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).'

Sunday Snippet

Sorry everyone...I missed last week.  I was sick!

So this weeks post is about the lovely lesson Emi gave us on Sunday.
It was about the life of the Savior, the things he taught, the miracles he performed and the example he set.
We watched parts of two dvd's;  'Special Witnesses of Christ' and  'Finding Faith in Christ'.
Emi posed two questions:
1. How can we love God?
2. How can we love our Neighbour.

We broke in to four groups and came up with a few ideas:
know Him (through prayer, study, service)
Be obedience (the 'O' factor, how is yours?)
Acknowledge Him in all aspects of life
Trust in Him, rely on His guidance
Respect and appreciate others and all creations
Become part of His plan.  Have a sense of partnership with Him
Love unconditionally as the Savior & Heavenly Father do.
Accept & fulfill callings
Be humble
Look after our families
Care for those around us
Live the Gospel
Listen to the Spirit
Be temple worthy
Be thankful
Keep the commandments
Ask for blessings
feed our testimony
Be helpful
create opportunities to serve
Love the sisters we visit teach
Always give people the benefit of the doubt
Don't judge
Be honest with ourselves and others
Count your blessings
Learn to cook - making a meal for someone might make their day!
Make the right choices
keep on going, even when we have had enough!

Quite an extensive list.  I'm sure there's something for everyone there.

Announcements:

• Starting in July we will have RS Meetings (activities) every 4th Tuesday of the month
• Alyssa Thomasson will be getting baptised July 3 10am
• If you are participating in Week at the Temple, you MUST book in to sessions with Bro Stokes

Sunday Snippet

Announcements:

Youth Sports Activity Saturday 12 June (Huonville)

Week @ Temple schedules to Bro Stokes

Indoor Soccer competition starts Friday 11th June

On Sunday I taught and we started with a fun game then talked about the different things that are precious to us.  Friends, family, health, special trinkets, family heirlooms & the gospel were among a few we talked about.

The Gospel, and more specifically, Relief Society (RS) is precious to me and something I need in my life.

Shortly after the Church was organised Joseph Smith also organised the Relief Society.  He said, "The church was never perfectly organised until the women were thus organised...".  It's good to know that RS is an essential part of the church.  It is my desire that each of us will understand why it is essential in our lives.

What does RS do for those women who choose to embrace it as part of their life? How does it bless families, homes and individuals? This is a question that was posed on Sunday and each sister present was able to share their thoughts with everyone.  The list was a long one and included; 

leadership skills

organisation

friendship & diversity in friends, companionship

a sense of belonging

love & respect

discovery of gifts, talents, abilities

opportunities to serve (VT, compassionate service)

skills for motherhood

self-reliance

knowledge

preparation for the temple & other covenants

help in staying true

identity & self-worth

Sister Allred (of the General RS Presidency) has a daughter named Norma.  She once said, "Your attendance at relief Society Sunday meetings will bless you...but your participation in the work of Relief Society will bless the whole church."

And the General Relief Society Presidency have this message for us:

"Whether you are young or old, single or married, widowed or living in a family, we want you to bless your life and home with the influence and power of Relief Society"

Our Previous Prophet, President Hinckley had some wonderful things to say about the women in our lives.  We watched this on Sunday, it only goes for about 3 minutes.  Click to watch this short address.

I believe that one of the most useful resources we have as an organisation is each other.  I believe that Heavenly Father intended for us to teach each other, to use our talents, abilities and gifts to help and enrich each others lives. I believe that within the Hobart ward we have a goldmine of things to offer each other but I also believe that this resource is mostly untapped.  As a Presidency and with the help of our Relief Society Meeting Coordinators, we plan to change that!!

In small groups on Sunday, sisters compiled an extensive list of the talents, gifts, and abilities of those in their group.  In the same manner another extensive list was made, this one contained things people need or want to learn, experiences and activities people would like to be involved in, skills they would like to have etc.  The plan is to use these lists when we plan lessons and activities for Relief Society.  I'm guessing that the first activity will have something to do with learning how to handle 'Man Tools!'

While I was planning this lesson, I was very aware that we have many sisters who do not attend church, and are not participating in RS.  I feel very strongly that we need to reach out to these women and take up the call from our Relief Society General Presidency when they said,


"...To those of you who already attend Relief Society, we extend a call.  We ask you to go to the women who are not engaged in relief Society work in your wards and branches to teach them with love what Relief Society will do for them.  Testify to them that Relief Society will enrich their homes and personal lives.  Offer your friendship and sisterhood.  Watch over and strengthen them.  Help us reverse society's trend of disintegrating families.  Help your sisters turn to the Lord and His plan of happiness for His children.  They will find guidance, comfort, peace, understanding, and inspiration.  They will know Heavenly Father loves then and cares for them in ways beyond measure."

Blanche 

P.S If you would like to read the talk that inspired this lesson it is 'Every woman needs Relief Society' - Nov 2009 Ensign.

Sunday Snippet

Ward Conference 2010

Our Relief Society lesson was led by the Stake Relief Society Presidency; Katie, Olan, Lesley and Lyn.  The focus was very much our divine role as women and teachers in the home.  Each of us has the capacity to have a positive influence that reaches into many facets of life; school, home, church, community, workplace, to name a few.  We have many examples available to us of righteous, successful women who can help us in our efforts to teach and nurture those we have stewardship for.  Each of us is at a different place in our lives, each of us has our own specific talents, gifts and abilities, we are all unique.  Having said that though, there is something common to us all regardless of our situation in life, we are all daughters of God and he has blessed each of us with the capacity to love and serve.  If we humble ourselves before Him, and are willing to be obedient, He will show us how we can best do this.




Announcements:

• Primary Activity 4 June 10-12 @ stake centre
• Week @ Temple schedule need to be in to Bro Stokes asap (both bro Stokes & I have schedules if you need)
• Stake Youth Sports Day 12 June
• Strengthening Marriage course to start 18 June (see Bishopric or RS Presidency if you'd like to participate) The course will consist of six 90 minute classes taught over 6 weeks by Bro Andrew & Sis Fran Ross.  It is the hope of the Stake Presidency that every couple will have the opportunity to participate over time.
• Tithing Settlement interviews - there is a sign up sheet on the ward notice board

Sunday Snippet

Hello!! Oh my heck, I have just spent the last hour trying to find the notes that I took in Relief Society today.... here they are!!!

Today in Relief Society Sister Angela gave the lesson taken from the talk The Love of God, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf . The scriptures shared were:
John 14:15
Matthew 22:37-38
Matthew 22:39
Angela asks us Why are we commanded to love God?
If we love him, we will more likely take on his ways and want to become more like him. His glory is not diminished if we do not love him, it is for our benefit.
What we love determines what we seek, what we seek determines what we think and do, what we think and do determines who we are and who we become.
Angela asked us to remember those feelings of falling in love for the first time, you would do anything for that person.
If we do not develop our love of God we may be less likely to do what he asks... his commandments might feel inconvenient to follow, like a duty or chore, we may be reluctant to act.... all these things lead to a rebellious nature.
Love is the source of bliss and heavy burdens, to love the wrong things can bring us misery, the love of good brings us joy.
We can come to know God by reading the scriptures, as we come to know him we will love him and want to follow him.

Thank you Angela for a great lesson.

Blanche gave the five minute music today. She shared a lovely story about passing judgement and bubbles.... well worth a read.

Of Bubbles and Blame Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
The story is told of an inquisitive widow in 17th-century England who lived next to a man she considered quite eccentric. Each day her neighbor would sit outside in the heat of the sun and, for hours at a time, blow soap bubbles through a clay pipe, staring at them until they popped.

One day, the woman received a visit from a Fellow of the Royal Society, England’s renowned academy of science. When she described this bizarre behavior, her visitor asked if he could get a better look at the man she described as a poor lunatic.

“That poor lunatic,” he said, “is none other than the great Sir Isaac Newton, who is studying the refraction of light upon thin plates—a phenomenon beautifully exhibited upon the surface of common soap bubbles.”¹

It’s easy to find fault in others. But when we do, we may be revealing more about ourselves than those we criticize. The famed psychologist Carl Jung wrote, “Everything that is unconscious in ourselves we discover in our neighbour, and we treat him accordingly.”² In other words, sometimes our hasty judgment of others stems from the worst that is in us rather than what we assume is the worst in them.

We may think we know a hundred bad things about someone. But there may be one thing about him or her that we don’t know—something that, if we truly understood it, could completely change our perspective.

The next time we are tempted to judge someone else, perhaps the story of the widow and her eccentric neighbor will remind us that the faults of others, even when they seem real, may in fact be nothing more than bubbles that disappear in the sunlight of knowledge, compassion, and understanding.

Announcements.....Priesthood meeting... if you did not go you already missed it... tonight 7pm
Activity night 7-8pm... bring books
Ward Bush walk 3-5pm this Saturday at the Reeds home, BBQ provided.
Stake Indoor Soccer 11 June... need to advise if wish to form a team or play
Strengthening Marriage course starting soon, see Bishopric member if you wish to attend, Family course soon after.

Well that is all folks!!!
(How about that gorgeous bubble picture?!)
Happy Week.
xx Fiona