A Gathering of the Saints

"For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments." (D&C 82:14.)

Today in Sacrament Meeting a letter from our Stake Presidency was read regarding our upcoming Stake Conference.  It struck me what a unique opportunity conferences - specifically stake conferences - are in our Church and I began to wonder about their purpose and origin.  I've spent some time this afternoon reading on lds.org and thought I would share a little of what I found.

First - what is a stake and who is part of a stake?  I have served a couple different times in stake callings and each time the phrase I have heard from "well wishers" has been about my now being "in the stake".  My response is usually to remind them that we are all "the stake" - each of us in our ward and branches.  A stake doesn't exist independent of its ward and branch members.

"A stake is composed of a number of wards or branches. It generally has a set of geographical boundaries and conforms to the tent image described in Isaiah 54:2: 'Lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.' Each stake of Zion supports and helps to hold up the Church the way a tent or tabernacle is held up by its stakes. A stake is the gathering place for the remnants of scattered Israel (D&C 82:13-14; 101:17-21)."  (lds.org/guide to the scriptures/stake)

President Ezra Taft Benson taught:

"The term stake is a symbolic expression. Picture in your mind a great tent held up by cords extended to many stakes that are firmly secured in the ground. The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion."  ("Strengthen Thy Stakes", Ensign 1991)

I like that image.  We are each important in the effort to strengthen our stake and by so doing strengthen the Church as a whole.

Second - why hold stake conferences?  The obvious answer is that we've been asked to.  But the real answer lies in understanding the opportunity in gathering as saints.

In 1973, President Harold B. Lee gave a General Conference address entitled "Strengthen the Stakes of Zion".  The following is from that address:

"While the Church was in its infancy, the Lord pointed to a time when those earlier gathering places would not have room for all who would be gathered for reasons for which he declared that his church should be united. Here are his words:  'For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.' And then this command: 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.' (D&C 115:4-5.)  The Lord speaks of organized units of the Church which are designated as stakes, each of which those not of our faith may think of as a diocese. These units so organized are gathered together for these fundamental purposes: first, for a defense against the enemies of the Lord’s work, both the seen and the unseen.  These organizations were to be as stated in the revelation noted earlier, as a 'refuge from the storm'".

Stake Conference is an opportunity to gather together to be strengthened through the words of the speakers, the testimonies shared, the personal inspiration received - to indeed find a refuge from the storms of life.

President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a talk in General Conference (April 2000) entitled "The Stake President".  After reading it, I had a greater appreciation for the service rendered by these brethren.  These words in particular struck me:

"Chosen by inspiration, they are most diligent in the pursuit of their duties. They are men of ability. They are men well schooled in the doctrines and practices of the Church. They are men of great faith. They are men who are called of the Lord to preside in the areas of their jurisdiction.  I have total confidence in the men who fill this office. Their duties are numerous, their responsibilities great. They recognize their own inadequacy, and I know that they pray for guidance and help. I know they study the scriptures to find answers. I know they place this work first in their lives. Because we have such confidence in them, we urge local members that they not seek out General Authorities to counsel with and bless them. Their stake presidents have been called under the same inspiration under which the General Authorities were called."

Each normal Sunday, we attend church within our wards & branches and we teach one another the doctrines of Christ in our meetings & lessons.  But just a few times a year, we have the opportunity to be taught by our Stake Presidency.  It is an opportunity that I am looking forward to with a better appreciation and understanding of the potential for good in my life and the life of my family and for my ability to contribute to the strengthening of our stake in Zion.

-Lorie Pierce

Let It Change Your Life

This past weekend, our family had the opportunity to spend time in the Palmyra, New York area.  As I sat on a bench along a trail within the Sacred Grove, I was again touched by the witness of the Spirit with a whisper in my heart and mind of, "It is true.  It really did happen.  Joseph Smith truly saw our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ."

Life can get cluttered and our view sometimes clouded by the concerns and attitudes of the world.  I am grateful for the quiet moments when the Spirit can touch my heart and dispel the clouds of the world.  My time in the Sacred Grove was one such moment, but each time I partake of the Sacrament or walk through the doors of the temple, I am given that same sweet peace and confirmation of truth.

I am grateful for Joseph's simple prayer which led to the blessings of the Gospel being available for me today.

We have hanging on our wall a picture of the Sacred Grove with the words, "What happened here changed the world.  Let it change your life."  What a simple, yet poignant reminder.

We are only about a 5-6 hour drive away from Palmyra.  It is well worth the time and the effort to visit the Church History sites there.  Below are links to learn more and maybe plan your own visit.

Hill Cumorah Visitors' Center

Smith Family Farm

Sacred Grove

Book of Mormon Publication Site

Peter Whitmer Log Home

Martin Harris Farm

- Lorie Pierce

Social Media Splits

The third Saturday each month has been set aside in the Maryland Baltimore Mission - which includes our Stake - as Social Media Splits Saturday.  What a great opportunity for us to interact with the missionaries and provide opportunities for them to interact with our friends.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has taught, "Sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before....Perhaps the Lord's encouragement to 'open [your] mouths' might today include 'use your hands' to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!" (Ensign, May 2011, "Waiting on the Road to Damascus")

The following is from the Maryland Baltimore Mission blog regarding Social Media Splits:

Objective: Local members savvy in social media will work with missionaries and chronicle their day on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine, YouTube and other social media outlets.

This effort will help others understand that

• We believe in Jesus Christ and worship our Father in Heaven through Him
• Missionaries are hard-working young men and women who are good and friendly neighbors
• The missionaries and members work together to serve their communities. Mormons believe in being good citizens

Elder David A. Bednar has taught, "The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work."

The following are links to the talk that quote is from.  The first is a short video of his presentation and the second text.  It is well worth reading or viewing.

Elder Bednar - Examples of Using Social Media for Good

Elder Bednar - Sweep the Earth as With a Flood

There is also a great video, created by Oakli Wright, posted on the Columbia Maryland Stake Public Affairs Facebook page.  Due to technical issues, we aren't at this point able to embed it here for you to view.  But it is really a great example of what Social Media Splits "look" like.  You should use the link to that Facebook page to view it!

Talk with your ward or branch missionaries about doing Social Media Splits with them.  They will be excited and you will blessed for the association and the effort.

Did You Know? Family Priority Times for Temple Baptisms

Did you know there are baptism times at the Washington DC Temple designated for families and individuals to do baptisms for their deceased ancestors?

What an amazing opportunity this is for ourselves and for our youth!  There are great blessings that come from searching for your ancestors and then taking their names to the temple to give them the opportunity for those ordinances - beginning with baptism.  My daughter and I have been going regularly together for her to do baptisms for women we have found.  She always liked going with the youth baptism trips, but going during the family priority times has become a sweeter experience - a more personal experience for her and a wonderful preparation for when she will be able to enter the temple prior to her mission and receive her endowment.

The following is taken from a letter of instruction sent from the Washington DC Temple Presidency to the area stake presidents.  It provides all the information you need to arrange to use the Family Priority Times.

Tuesdays at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm
Wednesdays at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm
Thursdays at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Fridays at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm
Saturdays at 5:00 pm.

To assure orderliness in the work of the temple, members are strongly encouraged to make appointments in advance by calling the temple at (301) 588-0650.  Scheduled appointments will be given priority over walk-ins, and if the Baptistry is already scheduled to capacity, any who come without appointments may be asked to return at a later time.

However, we are anxious to provide families the opportunity to do this sacred work, so it should be understood that the above times are not the only times family file patrons may make appointments.  Baptistry appointments may be made any time the temple is open, naturally subject to our capacity at the Baptistry.

Please note that individuals and groups with appointments will not necessarily have exclusive use of the Baptistry.  To assure opportunity for as many as possible to perform proxy baptisms, we may schedule other groups, or individuals, at the same time.

If you don't know where to begin in searching out your ancestors and preparing their names for temple ordinances, there are two starting points:

1.  Ask your bishopric/branch presidency who the Family History Consultants are for your ward/branch.  Then arrange to meet with them.  Their calling is to help you get going.

2.  Visit familysearch.org using your lds account login.  On that site you will see FamilyTree - that is where you will find all the tools you need to begin your search and prepare your ancestor's names.

"As I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive therein. As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world. Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives.

As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'"    -- President Thomas S. Monson, Blessings of the Temple, April 2015 General Conference

Such a promise!  Don't we all need more peace in our lives?

-Lorie Pierce

Keeping A History

In sifting through the large stack of papers inherited with my calling as Stake Relief Society Secretary, I came across a brief history entitled "History of Columbia Maryland Stake".  At the end of each year, secretaries in the quorums and auxiliaries are asked to submit a brief history of their unit.  This paper appears to have been the submission for the year 1992 and was likely written by the Stake Relief Society Secretary at the time, Kay Paulson.

As I read that brief history, my mind was turned to a talk given by Sister Julie B. Beck when she was serving as General Relief Society President.  It was her introduction to the publication of Daughters in My Kingdom.  (If you haven't read that book - you really should.  It is an amazing work!)  I went back and re-read her talk.  It is powerful and the principles she teaches not only apply to Relief Society, but to our families and our family histories as well.

She makes four important points:

History Teaches Us Who We Are
There is a worldwide hunger among good women to know their identity, value, and importance. Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

History Teaches Us What We Are To Do
Through our history we learn how to prepare for the blessings of eternal life.

History Unites Faithful Women
The history of Relief Society is a Spirit-filled story of strong, faithful, purposeful women. As a part of the Lord’s restored Church, Relief Society can now be found in nearly 170 nations.

Knowledge of History Can Help Us Change
Ultimately, the value of history is not so much in its dates, times, and places. It is valuable because it teaches us the principles, purposes, and patterns we are to follow, it helps us know who we are and what we are to do, and it unites us in strengthening the homes of Zion and building the kingdom of God on the earth. 

You can use the link below to listen to or read the entire talk for yourselves.

Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, Julie B. Beck, General Conference October 2010

Looking back at that yellowing paper, typed on an actual typewriter, I have thought of the women who have come before us.  The sisters who have served faithfully by increasing their faith & testimony, strengthening their families, providing relief to those in need and helping to further the Lord's work in the Columbia Maryland Stake over the past 23 years.  I would like to compile a history of our Relief Society for them and us.  I plan to publish it via this blog.  I need help in tracking down names, dates, pictures, recollections, etc.  I'd like to start by finding out the names of each Stake Relief Society Presidency & Secretary and when they served.  If you can help supply details for me, I would greatly appreciate it.  Please send whatever you may have to columbiastake.rs.sec@gmail.com.

- Lorie Pierce