Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah March 30, 2025

Sacrament Service 

Testimonies

Matthew 11 

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

3 Nephi 19

9 And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

DnC 31:2, 5

2 Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.

5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

Joint 5th Sunday Meeting

“The framework of doctrines, principles, and applications is a flexible tool that can be used to enhance our gospel learning and can be a useful aid as we apply the principle of prayerful inquiry and the pattern of asking, seeking, and knocking.”  (Elder David A Bednar, “INCREASE IN LEARNING”, p157)

“A gospel doctrine is a truth—a truth of salvation revealed by a loving Heavenly Father. Gospel doctrines are eternal, do not change, and pertain to the eternal progression and exaltation of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters. Doctrines such as the nature of the Godhead, the plan of happiness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ are foundational, fundamental, and comprehensive. The core doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ are relatively few in number.

“Gospel doctrines answer the question of ‘why?’"(p151)

Examples of Doctrine:

• The Plan of Salvation

• The Atonement of Jesus Christ

• The Nature of the Godhead

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.” (Elder Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children”, October 1986 General Conference)

“A gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles are subsets or components of broader gospel truths. Principles provide direction.  Correct principles always are based upon and arise from doctrines, do not change, and answer the question of "what?" Many principles can grow out of and be associated with a single doctrine.” (p154)

Examples of Principles:

• Faith

• Service

• Love 

Applications are how we implement doctrines and principles. 

It answers the question “how”.  They are implemented differently by different people or even different wards.

Article of Faith

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Omni 1:26

26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened.” (President Russell M Nelson, General Conference, October 2011, “Covenants”)

DnC 88

22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

“Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.(Elder Bednar, General Conference April 2021)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Mar 23, 2025

Sacrament Service

A couple who are going on a mission to the Heber Valley Camp spoke to us.

First Speaker

“Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W Kimball, 85–86.)

Don’t get so caught up in what you want to do that you miss what God wants you to do.

“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W Kimball, 82)

Often we pray for God to help others and do nothing to help them ourselves.

“Service makes us strong in our faith and useful in His kingdom. Service gives us purpose and courage in life. It brings us closer to God and helps us refine our divine nature.” (Elder Carlos H. Amado, “Service, a Divine Quality”, April 2008 General Conference)

If you are struggling, go serve someone.

1 Nephi 19

18 And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer.

Helaman 5:12

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Elders Quorum

Lesson based on Patrick Kearon - “Welcome to the Church of Joy” and Brook P. Hales - “Mortality Works!”

2 Nephi 2 23-25

23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

There's a concept in material science called work hardening.  Work hardening, in metallurgy, increases in hardness of a metal induced, deliberately or accidentally, by hammering, rolling, drawing, or other physical processes. Although the first few deformations imposed on metal by such treatment weaken it, its strength is increased by continued deformations.

Humans are strengthened in a similar way.  We go through trials.  Sometimes they initially weaken us, but as we continue to work through them we become stronger.

Hebrews 5

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah March 16, 2025

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

Based on Brad Wilcox talk from October 2024 General Conference..

“So, with all that pressure, why do Latter-day Saints live so differently? There are many good answers: Because you are a child of God. Because you have been saved for the last days. Because you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“But those answers don’t always set you apart. Everyone is a child of God. Everyone on earth right now was sent here in the latter days.”

“Today I would like to focus on an additional reason that has been meaningful in my life. In 1988 a young Apostle named Russell M. Nelson gave an address at Brigham Young University called ‘Thanks for the Covenant.’ In it, then-Elder Nelson explained that when we use our moral agency to make and keep covenants with God, we become heirs of the everlasting covenant God has made with our forebearers in every dispensation. Said another way, we become ‘children of the covenant.’ That sets us apart. That gives us access to the same blessings our forefathers and foremothers received, including a birthright.”

“Is it too much for God to expect you to live differently than His other children so you can better lead and serve them? Not when you consider the blessings—both temporal and spiritual—that you have been given.”

“You’ve got this because Jesus Christ has got you!”

2 Nephi 2:6

6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

Next Speaker

DnC 1

16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;

Sunday School 

Dnc 10:53

53 And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.

Dnc 18:5

5 Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

Matthew 16:18

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 ¶ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Elder christofferson quote from the manual. 

Do we come to church to see what we get or to see what we can give?

Dnc 21:4-9

4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.

7 For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.

8 Yea, his weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her no longer; for his days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works.

9 For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah March 9, 2025

Sacrament Service

A young man that received his mission call announced it.  He is going to the Iowa Iowa City Mission.

First Speaker

“reminding me to be still and to seek the Lord every day with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.” (Bishop L. Todd Budge, “Seek Him with All Your Heart”, October 2024 General Conference)

“[Heavenly Father] yearns for us to commune with Him. On one occasion, after I gave the invocation in a meeting with the First Presidency, President Nelson turned to me and said, ‘While you were praying, I thought how much God must appreciate when we take time from our busy schedules to acknowledge Him.’ It was a simple yet powerful reminder of how much it must mean to Heavenly Father when we pause to commune with Him.” (Bishop L. Todd Budge, “Seek Him with All Your Heart”, October 2024 General Conference)

3 Nephi 10:5

5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

Next Speaker

“As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them.” (“Prayer”, Bible Dictionary)

Mosiah 2:17

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Moroni 7:47

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Moroni 10:3-5

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Alma 7:11-13

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Elders Quorum 

Lesson based on Kristin M. Yee - The Joy of Our Redemption and Henry B. Eyring - Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 9:21

21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.

3 Nephi 9:14

14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.

“Just as the depth of my gratitude for the Savior grew as He mercifully helped me to repair the “unrepairable” painting, so has my personal love and gratitude for my Savior intensified as I’ve sought to work with Him on my weaknesses and to be forgiven of my mistakes. I will forever be grateful to my Savior that I can change and be cleansed. He has my heart, and I hope to do whatever He would have me do and become.” (Sister Kristin M. Yee, “The Joy of Our Redemption”, October 2024 General Conference)

“What I thought was a mistake without mend was an opportunity for His merciful hand to be manifest.” (Sister Kristin M. Yee, “The Joy of Our Redemption”, October 2024 General Conference)

“Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better”, April 2019 General Conference)

“In this conference, the Lord has spoken to us through His servants. I urge you to study their messages. Use them as a litmus test of what is true and what is not during the next six months.”

...

“I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. I weep for those who struggle spiritually or who carry heavy burdens alone because they do not understand what Jesus Christ did for them.”

Alma 31:5

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah March 2, 2025

Sacrament Service

Testimonies

DnC 15

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

The Holy Ghost can be a friend.  He can be a teacher.  He can facilitate the ministering of Angels.

Don’t decrease your load.  Increase your capacity.

How does God show you that you are of great worth to Him?

How does Jesus fix us?  He conquered death and hell.  They are conquered in our life daily.

Sunday School 

“Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. ‘God’s love is infinite and it will endure forever.’

“On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less! We continue to repent and strive to be like Jesus with our worth intact. As President Brigham Young taught: “The least, the most inferior spirit now upon the earth … is worth worlds.” No matter what, we always have worth in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.” (President Joy D. Jones, “Value beyond Measure”, October 2017 General Conference)

DnC 6:22-23

22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.

23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Feb 23, 2025

Sacrament Service

First Speaker 

Eph 6:10-12

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

This life is about opposition and we must use all of our might, mind, and strength to succeed.

Next Speaker 

The purpose of life is to grow.

The use of our agency will determine where and how we live through eternity.

“Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”, October 2023 General Conference)

Abraham 3

25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

27 And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.

28 And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.

Don't decrease your load,  increase your capacity

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96; emphasis added.)

“Sadly, my friend went too far along the snowy road. As he steered the truck off of the road at the place he had determined to cut wood, he got stuck. All four of the wheels on the new truck spun in the snow. He readily recognized that he did not know what to do to extricate himself from this dangerous situation. He was embarrassed and worried.

“My friend decided, ‘Well, I will not just sit here.’ He climbed out of the vehicle and started cutting wood. He completely filled the back of the truck with the heavy load. And then my friend determined he would try driving out of the snow one more time. As he put the pickup into gear and applied power, he started to inch forward. Slowly the truck moved out of the snow and back onto the road. He finally was free to go home, a happy and humbled man.”

...

“load. It was the load of wood that provided the traction necessary for him to get out of the snow, to get back on the road, and to move forward. It was the load that enabled him to return to his family and his home.

“Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints. Two guiding questions can be helpful as we periodically and prayerfully assess our load: ‘Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the strait and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?’” 

“[In Mosiah 24:15,] The challenges and difficulties were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity made the burdens lighter.” (Elder David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease”, April 2014 General Conference)

Effort is what grows our self worth.

Beware of self fulfilling prophecies of doom.

Satan wants to take away our ability to choose and our ability to grow.

“When used in a manner consistent with moral truths, agency looks like a blessing, while agency used in a manner that rejects moral truths looks like a curse” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, BYU commencement exercises held in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, April 27, 2023.)

“While I was serving as the president of Brigham Young University–Idaho, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland came to the campus in December 1998 to speak in one of our weekly devotionals. Susan and I invited a group of students to meet and visit with Elder Holland before he delivered his message. As our time together was drawing to a close, I asked Elder Holland, ‘If you could teach these students just one thing, what would it be?’

“He answered:

“‘We are witnessing an ever greater movement toward polarity. The middle-ground options will be removed from us as Latter-day Saints. The middle of the road will be withdrawn.

“‘If you are treading water in the current of a river, you will go somewhere. You simply will go wherever the current takes you. Going with the stream, following the tide, drifting in the current will not do.

“‘Choices have to be made. Not making a choice is a choice. Learn to choose now.’” (Elder David A. Bednar, “We Will Prove Them Herewith”, October 2020 General Conference)

“It would be easy for Heavenly Father to simply give you all that He has. His desire is to help you become all that He is. Thus, your commitments demand more of you because that is how God is making more of you.” (Bradley R. Wilcox, “O Youth of the Noble Birthright”, October 2024 General Conference)

“Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again”, October 2024 General Conference)

Elders Quorum

Lesson was based on talks from the October 2024 General Conference:
Dale G. Renlund “This Is My Gospel”—“This Is My Church” and  L. Todd Budge - Seek Him with All Your Heart

I was sick today and was not in class.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Feb 16, 2025

Sacrament Service 
First Speaker
DnC 9:7-9
7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

Next Speaker
Article of Faith 13
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
1 Nephi 1
20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.
Psalm 25
6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
‘Since last October I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase ‘the tender mercies of the Lord.’ Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits ‘his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men’ (D&C 46:15).” (Elder David A. Bednar, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord”, April 2005 General Conference)

Sunday School 
God doesn't have plan B.  Everything is already planned for in plan A. 
We should understand Satan's playbook. We should also understand that he is enticing and not the repulsive beast he is often depicted as. We should know his team’s playbook, but we should not become their fans.
Pray in the morning to not be tempted. Pray throughout the day to get Satan off our back.