Deseret Ward News

Message from Bishopric

The importance of Family Home Evening is well known amongst Latter Day Saints and it is something that makes us quite unique. Many people who are not of our faith are intrigued to hear that one night a week is just ‘family night’.

A well planned out and thought through family home evening can become a vehicle for successful missionary work and by inviting those not of our faith to participate in a family home evening we can share a simple message about the central importance of the family unit just by being examples rather than through a lesson. As those not of our faith see us kneel in prayer, sing hymns, plan our week, teach each other and have fun – then they can feel the spirit and often they want their family to be part of this too.

As a reminder about the importance of family home evening here is a statement from President Howard W. Hunter who said:

"For over seven decades, Church members have been urged to hold regular, family home evenings. Great blessings are promised to those who follow the Lord's counsel to do so. In 1915, the First Presidency said, "If the Saints obey this counsel to hold family home evening, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them. ""Monday night continues to be reserved for family home evening each week. Local leaders should see that Church buildings and facilities are closed on Monday nights. Stake and ward activities should not be planned for, or held on, Monday nights. Family home evenings may include family recreational activities in addition to gospel Instruction.

Remember the simple power of a strong family – a united ‘zion’ family can achieve miracles in their own home, with their own family plus they can work miracles with others around them in the community if they take the time. If you are struggling with missionary work then why not invite a family into your home on a Monday evening as you hold a family home evening and the Holy Ghost will do the rest.

If you are earnest in your efforts to hold a regular family home evening then you will be blessed, if you help others on the way then the blessings can be shared and you will grow closer to your Father in Heaven.

Have a great week

The Bishopric

 

calendar items

• Auckland Anniversary—Monday 26th January
• Stake Trolley Derby— Saturday 31 January 8am Cowley Drive
• We currently have some experts working on our trolley and we will have 12 Races– 2 per auxiliary. Driver will be assigned within auxiliaries. We will be meeting at the reserve at the top of Cowley Drive. So please come and support our ward. It should be great fun!
• Waitangi Day– 6th February
• Deseret Ward Conference - 8th February
• Just a reminder that it’s Ward Conference time again for all Temple View Stake units and Deseret. Auxiliary leaders and class presidents should note this date as we will more than likely have a few visitors from the Stake attending classes this day.
• Temple Closed 8th —22nd February
• Valentines Day—14th February

Thank You to those who have been preparing meals for the Williams family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and Corina and family at this difficult time.