A Stake of Zion

Last Sunday, my ward Relief Society discussed the chapter in the Ezra Taft Benson manual entitled "Strengthen thy Stakes".  It struck me as really good timing to have that lesson within a few days of receiving an invitation from our Stake President to prepare for our upcoming Stake Conference.

I really appreciated the correlation our teacher drew.  As we discussed the chapter, she created two lists on the chalkboard - neither of which had a heading.  At the end of our lesson, she wrote "Give" and "Get" over the columns.  It was a great visual for us to see how we can help strengthen our stake and be blessed by being part of our stake.  One of the most important things I could see was that the greatest blessings to our families come through the Priesthood ordinances and that Priesthood authority is held in our Stake Presidency.

President Benson taught, "Each stake, presided over by three high priests, and supported by twelve men known as a high council, becomes a miniature church to the Saints in a specific geographic area. The purpose is to unify and perfect the members who live in those boundaries by extending to them the Church programs, ordinances, and gospel instruction."

Details on our upcoming Stake Conference were provided by President Mitchell in an email sent out last week.  In case you didn't receive it, I am including it here:

Dear Brother and Sisters,

The Columbia Stake Conference will be held January 8-10, 2016.  Elder William R. Titera of the Seventy will preside.  We invite endowed members to attend a special temple meeting on Friday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Priesthood room.  Adults are invited to the Saturday evening session on January 9th at 7:00pm in the Stake Center.  The Sunday general session will start at 10:00am and will be held at the Stake Center, with a live broadcast to the Clarksville and Hampstead meetinghouses. Please attend the location that is most convenient for you and your family.

It is wonderful to have a visiting authority coming to our stake conference, and we welcome the counsel Elder Titera will provide.  I know this is a busy time of year, so please mark your calendars and make conference attendance a priority.  I look forward to seeing you, and I pray we will all come prepared for a spiritual experience.

I hope you have a magnificent, Christ-centered Christmas season.  May the Lord bless you and yours.

James Mitchell
President Columbia Maryland Stake

Our family is looking forward to gathering in January with all of you - our Stake of Zion - to be instructed and uplifted.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Cynthia Knudson - Columbia 2nd Ward - Stake Primary President

I have been so blessed by being a member of the Relief Society!  It has always been a safe place for me.  I love how we learn something just because we are able to share freely with each other.  Questions and prayers are answered every week in Relief Society.  You can always find someone to help if you don't know how to do something.  I have learned to teach and to serve.  To love and be loved.  My dearest friends are there with me in the Relief Society learning, teaching, and serving with me.  I've enjoyed being a part of two different Relief Society Presidencies and the bonds formed with those sisters are unbreakable.  I have been stretched way beyond what I thought I could endure and have gained a greater capacity to love.  I'm so grateful for my loving Father in Heaven who knows me and what I need to grow and develop as a wife and mother and a woman in this day and age.  

P.S.  Whenever I have free time I can always find something to do in my closet full of unfinished crafts!  (I was usually too busy talking)

Jeri Tidwell - Savage Mill Ward - Stake Primary 1st Counselor

One of my most favorite stories is the time we had just moved to Columbia from Oregon. I was 30 weeks pregnant when we moved. One night I was doing the dishes in our new condo. I was crying as I loaded the dishwasher because I didn't know what I would do with my 2 year old son when I went into labor. I wanted my husband to be able to be with me.  As soon as these thoughts went through my head, my phone rang. It was Trisha Holgato and she happily told me that she was my new visiting teacher. We chatted for a moment, and set up an appointment. Then she said, "Can I take your little boy for you when you go to the hospital?" What a direct answer to my prayer. I was so thankful. 

The day came, and we agreed that she would meet us at the hospital and she would pick up my son. I was so worried he would be upset, and not want to go with her. He saw Trisha walk in the room, and he grabbed his bag and started to leave. He looked back at her from the doorway and said, "Are you coming?" We all laughed. 

I know that Heavenly Father knows us personally. I know he cares about the smallest details in our lives. I know we can pray to him for any need, whether it be silly or serious. I know that the Relief Society is an inspired program and that we are all blessed to be apart of it.

Beverly Gams - Eldersburg Ward - Stake Primary 2nd Counselor

Relief Society has blessed my life in purposeful ways.  All of which have come through acts of service given & received.  As I have fulfilled callings in Relief Society I have gained a great love & appreciation for those I work with & serve.   However,  I feel the most influence & special caring moments have happened through the visiting teaching program.  Visiting teaching has been an opportunity to develop & nourish meaningful friendships with amazing, talented ladies who are good examples to me.  My companions have always been such faithful sisters that I have enjoyed working with & who have blessed me in the various stages of motherhood & wifehood.  I am very grateful for the visiting teaching program.  Relief Society blesses me because it helps me be more Christlike & to understand His merciful atonement which enables me to forgive and be forgiven.  This fills me with immense joy. What a blessing!

Robin Mikolyski - Columbia 2nd Ward - Stake Primary Secretary

Relief Society has blessed my life in so many ways. First of all, whether I changed wards within a town, or moved across the country, I was able to make friends quickly through Relief Society. Second, I've appreciated the chances I've had to hold callings in Relief Society, getting to know the sisters through teaching and service. I love how much I can "forget myself and go to work" (referencing President Hinckley). I am not able to attend Relief Society Sunday meetings very often right now because I have a one-year-old who is too loud and restless to join me, and I really miss the Spirit I feel as we learn Gospel truths together. It is truly an inspired program that I am grateful for! 

Did You Know? - Columbia Maryland Family History Center

Family History research and projects are some of my favorite things to do.  There are many resources available to help people of all interest levels and experience.  Locally, we have a great resource available to us at the Columbia Maryland Family History Center.  It is located in the lower level of the Stake Center.  The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They should be assist you with most family history situations.

Directors: Wanda & Britt Franklin
Assistant Directors: Mary Finnigan and Samantha Boden

Center Hours can be found on their website at:  https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Columbia_Maryland_Family_History_Center

Appointments can be arranged and are especially useful if you would like help with a specialized topic. Request an appointment by sending an email to MD_Columbia@ldsmail.net. Specify if you would like to come during a weekday, evening, or Saturday.

Choose any family history topic and at least one of the Center staff members may be able to help you. Some options are:

1.       Getting started with family history

2.       Online resources such as FamilySearch and Ancestry.com

3.       Creating a family tree at FamilySearch Family Tree

4.       Putting photographs on FamilySearch Family Tree

5.       Copying photographs or slides onto a flash drive

6.       Genealogy software such as Ancestral Quest, Family Tree Maker, and Legacy

7.       Adoption research--finding information about birth relatives

8.      DNA testing

9.       Records at the Library of Congress, Maryland Archives, and National Archives

10.   Countries such as Canada (including French Canadian, Ontario, and Saskatchewan), China (including Chinese character records for Japan), England, Germany (including old German script), Ireland, Italy, Korea, Poland, Romania, Russian language, Scotland, Swiss-Italian (Latin), Switzerland, Ukraine, etc.

11.    Most U.S. states, including specialties such as California Gold Rush, Mennonite, early New England, Pennsylvania Dutch (German Baptist Brethren), Quaker, etc.

If you are on Facebook - check out their new page - Columbia Maryland Family History Center.  Like & Share the page and they would love you to post your family history successes there to help encourage others.

In addition to the regular Center hours, the Center Staff is committed to offering classes and workshops throughout the year to help us increase our understanding, experience and abilities as we involve ourselves in the great work of family history.  These opportunities are publicized through the ward/branch announcements & bulletins and on the Center Facebook page.

Someone recently asked me, "Why is doing family history work so important?"  I explained to her that the answer lies in understanding the Priesthood ordinances and the covenants we make in the Temple.  We have a knowledge that life doesn't end when we die - that families can be families for eternity - that our time on this earth has a purpose.  As I talked to her of the power of the sealing ordinance and of the promise brought by Elijah, the Spirit bore witness to her of the need for her to take her parents and grandparents names to the temple - to offer to them the same opportunity she had to accept the ordinance of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Our ancestors are waiting and hoping that our hearts will turn to them.  Let's not disappointment them.

-Lorie Pierce

A Legacy of Faith and Service - Post Four

In 2002, following the move and subsequent release of Valerie Sucher, Sister Marilyn Edmunds was called to serve as the 4th Columbia Stake Relief Society President.  She served from 2002-2006.

Marilyn and her husband Cliff were long time members of the then Catonsville Ward.  Her willingness to accept opportunities to serve was evident as she served in many callings and capacities within her ward and the stake; including using her nursing experience when she accompanied our youth as the medical team leader on Pioneer Trek.  Marilyn brought with her years of experience and an ability to understand the larger picture and administration of the Church on a local level.  She understood how to communicate with people, how to be approachable and how to get things done.

Marilyn and her presidency encouraged the ward/branch presidencies to reach farther in improving the Sunday lessons, the scope of visiting teaching, the quality of monthly meetings and in participating in their ward/branch councils.  She was a strong advocate of women actively serving in the Church and in their communities.  She had high expectations of the sisters, but moderated that with a genuine love and concern for each sister.

As with previous presidents, I had the privilege of serving with Marilyn over the years.  She was always one of the people, that when I saw her anywhere, she would greet me with a smile and take the time to visit with me.  I knew her interest in me and my family was sincere.  As a leader that quality was a great example to each of the sisters in our stake.

Although the Edmunds have moved from the area, Marilyn continues to be an example of faith and service.  She hasn't slowed down with "retirement".  She was still serving as the Stake Public Affairs Specialist when they commenced their move and when I spoke with her via email a few months back, it was clear that there will be no slowing Sister Edmunds down.  Her desire to serve comes from her faith in the Gospel and her desire to share her love of the Lord with others.  I am grateful for her consistent optimism as she lives the Gospel.

-Lorie Pierce

How Has Relief Society Blessed Your Life?

Kiersten Lortz - Savage Mill Ward

When I think of how Relief Society has helped me I can’t help but feel a deep kinship with the women I fellowship with, whether in my own ward or wherever I may be. I have only one biological sister and she lives four hours away. Relief Society is a built-in sisterhood where we do for each other what any true sister would do for another. I know that, when I need help in any form, armies of friends rally to support me temporally, spiritually, and emotionally.

In addition to the sisterhood aspect of our great organization, Relief Society has surrounded me with mentors, teachers, and examples of who I want to be. Though we could easily look at the gifts and talents of the women around us and feel inadequate, I choose to draw upon the uniqueness of individuals to inspire me to set higher standards, make better choices, and believe in my ability to become more. Relief Society sisters who have been on this earth longer than me have shared their wisdom and taught me what is most important in life. I hope I can use their greatness to foster a bit of my own.

The Relief Society is a gift. It is an organization of powerful women who stand together as witnesses to the world that Jesus Christ lives. It is a network of sisters who love and serve, teach and inspire, and I am immensely grateful to have a part in it.

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Mendy Hunter - Savage Mill Ward

Relief Society has blessed my life in a number of ways. I remember having my first baby when I lived thousands of miles from home. My friends from growing up worried about how I would fare. I had no such worries, because I knew that I was part of the Relief Society organization. I had confidence that my sisters at church would help me if I needed it. A year later, when I moved to Maryland, I again felt peace in knowing that I would have a ready-made network of people I could trust and rely on in my new area. Through visiting teaching, I have participated in testimony-strengthening conversations, shared and benefited from hearing others' experiences raising families, and have made lasting, meaningful relationships with women who might otherwise have been nothing more than passing acquaintances. When the chaotic world pushes into my life, I am thankful for Relief Society and its message of service. Finding ways to serve others helps me feel grateful for my blessings and lightens my mood. Service is cathartic, and I am thankful that Relief Society teaches me that the healing power of charity never fails.

30+ and Counting....A Simple Way To Serve

As of today...we have 30+ missionaries serving (or called & leaving soon) from the Columbia Maryland Stake!  How great is that!!

As a mother of 2 sons who have served and a daughter preparing to serve, I think of those young men & young women and know that despite it being an awesome time in their lives - I know the reality is that they have discouraging days, lonely times, depressing moments.  I know how much they appreciate knowing that they are not forgotten by those back home.  We as their Church family can help lift and encourage them.  With Christmas approaching it is a great time to reach out to them.

I am inviting the sisters of our Stake (and their families) to send Christmas cards to these amazing missionaries.  Think how great it would be if each of them received a huge stack of Christmas wishes from back home.  With the help of our Executive Secretaries & Clerks and the LDS tools missionary feature, I have compiled a hopefully complete and accurate list of our missionaries and their mission addresses.  For those serving foreign missions - the post office sells an International stamp.  It's so convenient.

Below is a link to a Google Doc with the list of our missionaries.  I have included their home wards - in case you want to send a package - you can contact their moms for input.  If any have been missed...please email me at columbiastake.rs.sec@gmail.com and I will add them to the list!

Missionary Addresses for Christmas 2015

Here's an example of how mission addresses should appear:
Elder/Sister - Use their first & last and middle initial if listed
Name of Mission
Mission Address as listed

Thank you sisters in advance for reaching out to them.  I know they will be glad to receive your greetings and I know that their families will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.  ENJOY THE REST OF THE PHOTOS.....

-Lorie Pierce

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