more.

President Monson likens our lives to a ship, similar like that of the German Bismarck. We battle things every day, and need to be prepared hit after hit as the world strikes against us, our families, marriages, our children, our finances, our health etc… we need to be prepared for battle and what comes our way. However, it’s the rudder of a ship, that steers it and when that is lost it will never make it back to home port.

Think about yourself for a minute and ask yourself……What is your rudder? What steers you? Each one of us has something….. something that keeps us going. Gives us hope, it’s what we believe in… Our individual rudders may be different than one another’s. Think about what it is that keeps you from veering off the path. When you are tempted, when trials come, when we are tested… what keeps YOU on the path?

Examples of our own personal rudders that keep us on the straight and narrow might be:

Family, an eternal family

Our relationship with the Savior

Marriage

Covenants we make

We want to be different than our friends

Testimonies

The examples of our parents

The well know scripture story about Daniel is a great example of this. He was offered great riches and power. He was offered things representing the world and not of God. When Daniel chose to continue worshiping God even after a decree that would forbid such worship.

Daniels determination to steer a steady course never faltered and as a result, it provided a great protection and a sanctuary of safety for him.

President Monson states that such a protection and safety can be ours as we also steer a steady course toward our eternal home.

Quote 1 " We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through MAN". What do you think he means when he says: the power of God as it works through man?

Story of Natalie. She is a single mother of 5, and her youngest son, Boston, has Down Syndrome. Her husband left her and she found herself raising her children alone. Her Aunt Susie recently moved into her neighborhood from Georgia. Her aunt was a fomer Relief Society president and was surprised that her new calling in her new ward was to be Boston's helper during primary hours. 'Is this really a calling?' Susie thought to herself. Little did she know the blessings that would come to her and to Natalie as she became close to Boston. This little boy loves his Aunt Susie and the impact of her help to Natalie is tremendous. This is an example of how the power of God works through man. Strength and power often times come through small and simple means.

Examples of efforts where God worked through you or someone else that have benefited your own life, or where you have been able to help someone else. Sometimes just smiling or acknowledging someone makes all the difference in the world. Being a friend or being aware of someone elses struggles and being supportive can help in a way we may never know. Acts of service also help those around us and we learn to be more like our Savior and we serve. All of these things not only help shield us from the battles that hit us every day, but they also make us strong, keep us pure, keep our focus, they give us faith as we strive to maintain a straight heaven bound course.

As the world beats down on you and attacks you it's always best to fight back with dignity, purity and kindness. You become great examples and leaders that others admire. The power of God really is working through you by the small and simple things you do.

Quote: 2 When we maintain our personel purity we become righteous examples for others to follow. The Apostle Paul admonished " Be though and example of the believers. In word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." He also wrote that the followers of Christ should "be as lights in the world." Providing an example of righteousness can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world.

Sis. Bashford talked of her grandmother. She was raised as a member of the church and married a non-member, he was a great man who supported her in all that she did. She raised 6 children. faithfully attending her meetings, serving others, praying, and following the prophets counsel all of her days. By simply staying on course, charting her way through the rough waters of life, she raised bishops, stake presidents, temple sealers and workers, missionaries, relief society and primary presidents, and teachers of all sorts. Those 6 children raised her 41 grandchildren, who followed in their parents footsteps. Those 41 grandchildren (who Sis. Bashford is one of) are now trying their best to raise her 66 great grandchildren.

One person, who came from modest beginnings and remained faithful all her days, never lost sight of her heavenly home. Just think of the difference if she would have lost her course, and the impact it would have had on these generations!

Quote #3 Always remember that people are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt for generations to come.”

We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man. To sail safely the seas of mortality, we need the guidance of that Eternal Mariner—even the great Jehovah. We reach out, we reach up to obtain heavenly help.

The need to remain focused on eternal goals is illustrated in the biblical account of Jesus walking on the sea and Peter’s desire to do the same. Peter progressed over the water so long as he looked to Christ. But when he diverted his gaze away from the Master and allowed fear and doubt to enter in, he began to sink. If we, like Peter, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our eternal destination, we, too, may “walk triumphantly" over the swelling waves of our lives. We must not allow the things of the world to dim our vision of the eternal destination. Nor must we permit the “voices in the world” to lead us off course.

Sis. Bashford closed her lesson by reading a quote from Pres. Monson's talk: "The clock of history, like the sands of the hourglass, marks the passage of time. A new cast occupies the stage of life. The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Throughout the history of the world, Satan has worked tirelessly for the destruction of the followers of the Savior. If we succumb to his enticings, we—like the mighty Bismarck—will lose that rudder which can guide us to safety. Instead, surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. Our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered. As we seek heavenly help, our rudder, unlike that of the Bismarck, will not fail."