Church Services This Week at Stake Conference Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 5-6 June 2021

Leadership Session of Stake Conference
Elder Nielson

Doctrine and Covenants 44:1-2

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my church should be called together, from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some other way.

2 And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8

7 There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes;

8 We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.

Stake President 

Titus 1:7-9

7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

How can we give our bishop more time?  What responsibilities can we take off his plate?  How can we strengthen the ward, so 

Elder Ryan K Olsen Area 70 12th Quorum

Section 1.4 of the General Handbook

Your Role in God’s Work

“As a leader in the Church, you are called to teach and support those you serve as they engage in the work of salvation and exaltation (see 1.2). You are accountable to fulfill your calling and “teach … the word of God with all diligence” (Jacob 1:19). Laboring with the Lord in His vineyard will bring you great joy (see Jacob 5:70–72).

“Having a clear understanding of God’s work, of what He invites you to do, and of the purpose of His Church will help you focus your efforts in bringing souls to Christ. Keeping this vision in mind will align you with the Savior and guide all that you do as a leader in the Church.

“Refer often to the principles in this chapter. Prayerfully seek to know how you can help bring about God’s purposes in the lives of those you serve. God will direct you through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.”

Elder Brent H Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy

"If you can teach me the why, I can figure out the how. " - Elder Jeffrey R Holland

He recommended the talk “Why the Church” by Elder D Todd Chirstofferson from October 2015 general conference.

“The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families. In this complex world today, this is not easy. The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families.” (President Russell M Nelson, “Opening Remarks”, October 2018 General Conference)

“I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.” (President Russell M Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints”, October 2018 General Conference)

Saturday Evening Session of Stake Conference

Elder Brent H Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy
In 2014 Elder Nelson had the missionary department start having missionaries start using smart phones.  Over the next 6 years they worked on figuring out how missionaries could use those devices to spread the gospel.  Slowly a handful of missions were using them, then more and more and more.  In January of 2020 the first presidency authorized smart phones to be used in every mission in the world.  In March 2020 the world shut down.  God was ready and the Church was ready.

Why do bad things happen to good people?  That is why we are here.

John 9:1-3

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Sunday Morning Session of Stake Conference

Stake President

Plan a monthly activity that will bring the spirit of Elijah into your homes.

First Youth Speaker

New Young Woman Theme

“I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.

“As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to become like Him. I seek and act upon personal revelation and minister to others in His holy name.

“I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places.

“As I strive to qualify for exaltation, I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day. With faith, I will strengthen my home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, and receive the ordinances and blessings of the holy temple.”

“Notice the shift from ‘we’ to ‘I.’ These truths apply to you individually. You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Parents. You are a covenant disciple of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Bonnie H. Cordon, “Beloved Daughters”, October 2019 General Conference)

“When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!” (President Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better”, April 2019 General Conference)

Second Youth Speaker

New Young Mens theme:
“I am a beloved son of God, and

He has a work for me to do.

With all my heart, might, mind,

and strength, I will love God,

keep my covenants, and use

His priesthood to serve others,

beginning in my own home.

As I strive to serve, exercise faith,

repent, and improve each day, I will

qualify to receive temple blessings

and the enduring joy of the gospel.

I will prepare to become a diligent

missionary, loyal husband,

and loving father by being a true

disciple of Jesus Christ.

I will help prepare the world for

the Savior’s return by inviting all to

come unto Christ and receive

the blessings of His Atonement.”

We need to be all in.

“I will prepare not only to go on a mission, but to become a diligent missionary; not only get married, but to become a loyal husband; not only to have a family, but to become a loving father; not only to learn about Jesus Christ, but to become a true disciple of Christ throughout my life.” (John Bytheway, “Power of the Aaronic Priesthood theme can change the world”, Church News 12 Nov 2020)

Sister Olson

Don’t waste time picking at flaws in a prophet or picking at perceived problems with the scriptures.

Elder Ryan K Olsen Area 70 12th Quorum

“Now, to each member of the Church I say, keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.

“As a new Presidency, we want to begin with the end in mind. For this reason, we’re speaking to you today from a temple. The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families, faithful to covenants made in a temple that qualify us for the greatest gift of God—that of eternal life.” (President Russell M. Nelson, As We Go Forward Together, Liahona April 2018)

“My dear brothers and sisters, as you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience for yourselves that our God is ‘a God of miracles.’” (President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail, October 2020 General Conference)

Sister Nielson

Philipino phrase “I will be the one” is said when you want to do something generous for someone.

We were not asked to be the Savior of the world.  That was Jesus’ responsibility.  But we all agreed to take on responsibilities.

Elder Brent H Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy

Mosiah 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Mark 2:5-12

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

The most important healing power the Savior has is the power to heal our souls from sin.

Mosiah 24:15

15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 30 May 2021

Sacrament Service
The speaker said that President Eisenhower once said something like “This nation is great because it wants to see other nations have the same freedoms we have.”

Part of the song “American the Beautiful” says:
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

Doctrine and Covenants 59

16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;

17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;

18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;

19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.

20 And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.

Serving those to your left and right.

Joint EQ/RS 5th Sunday Meeting

"My dear young brothers and sisters, these surely are the latter days, and the Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. That gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty. And if you choose to, if you want to, you can be a big part of it. You can be a big part of something big, something grand, something majestic!" 

...

"When we speak of the gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They decide for themselves if they want to know more." (President Russell M. Nelson, Hope of Israel, Worldwide Youth Devotional • June 3, 2018 • Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 23 May 2021

 Sacrament Service

First Speaker

“We now confess that we fully believe that rarely, if ever, do good things happen to us without the influence of the hand of heaven.” (CECIL O. AND SHARON G. SAMUELSON, The Lord’s Hand in Our Lives, BYU Speeches January 8, 2013)

Next Speaker

3 Nephi 17:23

23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones.

“Notice that He didn’t say “glance at them” or “casually observe them” or “occasionally take a look in their general direction.” He said to behold them. To me that means that we should embrace them with our eyes and with our hearts; we should see and appreciate them for who they really are: spirit children of our Heavenly Father, with divine attributes.” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children”, Ensign April 1994)

Matthew 18:3-4

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

“If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and sorrow and more increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive, this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church.” (David O McKay, October 1955 General Conference)

“We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. We do not postpone following promptings of the Spirit.” (Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit Giveth Life”, April 1985 General Conference)

Elders Quorum

The discussion this week on “The Principles of My Gospel” By Elder David A. Bednar

You can find the link to his talk here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/56bednar?lang=eng

Alma 11:42-44

42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.

44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

Mosiah 13:16-19

16 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

17 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;

18 But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates;

19 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

You can disagree with God but in the end you let God prevail. Ie Jacob's wrestle with God.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 16 May 2021

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

Recognize truth no matter where it comes from.  Often there are gold nuggets of truth from people of different political ideas or different religions.

“It is a wicked and adulterous generation that seeketh after a sign. Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members of the Church who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths. It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in the truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God. When I as a boy first started out in the ministry, I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess. And by this principle and power he will give to all the children of men a knowledge of the truth that will stay with them, and it will make them to know the truth, as God knows it, and to do the will of the Father as Christ does it.” (Gospel Doctrine, p.7.)

Next Speaker

2 Nephi 31:19–20

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Alma 1:25

25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

“True, enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.” (Elder Richard G. Scott, The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness, October 2006 General Conference)

“Whenever an undertaking is begun, both the energy and the will to endure are essential. The winner of a five-kilometer race is declared at the end of five kilometers, not at one or two. If you board a bus to Boston, you don’t get off at Burlington. If you want to gain an education, you don’t drop out along the way—just as you don’t pay to dine at an elegant restaurant only to walk away after sampling the salad.

“Whatever your work may be, endure at the beginning, endure through opposing forces along the way, and endure to the end. Any job must be completed before you can enjoy the result for which you are working.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, Don’t Go Overboard!, April 1997 general conference)

Elders Quorum 

The discussion this week is on Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution By President Dallin H. Oaks

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/51oaks?lang=eng

Dnc 101:77

77 According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;  

First is the principle that the source of government power is the people. In a time when sovereign power was universally assumed to come from the divine right of kings or from military power, attributing sovereign power to the people was revolutionary. Philosophers had advocated this, but the United States Constitution was the first to apply it. Sovereign power in the people does not mean that mobs or other groups of people can intervene to intimidate or force government action. The Constitution established a constitutional democratic republic, where the people exercise their power through their elected representatives.

Someone recommended the book The Great Prologue by Mark E Peterson.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 9 May 2021

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

Comparison of yourself to others is only useful so far as it makes us stronger, otherwise 

comparison is the thief of joy.  

For example, if I am listening to a eulogy of someone’s father.  If I compare their life to my life, I could get depressed that I wasn’t that kind of father or that I did not have the kind of father they were.

That kind of comparison is unhealthy.

On the other hand, if I determine that I want to incorporate some of those traits into my life and make positive changes, then that comparison was healthy.

We can feel a moment of guilt or sadness to instigate change in us, but we shouldn't stay in that moment long term. 

When you marinate meat, you leave it in there long enough for it to change.  You don't leave it in there until it rots.  Shortly, you take the meat out of the marinade and cook it and enjoy the change.

Feel then Act then Change then have Joy then Repeat.

Next Speaker

John 19:25-27

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

Proverbs 31:10-31

• Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies…

• A virtuous woman is a symbol of Christ.

• Noone is the virtuous woman every minute of every day.  One should strive to return to this standard when one varies from that standard.

“Brethren, your first and foremost duty as a bearer of the priesthood is to love and care for your wife. Become one with her. Be her partner. Make it easy for her to want to be yours. No other interest in life should take priority over building an eternal relationship with her. Nothing on TV, a mobile device, or a computer is more important than her well-being.”

...

“Pray to have your heart attuned to your wife’s heart. Seek to bring her joy. Seek her counsel, and listen. Her input will improve your output.” (President Russell M. Nelson, We Can Do Better and Be Better, April 2019 General Conference)

“Let me be very clear about this: if the world loses the moral rectitude of its women, the world will never recover.”

Sunday School 

Dnc 46-48

Having the spirit in a class or meeting is stronger when we come prepared. 

Increasing our faith takes work. 

"Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith." (President Russell M. Nelson, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, April 2021 General Conference)

People should feel that they are invited to be in your group or at church without specifically being invited. 

We should be able to talk to a smoker, even if we don't smoke. We should be able to talk to a person that comes to church in jeans, even though we are in a suit. We don't have to change our standard of behavior or dress to love someone that has a different standard. 

Jacob 5:47

47 But what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it? Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned. Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard?

Christ served the poor and needy.  Are we not all poor and needy.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 2 May 2021

 Sacrament Service

Try to see above the rubble in your life.

After trials joy will always follow if we don’t get in the way.

If things go back to normal too quickly after a trial, then we can miss opportunities.

Sunday School

2 Nephi 9:14

14 Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.

We will end up where we are comfortable and we choose everyday what we are comfortable with. 

Moroni 7:28

28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.

"Nothing man could do for himself could bring him past that judgment bar successfully without such an Advocate. That is why eternal life is always a gift, and those who receive it do so by “inheritance.” It is interesting to note that the word inherit and its cognate words are used seventy-eight times in the Doctrine and Covenants, while the word earned and its related words are not used once." (Gerald N. Lund, “Salvation: By Grace or by Works”, Ensign April 1981)

“Significantly, the Savior pleads our cause before the Father and asks that those who believe on Him be spared the eternal demands of justice, not based on our innocence but on His atoning sacrifice. His case for our redemption from the penalty of sin is “the sufferings and death of him who did no sin” (D&C 45:4).” (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, Chapter 17)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 25 April 2021

Elders Quorum

The discussion this week on Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains By President Russell M. Nelson

You can find the link to his talk here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/49nelson?lang=eng

Hebrews 11:6

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

“The Lord does not require perfect faith for us to have access to His perfect power. But He does ask us to believe.

“My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith. Through your faith, Jesus Christ will increase your ability to move the mountains in your life, even though your personal challenges may loom as large as Mount Everest.

“Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.

“To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust.” (From President Nelson’s talk)

3 Nephi 11:31-36

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

“May I offer five suggestions to help you develop that faith and trust.

“First, Study”

…

“Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ.”

…

“Third, act in faith. What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.

“Fourth, partake of sacred ordinances worthily. Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life.

“And fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help.

“Faith takes work. Receiving revelation takes work. But ‘every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ God knows what will help your faith grow. Ask, and then ask again.”

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

Our children need to learn about their ancestors.  They need to learn about their trials and about their faith.

Next Speaker

Doing genealogy might do as much for ourselves as it does for our ancestors.

“...as we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to “healing” blessings promised by prophets and apostles. These blessings are also breathtakingly amazing because of their scope, specificity, and consequence in mortality. This long list includes these blessings:”

…

“Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;”

...

“Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;

“Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;”(Elder Dale G. Renlund, Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing, April 2018 General Conference)

“family history work has the power to do something for the dead. It has an equal power to do something to the living. Family history work ... has a refining, spiritualizing, tempering influence on those who are engaged in it” (Boyd K. Packer, “Your Family History: Getting Started,” Ensign, Aug. 2003, 17)

“Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life” (Elder Widtsoe, (“Genealogical Activities,” p. 104).

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 18 April 2021

Sunday School

DnC 37-40

Initially the members of the Church gathered to specific locations likely for safety, to be trained on what the Lord was establishing, and to bring in some future leaders of the Church.  Once the Church had some roots, around 1920 the focus was shifted to gather in stakes where you lived.

“God is among us—and is personally involved in our lives and actively guiding His children.”

…

“My heart overflows with gratitude for my Heavenly Father. I realize that He has not doomed His children to stumble through mortality without hope for a bright and eternal future. He has provided instructions that reveal the way back to Him. And at the center of it all is His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and His sacrifice for us.”

...

“If we earnestly keep practicing, always striving to keep God’s commandments, and committing our efforts to repenting, enduring, and applying what we learn, line upon line, we will gather light into our souls. And though we may not fully comprehend our full potential now, ‘we know that, when [the Savior] shall appear,’ we will see His countenance in us and ‘shall see him as he is.’”

…

“His message was and is a message of hope and belonging—a testimony that God our Heavenly Father has not abandoned His children.

“That God is among us!”

...

“the King of kings invites us to take flight into an unimaginable future of divine happiness?”

…

“We can stand before Him pure, worthy, and sanctified.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “God among Us” , April 2021 General Conference)

Micah 2:12-13

12 ¶ I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.

13 The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the Lord on the head of them.

“I know that temples of the Lord are holy places. My purpose today in speaking of temples is to increase your desire and mine to be worthy and ready for the increased opportunities for temple experiences that are coming for us.

“For me, the greatest motivation to be worthy of temple experiences is what the Lord has said of His holy houses:

“‘Inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

“‘Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

“‘But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into unholy temples.’

“President Russell M. Nelson made clear for us that we can ‘see’ the Savior in the temple in the sense that He becomes no longer unknown to us. President Nelson said this: ‘We understand Him. We comprehend His work and His glory. And we begin to feel the infinite impact of His matchless life.’

“If you or I should go to the temple insufficiently pure, we would not be able to see, by the power of the Holy Ghost, the spiritual teaching about the Savior that we can receive in the temple.” (President Henry B. Eyring, “I Love to See the Temple”, April 2021 General Conference)

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

“To not be afraid, especially of doing what is right.” (Courage, Bible Dictionary)

Courage does not have to be an “in your face” event.

Next Speaker

It is bad to speak up in these troubled times.  Maybe it will help us more than those we share with.

“They did in reality appear to me.”

“I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (Joseph Smith History 1:25)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 11 April 2021

 Elders Quorum

The discussion this week on 'God among Us'

By Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

You can find the link to his talk here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/12uchtdorf?lang=eng

Sometimes we present our religion like a person that walks in with a gun on each hip displaying their right to open carry.  It might make one unapproachable.

“The Savior’s infinite Atonement completely changes the way we may view our transgressions and imperfections. Instead of dwelling on them and feeling irredeemable or hopeless, we can learn from them and feel hopeful. The cleansing gift of repentance allows us to leave our sins behind and emerge a new creature.

“Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us.”

“Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance.”

“No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn.”

President Uchtdorf’s talks often about not judging others or about not judging ourselves.  Some people use that as an excuse to not change.  We must not take a verse or a talk and create a fully formed doctrine out of partial principles or take it as a complete view on an issue.  We must take from many verses of scripture and several talks to begin to get a clear picture of the doctrine or issue.

Sacrament Service

Heavenly Father has things prepared before we know we need them.  This included technology, trials, blessings, jobs, housing...