Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 26 July 2015

Sacrament Service

What are some ways we can show compassion?

“We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.” (Charles R. Swindoll)

“But the pioneers did not work only because they had to, he said. “In the process, their labors enlarged their character and broadened their understanding. Work diminished their natural tendencies toward self-love and magnified their understanding of their divine nature. It heightened their compassion for others. In the labors of each day, they discovered and solidified an inner strength and profound spiritual depth.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, All Is Well, July 13, 2014, Pioneer Days Celebration in Ogden, Utah)

"Work is a blessing from God. It is a fundamental principle of salvation, both spiritual and temporal." (J Richard Clarke, The Value of Work, April 1982 General Conference)

Moses 4:23

23 And unto Adam, I, the Lord God, said: Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the fruit of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying—Thou shalt not eat of it, cursed shall be the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life.

"1. As Latter-day Saints, if we would be true to our religion, we must perform high-quality work. It is a matter of integrity. Every piece of work we do is a portrait of the one who produced it. We are increasingly concerned with the diminishing quality of work in our society. On every hand we see shoddy workmanship for which full compensation is expected, whether the product meets acceptable standards or not. We must be motivated by a higher ideal than simply meeting the artificial standard of a society which has allowed inferior performance to be acceptable. That is not the Mormon ethic. In times of unemployment, Latter-day Saints who practice the work principles of our religion should be in great demand.

“Let us give full, honest effort to our jobs as though we owned the enterprise. In a very real sense, each of us is in business for ourselves, no matter who pays us. Be honest with your employer. Make sure that “the laborer is worthy of his hire.” (D&C 84:79.) Our employers should get the best we have in us, not just enough to get by or to meet common standards. Each of us should set a personal standard based upon our ability. Let us exemplify the old pioneer motto: A Full Day’s Work for a Full Day’s Pay."

…

“ Look to your present job as a stepping-stone along your career path. Take time to think. The dimensions of most jobs are constrained only by the mind of the uncreative worker. I like what one businessman counseled: ‘If at first you do succeed, try something harder!’”

…

“To teach our children to work is a primary duty of parenthood.”

…

“Fortunate is the young man or woman who has learned how to work. Wise is the parent who requires children to learn responsibility and to meet acceptable performance standards.” (J Richard Clarke, The Value of Work, April 1982 General Conference)

Sunday School

My teaching partner’s lesson on sacrament meeting.

“How we dress is an important indicator of our attitude and preparation for any activity in which we will engage. If we are going swimming or hiking or playing on the beach, our clothing, including our footwear, will indicate this. The same should be true of how we dress when we are to participate in the ordinance of the sacrament. It is like going to the temple. Our manner of dress indicates the degree to which we understand and honor the ordinance in which we will participate.

"During sacrament meeting—and especially during the sacrament service—we should concentrate on worship and refrain from all other activities, especially from behavior that could interfere with the worship of others. Even a person who slips into quiet slumber does not interfere with others. Sacrament meeting is not a time for reading books or magazines. Young people, it is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations. When we partake of the sacrament, we make a sacred covenant that we will always remember the Savior. How sad to see persons obviously violating that covenant in the very meeting where they are making it.” (Elder Dallin H Oaks, Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament, October 2008 General Conference)

Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on Elder Dallin H Oaks April 2015 General Conference talk,The Parable of the Sower

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 19 July 2015

Sacrament Service

A missionary that recently returned from the Texas McCallum mission spoke to us.

In Layton we have 8 temples within an hour of us. How often are we going to the temple?

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:9

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

Animals have spots to hide them or blend them in with their surroundings. We are asked to not blend in, but to stand out as different from the rest of the world.

“Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan."

...

• "Leave sufficient time to be unhurried within the temple walls.
• Rotate activities so that you can participate in all of the ordinances of the temple.
• Remove your watch when you enter a house of the Lord." (Elder Richard G Scott, Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need, April 2009 General Conference)

What am I going to learn in the temple today?

Pray for the individual you are doing work die in the temple.

Sunday School

My lesson on How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

{

What did we talk about last week?

Is there anything you would like to share from your gospel studies this week?

How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

Show the kids some temple cards and have them notice the ordinances.

Go through the ordinances as described in:

Preparing to Enter the House of the Lord, Ensign July 2015

The same article is in the New Era. Have the kids read from the New Era.

}

Elders Quorum

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson chapter 14

How can we make our families our top priority in our lives?

Plan for activities, otherwise there are plenty of other things that will fill our time.

"Marriage and family life are ordained of God."

Moses 5:1-2,4,12,16

1 And it came to pass that after I, the Lord God, had driven them out, that Adam began to till the earth, and to have dominion over all the beasts of the field, and to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow, as I the Lord had commanded him. And Eve, also, his wife, did labor with him.

2 And Adam knew his wife, and she bare unto him sons and daughters, and they began to multiply and to replenish the earth.

4 And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

12 And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.

16 And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him?

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 12 July 2015

Sacrament Service

A missionary who just returned from the Spain Madrid mission spoke to us.

Father in Heaven wants us to return and live with him, but he gives us the choice.

2 Nephi 2:27

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

Father expects us to be mature in the way we live our lives.

There is little growing in the comfort zone and little comfort in the growing zone.

Sunday School

My lesson on What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

{

What did we learn about last week?

What did you learn about in your personal study this week?

Here's some questions I thought of while studying this week: Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

The dictionary defines joy as:

The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

From last general conference Elder José A. Teixeira said,

“Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time, we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities and resources to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. Using these resources appropriately will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.”

“The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ in our lives, the more conscious we become of our purpose here in mortality, which is to have joy. That joy, however, does not preclude us from experiencing trials and difficulties, even some so great and complex that they may lead us to think that happiness is not possible in such circumstances.”

Perhaps that underlying joy get covered up a little, but it keeps us from hiring bottom or falling into despair, depression, or hopelessness. Perhaps faith, hope and joy feed each other and keep each other alive within us as we go through trials. Perhaps we build our faith which give us how, which gives us joy which gives us desire to obtain more faith. What do you think?

Have you had any gospel discussions this week with friends or family you would like to share?
 
What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

From the manual :

"Ordinances are sacred, formal acts performed under priesthood authority. Ordinances symbolize gospel truths and teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Ordinances also teach us about who we are and remind us of our duty to God. Learning about the symbolism in the ordinances helps us understand the gospel more completely and strengthens our faith in Jesus Christ."

Let's break down what they are talking about here.

How do ordinances teach us about gospel truths?

What are some examples of ordinances that teach us gospel truths?

How do ordinances teach you about who you are?

How do ordinances remind you of your duty to God?

Let's talk about some of the ordinances and what they tell us about these things.

Sacrament Ordinance

Luke 22:19-20

19 ¶And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

That was a quick summary of the Sacrament. He gives the bread, which is a symbol of him body and we eat to remember him. He gives the cup of wine as a symbol of his blood which was shed for us. He calls it a new testament.

Do any of you have thoughts on this scripture?

3 Nephi 18:1-11

1 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2 And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3 And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4 And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6 And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8 And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9 And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10 And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

Who knows where the Sacrament prayers are in the scriptures?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79

So going back to the questions about ordinances, let's apply them specifically to baptism.

How does not Sacrament teach us about gospel truths?

How does the Sacrament teach you about who you are?

How does the Sacrament remind you of your duty to God?

Baptism covenant

Mosiah 18:8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

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Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on Rosemary M Wixom, Returning to Faith, April 2015 General Conference.

What does the world consider a real man?

When does your wife find your most attractive?

Men should take the lead in spiritual things in the home.

Your two hands are of equal value, but how would it be to tie your shoe with two right hands?

Your two feet are of equal value, but how would it be to dance with two left feet?

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 5 July 2015

Sacrament Service

Attending the temple weekly and providing your own names. Adults can perform any ordinance. Youth can perform baptisms and confirmations. Primary children can focus on learning about all aspects of the temple.

Reference Scripture: D&C 59:9

Reference Talk: Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Time of Need - Richard G. Scott - April 2009

Link to lds.org: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-03-0030-standing-in-holy-

places?lang=eng

Sunday School

Lesson on covenants.

Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on the July first presidency message.

The pioneers planted crops for those that would come after them on the trail,even though they were under great borders themselves.

We should always be reaching out to others even when life is hard for us.

Do we do our jobs to make it easier on those that come after us even if we will not be at the job long?

First Presidency Letter

The bishop read a letter from the first presidency on the Supreme Court decision on gay marriage.

Youth Fireside recapping Aaronic Priesthood camp and Daughters of Faith camp.