The Bishopric, along with our family History Consultants Lynne Woodall and Casandra Ericksen, presented the New Family Search program this Sunday in the combined 5th Sunday Priesthood/Relief Society meeting. The program is an exciting tool to help you complete your ancestor's Temple Work. Please take a few minutes to check out the website and get yourself excited about doing your family history work! If you have any questions, or need help with the program please contact Lynne or Casandra.
http://www.new.familysearch.org/
Showing posts with label Sunday Lesson Highlights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Lesson Highlights. Show all posts
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday November 8th Lesson Highlights
The Prophet Joseph Smith was called of God to restore great blessings to the earth and to stand at the head of the dispensation of the fullness of times. During the Prophet’s ministry, all things were restored that were necessary to lay the foundation of the greatest dispensation of all time. The priesthood, with its essential keys, was restored; the Book of Mormon was translated; the Church was organized; and doctrines, ordinances and covenants were revealed, including the ordinances and covenants of the endowment and the marriage sealing. The Lord declared that He had committed unto Joseph Smith “the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fullness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.”
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the up-building of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that is may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet Daniel; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.”
“It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom have been given the pattern and design…”
We are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, ‘the dispensation of the fullness of times’.”
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “We feel disposed to go forward and unite our energies for the up-building of the Kingdom, and establishing the Priesthood in their fullness and glory. The work which has to be accomplished in the last days is one of vast importance, and will call into action the energy, skill, talent, and ability of the Saints, so that is may roll forth with that glory and majesty described by the prophet Daniel; and will consequently require the concentration of the Saints, to accomplish works of such magnitude and grandeur.”
“It will be necessary for the Saints to hearken to counsel and turn their attention to the Church, the establishment of the Kingdom, and lay aside every selfish principle, everything low and groveling; and stand forward in the cause of truth, and assist to the utmost of their power, those to whom have been given the pattern and design…”
We are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory; it is left for us to see, participate in and help to roll forward the Latter-day glory, ‘the dispensation of the fullness of times’.”
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Sunday October 25 Lesson Highlights
In his April 2009 General Conference address Elder Quentin L. Cook states the objective of his talk is two fold: first, to address some stumbling blocks to faith; and second to describe how our Father’s plan is big enough for all His children.
The first stumbling block Elder Cook mentions is “when members don’t live the teachings [of the gospel], it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the church.” However members are “viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.” “Because of the uplifting doctrine of the restoration, members [and non-members] can rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the church.”
Another stumbling block to faith mentioned by Elder Cook is “descriptions of the Church and its doctrine have often been untrue, unfair, and harsh.” If members will listen to others, answer questions honestly and fairly and encourage non-members to seek their own answers about the church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and anything else that concerns them, through study and prayer those stumbling blocks can be overcome.
Elder Cook states that “my principal concern is for the honorable people on the earth who are open to religious faith but have been discouraged or confused by incorrect doctrine.”
“Notwithstanding the significance of our doctrinal differences with other faiths, our attitude toward other churches has been to refrain from criticism. They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings.” Our leaders have consistently counseled us “to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies.”
“It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation “free for all men” but has “commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.”
“A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children “that save the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.” Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.”
The first stumbling block Elder Cook mentions is “when members don’t live the teachings [of the gospel], it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the church.” However members are “viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.” “Because of the uplifting doctrine of the restoration, members [and non-members] can rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the church.”
Another stumbling block to faith mentioned by Elder Cook is “descriptions of the Church and its doctrine have often been untrue, unfair, and harsh.” If members will listen to others, answer questions honestly and fairly and encourage non-members to seek their own answers about the church, the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith and anything else that concerns them, through study and prayer those stumbling blocks can be overcome.
Elder Cook states that “my principal concern is for the honorable people on the earth who are open to religious faith but have been discouraged or confused by incorrect doctrine.”
“Notwithstanding the significance of our doctrinal differences with other faiths, our attitude toward other churches has been to refrain from criticism. They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings.” Our leaders have consistently counseled us “to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies.”
“It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. The Savior has made it clear that we are not to judge each other. This is especially true of members of our own families. Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up. The Lord has made salvation “free for all men” but has “commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.”
“A loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate plan for His children “that save the living, redeems the dead, rescues the damned, and glorifies all who repent.” Even though our journey may be fraught with tribulation, the destination is truly glorious.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday October 11 Lesson Highlights
On July 12, 1843 the Prophet Joseph Smith dictated to William Clayton a revelation about the doctrine of eternal marriage. In this revelation the Lord declared that if a husband and wife are not sealed by the power of the holy priesthood “they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity.” “To receive exaltation, husbands and wives must be sealed by priesthood power and then remain faithful to their covenants.
For Elder Parley P. Pratt, knowledge of this doctrine deepened his love for his family: “It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter. It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the starts of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore….I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved-with pureness-an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this groveling sphere and expand it as the ocean…In short, I could now love with spirit and with the understanding also.
All families are different, but we can learn from Joseph Smith by his example and counsel on how we should treat our family members:
Husband and wives are to honor each other by showing love, kindness and affection.
Children should honor their parents by expressing gratitude to them and cherishing them throughout their lives.
Love among brothers and sisters can and should be sweet and enduring.
Parents who love, support, and pray for their children bring immeasurable blessings into their children’s lives.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the importance of love in our families by living it. Each of us are the key in making our own family relationships happy and wonderful. As we try to do our best we will be blessed with the patience, love, and happiness.
For Elder Parley P. Pratt, knowledge of this doctrine deepened his love for his family: “It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter. It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the starts of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore….I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved-with pureness-an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this groveling sphere and expand it as the ocean…In short, I could now love with spirit and with the understanding also.
All families are different, but we can learn from Joseph Smith by his example and counsel on how we should treat our family members:
Husband and wives are to honor each other by showing love, kindness and affection.
Children should honor their parents by expressing gratitude to them and cherishing them throughout their lives.
Love among brothers and sisters can and should be sweet and enduring.
Parents who love, support, and pray for their children bring immeasurable blessings into their children’s lives.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught the importance of love in our families by living it. Each of us are the key in making our own family relationships happy and wonderful. As we try to do our best we will be blessed with the patience, love, and happiness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)