Announcements for December 23, 2018

We had a beautiful sacrament meeting program today, reminding us of the blessing of knowing about the life, mission and love of the Savior.  May you each have a blessed Christmas.  We love you all, and are thankful for the blessing of having such a wonderful ward family.  Merry Christmas!!!

Announcements - 

We will be discontinuing this blog as of this week.  The ward has started a new site where all organizations will be putting their information in one place.  All organizations will go here to post information.  There are tabs at the top of the page for each organization that you can click on.  Just click on the Relief Society tab to see our information.  Here's the new link -
Paradise 1st - Announcements and Information

Next Sunday, December 30th, Church will be held at our regular block time, starting at 11, then ******starting the first week in January, church will start at 9 a.m.

Light the World Initiative continues this week with "Light Your Faith"  Click on the following link for a short video --Light Your Faith video

Called - 
Charlene Heaton and Victoria Marrott as MIA Maid Advisors

***Welcome Home Laceigh Kuss from her mission in Oklahoma!  Laceigh reports her mission next Sunday at 11 p.m. in our ward


Relief Society Lessons -
December -
30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church
January -
13 - Women and Gospel Learning in the Home - President Henry B. Eyring (For Him by Joy D. Jones could also go along)
27 - Our Campfire of Faith - Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Birthdays -
27 - Holly Pickup
28 - Janna Gibbs

Announcements for December 16, 2018

From our Lesson - Deep Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Quentin L. Cook

Lisa Clawson gave our lesson today and gave us all such a shot in the arm about the many positive things that are waiting for us as we embrace the new curriculum changes the church will implement in January. -- 

From Elder Cook’s talk --
“World conditions increasingly require deepening individual conversion to and strengthening faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The Lord has prepared us, line upon line, for the perilous times that we now face. In recent years, the Lord has guided us to address related core concerns, including:

Honoring the Sabbath day and the sacred ordinance of the sacrament has again been emphasized for the last three years.

Under the bishop’s direction, strengthened elders quorums and Relief Societies are focused on the purpose and divinely appointed responsibilities of the Church and helping members make and keep sacred covenants.

Ministering in a higher and holier way is being joyfully adopted.

Beginning with the end in mind, temple covenants and family history service are becoming a purposeful part of the covenant path.

The adjustment announced this morning is yet another example of guidance for the challenges of our day.”

It is exciting to be a part of the church at this time.  There are so many things happening, and Heavenly Father is showing us that he has confidence that we can do these things.  I loved what Lisa said when she said that Heavenly Father is creating an army of “thinkers”.  No longer should we or our children sit back and wait to be told what to think or do.  Following these guidelines will increase our knowledge and power for good, and prepare us for the things that are coming as we move forward on this earth. These are exciting times!

Ministering - 
Thank you to all those who attended Ministering Interviews and reported on their Sisters and families.  We are touched at the love and concern you have for each other.

Announcements -   

Reminder about the “Light The World” initiative.  See LDS.org for ideas and more information.  This week is “Light Your Family”.  Click on this link to watch a short video put out by the church —       "Light Your Family" Video

Next Sunday, December 23rd we will have Sacrament meeting only.

Since in the New Year, we will be doing all announcements on line, we are trying to update individual information so that we have current phone numbers and e mail addresses.  Please go on line and make sure your information is correct.  
****On December 30th, we will be having online help following our block in the cultural hall where people will be there with lap tops set up to help you if you need help updating your information, or navigating church technology.  

Starting January 6th, Church will start at 9:00 a.m.

Relief Society Lessons -
December - 
30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church
January - 
13 - Women and Gospel Learning in the Home - President Henry B. Eyring (For Him by Joy D. Jones could also go along) 
27 - Our Campfire of Faith - Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Birthdays -
19 - Marilyn Pratt
21 - Rachel Hulme and Kelly Mortensen 
22 - Bobbie Fredrickson
27 - Holly Pickup
28 - Janna Gibbs

Announcements for December 9, 2018

From our Lesson - Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ - Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Most of us find ourselves at this moment on a continuum between a socially motivated participation in gospel rituals on the one hand and a fully developed, Christlike commitment to the will of God on the other. Somewhere along that continuum, the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ enters into our heart and takes possession of our soul. It may not happen in an instant, but we should all be moving toward that blessed state.

It is challenging but vital to remain firm and steadfast when we find ourselves being refined “in the furnace of affliction,” something that comes soon or late to all of us in mortality. Without God, these dark experiences tend to despondency, despair, and even bitterness. With God, comfort replaces pain, peace replaces turmoil, and hope replaces sorrow. Remaining firm in the faith of Christ will bring His sustaining grace and support. He will convert trial into blessing and, in Isaiah’s words, “give … beauty for ashes.”

Always remember the promise of good things to come, both now and hereafter, for those who are firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ. Remember “eternal life, and the joy of the saints.” “O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.”

Ministering -
We will have interviews next week for sisters in District #3.  Interviews will be held following our church block.

Announcements -

Stake Choirside will be held tonight, Sunday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stake Center.

Please sign up for Tithing Settlement on the list on the Clerk’s door to attend.

Reminder about the “Light The World” initiative.  See LDS.org for ideas and more information

This week's initiative is "Light Your Community" Click on the link below for a one minute video. 

Light Your Community video

Sunday, December 23rd we will have Sacrament meeting only.

Starting January 6th, Church will start at 9:00 a.m.

Released -
Leslie Curtis as a Primary Worker

Called -
Kathy Killian as a Ward Missionary

Relief Society Lessons -
December 16 - Deep Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Quentin L. Cook
December 30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church

Birthdays -
9 - Sandy Maxson
11 - Jill Gale and Nancy Obray
12 - Lisa Clawson, Tricia Nelson and Kelsey Stott
14 - AnnaMay Wilson
15 - Ingrid Sorensen

Sandra Sorensen’s Ginger Cookies

3 cups shortening
4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup plus a little Molasses
8 cups flour
8 tsp. Soda
2 tsp. Salt
8 tsp. Ginger - plus a little
4 tsp. Cinnamon
Mix Shortening, sugar then eggs.  Add rest of ingredients.  Mix.  Roll into balls and bake 12 minutes at 350.  Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting.  Can be frozen!

Announcements for December 2, 2018

Announcements - 

First Presidency Christmas Devotional is tonight (December 2nd) at 6:00 p.m.

Tithing Settlement is underway.  Please sign upon the list on the Clerk’s door to attend.  

Paradise Live Nativity will be held this Tuesday, December 4th from 6-8 p.m. in the Paradise park.  

Reminder about the “Light The World” initiative.  See LDS.org for ideas and more information

*******Ward Christmas Party - Friday, December 7th at 6:30.p.m. We are having sign ups for Salads and Desserts of any kind.  Please contact Tina Seymour for more information 790-4620.

Stake Choirside will be held Sunday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stake Center. 

This month we encourage you to write a letter or short note to the missionaries from our ward that are out serving. Their addresses are listed on the Blog post “Current Ward Missionary Addresses” and on the LDS tools app.

Sunday, December 23rd we will have Sacrament meeting only.

Starting January 6th, Church will start at 9:00 a.m.

Released -
Rand Curtis as a Sunday School teacher.  He has been called to serve on the High Council at one of the University Stakes. 

Called - 
Lindsey Hawkes as a Primary worker

Relief Society Lessons -
December 9 - Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ - Elder D. Todd Christofferson
December 16 - Deep Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Quentin L. Cook
December 30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church

Birthdays -
December 2 - Angie Farr
December 4 - Kathy Killian
December 5 - Lindsey Richards
December 7 - Leslie Curtis and Ann Mortensen 
December 8 - Loni Lofthouse
December 9 - Sandy Maxson

December 2018 Friendshipper

From our Lesson -
Our lesson was taught by Sister Angie Mair on Ideas to Improve Your Personal Scripture Study  -Go to the link below, for more in depth information on each of the topics listed here-

Ideas to Improve Your Personal Scripture Study

Heavenly Father will bless us as we make the effort to improve our habits of reading and studying the scriptures.  Some ideas for how to improve our personal scripture study are - (as listed on LDS.org) 

1 - Look for Truths about Jesus Christ
2 - Look for Inspiring Words and Phrases
3 - Look for Gospel Truths
4 - Listen to the Spirit
5 - Liken the Scriptures to Your Life
6 - Ask Questions as You Study
7 - Use Scripture Study Helps
8 - Record Your Thoughts and Feelings
9 - Study the Words of Latter-day Prophets and Apostles
10 - Share Insights
11 - Live by What You Learn

President Ezra Taft Benson taught us - “The moment you begin a serious study of the scriptures, you will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path.... When you begin to hunger & thirst after those words, you will find life in greater abundance.”

President Thomas S. Monson said: “As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls. We can find answers to our questions. We learn of the blessings which come through keeping God’s commandments. We gain a sure testimony of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their love for us. When scripture study is combined with our prayers, we can of a certainty know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. … As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter”

Announcements - 

Please plan to attend our Relief Society “Kringle Mingle” activity this Thursday, November 29th. at 6:30 p.m.  Come enjoy some Christmas cheer. There will be a Hot Chocolate Bar, and sisters are invited to bring a plate of cookies to share (this is optional!!), along with the recipe.  There will also be some Christmas demonstrations. It will be a great opportunity to come relax and enjoy sharing some time with the other sisters in the ward. ***In conjunction with this we are collecting gift cards that will be sent to the people who have lost everything in the fires in Paradise, California. These cards could be any kind – Target,Visa, Walmart, Food, Gas (Shell -no Maverik there) etc. 

Tithing Settlement is underway.  Please sign upon the list on the Clerk’s door to attend.  

Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 29th from 3-8 p.m.  Contact Jason Winn for more details.

The Missionary Musical Fireside will be held on Wednesday November 28th at the Brigham City Tabernacle and Thursday November 29th at the Logan Tabernacle.  Starting time is 7 p.m. each night. This fireside features the Utah Ogden Missionaries and the Logan Institute Singers.  

December 1, is the Worldwide Day of Service, we encourage you to find a way for you and your family to participate in this.  

Paradise Live Nativity will be held Tuesday, December 4th starting at 6 p.m. in the Paradise park.  

Ward Christmas Party - Friday, December 7th at 6:30.p.m. We are having sign ups for Salads and Desserts of any kind.  Please contact Tina Seymour for more information 790-4620. 

This month we encourage you to write a letter or short note to the missionaries from our ward that are out serving. Their addresses are listed on the Blog post “Current Ward Missionary Addresses” and on the LDS tools app.

The Stake Relief Society has brought us another idea to add oil to our lamps -

New Callings -
Seth Farnsworth as a Sunday School Teacher
Kara Farnsworth as Bear Den Leader
Christina McDowell as a Primary Teacher

Congratulations to Greydon Durrant on becoming a Priest 

Relief Society Lessons -
December 2 - Council Discussion led by Sister Sandra Sorensen
December 9 - Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ - Elder D. Todd Christofferson
December 16 - Deep Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Quentin L. Cook
December 30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church

Birthdays -
November 26 - Jeanne Davis
December 2 - Angie Farr

***Sister Natalie Phillips brought some delicious caramels to share to Relief Society today.  She was willing to share her recipe – (Thanks Natalie!!!) 

Caramels - 
2 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup karo syrup
1 cup evaporated milk
1 pint heavy whipping cream
Boil and stir to 240 degrees (she says this is the right temp for our altitude here in Paradise!) This takes about 40ish minutes! Turn the heat off.  Add 1 1/4 tsp. Vanilla.  Pour in a pan coated with butter.  Cool, then cut into pieces and wrap in wax paper.  

Ministering Assignment Update - November 15, 2018

Here is the updated sheet for Ministering assignments.  Please note that on the second line, it states which district you belong to.  The third line states the date and time you need to attend Ministering Interviews to report on your sisters and families.  Please feel free to contact us about the needs of your sisters any time.  We appreciate all you do to Minister to each other.

Announcements for November 18, 2018

From our Lesson - Gather Together in One All Things in Christ - Elder David A. Bednar.  Our lesson was given by Sister Kirsten Knowles.

Just as a rope obtains its strength from many intertwined individual strands, so the gospel of Jesus Christ provides the greatest perspective of truth and offers the richest blessings as we heed the admonition of Paul to “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Importantly, this vital gathering of truth is centered in and focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ because He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a magnificent tapestry of truth “fitly framed” and woven together. As we learn and link together revealed gospel truths, we are blessed to receive precious perspective and increased spiritual capacity through eyes that can see the Lord’s influence in our lives and ears that can hear His voice. And the principle of gathering together in one—even in Him—can assist us in changing the traditional checklists into a unified, integrated, and complete whole.

All opportunities and blessings of eternal consequence originate in, are possible and have purpose because of, and endure through the Lord Jesus Christ. As Alma testified: “There is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world.”

Ministering - 
Thank you to all that attended Ministering Interviews today.  We value the feedback that you give us on the Sisters and families that you Minister to.  Also, a special Thank You to Sister Jeanne Davis for the effort she puts in as our Ministering Supervisor.

Announcements - 

Please plan to attend our Relief Society “Kringle Mingle” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th.  Come enjoy some Christmas cheer. It will be a great opportunity to come relax and enjoy sharing some time with the other sisters in the ward. ***In conjunction with this we are collecting gift cards that will be sent to the people who have lost everything in the fires in Paradise, California. These cards could be any kind – Target,Visa, Walmart, Food, Gas (Shell -no Maverik there) etc.  Please bring them that night, or get them to a member of the Relief Society Presidency any time between now and then!! 

Tithing Settlement is underway.  Please sign upon the list on the Clerk’s door to attend.  

Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 29th from 3-8 p.m.  Contact Jason Winn for more details.

The Missionary  Musical Fireside will be held on Wednesday November 28th at the Brigham City Tabernacle and Thursday November 29th at the Logan Tabernacle.  Starting time is 7 p.m. each night. This fireside features the Utah Ogden Missionaries and the Logan Institute Singers.  

Ward Christmas Party - Friday, December 7th at 6:30.p.m. We are having sign ups for Salads and Desserts of any kind.  Please contact Tina Seymour for more information 790-4620. 

This month we encourage you to write a letter or short note to the missionaries from our ward that are out serving. Their addresses are listed on the Blog post “Current Ward Missionary Addresses” and on the LDS tools app.

Released -
Christina McDowell as Scout Advancement Committee Chairperson
Crystal Bird as Bear Den Leader
Barbara Danielson as Young Women’s 1st Counselor
Lindsey Richards as Young Women’s Athletic Director
Richard and Adele Bingham as Primary Teachers

Called - 
Crystal Bird as Young Women’s 1st Counselor
Anthony and Robin Harrison as Primary Teachers
Justin and Heather Murphy as Primary Nursery Leaders
Heidi Horger as Young Women’s Athletic Director
Chris McDowell as the Young Men’s Basketball Coach

Relief Society Lessons -
November 25 - Consistency in Gospel Study  - Week 4 Topic on LDS.org
December 2 - Council Discussion led by Sister Sandra Sorensen
December 9 - Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ - Elder D. Todd Christofferson
December 16 - Deep Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Quentin L. Cook
December 30 - Gospel Discussions at Home and at Church - Week 4 Topic on LDS.org

November Birthdays -
18 - Jayci Eaton and Launi Evans-Peacock
21 - Anne Wellings
23 - Jordyne Riggs
24 - Cassidy Bradshaw

Current Ward Missionary Addresses

Elder Cade Black
E-mail
cade.black@myldsmail.net
Address
76 Cathies Lane
Wantirna South VIC 3152
Australia

Sister Callie Burrows
E-mail
callie.burrows@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 149
Whitesboro NY 13492-0149

Elder Jacob Clawson
E-mail
clawson.j@myldsmail.net

Sister Meghan Foster
E-mail
meghan.foster@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 58
Nuku'alofa
Tonga

Sister Madison Gale
E-mail
madison.gale@myldsmail.net
Address
1535 Killearn Center Blvd Ste C-3
Tallahassee FL 32309

Elder Dallin Horger
E-mail
dallin.horger@myldsmail.net
Address
2525 N 32nd St
Mesa AZ 85213

Elder Christopher Jones
E-mail
christopher.jones@myldsmail.net
Address
1850 Craigshire Rd Ste 205
St Louis MO 63146

Sister Laceigh Kuss
E-mail
laceigh.kuss@myldsmail.net
Address
1967 W 33rd St
Ste. 100
Edmond OK 73013-3875

Elder Oak Musselman
E-mail
oakley.musselman@myldsmail.net
Address
Av. Santa Rita de Cássia, 287
Farol
57051-600 Maceió - AL
Brazil

Elder David Stock
E-mail
david.stock@myldsmail.net
Address
187 Penns Lane
Sutton Coldfield B76  1JU
England

Elder Logan Stout
E-mail
logan.stout@myldsmail.net
Address
SDQ 4102
2250 NW 114 Ave Unit 1A
Miami FL 33172-3652

Elder Tyler Trimble
E-mail
tyler.trimble@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 181
Observatory
Cape Town
7935

Elder Riley Winn
E-mail
riley.winn@myldsmail.net
Address
4785 Dorsey Hall Dr Ste 105
Ellicott City MD 21042-7862

Announcements for November 11, 2018

From our Lesson - 
Our lesson was given by Sandy Maxson today.  We discussed two conference talks - President Nelson - "Becoming Exemplary Latter Day Saints" and Elder Ballard - "The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead".

In President Nelson’s closing remarks, he shared warnings with us along with promises that will be ours as we heed the councils received during conference and apply them in our lives.  He said – “Brothers and sisters, I thank you for your faith and sustaining efforts. I leave my love and blessing upon you, that you may feast upon the word of the Lord and apply His teachings in your personal lives. I assure you that revelation continues in the Church and will continue until “the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

I bless you with increased faith in Him and in His holy work, with faith and patience to endure your personal challenges in life. I bless you to become exemplary Latter-day Saints. I so bless you and bear my testimony that God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church. We are His people, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Elder Ballard taught us from Doctrine and Covenants section 138.  He said –“I testify that the vision President Joseph F. Smith received is true. I bear witness that every person can read it and come to know it is true. Those who do not receive this knowledge in this life will surely come to know its truthfulness when everyone will arrive in the spirit world. There, all will love and praise God and the Lord Jesus Christ for the great plan of salvation and the blessing of the promised Resurrection when body and spirit will once again be reunited, never to be separated again.

Ministering - 
A reminder that our Ministering Interviews will be held Next Sunday, November 18th, right after our block, for all of those in District #2.  Please see the Ministering chart posted on this blog on August 17th if you have questions about who needs to attend.  Sister Jeanne Davis will try to text all of those she has numbers for with reminders.  Please contact a member of the presidency or Jeanne if you have questions.  

Announcements - 

Scripture Study Class with Sister Jeanne Davis will be held this Thursday, November 15th at 7 p.m. in the primary room.  We will be discussing Patterns in The Scriptures.  This class is held every 3rd Thursday of each month. We hope to see you there.  Come and bring your scriptures! –and a friend!

Please plan to attend our Relief Society Activity “Kringle Mingle” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 29th.  Come enjoy some Christmas cheer. It will be a great opportunity to come relax and enjoy sharing some time with the other sisters in the ward.  

Tithing Settlement is underway.  Please sign upon the list on the Clerk’s door to attend.  

Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 29th.  Contact Jason Winn for more details.

Congratulations-
To Mason Stout on becoming a Priest.

A BIG Welcome to Robin and Anthony Harrison.  They built the new home between the Godfrey’s and the Jones’s in Paradise. 

Relief Society Lessons -
18 - Elder Bednar "Gather Together in One All Things in Christ"
25 - Personal Scripture Study  - Week 4 Topic on LDS.org

November Birthdays -
18 - Jayci Eaton and Launi Evans-Peacock

***This month we encourage you to write a letter or short note to the missionaries from our ward that are out serving. Their addresses are listed below and on the LDS tools app. 

Elder Cade Black
E-mail
cade.black@myldsmail.net
Address
76 Cathies Lane
Wantirna South VIC 3152
Australia

Sister Callie Burrows
E-mail
callie.burrows@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 149
Whitesboro NY 13492-0149

Elder Jacob Clawson
E-mail

clawson.j@myldsmail.net

Sister Meghan Foster
E-mail
meghan.foster@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 58
Nuku'alofa
Tonga

Sister Madison Gale
E-mail
madison.gale@myldsmail.net
Address
1535 Killearn Center Blvd Ste C-3
Tallahassee FL 32309

Elder Dallin Horger
E-mail
dallin.horger@myldsmail.net
Address
2525 N 32nd St
Mesa AZ 85213

Elder Christopher Jones
E-mail
christopher.jones@myldsmail.net
Address
1850 Craigshire Rd Ste 205
St Louis MO 63146

Sister Laceigh Kuss
E-mail
laceigh.kuss@myldsmail.net
Address
1967 W 33rd St
Ste. 100
Edmond OK 73013-3875

Elder Oak Musselman
E-mail
oakley.musselman@myldsmail.net
Address
Av. Santa Rita de Cássia, 287
Farol
57051-600 Maceió - AL
Brazil

Elder David Stock
E-mail
david.stock@myldsmail.net
Address
187 Penns Lane
Sutton Coldfield B76  1JU
England

Elder Logan Stout
E-mail
logan.stout@myldsmail.net
Address
SDQ 4102
2250 NW 114 Ave Unit 1A
Miami FL 33172-3652

Elder Tyler Trimble
E-mail
tyler.trimble@myldsmail.net
Address
PO Box 181
Observatory
Cape Town
7935

Elder Riley Winn
E-mail
riley.winn@myldsmail.net
Address
4785 Dorsey Hall Dr Ste 105
Ellicott City MD 21042-7862

Announcements for November 4, 2018

From our Lesson - 
We had a combined meeting today to discuss implementation of the new programs that will be starting in January 2019.  We encourage you to go to the following links and watch the short videos put out by the church that better explain some of these changes.  ** There are copies of the new study resource "Come Follow Me --For Individuals and Families"  available in the Bishop's office. Please come pick yours up. (1 per family) 

Individuals and Families Video

Sunday School for Youth and Adults

Primary video

Ministering - 

Ministering Interviews for District #2 will be held on Sunday, November 18th after our church block.

Announcements -

We need 15 Relief Society Sisters to participate in a Humanitarian assignment that will be held on the evening of Tuesday, November 6th at 6 p.m. at our Stake Humanitarian center.  We need sisters to RSVP to Erin Foster (call or text 512-9111) –She will also help with carpools! We will be working on individual Hygiene kits. Come enjoy this opportunity to serve together.

Scripture Study Class with Sister Jeanne Davis will be held on Thursday, November 15th at 7 p.m. in the primary room.  We will be discussing Patterns in The Scriptures.  This class is held every 3rd Thursday of each month. 

Tithing Settlement is underway.  Please sign up to attend. 

It’s our ward’s turn to feed the missionaries the week of November 13-18.  The missionaries need to eat around 5 p.m.  Please contact Brother Brad Killian to sign up to help.  (Wednesday Nov 14th is already taken.)

Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 29th.  Contact Jason Winn for more details.

Released-
Cordell Pulsipher as a Primary worker
Todd Trimble as a Primary worker

Called-
Joe Hawkes as a Teacher’s Quorum Advisor

Congratulations-
To Heidi Datwyler on her baptism!!


A BIG Welcome to Seth and Kara Farnsworth and their family.  They are living in Avon, by Sam and Sally Johnson (Kara is their daughter!!).

Relief Society Lessons -
11 - Pres. Nelson - "Becoming Exemplary Latter Day Saints"
     -- combined with Elder Ballard - "The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead".
18 - Elder Bednar "Gather Together in One All Things in Christ"
25 - Personal Scripture Study  - Week 4 Topic on LDS.org

Birthdays -
6 - Jodie Pulsipher

November 2018 Friendshipper

Announcements for October 21, 2018

From our Lesson - Be Not Troubled by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Fear is not new. The disciples of Jesus Christ, out on the Sea of Galilee, feared the “wind, and the waves” in the dark of the night. As His disciples today, we too have fears. Our single adults fear making commitments such as getting married. Young marrieds, like our children, can fear bringing children into an increasingly wicked world. Missionaries fear lots of things, especially approaching strangers. Widows fear going forward alone. Teenagers fear not being accepted; grade schoolers fear the first day of school; university students fear getting back a test. We fear failure, rejection, disappointment, and the unknown. We fear hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires that ravage the land and our lives. We fear not being chosen, and on the flip side, we fear being chosen. We fear not being good enough; we fear that the Lord has no blessings for us. We fear change, and our fears can escalate to terror. Have I included just about everyone?

Since ancient times, fear has limited the perspective of God’s children. I have always loved the account of Elisha in 2 Kings. The king of Syria had sent a legion that “came by night, and compassed the city about.” Their intent was to capture and kill the prophet Elisha. We read:

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?”

That was fear speaking.

“And [Elisha] answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.”

But he didn’t stop there.

“Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

We may or may not have chariots of fire sent to dispel our fears and conquer our demons, but the lesson is clear. The Lord is with us, mindful of us and blessing us in ways only He can do. Prayer can call down the strength and the revelation that we need to center our thoughts on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. The Lord knew that at times we would feel fear. I have been there and so have you, which is why the scriptures are replete with the Lord’s counsel:

“Be of good cheer, and do not fear.”

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”

“Fear not, little flock.” I love the tenderness of “little flock.” In this Church we may be few in number by the way the world counts influence, but when we open our spiritual eyes, “they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” Our loving Shepherd, Jesus Christ, then continues, “Let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.”

****     ****     ****

To follow up on some of the invitations given to us by President Russell M. Nelson at General Conference, here are the Relief Society Motto and Declaration for you to study and ponder --

Ministering - 

A special THANK YOU to all who attended our Ministering Interviews.  We appreciate your efforts to be there to give feedback on those sisters and families you minister to. 

Invitation to Act from Elder Holland --

“Our prayer today,” said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “is that every man and woman—and our older young men and young women—will [be] more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so.”

Announcements - 

Sunday, October 28th - Regional Stake Conference will be broadcast in our chapel starting at 10 a.m.

Tuesday, October 30th - Primary Fall Carnival (**No Costumes) This will be held in the Cultural Hall from 6-7:30 p.m.

The Relief Society Sisters are invited to participate in a Humanitarian assignment that will be held on the evening of Tuesday, November 6th at 6 p.m. at our Stake Humanitarian center.  We need sisters to RSVP.  There are a limited number of spaces available, but we would like to fill those spaces.  Please RSVP to a member of the Relief Society Presidency, with your commitment to be there. We will be working on individual Hygiene kits. 

Blood Drive will be held November 29th.  More information forthcoming.

Tithing Settlement is under way for this year.  Please sign up to meet with the bishop.


Calendar this date : April 26 and 27th will be a Stake Youth Conference

Stake Relief Society is sponsoring a "Journey to the Temple" March 16, 2019.  Each month they will give us suggestions of ways we can add a “drop of oil” to our spiritual lamps. **See attached photo for this month’s suggestions - 

Released-
Craig and Susan Dart have been released from their ward callings.  They will be serving in the Spanish Branch.  

Called-
Todd Burrows as a Primary worker

A BIG welcome to Joe and Lindsey Hawkes and their family!! (They will be living with Rand and Leslie Curtis for a while.)

A BIG welcome to Brother and Sister Harrison, who will be in the new home between the Godfrey’s and the Jones’ 

Relief Society Lessons -
October 28 - Regional Stake Conference
November 4 - Combined Relief Society / Elders Quorum meeting to discuss implementation of new programs announced in General Conference

Birthdays -
October 23 - Stephanie Hansen
October 28 - Leann Hansen
October 29 - Lisa Saraiva

Announcements October 14, 2018

From our Lesson Today - 

Heather Godfrey taught our lesson today centered on President Russell M. Nelson’s address from our Women’s conference - “Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel”

My dear sisters, you have special spiritual gifts and propensities. Tonight I urge you, with all the hope of my heart, to pray to understand your spiritual gifts—to cultivate, use, and expand them, even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do so.

President Nelson extended “a prophetic plea” to the women of the Church, to shape the future by helping to gather scattered Israel. He extended 4 invitations to us–

First, I invite you to participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind. Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast. The effect of your 10-day fast may surprise you. What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted—even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression.

Second, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year. As impossible as that may seem with all you are trying to manage in your life, if you will accept this invitation with full purpose of heart, the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it. And, as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation.

As you read, I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen.

Third, establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. This may require a little more sacrifice in your life. More regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood power with which you have been endowed in His temple. For those of you who don’t live near a temple, I invite you to study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. Seek to know more, to understand more, to feel more about temples than you ever have before.

My fourth invitation, for you who are of age, is to participate fully in Relief Society. I urge you to study the current Relief Society purpose statement. It is inspiring. It may guide you in developing your own purpose statement for your own life. I also entreat you to savor the truths in the Relief Society declaration published almost 20 years ago. A framed copy of this declaration hangs on the wall in the office of the First Presidency. I am thrilled every time I read it. It describes who you are and who the Lord needs you to be at this precise time as you do your part to help gather scattered Israel.

My dear sisters, we need you! We “need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices.” We simply cannot gather Israel without you.

Ministering - 

Ministering Interviews will be held next Sunday, October 21st right after Relief Society, starting at 2:15.  This month will be interviews for those companionships in District #1.  

(Taken from Oct. 2018 Ensign)

Getting help to help others

How do we involve others when we need help in our efforts to minister? Participate in ministering interviews and first-Sunday council meetings.

As we come to know the needs and strengths of those we serve, we may find that we need help to help meet their needs. Ministering interviews and first-Sunday council meetings are two opportunities to discuss how to appropriately involve others.

Ministering Interviews

These quarterly interviews between ministering sisters and the Relief Society presidency or ministering brothers and the elders quorum presidency are the only formal report we make regarding those we minister to. The interview is an opportunity on at least a quarterly basis to (1) counsel about the strengths, needs, and challenges of assigned families and individuals; (2) determine what needs the quorum, Relief Society, or ward council might assist with; and (3) learn from leaders and be encouraged in ministering efforts.

Four tips for ministering brothers and sisters:

Go to the interview seeking counsel. Be ready to learn.
Be prepared to discuss needs that you may need help meeting.
Focus on the individual’s strengths and abilities, not just needs.
Contact the presidency to counsel between quarterly interviews as needed.

(More on First Sunday Councils next week!)

Announcements - 

Women’s Volleyball!!!  - Each Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. at the stake center.  Come have fun playing with other sisters in our stake.  

October 18th (Thursday) at 7 p.m. is our Scripture Study Class with Jeanne Davis.  It will be held in the Primary room.  Our topic this month will be “Patterns in the Scriptures”.  Bring your favorite scripture pattern.  It does not need to be elaborate.  Simple is great!  **This class will be held every 3rd Thursday at 7 p.m. 

October 28th will be our Regional Stake Conference at 10 a.m. This will be broadcast in our building from USU.

New Building Cleaning assignments have been made for the next quarter.  Please see the chart posted on the September 30th blog. ****If you are going to be unable to keep your assignment, please call and make an exchange with another family.  

Released - 
Kaden and Traicen Potter as Primary teachers
Reed Baldwin as Stake Athletic Director

Called - 
Isaac and Alyssa Short as Primary Teachers
Brent Haslam as Stake Athletic Director

Congratulations to Rachel Atkinson for earning her Young Women’s Recognition Award

Relief Society Lessons -
October 21 - 
October 28 - Regional Stake Conference

Birthdays -
October 15 - Angela Loertscher
October 17 - Diana Atkinson, Natalie Phillips, Stephanie Roos
October 19 - Pauline Kurek
October 19 - Victoria Marrott
October 20 - Jeanne Skaggs