Ward Update July 25

 Leadership Message

As we celebrate Pioneer Day here in Utah, I think of my pioneer forbears that crossed the plains to settle here in the Salt Lake Valley. What a blessing it is to live here in this great state. But, also to have the ability to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and worship as we do. This ability was pioneered by many who sacrificed much - even their lives, so that we can have the eternal blessings promised through the restored gospel.

 

As I have thought about pioneers, I wanted to learn more about the word pioneer. The verb form of pioneer means "to open or prepare for others to follow." The word "prepare" has been on my mind for many months now. I have been thinking about how various individuals have prepared the way for us to be blessed in so many ways, both temporally and spiritually. I have also reflected on what we are preparing for. We are each pioneering the way of the Lord.

 

I challenge you to prepare yourself spiritually. Also, help others prepare to receive the ordinances and covenants through missionary work and temple and family history work. Help them by caring for them - as you love, share, and invite, and you will find your personal preparation will help you prepare the way of the Lord.

Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #109 The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare

Sacrament Hymn: #176 'Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Love

Closing Hymn: #113 Our Savior's Love

Announcements

Relief Society

This week's Relief Society lesson is "Jesus Christ:  The Caregiver of our Soul", given by Jamie Haderlie.

Activity

Our summer salad social will be at the church on August 18th @ 6pm.  Bring your favorite salad and a friend!

Neighborhood Cleanup 

The Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling area clean up program is 8/4-8/11. Please contact them online to reserve a container.  Containers are limited and will be on a first-come first-served basis. Chat with your neighbors and you can coordinate sharing containers.

https://wasatchfrontwaste.org/area-clean-up

Ward Activity

Save the Date! Our End of Summer Bash Ward Activity will be on Saturday, August 28 at the Stake Bowery. More details to come! 

New Callings

Sister Donna Seager, Brother Ray Seager, Sister Emma Toyn, and Brother Jordan Toyn were called as  Young Single Adult Advisors.

Ward Update July 18

Leadership Message

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about who we are as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The thought that keeps coming back to me is President Hinckleys April 2005 talk “The Symbol of Our Faith”. In it, President Hinckley clearly laid out that we, the members, are the symbol of our faith and our worship. We are the symbols of the Living Christ, and that comes with certain blessings and responsibilities. “As His followers, we cannot do a mean or shoddy or ungracious thing without tarnishing His image. Nor can we do a good and gracious and generous act without burnishing more brightly the symbol of Him whose name we have taken upon ourselves. And so our lives must become a meaningful expression, the symbol of our declaration of our testimony of the Living Christ, the Eternal Son of the Living God.”

May we all remember as we talk with our families, post on social media, and associate with our neighbors, that our lives and actions are a reflection of our faith and testimony in Jesus Christ. If we will do that, I promise that our interactions will be guided and we as a ward and as a community will feel and witness a greater outpouring of love and blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Brother Haderlie

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #92 For the Beauty of the Earth

Closing Hymn: #130 Be Thou Humble

Announcements

Family Search Library

Riverton Family Search Library opens on Monday!

Ward Activity

Save the Date! Our End of Summer Bash Ward Activity will be on Saturday, August 28 at the Stake Bowery. More details to come! 

Ward Update July 11

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #87 God Is Love 

Closing Hymn: #85 How Firm a Foundation

Announcements 

Relief Society 

This week's Relief Society lesson will be given by Jessica McGill on the conference talk "Hearts Knit Together" by Gary E. Stevenson.

There have been a few changes made to ministering assignments.  Sister Lyman sent an email out with a copy of your ministering sisters,  but you can also check TOOLS for those updates as well.

Temple & Family History Activity

Tuesday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m. is the monthly Temple & Family History meeting on Zoom.  We will be discussing ways of preserving your precious family heirlooms that can't be stored digitally or in books.  If you have any examples or ideas, please come and share them!

Youth Conference

Youth Conference: July 15-17

Weekly Update July 4

Leadership Message

July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence. Sunday will mark 245 years since that momentous day and celebrations will commemorate this weekend. 

Many of us watched the Taylorsville Dayzz parade and/or the fireworks last week in celebration of the incorporation of the City of Taylorsville. As parade watchers stood and placed our hands on our hearts with the passing of the Color Guard, I choked back tears. I remember seeing my father marching tall and proud as part of the Color Guard in every 4th of July parade as I was growing up. He served in the Army near the end of WWII, in India and Burma. He loved his country and taught us to love it and to be grateful for the freedoms we enjoyed.

I DO love America! I am aware that all is not well and that many injustices have transpired here but I love my country in spite of all that. I love the variety of climates. scenery, and cultures. I also love seeing God’s hand in the forth-coming of this nation. President Ezra Taft Benson spoke at a BYU fireside in 1977. His talk is titled “ God's Hand in Our Nation’s History”. I will be quoting almost exclusively from that speech. He said that a person “must be persuaded by God’s truth if he is to obtain a true and complete picture of our nation’s origin and destiny.” 

The imperfect men who helped found The United States of America recognized the Lord’s importance and intervention. George Washington said, “The success which has hitherto attended our united efforts, we owe to the gracious interposition of heaven…'' Benjamin Franklin one day addressed the Continental Congress by saying, “We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that ‘except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this. And I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. .... I therefore make the move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of heaven and its blessings on our deliberations be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business…” 

“Listen to the convictions of two other delegates to the Constitutional Convention. First, Charles Pinckney: “When the great work was done and published, I was struck with amazement. Nothing less than the superintending hand of Providence that so miraculously carried us through the war . . . could have brought it about so complete upon the whole.” Here is another testimony, this from James Madison, sometimes referred to as the “Father of the Constitution”: “It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.”

I firmly believe the Lord helped preserve and create this nation. Then He promised that whatsoever people “shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ. (Ether 2:12). 

My dear brothers and sisters, let us be true and faithful followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that we may enjoy the blessings of heaven and preserve “one nation under God” for our posterity. 

Sister Lyman

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #338 America the Beautiful

Closing Hymn: #339 My Country, 'Tis of Thee

Announcements

COVID Restrictions Lifted

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

     We are pleased to announce that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted this Sunday. What will this mean for you and your family?

 

1.     The sacrament will be administered at the beginning of the meeting, instead of at the end.

2.     Empty benches will no longer be required between rows in the chapel.

3.     Sacrament trays will be prepared and passed as they were before the pandemic.

4.     Hymn books will return to the pews.

 

     We are so grateful for the many efforts that have been made to keep each other safe during the pandemic. As we move forward, please continue to be sensitive to the health conditions and health concerns of those around you.

 

     As a stake, we will continue to broadcast sacrament meeting for those who are unable to attend in person. We will not broadcast the ordinance of the sacrament, but the rest of the meeting will be available online. If you would like to attend virtually, please contact a member of your bishopric.

 

      Please know how much we love you. Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Randy L. Foote, Stake President

Kayle D. Loertscher, 1st Counselor

Jeremiah D. Stettler, 2nd Counselor

Temple & Family History Activity

Tuesday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m. is the monthly Temple & Family History meeting on Zoom.  We will be discussing ways of preserving your precious family heirlooms that can't be stored digitally or in books.  If you have any examples or ideas, please come and share them!

Primary Activity

Primary Pioneer Party Information

Primary Pioneer Party Video

Relief Society

SAVE THE DATE:  Wednesday, August 18th will be our Summer Salad Social!  Bring yourself and your favorite salad and let's have some fun!

New Callings

Brother Paul Rowberry was released as the Technology Specialist

Sister Christy Staley was released as a Primary Teacher

Thank you!!

Brother Jonah Hunick was called as the Technology Specialist

Ward Update June 27

 Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: #26 Joseph Smith's First Prayer

Closing Hymn: #27 Praise to the Man

Announcements

Baby Schafer

Brooke Schafer had her baby!  Samuel Mont Schafer was born June 22, 2021, at 11:07 am weighing 9 lbs.  Brooke and baby are doing great! 

Jordan River Temple Reopening

You can now schedule proxy temple work online for the Jordan River Temple.  You can make an appointment by visiting   www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples.

Relief Society 

This weeks Relief Society lesson will be taught by Mary Ellen Strong, "Room in the Inn" by Garrit W. Gong.

New Callings

Sister Kathy Blommer was released as a Primary Teacher

Sister Wendy Cruz was released as a Primary Chorister

Sister Allyson Lesuma was released as the Relief Society Secretary

Thank you!!

Sister Dawn Kunzler was called as an Activity Days Leader

Sister Wendy Cruz was called as the Relief Society Secretary

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