Did You Know? LDS Social Media and Tech Resources

Terms we all most likely recognize or at least associate with social media and the Internet, but that a generation ago, even less, would for the most part sound like a foreign language.  I can remember being students at BYU when the Internet was new.  How awed we were when our friends bought a modem - the original kind with the cradle for the phone to sit on.  It was a novelty and we had no concept of where that technology would lead.  Today all over the world people are linked together by this electronic thread and that link is providing the Lord and His work an ever increasing avenue to move forward.

"We are blessed to live, learn, and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the work of salvation: from trains to telegraphs to radios to automobiles to airplanes to telephones to transistors to televisions to computers to satellite transmissions to the Internet—and to an almost endless list of technologies and tools that bless our lives. All of these advancements are part of the Lord hastening His work in the latter days."  (Elder David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the Earth as With a Flood", August 19, 2014)

The questions for us are "What are the resources I should use?" and "How can I best use them to bless my life and serve the Lord?".

It is important in our fast moving world to stay abreast of changes and topics that affect us.  Just this week was a great example of how social media is playing an increasing role in that information network.  There was a significant change in the structure of three general councils of the Church.  The first most of us heard of it came as a result of Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Young Women President, posting and tweeting about her invitation to serve on one of those councils.  Think about it - how did you hear of the passing of Elder Perry or Elder Packer? - most likely it was through a social media source.  If you don't already follow the Church through social media sources, it would be a good thing to do.  Not only will you hear of important events, but you will find your "newsfeed" may become more uplifting.

Here are some useful links:

LDS Social Media Index Page  

Share The Goodness

The Church is using technology ever more frequently in the administration of callings and in the simple ward/stake level interactions.  Do you recall when we all had printed ward/branch directories and calendars and how quickly those became outdated?  It wasn't that long ago!  Now we have access to current directories and calendars at the click of a mouse or tap of a screen.  Through the new Leader Clerk Resources platform leaders can access information on their personal computers and devices which previously could only be used on the computer at the church building.  The Church is working to use technology to help us save time and accomplish our assignments more effectively.

Through your LDS Account you have access to a variety of tools and applications.  You can subscribe to Church newsletters, use the meetinghouse locator, access your "notes" linked to your Gospel Library app, view lesson schedules and much more.  On your mobile device you can use the LDS Tools app to access directories and calendars.

Our time is precious and we are accountable for how we use it.  Technology can help us use that precious resource of time more effectively or it can help us waste it quickly.  My daughter recently shared with me a bit from a missionary email she follows - the missionary posed the question 'do you spend more time with your phone than your family?'  A simple question, but it speaks to where our priorities rest and to using technology wisely.  As we seek to have the Spirit in our daily lives, we will find the guidance we need to know the answers to the "what" and the "how".

-Lorie Pierce

A Legacy of Faith and Service - Post Two

Sister Maureen Johnston served as our second Stake Relief Society President from 1995-1999.  She like several of the previous presidents has since moved out of our Stake.  She was and still is a woman of quiet strength and dedication to her assignments.  When she was called to serve as Stake Relief Society President, she brought with her a desire to serve and a desire to bless the lives of the sisters.  What impresses me the most though is her continued example of quiet dedicated service.  Almost every time I go to the Washington DC Temple, I am greeted by Maureen with a hello and a smile.  She serves there as a coordinator.  Just a few weeks back, I was again witness to her gentle leadership style.  There was quite a large group of sisters desiring to participate and there was a lack of temple workers.  Maureen's assistance was requested and I just smiled inside as I saw the demeanor of the temple workers shift from a bit frazzled to calm as soon as she arrived.  That is how she always has served - without fanfare and yet accomplishing much good.  How grateful I am for that example.

During the years Sister Johnston served as president, Women's Conferences continued to be a large part of the means whereby her presidency could reach out to the sisters in their care.  The conferences they planned were always founded on scriptures and the need for strengthening their sisters.  I can recall attending those conferences with sisters from my ward.  As I've read through the saved conference programs, I have seen the many names of sisters who planned, prepared, taught, cooked, served and simply shared of their time and talents to help lift their sisters in our Stake.  It is a witness to the legacy of faith and service the sisters in our Stake share.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

I must be truthful and admit that I didn't always understand or appreciate the blessings of being part of Relief Society.  From the time I married and began participating in a family ward, I served in callings that were rarely within the Relief Society organization and usually I was not in the Sunday Relief Society meeting.  I was a visiting teacher and because of my own mother's faithful example, I knew that I needed to be a faithful visiting teacher myself.  But I just didn't really "get it" - being a part of Relief Society didn't really mean much to me.

Then during a difficult time of my life, I heard a talk that softened my heart and changed my perspective.  It was entitled "How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?", given by Bonnie D. Parkin, General Relief Society President (2002-2007).

As I asked myself that question, I began to recognize the many ways I had been personally touched by Relief Society.  The women who helped me at the death of my mother and then of my father.  The visiting teachers who drove me to doctor appointments during my difficult pregnancies and more recently the sisters who drove me to physical therapy after shoulder surgery.  The women who served with me (and put up with me) in callings and assignments.  The women who became dear and life long friends, who without Relief Society I would never have known.  The uplifting lessons that touch my heart at needed moments.  The examples of goodness, faithfulness, compassion and perseverance that impact my life.

I have felt impressed to start a new post series asking sisters around the stake that simple question, "How has Relief Society blessed your life?".  I hope that these posts will help us all remember (or come to understand) what our membership in Relief Society means to us - what it is really all about.  Thanks in advance to all who have and will contribute!

- Lorie Pierce (Eldersburg Ward)
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Colleen Mitchell - Columbia 2nd Ward

I feel like I've been in Relief Society my whole life, because my mom took me on visits and service projects all of the time as a youth. She was a great example of service and sacrifice and lived by the motto Charity Never Faileth. 

Relief Society has blessed my life in so many ways.  I love having a group of women to associate with who have similar goals and beliefs.  I have learned so much from the women, classes, teachings, and the courses of study.   Relief Society gives me a chance to learn, grow, teach, serve and be served.  For example, when I was a young mother, we lived in Utah far away from my family.  I went into preterm labor with Alissa when Becca was just 15 months old.   I was put on bedrest and was completely overwhelmed with trying to manage on my own while Jim was in school and working.  My sister in New York called her old Relief Society President who had recently moved to Utah.  This sister came and took Rebecca for the day plus 5 loads of my laundry so I could rest.

Isn't it wonderful to have an organization that works like this to meet the needs of women and their families?  I love Relief Society and feel inspired by the wonderful women I associate with there.  Women who though not perfect, strive to live with the light of the Savior as their guide.
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June Crue - Eldersburg Ward

How has Relief Society blessed my life?  I couldn’t possibly count the many ways or the many women who have touched my life since I’ve been a member of the Church. The weekly lessons that spiritually lifted me, also helped me give better direction to my children. 

Being a member of Relief Society requires effort and a willingness to learn, and make changes in your life.  The lessons are a constant reminder of Gospel Principles that the Lord has given for our benefit.  The skills from more experienced women brought a new perspective and direction into my life. Callings in Relief Society helped me gain confidence as well as experience; when a lesson wasn’t as good as I’d hoped, the sisters were there to encourage. They still do that!

The service projects that I’ve participated in over the years were very rewarding and oftentimes exhausting, but working at the cannery or painting my classroom, sewing and making quilts, and of course, family history have all been part of the experience.  I’m glad I didn’t miss these opportunities or the people with whom I shared them.  Relief Society has been a very rewarding experience for me, and reminds me that I am a beloved daughter of God.  I feel very blessed to be part of the sisterhood.

Did You Know? Addiction Recovery Program

Did you know the Church has an Addiction Recovery Program including programs for Spouse and Family Support and that these are available within our Stake?

"Addiction harms an individual's Spirit, mind, and body. True recovery focuses on healing all of the different aspects of ourselves that make us who we are. It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His gospel that we can be fully healed and freed from the bonds of addiction.  The Addiction Recovery Program helps individuals overcome addictions through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  The Spouse and Family Support Guide helps spouses and family members of those overcome by addiction to find healing through the Savior, Jesus Christ, and the support of others."  (Addiction Recovery Program at lds.org)

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  -Matthew 11:28

There is a great deal of support offered through both the Church website (linked above) and through the services offered within our Stake.

What is available in the Columbia Maryland Stake and who are the contact people?

Stake Addiction Recovery Program Meetings

Sundays from 7 - 8pm in the Family History Center at the Stake Center.  

Contact Elder David Spencer for more info:  410-707-2918 (cell) or 410-964-5412 (H).

Columbia Stake Women’s Support Group via Phone

For women who have family members struggling with pornography.

Lessons follow the Spouse and Family Support Guide online as found on the Addiction Recovery Program site.  When calling in, please have this guide available.

Phone-in meeting: Thursdays 8:30-9:30pm

Toll-free number: 855-537-4000  access code 16834237 

Sister Mary Halsey, Women's Support Group Leader

For questions, contact: columbiastake.womensgroup@gmail.com

Columbia Stake Support Group

For men or women who have spouse, child, sibling, or any family member who is struggling with addiction.  This program is a how to manual on making the Atonement active in your life, so that you can find peace among the chaos.
The Spouse and Family Support Guide is used.

Meetings are Thursdays 7-8:30pm at the home of Sister Merilee Clay.

8368 Kings Heights Rd., Ellicott City

Any questions can be referred to Sister Merilee Clay 410-562-1878.

Embark! YW Camp 2015

You may wonder why a post about Young Women Camp would be featured on the Stake Relief Society blog.  It's because in just a few short years, they will become our sisters in the Relief Society and building connections with them now is important to those future relationships.

As I've talked with young women and leaders this week, it is clear that this year's camp was not only a lot of fun, but provided a spiritual impact on their lives.  I would recommend you take the time to engage the young women from your ward/branch in a conversation about their experiences at young women camp.  It's a great way to reach out to your future sisters and be uplifted yourself.

-Lorie Pierce

More a Way of Life

Recently, I had a conversation with my 18 year old daughter about visiting teaching.  It occurred to me that although she had grown up knowing that I was a visiting teacher and having seen me provide service in that assignment, no "formal" training had been provided to her.  Now, she is herself a visiting teacher, and I, along with her Relief Society leaders, have a responsibility to provide that training.  

As I pondered on the training resources available, I decided it would be of value to highlight some of them here.

- Handbook 2: Administering the Church, Section 9.5 provides information and instruction regarding the visiting teaching program and responsibilities of visiting teachers.

- Daughters of My Kingdom, Chapter 7, "Pure Religion: Watchcare and Ministering through Visiting Teaching" is an amazing chapter that recounts the history of visiting teaching and provides insights on how visiting teachers minister and serve in the building of Zion.

- Visiting Teaching: The Priviledge of Ministering is a page on lds.org with content and links provided to help us learn how to serve as visiting teachers.

- Relief Society: A Sacred Work, Julie B. Beck (15th Relief Society General President), Oct 2009 is one of the best talks given about the purposes of Relief Society and includes an inspiring and instructive section on visiting teaching.

- Responsibilities of Visiting Teachers is a training video in the Leadership Training Library on lds.org which provides a short overview linked to the Handbook 2 instruction.  It is a short, yet visual way to instruct us in our "job".

- Reporting Visiting Teaching is another training video in the Leadership Training Library which specifically addresses reporting and reminds us that visiting teaching is more about people than a task to be completed.

- Visiting Teaching in the Work of Salvation is also available in the Leadership Training Library and helps us to see the importance of our assignments in the larger picture of bringing souls unto Christ.

"Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages. In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task. Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship."  (Julie B. Beck, 15th Relief Society General President, Oct 2009)

Is visiting teaching easy?  Is it convenient?  Does it sometimes feel forced?  Perhaps No, No, Yes might be your answers - they have sometimes been mine.  But as I have thought about my own visiting teachers over the many years since I turned 18 and about the sisters I have taught - one thing becomes clear - this is the Lord's work and when we "let" Him participate with us the burden is lighter and the work is sweeter.

-Lorie Pierce

Oh, What Do You Do When The Temple Is Closed?

The Washington DC Temple will be closed from August 10-October 5 for maintenance, construction and cleaning.  We are greatly blessed to live so near a temple and have the opportunity to attend there as often as we choose.  This is a long closure, but it doesn't need to be a time of drought for us.  We can still maintain our focus and devotion to temple ordinances and worship during those weeks it is closed.

Here are three suggestions for how to fill the void and perhaps better prepare ourselves and our families for when the temple reopens.

One: Contribute your time to the Indexing effort

What is Indexing?  Historical records (birth certificates, ships manifests, death records, census records, etc) that have been digitized are viewed and transcribed by Indexers on their own computers.  Their efforts make available online astounding and growing numbers of records for family history researchers to trace their ancestors.  Without Indexers our efforts to redeem our dead would be moving along at a very slow pace.  With Indexers our ability to find our ancestors and take their names to the temple is significantly increased in speed, ease and feasibility.

Go to https://familysearch.org/indexing/ to learn more and get started.

You can even kickstart your and your family's Indexing efforts by participating in the Worldwide Indexing Event,  "Fuel the Find", August 7-14.

Two: Increase your Family History efforts

Maybe you need to start at the beginning or maybe you are somewhere in the middle, but each of us can find a way to be involved in Family History.  Here are just a few ideas....
- Log on to Family Tree (on familysearch.org) and begin verifying that the information and family connections in your tree are accurate....they might not be!
- Begin researching the gaps you find in your Tree.  Use tools such as puzzilla.org to locate "cousins"....family members who still need temple ordinances performed for them.
- Visit the Family History Center either at the Stake Center or at the Hampstead Building and get educated on what is available to you there and online.  OR talk with your ward/branch Family History Consultants to learn how to start or figure out how to move forward from where you are.
- Start gathering family photos and scanning them to preserve them digitally.  You can even upload them to Family Tree (on familysearch.org).
- Collect family stories.  If someone doesn't record them, they will eventually be lost and forgotten.  Ensure that your children and your grandchildren will remember Grandpa Anderson's "Egg Fight" story or the story of how Dad finally convinced Mom to marry him or the story of how Uncle Ken traveled through guerrilla territory in Central America on a humanitarian mission or how Great-Great Grandmother Mary Ann Ross was disowned when she joined the Church in Scotland, but remained faithful to her conversion.

Elder Bednar issued an invitation and a promise to our youth regarding Family History efforts.  These same promises can apply to all of us regardless of our age.

"I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36).  And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories.  As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding.  And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary.  As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives."   (David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign, Nov. 2011)

Three: Go to the Temple Visitors' Center

The Visitors’ Center will be open for their usual hours (10am-9pm daily) during the temple closure.  Take your family, invite your friends or simply go by yourself and partake of the sweet spirit that is present there. 

For updates on exhibits and performances visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonDCVC   or go to https://www.lds.org/church/events/washington-dc-events?lang=eng