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.

          

2017 Activity Calendar

press forward
& HOLD FAST

Our new Relief Society Meeting night 
is the first Thursday of the month.


February 9th, 2017-   Get to know you activity with 4th ward

March 2nd-  Relief Society Activity 6:30 pm

March 25th- Women's General Broadcast at the church
                            Soup and Salad dinner
April 14th-  Temple Trip 7:30 pm

June 1-  Relief Society Activity 6:30 pm

July 14th- Temple Trip 7:30 pm

August 27th- Visiting Teaching Conference

September 7th- Relief Society activity 6:30 pm

September 23rd- Temple Trip 10:00 am

September 30th- Women's General Broadcast at the church
                                     Soup and Salad dinner

October 21st- Temple Trip 10:00 am

November 2nd-  Relief Society Activity  

December 3rd- Relief Society Christmas Lesson


Save these dates!  We look forward to hearing what our 
Committee has planned for these activities. 

Temple dates will be added soon!

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history,

neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Eph. 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of ...

apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa. 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
© 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Help Spread Some Christmas Cheer!

Here are our two missionaries addresses!
Regular Mail is $1.10 and letters can take up to a month.

Elder Chase Spurling

Gral. Lavalle 1828

1646 San Fernando

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Jenessa Vincent

Brazil Fortaleza East Mission

Rua República da Armênia, 765

Parque Manibura

60821-760 Fortaleza - CE

Brazil

General Conference October 2016

Did you get to enjoy all the sessions of General Conference this month? 

Here are some one sentence summaries of each of the talks.

Women’s Session

Sister Jean B. Bingham, first counselor in the Primary general presidency

Understand that as we embrace and encourage improvement in others, we do not belittle our own progress or the progress of others.

Sister Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency

As we invite the Savior into our lives, we do not have to be alone as he helps carry our burdens and heal us.

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President

Women need to be steadfast in their testimonies of the gospel and they can be strengthened through: (1) acknowledging the centrality of the Godhead; (2) understanding the need of the restoration; and understanding temple ordinances and covenants.

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

Strengthen your faith and learn to act on God’s will.

Saturday Morning Session

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

Don’t take for granted the gospel of Jesus Christ in your lives, and allow our love of God to motivate us to share these great truths with others.

Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve

We can endure this life and our sufferings by leaning on the Holy Ghost, accepting Christ’s help as well as accepting the service of others.

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

Prayer is a gift from God, who will answer the prayers of those who ask, seek and knock.

Craig C. Christensen, Presidency of the Seventy

Gain a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith through considering his fruits, recognizing the blessings we have because of his service and the study of the Book of Mormon.

Elder Juan A. Uceda of the Seventy

Just as God doesn’t ignore our voice when we pray, we should not ignore His voice when he answers our prayers.

J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy

Stop comparing yourself to others and instead allow the atonement into your life to show you progress from your old self to your current self and to who you want to become.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve

You are an important puzzle piece in God’s grand puzzle; he needs you to not get discouraged in sharing the gospel with others so that puzzle can be completed.

Saturday Afternoon Session

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve

Be cautious of the stumbling blocks keeping you from living the gospel and instead look for the stepping stones to Christ.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve

Since the Book of Mormon is the keystone of testimony, “as you look to the (Book of Mormon), you look to the Lord.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve

God loves you and you can return the love by keeping the commandments.

Elder Mark Bassett of the Seventy

Trust in the Lord, have patience and use faith in obtaining knowledge from God.

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita of the Seventy

“Be ambitious for Christ” as we endure our trials with patience and faith.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve

Elder Oaks said members of the Church have a duty to share the gospel with others and then provided seven ways members can sincerely participate in missionary work.

Priesthood Session

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve

Home teaching isn’t a checklist item, but a calling to be “God’s emissaries to his children.”

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. of the Seventy

Choose to “discover the power of the Book of Mormon” and be patient in receiving your answer of its truthfulness.

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

Evaluate your discipleship (using the example of Alma the Younger and Amulek) and choose to follow Christ.

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

We must reach down to lift up our brethren, especially the younger priesthood brethren.

President Thomas S. Monson, President of LDS Church

As we follow the guidance in the Word of Wisdom and take care of our bodies, we will be blessed.

Sunday Morning Session

President Thomas S. Monson, President of LDS Church

Since we have the truth of the gospel, we have an obligation to share it and live it.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve

As the Savior focused on joy through the atonement, we too should focus on and feel joy through our trials.

Elder Peter F. Meurs of the Seventy

We need to improve our sacrament observance, which is an ordinance that helps us “more fully turn our hearts and souls to God.”

Sister Linda S. Reeves, second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

The atonement is a miracle that allows us to be clean from our sins through repentance.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve

If you are contemplating leaving the Church, don’t leave; and if you see fellow members considering leaving the Church, help them to stay.

Dean M. Davies, first counselor in Presiding Bishopric

Worshipping through the Spirit blesses us with light and knowledge.

Lynn G. Robbins, Presidency of the Seventy

Righteous judgement, discipline and sacrifice play an important role in our development.

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

What we do on the Sabbath matters.

Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve

We need to strive not only to know about the Savior, but to know Him personally.

Brother Brian K. Ashton, second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

Repentance plays a vital role in Heavenly Father’s plan and is a tool that Heavenly Father expects us to use.

Carl B. Cook of the Seventy

We need to be willing to serve in callings where the Lord needs us.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve

Remember your divine heritage and remain steadfast in the gospel through your trials.

Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Seventy

Trials can be signposts on our personal path of discipleship, and we should apply eternal principles in dealing with our own tribulations.

Elder K. Brett Nattress of the Seventy

The gospel is about the one, and parents can apply simple principles to help teach their children.

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve

Repentance is a choice — don’t make excuses, but instead take action.

Come join us for Dinner and the General Women's Broadcast!

September 24th!

6:30 p.m.

New Relief Society Presidency Sustained

(from left to right) Jennifer Denison, 2^nd counselor; Jackie Fischvogt, 1^st Counselor;

Tracy Kleinhenz, President; Brenna Young, Secretary

There’s a saying that nothing is as constant as change.  That is especially true as we serve in callings in the church.  We have opportunities to grow as covenant women when we accept new callings, stretch our wings, and move forward with change.  The Columbus 1^st Ward is exceptionally blessed to have Jackie Fischvogt and Jennifer Denison recently called to serve in the Relief Society Presidency.   They will add a unique perspective and enthusiasm to our Relief Society.  As we serve together in this presidency, we will strive for unity and to have the blessings of the Lord upon our efforts.  It is the same desire we have for all of the sisters in our ward.

The words of a favorite hymn seem to sum it up:

As sisters in Zion, we all work together;

The blessings of God on our labors we seek.

We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;

We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,

If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.

Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition

Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

May the Lord bless us all as we serve each other, lift each other and encourage each other.

Tracy