The Messiah Sing: A Christmas Tradition - An Opportunity

Each December, our Stake hosts a Messiah Sing event at the Stake Center.  I thought it might be useful to provide some background and details on what that event is all about.

Background on Messiah by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

"Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalmsincluded with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

The music for Messiah was completed in 24 days of swift composition. Having received Jennens's text some time after 10 July 1741, Handel began work on it on 22 August. His records show that he had completed Part I in outline by 28 August, Part II by 6 September and Part III by 12 September, followed by two days of 'filling up' to produce the finished work on 14 September.

Although its structure resembles that of opera, it is not in dramatic form; there are no impersonations of characters and no direct speech. Instead, Jennens's text is an extended reflection on Jesus Christ as Messiah. The text begins in Part I with prophecies by Isaiah and others, and moves to the annunciation to the shepherds, the only 'scene' taken from the Gospels. In Part II, Handel concentrates on thePassion and ends with the 'Hallelujah' chorus. In Part III he covers the resurrection of the dead and Christ's glorification in heaven.

At the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters 'SDG'—Soli Deo Gloria, 'To God alone the glory'."     (per wikipedia)

Title Page of Autograph Score (1741)

Since the original performance of Messiah in 1742, it has continued to be performed throughout the Christian communities of the world.  It is often presented as a community performance, encouraging audience participation in the chorus sections of the score.  Those community events are most often referred to as "Messiah Sings".

Details on The Messiah Sing hosted by our Stake:

The Columbia Maryland Stake has been hosting our Messiah Sing event since the beginning days of the stake in the early 1990's.  The format has varied overtime, but always included are amazing vocals, talented orchestra and willing volunteers.  This year's performance will be no exception.  This event is a great way to begin the Christmas season with our hearts and minds focused on the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  It sings to us of Christ - His birth, His mission, His love, His atonement, His Resurrection, His glory.

For those of us who have chosen to take President Mitchell's challenge to invite a non-member friend to a place where they can meet the missionaries by the end of this year -- Here is a great chance!  It is a non-threatening event.  We all have friends who love music & love Christmas celebrations.

The pictures below are from the pass-along cards created by President Towne.  Keep your eyes open for them in your buildings.

-Lorie Pierce

Did You Know? LDS Employment Services

Among the many resources the Church provides for us as members is help with employment.  Each ward/branch should have an employment specialist available to assist ward/branch members with employment issues and questions.  The employment specialist is there to provide support and guidance as members look for employment or seek to improve their current situation.  You can find your ward/branch employment specialist by using the callings feature with the LDS Tools app directory or by asking your ward/branch leaders.

Our current Stake Employment Specialist is Sister Susie Rosenquist of the Ellicott City Ward.  Her contact information is available in the LDS online directory or by using the LDS Tools app.

One of the first places to visit online for help should be the LDS Employment Resources website at www.ldsjobs.org.  You can search job openings and find a huge amount of information to assist your search and prepare you for the process of interviewing, etc.  Here's just a sample of resources you can access there:

Another local resource is the Washington DC Employment Resource Center located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.  They offer classes and workshops.  They also have a great list of useful links on their website to other resources.

"Whether just starting out in your career or well established in your career, LDS Employment Resource Services (ERS) or Self-Reliance Services (SRS) can help you accomplish your career goals. The employment center or self-reliance center offers one-on-one coaching, workshops and a large database of employment, education and self-employment opportunities. By visiting the center you learn the most effective job search practices, build your network and find resources to help you further your education or manage a successful small-business." (Washington DC Employment Resource Center Website)

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Brendalyn Hacking - Hampstead Ward

Relief Society has given me another sweet and simple testimony that I am truly a daughter of God.  It has given me somewhere in the church that I can go and feel that I belong, no matter how old I am or what stage of life I am in, I can always feel apart of the sisterhood that is there.  Even at times when I have had the opportunities to work in other auxilaries of the church, such as Primary and Young Womens, and I have not been able to attend Relief Society weekly, I have still been able to feel that I am apart of Relief Society by trying to go to the activities. Also, as I have been serving in the church I have always felt the love and support from the sisters who lead in Relief Society.  Relief Society has given me another identity outside of the home, other than school, work, daughter, sister, mother and wife.  It has given me a “Girl’s Night Out” at times that I always seem to need and though sometimes I may feel that I am alone in the things I am going through in my life, I have always felt loved and have been reached out to by other sisters who, through Relief Society, have become my friends.  It gives me opportunities to serve through Visiting Teaching and Service Projects, though I always feel that I have been the one who has gained from these experiences.  I have known since I was a little girl that Relief Society was a wonderful program designed by Heavenly Father for his daughters as I would watch my mother go to Relief Society and come home renewed and uplifted from her experiences there.  I was excited when I turned 18 to be able to join my mother, my Primary teachers, Young Women’s leaders and other women I admired  in my home ward in Relief Society.  Relief Society has given me a support group in the church that, where ever I go in this world, I can come to know and love as I learn from and with the amazing women in this church.  A sweet memory I have is the opportunity I had as a young married woman to visit teach my mother in law with my own mother as my companion.  Relief Society has helped me learn more about this divine gospel of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ashley Tipton - YSA Branch

When I was baptized at 19 years old into the Savage Mill Ward I was the only member of my family to join the church; the Relief Society became my ward family. It is impossible to describe the love and friendship and support that those wonderful sisters offered me, but I knew that with them I would never be alone. It was incredible to me how aware these sisters were of each other. The visiting teaching program was by far one of my favorite aspects of the organization; it blew me away! You mean to tell me that once a month two people will come over just for ME? Just to hear about my life and the ups and downs and the details. And then I get to go do that for three other sisters every month?! If you plan it right you get some much needed girl time every week, and yay for instant friendships! One time after a really bad storm I knew that within an hour every family in the ward had been contacted... it made me feel so wonderful to be a part of something so great. 

When I was 21 I had the blessed opportunity to teach the Relief Society. It was the most intimidating calling I have received; I had been a member for 18 months and they wanted me, with my limited knowledge and experience, to teach a roomful of women actual decades older than me? But again that wonderful group of women - my Mormon big sisters and mothers and grandmothers - lifted me up. Encouraged me. Carried me. When I stumbled in a lesson (which happened frequently) there was always someone ready with a comment to invite the Spirit and focus us once more. 

Now in the YSA Branch I am one of the older sisters, and one of the few who has been a part of a family ward Relief Society for an extended period of time. Many of these sisters still think of Relief Society as their "mother's group" but I want so much for every sister to understand that Relief Society transcends generations, culture, race, marital status or life circumstance. It is a worldwide sisterhood, and we are part of it!! We are His hands. We lift and sustain each other. We work alongside each other in support of our friends and neighbors, our communities and homes. We teach and we learn from each other. I know that through this group we each become more fit for His Kingdom; I am so blessed that it is a part of my world.

Walking on Sacred Ground - Kirtland, Ohio

This past weekend our family took a road trip that culminated at Kirtland, Ohio.  I have been to Kirtland three times now - once with the Columbia Stake Youth about 15 years ago, once when our four children were still young and this time with my husband and our 18 year old daughter.  While each visit has been a little different from the time before, one thing remains consistent - I always get emotional in Kirtland.  My soul always fills with joy, awe and gratitude as I am reminded of the events that occurred in that area and the sacrifices joyfully given by those early Saints.

I call it "walking on sacred ground" because of the sacred events that occurred and the visions & revelations that were received during the time that Joseph Smith and the early Saints lived in Kirtland and the neighboring farms.  (1830-1838)  As I sat on a little bench in a room above the Whitney Store - a room used for the School of the Prophets - and listened to the sister missionary tell of the things that happened there and heard her bear testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ - the Spirit spoke to me again and I knew again the truth of Joseph Smith as a prophet and I knew again the love our Savior has for His children.  This sweet testimony repeated itself in each location we visited.  Kirtland is indeed a place filled with sacred history.

Kirtland is roughly a six hour drive from here.  We broke our visit up into 1 1/2 days and were able to visit most of the Church History sites.  Two full days would have been great to add in the extra sites we didn't get to.  I found this short video about the Kirtland sites featuring Elder M. Russell Ballard.  He says, "Heaven was walking here with the people."  (If the video doesn't load on your device, you can use the "short video" link to view it directly on lds.org.)

While the Historic Kirtland Temple is not owned by the Church, (it is owned and operated by The Community of Christ), it is open for tours and the curators are doing a wonderful job of maintaining the building and preserving it's history.

If you have never visited Kirtland - you should! You really should!  It may be history, but it is sacred history.  It is a marvelous thing to sit in a room and know that Jesus Christ has appeared there - has spoken to His servant Joseph Smith there.  It is a wonderful thing to sit in the Historic Kirtland Temple with the sunlight streaming through the windows and hear the words from Doctrine & Covenants 110 read:

1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.

6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.

7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Gisela Pinargote - Columbia 3rd Branch

How has Relief Society blessed my life?  I'm so grateful for the example and dedication of all my sisters.  The teachings and compassionate service that I have learned and received through all my life has made me be the kind of woman I'm today. When helping others makes it easy to forget all my struggles, I can see that I'm blessed and greatly strengthened.  Being a military wife, a mother of four, I just can't thank enough all my visiting teachers, leaders, friends that help with meals, phone calls, helping with the kids, doctors visits etc.  "Charity never faileth"

I love my sisters in Zion.

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

Kellie Nuss - YSA Branch/Savage Mill Ward

The intersection of the spiritual and the temporal that is Relief Society has always been summed up for me by this famous quote from Lucy Mack Smith: 

“We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction that we may all sit down in heaven together.”

In my mind, the blessings of Relief Society are interwoven completely with every blessing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Women are beloved by the Savior, and Relief Society puts me in a position to stand with Christ and do His work in a way that reinforces the fact that I can be raised and healed, and I can help others along the way. 

I am grateful that I have always felt a part of Relief Society, even when not regularly attending the Sunday RS meeting because of other callings. I feel this way because cherishing, watching over and comforting others have nothing to do with age, circumstance, or the walls of a particular room in the church building. I have learned this through many years of experience on both sides of those sacred acts. 

Relief Society has blessed my life because it has given me the structure and guidance to live as the Savior would have me live, and thereby brought me closer to Him.

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

Sara Nuss - YSA Branch

Relief Society has helped me to better understand my role as a woman. I'm not married yet. I don't have kids. But that doesn't mean that I can't have an impact on the world around me-both in and outside of church. I've learned that I not only have the responsibility to spread the Lord's love and light, but that He qualifies me for this work.

Above all else, I've learned of the impact I can have in my future home with my future husband and future kids. The Relief Society structure has helped me prepare for these future roles so I can be a positive and uplifting influence on my family.

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.

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.

General Women's Meeting, September 2015

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

An Invitation - Will We Accept?

This past Sunday (September 20) the High Council speaker in our ward extended an invitation from President Mitchell.  This same invitation should have been heard in all the wards/branches of our Stake.

The invitation was simple:

Invite - by the end of the year - at least one non-member to a place where he/she could meet the missionaries and then follow through with that introduction.  This could be in our homes, at Church on Sunday, at a service activity, or at another Church event.

I've spent the week thinking about this invitation.  I can count on one hand the non-member friends I have that live locally and my interaction with them is rather limited.  My non-member acquaintances is a slightly larger count, but still not a group that I can immediately think "oh I'll invite her".  But I know that when I follow the lead of my leaders - I am blessed.  My conclusion is this - I will pray for the opportunity - that the Lord will provide me guidance and inspiration to be where I need to be and to hear what I need to hear and to say what I need to say.

So sisters...I'm accepting the invitation and I hope all of you will too!

-Lorie Pierce