SHARING THE GOSPEL - SEPTEMBER ENSIGN

Sharing the Gospel by Sharing You

By Stephanie J. Burns and Darcie Jensen

The best way to share the gospel is to live it.

For some of us, sharing the gospel comes naturally. But for many of us, it is not that easy.  In fact, we might even be afraid of opening up to friends, family, or neighbors to talk about the gospel, even though we know how important it is to do so.

 Further, sometimes when we think about missionary work, we focus too much on the method, activity, or outcome, rather than focusing on helping the individual.  The problem is that any efforts that lose sight of the individual can make those efforts feel forced and insincere.

 There may be a better way.

 That way is to become more converted to the gospel-as individuals- and let the example of our lives and our friendly conversation open the way.  The more converted we become, the more comfortable we are with our religion, and we begin to feel an increasing desire for others to enjoy the blessings of the gospel.  When that happens, sharing comes more naturally. 

In fact, we may not even realize we are sharing the gospel.  As we increase the level of our faithful discipleship, the effect it has on our actions, speech, and even countenance will be difficult to ignore.  "Your good works will be evident to others," explains Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. "The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.  With that radiance, you had better prepare for questions."

 

Living Testimonies

 Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service explains: "The Savior has shown the way.  He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is (see 3 Nephi 27:27).  As members learn of Christ and seek to incorporate His attributes into their lives through the power of His Atonement, they become more like Christ and thus more capable of leading others to Him.

One recent convert from Washington, USA, says that spending time with members was all it took for her to become interested in the gospel. "The happiness they brought with them and the way I felt around them was undeniable," she shares.  "They didn't preach to me about God.  It was simply in their very being: their lifestyle, their choices, their actions and reactions.  When I looked at them, I said to myself. "That is how I want to live  This is where I want to be in life."

As we become more comfortable with the gospel's influence in our lives, talking about that influence becomes easier both because we have things to talk about and because we can share what that message has done for us.

 Miriam Criscuolo from Italy found that, even after establishing a meaningful friendship with a neighbor, she still didn't know how to talk about the gospel.  "We spent a lot of time together, but the courage to speak to my new friend about the gospel, even though I knew it was my duty, escaped me," she shares.

 But when the gospel came up naturally, things started to happen.  Miriam remembers, "It was my daughter who, when showing a Primary project, aroused the curiosity of my friend." "What's Primary?" she asked.  From that question were born a hundred others.  I learned that my friend had  been looking for something for years.  I told her that the peace of mind she was looking for would be found in our Church.

 "She later joined the Church.  She was an answer to my prayers about how to find a way to do missionary work and to show my children how it can be done."

 Being Friends First

Like Miriam, sometimes we may feel duty bound to share the gospel and find that this sense of duty can foster forced, uncomfortable discussions.  In addition, the feeling of responsibility can overwhelm us and inhibit our ability to effectively explain gospel principles.

Successful missionary opportunities are more likely to be found when members are just good, true friends with others. As Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “If we are open about our membership in the Church from the very beginning, … friends and acquaintances will accept that this is part of who we are.”⁴

Including the gospel in existing friendships rather than basing friendships on sharing the gospel can increase missionary successes. Eliana Verges de Lerda, a member of the Church in Argentina, met her friend Anabel when they were both six years old. Their friendship grew as they went to school together. During that time, Eliana never hid the fact that she was a member of the Church.

“I felt very comfortable talking about the gospel with Anabel, even though we didn’t share the same beliefs,” she says.

When the girls were 14, Anabel agreed to listen to the missionaries, but she decided not to be baptized.

Eliana was disappointed, but this did not stop her from continuing their friendship; nor did it stop the gospel discussions. A few years later, Eliana invited Anabel to attend seminary with her. During the lesson, Anabel felt the Spirit very strongly. As Eliana prepared to go to the temple a few days later, Anabel told her, “I promise to go with you next time.” Anabel was baptized a short time after.

Anabel’s conversion did not take days; it took years. The process was possible because Eliana was her friend first—regardless of whether or not Anabel felt an interest in accepting the gospel.

 

#SharetheGift

Discover, Embrace, and Share the Gift

Can a gift given 2,000 years ago still matter today? The answer is a heartfelt yes. As we internalize the teachings of Jesus Christ and follow His perfect example, we can become more like Him and experience lasting peace and joy—this Christmas season and always.


Find out more at http://www.mormon.org/christmas

Elder Ballard, Elder Oaks Organize Stakes in Rome and Paris

 

President Oaks in Paris

 

 

By Sarah Jane Weaver, Church News assistant editor

2 October 2013

Two Apostles visited five European countries this September—addressing members and missionaries, creating stakes in two major cities, holding an area review, presiding at a seminar for 32 European mission presidents and their wives, meeting with government and faith leaders, and checking on the status of temples under construction in Rome and Paris.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve and his wife, Sister Kristen Oaks, and Elder M. Russell Ballard, also of the Quorum of the Twelve, and his wife, Sister Barbara Ballard, traveled to Europe September 6 to September 16. They were accompanied by Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Sister Nancy Maynes, and Bishop Dean M. Davies, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, and his wife, Sister Darla Davies, and members of the Church’s Europe Area Presidency.

Elder Ballard said it is a great privilege to serve as a witness of the Savior Jesus Christ. “To be able to go out into the world and declare that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is the most marvelous privilege,” he said after returning home from Europe. “To be able to be part of this work, in trying to bring the light of the gospel to the people of the world, is a great blessing.”

Priesthood leadership meetings held in Leeds and Manchester, England; Madrid, Spain; and Paris, France, served as bookends to the trip, during which the wives of the General Authorities also taught women leaders from the cities close by. In the special stake conferences that followed, Church leaders addressed some 12,000 Latter-day Saints from dozens of stakes.

“The Church is alive and well and progressing impressively in Europe,” said Elder Oaks.

The trip marked Elder Ballard’s fourth assignment in Europe in the last 90 days. Still, he was grateful to return to the British Isles, the area where he served as a young missionary and that is rich in Church history. “The British Isles have made a contribution to the bringing up of the Church worldwide, which to me is a very significant thing that always needs to be recognized,” he said.

Speaking of the priesthood leadership meetings in Leeds and Manchester, Elder Oaks noted that both cities are home to a “great multigenerational base of the Church. We met some converts, but we also met people who are third- and fourth-generation members of the Church,” he said. “The Church is strong and mature.”

Still, he said, Church members face many challenges in Europe, where the general trend is that religion is considered to be less and less important. “[Members] have worldly pressures bearing upon their youth and their families,” he said.

 

Elder Ballard said in many countries members are bombarded with pornography, addictions, and attacks on fundamental values and religious freedom. “All of these things destroy the possibility of men and women having faith in God and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In several member meetings, Elder Ballard asked the full-time missionaries to come to the front of the congregation. In Rome, for example, some 50 full-time missionaries came forward.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to the problems in Europe, he explained, asking members to help the missionaries find people to teach.

Today “we have the greatest number of missionaries in the history of the Church,” he said. “We all have to rally around this great work now. We all have to be missionaries. They have come here to teach the great message of the Restoration.”

Elder Ballard told the European members that the whole Church needs to “recognize the Lord is hastening His work of salvation and that we all have to be engaged.”

The 30 mission presidents and two MTC presidents who attended the mission presidents’ seminar—held September 10–13 in Versailles, France—are helping their missionaries learn how to teach, said Elder Ballard.

Elder Oaks said Church leaders also learned from the mission presidents some of the challenges they are facing, especially as they absorb a large number of new missionaries into their missions. In addition, they discussed the “special challenges we face with the many worldly influences in Europe and how do we respond to those challenges,” he said.

Still the growth of the Church in Europe is evident.

“The increasing strength of the youth in Europe is remarkable,” Bishop Davies shared after participating in stake conferences in York, England, and Brussels, Belgium. “They reflect the Light of Christ and are fervent in their testimonies. They will be future leaders.”

Elder Oaks said a “very exciting part of this trip was for Elder Ballard to go to Rome and to organize a new stake in Rome, where a temple is under construction, and for me to organize a new stake in Paris, where a temple will soon be constructed.”

The stake in Rome is the second in that city. The creation of the stake in Paris, the third in the city and its surroundings, set in motion realignments that resulted in the absorbing of the last mission district in France. “Nine stakes and one district in France became 10 stakes covering all of France,” said Elder Oaks, noting that local members were excited about this milestone in their country.

Elder Maynes, who assisted Elder Ballard with the creation of the new stake in Rome, said he was “very impressed with the experience and spiritual maturity” of the priesthood leadership in the country.

 

Elder Maynes said one of the primary assignments of the trip to the Europe Area was to attend and participate in an area review. “This is an opportunity to discuss the challenges and progress of the Church in Europe,” he said. “Those attending the meeting included the visiting authorities, the Europe Area Presidency, and key temporal affairs personnel. One of the highlights of the meeting was learning that sacrament meeting attendance in Europe has never been higher.”

During the trip, Elder Oaks also had the opportunity to meet with government and faith leaders.

In London, he met with three different members of British Parliament. “We had discussions about religious freedom,” he said.

He also met with and discussed religious freedom with five Muslim leaders. “We talked at great length about the importance of religious freedom and the things that we have in common,” Elder Oaks said. “What we have in common with the responsible leaders in the Muslim world is a great deal larger than our differences.”

Elder Oaks said the work of the Church will move forward in Europe, thanks to a “loving, diverse, and faithful” membership with great spiritual strength.

 

 

 

INVITATION TO CONFERENCE

 

 

 

 Prophet Thomas S. Monson

 

President of the Church

President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16^th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. He had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since November 10, 1985. Most recently, on March 12, 1995, he was set apart as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. Prior to that, on June 5, 1994, he was called as Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter, and on November 10, 1985, as Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson. He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963, and ordained an Apostle on October 10, 1963, at the age of 36.

 

President Monson served as president of the Church’s Canadian Mission, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, from 1959 to 1962. Prior to that time he served in the presidency of the Temple View Stake in Salt Lake City, Utah, and as a bishop of the Sixth-Seventh Ward in that stake.

Born in Salt Lake City, on August 21, 1927, President Monson is a son of G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. He attended Salt Lake City public schools and graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 1948, receiving a degree in business management. He did graduate work and served as a member of the College of Business faculty at the University of Utah. He later received his MBA degree from Brigham Young University. In April 1981, Brigham Young University conferred upon President Monson the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. He was given the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters by Salt Lake Community College in June 1996. He received the Honorary Doctor of Business from the University of Utah in May 2007. In May 2009 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Communication from Utah Valley University and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from Southern Utah University. In April 2010 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Weber State University. In May 2011 he received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Dixie State College of Utah. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, an honorary business fraternity.

 

President Monson served in the United States Navy near the close of World War II. He married Frances Beverly Johnson (1927-2013) on October 7, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of three children, with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Professionally, President Monson has had a distinguished career in publishing and printing. He became associated with the Deseret News in 1948, where he served as an executive in the advertising division of that newspaper and the Newspaper Agency Corporation. Later he was named sales manager of the Deseret News Press, one of the West’s largest commercial printing firms, rising to the position of general manager, which position he held at the time of his appointment to the Quorum of the Twelve in 1963. He served for many years as chairman of the board of Deseret News Publishing Co. President Monson is a past president of Printing Industry of Utah and a former member of the board of directors of Printing Industries of America.

 

With his broad business background, President Monson served for many years as a board member of several prominent businesses and industries. He currently serves as chairman of the LDS Church Board of Education and Board of Trustees.

 

Since 1969 President Monson has served as a member of the National Executive Board of Boy Scouts of America.

President Monson has held membership in the Utah Association of Sales Executives, the Salt Lake Advertising Club, and the Salt Lake Exchange Club.

For many years, President Monson served as a member of the Utah State Board of Regents, the body which governs higher education in the State of Utah. He also served as an officer in the Alumni Association of the University of Utah.

In December 1981, President Monson was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives. He served in this capacity until December 1982, when the work of the task force was completed.

President Monson was awarded the University of Utah’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1966. He is also the recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award (1971), its prestigious Silver Buffalo Award (1978), the Bronze Wolf (1993; international Scouting’s highest award), and the Silver Fox Award from Scouts Canada (2011). In 1997 he received the Minuteman Award from the Utah National Guard, as well as Brigham Young University’s Exemplary Manhood Award. In 1998 he and Sister Monson were each given the Continuum of Caring Humanitarian Award by the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph Villa. In 2000 he received the Joseph and Hyrum Smith Award as "Communicator of the Year" from the LDS Public Relations Society. In 2005 he was presented with the Legacy of Life Award by the Heart and Lung Research Foundation, which is an entity of the Deseret Foundation. In 2007 he received Rotary's Worldwide Humanitarian Award. He has received awards from four chapters of the BYU Management Society.

 

 

 



Sister Tilley Transferred

SISTER TILLEY  

I'm from Lehi Utah and have been on my mission for a year.  I was born into the Church and love everything about the gospel! One thing that has drawn me to the church is the converts.  It doesn't matter to me whether they've been coverts for a week or ten years.  Their conversion stories impact my life and help me to have a desire to become a better person.  I know without a doubt this Church is the Lord's kingdom back on the Earth today! :-) Some fun facts: I'm a fast food junky! I love Pizza, hamburgers, tacos, etc.  I also have a 21 yr. old brother and a 20 yr. old sister who are also serving missions.

LDS DAILY QUOTE

 

"Only through repentance do we gain access to the atoning grace of Jesus Christ"

- D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Gundersen Transferred

 

 

 

 

My name is Elder Gundersen.  I'm from American Fork, Utah and I am the oldest of four kids.  Serving a mission was in my plans since the time I was very young.  I received my call to serve in the Maryland Baltimore Mission just after completing my Freshman year at BYU.   When I received my call to Baltimore, there wasn't a place I would rather have been sent. (No - seriously) I was over joyed.

 

I have now been out for almost two years (unfortunately - wishing I still had more mission time) and have loved it all - from the streets of Baltimore to the rural parts of the Columbia 1st Ward.  The best part of sharing the gospel and serving a mission is the people you meet and the conversion that takes place - in yourself and those you serve.  Sharing the blessings of the Atonement and teaching Faith and Repentance honestly bring me the most joy.  My life has been so blessed by the Gospel.

 

So, what's next after the mission? I'll go back to school at BYU and continue the work of Salvation there - just in a different way.  I'm planning on being an Information Systems Major, but we'll see when I get there.

 

 

MEET THE MORMONS

While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to each other, and our neighbors. Watch these stories of faith in the everyday lives of Mormons. You can also meet Mormons here.

LIFE OF A MORMON MISSIONARY: TEACHING OTHERS ABOUT CHRIST Salt Lake City — The following story and videos about the lives of Mormon missionaries provide insights into what these missionaries do and why they do it.

MORMON MISSIONARY NUMBERS REACH 75,000 MILESTONE

Sharing via Social Media

“Sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. . . . Perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to ‘open [your] mouths’ might today include ‘use your hands’ to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!” . . .




“With the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard . . . around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity.” — President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (Ensign, May 2011, “Waiting on the Road to Damascus.”)

Sharing the gospel through social media can be easy and fun. As we create and share content online that reflects the gospel, we can help people come unto Christ. Take courage to share your beliefs via any of the following ways:



  Facebook

Official Church Account
Other Church Facebook Accounts
Explanation of Facebook




 Twitter


Official Church Account
Other Church Twitter Accounts
Explanation of Twitter




  Google Plus


Official Church Account
Other Church Google Plus Accounts
Explanation of Google Plus







Mormon Channel
Other Church YouTube Accounts
Explanation of YouTube



Other Social Sites and Ways to Share

The list above does not encompass all social networks or ways you can share the gospel online. Social media will only continue to grow, and as you look for new and effective ways to bring others to Christ, remember to always follow the Spirit’s promptings so that you can share the good news in a spirit of charity.

New Tabs and Information

We have added some new tabs and hope  you will join us with comments.  We wanted you to get to know our missionaries and new converts.  We have added our newest convert, Samuel Sherman but will be going back and adding some of our other recent converts as well.  Let us know if there is other information that you would find helpful for our blog.

Mormonism 101: FAQ

See FAQs.
See Mormonism 101 Infographic.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be found at every level of society — in business and charity, education and the sciences, political parties and government, the entertainment industry and news media.
Describing the character of Latter-day Saints, Newsweek magazine wrote: “No matter where Mormons live, they find themselves part of a network of mutual concern; in Mormon theology everyone is a minister of a kind, everyone is empowered in some way to do good to others, and to have good done unto them: it is a 21st century covenant of caring. This caring is not limited to Church members alone, but extends far beyond.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the fourth largest Christian church in America. More than half of its 14 million members live outside the United States. Yet despite the faith’s growth and presence, survey results continue to show that relatively few people are familiar with Mormon beliefs.
As an institution, the Church has the responsibility to publicly and clearly articulate its official teachings. In turn, reporters can help inform the public by accurately reporting on these doctrines. But in doing so journalists should be aware of some common pitfalls. For instance, reporters pressed for time tend to take peripheral aspects of the faith and place them front and center as if they were vital tenets of belief. Additionally, sincere commentators often overemphasize what others see as “different” about Latter-day Saints at the expense of highlighting the Church’s most fundamental doctrines in their reporting. Unfortunately, as many members attest, this kind of journalism paints a distorted picture of the Church and continues to confuse the public.
Despite these complications, the Church welcomes honest inquiry from all types of media outlets. The Church expects journalists to be accurate and honest and to focus on the faith as it is lived and believed by its members. The Church discourages sensationalized and misleading journalism that accentuates abstract ideas that do not reflect the beliefs, teachings and practices of the Church’s global membership.
What Are the Core Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
The founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith, wrote, “The fundamental principles of our religion are … concerning Jesus Christ that He died was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”
In addition to the above, Latter-day Saints believe unequivocally that:
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father.
2. Christ’s Atonement allows mankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.
3. Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of our loving Heavenly Father
Latter-day Saints believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all mankind from their sins (see John 3:16). God is a loving Heavenly Father who knows His children individually, hears and answers their prayers, and feels compassion toward them. Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate beings but along with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) are one in will, purpose and love.
Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as their Savior and Redeemer. He is central to the lives of Church members. They accept His grace and mercy; they seek to follow His example by being baptized (see Matthew 3:13-17), praying in His holy name (see Matthew 6:9-13), partaking of the sacrament (communion) (see Luke 22:19-20), doing good to others (see Acts 10:38) and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see James 2:26).

2. Christ’s Atonement allows mankind to be saved from their sins and return to live with God and their families forever.

Latter-day Saints believe that God has a plan for His children to return to live with Him and become “joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). For members of the Church, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is central to God’s plan for our happiness. Although humans make mistakes and sin, Mormons view this mortal life as an opportunity to progress and learn. By following Christ’s teachings, embracing His mercy and accepting baptism and other sacraments, Mormons believe they are cleansed from sin through Christ’s grace and can return to live with God and their families forever.

3. Christ’s original Church as described in the New Testament has been restored in modern times.

Members believe that Christ established His Church anciently on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20; see also Ephesians 4:11-14) with “one faith, [and] one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). They believe this foundation of “one faith” was gradually undermined after the death of Christ’s apostles. As a result, the original foundation of authority to lead the Church was lost and needed to be restored (see Acts 3:21). Today, members preach that the Lord has indeed restored His Church with living apostles and prophets, starting with the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith.
Church members understand that families are the most important unit of society. Accordingly, those who follow Christ and keep His commandments are promised to live with their families forever in divinely instituted eternal relationships.
FAQs

• Introduction
• Are Mormons Christian?
• What do Mormons believe about God?
• Do Mormons believe in the Trinity?
• What is the Mormon view of the purpose of life?
• Do Mormons believe in the Bible?
• What is the Book of Mormon?
• What is a Mormon temple?
• Do Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets?
• Do Latter-day Saints believe that the apostles receive revelations from God?
• Do Mormon women lead in the Church?
• Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?
• Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?
• Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?
• Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy?
• What is the position of the Church regarding race relations?
• Do Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden is in Missouri?
• Why do you “baptize for the dead”?
• Why does the Church send out missionaries?
• Why don’t Mormons smoke or drink alcohol?
• IntroductionThe religious experience of Church members is based on a spiritual witness from God that inspires the heart and mind, creating an interpersonal relationship directly with God. The Church’s role is to help aid its members in their quest to follow Christ’s teachings. Therefore, the Church’s core doctrines strive in every instance to align with Christ’s teachings as outlined in the Bible and other sacred scripture, including the Book of Mormon.
  Latter-day Saints believe that the Church’s scripturally-based teachings change lives by motivating people to become more like the Savior. President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.”
  With this understanding in mind, the following series of answers to frequently asked questions about the Church’s teachings should help further illuminate what Latter-day Saints believe. The list of questions is not comprehensive but represents some of the most common inquiries from news media.
  

  Are Mormons Christian?

  Yes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church but is neither Catholic nor Protestant. Rather, it is a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ as originally established by the Savior in the New Testament of the Bible. The Church does not embrace the creeds that developed in the third and fourth centuries that are now central to many other Christian churches.
  Latter-day Saints believe God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save all mankind from death and their individual sins. Jesus Christ is central to the lives of Church members. They seek to follow His example by being baptized (see Matthew 3:13-17), praying in His holy name (see Matthew 6:9-13), partaking of the sacrament (see Luke 22:19-20), doing good to others (see Acts 10:38) and bearing witness of Him through both word and deed (see James 2:26). The only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.
  · Read more about Latter-day Saint Christianity
  

  What do Mormons believe about God?

  God is often referred to in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as our Heavenly Father because He is the Father of all human spirits and they are created in His image (see Genesis 1:27). It is an appropriate term for God who is kind and just, all wise and all powerful. God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost constitute the Godhead or Trinity for Mormons. Latter-day Saints believe God is embodied, though His body is perfect and glorified.
  

  Do Mormons believe in the Trinity?

  Mormons most commonly use the term “Godhead” to refer to the Trinity. The first article of faith for the Latter-day Saints reads: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” Latter-day Saints believe God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are one in will and purpose but are not literally the same being or substance, as conceptions of the Holy Trinity commonly imply.
  

  What is the Mormon view of the purpose of life?

  For Latter-day Saints, mortal existence is seen in the context of a great sweep of history, from a pre-earth life where the spirits of all mankind lived with Heavenly Father to a future life in His presence where continued growth, learning and improving will take place. Life on earth is regarded as a temporary state in which men and women are tried and tested — and where they gain experiences obtainable nowhere else. God knew humans would make mistakes, so He provided a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would take upon Himself the sins of the world. To members of the Church, physical death on earth is not an end but the beginning of the next step in God’s plan for His children.
  

  Do Mormons believe in the Bible?

  Yes. The Church reveres the Bible as the word of God, a sacred volume of scripture. Latter-day Saints cherish its teachings and engage in a lifelong study of its divine wisdom. Moreover, during worship services the Bible is pondered and discussed. Additional books of scripture — including the Book of Mormon— strengthen and reinforce God’s teachings through additional witnesses and provide moving accounts of the personal experiences many individuals had with Jesus Christ. According to Church apostle M. Russell Ballard, “The Book of Mormon does not dilute nor diminish nor deemphasize the Bible. On the contrary, it expands, extends, and exalts it.”
  

  What is the Book of Mormon?

  In addition to the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the writings of ancient prophets, giving an account of God’s dealings with the peoples on the American continent. For Latter-day Saints it stands alongside the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as holy scripture.
  · Read more about the Book of Mormon
  

  What is a Mormon temple?

  Temples existed throughout Biblical times. These buildings were considered the house of the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 2:1-5). Latter-day Saint temples are likewise considered houses of the Lord by Church members.
  To Latter-day Saints, temples are sacred buildings in which they are taught about the central role of Christ in God’s plan of salvation and their personal relationship with God.
  In temples, members of the Church make covenants with God to live a virtuous and faithful life. They also offer sacraments on behalf of their deceased ancestors.
  Mormon temples are also used to perform marriage ceremonies that promise the faithful eternal life with their families. For members of the Church family is of central importance.
  · Learn more about why Mormons build temples
  

  Do Latter-day Saints believe in modern-day prophets?

  Yes. The Church is governed today by apostles, reflecting the way Jesus organized His Church in biblical times. Three apostles constitute the First Presidency (consisting of the president or prophet of the Church and his two counselors), and, together with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, they have responsibility for leading the Church worldwide and serving as special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each is accepted by Church members in a prophetic role corresponding to the apostles in the Bible.
  

  Do Latter-day Saints believe that the apostles receive revelations from God?

  Yes. When Latter-day Saints speak to God, they call it prayer. When God responds through the influence of the Holy Spirit, members refer to this as revelation. Revelation, in its broad meaning, is divine guidance or inspiration; it is the communication of truth and knowledge from God to His children on earth, suited to their language and understanding. It simply means to uncover something not yet known. The Bible illustrates different types of revelation, ranging from dramatic visions to gentle feelings — from the “burning bush” to the “still, small voice.” Mormons generally believe that divine guidance comes quietly, taking the form of impressions, thoughts and feelings carried by the Spirit of God.
  Most often, revelation unfolds as an ongoing, prayerful dialogue with God: A problem arises, its dimensions are studied out, a question is asked, and if we have sufficient faith, God leads us to answers, either partial or full. Though ultimately a spiritual experience, revelation also requires careful thought. God does not simply hand down information. He expects us to figure things out through prayerful searching and sound thinking.
  The First Presidency (consisting of the president or prophet of the Church and his two counselors) and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive inspiration to guide the Church as a whole. Individuals are also inspired with revelation regarding how to conduct their lives and help serve others.
  · Learn more about revelation
  

  Do Mormon women lead in the Church?

  Yes. All women are daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Women and men are equal in the sight of God. The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In the family, a wife and a husband form an equal partnership in leading and raising a family.
  From the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints women have played an integral role in the work of the Church. While worthy men hold the priesthood, worthy women serve as leaders, counselors, missionaries, teachers, and in many other responsibilities— they routinely preach from the pulpit and lead congregational prayers in worship services. They serve both in the Church and in their local communities and contribute to the world as leaders in a variety of professions. Their vital and unique contribution to raising children is considered an important responsibility and a special privilege of equal importance to priesthood responsibilities.
  

  Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?

  Latter-day Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching, which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ's teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).
  

  Do Latter-day Saints believe that they will “get their own planet”?

  No. This idea is not taught in Latter-day Saint scripture, nor is it a doctrine of the Church. This misunderstanding stems from speculative comments unreflective of scriptural doctrine. Mormons believe that we are all sons and daughters of God and that all of us have the potential to grow during and after this life to become like our Heavenly Father (see Romans 8:16-17). The Church does not and has never purported to fully understand the specifics of Christ’s statement that “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2).
  

  Do some Latter-day Saints wear temple garments?

  Yes. In our world of diverse religious observance, many people of faith wear special clothing as a reminder of sacred beliefs and commitments. This has been a common practice throughout history. Today, faithful adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wear temple garments. These garments are simple, white underclothing composed of two pieces: a top piece similar to a T-shirt and a bottom piece similar to shorts. Not unlike the Jewish tallit katan (prayer shawl), these garments are worn underneath regular clothes. Temple garments serve as a personal reminder of covenants made with God to lead good, honorable, Christlike lives. The wearing of temple garments is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow the Savior.
  Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37-41). Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with Latter-day Saints today.
  Because of the personal and religious nature of the temple garment, the Church asks all media to report on the subject with respect, treating Latter-day Saint temple garments as they would religious vestments of other faiths. Ridiculing or making light of sacred clothing is highly offensive to Latter-day Saints.
  

  Do Latter-day Saints practice polygamy?

  No. There are more than 14 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not one of them is a polygamist. The practice of polygamy is strictly prohibited in the Church. The general standard of marriage in the Church has always been monogamy, as indicated in the Book of Mormon (see Jacob 2:27). For periods in the Bible polygamy was practiced by the patriarchs Abraham and Jacob, as well as kings David and Solomon. It was again practiced by a minority of Latter-day Saints in the early years of the Church. Polygamy was officially discontinued in 1890 — 122 years ago. Those who practice polygamy today have nothing whatsoever to do with the Church.
  · Read more regarding this question
  

  What is the position of the Church regarding race relations?

  The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone. The Book of Mormon states, “Black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33). This is the Church’s official teaching.
  People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning. In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery. During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended. Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members. The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world.
  The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.”
  

  Do Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden is in Missouri?

  We do not know exactly where the original site of the Garden of Eden is. While not an important or foundational doctrine, Joseph Smith established a settlement in Daviess County, Missouri, and taught that the Garden of Eden was somewhere in that area. Like knowing the precise number of animals on Noah’s ark, knowing the precise location of the Garden of Eden is far less important to one’s salvation than believing in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
  

  Why do you “baptize for the dead”?

  Jesus Christ taught that “except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). For those who have passed on without the ordinance of baptism, proxy baptism for the deceased is a free will offering. According to Church doctrine, a departed soul in the afterlife is completely free to accept or reject such a baptism — the offering is freely given and must be freely received. The ordinance does not force deceased persons to become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or “Mormons,” nor does the Church list deceased persons as members of the Church. In short, there is no change in the religion or heritage of the recipient or of the recipient's descendants — the notion of coerced conversion is utterly contrary to Church doctrine.
  Of course, proxy baptism for the deceased is nothing new. It was mentioned by Paul in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 15:29) and was practiced by groups of early Christians. As part of a restoration of New Testament Christianity, Latter-day Saints continue this practice. All Church members are instructed to submit names for proxy baptism only for their own deceased relatives as an offering of familial love.
  · Read more on this subject here
  

  Why does the Church send out missionaries?

  The missionary effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is based on the New Testament pattern of missionaries serving in pairs, teaching the gospel and baptizing believers in the name of Jesus Christ (see, for example, the work of Peter and John in the book of Acts). More than 52,000 missionaries, most of whom are under the age of 25, are serving missions for the Church at any one time. Missionary work is voluntary, with most missionaries funding their own missions. They receive their assignment from Church headquarters and are sent only to countries where governments allow the Church to operate. In some parts of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other specialized missions.
  

  Why don’t Mormons smoke or drink alcohol?

  The health code for Latter-day Saints is based on a teaching regarding foods that are healthy and substances that are not good for the human body. Accordingly, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and illegal drugs are forbidden. A 14-year UCLA study, completed in 1997, tracked mortality rates and health practices of 10,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California, indicating that Church members who adhered to the health code had one of the lowest death rates from cancer and cardiovascular disease in the United States. It also found that Church members who followed the code had a life expectancy eight to 11 years longer than the general white population of the United States.

Mormonism 101 Infographic

40 DAY FAST

Columbia 1st Ward

40 Day Fast: April 1 – May 10, 2012

Objectives

·        To join as a ward to in fasting and mighty prayer in our efforts to share the gospel and invite others to Christ

·        That we, as members, during this time will prepare ourselves to know what to say, to be led by the Spirit, and will talk with others

·        That we will be led to those who are 1) ready to learn more about the Church or 2) return to activity; or that they will be led to us

We believe the 40 Day fast will help demonstrate our faith, that as we show forth action, the Columbia 1^st Ward will be blessed with members returning to full activity, individuals and families embracing the Gospel and joining the Church, and we as members will have our testimonies strengthened and renewed. 

We invite you to participate as individuals and/or families in the Ward 40 day fast by selecting a day within the next 40 days to fast – beginning on April 1.  Our goal is to have at least one individual or family fasting during each of the 40 days from April 1 to May 10.   There can be more than one family or individual fasting during a given day, but we ask your help to have every day covered.

To do this, please take time this week to contact Sis. Betty Allen, one of our ward missionaries, to schedule a date. 

Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you:

During this fast, we encourage members specifically to:

·        Sign up for a day to fast between April 1 and May 10.

·        Study and use Section 2 in Preach My Gospel for personal study and during a Family Home Evening during the 40 day fast

·        Study conference talks and other materials related to missionary work (see Elder Ballard’s talk)

·        Prepare yourself and your family to answer questions (see www.Mormon.org)

·        Pray for opportunities to share the gospel and to seek the guidance of the Spirit

·        Invite and share your thoughts 

·        Look for opportunities to involve the full-time missionaries to teach or help you or your family

·        Look for opportunities to serve others

·        Go forward with faith

·        Share experiences with other members

 

Reference for Ward Council and Ward Missionaries

Why 40 days?

Not only was 40 days a time used anciently for calendaring, it was a significant timeframe associated with biblical events  such as Moses on the mount for 40 days and 40 nights (Ex  24:18),  the prophet Elijah fasted for 40 days and 40 nights during his journey to the mountain of God (refer to 1 Kings 19:8), and Jesus fasted for 40 days preparatory for his mission (Mark 1:13)

We believe that by fasting for 40 days, coupled with prayer, we show our commitment and dedication as a ward to allow us to prepare ourselves receive guidance in sharing the gospel  (Acts 13:2-3; Alma 17: 3,9 ; 3 Nephi 27: 1-2)

Preparation for the Fast

This Blog is for our ward mission activities - we would like to introduce this blog with the following conference address from Elder M. Russell Ballard ~ Brother Stucki ~ Brother Bowland

October 2007

Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits

faith-family-facts-and-fruits video

M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The growing prominence of the Church and the increasing inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends, and pass on accurate information.

‍ Brothers and sisters, since the sesquicentennial anniversary in 1997, there has been a dramatic increase worldwide in inquiries about the Church. This growing interest is fueled by our rapid growth, by events like the Winter Olympics here in Salt Lake City, and by the prominence in their chosen professions of many of our individual members.

I am sure that these questions come not only to the Church but to you as individual members. It is not easy to explain something as vast as the Church or as wonderful as the restored gospel to people who know little or nothing about us. Even questions on one specific aspect can be difficult to answer because every question seems to be connected to other questions. The most common request we hear is a fairly simple one that goes something like this: “Tell me a little about your Church.” The key word here is “little.” They are not saying, “Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me everything else.”

We, of course, welcome people’s interest, and many will want to be taught more about our doctrines and beliefs. This is why we have over 53,000 full-time missionaries serving at their own expense throughout the world.

But we need to remember that there is a difference between interest and mere curiosity. Sometimes people just want to know what the Church is. Those who are curious in this general way deserve clear and accurate information that comes directly from those of us who are members so that they do not have to rely on the incomplete answers, half-truths, or false statements that may come from the media or other outside voices. The many misunderstandings and false information about the Church are somewhat our own fault for not clearly explaining who we are and what we believe.

The Public Affairs Committee, on which I serve, has learned that there is a great need for clear, simple statements that present those who are curious with the basics about the Church as it is today. Let me share with you some of the things we have found to be helpful. You may want to prepare your own list of talking points that will assist you in explaining what we believe to your friends and acquaintances of other faiths. It may be helpful for you, as it is for me, to have on one page a few facts about the Church as it is today to give to them along with a copy of the Articles of Faith.

Here are four subjects that will help someone today to gain a basic understanding of the Church. Under each of the four headings, there are some simple statements I have found helpful. Try to imagine them being heard or read by a person who knows virtually nothing about us. The four main subjects deal with facts, faith, families,‍ and fruits‍ of the restored gospel.

FACTS

Some facts might include:

•First, “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”

•Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.

•Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.

•Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.

• And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment.

FAITH

Next, people need to know something of our faith as committed Christians with strong traditional values. Along with the Articles of Faith we need to emphasize that:

• We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.

• We believe that Jesus Christis our personal Savior and we try to model our lives after Him and His teachings. We commemorate Christ’s atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, July 1838, 44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.

• We believe in and we use the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.

• And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

FAMILY

The next thing it is good for people to know is how family-centered our theology and our lifestyles are. Once again, simple statements are helpful to someone who is uninformed but curious about the importance we place on families.

•Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago.

•Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.

•Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families.

• The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and Scouting.