RS Lesson 29 Aug 2010

Our meeting today was combined with the priesthood, under the direction of the Bishop. The Bishop gave a presentation on "How we can learn, grow together, and progress as a ward family."

Bishop Bonham first reminded us of the challenge Bishop Heintz issued a few years ago for every family to read the Book of Mormon. The Bishop then asked us to recall the spirit that was felt, and the good that came to each of us by following the Bishop's council. After witnessing miracles occur in the ward because of the priesthood and the faith of our ward, the Bishop prayed to know what we can now do to progress as a ward.

The Bishop said that after he'd received his answer, it became obvious to him in the hymns, talks, and lessons in the past few weeks. They have all had a common theme of obedience, repentance, and putting our pride aside. With that in mind, the Bishop issued a new challenge, with the promise that heeding this council will "lead to great blessings and exciting times for us as a ward."

The challenge the Bishop issued is two fold. The first part being for each family/individual to study the Book of Mormon, as well as "Preach My Gospel." The point was made that there is a difference between "studying" and "reading." The Bishop counseled us to find something in these books that is appropriate for our families and use that to help us know how to help each other grow and progress so that we can each better serve the Lord, as well as strengthen our ward.

We are not to sit back or hide from the work or responsibilities. We need to reach out- we can and have done so many good works for so many people. Each of us, no matter our circumstances or limitations, has made covenants to serve. We do have a significant number of members in our ward, as well as non members living in our boundaries, struggling with health issues, financial issues, spiritual issues, etc. Next week will be a ward fast for those people. The Bishop admonished us to use the priesthood daily. Offer blessings to those you home teach, and even non members as appropriate. The Lord would have us be diligent in our callings, in our responsibilities, and to bring the priesthood into the lives of all of those around us.

The second part of the challenge is for each family/individual to have the missionaries into their home each month. We have been blessed to have missionaries assigned to our ward. Having them in your home can and will bring great peace, as well as the Spirit. They can come visit you and bring a message. You don't have to feed them, though there are certainly numerous opportunities to do so. The Bishop promised each of us that if we have the missionaries in our homes, they will bring with them something that the Lord has sent them to give you. You don't need to worry about your home not being clean enough, your food not being "good" enough, or feeling uncomfortable with the individual missionaries. Bro. Romney from the Forks ward gave several ideas on ways to help make sure the missionaries can get into each home, as well as further missionary work in the ward boundaries.
1. Give/arrange rides
2. Invite others into your home with the missionaries. Single sisters, those who live a great distance from town, etc.
3. Arrange for a priesthood holder or extra sisters to be in the home of a single sister with the Elders.
4. Make yourself available to teach with the Elders.
5. Become familiar with the lessons so that you will be comfortable being asked to serve.
6. Diligence- work your heart out.
Bro. Romney made a great statement that the "great joy (of helping bring others to the gospel) never gets old."

We need to be open to working with whomever the Lord places in our path. This includes missionaries you don't particularly like, non members, ward members you might disagree with, etc.

The Bishop closed by expressing his love and appreciation for each of us, and by saying that he KNOWS that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and we better serve Him when we serve and love each other.

Put your shoulder to the wheel! Dede B.
(On a side note, that song always makes me smile because, as a child I HONESTLY thought the chorus went " We all have work, come on you jerk... =) )