Our Stake Relief Society Activity for April 29, 2017 will be a women's conference format. We plan to have morning class/discussion rotations, displays and lunch. The exact times of the event will be published in a few weeks with our official publicity.
The past couple Sundays, you should have seen a suggestion survey paper being passed around. We realize though, that some of you may have not seen it and want to give you a chance to submit suggestions. If you have a subject for a class, discussion or display - please email it to loriepierce.rs@gmail.com by March 1. Also feel free to provide name suggestions for teachers, discussion facilitators, etc.
We are looking forward to this event and hope that we can provide content that will be helpful and applicable to our sisters across the Stake. If you have any other suggestions or questions, please feel free to send an email. (same address)
- Lorie Pierce
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Did You Know? Family History Discovery Center
Many of you may have seen the publicity about the opening of a
Family History Discovery Center in Salt Lake. But you likely aren't
aware that our own Columbia Family History Center has recently opened
a Family History Discovery Center too. A few weeks ago, my husband
and I were able to go and have our own family history experience
there. I was also fortunate enough to go again to take pictures and
observe as another family came for their personalized visit. What
a fun experience it was both times!
We began with having our picture taken in front of a green screen. Those pictures were then turned into fun pictures of us “visiting” the lands of our ancestors. It was a fun souvenir of our visit to the Center.
The Gardners had lots of great tech tools both for our devices and for our computers. Even though I've been doing family history for many years – there were still applications they introduced us to that I hadn't ever tried before.
We created a photo family tree with their wall mural. Glad to say we were successful in putting all our people where they belonged in the roots and branches.
We talked with the Gardners about our family stories and traditions and especially about how family history can be part of our daily lives, our daily conversations – it's not all about research and paper work.
We don't have children at home anymore, but the Family History Discovery Center experience is designed for all ages and family shapes. They have games and activities for young and older children. The teens and adults are able to focus on using the technology to not only research, but to collect and preserve memories, stories, photos, etc.
The Family History Discovery Center is open by appointment only – as the Gardners create a personalized experience for each group that comes and need time to prepare for your visit. To schedule your visit give Sister Gardner a call at 410-461-5596 or send her an email at ddgardfam@gmail.com.
-Lorie Pierce
We began with having our picture taken in front of a green screen. Those pictures were then turned into fun pictures of us “visiting” the lands of our ancestors. It was a fun souvenir of our visit to the Center.
The Gardners had lots of great tech tools both for our devices and for our computers. Even though I've been doing family history for many years – there were still applications they introduced us to that I hadn't ever tried before.
We created a photo family tree with their wall mural. Glad to say we were successful in putting all our people where they belonged in the roots and branches.
We talked with the Gardners about our family stories and traditions and especially about how family history can be part of our daily lives, our daily conversations – it's not all about research and paper work.
We don't have children at home anymore, but the Family History Discovery Center experience is designed for all ages and family shapes. They have games and activities for young and older children. The teens and adults are able to focus on using the technology to not only research, but to collect and preserve memories, stories, photos, etc.
The Family History Discovery Center is open by appointment only – as the Gardners create a personalized experience for each group that comes and need time to prepare for your visit. To schedule your visit give Sister Gardner a call at 410-461-5596 or send her an email at ddgardfam@gmail.com.
-Lorie Pierce
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Teaching in the Savior's Way Series
Many of you will already be aware and involved with this new approach to improving teaching and supporting teachers. I have felt it would be a good idea though, to have some posts focused on this subject. This first one is simply an introduction to the new Teaching in the Savior's Way curriculum and program. I hope it will be helpful to any that haven't yet heard about it or who maybe have heard, but aren't really sure how it might help or impact them.
The introduction page to the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual says this:
The goal of every gospel teacher—every parent, every formally called teacher, every home teacher and visiting teacher, and every follower of Christ—is to teach the pure doctrine of the gospel, by the Spirit, in order to help God’s children build their faith in the Savior and become more like Him.
The manual is designed to help us as teachers, leaders and parents improve our ability to teach in the Savior's way. It helps to refocus our methods in ways that will more fully invite the Spirit and foster gospel learning. Personal and group study of the manual are intended implementations of the curriculum.
Those serving in callings as teachers are now participating in monthly Teacher Council Meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to allow teachers to "council together about principles of Christlike teaching". This unique council environment is designed to allow the teachers to learn from one another as they share ideas, concerns, experiences and as they use the principles found in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual to find better ideas, solutions and invite the Spirit into their class experiences.
While many of us do not currently have teaching assignments, we all have opportunities to teach. We can all benefit from reviewing these resources. I hope that in our future posts, as we cover more specifically these Christlike principles of teaching, that we will all find ways to improve our own teaching moments.
-Lorie Pierce
The introduction page to the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual says this:
The goal of every gospel teacher—every parent, every formally called teacher, every home teacher and visiting teacher, and every follower of Christ—is to teach the pure doctrine of the gospel, by the Spirit, in order to help God’s children build their faith in the Savior and become more like Him.
The manual is designed to help us as teachers, leaders and parents improve our ability to teach in the Savior's way. It helps to refocus our methods in ways that will more fully invite the Spirit and foster gospel learning. Personal and group study of the manual are intended implementations of the curriculum.
Those serving in callings as teachers are now participating in monthly Teacher Council Meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to allow teachers to "council together about principles of Christlike teaching". This unique council environment is designed to allow the teachers to learn from one another as they share ideas, concerns, experiences and as they use the principles found in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual to find better ideas, solutions and invite the Spirit into their class experiences.
While many of us do not currently have teaching assignments, we all have opportunities to teach. We can all benefit from reviewing these resources. I hope that in our future posts, as we cover more specifically these Christlike principles of teaching, that we will all find ways to improve our own teaching moments.
-Lorie Pierce
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Personal Moments with Gordon B. Hinckley
I am filled with love as I reflect on my feelings from that very formative time in my life.
Unfortunately, I cannot recall any specific experiences, but I can recall distinct impressions. I remember being impressed with how “up to date” President Hinckley was with the times…especially for an old guy! He was very aware of technology and he knew how to take advantage of it and use it for the Lord’s work, rather than shunning it as something worldly and evil. He was extremely well-informed about history and current events. I remember being a little bit in awe of just how much he knew! He seemed to understand and relate to people of all different situations and circumstances.
I LOVED listening to him speak. He was always a straight shooter, never shy about telling it like it was, never intimidated by what the world might think—and yet, his words were always filled with love and gentleness. He was blunt without being offensive. I always felt compassion in his words. I knew he was filled with love for all of us…and I could never quite understand how that was possible; it always kind of blew my mind!
I was also very impressed with his seemingly limitless energy: he traveled all over the world and was always busy, always involved. It was easy to lose track of which temple he was dedicating, which country he was visiting, which conference or fireside he was speaking at. As he soared into his 90’s I started to think he was something of a miracle. I thought maybe the Lord was going to preserve him indefinitely and that he would be the one to escort us into the Millennium! Frankly, I was a little shocked and disappointed when he passed away! (At least until the Spirit bore witness to me that Pres. Monson had received his calling and mantle from the Lord, and then I knew we’d be okay.)
I discovered a more personal connection with Pres. Hinckley just recently as I was reading about his life in our new manual. I was deeply moved when I learned that he lost his mother to cancer as a young adult. He had a really hard time getting over that loss, but he often felt like his mom was there supporting him, especially on his mission. Having just lost my own mom to cancer recently—and feeling the same sense of her guiding presence in my life—I was touched and even more grateful for his strength and his example!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Save the Dates
As a stake Relief Society, there are three important dates to remember for 2017. We hope you will Save These Dates to be able to join us at these events.
General Womens Meeting and Social
Saturday, March 25, 2017 - time of social & details TBA
For all woman ages 8+
Stake Relief Society Activity
Saturday, April 29, 2017 - time and details TBA
General Womens Meeting and Social
Saturday, September 23, 2017 - time of social & details TBA
For all woman ages 8+
General Womens Meeting and Social
Saturday, March 25, 2017 - time of social & details TBA
For all woman ages 8+
Stake Relief Society Activity
Saturday, April 29, 2017 - time and details TBA
General Womens Meeting and Social
Saturday, September 23, 2017 - time of social & details TBA
For all woman ages 8+
Sunday, January 22, 2017
New Self-Reliance Initiative
Most of you have probably been hearing announcements for the upcoming Self-Reliance Devotional. This post will hopefully answer some basic questions about that event and about the Church's new Self-Reliance Initiative.
First the Devotional --
Sunday Jan 29, 2017, 7pm at the Columbia Stake Center. It will run about 90 minutes in length. Sunday dress is not required. Non-LDS Church members are welcome to participate.
It is not a general 'come learn about self-reliance' event. It has a specific purpose to organize attendees into groups/classes.
The following description is taken from FAQs for the Self-Reliance Initiative: Members. If you still have questions, after using the link to read the FAQs page, please contact your Relief Society president or Bishop/Branch President.
"The devotional will be a meeting in which all individuals who have been identified by their ward councils, or individuals who wish to self-select into the initiative, will come together and learn about the church’s new Self-Reliance Initiative. Each participant will come ready to be assigned to one of four groups that will be learning over a 12-week period principles, skills, and habits in regard to Finding Better Work, Education for Better Work, Starting or Growing a Business, or Managing Finances (participants may choose a group before they arrive, decide during the devotional during an assessment exercise, or a bishop could assign a particular group based on a situation). All participants will divide into these four groups, then each group will get together and decide where, when, and what time they will meet each week. Each participant will be committing to a 2 hour meeting each week, for 12 weeks, and to complete 3-6 hours of assignments between each class."
Second the New Self-Reliance Initiative --
“Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church[2010], 6.1.1).
The new initiative is all about learning and doing. It is targeted to people's needs - areas they need to/want to improve their self-reliance in. The program helps to connect people together in a facilitator - learner/doer context and allows us to truly make use of the storehouse of resources that exist within our members knowledge, skills, and willingness to serve one another.
The new initiative will be used by ward/branch leaders to help specific individuals they have reached out to, but members are encouraged to evaluate themselves and participate in the formal classes as they feel a need.
There are many resources available online specifically for this Initiative and for general self-reliance information. If you have the Gospel Library app on your device - simply click on the Self-Reliance tab. Using lds.org you would follow the links through Families and Individuals. Or you can use these links:
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/principles?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/manuals-and-videos?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/live?lang=eng
My husband and I are working though the booklet My Foundation together. While we may not choose to participate in any of the 12 week classes, we are finding that reviewing these basic principles together is helpful. The thing about self-reliance that my parents taught my is this - the more self-reliant I am the better able I am to serve and lift others, whether it be temporally or spiritually....and as I strive to center my self-reliance on my faith in Jesus Christ, I am blessed to be able to do what needs to be done.
-Lorie Pierce
First the Devotional --
Sunday Jan 29, 2017, 7pm at the Columbia Stake Center. It will run about 90 minutes in length. Sunday dress is not required. Non-LDS Church members are welcome to participate.
It is not a general 'come learn about self-reliance' event. It has a specific purpose to organize attendees into groups/classes.
The following description is taken from FAQs for the Self-Reliance Initiative: Members. If you still have questions, after using the link to read the FAQs page, please contact your Relief Society president or Bishop/Branch President.
"The devotional will be a meeting in which all individuals who have been identified by their ward councils, or individuals who wish to self-select into the initiative, will come together and learn about the church’s new Self-Reliance Initiative. Each participant will come ready to be assigned to one of four groups that will be learning over a 12-week period principles, skills, and habits in regard to Finding Better Work, Education for Better Work, Starting or Growing a Business, or Managing Finances (participants may choose a group before they arrive, decide during the devotional during an assessment exercise, or a bishop could assign a particular group based on a situation). All participants will divide into these four groups, then each group will get together and decide where, when, and what time they will meet each week. Each participant will be committing to a 2 hour meeting each week, for 12 weeks, and to complete 3-6 hours of assignments between each class."
Second the New Self-Reliance Initiative --
“Self-reliance is the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church[2010], 6.1.1).
The new initiative is all about learning and doing. It is targeted to people's needs - areas they need to/want to improve their self-reliance in. The program helps to connect people together in a facilitator - learner/doer context and allows us to truly make use of the storehouse of resources that exist within our members knowledge, skills, and willingness to serve one another.
The new initiative will be used by ward/branch leaders to help specific individuals they have reached out to, but members are encouraged to evaluate themselves and participate in the formal classes as they feel a need.
There are many resources available online specifically for this Initiative and for general self-reliance information. If you have the Gospel Library app on your device - simply click on the Self-Reliance tab. Using lds.org you would follow the links through Families and Individuals. Or you can use these links:
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/principles?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/manuals-and-videos?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/topics/pef-self-reliance/live?lang=eng
My husband and I are working though the booklet My Foundation together. While we may not choose to participate in any of the 12 week classes, we are finding that reviewing these basic principles together is helpful. The thing about self-reliance that my parents taught my is this - the more self-reliant I am the better able I am to serve and lift others, whether it be temporally or spiritually....and as I strive to center my self-reliance on my faith in Jesus Christ, I am blessed to be able to do what needs to be done.
-Lorie Pierce
Sunday, January 15, 2017
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 Peterson
-Lorie Pierce
 |
| President Steve Towne - President James Mitchell - Elder Paul Sinclair - President Steve 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.
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