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)