Happy Sabbath,
There was some stake business, Frank M was released as the Stake Emergency Prep person and Br. & Sis. S were called as the Advisors to the Lake Ward, to work with the less active and those transitioning from the Ranch Branch. Harry H, who has moved, was released as the assistant PFR.
The Relief Society presidency spoke on service.
Kristen C quoted Matthew 25:35-40 - when we serve each other we are serving the Lord. She also quoted Mosiah 2:17 and D&C 52:40. Kristen referenced Elder Oak's talk "Why we Serve", some of the reasons were; hope for a reward, companionship, fear of punishment.... for the love of Christ. Kristen pointed out that we must serve with all our heart, might, mind and strength. The 2 great commandments are to love God and to love others. Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching are the 2 most important callings in the church, after our families. Kristen told of a talk from April conference where a postcard from a home teacher with a scripture written on it made all the difference in his life and reactivated him in the gospel. Kristen mentioned each of her presidency and the different ways they serve and what great examples they are.
Amber Z referred to Matthew 25 as well and said that she had been 'one of the least of these' at a point in her life. She was using her food storage and barely paying rent and car payment. Amber realized that if she didn't pay fast offerings or tithing that she would have enough to pay all of her bills. She quoted a verse from A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief, and said that she decided that she should keep paying and have faith. A friend connected her with someone who saved her - gave her a place to live and helped to feed her. Amber then increased her fast offerings in hopes of rescuing someone else who needed rescuing. She urged us to reach out to others who need it.
Robin A talked about how we can serve those who truly need it - you just LOVE them. She told a very touching story about her sister and her opportunity to make a blanket to line a coffin for a baby who had died. Her sister prayed about how to make it and was shown every step, including where to leave space for hinges and an envelope for letters. Robin admonished us that when we hear the spirit, we need to listen to it. We need to pay tithing and give service - then the Lord will help us. Robin was speaking with Jill L and Jill said that she wished she could visit every sister in the stake, but realized it wasn't possible. Jill said that she could focus on those you can visit, the person next to us. We can be part of heaven now, we can have and share the love of heaven with others.
Here are some interesting facts that President R shared with us at the singles forum this evening. There are 339 thirty one plus singles in the Irvine Stake, or 30% of all adults. Of those 339, 101 have current temple recommends. Here are some of the ways that we can help and reach all the singles in the stake:
-better communication
-effective home and visiting teaching
-fliers to the family wards advertising the singles events
-reps in the family wards to make sure that the singles events are well advertised
-help all to keep the temple and Christ our main focus
Make it a GREAT week!!!
With much love,
Debbie
