Sunday Snippet

On Sunday our lesson was taken from the May 2010 Ensign, President Boyd K. Packer's address on "The Power of the Priesthood".
Angela gave a wonderful simile to electricity and how we may have the power in our homes but if we do not "switch" it on it will not work for us.
There are two parts to "The Power of the Priesthood" There is the authority and there is the power.
"During translation Joseph and Oliver Cowdery read about baptism. They prayed to know what to do. There appeared to them an angelic messenger, John the Baptist. He conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, 'which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.' "
The apostles Peter, James and John appeared next and conferred upon Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek priesthood, named after the great High Priest Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes.
" This then became their authority. Through the keys of the priesthood, they had access to all of the powers of heaven."
President Packer said " Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters - who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers - we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected.
Priesthood is the authority and the power to which God has granted to men on Earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present."
"Authority in the priesthood comes by way or ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honouring covenants. It is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness."
As sisters we need to help the priesthood holders in our family exercise their priesthood power by asking our husbands / fathers, not the Bishop, or Area Presidency, to administer blessing to us. For those of us who don't have priesthood holders in the home we call on our home teachers to bless us.
What a wonderful blessing "The Power of the Priesthood" is and because we have that we have no need to fear the future." Fear is the opposite of faith. we move forward certain that the Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family.


In five minute music we listened to
"Cootamundra Wattle" by John Williamson


ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Relief Society Activity lastTuesday night was most enjoyable and informative. Sarah demonstrated on Sue how to massage the acupuncture points on our meridian and to warm our kidneys to help them function properly.
Andrea King cooked for us some delicious stirfrys. Sate beef and veg, Teryaki and honey chicken and pork and lime, delicious. If there had been a larger attendance and we needed to be split in to groups we would also have had Sweet and sour chicken, Barbecue beef, and another dish that I can't recall, but the recipes will be available on the blog soon.
It was a good night and thank you for providing the activity for us.

Sunday Snippet

Relief Society and Priesthood were combined this week and we were introduced to "The Addiction Recovery Program". It is being included in the church program to help members and others to overcome habits that are detrimental to their agency.

"If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, there is hope. Addiction recovery groups sponsored by LDS Family Services are available to help you and your loved ones overcome addictive behaviour and more fully enjoy the blessings of Church participation"
"Addiction is habitually turning to something other than God and which is destructive."
There are many types of addiction, we can have problems with the Word o f Wisdom, gambling, eating disorders, chastity, pornography and even television and computer games can be affecting our agency.

"If you suspect you are addicted and if you feel even the smallest desire to break free, we invite you to join us in the addiction recovery support group meetings. Participation is free and confidential."
HOBART ARP MEETINGS: Fridays 7.30pm Rosny Chapel
ARP Missionaries Elder and Sister Summerfield 62861111 or 0418343486


ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday July 25th
Gospel Enrichment Fireside

Tuesday July 27th 7pm
Relief Society Activity
42 Hillborough Road
South Hobart

Sunday Snippet

This weeks lesson was given by Nicole and the topic was "The Atonement".
Nicole divided us into 5 groups and we discussed sections of the lesson within our groups.
The topics were
1. The Atonement is necessary for our salvation.
2. Jesus Christ was the only one who could Atone for our sins
3. Christ suffered and died to Atone for our sins.
4. The Atonement and resurrection bring resurrection to all.
5. The Atonement makes it possible for those who have faith in Christ to be saved from their sins.

A spokesperson from each group then explained to the class what ideas their group had on the topic.
Nicole finished the lesson with a parable on justice and mercy, and how the only way to show mercy and to satisfy justice is to have a mediator. Someone who is prepared to pay our debts for us.

'Our sins are our spiritual debts. Without Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and Mediator, we would all pay for our sins by suffering spiritual death. But because of Him, if we will keep His terms, which are to repent and keep His commandments, we may return to live with our Heavenly Father.

It is wonderful that christ has provided us a way to be healed from our sins, He said:
"Behold, I have come unto the world ... to save the world from sin."
"Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a litttle child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved"
(3 Nephi 9:21-22).'