October 2012 Testimony

Testimony of Eric Jamison

Bishop

I know God loves us and that he answers prayers. He is the father of our spirits and blesses us as much as we let him. He doesn’t stop loving us when we make mistakes. He sent Jesus to rescue us from our mistakes and to bring us safely back to him. Our Heavenly Father is more generous, forgiving, and merciful than most imagine. We can reach out to him without fear. We can depend on his love and on his awesome promises. He has given us the wonderful opportunity to live by faith and He “will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him” (Alma 44:4). He is the source of light and love in our lives. He has called prophets, brought forth scripture, and restored the priesthood, and reestablished His church in these, the latter days.

October 2012 Relief Society Message

The Relief Society motto is: Charity Never Faileth. What a wonderful thought - that no matter what faces us in life, we can never go wrong by showing love and being charitable. In Moroni 7:47 we are told that "charity is the pure love of Christ". Elder C. Max Caldwell spoke about charity in the October 1992 General Conference. He stated: "The phrase ‘love of Christ’ might have meaning in three dimensions:. . . First, love for Christ. . . A second dimension of the meaning of charity is love from Christ (Ether 12:33-34). . . The third perception of charity is to possess a love that is like Christ (2 Ne. 33:7-9; John 13:34). Charity is not just. . . a word to describe actions or attitudes. Rather, it is an internal condition that must be developed and experienced in order to be understood. . . . People who have charity have a love for the Savior, have received of his love, and love others as he does." May we each take time to reflect on "the pure love of Christ", and then go about developing and experiencing the joy that comes from following the Savior.

October 2012 Wise Stewards Finance Tip

Wise Stewards Finance Tip Series 2, Article 6

“TEACH FAMILY MEMBERS EARLY THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING AND EARNING.   “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” is not outdated counsel. It is basic to personal welfare. One of the greatest favors parents can do for their children is to teach them to work. Much has been said over the years about children and monthly allowances, and opinions and recommendations vary greatly. I’m from the “old school.” I believe children should earn their money needs through service and appropriate chores. Some financial rewards to children may also be tied to educational effort and the

accomplishment of other worthwhile goals. I think it is unfortunate for a child to grow up in a home where the seed is planted in the child’s mind that there is a family money tree that automatically drops “green stuff” once a week or once a month.

–from Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s One for the Money Guide to Family Finance 

I am so grateful for parents who taught me at a young age not to fear good hard work.  I love feeling the satisfaction of a job well done.  One of my biggest goals is to pass this along to my children.  If you have a kid that’s less than enthusiastic about work, you may know what a challenge this can be.  If a young one doesn’t respond well to you “helping them” earn money you may want to enlist the help of trusted neighbors or extended family members where appropriate.  Sometimes mowing lawns or washing windows for someone else can get them excited about work and help them feel pride and responsibility.

October 2012 Newsletter Announcements

The Primary Program is fast approaching.  The practice will be held Sat, Oct 20^th from 12:30 - 2:00pm with pizza to follow.  The program will be on Sun, Oct 21^st at 1pm. 

The Ward Halloween Party is Sat, Oct 27^th at the Stake Center.  Trunk or Treat starts at 5:30pm and dinner follows at 6pm.  Look for sign-ups for food to bring for the dinner and come dressed in costume – there will be prizes!

September was a whirlwind as the Young Men built and launched rockets at Deseret Peaks near Tooele, completing many of the requirements for the Space Exploration merit badge. A huge thank you to Brothers Anderson, Jensen, and Pres & Sis Bracken for their help with their telescopes and knowledge of the stars as the youth worked on the Astronomy MB.

YW News: We want to welcome Beth as our newest Beehive! YW in Excellence is coming up on November 7 so please be working on your projects. Parents are invited to this special event where we will be having dinner and a program.

Note: The Sunday School lessons have changed from the printed schedule.  The lessons on the newsletter calendar are current. Sunday, October 14th is Lesson 36.

September 2012 Testimony

Testimony of Matt Shannon

Elders Quorom President

Years ago when I was serving in the Russia Novosibirsk Mission we were fortunate to have a visit from President Neuenschwander, then the President of the Europe East area. President Neuenschwander asked us a simple, yet interesting question. "What does missionary work entail? Why are you here?" The typical answers were given. To bring people to Christ, to baptize, etc... As I sat and pondered his question a thought came to me. I answered, to establish the church. He smiled at me and repeated my answer so all were sure to hear. That experience taught me that a missionary of the Lord has many responsibilities. To put it simply, to do anything the Lord requires in building his kingdom on the Earth. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are all missionaries and share this great responsibility of establishing the Church, even here in Utah. I know that as we serve in the Church the Lord will bless us, our families, and our ward. In doing our home and visiting teaching we help strengthen the foundation of our ward. Each of us has the opportunity to serve in various callings and the Lord has challenged us to magnify those callings. By doing so we show our faith to those around us and especially to the Lord. He will bless you if you rise to his challenge. I know this to be true. I have felt his love and support throughout all of my church service. The Lord is our Savior and Redeemer. He restored this Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith. And he has entrusted it's continued growth to us. It is my prayer that we may serve diligently and earn the trust of our Heavenly Father, that the windows of heaven may be opened to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

September 2012 Wise Stewards Finance Tip

Wise Stewards Finance Tip Series 2, Article 5

“U S E   A   B U D G ET.   Every family must have a predetermined understanding of how

much money will be available each month and the amount to be spent in each category of the family budget. Checkbooks facilitate family cash management and record-keeping. Carefully record

each check when written and balance the checkbook with the monthly bank statement. Save and invest a specific percentage of your income. Liquid savings available for emergencies should be sufficient to cover at least three months of all essential family obligations. Every LDS family should file honest and timely tax returns. ” 

–from Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s One for the Money Guide to Family Finance 

It is essential to have a functioning budge and to know how much money goes in and out each month.  One thing that makes it harder to keep track is the use of debit cards.  Most of us no longer write checks every time we purchase something.  Swiping a card is so much easier, but it also makes spending money easier-and recordkeeping easier to forget.  Don’t forget to track all of your purchases.  Always review bank statements and reconcile your spending.  You don’t have to budget for an entire month, but do budget for a specific time period.  It is helpful to have this match your pay period whether that is monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, etc.  All these tips are meant to keep us out of pitfalls like the one in this quote from Elder Ashton: “Please listen carefully to this—and if it makes some of you feel uncomfortable, it is on purpose: Latter-day Saints who ignore or avoid their creditors are entitled to feel the inner frustrations that such conduct merits, and they are not living as Latter-day Saints should! Bankruptcy should be avoided, except only under the most unique and irreversible circumstances, and then utilized only after prayerful thought and thorough legal and financial consultation.”

September 2012 Newsletter Announcements

YW News: The YW had a wonderful time at Heber Valley Camp for Girl's Camp. They did certification, a sunrise hike, got foot soaks and pedicures from our loving Sis. Gerber, gave service, performed skits showing how they can "Arise and Shine Forth", were challenged physically and strengthened spiritually in the challenge course, and were able to bear testimony. It was a great camp filled with love and friendship.

McKenzee turned 16 and is the new Laurel president. Brianna is the Mia Maid president and Andi is the Beehive president. The YW want to thank Bro. Rowe and Bro. Anderson for all their help with our shooting activity.

Ward Adult Family Home Evening (18 and older) - Please join us for a free production of Are the Meadowlarks Still Singing performed by Hale Centre Theatre on Sunday, September 9th! Play starts at 7pm - so we'll meet at the church at 6:15 to ride together. Questions? Contact Sister Greene.

The Brigham City Temple Open House is from now until Sep 15^th.  Reservations can be made by online at www.templeopenhouse.lds.org or by calling 1-855-537-2000. The temple dedication will be on Sep 23^rd at either 9am or 12 pm at the Stake Center. All other church meetings will be canceled.  Please see a member of the bishopric for a ticket/recommend.

Life got you down? Start preparing now for our upcoming General Conference, October 6^th & 7^th.  It’s always uplifting!

August 2012 Testimony

Testimony of Heather Tingey

Relief Society 2^nd Counselor

I have come to know for myself that Joseph Smith is a true inspired prophet of God.  Because of his courage and obedience I am able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel every day.  I know we have a living prophet today, Thomas Monson, who is Heavenly Father's mouthpiece here on earth.  I know Jesus Christ lives and that through the power of the atonement we can find peace and be healed from any pain we encounter in this life.  He shows me love daily and fills me with the strength I need to do all he requires.  I love my Savior and Heavenly Father with all my heart.  I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

August 2012 Relief Society Message

This month our topic from the Relief Society Declaration is "We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity." 

Each of these three sentences is so important and could easily be discussed in many lessons. How wonderful it is that we know who we are, why we are here, and what we are to be doing during our stay on this earth. We are so blessed to have this knowledge - to know that our Heavenly Father loves us; and is aware of our daily lives - our hopes, trials, weaknesses and strengths - and that He desires to bless us. Let us turn to Him in faith and do as He would have us do.

August 2012 Wise Stewards Finance Tip

Wise Stewards Finance Tip Series 2, Article 4

“Learn Self-Discipline and Self-Restraint in Money Matters. Learning how to discipline oneself and exercise constraint where money is concerned can be more important than courses in accounting. Young couples should recognize that they cannot immediately maintain the same spending patterns and life-style as that to which they were accustomed as part of their parents’ family. Married couples show genuine maturity when they think of their partner’s and their family’s needs ahead of their own spending impulses. Money management skills should be learned together in a spirit of cooperation and love on a continuing basis.” 

–from Elder Marvin J. Ashton’s One for the Money Guide to Family Finance 

This is obviously a big warning about impulse buying, which is so easy to do. But once you learn to control your spending with small everyday items it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.  As Elder Ashton indicates, self-discipline and self restraint are skills that need to be revisited continuously.  Many people – couples and singles – who have a change in their financial situation tend to let this principle slide.  The graduate who lived frugally for so long while in school and now has a job may want to splurge.  The couple whose children are finally out of the house may want to take that dream vacation.  The employee who gets a great promotion may think a little reward is in order.  These situations are a great opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate your financial situation.  A reward/treat/pat on the back is a great thing as long as it fits into your long term goals.  So before you buy that new car/trip/pair of designer shoes, make sure it’s ⁽¹⁾something that you really can afford, and ⁽²⁾something your spouse – if you have one – can be happy with as well.   

August 2012 Newsletter Announcements

SEEKING: Participants for Ward Adult Family Home Evenings! May be single, married, short, tall, man or woman but must be over age 18 and willing to bond with your Ward Family by doing the following; meet for 1 hour on the 2^nd Mon of every month in the RS room at 7pm.  Activities will include but not be limited to; spiritual messages, activities and treats.  Service projects, outings, competitions, cook-offs, etc... are all optional. For more info or to share ideas, call Sister Greene.

Mark your calendars for Stake Conference, August 18^th & 19^th.  Priesthood Leadership is Saturday at 4pm and the Adult Session follows at 7pm.  Sunday morning’s session is at 10am with a choir prelude at 9:30am. Come early for a great seat and enjoy the spiritual uplift from listening to the choir.

The Brigham City Temple Open House will be held Aug 18^th – Sep 15^th.  Reservations can be made by calling 1-855-537-2000 or online at www.templeopenhouse.lds.org. The temple dedication will be on Sep 23^rd and all other church meetings will be canceled that Sunday.  Please see a member of the bishopric for a ticket/recommend.

The Ward Pool Party is on Sat, August 25^th from 8-10pm at the Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center pools.  This is in lieu of the annual ward campout this year.

YW News: At Youth Conference, President Nudd re-issued the 30 day Book of Mormon reading challenge.  There will be a fireside on Sun, Aug 26^th where the youth can share their increased testimonies.  Monica advanced to the Laurel class and Madi is now a Mia Maid.  Parents and YW are invited to attend the post-camp BBQ & awards ceremony on Wed, Aug 8th at 6:30pm, at the Adams' house.

Congratulations to the Hunsakers on the birth of their baby boy on July 22^nd.

July 2012 Testimony

Testimony of Angela Hunsaker

Relief Society President

My testimony is that I know God is a being with whom we are each allowed the privilege of a relationship.  When I nurture my relationship with Him, promises and covenants I have made actually do become true.  Because I am familiar with how I feel when He is near me (through the Holy Ghost), and because I want that feeling as often as possible, I have an easier time making right choices. I know His Son, Jesus Christ, performed the ultimate proxy sacrifice for each of us; and that when I repent, I truly feel different and cleansed. I know that any person set apart by the power of the priesthood has power given to them from God to protect and serve and guide His children. President Thomas S. Monson has that power for all the world at this very moment. Bishop Jamison holds that power for our ward, and righteous parents hold that power for their families. We are not left alone to navigate this life. There is more to come after this life, and this Gospel unlocks the very best of God's blessing to us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

July 2012 Newsletter Announcements

YM - Boy Scout News
June was a busy month in the lives of the boy scouts in the Oquirrh 5th Ward.  They started out with the 50/30/20/12 where the scouts and leaders walked from our subdivision to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple, then walked to the Draper Temple, totaling 20 miles on foot. The scouts then got on their bicycles and rode to the Jordan River Temple and on to the Salt Lake Temple, a total of 30 miles on bike.  Congratulations to Bro. Hare, Spencer, Tyrel, and Tyler for completing all four temples.  Congratulations also go to Luke, Ben, Dylan, Porter, Taylan, Nathan and Carter who made it to the first three temples and half of the way to the Salt Lake Temple.  A special thank you to those who helped along the way with food, water, and minor emergencies.  A job well done by everyone.  Thank you to Bro. Hutchinson for teaching the Citizenship in the Nation merit badges and Bro. Kajma and Tingey who helped in the swim checks and swimming merit badges during the month.

YW News 
Congratulations to Jennie and Elsie - high school graduates!  Aspen, Megan, Madi, Miranda and McKenzee will be dancing at Stadium of Fire.  MaKayla will be in the Days of 47 Parade (Color Guard). We're proud of all our YW and their accomplishments.  Please see the calendar for important YW dates - Baptisms (probably in the morning), Youth Conference and Girls Camp.

An exercise class will be held at the Stake Center every Friday morning at 9am, beginning in August. Kids are welcome to play in the nursery (and watch videos) while Moms workout. Contact Sis. Otteson in the 4th ward for more information.

The Ward Pool Party is on Sat, August 25th from 8-10pm at the Oquirrh Park Fitness Center Pools.  This activity will be in lieu of the annual ward campout this year.