ANNOUCEMENTS:

Welcome to another new member to our Relief Society.  Sister Natalie Wadsworth has moved into our ward and living up by the Fitzwater's.  We are excited to have some more new, young blood among us.

Remember the Annual Meeting of Dixie Escalante Electric on Tuesday, June 7.  Dinner will begin at 5:00 and served until about 6:30.  There will be a bounce house, train ride, and hot air balloon.  Business meeting will begin at about 6:00.  Please note the change in location:  Escalante Valley Elementary School.

The Young Women will not meet on Wednesday evening, but instead on Friday at 5:30.  They will be doing preparation for camp and asked to bring their camp manuals.

LESSON:

Our new president, Sister Melanie Christensen, presented our discussion today.  Since our Laurel girls met with us, she gave the lesson that would normally be given to the Young Women on Missionary Work.  We learned some do's and don'ts regarding our interaction with our missionaries serving both locally and those of our ward away from home.

Our missionaries need to have "strength of body, strength of mind and strength of spirit" according to President Hinckley.  We need to encourage and help our young men to  have these qualities and to serve.  We need to pray for them, go out with them, feed and encourage them and then send them on their way. 

Young Women can help them by keeping them worthy to serve, by avoiding steady dating, by writing uplifting letters, encouraging them to serve and follow the rules, dressing modestly, and helping them to focus on their lives there and not at home.

Sister Christensen used the example of one stick that we can break pretty easily, but nine sticks are more difficult to break.  She applied this to the rules that a missionary has.  One rule makes us strong, but nine rules makes us stronger and gives us strength in our service.

May we go forward to help and support our missionaries as they serve the Lord.

We had several visitors in our Relief Society on Sunday.  Sister Cami Tullis was here visiting with her folks.  Also, a niece to Tullis' was here to enjoy family ties.  We welcome a new member to our ward, Sister Myers.  We will give more on her next week after we do a little detective work.

We are pleased that Sister Elaine and her husband Tony are home after his surgery last week.  They will have a one-week wait before beginning chemo and radiation.  We are so happy to have them back among us.

News has arrived of the Enterprise High School Baseball Team winning the State Championship held in Kearns over the weekend.  Members from our ward include:  Jade Hulet, Parker Laub, Dylan Tripp, and Dustin Tullis.  Congratulations, boys!  The girls also placed in their State Tournament.  Aubrey Christensen and Dakota Robinson were on the 3rd place team.  Way to go, ladies!

LESSON:

After singing "Called To Serve" as an opening hymn (which is always inspiring), Sister Bea Gubler gave a wonderful lesson on Missionary Work.  We were taught that the Lord's church is a missionary church and it is part of His plan for us. 

We should all be missionaries even if we are not formally called and set apart.  "We are responsible to teach the gospel by word and deed to all of our Heavenly Father's children."  A few of the many ways that we can do this are:

• By showing our friends and other the joy we experiece from living the gospel.
• By overcoming our natual shyness, being friendly and doing kind things.
• By explaining the gospel to others.
• By teaching our children the importance of sharing the gospel.
• By paying our tithes and offerings.
• By contributing to the missionary fund.
• By inviting nonmembers to activities.
• By giving copies of the Church Magazines to others.

We are promised that those of us who work for the salvation of others will have our sins forgiven and bring salvation to our own souls.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Words cannot express our appreciation to our dear Relief Society Presidency that has served us so very well . . . for four faithful years.  Sisters Marilyn Tullis, Deb Fitzwater, Cindy Cluett, and Amy Hart were released Sunday in Sacrament Meeting.   Thanks to each of you for all you have given:  your time, your talents, your love, your friendship and all the service you have rendered. 

Congratulations to the following sisters who were sustained as our new presidency:  Melanie Christensen, President; Christy Gardner and Laura Hughes, Counselors; and Cassy Jones, Secretary.  It is a given that you will serve as well and as faithful!  We are looking forward to being led by your sweet spirits.

Since this slothful blogger has missed a couple of weeks . . . just a little catch-up on annoucements and happenings.  Our little Miss Mary Taylor is advancing from Primary into the Young Women.  Can we believe that she is old enough to be a Beehive?  Wow!

There is a Church Restoration Project underway and donations will be accepted on your tithing slip listed under "Harmony, PA Restoration".  This is a great opportunity for you to be involved in this wonderul project.

Sister Lynn Lindsey is continuing to make our work 'light' as far as our food storage is concerned, and we really do appreciate her efforts.  She is just concluding her order for beans and will surely have a new sign-up sheet soon.  If you will give her your e-mail address, she will send you any current specials or sales that are available.  At times, there are items that you can purchase other places cheaper than at the cannery and she is willing to advise you of those via e-mail.  Presently, she can purchase powdered eggs at Costco nearly $4 less than at the cannery and other outlets she has.  If you are interested in purchasing these, let her know by phone (439-5672) or by e-mail (lynnlindsey45@yahoo.com).   Thank you, Sister Lindsey, for going the extra mile.

The Digital Mamogram Unit will be at the Enterprise Clinic on May 17 and 18.  Please call the clinic for an appointment and take advantage of this opportunity to have access to this unit so close to us.

Mrs. Ruby Anderson, a former valley resident, is having a special birthday.  She will be turning 90 years young on May 16.  We invite you to participate in a "card shower" for her.  Please send your birthday wishes to her home in Dolan Springs:  Ruby Anderson, 14225 N. Bullhead Rd., Dolan Springs, AZ 86441-9517.

Please remember to keep Brother Tony Schriver in your prayers, as well as, Sister Anita Thomas this week.  Both are dealing with serious health issues, and we certainly wish a speedy recovery for both of them.

LESSONS

We appreciate the great lesson that Sister Marilyn Tullis gave on the first Sunday about the Relief Society organization.  What a timely subject considering her recent release.  She challenged us to spend our time wisely and dedicate ourselves to the gospel.  She quoted a 89 year old woman who said when asked how she continued to go forward, "my heart gets here first and then its easy for the rest of me."  Perhaps we could take a page from her book.

Sister Christy Gardner taught us well the principle of Tithes and Offerings.  It is so good for us to be reminded of these gospel principles that has such an impact upon our lives.  Being a willing tithe payer is one way we can show gratitude and willingness to obey a commandment.  "When one pays his tithing without enjoyment he is robbed of a part of the blessing.  He must learn to give cheerfully, willingly and joyfully, and his gift will be blessed." (Stephen L. Richards)

ANOTHER WELCOME!

We are grateful this week with another addition to our Relief Society.  Sister MISTY GARDNER will be coming our way from the Young Women.  She will be honored this Wednesday night along with other graduating Young Women in our Stake.  Congratulations, Misty.  We certainly welcome you and hope you will feel at home among us!

It is our privilege to also welcome another new member to our ward, Sister MARTY CAVELLERO.  She has moved into the home just north of the church (on the lot where the candle factory used to be).  We are excited to have her here and are looking forward to a wonderful association with her.

There are those among us who need our prayers this week:  Sister COLLEEN JENSEN has been ill for some time and struggling to feel good.  Sister ANITA THOMAS has been diagnosed with a rare liver disease (cancer) and will be at the Huntsman Cancer Center this week.  We will keep you updated on her condition.  Please remember these special sisters in your prayers.

Sister THERESA DAY from St. George visited our ward on Sunday.  She is here visiting with Brett Christensen and his family.

If you would like to sign up to assist with meals for Sister KAYLA PLATT (for when her baby is born), please remember to do so this next week. 

LESSON:

What a wonderful lesson to give us a reminder of how we should be living and caring for those around us.  Sister Christy Gardner addressed the subject of "Charity" and gave us all food for thought.

"Charity comes from a pure heart . . . and is the pure love of Christ."  The Savior gave us the perfect example to follow and showed us that both spiritual and physical needs of those around us are as important as our own.

" . . . exept men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father." (Ether 12:33-34)

"We should not try to decide whether someone really deserves our help or not (Mosiah 4:16-24).  If we have taken care of our own family's needs first, then we should help all who need help . . . Even when we give to those in need, unless we feel compassion for them we do not have charity."

Several ways were discussed to help each of us develop the Virtue of Charity:
                              
                               Study the life of Christ
                               Pray to have greater charity
                               Learn to love ourselves
                               Avoid thinking we are better than others

May we all diligently work to be better sisters in the gospel!

WELCOME!

News in our Relief Society this week is bringing a warm welcome to our new neighbor, Sister Sarah Jones.  She and her husband have just moved into the Spevak Home and are planning on being around a long time.  We are excited to have them become the newest members of our ward.   In other news, Sister Elaine was back in our midst and we are so glad to see her.  She reported that Tony is doing better everyday and that he will be going back in May to have an MRI done to check his progress.  Sister Pam once again had her daughter, Chelsea, attending with her.  She is announcing a new granddaughter-to-be.  Congratulations, Chelsea!

Sister Marilyn has asked that, in view of so much sickness going around, we take a few minutes to check on our neighbors and make sure that all is well.  We really need to be watching out for each other.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make our Birthday Celebration a success.  Many hands went into making it such a worthwhile endeavor.  Thanks to Cindy Flanders and TiAnna Carson for their parts on the program.  Thanks to those who served some wonderful food and to all of those who helped to furnish.  We appreciate those ladies who helped with the special musical selection . . . it was great!

LESSON:

"The Lord's Law of Health" was our lesson on Sunday and Sister Bea Gubler did a wonderful job in her presentation.  Thank you!

Our bodies are temples of God and are Holy.  We should appreciate them and treat them with great respect.  Our Heavenly Father knows we can be happier, better people if we are healthy.  The Holy Ghost can be with us if our bodies and minds are clean.

We are taught that many things are good for our bodies and instructed on those things that are not.  Work, rest, and exercise are an important part of a healthy body.  Promised blessings come to us as we live the Lord's Law of Health. 

President Heber J. Grant has told us, "If you and I desire the blessings of life, of health, of vigor of body and mind; if we desire the destroying angel to pass us by, as he did in the days of the children of Israel, we must obey the Word of Wisdom; then God is bound, and the blessing shall come to us."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It's BIRTHDAY WEEK!  On March 17, one-hundred and sixty-nine years ago, the Prophet Joseph organized the women of the church "under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood."  We have been richly blessed for having the opportunity to be a part of such a divinely organized "Relief Society".  Our lives are fuller because of it, our lives are happier because of it, and we are blessed by the revelation that comes into our lives because of it!

All Relief Society sisters and the Laurels are invited to attend our annual Birthday Event scheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.  Please put this front and center on your calendar.  It will be an extraordinary evening!

On Sunday, we welcomed all our visitors this week who were here for the Gardner/Eggan Wedding.  It was a great event.  We wish our newlyweds much happiness in their new life together.

LESSON:

Our lesson this week was given by Sister Christy Gardner.  It was a wonderful re-visit to the subject of SERVICE.  "Christlike service grows out of genuine love for the Savior and of love and concern for those whom He gives us opportunities and direction to help.  Love is more than a feeling; when we love others, we want to help them."

President Kimball reminds us that "God does notice us, and he watches over us.  But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs."  None of us are exempt from relying on the help of others in our lives.   What a blessing it is to be the recipient of someone elses service.  What a blessing it is to be the giver of service to others.  "When we serve others we gain important blessings."  (See Chapter 28, page 164) 

Christ is the perfect example to us to follow as we give service.  May we follow Him and take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to give service to others.

Sister Marilyn Tullis conducted our meeting this week.  We had a great turn-out and welcomed the Young Women who joined us.  Marilyn especially welcomed her daughter, Nicole, and granddaughter, Alise.  Congrats to Alise, and her soon-to-be, (Weston Gardner) on their session at the temple on Saturday where they received their endowments in preparation for their upcoming wedding this coming week.  We enjoyed having the Laurels girls remain with us for our entire meeting.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Cindy is wanting everyone to fill out her questionnaire.  Please had it in immediately.

This is for our Birthday Party.

The Humanitarian Center is still looking for twin-sized quilts.  Please check with Marilyn for current guidelines to follow when making your donation.

Bro. Steele wants any of the sisters, who are scheduled to clean the building by themselves, to know that he has some young men who will help them. 

Those who would like to sing the special song for our birthday party, please remain after Sacrament Meeting for a practice.

Good news . . . Bro. Tony Schriver is home.  It is necessary for him to wait for a little while before any treatments begin. 

LESSON:

"Encouraging Famiy Unity" was the topic for our lesson.  Sister Jill Schill, our newly released Personal Progress/Transition Leader, led a wonderful discussion on strengthening our families. 

She used a rope as a way to show us that the many strands added together gives it it's strength.  Individual strands separated from the rope will not be any good.  Families are like ropes.  Together we are strong and useful.

Several sisters offered ideas on things we can do in our homes to add strength:  Think before we speak . . . don't be quick to lash out; do what is necessary to have the spirit of the Lord in our home; don't worry about things that don't matter . . . be positive about family members; work hard to maintain a spirit of calm.

We need to assess our attitude in how we approach life.  Give more of ourselves . . . try harder -- to smile, to uplift . . . hold our right coarse.

Many beautiful tesimonies were offered by:  Sister Marilyn Tullis, Sister Wendy Warrick, Sister Polly Dorrity, Sister Shirley Richardson, and Sister Bea Gubler.  Thank you sisters for sharing your testimonies with us.  We are strengthened as we hear what you say.

AN EVENTFUL WEEK!

This week has proven to be an eventful week for our ward Relief Society.  Congratulations to Sister Ashley Christensen and her little family on the birth of a brand new daughter.  We understand that she is a cutie.  We hope that they are working through the breathing problems and will be home very soon.

Our prayers go out to Sister Elaine Shriver and her husband, Tony, as they deal with the trauma in their lives.  What was thought to be an aneurysm, then a tumor, is now in limbo, and we are waiting to hear the final diagnosis and treatment plan.  They are presently in a hospital up north.  Please continue to remember them in your prayers.

Our Relief Society Celebration is planned for Tuesday, March 15.  Efforts are underway to get things in place to have a wonderful event.  A sign-up sheet went around today for food assignments.  If you would like to contribute, please contact a member of the presidency.  We are also trying to get a group of sisters together to sing and are holding practices each Sunday following Sacrament Meeting.  If you would like to join with this group, just show up.  You're in!  We'd love to have you.

The Stake Relief Society Fireside is coming up next Sunday.  We invite everyone, 18 years and older, (including Priesthood brethren) to join with us at this special event.  It will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the Stake Center.  President Bruce C. Hafen and Sister Marie K. Hafen will be our special guest speakers.  It will be such a treat to have them in our midst.

LESSON:

We are so blessed in our ward to have wonderful teachers that bring the lessons alive for us each week.  Sister Joan Platt presented a great lesson today taken from the November Ensign, pg. 24, AGENCY:  Essential to the Plan of Life by Elder Robert D. Hales.  So often we take gospel principles for granted and forget how simple gospel truths affect our daily lives.

"Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress . . . our wise use of agency and our actions are essential that we might have eternal life . . . when we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress."

"Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices . . . As we understand the challenge of repenting, we appreciate the blessings of the Holy Ghost to guide our agency and Heavenly Father, who gives us commandments and strengthens and sustains us in keeping them."  Repentance is a blessing given to us through the great love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He came to "suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent."

We are grateful for the continued moisture that the Lord has seen fit to bless us with and to enjoy the beautiful days of February.  It has been great to have some relief from the very cold days we have experienced and to enjoy a few warmer ones.  Let's enjoy each day . . . Spring is just around the corner and will be here before we get turned around.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Blue and Gold Banquet will be held this coming Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.  All Scouts, Parents, Leaders, and Friends of Scouting are invited to attend.  Please come and help to celebrate the Birthday of Cub Scouts.

Remember that this weekend is the Family History Expo in St. George.  Please note details in last week's post.

The Humanitarian Center in St. George is reminding us that there is still a need for more twin and full-sized quilts for the warehouse in SLC.  If anyone is interested in submitting quilts for this project, please see that you receive a copy of the current guidelines from Sister Marilyn Tullis.  It is important that we follow these guidelines exactly in completing any project we submit.

The Stake Relief Society is sponsoring their annual Fireside on March 6 at 6:00 p.m.  President and Sister Bruce C. Hafen from the St. George Temple will be the guest speakers.  Living Faithfully -- "A Very Personal Motal Experience" is the theme chosen for this special event.  Please put this date on your calendar and plan now to attend.

LESSON:

Sister Bea Gubler prepared a wonderful lesson on "Work and Personal Responsibility".  There was a great deal of class participation as we discussed this very important gospel principle. 

"The prophets have taught Latter-day Saints to be independent and self-sustaining and to avoid idleness . . . Work is essential to each of us for growth, character development, and many satisfactions that the idle never know."

President McKay said, "Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success."

How blessed we are to live in this time and place that gives us the opportunity to work to improve ourselves and the lives of our families.

Presidency Appreciation!

As we sit and enjoy the sisterhood in our weekly Relief Society Meetings, we often take for granted those who do so much so that we can enjoy our time together each Sunday morning.  We do not have to look far to see the sacrifices our presidency makes as they serve the sisters of our ward.  Thank you sisters for giving of your time, energy and talents so that we can be so blessed here in our ward. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

There will be a Family History Expo on February 25-26 at the Dixie Center in St. George.  Although registration is required for much of this Expo, the exhibit hall and keynote address is free for you to attend.  They say it's the place "Where Ol' Dogs Learn New Tricks!" Reserve your spot at http://www.fhexpos.com/ or call (801) 829-3295.

LESSON:

Thanks to Sister Christy Gardner for the wonderful lesson she gave us on Sacrifice.  It is good for us to reflect on principles that we sometimes put in the back of our minds and fail to bring to the forefront very often.

 "Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God . . . If we are to be a living sacrifice, we must be willing to give everything we have for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints -- to build the kingdom of God on the earth and lavor to bring forth Zion."

"Only through sacrifice can we become worthy to live in the presence of God.  Only through sacrifice can we enjoy eternal life."  "Yet a place in our Heavenly Father's kingdom is worth any sacrifice we have to make of our time, talents, energy, money and lives.

Much food for thought as we embark on a new week.

LOTS OF NEWS!

GREAT HAPPENINGS IN THE NEW CASTLE WARD!

John and TyAnna Carson and Jessica Dupass along with her mother, Colleen Jensen, will be going through the temple this Saturday at the 1:20 session.  We are delighted with their choices to receive their endownments and continue in their gospel learning.  Josh and Jess will also be sealed to their little family as well.  What a joyful day it will surely be!

During our night Relief Society, Sister Lynn  Lindsey taught us about stocking our pantry and using those items we store.  She had flavored syrups she had made from her storage items, and we were able to taste them on the pancakes (made from storage items) that Sister Elaine Shriver cooked right before our eyes.   We so appreciate the ladies who spend so much time preparing these events for us.  Although we may have heard some of this before, we are able to constantly learn new things from each occasion, and it is always fun to share ideas with the other sisters who attend.  This is something we cannot hear too much of.  Recipes were also available with great ideas on how to put them to good use in our kitchens.

Sister Lindsey would like us to know that the new price list from the cannery in on the table in the foyer.  All items have increased in price.  Check your pantry to see which items you may be in need of.  At times, you may be able to take avantage of local sales and case lots to your advantage.  Storage buckets with lids are also available at Lynn's home for $3 a piece.  (A great price, by-the-way!)

GENEALOGY NOW!

A free, genealogy seminar is coming to St. George on January 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Former Govenor Olean Walker will be the keynote speaker with twenty different classes available for those who attend.  Classes range from the New Family Search to Photo Editing.  This seminar has met approval of Elder Randy Wilkinson.

WARD DIRECTORY

New Ward Directorties can be found on the table just outside the Relief Society Room.  Make sure you pick up your updated version!

LESSON:

A big thanks to Sister Leann Riquelme who taught our Sunday lesson, Chapter 25 on 'Fasting'.  She was a wonderful stand-in for Sister Bea Gubler who is recoving from shingles.  We were reminded of why, when, and how we should observe this great principle of fasting in our daily lives.  We learned of the spiritual power available to us as we wisely and prayerfully choose to fast.  "The Savior has said to those who fast properly, 'Thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly'".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year everyone!  Can we believe it 2011 already?  We hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones and friends, and that the true spirit of Christmas radiated in your homes.

Our Relief Society has taken on a new look for Sunday mornings.  Our eyes feasted upon a wonderful new bulletin board.  So many thanks to those who helped to re-furbish it.  We will also discontinue the 'good news minute' and the 'music period' in our meetings.  Directions in our new handbooks are giving our teachers the ultimate amount of time for classroom instruction.  The bookmarks were passed out with our new theme for the year and lesson schedules.  We are hoping that each of us will take the time to read our lessons prior to coming to Relief Society and, for those of you who are involved in other organizations, it is a wonderful way for you to keep in touch with what we are learning.

"BEING STEADFAST AND IMMOVABLE" is the theme chosen by our ward presidency.  The selected goals for 2011 are:

1.  Learn of Him

2.  Reach Beyond Ourselves

3.  Use Our Time in Inspired Ways

4.  Stand Strong and Immovable

Our objective is:  "To help each of us to find strength in the Gospel and each other."  Let us all make a concentrated effort to work at building that strong, immovable foundation in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Relief Society Meeting is scheduled for January 18 at 6:30 p.m.  Sister Lynn Lindsey will give a presentation on our Home Food Storage/Pantry.  There will be samples for all to taste.  An event that will surely benefit us all.

LESSON:

After a short but wonderful introduction by Sister Marilyn Tullis on our new theme, Cindy Cluett gave some marvelous insights on '"being steadfast and immovable".  She shared some personal experiences with us that she has had with standing up for the gospel and defending our beliefs.  It will surely take great courage for us to be counted on the Lord's side as we are confronted by much of the world today.  Let us be determined to be the best that we can be.