A Legacy of Faith and Service - Post Five

Sister Ninon McGinn served as our Stake Relief Society President from 2006-2010.  Her presidency began their term with a dinner for the sisters prior to the General Relief Society Broadcast at the end of September 2006.  They used the theme "It'll be a Party Getting to Know You".  With this one activity they set the tone for the next several years of inviting the sisters throughout the stake to become acquainted with one another and to view ourselves as part of the whole.  Their efforts for this first event were well received.  The normal attendance for the pre-broadcast social had been averaging about 190 sisters.  That year, they had 235 sisters come!  Minus the struggle to seat and feed all the extra sisters - it was a welcome surprise.

During the years which Sister McGinn served, Relief Society itself underwent some "re-construction".  Under the direction of the General Relief Society Presidency, there were a series of changes to how the program was implemented within wards/branches.  Once such change was related to the names we gave our meetings and activities.  For decades they were known as Homemaking Meetings and then in the early 2000's were called "Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meetings". The next step in those changes was to have "Enrichment Meetings" become the new title for all non-Sunday Relief Society meetings.  By 2010 with the publication of our current version of Handbook 2, the title was again changed.  This time to simply call everything Relief Society meetings - whether on a Sunday or weekday.  The scope and purpose remained ever the same to build personal testimony, strengthen home & family, and provide relief by serving others.

On a stake level, Sister McGinn and her presidency worked to offer meetings that would support the efforts of the wards/branches and provide the sisters throughout the stake a chance to associate, learn and serve together.  Themes for those meetings included:  "Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only", "Around the World in 80 Bites", "Spring into Service", "Learn, Do, Become", "Provident Living for Turbulent Times", "All is Safely Gathered In", "We'll All Work Together".

Humanitarian Aid became an ever increasing desire of the sisters within the stake and the Stake Relief Society Presidency was able to offer those opportunities on a scale which the wards/branches could not.  It was marvelous to enter the cultural hall at the Stake Center and see the room filled with sisters working together to bless the lives of people they would never meet.  Those activities gave us a sense of belonging to a truly remarkable organization - one with a global reach.

I had a unique opportunity to get to know Ninon during her time as president.  I served as a ward Relief Society president during her years as Stake Relief Society President.  I appreciated her wisdom and willingness to counsel with me about concerns I had.  She demonstrated in all that she did her love for the sisters in our Stake.  She was and still is a great example of discipleship.  She and her husband are currently in Peru, where he is presiding as mission president for the the Lima South Mission.

- Lorie Pierce

A Stake of Zion

Last Sunday, my ward Relief Society discussed the chapter in the Ezra Taft Benson manual entitled "Strengthen thy Stakes".  It struck me as really good timing to have that lesson within a few days of receiving an invitation from our Stake President to prepare for our upcoming Stake Conference.

I really appreciated the correlation our teacher drew.  As we discussed the chapter, she created two lists on the chalkboard - neither of which had a heading.  At the end of our lesson, she wrote "Give" and "Get" over the columns.  It was a great visual for us to see how we can help strengthen our stake and be blessed by being part of our stake.  One of the most important things I could see was that the greatest blessings to our families come through the Priesthood ordinances and that Priesthood authority is held in our Stake Presidency.

President Benson taught, "Each stake, presided over by three high priests, and supported by twelve men known as a high council, becomes a miniature church to the Saints in a specific geographic area. The purpose is to unify and perfect the members who live in those boundaries by extending to them the Church programs, ordinances, and gospel instruction."

Details on our upcoming Stake Conference were provided by President Mitchell in an email sent out last week.  In case you didn't receive it, I am including it here:

Dear Brother and Sisters,

The Columbia Stake Conference will be held January 8-10, 2016.  Elder William R. Titera of the Seventy will preside.  We invite endowed members to attend a special temple meeting on Friday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Priesthood room.  Adults are invited to the Saturday evening session on January 9th at 7:00pm in the Stake Center.  The Sunday general session will start at 10:00am and will be held at the Stake Center, with a live broadcast to the Clarksville and Hampstead meetinghouses. Please attend the location that is most convenient for you and your family.

It is wonderful to have a visiting authority coming to our stake conference, and we welcome the counsel Elder Titera will provide.  I know this is a busy time of year, so please mark your calendars and make conference attendance a priority.  I look forward to seeing you, and I pray we will all come prepared for a spiritual experience.

I hope you have a magnificent, Christ-centered Christmas season.  May the Lord bless you and yours.

James Mitchell
President Columbia Maryland Stake

Our family is looking forward to gathering in January with all of you - our Stake of Zion - to be instructed and uplifted.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Cynthia Knudson - Columbia 2nd Ward - Stake Primary President

I have been so blessed by being a member of the Relief Society!  It has always been a safe place for me.  I love how we learn something just because we are able to share freely with each other.  Questions and prayers are answered every week in Relief Society.  You can always find someone to help if you don't know how to do something.  I have learned to teach and to serve.  To love and be loved.  My dearest friends are there with me in the Relief Society learning, teaching, and serving with me.  I've enjoyed being a part of two different Relief Society Presidencies and the bonds formed with those sisters are unbreakable.  I have been stretched way beyond what I thought I could endure and have gained a greater capacity to love.  I'm so grateful for my loving Father in Heaven who knows me and what I need to grow and develop as a wife and mother and a woman in this day and age.  

P.S.  Whenever I have free time I can always find something to do in my closet full of unfinished crafts!  (I was usually too busy talking)

Jeri Tidwell - Savage Mill Ward - Stake Primary 1st Counselor

One of my most favorite stories is the time we had just moved to Columbia from Oregon. I was 30 weeks pregnant when we moved. One night I was doing the dishes in our new condo. I was crying as I loaded the dishwasher because I didn't know what I would do with my 2 year old son when I went into labor. I wanted my husband to be able to be with me.  As soon as these thoughts went through my head, my phone rang. It was Trisha Holgato and she happily told me that she was my new visiting teacher. We chatted for a moment, and set up an appointment. Then she said, "Can I take your little boy for you when you go to the hospital?" What a direct answer to my prayer. I was so thankful. 

The day came, and we agreed that she would meet us at the hospital and she would pick up my son. I was so worried he would be upset, and not want to go with her. He saw Trisha walk in the room, and he grabbed his bag and started to leave. He looked back at her from the doorway and said, "Are you coming?" We all laughed. 

I know that Heavenly Father knows us personally. I know he cares about the smallest details in our lives. I know we can pray to him for any need, whether it be silly or serious. I know that the Relief Society is an inspired program and that we are all blessed to be apart of it.

Beverly Gams - Eldersburg Ward - Stake Primary 2nd Counselor

Relief Society has blessed my life in purposeful ways.  All of which have come through acts of service given & received.  As I have fulfilled callings in Relief Society I have gained a great love & appreciation for those I work with & serve.   However,  I feel the most influence & special caring moments have happened through the visiting teaching program.  Visiting teaching has been an opportunity to develop & nourish meaningful friendships with amazing, talented ladies who are good examples to me.  My companions have always been such faithful sisters that I have enjoyed working with & who have blessed me in the various stages of motherhood & wifehood.  I am very grateful for the visiting teaching program.  Relief Society blesses me because it helps me be more Christlike & to understand His merciful atonement which enables me to forgive and be forgiven.  This fills me with immense joy. What a blessing!

Robin Mikolyski - Columbia 2nd Ward - Stake Primary Secretary

Relief Society has blessed my life in so many ways. First of all, whether I changed wards within a town, or moved across the country, I was able to make friends quickly through Relief Society. Second, I've appreciated the chances I've had to hold callings in Relief Society, getting to know the sisters through teaching and service. I love how much I can "forget myself and go to work" (referencing President Hinckley). I am not able to attend Relief Society Sunday meetings very often right now because I have a one-year-old who is too loud and restless to join me, and I really miss the Spirit I feel as we learn Gospel truths together. It is truly an inspired program that I am grateful for! 

Did You Know? - Columbia Maryland Family History Center

Family History research and projects are some of my favorite things to do.  There are many resources available to help people of all interest levels and experience.  Locally, we have a great resource available to us at the Columbia Maryland Family History Center.  It is located in the lower level of the Stake Center.  The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They should be assist you with most family history situations.

Directors: Wanda & Britt Franklin
Assistant Directors: Mary Finnigan and Samantha Boden

Center Hours can be found on their website at:  https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Columbia_Maryland_Family_History_Center

Appointments can be arranged and are especially useful if you would like help with a specialized topic. Request an appointment by sending an email to MD_Columbia@ldsmail.net. Specify if you would like to come during a weekday, evening, or Saturday.

Choose any family history topic and at least one of the Center staff members may be able to help you. Some options are:

1.       Getting started with family history

2.       Online resources such as FamilySearch and Ancestry.com

3.       Creating a family tree at FamilySearch Family Tree

4.       Putting photographs on FamilySearch Family Tree

5.       Copying photographs or slides onto a flash drive

6.       Genealogy software such as Ancestral Quest, Family Tree Maker, and Legacy

7.       Adoption research--finding information about birth relatives

8.      DNA testing

9.       Records at the Library of Congress, Maryland Archives, and National Archives

10.   Countries such as Canada (including French Canadian, Ontario, and Saskatchewan), China (including Chinese character records for Japan), England, Germany (including old German script), Ireland, Italy, Korea, Poland, Romania, Russian language, Scotland, Swiss-Italian (Latin), Switzerland, Ukraine, etc.

11.    Most U.S. states, including specialties such as California Gold Rush, Mennonite, early New England, Pennsylvania Dutch (German Baptist Brethren), Quaker, etc.

If you are on Facebook - check out their new page - Columbia Maryland Family History Center.  Like & Share the page and they would love you to post your family history successes there to help encourage others.

In addition to the regular Center hours, the Center Staff is committed to offering classes and workshops throughout the year to help us increase our understanding, experience and abilities as we involve ourselves in the great work of family history.  These opportunities are publicized through the ward/branch announcements & bulletins and on the Center Facebook page.

Someone recently asked me, "Why is doing family history work so important?"  I explained to her that the answer lies in understanding the Priesthood ordinances and the covenants we make in the Temple.  We have a knowledge that life doesn't end when we die - that families can be families for eternity - that our time on this earth has a purpose.  As I talked to her of the power of the sealing ordinance and of the promise brought by Elijah, the Spirit bore witness to her of the need for her to take her parents and grandparents names to the temple - to offer to them the same opportunity she had to accept the ordinance of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Our ancestors are waiting and hoping that our hearts will turn to them.  Let's not disappointment them.

-Lorie Pierce

A Legacy of Faith and Service - Post Four

In 2002, following the move and subsequent release of Valerie Sucher, Sister Marilyn Edmunds was called to serve as the 4th Columbia Stake Relief Society President.  She served from 2002-2006.

Marilyn and her husband Cliff were long time members of the then Catonsville Ward.  Her willingness to accept opportunities to serve was evident as she served in many callings and capacities within her ward and the stake; including using her nursing experience when she accompanied our youth as the medical team leader on Pioneer Trek.  Marilyn brought with her years of experience and an ability to understand the larger picture and administration of the Church on a local level.  She understood how to communicate with people, how to be approachable and how to get things done.

Marilyn and her presidency encouraged the ward/branch presidencies to reach farther in improving the Sunday lessons, the scope of visiting teaching, the quality of monthly meetings and in participating in their ward/branch councils.  She was a strong advocate of women actively serving in the Church and in their communities.  She had high expectations of the sisters, but moderated that with a genuine love and concern for each sister.

As with previous presidents, I had the privilege of serving with Marilyn over the years.  She was always one of the people, that when I saw her anywhere, she would greet me with a smile and take the time to visit with me.  I knew her interest in me and my family was sincere.  As a leader that quality was a great example to each of the sisters in our stake.

Although the Edmunds have moved from the area, Marilyn continues to be an example of faith and service.  She hasn't slowed down with "retirement".  She was still serving as the Stake Public Affairs Specialist when they commenced their move and when I spoke with her via email a few months back, it was clear that there will be no slowing Sister Edmunds down.  Her desire to serve comes from her faith in the Gospel and her desire to share her love of the Lord with others.  I am grateful for her consistent optimism as she lives the Gospel.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Kiersten Lortz - Savage Mill Ward

When I think of how Relief Society has helped me I can’t help but feel a deep kinship with the women I fellowship with, whether in my own ward or wherever I may be. I have only one biological sister and she lives four hours away. Relief Society is a built-in sisterhood where we do for each other what any true sister would do for another. I know that, when I need help in any form, armies of friends rally to support me temporally, spiritually, and emotionally.

In addition to the sisterhood aspect of our great organization, Relief Society has surrounded me with mentors, teachers, and examples of who I want to be. Though we could easily look at the gifts and talents of the women around us and feel inadequate, I choose to draw upon the uniqueness of individuals to inspire me to set higher standards, make better choices, and believe in my ability to become more. Relief Society sisters who have been on this earth longer than me have shared their wisdom and taught me what is most important in life. I hope I can use their greatness to foster a bit of my own.

The Relief Society is a gift. It is an organization of powerful women who stand together as witnesses to the world that Jesus Christ lives. It is a network of sisters who love and serve, teach and inspire, and I am immensely grateful to have a part in it.

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Mendy Hunter - Savage Mill Ward

Relief Society has blessed my life in a number of ways. I remember having my first baby when I lived thousands of miles from home. My friends from growing up worried about how I would fare. I had no such worries, because I knew that I was part of the Relief Society organization. I had confidence that my sisters at church would help me if I needed it. A year later, when I moved to Maryland, I again felt peace in knowing that I would have a ready-made network of people I could trust and rely on in my new area. Through visiting teaching, I have participated in testimony-strengthening conversations, shared and benefited from hearing others' experiences raising families, and have made lasting, meaningful relationships with women who might otherwise have been nothing more than passing acquaintances. When the chaotic world pushes into my life, I am thankful for Relief Society and its message of service. Finding ways to serve others helps me feel grateful for my blessings and lightens my mood. Service is cathartic, and I am thankful that Relief Society teaches me that the healing power of charity never fails.

30+ and Counting....A Simple Way To Serve

As of today...we have 30+ missionaries serving (or called & leaving soon) from the Columbia Maryland Stake!  How great is that!!

As a mother of 2 sons who have served and a daughter preparing to serve, I think of those young men & young women and know that despite it being an awesome time in their lives - I know the reality is that they have discouraging days, lonely times, depressing moments.  I know how much they appreciate knowing that they are not forgotten by those back home.  We as their Church family can help lift and encourage them.  With Christmas approaching it is a great time to reach out to them.

I am inviting the sisters of our Stake (and their families) to send Christmas cards to these amazing missionaries.  Think how great it would be if each of them received a huge stack of Christmas wishes from back home.  With the help of our Executive Secretaries & Clerks and the LDS tools missionary feature, I have compiled a hopefully complete and accurate list of our missionaries and their mission addresses.  For those serving foreign missions - the post office sells an International stamp.  It's so convenient.

Below is a link to a Google Doc with the list of our missionaries.  I have included their home wards - in case you want to send a package - you can contact their moms for input.  If any have been missed...please email me at columbiastake.rs.sec@gmail.com and I will add them to the list!

Missionary Addresses for Christmas 2015

Here's an example of how mission addresses should appear:
Elder/Sister - Use their first & last and middle initial if listed
Name of Mission
Mission Address as listed

Thank you sisters in advance for reaching out to them.  I know they will be glad to receive your greetings and I know that their families will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.  ENJOY THE REST OF THE PHOTOS.....

-Lorie Pierce

The Messiah Sing: A Christmas Tradition - An Opportunity

Each December, our Stake hosts a Messiah Sing event at the Stake Center.  I thought it might be useful to provide some background and details on what that event is all about.

Background on Messiah by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

"Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalmsincluded with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

The music for Messiah was completed in 24 days of swift composition. Having received Jennens's text some time after 10 July 1741, Handel began work on it on 22 August. His records show that he had completed Part I in outline by 28 August, Part II by 6 September and Part III by 12 September, followed by two days of 'filling up' to produce the finished work on 14 September.

Although its structure resembles that of opera, it is not in dramatic form; there are no impersonations of characters and no direct speech. Instead, Jennens's text is an extended reflection on Jesus Christ as Messiah. The text begins in Part I with prophecies by Isaiah and others, and moves to the annunciation to the shepherds, the only 'scene' taken from the Gospels. In Part II, Handel concentrates on thePassion and ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. In Part III he covers the resurrection of the dead and Christ's glorification in heaven.

At the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters 'SDG'—Soli Deo Gloria, 'To God alone the glory'."     (per wikipedia)

Title Page of Autograph Score (1741)

Since the original performance of Messiah in 1742, it has continued to be performed throughout the Christian communities of the world.  It is often presented as a community performance, encouraging audience participation in the chorus sections of the score.  Those community events are most often referred to as "Messiah Sings".

Details on The Messiah Sing hosted by our Stake:

The Columbia Maryland Stake has been hosting our Messiah Sing event since the beginning days of the stake in the early 1990's.  The format has varied overtime, but always included are amazing vocals, talented orchestra and willing volunteers.  This year's performance will be no exception.  This event is a great way to begin the Christmas season with our hearts and minds focused on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  It sings to us of Christ - His birth, His mission, His love, His atonement, His Resurrection, His glory.

For those of us who have chosen to take President Mitchell's challenge to invite a non-member friend to a place where they can meet the missionaries by the end of this year -- Here is a great chance!  It is a non-threatening event.  We all have friends who love music & love Christmas celebrations.

The pictures below are from the pass-along cards created by President Towne.  Keep your eyes open for them in your buildings.

-Lorie Pierce

Did You Know? LDS Employment Services

Among the many resources the Church provides for us as members is help with employment.  Each ward/branch should have an employment specialist available to assist ward/branch members with employment issues and questions.  The employment specialist is there to provide support and guidance as members look for employment or seek to improve their current situation.  You can find your ward/branch employment specialist by using the callings feature with the LDS Tools app directory or by asking your ward/branch leaders.

Our current Stake Employment Specialist is Sister Susie Rosenquist of the Ellicott City Ward.  Her contact information is available in the LDS online directory or by using the LDS Tools app.

One of the first places to visit online for help should be the LDS Employment Resources website at www.ldsjobs.org.  You can search job openings and find a huge amount of information to assist your search and prepare you for the process of interviewing, etc.  Here's just a sample of resources you can access there:

Another local resource is the Washington DC Employment Resource Center located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  They offer classes and workshops.  They also have a great list of useful links on their website to other resources.

"Whether just starting out in your career or well established in your career, LDS Employment Resource Services (ERS) or Self-Reliance Services (SRS) can help you accomplish your career goals. The employment center or self-reliance center offers one-on-one coaching, workshops and a large database of employment, education and self-employment opportunities. By visiting the center you learn the most effective job search practices, build your network and find resources to help you further your education or manage a successful small-business." (Washington DC Employment Resource Center Website)

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Brendalyn Hacking - Hampstead Ward

Relief Society has given me another sweet and simple testimony that I am truly a daughter of God.  It has given me somewhere in the church that I can go and feel that I belong, no matter how old I am or what stage of life I am in, I can always feel apart of the sisterhood that is there.  Even at times when I have had the opportunities to work in other auxilaries of the church, such as Primary and Young Womens, and I have not been able to attend Relief Society weekly, I have still been able to feel that I am apart of Relief Society by trying to go to the activities. Also, as I have been serving in the church I have always felt the love and support from the sisters who lead in Relief Society.  Relief Society has given me another identity outside of the home, other than school, work, daughter, sister, mother and wife.  It has given me a “Girl’s Night Out” at times that I always seem to need and though sometimes I may feel that I am alone in the things I am going through in my life, I have always felt loved and have been reached out to by other sisters who, through Relief Society, have become my friends.  It gives me opportunities to serve through Visiting Teaching and Service Projects, though I always feel that I have been the one who has gained from these experiences.  I have known since I was a little girl that Relief Society was a wonderful program designed by Heavenly Father for his daughters as I would watch my mother go to Relief Society and come home renewed and uplifted from her experiences there.  I was excited when I turned 18 to be able to join my mother, my Primary teachers, Young Women’s leaders and other women I admired  in my home ward in Relief Society.  Relief Society has given me a support group in the church that, where ever I go in this world, I can come to know and love as I learn from and with the amazing women in this church.  A sweet memory I have is the opportunity I had as a young married woman to visit teach my mother in law with my own mother as my companion.  Relief Society has helped me learn more about this divine gospel of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
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Ashley Tipton - YSA Branch

When I was baptized at 19 years old into the Savage Mill Ward I was the only member of my family to join the church; the Relief Society became my ward family. It is impossible to describe the love and friendship and support that those wonderful sisters offered me, but I knew that with them I would never be alone. It was incredible to me how aware these sisters were of each other. The visiting teaching program was by far one of my favorite aspects of the organization; it blew me away! You mean to tell me that once a month two people will come over just for ME? Just to hear about my life and the ups and downs and the details. And then I get to go do that for three other sisters every month?! If you plan it right you get some much needed girl time every week, and yay for instant friendships! One time after a really bad storm I knew that within an hour every family in the ward had been contacted... it made me feel so wonderful to be a part of something so great. 

When I was 21 I had the blessed opportunity to teach the Relief Society. It was the most intimidating calling I have received; I had been a member for 18 months and they wanted me, with my limited knowledge and experience, to teach a roomful of women actual decades older than me? But again that wonderful group of women - my Mormon big sisters and mothers and grandmothers - lifted me up. Encouraged me. Carried me. When I stumbled in a lesson (which happened frequently) there was always someone ready with a comment to invite the Spirit and focus us once more. 

Now in the YSA Branch I am one of the older sisters, and one of the few who has been a part of a family ward Relief Society for an extended period of time. Many of these sisters still think of Relief Society as their "mother's group" but I want so much for every sister to understand that Relief Society transcends generations, culture, race, marital status or life circumstance. It is a worldwide sisterhood, and we are part of it!! We are His hands. We lift and sustain each other. We work alongside each other in support of our friends and neighbors, our communities and homes. We teach and we learn from each other. I know that through this group we each become more fit for His Kingdom; I am so blessed that it is a part of my world.

Walking on Sacred Ground - Kirtland, Ohio

This past weekend our family took a road trip that culminated at Kirtland, Ohio.  I have been to Kirtland three times now - once with the Columbia Stake Youth about 15 years ago, once when our four children were still young and this time with my husband and our 18 year old daughter.  While each visit has been a little different from the time before, one thing remains consistent - I always get emotional in Kirtland.  My soul always fills with joy, awe and gratitude as I am reminded of the events that occurred in that area and the sacrifices joyfully given by those early Saints.

I call it "walking on sacred ground" because of the sacred events that occurred and the visions & revelations that were received during the time that Joseph Smith and the early Saints lived in Kirtland and the neighboring farms.  (1830-1838)  As I sat on a little bench in a room above the Whitney Store - a room used for the School of the Prophets - and listened to the sister missionary tell of the things that happened there and heard her bear testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ - the Spirit spoke to me again and I knew again the truth of Joseph Smith as a prophet and I knew again the love our Savior has for His children.  This sweet testimony repeated itself in each location we visited.  Kirtland is indeed a place filled with sacred history.

Kirtland is roughly a six hour drive from here.  We broke our visit up into 1 1/2 days and were able to visit most of the Church History sites.  Two full days would have been great to add in the extra sites we didn't get to.  I found this short video about the Kirtland sites featuring Elder M. Russell Ballard.  He says, "Heaven was walking here with the people."  (If the video doesn't load on your device, you can use the "short video" link to view it directly on lds.org.)

While the Historic Kirtland Temple is not owned by the Church, (it is owned and operated by The Community of Christ), it is open for tours and the curators are doing a wonderful job of maintaining the building and preserving it's history.

If you have never visited Kirtland - you should! You really should!  It may be history, but it is sacred history.  It is a marvelous thing to sit in a room and know that Jesus Christ has appeared there - has spoken to His servant Joseph Smith there.  It is a wonderful thing to sit in the Historic Kirtland Temple with the sunlight streaming through the windows and hear the words from Doctrine & Covenants 110 read:

1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.

6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.

7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Gisela Pinargote - Columbia 3rd Branch

How has Relief Society blessed my life?  I'm so grateful for the example and dedication of all my sisters.  The teachings and compassionate service that I have learned and received through all my life has made me be the kind of woman I'm today. When helping others makes it easy to forget all my struggles, I can see that I'm blessed and greatly strengthened.  Being a military wife, a mother of four, I just can't thank enough all my visiting teachers, leaders, friends that help with meals, phone calls, helping with the kids, doctors visits etc.  "Charity never faileth"

I love my sisters in Zion.

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Kellie Nuss - YSA Branch/Savage Mill Ward

The intersection of the spiritual and the temporal that is Relief Society has always been summed up for me by this famous quote from Lucy Mack Smith: 

“We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

In my mind, the blessings of Relief Society are interwoven completely with every blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Women are beloved by the Savior, and Relief Society puts me in a position to stand with Christ and do His work in a way that reinforces the fact that I can be raised and healed, and I can help others along the way. 

I am grateful that I have always felt a part of Relief Society, even when not regularly attending the Sunday RS meeting because of other callings. I feel this way because cherishing, watching over and comforting others have nothing to do with age, circumstance, or the walls of a particular room in the church building. I have learned this through many years of experience on both sides of those sacred acts. 

Relief Society has blessed my life because it has given me the structure and guidance to live as the Savior would have me live, and thereby brought me closer to Him.

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Sara Nuss - YSA Branch

Relief Society has helped me to better understand my role as a woman. I'm not married yet. I don't have kids. But that doesn't mean that I can't have an impact on the world around me-both in and outside of church. I've learned that I not only have the responsibility to spread the Lord's love and light, but that He qualifies me for this work.

Above all else, I've learned of the impact I can have in my future home with my future husband and future kids. The Relief Society structure has helped me prepare for these future roles so I can be a positive and uplifting influence on my family.

Highlights from Stake Social & General Women's Meeting

On Saturday, September 26, we had a wonderful opportunity to gather as women of the Columbia Maryland Stake to eat, visit and be spiritually lifted through the General Women's Meeting broadcast from Salt Lake.  There were so many sisters who joined us and it was gratifying to see everyone visiting together - strengthening, renewing and making new friendships.  We had around 215 sisters come for the Pre-Broadcast Social and then a few more joined us at 8pm bringing our total to about 225!  It's hard to count moving bodies :-)

Thanks to the sisters who prepared the Taco Salads.  HUGE thanks to the brethren who assisted with set up, food prep, serving, clean up and technical support.  And kudos to the Stake Primary Presidency for the Autumntime decorations.

The "decorations committee" aka our Stake Primary Presidency - Love these women!

If you missed the Broadcast - you really should take time to read it or watch it online.

General Women's Meeting, September 2015

Here are just some tidbits and some more photos:

"I testify that life is a gift. God has a plan for each one of us, and our individual purpose began long before we came to this earth."  --Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary General President

"Many in today’s world are looking for instant gratification and instant knowledge on the Internet. In contrast, we will be exceedingly blessed if we exercise faith and patience and go to our Heavenly Father, the source of all truth, with our concerns. So many answers and assurances can come through daily searching and studying the scriptures and with sincere and pleading prayer, but there are no such promises on the Internet."  --Linda S. Reeves, Counselor in General Relief Society Presidency

"We join with faithful sisters of the past, of the present, and of the rising generation when we join together in the work of salvation!"  --Carol F. McConkie, Counselor in General Young Women Presidency

"God didn’t design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life. - Now is part of eternity. It doesn’t only begin after we die! - Forever is composed of Nows"  --President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

An Invitation - Will We Accept?

This past Sunday (September 20) the High Council speaker in our ward extended an invitation from President Mitchell.  This same invitation should have been heard in all the wards/branches of our Stake.

The invitation was simple:

Invite - by the end of the year - at least one non-member to a place where he/she could meet the missionaries and then follow through with that introduction.  This could be in our homes, at Church on Sunday, at a service activity, or at another Church event.

I've spent the week thinking about this invitation.  I can count on one hand the non-member friends I have that live locally and my interaction with them is rather limited.  My non-member acquaintances is a slightly larger count, but still not a group that I can immediately think "oh I'll invite her".  But I know that when I follow the lead of my leaders - I am blessed.  My conclusion is this - I will pray for the opportunity - that the Lord will provide me guidance and inspiration to be where I need to be and to hear what I need to hear and to say what I need to say.

So sisters...I'm accepting the invitation and I hope all of you will too!

-Lorie Pierce