Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Week of October 13th

RELIEF SOCIETY PURPOSES:
*Increase faith and personal righteousness
*Strengthen families and homes
*Seek out and help those in need

FAITH

Lesson Review:  Visiting Teaching Conference

Key Doctrine:
We have been called to participate in the Lord's work of Salvation.  The work of Salvation includes conversion, retention, and activation of His children.  It is missionary work, it is the work of gathering, it is the work of Relief Society Sisters anxiously engaged in visiting teaching.
Invitation to Action:
In the allegory of the Lord's Vineyard, the Lord asks his servants to watch over, nourish, dig, prune, dung, and labor with their might to preserve the fruit of His vineyard.  As visiting teachers, that is our commission.  We have been asked to watch over, nourish, dig, prune, dung, and labor with our might on behalf of our sisters and their families.
Promised Blessings:
In the allegory of the Lord's Vineyard, the Lord's servants have two marvelous blessings, they go forward in the power of the Lord, and the Lord labors with them.  The Lord then says to them, "And blessed art thou; because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard...behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.:  (Jacob 5:75)
October 27th Lesson Topic:
 Lorenzo Snow Chapter 20 - "The Kingdom of God Moves Forward"

FAMILY

Primary:

Let Primary Music Bless Your Home
 
"We, who have the gospel of Jesus Christ, have something to sing about!" 
- Janice Kapp Perry


Youth Curriculum:

 October Topic:  Becoming More Christlike


Dinner Recipes:
Check side-link for weekly up-dates!
RELIEF
Visiting Teaching:
 Focus on Visiting Teaching - from the visiting teaching conference we had on Oct. 13th:

Jesus taught Peter and His other disciples about feeding His sheep in John 21:15-17.  He asked Peter if he loved him three times.  Three times Peter vowed his love for Jesus, and Jesus gave him the same injunction but with slight variations.  Twice Jesus told Peter to "Feed my sheep," and once He said, "Feed my lambs."  The word 'sheep' can mean a flock of sheep, or it can mean an individual adult animal.  We could draw from the metaphor Jesus used that His disciples have the responsibility to look after His floc, each individual adult and His lambs.  The lambs can mean children or it could mean those with the greatest need, which could be any of us at different times in our lives.

In this metaphor, we easily apply the Savior's call for each on of us who have made covenants that one very important way the Lord gives us to obey His call to feed His sheep is through Visiting Teaching.  Our discussion during our visiting teaching conference focused on how we can be more effective.

Isaiah 55:8-9:

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways, and
my thoughts than your thoughts.

A past Relief Society General President gave some principles we can apply to be most helpful as we visit our sisters. (See Charity: The Love of the Lord in Your Life, Bonnie D. Parkin, Spring 2005 Open House)

1. Love: John 14:15, Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments."  The first reason we strive to be consistent visiting teachers is because we love the Lord.  And because we love him and he has enlisted us in His work, being conscientious visiting teachers is a way to show love for our Savior and the sister He has given us the responsibility to visit.

2. Seeking to understand the sister:  Through consistent visiting, be-friending our sister, and praying for them and seeking direction concerning them, the Lord will reveal to us how we can serve them.  "Oh, naught but the spirit's divinest tuition, Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed." (As Sisters in Zion, Hymns, 309)

3. Avoid being judgmental:  What ever a sister's situation, we cannot know what battles are going on whether or not we can see the consequences.  Our sisters need encouragement and validation of the Lord's love for her, which can come when her visiting teachers accept her.

4. Avoid giving personal advice. Sister Shandell Hinckley said it best when she pointed out since we don't know the whole story, we should not/cannot presume to give advice about what a sister should do to resolve her issues.

5.  Help the sister to help herself.  Sister Parkin taught that "solving another sister's problems may weaken her ability to ponder, analyze, pray and seek divine guidance concerning the solutions.  Asking questions, guided by the spirit, may be a way to help through the process and allow her to be receptive to the spirit.

6. Suggest the service of others:  Visiting teachers can encourage the sister to seek help from family members, direct her to the bishop to receive counsel or other resources in the community.

7. Keep confidences:  Visiting teachers must honor the trust of her sisters by keeping confidences.  Her trust in you will build her confidence in herself and strengthen her ability to help herself and trust in the Lord.

8. Visits should be done in the home:  Second only to the temple, the home is considered the most sacred place on earth (see Bible dictionary, p781). The home is a place a sister may be most comfortable confiding in her visiting teachers and wehre the spirit is most accessible to all.

Announcements:

*Angie R. is looking for a home health nurse for Gracie.  If anyone is aware of someone who could spend 5 hours a day with Gracie, please contact Angie at 359-0547.
*We will be meeting in the new building this Sunday, October 20th.  Our meetings will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Sacrament Meeting first.
*The Burton 4th Ward October Relief Society Activity will be held on October 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the new church!
Come to the RELIEF SOCIETY FALL FESTIVAL OF 
FOOD AND FUN
Where you'll find a little something for 
everyone.

Whether FREEZING MEALS for later is your style.
Or making a SMOOTHY would bring a smile.

If eating wheat just cannot be
We'll help you learn to go GLUTEN FREE.

We'll meet at the NEW CHURCH, October 24th at 
7 p.m
Don't be late and bring a friend.

So come the the RELIEF SOCIETY FALL FESTIVAL 
OF FOOD AND FUN
Where we hope to see everyone!!

* The Primary is looking for toy donations for the Nursery.  If you have toys that are in good condition, that you would be willing to donate to the new Nursery, please bring them to Mindy Heiner's home.

Happy birthday to these sisters who have birthdays in October!:

 

October 2nd -   Amy Z.
October 3rd -  Cherese S.
October 5th - Sarah Clawson
October 8th - Anjie R.
October 17th - Cora Lee G.
October 20th - Sarah P.
October 21st - Stella E.
October 25th - Ariann R.
October 27th - Cassie J.
October 29th - Julianne W.
October 31st - Lee Anne A.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Week of Sept. 29

Relief Society Purposes:
*Increase faith and personal righteousness
*Strengthen families and homes
*Seek out and help those in need
FAITH

Lesson Review: For Peace at Home by Elder Richard G. Scott
Key Doctrine:
"Regardless of your circumstances, you can center your home and your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the source of true peace in this life."
"When He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity."

Invitation to Action:

What can you do to become more consistent with one of the following:  personal prayer, family prayer, personal scripture study, family scripture study, weekly family home evening?

Are there any moments during the day that you could replace face booking, texting, etc. with reading scriptures or general conference addresses?

 Promised Blessings:

"Simple, consistent, good habits lead to a life full of bountiful blessings."
"As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances"
"When He is the center of your home...there is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there." 
"Greater peace will come as you couple your efforts to be obedient with serving those around you."

FAMILY
 
There is still one more week before General Conference - that means one more Family Home Evening to get our families prepared to get the most out of Conference, and five more weekdays to get some activities ready for little ones in the family that have a hard time listening!
I have learned, through the years, that conference can either be one of the two greatest weekends of my year or two of the most frustrating.  It all depends on how much advance preparation that I do!  If I prepare well, then the whole family learns and benefits, but if  I don't do some advance preparation, I don't get to hear a whole lot, and neither does the rest of the family!  Luckily, there are some great resources out there with a whole slew of activities to keep our children busy while listening and learning and feeling the spirit.  In fact, there are so many resources and ideas out there that it's important to pick a few activities that seem like a good fit for your own children and family and disregard the rest.  (If you try to do to much, you will end up feeling stressed out and even more frustrated when things don't go as planned.)

Here are some links to some sites with great ideas for activities- First of all, the church has a really great site with all sorts of conference activities for kids:


https://www.lds.org/general-conference/children?lang=eng

And here are a couple more:
diapersanddivinity.com/2013/04/02/33-general-conference-activities-for-children/
https://www.somewhatsimple.com/general-conference-activity-for-kids/


RELIEF

Visiting Teaching Message by Sister Grethe P.:

During a recent lesson in Relief Society, I had the impression that Burthon 4th ward sisters have been taught, and, I believe, nearly all have received a witness by the power of the Holy Ghost that Visiting Teaching is our work to assist in bringing others to Christ and strengthening testimonies.  I felt impressed that the question we should address is, "How can we do it better?" This is the question we will explore together at our Visiting Teaching Conference October 13 during Relief Society.  Sisters serving in Primary and Young Women's organizations will be able to attend with us, thanks to service by the Young Women and Priesthood Quorums.  Here are a few scriptures I ask you to read and ponder as they may relate to Visiting Teaching in preparation for the Visiting Teaching Conference: Doctrine and Covenants 4, and Isaiah 55:8-11. Next week while listening to General Conference, it would be interesting to ponder this question to see how the Spirit directs us to answer this question.  I am looking  forward to discussing together, "How can we do it better?"

 Announcements:
* The date for the Visiting Teaching Conference has been changed.  The new date is October 13th and it will be held during the Relief Society meeting block.  That changes the lessons schedule for the rest of the month, so the new schedule is as follows:

October 20th - Lorenzo Snow Lesson 19 - "Missionary Work:  To Reach Every Human Heart"
October 27th - Lorenzo Snow Lesson 20 - "The Kingdom of God Moves Forward"

* The Rexburg FamilySearch Center is sponsoring a Family History Celebration-Open House on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They are inviting all individuals and families to come by the Madison Junior High School (one block East of Smith Park) to take part in the activities. The theme is 'A Culture of Remembering." Visitiors can brouwse through 100 table displays, and there will be an exciting Children's Activity Area and a motivating Teenager's Activity Area.  Vendors will be set up to show the newest and best products and services in Family History.  There will also be an Ancestors' Recipe Tasting Table and a Video Room where short movie segments will be shown - miracle stories how hearts were turned to the fathers.  Everyone will have a wonderful experience.
They would like help with a few things in preparation for this event:
* Table Display: Individuals or families are invited to volunteer a table display that shows how they have created a "culture of remembering" in their home.  It could be through a heritage of quilts, journals, life histories, a blog spot, picture books, heirlooms, or any other medium that shows how they "remember their ancestors or want to be remembered by their descendants."  If you would like to volunteer a table display, please contact Rhonda Seamons at 496-4398, or seamonsr@byui.edu.
* Ancestor's Recipe:  Sisters are invited to share an ancestor's recipe and make a sample of this special food item for the Ancestors' Recipe Tasting Table.  They would love to share the recipe on their web page and offer a sample of your ancestor's treat at their booth.  If you would like to volunteer a recipe and a sample, please contact Carol Ladle at 403-7346 and send your recipe to momladle@gmail.com.
* Homemade Bread and Jam: Finally, they would like to serve homemade bread and jam for refreshments.  If any sisters would like to contribute a loaf or two, they would really appreciate the help.  They are requesting four loaves from each ward relief society, in the six stakes that they serve in the Rexburg Area, plus one pound of butter and two pints of homemade jam.  If any of you are willing to contribute, please let Holly Kauer know, at 356-3820 or holly.fh8@fmail.com.  Bring the loaves, butter, or jam to the Commons Area in the Madison Jr. High School between 8:00-9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19th, the day of the event.

Calendaring:

October 6th - General Conference
October 13 - Visiting Teaching Conference (please note that the date for this has been changed!)
October 24th - Relief Society Activity

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Week of Sept. 22nd

Relief Society Purposes:
*Increase faith and personal righteousness
*Strengthen families and homes
*Seek out and help those in need
FAITH

Lesson Review: Church Leadership and Selfless Service

Key Doctrine:

"...Let those who preach in the midst of [the]Saints, realize what the Priesthood was placed upon them for: let them know and fully sense why they were appointed to fill such and such an office, viz., that they should act in the spirit of our Master, a servant of all, that they learn to consider and esteem in the same affectionate interest, the welfare of all, as they do that of themselves.... Then will they enter into the spirit of the two great commands upon which, said the Savior, "hang the law and the prophets," namely, loving the Lord with all our might, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves [Matthew 22:37-40].

Invitation to Action:
Consider ways we can magnify our callings without magnifying ourselves.
As we fulfill our callings, what are ways we can "feed the flock" of Christ?

Promised Blessings:

"If a presiding elder will only seek to become as he may be and ought to be, ridding himself of selfish principles, and always act for the good of his people, and be humble, and not seek to do too much in a little time, or be too great until grown, he will never be at a loss how to magnify his office properly nor will ever lack the power of God to bring about His wise purposes."

September 29th Lesson Topic:

"Why We Are Organized Into Quorums And Relief Societies"

FAMILY

Family Night:

The full time missionaries are looking for teaching opportunities. Please consider inviting the missionaries into your home to teach your family!  Brother Briggs, from the High Council, shared the following message:

A recently returning missionary made the distinction between doing "missionary work" and doing "the Lord's work." From their perspective, "missionary work" involved more finding, and "the Lord's work" involved more teaching.  The Elders in our Stake are desirous to teach Gospel principles to those investigating the church, and to members as well, for the benefit of all.  Please consider having the Elders in your home for a short visit to share a gospel message.

Elder's Phone # 206-3184
 Youth Curriculum:

Dinner Recipes:

Check the side-link for weekly recipe up-dates!

RELIEF

Visiting Teaching:

The Purpose of Visiting Teaching Is To Minister


How do we minister?
     1. Pray daily for the sister you visit and her family
     2. Seek inspiration to know her and her family.
     3. Visit her regularly to learn how she is doing and to comfort and strengthen her.
     4. Stay in frequent contact through visits, phone calls, letters, e-mail, text messages, and simple 
         acts of kindness.
     5. Greet her at Church meetings.
     6. Help her when she has an emergency, illness, or other urgent need.
     7. Teach her the gospel from the scriptures and the visiting teaching messages.
     8. Inspire her by setting a good example.  (See "How Visiting Teachers Love, Watch Over, 
            and Strengthen a Sister," in Daughters in My Kingdom, page 123.)

Note of Appreciation:
 We wanted to thank all the Relief Society sisters who are serving in the primary and who do such a great work every single week teaching our children and reinforcing what we are trying to teach them at home!  Right now we are feeling especially appreciative of all the time and hard work that they have put into this year's primary program.  THANK YOU!!  When I went to pick my kids up from the practice on Saturday, I was looking around the room at all of the wonderful ladies (and men) who are serving in the primary and I just felt such an over-whelming feeling of love and gratitude for each of you and the great work that you are doing with all of the children.

We have sisters serving in achievement days, scouts and the nursery...I know I am missing pictures of so many sisters, but I have pictures of some of the sisters serving in the primary and we appreciate ALL of you!!
This Monday, Sept. 23, Julie C. is treating all of the kids to an ice cream party at Porter Park from 2:30 - 4:00 as a reward for their hard work learning all the songs for the program:)

Service Opportunities

* The Pelligrino Family has moved out of our ward.  They need help packing their kitchen and doing some final cleaning.  If you are available to help in the evenings, the Young Women and Relief Society Sisters will be joining forces on Tuesday, September 24th from 7-8 in the evening.  If you are available to help in the mornings, the Relief Society will be doing some final cleaning on Wednesday, September 25th from 10-11 in the morning.

* Speaking Partner Program:
 The BYU-Idaho Pathway program is helping to change the lives of students all over the world.  One way this happens is by helping Pathway students improve their English language skills.  BYU-Idaho needs volunteers to serve as Speaking Partners this semester to help these students.  Volunteers are paired with a Pathway student and spend about 30 minutes a week in a Skype video chat; no second language skills are necessary.  If you would like to help a Pathway student gain valuable English skills, volunteer today at www.byui.edu/speaking-partners<http://www.byui.edu/online/speaking-partners>.

- Volunteers only visit ONCE a week.
- All appointments will be limited to 30 minutes.
       
            * A new sign-up and self-match system has been developed, which allows volunteers to pick a    
            specific day and time they are available to meet.

Announcements:
* The General Relief Society Broadcast will be held on September 28th.

* The Burton 4th Ward October Relief Society Activity will be held on October 24th!

* There are several ladies in the ward in need of canning jars.  If you have extra jars that you no longer  
    need, please contact Sister Bressler @ 356-3531.

Sunday, September 15, 2013



RELIEF SOCIETY PURPOSES
* Increase faith and personal righteousness
*Strengthen families and homes
*Seek out and help those in need

FAITH

Lesson Review: Priesthood - "For the Salvation of the Human Family"

Key Doctrine:
The Holy Priesthood is the delegated authority of God to man.
"Through the work of priesthood holders, the glory and power of God is made manifest for the benefit of others."
Invitation to Action:

What can we all do to prepare ourselves to receive priesthood blessings?

Promised Blessings:
"The Priesthood has been restored: it has been bestowed upon man that through that medium, all who would like to be good and happy, might have the privilege."

September 22nd Lesson Topic:
"For Peace At Home" by Elder Richard G. Scott

FAMILY

Family Night:
The full-time missionaries are looking for teaching opportunities.  Please consider inviting the missionaries into your home to teach your family.  Brother Briggs, from the High Council, shared the following message:

A recently returning missionary made the distinction between doing "missionary work" and doing "the Lord's work".  From their perspective, "missionary work" involved more finding, and the "Lord's work" involved more teaching.  The Elders in our Stake are desirous to teach gospel principles to those investigating the Church, and to members as well, for the benefit of all. Please consider having the Elders in your home for a short visit to share a gospel message.

Elder's Phone #: 206-3184

Youth Curriculum: 
Primary Program:
Sunday, September 22nd
Dinner Recipes:
Check side-link for weekly up-dates! If you have a recipe to share please email it to Amy G. at aekg29@gmail.com.
RELIEF
Visiting Teaching:

Please continue to look for ways to remember, watch over, and strengthen the Sisters you visit. Please continue to remember your Sisters and their families in your prayers!

Service Opportunities:

Earlier this year, the Bishop asked us to set a goal to do Temple work for 200 people.  Andrea Moss is our Ward Family History Specialist.  She is currently teaching a Sunday School class on Family History!  If you are interested in Family History, please contact Andrea by phone at 403-3525 or by email at a.radke-moss@hotmail.com. Rae Jensen also has extensive experience in Indexing.  She would be happy to answer questions, or give encouragement to anyone interested in Indexing. Contact Rae at etpot8os@yahoo.com.
Image
Getting Into Indexing:

The Joy of Redeeming the Dead:

Another service opportunity is to come help move the Pellegrino family.  If you can help in the evenings, please come to their house on September 24th from 7 -8pm.  The Young Women will also be there to help that evening.  Then, the next day we will also be there for an hour, beginning at 10 am.  Please come and help if you are available - we know it will be greatly appreciated!

******

ANNOUNCEMENTS:


 Amber and Andrew Wolford
AND Kirk and Ranae Powell!!

New Young Women's Presidency:

First of all we would like to thank the out-going Young Women's Presidency:  April E., Lynne W., Jolana G. and Holly M.  We appreciated all the hard work you put into your calling with the Young Women and the love that you showed to our girls.  We are excited to have you back in Relief Society!!

The new Young Women's Presidency is:
President: Anjie R.( ...and I just happen to have a picture of her!! She'll be so excited about that:)
 - I just wish that I had a picture of all of these ladies so that they could all be just as excited!!

1st Counselor: Mary Ann N.
2nd Counselor: Shawna W.
Secretary: Clarissa D.

These ladies are going to be great!!  Please look at the side links for a new "Young Women button". Click on it to find out all the information about the weekly activities in the YW, which will be up-dated regularly by the new presidency.

Recent Returning and Out-going Missionaries:

Please look at the side links for a new "missionary button" also.  Click on it to access addresses for the missionaries serving in our ward....and send them an encouraging letter!:)
Brycen Sharp has returned from the Antofagasta, Chile Mission

Karen Hammer is now serving in the California, San Jose Mission

Chase Green is now serving in the Scotland, Ireland Mission

Tad Wilson is leaving to serve in the England, London South Mission

Spencer Widerburg will be leaving in October for the New Hampshire, Manchester Mission


Thursday, September 5, 2013

September

Relief Society Purposes:
Increase faith and personal righteousness
Strengthen families and homes
Seek out and help those in need


Faith
Lesson Review:  Presidency Message

Key Doctrine:

“As our times become ever more difficult, the faithful brothers and sisters in quorums and Relief Societies are to protect the homes of Zion from the shrill voices of the world and the provocative influence of the adversary.”  (Sister Julie B. Beck)
“It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord.  If they will be united and speak with one voice, their strength will be incalculable.”  (President Gordon B. Hinckley)
Invitation to Action:

“It is time now to unite in this worldwide circle of sisters.  A strong, well-organized Relief Society is crucial to the future, to the safety of this Church.” (President Boyd K. Packer) 

“If all the sisters will rally to the support of the society, it will accomplish a mighty work. . . .” (President Lorenzo Snow)
We invite you to become energetically engaged in the work of Relief Society.  President Kimball taught that as Relief Society Sisters, we “. . .must excel in energy, and vision, and thoroughness - and in testimony.”

President Packer taught that we have a responsibility to lift, strengthen, empower, and fortify the Sisters we visit teach.  President Kimball taught that when we function properly in our stewardships in the Relief Society, we are “not only saving these sisters, but perhaps also their husbands and their homes.”
As we consider the homes and families in our ward, we invite you to follow the example of Captain Moroni, who “built forts of security for every city in all the land round about,” until cities that had been previously weak - became strong.  

Question:  As a Relief Society Sister, what can you do to protect, shore-up, fortify, and defend the families in our ward this month?

As part of this effort, we invite you to remember to pray specifically for the Sisters you visit teach.

Promised Blessings:

“Your every need shall be fulfilled, now, and in the eternities; every neglect will be erased; every abuse will be corrected.  All of this can come to you, and come quickly, when you devote yourself to Relief Society.”  (President Packer)


“This great circle of sisters will be a protection for each of you and for your families.  The Relief Society might be likened to a refuge - the place of safety and protection - the sanctuary of ancient times.  You will be safe within it.  It encircles each sister like a protecting wall.”  (President Boyd K. Packer)

“I am absolutely confident that heaven will smile upon us.  The Lord will hear and answer our prayers if we will commit ourselves, giving our very best to this work.”  (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

Recommended Reading:
“Why We Are Organized Into Quorums And Relief Societies”


“What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best - Stand Strong and Immovable”


Family
Youth Curriculum:

The Primary Program is Sunday, September 22nd:
They're practicing away!:)
The primary presidency would really like all of the children to have their parts memorized this year.  If you didn't see your child's part come home, please call and get it from a member of the presidency so that you can start working with your child!
Relief


Please remember to report how your Sisters are doing to your Visiting Teaching Supervisor.  Please remember to pray for them and their families!
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