Sunday, September 24, 2017

The Heart of Relief Society



Dear Sisters,

“And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them” (Moses 7:18). 

This scripture was used as the opening statement for September's visiting teaching message. I think it embodies what Relief Society is all about. One heart, one mind, living righteously and taking care of each other's needs, -whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual.

It has been said that Visiting Teaching is the heart of Relief Society, and I believe that's true.  And I'm not just talking about the "monthly visit" that we dutifully do.  It's the caring for one another, the genuine interest in each other's lives, and the time and effort spent in service that draws us close as sisters and allows us to grow spiritually in ways we cannot do on our own.

I follow the quarterly reports of our stake, and have been concerned as I've watched the numbers fall.  Too many sisters are not getting visited or contacted.  Do these sisters feel welcome in our wards? Do they have friends among us? Do they feel they have someone to turn to when they have a need? I fear that many opportunities are being missed to reactivate, motivate and serve.  I worry that some sisters are feeling isolated and alone.

I know that I personally feel better when I have visited or contacted the sisters for whom I have stewardship.  Our busy lives can make this difficult, and I never like to impose on their time, (a fear you might share also) but over the years I have learned from and been spiritually fed by wonderful sisters who were "assigned" to my care.  I have walked away feeling like I was the one who benefited most from our visits.

Yes, Visiting Teaching is the heart of Relief Society.  But...we need to get Visiting Teaching into our hearts. Then we can truly be a Zion people.

Sending much love as you go forth and visit the wonderful sisters of the Columbia Stake,

Cindy Erekson
Stake Relief Society President
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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Personal Moments with Gordon B. Hinckley

I have loved studying the teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley this year in Relief Society.  One of the most memorable teachings for me from President Hinckley was his emphasis on reading the Book of Mormon.  

In August of 2005 President Hinckley issued a challenge to Church members.  He challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in its entirety before the end of that year.  He later reported, “It is amazing how many met that challenge. Everyone who did so was blessed for his or her effort. As they became immersed in this added witness of our Redeemer, their hearts were quickened and their spirits touched.”

I vividly remember taking President Hinckley’s challenge.  My 3 boys were young (ages 8, 6, and 4), but they were old enough to all be involved in organized sports and music programs.  I did a lot of driving my boys around, so I decided to read the Book of Mormon by way of listening.  I listened in the car as we drove to various events.  After a while my boys began reciting scriptures from the Book of Mormon.  I was amazed, especially with my 4 year old.  I remember the Spirit I felt as I listened to the book in its entirety over a few short months.

President Hinckley makes a promise when we read the Book of Mormon.  He said, “It is then that the Spirit can bear witness of its divinity.”  We are all entitled to receive personal revelation.  It is my testimony that when we read the Book of Mormon and sincerely seek revelation through study and prayer, we will know it is true.  

President Hinckley said, “Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

I am grateful for the teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley.  He was such a positive man with much energy.  Remembering, studying, and obeying his teachings have truly blessed my life.

- Kim Olivier (Columbia 2nd Ward)
Stake Relief Society Counselor
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Sunday, September 10, 2017

Find your ancestors in September



Dear Members of the Columbia Maryland Stake,

The Washington DC Temple is closed now and will re-open on Tue, Oct 3 (The Philadelphia Temple will close 9/18 to 10/2).  The DC Temple will be open just five more months before closing for multiple years in early March 2018.

Temple and family history work is an important responsibility of our dispensation.  We have been encouraged by the Apostles to FIND names of ancestors, TAKE the names to the temple, and TEACH others to do the same.  President Nelson has also asked members to make a sacrifice of time this year (2017) to work on family history work.  With our temple closed this month, this is a perfect time to find an ancestor and print the card to take to the temple.  If you have recently done this, please help teach someone else how to do it.  You do not need to hold a temple recommend in order to participate in family history work.

Getting started in family history work can seem challenging, but there is help available. Please reach out to a ward/branch Temple and Family History consultants, visiting teachers, home teachers, or other members.  We will also open the Family History Center on Sunday 9/17 and Sunday 9/24 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., so please stop by to get started.

I realize that everyone is very busy, but the Lord has blessed us with the Sabbath to do His work.  In addition, we could use ward/branch temple nights, date nights, youth events, etc. to seek out our ancestors and prepare their names to take to the temple.

The Lord has prepared the way for this work.  Included below are links to helpful resources to help learn the doctrine, get started, find ancestors in a full family tree, and teach others.  May the Lord bless you as you seek your ancestors and provide ordinances for them.  Your ancestors are waiting.

Kind Regards,
James Mitchell
President Columbia Maryland Stake

RESOURCES: UNDERSTAND THE DOCTRINE

D&C 128:22-24

Promised Blessings of Family History (video)

Families and Temples pamphlet (pdf)

President Russell M. and Sister Wendy Nelson, "A Sacrifice of Time" (video):

President Henry B. Eyring, "Gathering the Family of God" (Apr 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson, "Generations Linked in Love" (Apr 2010)

Elder David A. Bednar, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn" (Oct 2011)

Elder Quentin L. Cook, "Roots and Branches" (Apr 2014)

Elder Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Redeeming the Dead" (Oct 2012)

RESOURCES: NEW TO FAMILY SEARCH

Getting Started with FamilySearch.org including contact info for temple and family history consultants:

MyFamily Online Booklet:

Find Your Family Names, First-Time Guide (pdf):

RESOURCES: FULL FAMILY TREE

Full Family Tree, Using Descendancy Ressearch (video):

Discover Relatives on a Full Tree (pdf):

RESOURCES: TEACH OTHERS

Principles of Helping Others:

FamilySearch Consultant Planner:
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Sunday, September 3, 2017

Invite Diligent Learning

The final section of Teaching in the Savior's Way is entitled "Invite Diligent Learning".  It begins with this statement and quote from Elder David A. Bednar:

A true gospel teacher is not satisfied when learners simply listen to what he or she has to say. Learning the gospel is not meant to be a passive experience. It is an act of faith and diligent effort. When you prepare to teach, instead of thinking, “What will I do to teach?” ask yourself, “What will my class members do to learn? How will I help them discover the gospel for themselves? How will I inspire them to act?”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared the familiar saying, “Giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching a man to fish feeds him for a lifetime.” He then taught, “As parents and gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help [those we teach] learn ‘to fish’ and to become spiritually steadfast.”

For many of us, our experience in Gospel classroom learning/lessons have been more teachers presenting and less class discussion and learning. This section covers concepts (listed below) that help to shift the focus off the teacher and what they say and onto the learner and what they are motivated to do.  It is a different and yet a more effective kind of teaching and learning - one that can be applied not only in the Church classrooms, but in our homes as well.  The home is the ideal place to teach and learn the Gospel and as we apply these principles, we invite the Spirit into the lives of all our family members.

  • Encourage Learning outside of Class
  • Put Responsibility on Learners
  • Express Confidence through High Expectations
  • Encourage Sharing
  • Teach Learners to Find Answers in the Scriptures
  • Invite Learners to Record Impressions
-Lorie Pierce

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