October Newsletter
October Newsletter
Bishopric Message
I Hope You Are Happy
The phrase “I hope you are happy” is often used today in a derogatory way to express disapproval of someone’s decision or actions, but in it’s sincere form, it expresses exactly what our Heavenly Father feels for us. He wants us to be happy. In fact, this entire mortal experience is designed for that purpose.
In the Book of Mormon, Alma the Younger explains to his son the plan that God has for us, including the fall of Adam and Eve and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He calls this plan “The great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). The prophet Lehi taught that “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:15, 25). Everything our Father asks us to do is designed to bring us lasting joy.
Many believe that God’s commandments are too restrictive, or interfere with what they think will make them happy. But in the same way an earthly parent knows what is best for their small toddler and poses restrictions on their behavior, our Heavenly Father has a much greater knowledge than we do and gives us commandments that will protect us and help us to avoid suffering.
Lehi also taught us that the devil “seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). Satan is especially good at making things appear as if they are good for us when in reality, they lead us to misery. He entices us with temporary pleasures telling us it will make us happy but in the long run leads us further away from our Heavenly Father. “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10).
When we are wise in our choices, we think beyond our immediate desires and consider the long term consequences of our actions. Willingly following the council and advice of our Father requires great faith on our part, trusting that His plan for us is the only way to ensure lasting happiness not only now, but for the eternities.
It is our hope that you are happy, that your happiness is felt by others around you and inspires others to come closer to Christ. As the apostle Paul said “... whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Jake Colton
Bishopric 2nd Counselor
Spiritual Message
Our thought this month comes from an April 1987 General Conference talk by President Monson entitled “The Will Within”. The entire talk is a good reminder of our ability to change and overcome failure:
“Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final…”
“Each of us is a runner in the race of life. Comforting is the fact that there are many runners. Reassuring is the knowledge that our eternal Scorekeeper is understanding. Challenging is the truth that each must run. But you and I do not run alone. That vast audience of family, friends, and leaders will cheer our courage, will applaud our determination as we rise from our stumblings and pursue our goal. The race of life is not for sprinters running on a level track. The course is marked by pitfalls and checkered with obstacles... Let us shed any thought of failure. Let us discard any habit that may hinder. Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.”
Though we may feel like we are failing or need to change, the Savior can bring us peace and hope, and even if we do fail, because of him, we can always try again.
-The Primary Presidency
Announcements
Relief Society
*Lunch Bunch- October 22 @ 11:30. Place to be determined.
*Sunday lessons
October 10. Remember Your Way Back Home- Elder Teixeira
October 24. Essential Conversations- Sister Joy B. Jones
Thank you to everyone who brought salads, chips and cookies for our Neighborhood End of the Summer BBQ. We appreciate all of your support. It was a beautiful evening and fun to see and visit with so many friends and neighbors.
Primary
Save the date:
Ward/Neighborhood Trunk or Treat
Saturday October 23rd, 6pm in the church parking lot
~Dress up, decorate your trunks, pass out candy, grab a drink and some pizza and visit with friends and neighbors~
*Prize awarded for best trunk decor*
*Please look for a sign up on Sunday to help bring drinks*
Young Women’s October Activities
Oct. 6 -- Combined YM/YW -- Barn Dance
Oct 13 -- class activities
Oct. 20 -- No activity, Fall break
Oct. 27 -- No activity, (ward trunk or treat on 23rd)
Young Men’s October Activities
Oct. 6 -- Combined YM/YW -- Barn Dance
Oct 13 -- No activity
Oct. 20 -- No activity, Fall break
Oct. 27 -- 6pm - Salsa Cook-off
Temple and Family History Message
I have enjoyed our study of the Doctrine and Covenants. I have been reflecting on how important the Temple is to the Lord and the early saints. There isn’t space enough to go into detail. However, as I look at the consecrated lives our ancestors exhibited, by accomplishing the Lords command to build Temples, it has caused me deep reflection on my personal sacrifice in redeeming the dead.
One of my ancestors, James Sanderson, converted to the gospel in 1842. Through many trials they made their way to Nauvoo. Upon arriving they were pretty destitute. There were days when all they ate was a slice of bread with some salt on it. Everyone was giving all they could for the building of the temple. Their sacrifice was great and they were so faithful.
They eagerly looked forward to receive the ordinances and blessings of the temple. James and his son (Henry Weeks Sanderson) worked every 10th day on the temple (mostly at the stone quarry). They lived 2 houses from the Prophet Joseph and next door to Sidney Rigdon. Their story is not unlike many others living there at the time. For the next five years the saints worked on the temple. Their best work was being put in to the House of God. However, opposition was getting more fierce each day.
James and Henry watched the Prophet leave for Carthage never to return alive. They recalled their shock as a runner went by shouting that the Prophet had been murdered. They witnessed their lifeless bodies upon their return from that evil event.
I cant imagine the devastating blow that must have been to the saints. Yet, even as the Mobs were forcing them out, they redoubled their efforts to complete the temple (Knowing that they were going to have to leave). At the same time they were having to build wagons and gather supplies to move west.
As the saints were leaving to move west, many temple ordinances were given. Brigham was set to leave and told the saints that didn’t get the opportunity to receive their ordinances, that they would build more temples where they could receive their endowments. Those saints crowded to the temple steps as if they couldn’t go west without an endowment. Brigham looking upon them, having compassion, performed ordinances for hundreds of saints even as the first wagons rolled out. A few we commissioned to stay behind and finish the temple and dedicate it before leaving themselves.
I can’t help but think of all those on the other side of the veil figuratively crowding on the temple steps knowing they can’t progress without the ordinances of salvation.
May we have compassion on them and find ourselves in the temple acting proxy on their behalf. May the spirit of Elijah enter our hearts and accomplish the work the Lord has sent us here to do. If you haven’t been or haven’t returned in a while, may you sacrifice whatever is necessary to prepare for those blessings.
Brother Higham