Ward Update June 20

 Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters,

I hope everyone is doing well and finding ways to cool off from our heat wave.  We have been under record breaking heat lately.  We are also in a severe drought.  Our government leaders have asked us to pray for rain.  Our acts of Faith are surely being tested in these times.   President Nelson taught us in his April’s conference talk “Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest power available to us in this life.  All things are possible to them that believe.”   Have we had a moment to reflect on our faith?  Have we had a moment to check on our Brothers and Sisters?  President Nelson continues in his talk  “My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you...is to start today to increase your faith.   Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.”  We all have our challenges we are being tested with.  I am confident with our Faith in Jesus Christ we can overcome challenges that come to us.  I am grateful for your Faith and your many acts of kindness.   Brothers and Sisters, let us continue to exercise our Faith and we can move our mountains in front of us.
Lots of Love,
Brother Clayton Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #73 Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice

Closing Hymn: #96 Dearest Children, God Is Near You

Announcements

Temple & Family History Activity

 In July the Temple/Family History meeting will be talking about shadow boxes or other ideas on how to save your 3D memories. Please join us July 13th at 7:00pm on zoom and show us how you save your family heirlooms.

Relief Society

SAVE THE DATE:  Relief Society will be having a Summer Salad Social on Wednesday, August 18th at 6:00pm in Lee Stevens backyard.  So put it on your calendar and think about the salad you want to bring.

Youth Camps

Youth Conference: July 15-17

YM Camp: June 24-26 Deacons will be going June 23

YW Camp: June 30-July 2

New Missionaries

Hello hello! My name is Sister Allred and I am from Virginia! I have been on my mission for about 14 months now, and love it! I am the oldest of 4 siblings, and before my mission I studied Social Work and Linguistics at BYUH.

I also have studied Russian during my mission, as my original call was to a mission in Russia! I love chocolate milk, gardening, soccer, and especially being a missionary! I am so happy to be here and to meet you all!

I am Sister Delay! I am from a small town in central Washington state! I have been out on my mission for about 9 months and am so excited to be here! Before my mission I was attending BYU Provo and preparing to be a teacher! I have a family of 6 (not counting our 12 kittens). I love camping, hiking, baking, road trips, and movie nights! I'm grateful for the opportunities to serve others, share my testimony, and draw closer to my Savior everyday! 

Ward Weekly Update June 13

 Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters,

I've been pondering the challenge that President Nelson asked of us in the April 2021 conference - to exercise more faith. As I have pondered this challenge, I have wondered what I can do to show faith in my prayers and actions.

I can't remember where I heard it, but someone on social media shared the story of Peter when he walked on water. This individual explained that Peter showed faith by stepping out of the boat, until he got distracted and started sinking. But, besides the Lord, Peter was the only one to walk on water because he exercised more faith. As Peter looked to Jesus, he was lifted up out of the water again.

I believe that we each have the capacity to "walk on water" like Peter did. And, if we get distracted by the world or sin, we can look to our Savior to help lift us up. We are just asked to exercise more faith. As we do so, the Lord will bless our lives.

How can you exercise more faith in your life? Is it by praying more often, studying the scriptures, doing family history work, sharing your testimony, heeding a prompting, or something else? I challenge you to look to the Lord and ask Him how you can exercise more faith. He will answer.

I love you. The Lord loves you! He is there and willing to allow you to walk on water with Him.

Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #256 As Zion's Youth in Latter Days

Closing Hymn: #259 Hope of Israel

Announcements

Relief Society Announcements

• This weeks Relief Society lesson will be taught by Lee Stevens, "Remember Your Way Back Home" by Jose Teixeir.
• Come to the Relief Society activity, "Amazing Unsung Heroines" and tell us a story of a woman in your history!  This will be our last  Relief Society Zoom meeting!  Tuesday, June 15th at 7:00pm.
• We have a neighborhood activity is in the works....so watch for the details and invite your neighbors!

New Callings

Sister Ramona Ammons was called as the Disability Specialist

Ward Weekly Update June 6

Leadership Message

Beginnings and Endings

My mind has been caught up this week with thoughts of beginnings and endings. There  are so many of them in this all-consuming earth life. Days begin and end. Wards and branches begin and end. Lives begin and end.

This ward had a new beginning not so long ago. We’ve just seen the beginning of the Sudanese branch. This means new callings, new acquaintances, new opportunities, new uncomfortable surroundings. Loss of old callings, old friends, old comfortable surroundings. 

This last week was also the ending of the life of a sweet ward member, Judy Edgar. She was unknown to the majority of the ward membership. However, those who knew her were touched by the delighted expression she always wore and her pleasant personality. 

As always, with beginnings and endings, things change. When that happens we have a choice to make. (Alma 34:32) What will we choose to do with the space between the beginnings and endings in our lives?

Kathryn Lyman, Relief Society President

Meeting Program 

Fast and Testimony Meeting

Opening Hymn: #140 Did You Think to Pray? 

Closing Hymn: #241 Count Your Blessings

Announcements

Ward Mission Message

Hello 23rd ward members.  Would you like to help gather Israel?  A simple and effective way is to reach out to your less active and non-member friends and neighbors.   Also, there are houses for sale and rent within our ward boundaries. As families move in:

• Introduce yourself and offer help and support 
• get to know them and become their friend. 
• invite them to church meetings and activities.  
• distribute the Welcome to Taylorsville Important Information Sheet attached.
  

Let us open the doors for the missionaries and help the Lord gather His children.

Welcome to Taylorsville Important Information Sheet

Adjusted Stake COVID Guidelines

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

We are excited to announce that COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted in the Taylorsville Utah South Stake, effective June 6th. With health conditions continuing to improve, we feel the time has come to return to normal meetings.

 

Please feel free to wear a mask if it would make you feel more comfortable. But facial coverings will no longer be required for church meetings.

 

For a time, we will continue to administer the sacrament at the end of sacrament meeting for broadcast purposes. We will also continue to leave a row open between pews to allow Priesthood holders to administer the sacrament directly to each member.

 

But all church meetings will return to normal otherwise, including Nursery, which may resume in June.

 

We are so grateful for the many efforts that have been made to mitigate health risks during the pandemic. We recognize the sacrifices that have been made to sanitize chapels, teach virtual classes and fulfill callings in creative ways. You have been amazing.

 

Please direct questions about local circumstances to your bishopric. We love you. We pray for the blessings of Heaven to be upon you and your families.

 

With All Our Love,

 

Randy L. Foote, Stake President

Kayle D. Loertscher, 1st Counselor

Jeremiah D. Stettler, 2nd Counselor

Temple Recommend Interviews

If you need to renew your temple recommend, please contact Bro. Ken Stevens. The Stake Presidency will be holding their interviews at the Stake Center at 4pm on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays going forward.

Relief Society Announcements

Temple/Family history meeting is Tuesday June 8th, 7:00pm on Zoom. Everyone is invited!!!!

The Relief Society Activity is Tuesday June 15th, 7:00pm on Zoom.  Make sure to bring a story about one of your female ancestors.

New Callings

Nancy and Ed Denney were called to be Primary Teachers.

Weekly Update May 30

 Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters,

 

I am so excited that the various COVID restrictions that are in place are starting to be removed. As was announced yesterday by the Stake, we will be able to return to normal activities at church. The temples are beginning to open even further. We are seeing people feel more comfortable in public. The Lord is good to us and is making it even easier to find opportunities to help us gather Israel.

 

We have had an opportunity to prepare ourselves for the greatest work in the world - the gathering of Israel. What have you done? What can you do to prepare yourself even more? How can you prepare your friends, family, and neighbors?

 

Alma preached to the people of Gideon and said, "prepare ye the way  of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the earth" (Alma 7:9). This message still applies to us today, as it did so many years ago. We are asked to prepare for the Taylorsville Temple, and also for the second coming of Jesus Christ. What do you need to do to prepare? How can you help those around you prepare?

 

I encourage you to seek personal revelation through prayer and personal study. Ponder the words of the prophets and listen carefully to the still small voice. I know the Lord will direct your path to prepare the way of the Lord.

 

I love you and am grateful we have the opportunity to accomplish this work together!

 

Love,

 

Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #104 Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

Closing Hymn: #73 Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice

Announcements

Fifth Sunday Schedule

Tomorrow (5/30) is a 5th Sunday. All adults will meet in the cultural hall following sacrament meeting. The youth will all meet in the young women's room. 

Adjusted Stake COVID Guidelines

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

We are excited to announce that COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted in the Taylorsville Utah South Stake, effective June 6th. With health conditions continuing to improve, we feel the time has come to return to normal meetings.

 

Please feel free to wear a mask if it would make you feel more comfortable. But facial coverings will no longer be required for church meetings.

 

For a time, we will continue to administer the sacrament at the end of sacrament meeting for broadcast purposes. We will also continue to leave a row open between pews to allow Priesthood holders to administer the sacrament directly to each member.

 

But all church meetings will return to normal otherwise, including Nursery, which may resume in June.

 

We are so grateful for the many efforts that have been made to mitigate health risks during the pandemic. We recognize the sacrifices that have been made to sanitize chapels, teach virtual classes and fulfill callings in creative ways. You have been amazing.

 

Please direct questions about local circumstances to your bishopric. We love you. We pray for the blessings of Heaven to be upon you and your families.

 

With All Our Love,

 

Randy L. Foote, Stake President

Kayle D. Loertscher, 1st Counselor

Jeremiah D. Stettler, 2nd Counselor

Temple Recommend Interviews

If you need to renew your temple recommend, please contact Bro. Ken Stevens. The Stake Presidency will be holding their interviews at the Stake Center at 4pm this Sunday (and on the 2,3,and 4th Sundays going forward).

Relief Society Announcements

Please notify Brother Tanner Haderlie or Teresa Hughes if you know of any homes for sale/new move ins so that the missionaries can welcome the new families into the neighborhood and ward.  We are encouraging everyone to do this on a continual basis to help the ward missionaries and full time missionaries be apprized of new families moving in to our area.

Thank you to all those who attended Relief Society.  There is a wonderful spirit when we gather and I am sure there are blessings for your sacrifice

Just a reminder as you go out to celebrate Memorial Day;  

1. As you visit cemeteries, take pictures to post on family search!  

1. Check the information to make sure it's correct.  

1. Look in family search for cemeteries that are close by that maybe you have ancestors  that you haven't visited for a while.

New Callings

Sister Tessie Edgar was called to be a Youth Sunday School Teacher

Weekly Update May 23

 

Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters of the Taylorsville 23rd Ward, we have been invited by our Prophet, Russell M. Nelson to enjoy the Sabbath Day and to make it a delight. Our Heavenly Father made the Sabbath Day for us, His children. I would encourage each of us to look at what we do and can do to make the Sabbath Day the special day of the week that our Heavenly Father intended it to be. There are many things we can do on Sunday to make it a delightful day. It is the Lord's day and we are counseled to go to the Lord's House and offer up our sacraments to Him and to serve one another and to put aside the things of this world. We are told that it is a day of rest. We make the Sabbath a special day by focusing on the callings that we have been set apart for and serving each other as ministering brothers and sisters. We can take more time to read and ponder the scriptures and the messages from General Conference. We can visit friends and loved ones and receive and give encouragement to each other. We can spend time together as families to teach and learn the gospel of Jesus Christ together and deepen our love for our family members.

In his book, Daily Joy, President Nelson says the following about "Joy In The Sabbath" on page 153.

How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?

Make the Sabbath a delight by rendering service to others, especially those who are not feeling well or those who are lonely or in need. Lifting their spirits will lift yours as well.

I pray that each of us will be blessed in our efforts to make the Sabbath a delight.

Brother Feil

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #73 Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice

Closing Hymn: #112 Savior, Redeemer of My Soul

Speakers:

Announcements

Seminary Graduation

Seminary Graduation will be tomorrow night at 6 pm at the Stake Center.

Youth Camps

Youth Conference: July 15-17

YM Camp: June 24-26 Deacons will be going June 23

YW Camp: June 30-July 2

Relief Society 

* Thanks to all those who participated in the Relief Society "Baby Picture" Activity.  We had a lot of fun and learn so much about each other.

*Please notify Brother Tanner Haderlie or Teresa Hughes if you know of any homes for sale/new move ins so that the missionaries can welcome the new families into the neighborhood and ward.  We are encouraging everyone to do this on a continual basis to help the ward missionaries and full time missionaries be apprized of new families moving in to our area.

*We are excited for this Sunday's Relief Society lesson which will be taught by Carole Jensen. "Ye Shall Be Free" by Thierry K. Mutombo.  Don't forget...10:00am.

Ward Weekly Update May 16

Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters, 

I am grateful that we are finally seeing some warmer weather. As we get closer to summer the warm weather is very nice, however we also are seeing more light during the day. I love this time of the year because I tend to spend more time outside with my family in the light of day. It seems to uplift my family and me.

 

I am grateful for the Lord's message to us this week in the Come Follow Me lesson: "And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

"And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you" (D&C 50: 23-25).

 

As I read these scriptures, I think of King Lamoni, who was taught the gospel by Ammon. The account of Alma says, "the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness - yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul" (Alma 19:6).

 

Having light in our life and casting out the darkness is vital for us to find peace, joy, and love in the world of contention. How can you bring more light into your life? How can you receive light, continue in God, and receive more light?

 

I testify as you seek to bring more light - even the light of Jesus Christ, into your life and the lives of those around you, you will feel the joy that our Heavenly Father wants to offer each of His children.

 

With love,

 

Bishop Cox

Announcements

Youth Camps

Youth Conference: July 15-17

YM Camp: June 24-26 Deacons will be going June 23

YW Camp: June 30-July 2

Relief Society Activity

The Society Activity this month is "Guess Who?" on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:00pm on Zoom.  We need your baby picture/toddler picture to Julie Unsworth by May 14th.  JUJIJU6@GMAIL.COM   801-664-8441. 

Weekly Update May 9

Leadership Message

Brothers and Sisters,

 

I am grateful that we have been able to go back to more normal things, including meeting together last week. I not only felt the spirit because of the lesson, but also because we were able to meet in person with one another and learn the gospel together. We were able to "meet together… to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of [our] souls… after the manner of the working of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost" (Moroni 6:5, 9). Truly, this was a blessing and miracle provided to us by the Lord.

 

I personally want to wish all of the sisters in the ward a Happy Mother's Day. I hope you know how important our sisters are to our ward. You uplift, serve, love, and provide true examples of righteousness that we all can learn from. President Nelson has taught, "It would be impossible to measure the influence that… women have, not only on families but also on the Lord's Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith."

 

Each of you Sisters play an important role in the gathering of Israel and preparing the way for the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ. Continue pressing forward and continue to make a difference (even if you don't think you do - you do make a difference).

 

Brethren, I encourage you to honor your mothers, sisters and other women in your life. Bless them, pray for them, serve them, and follow their examples.

 

I love each of you. Thank you for your faithfulness.

 

Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #98 I Need Thee Every Hour

Closing Hymn: #85 How Firm a Foundation

Speakers:

Tristan Unsworth, Joseph Wamsley, Mark Broadhead

Announcements

Stake Conference

Stake Conference is next week on May 16th at 10 am. There is a Leadership Meeting that morning at 7 am.

Temple and Family History Activity

The Temple and Family History Activity is Tuesday, May 11th at 7 pm on Zoom. Please join us, it is a relaxed meeting where questions can be asked and much learning takes place.

Relief Society 

Happy Mother's Day to all!.  We all have mothers and we can celebrate their sacrifice and contribution to our lives.

Please send your baby or toddler picture to Juli Unsworth to prepare for May 18th Relief Society Activity, "Guess Who!".  Pictures must be to Juli by May 14th.  juliju6@gmail.com or text 801-661-8444.

This Sundays Relief Society lesson will be given by a special speaker.  Come join us in person at 10 am in the Relief society Room.