When President Nelson spoke during the general women's broadcast of general conference, he issued four invitations to help us, the women of the Church, answer his "prophetic plea . . . to shape the future by helping to gather scattered Israel."
President Nelson's first invitation asks us to prayerfully consider our use of media and then "to participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative or impure thoughts" to our minds. Immediately, I (and I'm sure many of you) started to assess the books I was reading, television shows I was watching, and movies I had on my watchlist. Could any of these be considered a negative influence? I think of this initial assessment as the first phase of this invitation. The second phase is the actual fast. In my experience, the first day felt as long as the subsequent nine! The more time spent away from Instagram, the easier it was not to click on that icon. The third and final phase of this first invitation from our prophet is to self-reflect. He suggests answering the following questions: "What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted--even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression."
The second invitation President Nelson extended was to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, marking each verse that refers to the Savior, then, talking about Him with our friends and family. Wowzers! The Book of Mormon is long. 530 pages! He asked us to read it in under 3 months. During the holiday season? I don't know about you, but my mind was reeling a bit when I heard this. But listening to all of President Nelson's message, which sprinkled prophetic promises between his calls to action, and I knew I wanted to participate. "You and [your families and friends] will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen." I want those blessing for my family and friends! So, my daughters who are still at home, my husband and I are blazing through the Book of Mormon faster than we ever have. I even found that marking all the references to Christ made reading the Isaiah passages in 2 Nephi more enjoyable!
When I heard President Nelson issue his third invitation to "establish a pattern of regular temple attendance," the first thought I had was I HAD a habit of regularly going to the temple twice a month--and then it closed! Initial pouting aside, I appreciate that President Nelson didn't qualify our attendance with anything more than the word "regular." Individually, we can decide what "regular" temple attendance looks like to each of us. Driving 2 hours each way and paying $24 in tolls has certainly impacted my temple attendance, but I can still attend regularly. I also appreciate that President Nelson invited those who don't live near a temple "to study prayerfully about temples in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets." Adding that to my personal study can be part of my new regular temple routine. In his opening remarks in general conference, President Nelson mentioned the strength of the adversary, noting that we need counter-strategies to combat Satan's. Then, in his closing address, the prophet said that our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I know I feel that on a personal level. When life's circumstances look bleak or tragedies happen to those I love, I can always count on having a peaceful heart when I am within the walls of the House of the Lord.
President Nelson's fourth and final formal invitation is "to participate fully in Relief Society." He expanded on this by urging us to study the current Relief Society purpose statement and to study the Relief Society declaration. Did you know or remember that the Relief Society purpose statement had been revised in 2017? I didn't! Here it is: “Relief Society helps prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.” As part of my study of the new purpose statement, I read the announcement on the change, found here: https://www.lds.org/church/news/sister-burton-announces-updates-to-lds-relief-society-purpose-statement?lang=eng. The Relief Society declaration can be found here: https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/31114/31113_000_005_01-declaration.pdf?lang=eng. Before accepting President Nelson's fourth invitation, it had been an embarrassingly long time since I'd read the declaration. I feel like it is a beautiful mission statement for women who understand their divine relationship with deity.
Sisters, we are lucky to have full lives with calendars full of good ways to spend our time. But, I hope that of all the invitations and evites we receive, we jump at the chance to accept these four invitations from our living prophet. I know that as we follow our prophet, the Lord's blessings will pour down on us. I'm counting on it!
-Mendy Hunter
(Second Counselor, Stake Relief Society)
Showing posts with label General Women's Session. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Women's Session. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Being the Hands of our Savior
I love General Conference! I remember as a child that conference weekends were never my favorite time of year - mainly because I would miss Primary or Young Women. But now I crave for Conference weekends where my spirit can be filled and I can listen to the words of our prophet and other leaders.
Six months ago our prophet introduced a new way of ministering to one another and I’ve spent the last six months attempting to figure out how best to minister to the sisters I’ve been assigned and even ones that I don’t have an assignment for but that the Lord wants me to help watch over.
There were two talks that specifically spoke to my questions. The first was given by Joy D. Jones and was titled, “For Him” and was given in the general women’s session of Conference. The other one was given by Bonnie H. Cordon and was called “Becoming a Shepherd” and was given in the Sunday morning session.
Sister Jones shared her experience of being rejected by a less active family in her ward when taking over a plate of cookies. She spoke of how she and her husband lacked the spiritual vision and questioned: “Why are we doing this? What is our purpose?” How often I have asked that question myself and wondered if what I was doing really mattered. It does!
Doctrine and Covenants 59:5 says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength, and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.” Are we serving our sisters out of love for the Lord? As our spiritual vision of ministering changes and we learn to love and minister as our Savior would, then we will no longer question why we are doing it or what our purpose is and we will truly capture the vision the Lord wants us to have.
Sister Cordon shared in her talk the importance of developing a shepherd’s heart and understanding the needs of the Lord’s sheep. She said it is important that we “make certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him.” Also, as we “pray, we will feel the love of Jesus Christ for those to whom we minister. Share that love with them. What better way is there to feed His sheep than to help them feel His love - through you?”
President Nelson said in the general women’s session of Conference, “When you are truly ministering, you follow your feelings to help someone else experience more of the Savior’s love.”
Ministering truly is a matter of each one of us being the hands of our Savior and sharing His love for our fellow sisters here on earth. It truly is a holy calling and one that I hope to improve in as I try to help those around me in their journey back to Heavenly Father. I know I have a purpose and why I am doing it - because I love the Lord and want to share His love to them.
-Lisa Larson
(First Counselor, Stake Relief Society Presidency)
Six months ago our prophet introduced a new way of ministering to one another and I’ve spent the last six months attempting to figure out how best to minister to the sisters I’ve been assigned and even ones that I don’t have an assignment for but that the Lord wants me to help watch over.
There were two talks that specifically spoke to my questions. The first was given by Joy D. Jones and was titled, “For Him” and was given in the general women’s session of Conference. The other one was given by Bonnie H. Cordon and was called “Becoming a Shepherd” and was given in the Sunday morning session.
Sister Jones shared her experience of being rejected by a less active family in her ward when taking over a plate of cookies. She spoke of how she and her husband lacked the spiritual vision and questioned: “Why are we doing this? What is our purpose?” How often I have asked that question myself and wondered if what I was doing really mattered. It does!
Doctrine and Covenants 59:5 says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength, and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.” Are we serving our sisters out of love for the Lord? As our spiritual vision of ministering changes and we learn to love and minister as our Savior would, then we will no longer question why we are doing it or what our purpose is and we will truly capture the vision the Lord wants us to have.
Sister Cordon shared in her talk the importance of developing a shepherd’s heart and understanding the needs of the Lord’s sheep. She said it is important that we “make certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him.” Also, as we “pray, we will feel the love of Jesus Christ for those to whom we minister. Share that love with them. What better way is there to feed His sheep than to help them feel His love - through you?”
President Nelson said in the general women’s session of Conference, “When you are truly ministering, you follow your feelings to help someone else experience more of the Savior’s love.”
Ministering truly is a matter of each one of us being the hands of our Savior and sharing His love for our fellow sisters here on earth. It truly is a holy calling and one that I hope to improve in as I try to help those around me in their journey back to Heavenly Father. I know I have a purpose and why I am doing it - because I love the Lord and want to share His love to them.
-Lisa Larson
(First Counselor, Stake Relief Society Presidency)
Sunday, October 14, 2018
A Home Centered Church
It’s been a week since we experienced another wonderful General Conference, and I think I’m still floating on a “conference high”! I feel so energized! The Church is moving forward at an ever increasing pace, hastening the work, and preparing us for the coming of the Lord.
What a blessing to have a living Prophet, who has reminded us that the church of Christ must bear his name. We belong to His church, and it’s important that the world know where to find Him and His true gospel.
Does a Home Centered Church seem new to you? It shouldn’t. We all came from our Heavenly home where we were taught by our Heavenly Parents. We were placed on this earth in families and taught to honor our parents. We’ve been instructed over the years to raise our children up unto the Lord, to teach them right from wrong in our homes, and to counteract the things of the world. We’ve been invited to set aside one night each week for Family Home Evening, and to sit together as families in Sacrament Meeting. We have ALWAYS been a family centered Church, and the wonderful new ‘Come Follow Me’ materials and the extra time on Sunday will help us better fulfill this responsibility.
President Eyring spoke of the woman’s role in nurturing her family and administering to others in need: “As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them.”
He went on to say: “ whatever your personal circumstance, you are part--a key part--of the family of God and of your own family, whether in the future, in this world, or in the spirit world. Your trust from God is to nurture as many of His and your family members as you can with your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
And then: “You will each find ways to contribute to the outpouring of truth upon your families in the Lord’s restored Church. Each of you will pray, study, and ponder to know what your unique contribution will be. But this I know: each of you, equally yoked with sons of God, will be a major part of a miracle of gospel learning and living that will hasten the gathering of Israel and will prepare God’s family for the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
What a blessing! I hope you are feeling as excited as I am! There have been lots of changes over the past year; new policies, new curriculums, new changes in responsibilities. But with each new change I have had the confirmation that we are moving in the direction that the Lord wants for his church and his people. It all makes sense!
And now, we have this amazing blessing of technology that allows us to have almost immediately, in text, what we heard from the mouths of the Prophets. We don’t have to wait a month for printed copy to arrive in a magazine. My hope is that you are already reading this new scripture and feasting upon the words of modern revelation. Apply it to your family. Mark up your Book of Mormon. Remind your friends that you are a member of Christ’s Church during these Latter days.
As always, I send you my love and prayers,
Cindy Erekson
What a blessing to have a living Prophet, who has reminded us that the church of Christ must bear his name. We belong to His church, and it’s important that the world know where to find Him and His true gospel.
Does a Home Centered Church seem new to you? It shouldn’t. We all came from our Heavenly home where we were taught by our Heavenly Parents. We were placed on this earth in families and taught to honor our parents. We’ve been instructed over the years to raise our children up unto the Lord, to teach them right from wrong in our homes, and to counteract the things of the world. We’ve been invited to set aside one night each week for Family Home Evening, and to sit together as families in Sacrament Meeting. We have ALWAYS been a family centered Church, and the wonderful new ‘Come Follow Me’ materials and the extra time on Sunday will help us better fulfill this responsibility.
President Eyring spoke of the woman’s role in nurturing her family and administering to others in need: “As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them.”
He went on to say: “ whatever your personal circumstance, you are part--a key part--of the family of God and of your own family, whether in the future, in this world, or in the spirit world. Your trust from God is to nurture as many of His and your family members as you can with your love and your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
And then: “You will each find ways to contribute to the outpouring of truth upon your families in the Lord’s restored Church. Each of you will pray, study, and ponder to know what your unique contribution will be. But this I know: each of you, equally yoked with sons of God, will be a major part of a miracle of gospel learning and living that will hasten the gathering of Israel and will prepare God’s family for the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
What a blessing! I hope you are feeling as excited as I am! There have been lots of changes over the past year; new policies, new curriculums, new changes in responsibilities. But with each new change I have had the confirmation that we are moving in the direction that the Lord wants for his church and his people. It all makes sense!
And now, we have this amazing blessing of technology that allows us to have almost immediately, in text, what we heard from the mouths of the Prophets. We don’t have to wait a month for printed copy to arrive in a magazine. My hope is that you are already reading this new scripture and feasting upon the words of modern revelation. Apply it to your family. Mark up your Book of Mormon. Remind your friends that you are a member of Christ’s Church during these Latter days.
As always, I send you my love and prayers,
Cindy Erekson
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Women's General Session of Conference
This coming weekend (Oct 6 & 7) is General Conference and with it comes a significant change to the women's general session. It was announced in October 2017 that beginning in 2018 the Priesthood general session and the women's general session would be held alternating between Spring and Fall on the Saturday evening of General Conference weekend. The women's general session will be on Saturday, Oct 6. It begins at 8pm Eastern Standard Time.
Previously, we as sisters had gathered on the Saturday evening of the weekend prior to General Conference. This change is part of an effort "to reduce and simplify the work of the Church and the demands made upon leaders and members". (See 27 October 2017 announcement) While it was always a pleasure and a blessing to gather as sisters from around the Stake to socialize and view the broadcast together, this change will also bless us in ways we maybe don't yet understand. The updated instruction to us as Stake leaders is that we should not plan activities/events "in conjunction with the women’s session of general conference". We had already felt that there was insufficient time between the sessions of Conference to continue holding events such as we have in the past and so this Handbook instruction verified our thoughts. In the spirit of simplification, we have suggested to ward/branch Relief Society presidencies to encourage their sisters to reach out and invite those they Minister with to view this session of Conference with them in their homes or to join them at the Stake Center.
For sisters who may not be able to watch or listen from their homes - or who prefer to view it away from the distractions of home, the Stake Center will be open and viewing of the women's general session will be available there, both in English and in Spanish. Our Stake Relief Society president, Cindy Erekson and I will both be there.
If you want to watch or listen from home you can access it via the BYU Channel or on lds.org or even in multiple digital options. This link provides a list of all the viewing options for General Conference: Viewing Times and Options. AND at the bottom of that page there are links to Additional Resources - such as ideas to prepare, activities for children, conference notebook for youth, ideas for studying.
We would love to connect with our sisters as part of the women's general session. If you would like to send pictures or comments from your gathering to listen that evening they will be welcomed and used as a follow up blog post. Post them to our Stake Relief Society Facebook group or send them to me at loriepierce.rs@gmail.com.
- Lorie Pierce (Stake RS Secretary)
Previously, we as sisters had gathered on the Saturday evening of the weekend prior to General Conference. This change is part of an effort "to reduce and simplify the work of the Church and the demands made upon leaders and members". (See 27 October 2017 announcement) While it was always a pleasure and a blessing to gather as sisters from around the Stake to socialize and view the broadcast together, this change will also bless us in ways we maybe don't yet understand. The updated instruction to us as Stake leaders is that we should not plan activities/events "in conjunction with the women’s session of general conference". We had already felt that there was insufficient time between the sessions of Conference to continue holding events such as we have in the past and so this Handbook instruction verified our thoughts. In the spirit of simplification, we have suggested to ward/branch Relief Society presidencies to encourage their sisters to reach out and invite those they Minister with to view this session of Conference with them in their homes or to join them at the Stake Center.
For sisters who may not be able to watch or listen from their homes - or who prefer to view it away from the distractions of home, the Stake Center will be open and viewing of the women's general session will be available there, both in English and in Spanish. Our Stake Relief Society president, Cindy Erekson and I will both be there.
If you want to watch or listen from home you can access it via the BYU Channel or on lds.org or even in multiple digital options. This link provides a list of all the viewing options for General Conference: Viewing Times and Options. AND at the bottom of that page there are links to Additional Resources - such as ideas to prepare, activities for children, conference notebook for youth, ideas for studying.
We would love to connect with our sisters as part of the women's general session. If you would like to send pictures or comments from your gathering to listen that evening they will be welcomed and used as a follow up blog post. Post them to our Stake Relief Society Facebook group or send them to me at loriepierce.rs@gmail.com.
- Lorie Pierce (Stake RS Secretary)
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Change Reflects Ongoing Revelation
I realize that not everyone is connected through the social media resources of the Church and may have not seen the recent posts published by the Church in conjunction with these announcements. To help facilitate allowing our sisters to stay current, I am simply posting the links to these recent announcements. We will undoubtedly receive further information and instruction through our local leaders regarding how these changes are to be implemented.
Priesthood & Relief Society Curriculum
Visiting Teaching
General Conference Sessions
Missions
It is important to remember that while procedures will change as circumstances require, the doctrine of Christ remains constant. Seeing these changes is a witness in itself to the reality of modern revelation. I would encourage you to take the time to read about these changes, to see how they may directly affect you and your family and to see how you can prepare to allow these changes to bless your life.
- Lorie Pierce
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Fuel the Find - An Invitation to Indexing
Sisters technology has opened many doors and changed how we approach family history and temple work. We have the ability to log into FamilySearch and other websites and be greeted with Record Hints. The powerful search engines of these sites are always searching the online records for possible matches to your Tree. But where do those Record Hints come from? Original documents are digitized and then volunteers view those images and type into a database what is on the record. That process is called indexing.
Indexing is the first step in finding our ancestors online and we can assist in those efforts, providing service to all who seek to Find their family names and prepare them for Temple ordinances.
With the change in technology has come a change in Indexing. Now all you need to participate as an indexing volunteer is to sign into familysearch.org. You view the images online and type the data directly into the site for processing.
October 20-22 is the FamilySearch World Wide Indexing Event.
https://www.familysearch.org/indexingevent2017
We have created a Web Indexing Group for our Stake Relief Society to join together to collectively contribute to this effort during that event and beyond.
To join this group you need to:
Login to familysearch.org
Indexing is the first step in finding our ancestors online and we can assist in those efforts, providing service to all who seek to Find their family names and prepare them for Temple ordinances.
With the change in technology has come a change in Indexing. Now all you need to participate as an indexing volunteer is to sign into familysearch.org. You view the images online and type the data directly into the site for processing.
October 20-22 is the FamilySearch World Wide Indexing Event.
We have created a Web Indexing Group for our Stake Relief Society to join together to collectively contribute to this effort during that event and beyond.
To join this group you need to:
Login to familysearch.org
Click on Indexing
Click on Web Indexing
Scroll down that page until you see Groups
Click on the Find Groups link and then click Find Groups again in that drop down menu
In the Search box on the left of the Find Groups page type in Columbia Maryland Stake Relief Society and then click Search
You should then see the group listed on the right of the screen with a Request to Join button
(Our group picture is the same one of the Washington DC Temple used in the blog)
In the Search box on the left of the Find Groups page type in Columbia Maryland Stake Relief Society and then click Search
You should then see the group listed on the right of the screen with a Request to Join button
(Our group picture is the same one of the Washington DC Temple used in the blog)
I will be monitoring those requests and get everyone in ASAP.
If you are new to Web Indexing - it is recommended that you take the Guided Tour found on the Indexing Overview page. You can also find many helpful articles by clicking on Help Resources on the Indexing page. Simply type Web Indexing into the Search bar and you can scroll through the articles. If you have questions, feel free to ask me at loriepierce.rs@gmail.com.
This Indexing event is a great opportunity for us as sisters to serve together in an effort with lasting effects. We hope you will take time to login and get acquainted with Web Indexing before the event and then join us Oct 20-22!
-Lorie Pierce
Sunday, October 1, 2017
General Women's Session Recap
Last Saturday evening, we were blessed to join with over 230 sisters, young women and Primary girls at our General Women's Session social and broadcast event. The cultural hall was filled with happy sounds of mingling and enjoying a delicious meal together. We concluded our meal with a beautiful musical number provided by mothers and daughters from the Eldersburg Ward. It was a perfect way to set the tone as we departed for the Chapel.
We are very grateful for the sisters who prepared soups, salads, and cookies for us. These events are huge and the extra help from our sisters this time was very appreciated. There was so much variety and no one went hungry! As always we want to express our thanks to the brethren for their support in set up, serving and clean up.
We hope that all who attended felt the welcome of this great sisterhood and the love of the Lord. The conference speakers were inspired and we were enriched my their messages of hope, encouragement, guidance and love. If you didn't have the opportunity to view or listen to this session, you can use this link to access it on lds.org.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng&cid=HP_SA_23-9-2017_dGC_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-B_
We love you sisters! How grateful we are for the association with have with such amazing women, young women and Primary girls.
- Lorie Pierce
We are very grateful for the sisters who prepared soups, salads, and cookies for us. These events are huge and the extra help from our sisters this time was very appreciated. There was so much variety and no one went hungry! As always we want to express our thanks to the brethren for their support in set up, serving and clean up.
We hope that all who attended felt the welcome of this great sisterhood and the love of the Lord. The conference speakers were inspired and we were enriched my their messages of hope, encouragement, guidance and love. If you didn't have the opportunity to view or listen to this session, you can use this link to access it on lds.org.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng&cid=HP_SA_23-9-2017_dGC_fBCAST_xLIDyL1-B_
We love you sisters! How grateful we are for the association with have with such amazing women, young women and Primary girls.
- Lorie Pierce
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Save The Date - General Women's Session
We are looking forward to our next gathering as Columbia Maryland Stake Sisters. We hope many of you will be able to join us for a meal followed by the General Women's Session Broadcast.
We are looking for sisters to help us with the meal. Please use this SignUp Genius link if you would be able to help. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044ea8a722aaf49-general
If you have not used SignUp Genius before, you will need to create an account as part of the process.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Ice Cream Social & General Women's Session Recap
Last Saturday, we enjoyed an ice cream social followed by wonderful and uplifting messages in the General Women's Session. What a blessing it is to be Latter-day Saint women!
We were close to 200 in number - Relief Society sisters, Young Women and Primary girls. Thank you to all who joined us at the Stake Center and an extra thank you to the brethren who always come to assist and support us. Here are just a few pictures from the ice cream social.
We were close to 200 in number - Relief Society sisters, Young Women and Primary girls. Thank you to all who joined us at the Stake Center and an extra thank you to the brethren who always come to assist and support us. Here are just a few pictures from the ice cream social.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Coming Up - General Women's Session
Come join us for a delicious Ice Cream Social prior to viewing the General Women's Session of Conference. There will be tables of toppings in all sorts of flavors and varieties.
Your ward/branch RS presidencies have electronic copies of flyers that you can print and take to sisters you visit teach.
We are looking forward to mingling with our sisters from around the Stake.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Celebrating the Joys of Womanhood
Last night's Stake Women's Social and General Women's Session Broadcast were wonderful! Thank you to all who assisted in preparing the food tables! And a extra HUGE thank you to the brethren who assisted us with setup, serving and cleanup - truly without their help we would not be able to accomplish such a nice evening. Thank you also to all the wonderful Primary girls, young women and sisters who came to mingle with us and listen to the inspiring words of our leaders. How blessed we are to be able to participate in such an uplifting session of Conference!
Confession - I didn't actually hear much of the meeting last night. I was in the kitchen with the brethren and then went home early not feeling well. But I took the time today to listen to the meeting via lds.org As I listened to the words spoken by Sisters Bingham, Stephens and Oscarson and then President Uchtdorf, I heard messages that I personally needed to hear - promptings of things I need to improve in my life - hope for concerns I have - courage to try more diligently. My heart and soul were touched. My testimony and faith in the Gospel message were strengthened.
If you weren't able to listen or watch last night, I would encourage you to take advantage of the video and audio recordings available on lds.org. It will also be available to read in a few days.
General Women's Session Oct 2016
Our theme for the Stake Women's Social was "Celebrating the Joys of Womanhood". Each table reflected themes from the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society phases of our lives.
-Lorie Pierce
Confession - I didn't actually hear much of the meeting last night. I was in the kitchen with the brethren and then went home early not feeling well. But I took the time today to listen to the meeting via lds.org As I listened to the words spoken by Sisters Bingham, Stephens and Oscarson and then President Uchtdorf, I heard messages that I personally needed to hear - promptings of things I need to improve in my life - hope for concerns I have - courage to try more diligently. My heart and soul were touched. My testimony and faith in the Gospel message were strengthened.
If you weren't able to listen or watch last night, I would encourage you to take advantage of the video and audio recordings available on lds.org. It will also be available to read in a few days.
General Women's Session Oct 2016
Our theme for the Stake Women's Social was "Celebrating the Joys of Womanhood". Each table reflected themes from the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society phases of our lives.
-Lorie Pierce
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Come Gather With Us!
Twice a year, we as sisters in the Columbia Maryland Stake have a chance to gather together with the young women and Primary girls (8+years) for the General Women's Session of Conference. This session of Conference is always held on the Saturday one week prior to the General Sessions.
It is a great opportunity to hear messages from our General Auxiliary leaders as well as a member of the First Presidency. We also have the opportunity to socialize with our sisters prior to the broadcast. This year, with all the recent changes in so many of our wards/branches, that opportunity to socialize will be especially wonderful. It is a chance to see friends from all across the stake.
Hopefully the publicity postcards have made their way into your wards/branches over the past two Sundays. There were plenty distributed to allow for sisters to use them to invite less-active sisters or non-member friends to join with us that evening. We would also encourage you to look at the young women or Primary girls (8+years) in your ward/branch - are there any who don't have a mother to accompany them? Could you fill the void?
We are not serving a meal, but there will be lots of sweet and savory finger foods to enjoy. Our set up this time will facilitate mingling. We hope that sisters will take the opportunity to introduce themselves to those they don't know and begin new friendships as sisters of the Columbia Maryland Stake.
Should you have any questions please let us know at columbiastake.rs@gmail.com.
It is a great opportunity to hear messages from our General Auxiliary leaders as well as a member of the First Presidency. We also have the opportunity to socialize with our sisters prior to the broadcast. This year, with all the recent changes in so many of our wards/branches, that opportunity to socialize will be especially wonderful. It is a chance to see friends from all across the stake.
Hopefully the publicity postcards have made their way into your wards/branches over the past two Sundays. There were plenty distributed to allow for sisters to use them to invite less-active sisters or non-member friends to join with us that evening. We would also encourage you to look at the young women or Primary girls (8+years) in your ward/branch - are there any who don't have a mother to accompany them? Could you fill the void?
We are not serving a meal, but there will be lots of sweet and savory finger foods to enjoy. Our set up this time will facilitate mingling. We hope that sisters will take the opportunity to introduce themselves to those they don't know and begin new friendships as sisters of the Columbia Maryland Stake.
Should you have any questions please let us know at columbiastake.rs@gmail.com.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Save The Date! General Women's Session
This event is for all sisters, young women and Primary girls ages 8+. It will be a great opportunity to gather and mingle as friends across the stake. We hope to see many of you there. Visiting teachers - if you visit a less-active sister, please take one of the postcards to invite her to attend.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
General Womens Meeting - March 26, 2016
Last week we had the opportunity to gather as sisters of the Columbia Maryland Stake with sisters from all around the world for the General Womens Meeting broadcast from Salt Lake City. If you were unable to listen to or view this meeting, you can use this link to access the talks and video presentations from that night.
About 190 of our Stake sisters, young women and Primary girls joined us at the Stake Center for a meal before the broadcast. It was fun to see so many of the younger girls there with moms establishing traditions and making new friends. We are very grateful for the assistance and support provided by the brethren that day. Without their help, we would not have been able to manage such a large meal.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Save The Date - General Womens Meeting
We are looking forward to our next General Womens Meeting. This is for all Relief Society sisters, young women and Primary girls ages 8+. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather together to mingle over a light meal and then be taught and uplifted as we view the broadcast of the General Womens Meeting held in Salt Lake City.
Postcards should be available in your ward and branches. Please consider sharing one with sisters you visit teach who are less active or maybe need an extra bit of encouragement.
The General Womens Meeting is available to watch on the BYU channel or through lds.org and if you are unable to join us at the Stake Center, we hope you will still join us in watching the meeting via these other options.
Last fall, when we met together for a meal before the broadcast, we had over 200 sisters, young women and girls join us. It was a delight to see so many from around the stake coming together. It is an opportunity to strengthen friendships and begin new ones.
Details
General Womens Meeting
Saturday - March 26, 2016
6:45pm Light Meal - 8pm Broadcast
Women ages 8+
Sunday Dress
Held at the Stake Center - 4100 Saint Johns Lane, Ellicott City
Sunday, October 4, 2015
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.
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| 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.
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
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Save The Date! General Women's Meeting
What a great opportunity we have coming up to be taught and uplifted as women in the Church. Please join us at the Stake Center for a Pre-Broadcast Social including a Taco Salad Bar beginning at 6:45pm - followed by the Broadcast at 8pm. Publicity postcards are being distributed to the wards/branches this week. Please be sure to pass them onto less-active sisters you visit teach and feel free to invite non-member friends to join us as well. We are looking forward to being with our sisters and our future sisters on this evening.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Spring 2015 General Women's Meeting
Hello Sisters!
What a wonderful evening we had yesterday. Over 200 of our sisters, young and young at heart, gathered together at the Stake Center to mingle, eat delicious food and then watch the General Women's Meeting broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thank you to the brethren for their assistance behind the scenes. Also, a thank you to Brendalyn Hacking of the Hampstead Ward for sharing her harp and it's lovely music with us.
The sisters who spoke, each referenced this year being the 20th anniversary of President Gordon B. Hinckley reading for the first time The Family: A Proclamation to the World at the October 1995 General Relief Society Meeting. An uplifting video presentation was shown, entitled The Family is Ordained of God.
If you missed hearing the broadcast....It would be well worth your time to view it or read it. Links are provided below for that. Although the complete transcripts of the talks are not yet available on lds.org, there is a summary of the talks.
Summary of Talks
Watch the Broadcast
Thank you to all who came and shared their joyous spirits with us. There is value in coming together as women in the Church - it fortifies our faith and buoys up our courage. It was beautiful to see the bonds of sisterhood strengthened as our future Relief Society sisters (our Primary girls and Young Women) mingled with their mothers, their leaders and their friends. We look forward to this opportunity again in the Fall.
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What a wonderful evening we had yesterday. Over 200 of our sisters, young and young at heart, gathered together at the Stake Center to mingle, eat delicious food and then watch the General Women's Meeting broadcast from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thank you to the brethren for their assistance behind the scenes. Also, a thank you to Brendalyn Hacking of the Hampstead Ward for sharing her harp and it's lovely music with us.
The sisters who spoke, each referenced this year being the 20th anniversary of President Gordon B. Hinckley reading for the first time The Family: A Proclamation to the World at the October 1995 General Relief Society Meeting. An uplifting video presentation was shown, entitled The Family is Ordained of God.
If you missed hearing the broadcast....It would be well worth your time to view it or read it. Links are provided below for that. Although the complete transcripts of the talks are not yet available on lds.org, there is a summary of the talks.
Summary of Talks
Watch the Broadcast
Thank you to all who came and shared their joyous spirits with us. There is value in coming together as women in the Church - it fortifies our faith and buoys up our courage. It was beautiful to see the bonds of sisterhood strengthened as our future Relief Society sisters (our Primary girls and Young Women) mingled with their mothers, their leaders and their friends. We look forward to this opportunity again in the Fall.
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