Lesson Summary: December 22, 2013

This weeks lesson was taught by the Relief Society presidency using Elder Scott's general conference talk from October 2013 titled "Personal Strength Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ"

Sue A: Covenants

"In the Book of Mormon we read of Ammon and his brethren teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a people who were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people.”¹ Many of the people were converted and chose to leave behind their sinful behavior. So complete was their conversion that they buried their weapons and covenanted with the Lord that they would never use them again.²

Later, many of their unconverted brethren came upon them and began to slay them. The now-faithful people chose to succumb to the sword rather than risk their spiritual lives by taking up arms. Their righteous example helped even more people to be converted and to lay down their weapons of rebellion.^{3" (Elder Scott, October 2013}

-If you were to bury your sins, what would you bury? 

. 

-What choices have you made in your life as an alternative to breaking a covenent? How has the knowledge of the atonement given you the strength to do this?  

***Musical number -- Chiang children “Joy to the World”***

Catherine B: Strength and weaknesses 

We were led through a mental exercise:

Imagine a strength you have.  How did you earn it? What does it look like. What does it feel like?  Consider one of your weakness.  Do the same thing. What does it look like? Has it always been there?  

As you are doing this, imagine your greatest weakness transformed and it is no longer a weakness.  It has changed now. What does it look like? How does it feel? 

Catherine discussed how our weaknesses become our strengths through patterned obedience. 

"Many of us have allowed weakness to develop in our character. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we, like the Ammonites, can build spiritual fortifications between ourselves and any past mistakes that Satan attempts to exploit. The spiritual protections built around the Ammonite fathers blessed and strengthened themselves, their families, their country, and future generations. The same can be true with us" (Elder Scott, October 2013)

***Musical number:  Vocal group sang Mary's Lullaby: Marguerite H, Sinclair H,  Julia J, Nicole J, Katie S, Sara G,  Kimber G.  Accompanied by Deanne W***

Kim H: Gift of repentance

Kim discussed when she learned of repentance when investigating church, this gave her hope.

"Fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children,²³ Satan’s temptations lose power in your life." (Elder Scott, October 2013)

Because your Father in Heaven loves you profoundly, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes that strength possible. Isn’t it wonderful? Many of you have felt the burden of poor choices, and each of you can feel the elevating power of the Lord’s forgiveness, mercy, and strength. I have felt it, and I testify that it is available to each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Elder Scott, October 2013) 

Hot cider, cake and socializing followed the lesson. 

Lesson summary: December 15, 2013

Katie S. led our discussion from Chapter 24 in the Lorenzo Snow manual and we pondered how we could give of ourselves to the Savior.

“One hour’s ride … will bring us to Jerusalem. We move on and at length ascend an eminence [or hill], and gaze on the ‘Holy City,’ Jerusalem. Away to the right is Mount Zion, the city of David. Off to our left, that lofty eminence, with an aspect so barren, is the Mount of Olives, once the favorite resort of our Saviour, and the spot last pressed by His sacred feet before He ascended into the presence of His Father. These interesting historic scenes, with all their sacred associations, inspire thoughts and reflections impressive and solemn. Yes, there is Jerusalem! Where Jesus lived and taught, and was crucified, where He cried ‘It is finished,’ and bowed His head and died! We slowly and thoughtfully wind our way down the hill, … until we reach the city.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 24: Reflections on the Mission of Jesus Christ)

• What can we give the Savior?  Think about what's hard to give, it will mean so much more.

Jennilyn W., Cecily M. and Katie S. sang "In the Bleak of Midwinter" by Rossetti/Holst accompanied by Hilary M. on the piano.

"We are all dependent upon Jesus Christ, upon his coming into the world to open the way whereby we might secure peace, happiness and exaltation." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 24: Reflections on the Mission of Jesus Christ)

"May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior." President Thomas S. Monson, Christmas Devotional 2012

Lesson Summary: December 1, 2013

Kim H. taught our lesson on Service using Daughters in My Kingdom as a main resource to look at the history of service in the Relief Society as well as the spiritual strengthening effect service can have in our lives.

"Throughout the journey, as they suffered trials of illness and death, they prayed in faith for each other and comforted each other. “The love of God flowed from heart to heart,” wrote Helen Mar Whitney" (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

• Have you felt the sanctifying power of service in your community?

A prominent non–Latter-day Saint historian wrote: “That I do not accept the faith that possessed them does not mean I doubt their frequent devotion and heroism in its service. Especially their women. Their women were incredible.” (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

'With a testimony that the Relief Society had been organized by revelation,  Emmeline Wells and her counselors, Clarissa S. Williams and Julina L. Smith, were committed to preserving the principles upon which the society had been founded. In October 1913 they said:

“We do declare it our purpose to keep intact the original name and initial spirit and purpose of this great organization, holding fast to the inspired teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he revealed the plan by which women were to be empowered through the calling of the priesthood to be grouped into suitable organizations for the purpose of ministering to the sick, assisting the needy, comforting the aged, warning the unwary, and succoring the orphans.”

A few months earlier, this sense of purpose had led Sister Wells and her counselors to establish a motto that would become a constant reminder of the organization’s founding principles and inspired origins. They chose a scriptural declaration: “Charity never faileth.” These three words embraced the charge that the Prophet Joseph Smith had given the Relief Society sisters: to “relieve the poor” and to “save souls.”
In the past, pioneer women had practiced charity for close neighbors. Now Relief Society sisters would organize themselves to extend charity, “the pure love of Christ,” to worldwide neighbors as well.' (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Charity Never Faileth”)

...as we serve we grow. President George Albert Smith taught, “It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give.”
Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.
The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by.
Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives. (2006 October General Conference, Faith, Service, Constancy, Sat. Morning Session - David S. Baxter)