Deseret Ward News

 

Guess the Mystery person and win yourself...

a few giggles

 

Tegan Jamieson on CCNZ Graduation Dinner

"the Graduation Dinner was a nice reminder about how much the ward cares about us Youth. We were able to finish off all our hard work with a nice dinner and desert where we could enjoy each others company. hopefully our friendships that we have developed throughout Young Womans, Young Mens and School will last for many years to come".

Message from Bishopric

With the many different learning challenges that lie in our path today – those including the economic, moral, cultural diversity, and for some - in conflict ravaged countries; we see the message of the gospel still going forth amongst the world ‘being sounded in every ear’.

With the message of the gospel still going forth amidst the turmoil and challenges of today, are we doing all we can in our homes to live the gospel equal to the challenges that are being surmounted around us in almost every aspect of our lives? Are we putting on the whole armour of God in order to protect ourselves whilst we are anxiously engaged in not only living the gospel, but sharing it; or are we just putting on part, some, or even most of the armour in our attempts to be members of the kingdom of God? The time has come when unless we do put on the whole armour of god, then we will not be able to withstand the wiles of the devil.

The imagery of putting on the whole armour of god has a direct positive correlation to our testimonies of the gospel. The more we fortify ourselves with counsel given in Ephesians 6:10-18, the stronger our ability to keep our covenants that we have renewed today in sacrament. D&C 115:6 teaches that the wickedness prior to the Saviour’s return to earth will be poured out without mixture on the whole earth, yet Pres. Uchtdorf reiterates Pres. Hinckley’s teaching that, “Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives, our strength lies in our righteousness” (Liahona Oct. 2008. pp. 2-7). This righteousness is an outward expression of testimonies, and our testimonies are an inner commitment to follow The Saviour. Yet it is our testimonies that mould how we act, live the gospel, and our ability to serve in the kingdom.

As we share audible testimonies today, may we be mindful of how we can edify and uplift others through what we say in order to affect how we feel about living the gospel. This time of the year when we remember the birth of Jesus, may we also remember the sacrifice He gave.

As we remember this, may we live lives that may precipitate greater conviction to entrench our testimonies deeper in righteousness and truth so that we may be equal to the message of the gospel. By so doing, we will be part of the work of spreading the gospel in a spiritually famished world.

 

Announcements

 

• Christmas Lights start 13 December— 31 December 2008

• Ward Council—Sunday 7th December

• Deseret Ward Christmas Activity—19th December from 6.30pm

• Christmas Musical Fireside at Visitors Center– 7th December 7pm

• First Presidency Christmas Devotional Broadcast– 21st December 6pm at chapel

• · YSA National Conference– 31 December– 4 Jan 2009

• Deseret ward is the only ward that has been assigned to provide security on New Years Eve. We will need to provide 20 Men. Toni Osborne and Shannon Reti will be organising the names and we ask that those who are able provide

• Congratulations to Jane and Grant McDonald on the birth of their baby girl last week.

• Congratulations to Katrina and Laman Tangaroa who were married yesterday.

• Don’t forget to Register for the YSA 2009 National Conference Registration is still open for the National YSA conference to be held at CCNZ 31 Dec—4 Jan. Please see your Young Single Adult advisors Chris & Marie-Rose Thompson for more details.

• Young Men are putting on a Christmas Night of FUN Activities for the Primary Children

When: Thursday 11 December 6.15pm-8pm

Where: The Recreational Hall, Foster Road Chapel

The Young Men are providing a service for parents of primary-aged children, by putting on a range of FUN activities for all primary children, allowing parents a night off during this busy festive season.

All activities will be supervised and the primary children do not need to bring anything and can be dropped off at 6.15pm. Please support the Young Men as they provide a service for our ward.