Farewell to Kim Olivier and Welcome to Mendy Hunter

This past Sunday at Stake Conference Sister Kim Olivier was released as a counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency.  We are so sad to say goodbye to Kim, but we truly wish her and her family all the best as they relocate to Pennsylvania.  Sister Mendy Hunter of the Savage Mill Ward was sustained as the new second counselor in the presidency.  We are excited to have this opportunity to work with Mendy and get to know her better.

Mendy was born in raised in York County, PA, the 4th of 8 children. (She grew up in Shrewsbury--the same town her dad's family has lived in since the 1730s!) After graduating from high school, she went to BYU where she majored in English. Before graduating from college, she served a mission in Romania where she fell in love with the warm people and the breathtakingly beautiful Transylvania. After her mission, she graduated from the Y, backpacked through Europe with a friend, and then married Michael Hunter. While Michael finished his schooling, Mendy worked in the staffing industry until her first baby, Maia (19), was born. When Maia was only 3 months old, Mendy and Mike decided to move from Utah back to the east coast, where most members of their families lived. With Mike's family in Virgina and Mendy's in Pennsylvania, he suggested they move to the middle: Laurel, MD--and that's where they've been for the past 19 years! Here, they have added a son, Mason (18), and two more daughters, Marlee (14) and Mackenna (12), to their family. Mendy has remained a full-time homemaker and enjoys volunteering at her kids' schools, reading, doing crafts, and learning new DIY skills. She loves Relief Society and is especially excited to get to know more of the sisters in the stake through this new calling.

Mendy Hunter - Cindy Erekson - Lisa Larson

When We Are Prepared and Ready To Receive

I have been struggling to get over bronchitis the past couple weeks.  I was feeling better yesterday, but felt it was a wiser choice to continue resting rather than attend Stake Conference.  I did not attend the meetings yesterday.  This morning when I woke up I felt significantly better, but was still thinking it wiser to stay home.  However at 9am I was overwhelmed with a feeling of "go to Stake Conference!".  I quickly dressed and headed out the door.  As I sat and listened to the speakers this morning, I knew why the Lord wanted me there.  I received answers to private prayers through the messages shared.  How grateful I am for the preparation of the speakers.  How grateful I am that I didn't question the impression - that I didn't make my excuses and stay home to rest another day.  How grateful I am that I had been faithful this week in my personal reading of the Book of Mormon - even though I really just wanted to lie back down.  How grateful I am that I was indeed well enough to go and spiritually prepared enough to hear what I needed to hear.

For those of my sisters who for whatever reason were unable to be with us this morning at Stake Conference, here are some of the things that impressed my heart and mind.  It's obviously not a complete transcript...just the notes from my scribblings.  Hopefully I have the names of the youth speakers spelled correctly.

Kasey Baird - youth speaker from Columbia 1 Ward
The Savior is the perfect example of how to Minister.  She shared two simple ways for youth (and all of us) to follow Christ's example by ministering: 1.  Being a Friend  and 2. Attend mutual (our RS meetings) with a different mindset - Who Needs Me Today?  We can ask ourselves that question everyday.

Mason Hunter - youth speaker from Savage Mill Ward
Our heart should be in the right place - in the Savior's Way.  We need to choose to Minister for the right reasons.  Love should be our motivation.  Love should be our compass and Ministering our vessel.

Felicity Hancock - Savage Mill Ward
Everyone fights a hard battle.  She has seen direct blessings for their efforts to attend the Temple - peace in difficult times.  She quoted Elder Renlund's 2018 conference talk that spoke of blessings from temple and family history work.   "When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God’s children on earth are healed."  The best way to keep our youth on the Gospel path is to involve them in temple and family history work.  We matter to our Heavenly Father.  If you're seeking answers and peace - go to the temple.  It's easy for us to over complicate attending the temple, but what we really need is to realize that it is a possibility and work from there.

Sister Christiansen - Maryland Baltimore Mission
Knowing who we are and why we're here on this earth makes all the difference.  When we establish our vision through the Gospel lens, we can see things as they really are.  Faith must be active. Repentance daily. Continuous in keeping sacred covenants. Actively receiving the Holy Ghost.  Each of us much choose to act in faith, to remove distractions, to seek the Lord and to know for ourselves.

President Christiansen - Maryland Baltimore Mission
Our fellowship together is a great opportunity to lift one another.  Do we realize what we know and what we have?  Ministering should be a way of life - looking outward we can find opportunities all around us.  How will you bless?  Who will you bless?  Revelation assists us in knowing who and how to bless.  He also shared this thought from his counselor, President McConkie: Simplicity means focusing on that which is essential.  The ordinances of the Priesthood are essential for us to walk back into the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ.  We are those the Lord is relying on to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ.  There is an urgency in what we are doing.

President Peterson - Columbia Maryland Stake
In our families we first learn and practice worship of our Father in Heaven.  As we remember the blessings of God for our families we will be able to reverence and worship Him more.  We worship through prayer, through our Sabbath Day observance and through Temple attendance.  We need to set aside time to worship in the Temple.

President Towne - Columbia Maryland Stake
The most important things in life are not things.  Do we really understood how important the Gospel is?  The pearl of great price referred to by the Savior is the Restored Gospel.  He quoted President Nelson:  "What will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort."  The truth is what is important.  Knowing Christ is what is important.

President Mitchell - Columbia Maryland Stake
He began by sharing his testimony and told us - you can receive a witness for yourself.  Though the Spirit you can feel peace, assurance, calm, guidance and witness that this is His church and knowing that changes our perspective on life.  He also spoke on Ministering.  To be disciples of Christ we need to love one another.  How can we develop more Christlike love?  We need to be mindful of others needs.  Spiritual strengthening is as important as meeting physical needs.  He quoted President Nelson regarding the need for revelation in our lives: “Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly. -- I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation. -- Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ in the Book of Mormon, and regular time committed to temple and family history work.”  He reminded us that the Gathering of Israel is the most important thing going onto today - on both sides of the veil.  The Lord hasn't left us alone.  We should work together in love and unity.  We need to strengthen and help one another.

- Lorie Pierce

Stake Conference Notes

Sisters we enjoyed a wonderful Stake Conference this past weekend.  Here are my notes from the Sunday session.  I hope they will be helpful to you in recalling the things you heard and the impressions you had.

Brother Ramirez
He spoke of the blessings we receive from the temple.  Specifically he talked about his personal blessings from participating as a youth in baptisms for the dead.  He bore a strong and firm testimony of the power that comes from standing in holy places and the courage to stand up for what is right.

Sister Bartles
She spoke of what she has done to increase her testimony of the Savior and His Gospel.  She said that every time we talk to others about our beliefs and our values we are sharing testimony.  We strengthen our testimony in sharing because the Spirit bears witness of the truth.

Sister Valentin
She spoke of ways she has built her faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ.  She began by reminding us that faith is a principle of action and that developing faith in Jesus Christ requires practice and work.  She then shared three ways that she has been able to build her faith in Jesus Christ.

1.  By reading and studying the word of God in the scriptures - reading the teachings of the Savior and His promises to us.  The scriptures teach truth and open the door to revelation.

2.  Recognizing the importance of prophets - she read from 3 Nephi 5 about the changes the people experienced as they began to listen to the prophets and to remember the Lord.  She quoted from President Thomas S. Monson's most recent General Conference talk in April 2017 on the importance of reading the Book of Mormon.  She noted that his promise to us was specific: "I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."

3.  Patriarchal blessings provide personal instruction.  She provided a personal witness and tender story of feeling the comfort and love from her Heavenly Father and her Savior, Jesus Christ as she read the words of her patriarchal blessing at a time of distress and need.

Brother Johnson
He began by sharing his personal witness that our stake president, President Mitchell, was called of God. (For those who may be new to the Columbia Stake - this witness was especially tender because Brother Johnson was our stake president for those many years prior to President Mitchell being called.  How blessed we have been and continue to be through the humble service of these good men.)

Brother Johnson currently serves as a sealer in the Washington DC Temple and he spoke to us about the sealing power.  He made special note that the last two verses in the Old Testament (Malachi 4:5-6) are the only two verses of scripture repeated in each of the standard works of scriptures.

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

He pointed out that when Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith and quoted these verses, there was the additional phrase "if it were not so" in verse 6.  Brother Johnson bore witness that Elijah the prophet did come and restore the sealing power which enables us to receive the sealing ordinances that bind families together forever.  He ended with his witness, his instruction and his invitation - Elijah came and did his part, now we must do out part.  We must become sealed on both sides of the generations.  He encouraged us with urgency to have the temple ordinances part of our life and the lives of our families.

Sister Folger

She began with the parable of the ten virgins and pointed out that in the Joseph Smith translation of Matthew 25 it reads, "Very I say unto you, ye know me not." rather than "I know you not."

She asked the question, "How do we come to know the Lord?"  She answered with these points:

- treat others as He did

- spend time in His house (meaning temples)

- serve God's children by seeking our ancestors and doing temple ordinances for them

- thankfully keep our covenants

- listen to the witness of the Holy Ghost

She concluded with her testimony of the Savior and her witness that by receiving and honoring the ordinances of the temple, we come to know Him.

President Folger

He began by bearing testimony that our stake presidency has been called and is sustained and inspired by God.  He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to feel the Spirit in stake conference meetings.

He then focused his remarks on the Book of Mormon and the temple ordinances.  He compared them both to giving a man a fish and teaching the man how to fish at the same time.  The Book of Mormon "feeds us", but it also provides instruction which helps us learn to "feed" ourselves and others.  He said that Moroni provided us the perfect formula to seek truth in all things.  

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.  (Mormon 10:4-5)

He quoted from President Thomas S. Monson's most recent General Conference talk in April 2017:

"My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

He then explained that the temple endowment is a special gift of blessings from the Lord (the fish) and that the endowment also teaches us how and empowers us to become like Jesus Christ (teaches us how to fish).  He concluded with his testimony of the Savior.

President Peterson
He shared the story of the Martin and Willie handcart pioneers and their testimony that through their extreme circumstances and sacrifices, they became acquainted with the Lord.  He reminded us that sacrifice has always been part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Sacrifice is different individually and generationally.  For our generation the real sacrifice is of time - time serving to build Zion and time for the salvation of the living and the dead.

He mentioned several things that as we involve ourselves in doing them we sanctify ourselves and others.  Home and visiting Teaching, sharing the Gospel, serving in our communities, temple and family history work, Sabbath Day observance, scripture study and prayer.

He share the following quote from Sister Carol F. McConkie's talk at the recent General Women Session of General Conference in March 2017:
"Most often it is the sacrifices we make to keep our covenants that sanctify us and make us holy."

He concluded with his testimony of our Savior as the perfect example of sacrifice.

President Towne

He addressed his remarks to the Primary children.  He shared a story from his childhood of having the opportunity on a hot day in Arizona to stand outside the temple and shake the hand of the prophet.  He said, "It is always great to be at the temple."  He told the children that they are not too young to go to the temple.  They won't be able to go inside until they are 12 years old, but he told them they can feel peace even from outside.  He told them, "Every time I can go to the temple I feel good inside."

He encouraged the children in ways that they can participate in temple and family history work:
- help your parents know you'll be okay with a babysitter so they can go to the temple
- help your parents prepare names for the temple
- learn to index - you can maybe read the names better than the old eyes of your parents
- you can have your own FamilySearch account when you are 8 years old 

He said there were 265 days before the closing of the Washington DC Temple (counting from 11 June 2017).  He explained that it will be closed for a long time as needed work is done, but that when it reopens there will be events that they as children can be involved with.  He encouraged the children to be ready to invite their friends to the temple open house in 2020.

He told the children, "There are so many good things about the temple, but the most important thing is that it is the house of the Lord."

He bore testimony of the sealing ordinance and encouraged the children to help the Savior in the work of salvation by sharing the gospel with their friends and by helping with temple and family history work.

President Mitchell
He began by expressing gratitude to the parents for bringing their children to stake conference - for providing that pattern of faith.  He also expressed gratitude to the Lord for the many blessings of the Gospel.

He reminded the youth of his invitation to read a chapter from the Book of Mormon each day this summer.  He encouraged us all to read and study the Book of Mormon daily and he quoted from President Thomas S. Monson's most recent Conference talk in April 2017:
"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."

He told us that temple work - the building of and the work performed inside - is the work of our generation.  We need to find our ancestors and take their names to the temple.  Our salvation is dependent on theirs.

He quoted from President Russell M. Nelson:“I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice—and preferably a sacrifice of time—you can make to do more family history and temple work this year."  He encouraged us to do so while the Washington DC temple is still open.

He shared from Doctrine and Covenants 98:16 "seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children" and encouraged us to seek diligently for our ancestors.  He also shared from Doctrine and Covenants 127, "And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."  He said he felt this counsel and promise applied to us as well.

He then shifted focus and spoke about justice and mercy as principles in the plan of salvation.  Adam and Eve received commandments - chose to partake of the fruit and then faced consequences for their choice.  There are two types of death - physical (a separation of body and spirit) and spiritual (a separation from God).  The probationary time of this life is all part of the plan of happiness.  The consequences of  Adam and Eve's choice (known as the Fall) were perfectly just.  The atonement overcame the consequences of the Fall and provides mercy.  The atonement provides the way for all of us to return to our Father in Heaven - whether we can stay there is the question.

He shared a story told by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in General Conference April 2015 about two brothers climbing without any safety precautions.  

President Mitchell continued -
We make foolish decisions.  We will always fall short. We should strive to make good choices.  If we break just one commandment, we suffer consequences, but all it not lost because we have a Savior!   Let us always look to Him.  The joy of mercy is that it overcomes justice.  The choice is ours to accept the atonement - to believe in Him.

He spoke about what unconditional love truly is and shared this from Elder D. Todd Christofferson's General Conference October 2016 talk:
"There are many ways to describe and speak of divine love. One of the terms we hear often today is that God’s love is 'unconditional.' While in one sense that is true, the descriptor unconditional appears nowhere in scripture. Rather, His love is described in scripture as 'great and wonderful love,' 'perfect love,' 'redeeming love,' and 'everlasting love.' These are better terms because the word unconditional can convey mistaken impressions about divine love, such as, God tolerates and excuses anything we do because His love is unconditional, or God makes no demands upon us because His love is unconditional, or all are saved in the heavenly kingdom of God because His love is unconditional. God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever, but what it means for each of us depends on how we respond to His love."

He testified that Jesus Christ is our Savior - that He is mighty to save - not because of our own goodness but because of His greatness.  We must utilize the atonement in our lives!  This is the good news of the Gospel - that Jesus Christ has suffered for and redeemed us.

Stake Conference - A Wonderful Sabbath!

This morning we had the opportunity to gather and hear uplifting words of counsel from our Stake Presidency and from Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Elder Anthony D. Perkins and Elder Dallin H. Oaks.  What a blessing the technology we have provides, that allows us to meet for such conferences!

As with previous conferences, I am sharing my notes.  I was scribbling as fast as I could and I kept thinking "President Mitchell talk slower!"  I know I missed many things, but hope that my notes will help each of you recall the things you heard and the messages that spoke to your heart and mind.  I asked Helen Stanger and Mendy Hunter to also take notes from the talks given by President Towne and President Peterson at the Clarksville and Eldersburg buildings.  I appreciate their help!

-Lorie Pierce


President James Mitchell
President Mitchell began with reminding us that our Heavenly Father wants us to be happy.  He provided a plan and sent Jesus Christ to atone for us and teach us His Gospel.  Heavenly Father loves all His children and through Jesus Christ provided a way for even His deceased children to enjoy the blessings of the Gospel.

He quoted from President Henry B. Eyring's most recent General Conference talk, from Malachi 4 and from D&C 128 - in which the Prophet Joseph Smith speaks of  "a voice of gladness for the living and the dead".

In referencing D&C 128 again, he said that many of our ancestors may have waited a long time to have someone from their descendants accept the gospel and be baptized, receive the temple covenants and then find them to take their name to the temple.  He asked:  Will you help set them free?  Will you find their names and go to the temple to provide their ordinances?  Will you come to the assistance of your dear ones?  He reminded us that the salvation of our ancestors is necessary to our salvation.

He expressed a hope that each of us will feel the urgency of doing the family history and temple work for our ancestors.  That especially with the upcoming closing of the Washington DC temple for approximately two years, that we would feel the urgency of this work of salvation - this work to help our ancestors.  He encouraged those who are not ready to enter the temple, to still participate in the work through finding their ancestors.

President Mitchell quoted from the Roots Tech presentation given by Elder Russell M. Nelson:
“I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice—and preferably a sacrifice of time—you can make to do more family history and temple work this year,”

He also quoted from Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Dale G. Renlund.

As President Mitchell concluded with his testimony, I wrote one sentence down - The Lord will help us because it is His work.

President Steve Towne (notes provided by Mendy Hunter)

President Towne observed that the world requires a lot of our time and attention, and we need to focus on the most important things first. The temple expands our vision of what is important. He spoke of his dear mother, who had a powerful testimony of the Priesthood and its power. She had a brain hemorrhage in 1947 when he father gave her a priesthood blessing, including the promise that she would be healed. After the required surgery went so smoothly, the surgeon told her father, "I know you prayed for a miracle, and today, God said, 'yes.'" President Towne's mother taught him to have faith in the Savior, as manifested through priesthood ordinances. 

Today, President Towne's mother is in the Spirit World, teaching others the important truths she taught him as a child. Those who embrace the Gospel there, cannot move forward without help from us. We can participate in helping the work for these people get accomplished by doing three things:

1. Find the basic data required to find our ancestors who need ordinances

2. Take those names to the temple and perform the ordinances

3. Teach others how to do what we've done

Many modern prophets have promised countless beautiful blessings to us when we participate in this work and fulfill this heavenly obligation. 

Today is a day of sacrifice. The challenge has been issued for each of us to evaluate what sacrifice we can make to contribute to this great work. President Towne urges us to make a sacrifice so we can claim all promised blessings associated with temple and family history work.

President Towne ended with a testimony of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and His love for each of us.

President Steve Peterson (notes provided by Helen Stanger)

President Peterson opened his comments by relating the story of two young children, as depicted in the church-produced 1980’s film “No Greater Love”.  Little Charlie is hit by a car and is rushed to the hospital.  He is in critical need of a blood transfusion, but the hospital has no match on hand for his rare blood type.  However, it is discovered that his younger sister, Jennie, is a match for his blood type.  Although hesitant, the doctors ask little Jennie if she is willing to share some of her blood with her brother.  She is scared, but agrees.  After a successful blood transfusion and Charlie is stabilized, a worried Jennie asks the doctors, “When will I die?”  She mistakenly believed that giving her blood away would mean she would die, but she was willing to sacrifice her life to save her brother.

Many of us are willing to make sacrifices to save our family members.  This is the same love that motivates us to do family history work.

Our family members that have passed on are in need of saving.  In D&C 138, we learn that those who have died without receiving Priesthood ordinances are in bondage.  But in D&C 128, we are told the good news—a message of gladness and mercy and great joy—that those ordinances are made available to all!

In the old testament, we read about the prophet Elijah. He performed many amazing miracles, was given the sealing power, and then was translated and taken into heaven.  It was promised that Elijah would return someday and would turn the hearts of the children to their fathers and the hearts of the fathers to their children.  Modern-day Jews still look for the coming of Elijah.  In fact, during the Passover celebration, they leave an empty chair at the table and they open the door to symbolize that they are waiting to welcome him.  It is not coincidence that it was around Passover time that Elijah actually DID return and appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland temple and restored the Priesthood ordinances that seal families together!

We are so blessed to live close to a temple.  We are reminded to take advantage of the proximity of the temple before it closes next March, and to do family history so we can take our own family names to the temple.

  

We are asked to consider what we need to do to receive the blessings of the temple and to be able to share those blessings with our families.  President Peterson then closed with a quote from Sister Carol F. McConkie that was shared at general conference in April: “Most often it is the sacrifices we make to keep our covenants that sanctify us and make us holy."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

We are diverse in background, but one in our love of Jesus Christ.  The kindness of inclusion inspires confidence.  This is a Gospel of love and a Church of participation.  Our faith is strengthened as we reach out in love to others.

We receive important blessings through Priesthood ordinances.  Priesthood authority binds and blesses families on earth and beyond the veil.  The covenant blessings are intended for all the living and the dead on both sides of the veil.

When we live in faith in His time and His way the Lord fulfills His promises.

In 1974 the Washington DC temple was the only temple available to the entire Northeast Area of the Church.  We now have multiple temples in that same geographic area.  We are each closer geographically to a temple, hopefully we are closer spiritually as well.

We have much to be grateful for.  Our greatest blessings are not easily countable.


Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

Light dispels darkness.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the world.  There will come a time when we as individuals and families must experience and maintain light for ourselves.  We need our own light.

She shared the story of the little children from the time of King Benjamin who did not understand the words that were spoken and in their adult years did not believe.  She told us that we need to share our light and kindle the light within our children.

Engaging in the work of salvation feeds the flame of light.  Sharing the Gospel message with non-members, strengthening less actives, temple & family history work, teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ - this is the work of salvation.  Engage our children in the work of salvation.

Believe that God can bless you.


Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Repentance brings personal change, personal growth, hope and joy.

He shared 8 examples from the Book of Mormon of someone who repented, who exercised faith in Christ and changed to experience joy and hope.

Lehi & Sariah - overcome murmuring
Nephi - faces temptations
Enos - guilt and a desire for forgiveness
Alma the Elder - was not cast off forever because of his sins
Alma the Younger - do our actions build up or detract from the faith of those around us
Amulek - apathy to spiritual things
Zeezrom - lifted up above others - pride
Zoramite (the poor ones) - humble in their poverty

The Book of Mormon teachings are directly applicable to our modern life.  Repentance is always followed by joy.


Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Faith in the Lord means trusting in God's will and way of doing things and His timetable.

The strength of the Church comes from the faith and strength of it's members.

Faith prepares us for whatever life brings - good and hard.

We must choose between Jesus' way and the world's way.  The priority for things of eternity gives a consistency to life regardless of what happens or doesn't happen to us.

Missionaries rely on finding efforts of ward members.  Please be fully involved in that vital effort.  Pray to find person prepared to hear the Gospel message.  Prayers of that kind need to be accompanied by commitment - real intent.  Success is the invitation not the response.

We have a duty to reach out to the less actives, those who are struggling with their faith and activity.

The ancient values and Gospel plan are still in force to help us.  Right is still right.  Wrong is still wrong.

Cell phones should be your slaves not your masters.

We can each know the truth for ourselves by the witness of the Holy Ghost.

He quoted twice from President Monson's most recent General Conference talk - encouraging us to follow the Savior's example in helping our fellow travelers in this life and in reading the Book of Mormon daily.

There is a difference between being active in the Gospel and active in the Church.  How we approach the Sacrament each week is an indicator of where we are.  Active in Church involves attending meetings.  Active in the Gospel includes building our knowledge and testimony, repenting, serving, and striving to be better.

When we understand our relationship to God, we better understand our relationship to others.  Our Heavenly Father Loves All His Children.

Stake Conference Snip-Its

Sisters what a wonderful Stake Conference we had last weekend.  We were blessed to be taught by Elder Sinclair and our Stake Presidency, as well as the other speakers.  The music was uplifting and I am grateful for everyone's efforts on behalf of the Conference.  Here are some brief notes I made during the Sunday session - perhaps they will help you recall things you heard and impressions you had.

-Lorie Pierce

President Steve Towne - President James Mitchell - Elder Paul Sinclair - President Steve Peterson

President Peterson

Spoke on the Gift of the Holy Ghost - Set aside distractions and open our hearts & minds that the Holy Ghost may bear witness to our hearts.

Sister Kuhn

Spoke on Family History and Temple Work - quoted Elder Quentin L. Cook: "The Lord in initial revelatory instructions referred to “baptism for your dead.” Our doctrinal obligation is to our own ancestors. This is because the celestial organization of heaven is based on families.....We need to be connected to both our roots and branches."

Brother Dean

Spoke on Sharing the Gospel - faith needs to replace fear; use technology; live your religion

Sister Colton

Spoke on the Importance of Temples - We build temples because resurrection is real and life is eternal.  In the temple we are reminded of life's journey and life's purpose and it's connection to eternity.  As we put away the busyness of life in favor of peaceful meditation in the temple, we find a richer and more meaningful connection to Jesus Christ.

President Colton

Spoke on the Importance of Temples - We need to recognize the powerful connection between our families here and our families deceased.  When we participate in temple ordinances we are endowed with power from on high.  We need to help our families see themselves in the temple.

President Towne

Spoke directly to the Primary children - Life is not about getting more or getting ahead.  The object of life is to follow Jesus Christ and return to live with our Father in Heaven. None of life's problems will stop us from obtaining God's blessings - peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come.

President Mitchell

Spoke on the Importance of reading the Book of Mormon - quoted:

“Those who read the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.” (First Presidency letter, July 25, 2005)  To increase our delight in reading - call upon God for help, earnestly praying, turn away from things of the world, start & be consistent, set a pattern.  Are we truly grateful for what we have in the Book of Mormon? Do we value it for it's real worth?  He echoed Elder Stevenson's invitation: "Will you replace some of that daily screen time—particularly that devoted to social media, the internet, gaming, or television—with reading the Book of Mormon?" He ended with his testimony and Omni 1:26 "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."

Elder Sinclair

Invited us to consider what the Lord has inspired us in this Conference to do differently.  Shared Alma 5 which discusses a "mighty change of heart" and said that faith is evidenced by our changes in how we think and what we do.  Shared from D&C 107:22 "upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church" and invited us to sustain our local leaders through our personal righteousness.  The purpose of praying is not just in what we ask for but in the receiving - invited us to listen when we pray.  In order to do the things the Lord has inspired us - we need to repent and change.  Repentance is not a bad thing - helps us recognize areas for growth - we all have to change who we are to become who the Lord needs us to be.  Reminded us to seek after joy in our lives.  We can get so engrossed in the growth that we forget to have joy.  2 Nephi 2:25 "might have joy" - might implies a choice.  Smile as you go through the process of changing who you are.

Highlights of Stake Conference

Last week we were uplifted and taught by all the speakers and music at both the Adult Session and the General Session of Stake Conference, as well as the special temple meeting on Friday night.  I apologize that I am not sharing my notes from all the talks.  I felt impressed to focus this post on the instruction and testimony given by our Stake Presidency.  I hope it will be a helpful reminder to us of what we heard and felt in those meetings.  I know my family and I were grateful for their words and especially for their testimonies and for all those who participated in the Conference meetings.

-Lorie Pierce


President Mitchell

In the Saturday evening session, President Mitchell referenced a General Conference talk given by Elder Carlos E. Asay in 1981.  You can read that talk here:  Opposition to the Work of God

On Sunday morning, President Mitchell bore testimony of Jesus as the Christ and our Redeemer.  He taught us that the Lord's atonement provides us grace to grow into the exalted beings our Father in Heaven desires us to become and to draw nearer to our Savior in life's experiences.

He encouraged all of us ages 12 and older to be worthy of and hold a temple recommend - to take part in this work by attending the temple and seeking out our ancestors.

He spoke of Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life, which represents Jesus Christ and the fruit, His atonement.  He taught us that we must personally partake of the fruit - or the atonement - that we can't eat for someone else.  He talked of the iron rod - that it represents the word of God and leads us to Christ.  In the darkness and distractions of life, the only way to make it safely is to hold onto the iron rod.

He said that there are 3 ways to hold onto the iron rod:

1. Read and study the scriptures
Never before in the history of the world have we had such access to the scriptures.  We can individually study and learn.  The world has never before needed such access to the word of God.  We can use our smart phones for a smart reason - Gospel Library app.  The scriptures lead us to Christ.  Nephi promises, "whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." (1 Nephi 15:24)

2. Follow the living prophet and apostles
We have access to a living prophet and twelve apostles.  They receive the word of God and make it known to us.  We should seek out their teachings and be quick to obey.  We need to live by every word which proceeded forth from their teachings.  We have General Conference, the Engisn magazine, the lds mobile apps and lds.org to help us know what they are saying to us.

3.  Seek for and listen to the Holy Ghost.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost entitles us to His constant companionship as we live worthy.  By studying the words of God and seeking the Spirit - you will receive guidance.

He concluded with his testimony of Christ and exhorted us to study the Book of Mormon and promised that as we continue to study it, we will feel the Spirit and power that is there.  He reminded us that our safety in these last days comes from following the prophets.

President Towne

In the Saturday evening session, President Towne referenced the newly compiled version of the First Vision.  He commented that we are fortunate to have records that afford us the opportunity to see Joseph Smith's perspective as he related his experience to various people.  These various records have been compiled into a joint document that we can read via lds.org.  https://history.lds.org/article/joseph-smiths-accounts-of-the-first-vision?lang=eng

On Sunday morning, President Towne spoke directly to the Primary children.  His message to them was about the Savior - His sacrifice and resurrection.  He explained that we can remember our Savior by making the Sabbath Day a special day.  He told them of a new Primary song called "His Day" and encouraged them to go to our Stake Public Affairs Facebook page to hear that song.

He also told the children that the scriptures testify of Christ.  He told the story of Thomas from the New Testament, who wouldn't believe the Lord had been resurrected until he saw for himself.  He encouraged us to read the scriptures and pray to know that those witnesses of the Savior are true.

He said that the knowledge of Christ is so important - we need to share it with other people.  God is our Father and that means that everyone we meet is our brother or our sister.

He concluded with his testimony of the Savior and encouraged us to share our testimonies of the Savior with others.

President Peterson

In the Saturday evening session, President Peterson introduced "Teaching in the Savior's Way" which is designed to help all of us as teachers or future teachers learn from the Lord's pattern and from one another through Teacher Council Meetings.  The new booklet "Teaching in the Savior's Way" is available online and printed copies will be coming to ward/branches soon.  He also bore testimony of the importance of discussing the Gospel and the Scriptures through Sunday School and encouraged us all to make attending our Sunday School classes a priority where callings in Primary don't conflict.

On Sunday morning, President Peterson bore a tender testimony of the Savior.  He testified that the Savior will come again and that is our Faith.  He told us that is was faith that brought us to Conference to have the opportunity to associate as Saints and to hear testimony and be taught.

He spoke of the power of testimony - to be able to say "I know".  He talked about how we reach that point through a process of coming to believe and coming to feel as we learn of and testify of Christ.  He reminded us that as Alma taught using a seed to compare to faith and testimony - our testimony grows through our experiences and we receive knowledge.

He taught us that faith in Christ helps us understand that trials and challenges are opportunities to exercise faith, patience and understanding as we work through those trials and challenges.

He concluded with his testimony - with his "I Know" - of the Savior as our Redeemer.

Save the Dates - Stake Conference

Stake Conference is an opportunity to be uplifted and receive inspiration.  Our Stake Conference is in a couple weeks.

Below is the meeting schedule:

Friday, June 10th, 7pm -  Meeting in the Priesthood Room of the temple for all endowed members. Please dress in white.

Saturday, June 11, 7pm - Adult Session at the Stake Center

Sunday, June 12, 10am - General Session at the Stake Center with satellite broadcasts at Clarksville and Eldersburg.

We are encouraged to be seated early for each meeting, allowing us to listen to the prelude music.

In addition to the scheduled meetings, our Stake Presidency has encouraged everyone to spend time in the temple the week prior to help us prepare.

Highlights from Stake Conference

We were greatly taught last weekend at our Stake Conference.  We were privileged to have Elder William Titera of the Quorum of the Seventy there with us.  I hope each of our sisters felt the Spirit in those meetings touching their hearts and minds.  I wrote as fast as I could and yet I know that my notes will not really do justice to the remarks and instructions given.  I'm sure if we each compared our notes and recollections, we would find a lot of variation.  Hopefully the glimpses I share will bring to mind things that each of us heard and help us in our application of the impressions we may have had.    -Lorie Pierce

Saturday Evening Session - 9 June 2016

Bishop Steven Johnson - Columbia 2nd Ward
He talked about the people of Ammon in the Book of Mormon and their great example of true conversion.  They demonstrated Belief, Conversion and Steadfastness.  We have need for the same conversion.

He talked about taking the young men in his ward camping and how some of them had difficulty getting a fire going and keeping it going.  He compared their experiences to our experiences with becoming truly converted.  He spoke of the sparks of our testimony in feeling the Spirit and gaining knowledge and asked us to consider what we have done with those sparks.  Without feeding and tending to a fire, it will go out.  Only true conversion will last.  He mentioned cold nights exposed to the elements while camping when the young men were unsuccessful in building lasting fires.  He asked another question - have our hearts turned cold by exposure to the world?  He encouraged us to strive to seek the warmth and light of true conversion.  He suggested we take time to evaluate our efforts to be truly converted and ended with "may we each seek to fan the flames of our conversion."

Sister Nikki Jones - Columbia 2nd Ward
She spoke on the topic - "how observing the Sabbath Day strengthens our home and family".  She said that the goal is to elevate Sabbath Day worship and that is done on a personal level and cultivated in our homes.  She encouraged us to have family councils to discuss how to elevate our observance of the Sabbath Day.  And she encouraged us to take changes little steps by little steps.  She said their family has begun to look at their choices on how they use their Sabbath Day time in light of good, better and best choices.

She bore testimony that as their family has tried to elevate their Sabbath Day observance their relationships have been strengthened.  She quoted 2 Nephi 25:26 and said that as they strive to keep the Sabbath Day holy their lives are becoming more Christ centered.  She encouraged us to pray for personal guidance and to counsel together about the things we can do.

President Steven Peterson - Counselor in Stake Presidency
He spoke of the need for spiritual protection for our children and our families.  He taught that the key to protecting our children is teaching and modeling the Gospel in our homes.  He talked about the blessings that come as we do the basics - Family Home Evening, family prayer, family scripture study, etc.

He encouraged wives and husbands to work together to strengthen their marriages.  He referred to Sister Elaine Dalton's conference talk entitled, "Love Her Mother" in which she taughter that the most important thing a father can do for his children is to show them he loves their mother.  He also mentioned a quote from Elder Hale - "none of us marry perfection; we marry potential".  He then encouraged us to be willing to be humble and ask for forgiveness.

Finally he reiterated our need to build a strengthening barrier by modeling the Gospel in our homes through keeping our covenants, keeping the Sabbath Day holy, holding family home evening, family prayer, family scriptures and by following the prophet.

President James Mitchell - Stake President
He began by telling us that Elder Titera had asked him to speak to us about "what keeps him awake at night".  He then talked about Alma 30 and the story of Korihor.  He identified these things that Korihor taught to draw the people away from the truth:
- Falsehood of there is no God - there is no Christ
- There is no sin - therefore there is no need for an Atonement
- Leaders were misleading the people and glutting themselves on the labors of the people
- Leaders were teaching foolish traditions.  Korihor said the people were losing their freedom by following those traditions.
Korihor was successful and had the people doubting their spiritual witnesses

President Mitchell noted that we are confronted with these same teachings today.  He commented that the people who followed Korihor seemed to take pride in their wickedness.  But the Anti-Nephi-Lehis were wise and didn't listen to Korihor and in fact sent him out of their land.

He then talked about those things that keep him awake:

1.  The things of this world - the false things of this world are getting in the way of our spiritual progress.

He spoke of Alma's discourse on experimenting on the word.  He reminded us that a testimony is not measurable by the world, but is real in the lives of the those who have experienced it.

2.  The importance of sustaining our leaders.

He taught us that to sustain our leaders is to act on their counsel.  He said we sustain our leaders with our hearts and our actions.  And reminded us about the current counsel regarding our Sabbath Day observance.

3.  The proper use of our time.

He said that we have a limited amount of time in life and that there are better things that can be done with it.  He expressed concerned for those who may have time to see a movie, but not to attend the temple.  Or families who have time to watch TV, but not for reading scriptures together.  He cited other examples and then encouraged us to choose wisely how we spend our time and teach our children to do the same.

4.  The need to protect our children.

He said our youth are encumbered by evil things, such as pornography.  He told us as parents to be wise in helping them to learn how to deal with the evils they face.  He also mentioned the Church's newest video designed to teach younger children about pornography and encouraged parents to view it.

President Mitchell ended his remarks by focusing on a talk given by Elder Jeffery R. Holland at a CES training in which he encouraged those teachers to "be not afraid, only believe".
Quoting Elder Holland,  “We know for certain that if or when everything else in the latter days is down or dying: if governments, economies, industries, and institutions crumble; if societies and cultures become a quagmire of chaos and insecurity, nevertheless through it all the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that bears that gospel to the world will stand triumphant, and we will stand undefiled in God’s hand until the very Son of God Himself comes to rule and reign as Lord of lords and King of kings,” he said. “Nothing is more certain in this world. Nothing is more sure. Nothing could be more of an antidote to anxiety.”

President Mitchell reminded us that the Lord is anxious to help us and concluded by sharing his testimony.

Elder William Titera - Quorum of the Seventy

One of the very first things Elder Titera said was "when one who hold the keys speaks - we would do well to listen.  President Mitchell holds the keys".  He encouraged us to pay attention to what President Mitchell says and told us that we had been well taught by our Stake President.

He continued by also encouraging us to pay attention to what the prophest and apostles say.  He reminded us that there is safety in following the prophets and related the tragic story of Haun's Mill, which could have been avoided had they heeded the counsel of the prophet.  He taught us that following the First Presidency is a vital doctrine.

Elder Titera then addressed the concerns expressed by President Mitchell.

He spoke of the fact that we have a great deal of time on our hands compared to generations who came before.  He asked these questions and made these points:
- what do we do with that time?
- are we becoming distracted?
- distractions can take over
- technology is great, but it should be a tool - our servant; not the the other way around
- are we enslaved by social media?

He told us that the only true filter for the evils that can come through the internet/devices is our internal filter.  He told us that we need to help our children set their internal filter when they are young.

He then led a discussion about the current focus on our Sabbath Day observance.  He taught that observing the Sabbath Day will lead to a full conversion.  And he said that so much depends on what we bring to Sacrament Meeting - that our preparation for that ordinance and meeting affect what we get out of it.  He encouraged us to allow time to prepare for Sacrament Meeting.

He then shared a number a clips from recent training videos regarding the Sabbath Day.  He noted that there is power in councils - that it invites revelation.  He taught that Family Home Evening provides a protection for us and our families.

He concluded by reminding us that there is a powerful, protective influence that comes in Sabbath Day observance and then bore his testimony.

Sunday Morning Session - 10 June 2016

President James Mitchell - Stake President

He focused his remarks on the Atonement as the focal point of the plan of salvation.

The Atonement:

- overcame the effect of the Fall of Adam & Eve

- overcame the effects of our own sins

- enables & empowers & strengthens

1.  overcame the effect of the Fall of Adam & Eve

Without Jesus Christ - Adam & Eve and all of us would have been lost.  "For as in Adam all die even so in Christ all are made alive"

2.  overcame the effects of our own sins

Man's nature became fallen - natural man

All of us fall short, but Jesus Christ paid the price so we can be forgiven.  This is the good news - the great news of the Gospel.  We can be cleansed.  The Lord's arms of mercy are extended to all.  We need to continually repent, weekly partake of the Sacrament and share the good news.

3.   enables & empowers & strengthens

Our Savior can provide us the strength we need.  Because he experienced it all He can succor us.  Through the Atonement we can receive an endowment of strength.  If we allow Him, God will change us to truly be born again.  Through the Atonement we are not just cleansed, but changed.

President Mitchell referred to President Uchtdorf's talk "The Gift of Grace" from April 2015 General Conference.

He said that many people in the church seem to fall into two categories.

- The first being those who fall short and so give up

He reminded us that it is the Savior's grace that allows and enables us to overcome sin.

He quoted 2 Nephi 25:23, "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  He taught us that "all we can do" is believe in Christ, repent and exercise faith.

- The second being those who feel they are good enough

He reminded us that salvation is not bought through obedience, but through the grace of God.  We obey the commandments out of love for Him.  That obedience refines and prepares us to return to His presence.  We live the Gospel more fully to become like Him.  As we do, our spirits become more attuned to spiritual things.

President Mitchell bore testimony of the love our Savior has for each of us and that whatever our trials may be He will strengthen us.

------------------------------

There were two youth speakers.  I apologize that I didn't get their names and wards written down quickly enough.

------------------------------

Cindy - Youth Speaker

She spoke on having faith in Jesus Christ.  She said that when we have faith in Jesus Christ, we trust Him.  She also said that as we obey God, He helps us face our challenges.

Sylvan - Youth Speaker

He spoke of how he had desired to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon and that he had realized that the Lord had been telling him it was true every time he had been reading it.  He bore testimony of Joseph Smith and of Jesus Christ.  He said that building his testimony from the Book of Mormon was his preparation to serve a mission.

Sister Odhalea Robinson - Ellicott City Ward

She is a convert of 9 years.  She said that the Gospel has given her more direction and purpose.  She bore testimony of the principles of the Gospel and that the only lasting way to peace is by making the Savior the center of our lives.  She said that "the more I obey, the more options open up to me."

Sister Christiansen - Baltimore Maryland Mission

She spoke of superpowers and said that our great Super Power is the power found in the word of God.  She referenced the account from 4 Nephi of  "the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles among them".  

President Christiansen - Baltimore Maryland Mission

He told us that the things President Mitchell had taught us would help us become better disciples of Christ.  He said that the hastening of the work is a reality; that Jesus Christ is preparing the world for His second coming; that we are part of something greater than us.  He said that truly we are seeing miracles daily.  He reminded us that we do succeed when we invite because it invites the Spirit and it is the Spirit that converts.

Sister Swift - Washington DC Temple

She reminded us that God sees us as we are - that she said this is the greatest message of the Temple - that we are His children and He loves us.  She told us that every obedient, righteous individual is entitled to personal revelation.  She said that as we face challenges, we need to be exact in our obedience as we keep our covenants - then God will reveal Himself to us.

President Swift - Washington DC Temple

He told us, "We need you in the Temple".  He said that as we bring our holiness to the Temple, we add to the holiness there.  He quoted President Monson, "Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings."  He encouraged us to read Sister Neill Marriott's talk "Sharing Your Light" in which she says, "I believe that wherever a temple is built on the earth, it pushes back the darkness."

Elder William Titera - Quorum of the Seventy

Elder Titera did an interesting thing - he went through the remarks of each of the previous speakers and added his own insights to what they had taught.  I apologize that my notes are a bit disorganized, but hopefully they will spark a remembrance.

"When we live in a such a way that the considerations of Eternity press upon us we will make better decisions." - Spencer W. Kimball

Will we get distracted or stay focused on the path?

True conversion starts with a testimony - with knowing - and goes on to doing.

Becoming - "be ye therefore perfect" - happens through the Atonement of Christ.  Become what He would have us become.

In times when there have not been temple on the earth, the Lord has called his prophets up to a mountain to speak with them.  Why a mountain?  We sometimes need to make changes to our lives like climbing a spiritual mountain to enable us to be worthy of the temple blessings.  The perspective from a mountain is different.  We see things we couldn't before.  Nephi did go "oft" to the mountain.  This should be a pattern for our lives.

Spiritual gifts are spiritual powers.  Given for the benefit of man.  He encouraged us to ponder the gifts of the Spirit we have.

Sometimes we forget why we're here....to be proven.  When we forget we easily lose focus.

Elder Titera then used the analogy of running a marathon and the term used on the race results of "D.N.F." which stands for "did not finish".  He talked about reasons runners (or we) do not finish.

- A race takes a lot of effort.  If we are not careful we run out of energy.  Part of our challenge is we run out of steam.  

- We need to pace ourselves so we are not overwhelmed by life's challenges.

- We need regular nourishment: daily prayer, daily scripture study, FHE, association with the Saints at Church, weekly Sacrament, regular temple attendance, feastng on the words of Christ.

- Not totally prepared or taking short cuts.  The preparation we give the younger generation is important - again FHE, prayer, scriptures, Sabbath Day observance.

- Injuries - sometimes we break a commandment and we need spiritual medics (Bishops, Stake President) to help in our healing and getting back on course

- We get lost or get distracted.  We forget the considerations of eternity.  We need to return to the basics: prayer, scriptures, the daily and weekly things.  We need to watch for the sign posts - following the prophets.

He closed with reminding us that this is the Lord's work.  "I will show unto the world I can do my work".  We need to have the power that comes through doing His work.