Presidency Message- Press Forward/Hold Fast

     This past month we said good-bye to Joyce Scalf as she passed away.  I remember when Joyce joined the church. It was announced at church that she was getting baptized and there was a gasp.  She had been coming with Dick for so long and hadn’t really let on that she was going to get baptized soon.   Some of the newer people didn’t even realize she wasn’t a member.   I was sad that I didn’t get to say good-bye to her. I would like a chance to do a “do over” and talk to her that last time more than just signing up for a missionary meal.   Sometimes grief is an interesting thing.  We have faith that everything will be all right but that does not do away with our need to grieve.  Even Jesus, with his perfect faith, wept when he learned of the death of Lazarus.  We know that in our baptismal covenants that we promise to be willing to bear one another’s burdens.  I saw that demonstrated the day of Joyce’s funeral with her visiting teachers and friends. They organized and made the meal, provided the music for the service and grieved with the family.  Elder Wirthlin said,   “Those who journey to higher ground love the Lord with all their hearts. …They also love Heavenly Father’s children, and their lives manifest that love. They care for their brothers and sisters. They nurture, serve, and sustain their spouses and children. In the spirit of love and kindness, they build up those around them. They give freely of their substance to others. They mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”  In the purpose of Relief Society is says “The pure love of Christ continues to motivate Relief Society sisters today as they gather to teach and serve one another and as they strengthen and watch over each other one by one.”  I know Joyce and her family felt loved by her Relief Society Sisters. I hope all of our sisters feel that love. –Teresa Vincent

One Sentence Summaries from General Conference

Women’s Session

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency

“When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior.”

Sister Carol F. McConkie, first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

Choose to be holy and let your actions reflect that holiness.

Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President

The scriptures have accounts of “certain women” and we need “certain women” today.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency

Even in times of trial, you can feel peace from the Spirit.

Saturday Morning Session

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency

As families are the “basic unit of the eternal realms,” the work of our generation is to be gatherers that tie families together through family history and temple work.

Brother M. Joseph Brough, second counselor in the Young Men General Presidency

“Heavenly father does lead us, guide us and walk beside us,” and with that knowledge, we can be “Heavenly Father’s care package for others.”

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, Of the Seventy

“There is so much more to our existence than what happens between birth and death” because of the Savior.

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve

“We should not be guilty of persecuting people within or outside the church,” which should motivate us to love one another by humbling ourselves and recognizing we too are sinners.

Elder Ulisses Soares, Presidency of the Seventy

We receive strength from the Savior which will help us keep from wavering.

Elder Mark A. Bragg, Of the Seventy

Even in this darkening day, we can find light in the the church, the gospel and the Light of Christ.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve

As we stretch ourselves to become more like the Savior, He will reach out to us.

Saturday Afternoon Session

Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve

“We are all called to be disciples of our Savior.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve

There is room for everyone in the church.

Elder Gary B. Sabin, Of the Seventy

Be firm in your commitment to the gospel by choosing to be “all in.”

Elder Valeri V. Cordon

We must become fluent in the language of the gospel.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve

As members of the church, we must “overcome the world” and put off the natural man.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve

Our plans should lead us to achieve our goals, and our ultimate goal is to return to Heavenly Father and receive our promised blessings.

Priesthood Session

President Thomas S. Monson

“Let us examine our lives an ddetermine ot follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving and charitable.”

Elder David A. Bednar

Your missionary assignment is not based on a location, but rather it is focused on the labor you give in the Lord’s vineyard.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency

Leaders in the church do not seek for personal recognition, but instead means we are looking outward and seeing those we serve through God’s eyes.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency

Walk with the Lord in your priesthood service.

Sunday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson

“A strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety,” and we can gain that testimony through the Book of Mormon.

Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President

In order to rear our children in “the light and truth” of the gospel, we must be an example for them and instruct them in gospel doctrines.

 Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Of the Seventy

“Inviting others to come unto Christ is our purpose and we can fulfill that purpose by looking up to Christ.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve

Be a “first responder” to the nudges from the Holy Ghost by striving to live worthy of the Spirit, receiving the Spirit, recognizing the Spirit and acting on the first prompting.

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

Commit to doing  whatsoever the Lord directs you to do.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve

Understand the nature of the Godhead and the three separate roles each plays in our lives.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency

God does not motivate through fear, but through love, persuasion, long-suffering, meekness and gentleness.

Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve

We need to raise a warning voice of the truths we know without shaming others but instead by speaking with love.

Elder Joaquin E. Costa, Of the Seventy

On your road to baptism, meet with the missionaries, go to church, read the Book of Mormon and repent.

Elder S. Mark Palmer, Of the Seventy

We need to see others as the Lord sees them — even when others don’t live up to our expectations — and learn to love like our Heavenly Father loves His children.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve

Know the nature of the Holy Ghost: he is the third member of the Godhead, a person of spirit and is given through the laying on of hands.

Elder C. Scott Grow, Of the Seventy

“God knows you and invites you to know Him” through scripture study, keeping your covenants and keeping the commandments.

Benjamin De Hoyos, Of the Seventy

We must allow our light to shine and be a standard for the nations.

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve

“Faith is a principle of power,” and we should build a solid foundation for our faith.

Volunteer for a

Day of Caring

May 5th

United Way Columbus Indiana

Day of Caring is a full-day volunteer event where local businesses and community members are connected with non-profit and residential volunteer projects in our county.  

Register by contacting volunteer coordinator 

Amanda Hummer at ahummer@uwbarthco.org

or 812-314-2706

We have an opportunity to help our community on their biggest day of service of the year. Join your neighbors, friends, and local businesses to support our local United Way.  

We have decided to let everyone who is available that day to choose a service activity for themselves.  Contact your Relief Society Sisters and friends and do it together!

Get this on your calendar!!!

April 29^th -  9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Home Storage Center Open House

*  Adjacent to the Bishop’s Storehouse  in  Indianapolis

*   5151 W. 84^th Street Indianapolis IN

*   Tour the facility

*   Sample some of the food

*    For Members and the Public

March Presidency Message

Press Forward and Hold Fast: Celebrate Relief Society!

March of 2017 commemorates the 175^th birthday of the organization of the Relief Society.  That’s a lot of years!  How blessed we are to be members of this great organization just by virtue of our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Did you know that there was a time when not all women were members of Relief Society?

We have a proud history.  It is worth studying and becoming more aware of.  This year, the General Relief Society presidency has asked that we celebrate in unique ways:

“…we hope that each individual sister will reflect upon and prayerfully seek ways to honor and remember this special milestone, keeping the following principles in mind:

·       Our eternal identity, roles, and responsibilities as beloved spirit daughters of our Heavenly Parents.

·       The purpose and work of Relief Society in the work of salvation, which is: “Relief Society helps prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need.”

·       The great history of female discipleship.

·       All sisters belong to and are valued members of Relief Society—no matter what their current calling.”

What an inspired way to celebrate!  I hope we do take time to realize how blessed we are to be a part of Relief society.

I decided to research the Relief Society seal, and found these interesting items that describe the symbolism:

May we each find joy in our service, and belonging to each other through the membership we have in this inspired program,

Tracy

Relief Society Birthday Celebration

Pressing Forward and Holding Fast/ Presidency Message-

Having a Love of God and All Men   
By Jennifer Denison

Someone once asked Jesus, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?”

Jesus answered:

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

“This is the first and great commandment.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:36–39).

We can show our love in many ways: a smile, a wave, a kind comment, or a compliment. We can be kind, patient, understanding, and forgiving. This will show others the love in our hearts.

We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness.

May we begin now, this very day, to show love to all of God’s children. As we get up each morning, let us determine to show love and kindness to everyone.

As we come to understand how much God loves us, our hearts will be filled with love for Him, for our Savior, and for all mankind. (Thomas S. Monson)      

Welcome to our new Relief Society Sisters!

Peggy Snyder*  Angela Snyder*  Anita Snyder*  Deborah Featherston*
  Mary Hamner* Linda Ford* (all from the Shelbyville Ward)

 Melody Bonnet*  (Amy Swihart's mother)

Denise Recarte*  Jackie Recarte*Arantxa Recarte*  (Jackie and Arantxa go to school at IU and come home on weekends to our ward)

Leta Zollman -95 yrs old and residing at Willow Crossing Health and Rehab

Columbus First Ward Relief Society History 2016

The year 2016 was a year full of transitions and growth.  Our Relief Society assisted one sister transition to Motherhood (Stephanie Smith)  others welcome new children, (Kayla Jones, Wendi Thomas, and Bonnie Bingham,)   We helped with funerals as some sisters lost a brother/uncle (Debbie, Cindy, and Libby Kirts) and another lost her husband. (Ilona Ouerkerk).  Still some struggled through surgeries, accidents, and cancers.  We helped a few manage loved ones with a significant mental illness and another struggle with a teenager who seems lost. We’ve seen one sister transition to college for the first time (Annelise Guenther) , one on a mission (Jenessa Vincent), and few get married (Emily Haight and Aleese Thomas).  We’ve given food assistance to those that needed it and encouraged women in their marriages and others in divorce.  We’ve visited people on our rolls who have been baptized but needed to be found again. We’ve sent our love with several as they moved to new locations this past year ( Malya Scheibler, Carol Miner, Jennifer Dobson, Brenna Young, Chrissi Harris,   and Stephanie Smith) and welcomed new ones in. (Nell Hill, Joy Boyd,  and Nicole Hagerdorn)  We’ve encouraged covenant keeping women with our theme (Make and Keep Sacred Covenants) , temple trips, and lessons.  We’ve made shoes for children in Africa, partnered with Catholic Charities and made refugee baskets.  We enjoyed a 4 month long class as we studied Isaiah, We learned about our own personal spiritual gifts and how to learn from, help, and encourage each other with those gifts.  We shared “Our Favorite Things”, learned to make artisan bread, took a self-defense course, and delivered meals to our own ward members in our “Merry Meals”activity. We celebrated Christmas together as a Relief Society with special musical numbers by our sisters and then organized a big Christmas dinner and program for the ward.

We enjoy the sisterhood and love we share in our ward and look forward to getting to know the 5 women who have just been transferred to our ward from the Shelbyville Branch.

          

Debbie Kirts

Our Relief Society sister Debbie Kirts passed away on Thursday January 17. We know she is happy with her parents and brother Mike, who passed away in 2016. We offer our love and condolences to her brother Brad, Cindy, and their kids Libby, Sarah, and Matthew.  

Debbie told me last week that one of her favorite memories was when she and Brad worked in a hotel doing laundry in Jackson Hole, Wyoming one summer. They went on a river rafting trip that she loved and called it her greatest adventure. 

When her niece Libby was a teenager, Debbie accompanied her as her assistant on two different trips. One was to Washington DC for her 8th grade field trip, and the other was on our Stake's Youth Conference trip to Palmyra, New York and the Sacred Grove. I know she loved James Patterson books and I will personally miss her slightly irreverent political Facebook posts that always made me smile.

The arrangements for her funeral are pending. We will let you know when we have the information.

Dalynn Shipley made 50 of these adorable Christmas baby hats and gave them to the Columbus Regional Hospital with a note that said, "From the Columbus 1st ward Relief Society". 

We will be starting a drive to have the sisters make hats beginning in this month.