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

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.
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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