Relief Society Newsletter - June 2016

The Price of Priesthood Power

May we as Sisters be of support to those who hold this Priesthood power. To encourage, to honour, to help our brethren magnify this power given to us here on earth by our loving Heavenly Father...

"To bear means to support the weight of that which is held. It is a sacred trust to bear the priesthood, which is the mighty power and authority of God. Think of this: the priesthood conferred upon us is the very same power and authority through which God created this and numberless worlds, governs the heavens and the earth, and exalts His obedient children.”

My dear brethren, we have been given a sacred trust—the authority of God to bless others. May each one of us rise up as the man God foreordained us to be—ready to bear the priesthood of God bravely, eager to pay whatever price is required to increase his power in the priesthood. With that power, we can help prepare the world for the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. "Russell. M Nelson (General Conference, April 2016)

I know as we help our brethren to bear this Holy power of God great will be our blessings and many miracles will arise and much peace and joy will be ours. This I bear record of in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

With much love Sister Joanna Ryan.

Calendar

Thurs 9 June—RS Temple trip. Meet at chapel at 10am for 11:30 session.

Thurs 16 June—Luncheon 10am-12pm at Misty’s house.

Thurs 30 June 6:30pm.—RS movie night. Dress comfy, bring pillows, bean bags, etc. Bring snacks.

Thurs 7 July— RS Workshop: Scrapbooking and Journal creation.

 For Stake Firesides, YSA/SA activities and more, please visit http://www.lds.org/church-calendar/

You will need your LDS Account login to access this feature.

For up-to-date information, join us on Facebook: Rockingham Ward Relief Society Events and News

Lesson Schedule

Please read through the lesson each week before coming to Relief Society. This will enable you to get the most out of the lesson and give you confidence in participating.

Relief Society Lessons

Jun 5 Relief Society/Quorum Instruction

Jun 12 Chap 11 "True Greatness"

Jun 19 Chap 12 "Come Back and Feast at the Table of the Lord"

Jun 26 TFoT: Elder M Russell Ballard - Family Councils

Gospel Doctrine Lessons

Jun 5—Lesson 19 “None Could Deliver Them but the Lord

Jun 12—Lesson 20 “My Soul is Pained No More”

Jun 19—Lesson 21 “Alma...Did Judge Righteous Judgements”

Jun 26—Lesson 22 “Have Ye Received His Images in Your Countenances?”

 Bishop’s Message

In 22 May’s Sacrament meeting, Bishop White had an important message to share with the ward:

Ephesians 6:10-11— Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

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

A darkness is among us. Brethren are to bless their families with the protection of Heavenly Father.

Many trials are coming. We need to fortify our homes. Beware the Evil One, who goes about the world deceiving us.

The Lord loves us. Listen to these words of counsel. Bless your families.

Flee from the Evil One. Pray with a purpose. Look to God and live.

————————

If you do not have a priesthood holder available in your home, please approach your Home Teachers and ask them to bless you and your children.

Visiting Teaching Message

Find an online copy of this month's visiting teaching message here: "Temple Ordinances and Covenants"

Pacific Area Plan 2016

Vision
To strengthen families and individuals by increasing faith and trust in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Consider what you can do to support this month’s objective for yourself and your family. Jot down your ideas.

Objective this month: Honour the Sabbath Day at Home and at Church

à Make the Sabbath a delight all day

à Make the Sacrament a spiritual experience

à Increase Sacrament Meeting attendance

What I can do to Honour the Sabbath

· Arrive to Church on time

· Partaking of the bread and water worthily (having previously examined ourselves and confessed our sins to God and asked for forgiveness)

· Exercising reverence and using our electronic devices for scriptural references only.

· Stay for the whole of Sacrament Meeting in the Chapel, so we can be nourished by the Good Word.

· Maintain such reverence in our home on the Sabbath. Refrain from worldly pleasures on technology in the home, refrain from shopping and recreational activities outside the home.

Personal Goals

What can I do to better honour the Sabbath Day? How can I encourage my family to do the same?

Relief Society March 2016 Newsletter

March 2016

Happy Easter!

Take some time this month to reflect upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its significance in your life.

Presidency Message

Celebrating 174 years
of Relief Society

What are we celebrating? We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before. And celebrating our purpose.

As Latter-Day Saint women think about the history of Relief Society,  we appropriately celebrate being taught by Joseph Smith in our early meetings… but may we stop and celebrate the blessing of having the teachings of modern day prophets in our day. We have the opportunity to learn together their words in our meetings,  just as our sisters in Nauvoo were taught by the prophet Joseph,  the living prophet in their day.

The purpose of Relief Society is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life. That is accomplished as sisters increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and personal righteousness,  strengthen families and homes as they make and keep sacred covenants,  and offer relief to those in need,  working in unity with priesthood holders. Understanding the purpose of Relief Society will not only bless the lives of individual women,  but it will also help them bless the lives of others in their homes and families and also in their communities.

Celebrate who we are. Beloved daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are part of a great worldwide sisterhood. We are sisters.

Sister. Linda Burton
Relief Society general president
March 2015          

 Visiting Teaching Message

Created in the Image of God
(Click through for a full, printable message you can share with your sisters.)

Consider This
How does knowing that each person is created in God’s image help us in our association with others?

Calendar and Upcoming Events

Every Monday 6.30pm Fresh Brumby Bread can be collected from Sister Inley’s (84 Oakwood Drive, Waikiki)

Thurs 10th March, 10am Temple Trip for 11.30am session

Thurs 17th March 10am-12noon Homemaking Luncheon at Sister Marlene Percy’s (18a Vaux St, Rockingham). Bring a plate of food to share and ideas of crafts and arts to make and share.

Thurs 17th March, 6.30pm Relief Society 174th Birthday Celebration. Bring a friend, for a fun night at the Chapel

25-27 March—Easter! Remember the Atonement of Christ.

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YSA Activities

Sun 20th March, 6pm Stake YSA Devotional hosted by Rockingham YSA  Mandurah Chapel

Thurs 24th-Sat 26th (Easter Weekend) YSA Camp at HoneyMoon Pool 

Youth turning 17 this year (2016) are invited to participate in most YSA activities including Mission Prep & Institute classes(excludes overnight activities: i.e conventions, etc,).

Lessons

Relief Society (Auxiliary) Lessons

Mar 6  - Relief Society/Quorum Instruction
Mar 13 - Chap 5 "Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration"
Mar 20 - Chap 6 "The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Mar 27 - Teaching For Our Times: Pres Thomas S Monson "Keep the Commandments"

Sunday School Gospel Doctrine Lessons

Lesson  9 - “My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah”
Lesson 10 - “He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”
Lesson 11 - “Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ”

Lesson 12 - “Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God”

Pacific Area Plan 2016

Vision

To strengthen families and individuals by increasing faith and trust in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Consider what you can do to support this month’s objective for yourself and your family. Jot down your ideas.

Objective this month: Increase Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

Goals:

à Pay a full tithe and give a generous fast offering

à Seek learning and education

à Complete the “My Path to Self-Reliance” Initiative (available on www.lds.org)

Relief Society Workshop

Our Thursday Night Workshop this month involved several sisters sharing simple and nutritious recipes. Here are some of the recipes from that evening: Most only feature a few ingredients and are so simple to make. We had a delicious time!

Nancy’s Bread and Butter Pudding

· 4 slices toasted bread, cut into triangles

· 2 Tbsp currants or sultantas

· 1/4 cup sugar

· 2 tsp grated lemon rind

· 3 eggs

· 2 cups milk

Layer toast triangles, currants, sugar and lemon rind in an ovenproof dish. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour egg mixture over layers. Leave to stand for 15 minutes. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until golden brown. Dust with icing sugar.

Maureen B’s Ricotta Dessert

· 500 grams ricotta cheese

· 200 grams finely chopped dates

· 2 Tbsp honey

· Few dashes of cinnamon

· Frozen berries for topping.

Blend ricotta, honey, dates and cinnamon until well mixed. Spoon into dessert dishes and top with berries. Tastes pleasantly like cheesecake.

Taania’s ABC and L Juice

Put through your juicer:

· 2 apples

· 4 carrots

· 2 fresh beetroots

· 1 lemon

Light, tangy, sweet and healthy. Makes 2-3 serves.

Taania’s Watermelon Smoothie

Blitz in your Bullet or blender:

· 1 apple

· 500 grams watermelon

· Few springs of fresh mint leaves

Refreshing and chock-full of vitamins and fibre.

 Heidi’s Basic Bread Recipe

· 1 tsp sugar

· 1 tsp salt

· 1 tsp active dry yeast

· 2-3 cups flour, as needed to make a smooth, non-sticky dough

· 1 c warm water (about 40-42°C)

Knead ingredients together for 10-15 minutes. Cover and let rise (30-60 minutes) until double in size. Punch down, knead for 5 minutes. Shape, place in bread pan and let rise a second time. Bake in 160°C oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variant for Pizza dough: Add 2 Tbsp Olive Oil with warm water. Knead, then roll out as pizza bases. Top as desired. Bake pizza in 220°C oven for about 5-10 minutes until crust is light brown.

Tastes best warm from the oven.

Garlic Butter to spread on freshly baked bread

Let a 500 gram container of butter soften. Blend  in 1 tsp dry garlic granules and 2 Tbsp mixed dry herbs (of your choice).  Can refrigerate if you wish or spread onto freshly baked bread. Can also be spread onto toast for a yummy treat.

Arahi’s Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Combine into a jar:

· 1 1/4 cup coconut milk

· 1 Tbsp maple syrup

· 1/4 tsp sea salt

· 3 Tbsp cocoa powder

· 1/4 cup chia seeds (available in health food aisles at Woolies and Coles.)

Give ingredients a quick stir, tighten lid on the jar and give it a good shake until everything is blended. Refridgerate at least four hours or overnight.

To serve: Arahi recommends topping pudding with coconut flakes and raspberries (fresh or frozen). Hits the spot for that chocolate craving.

RS Newsletter June 2014

 Beloved daughters of our Heavenly Father,

         As members of the Church these should not be perilous times for us. If we are following the counsel of the prophets and church leaders, obeying all Heavenly Fathers commandments, living the gospel everyday and sharing the gospel with others, we will fare well.

         To help us further during these perilous times is the principle of “Self-Reliance. “Self-reliance is an important area we must achieve for us to be happy in this mortal life. The first law of self-reliance is “pay your tithing.” Followed by: get out of debt, put some money away for a rainy day, live within your means (budget brands vs labels), don’t go into debt for unnecessary things (eg, a small house made beautiful is easier to pay off), etc. Education is an acceptable debt also as it will offer individuals and families greater opportunities for employment. There may be other areas that you might consider a necessary part of self-reliance.

          If we are not doing these things, then now is a good time to start. Sit down with your spouse or your family and discuss how you can accomplish these things. I bear testimony to you that if you can master these particular areas of life you will have joy, happiness and peace.

          In the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Dawn Hirama

Relief Society President

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Minister

        As we minister to others, we become true followers of Jesus Christ, who set the example for us. President Thomas S. Monson said: “We are surrounded by those in need. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.”

        Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, taught: “With practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children. To help us better [minister to] one another, I would like to suggest four words to remember: ‘First observe, then serve.’ … As we do so, we are keeping covenants, and our service, like President Monson’s, will be evidence of our discipleship.”

We can pray each morning to recognize opportunities to serve others. “Heavenly Father will guide you, and angels will assist you,” said David L. Beck, Young Men general president. “You will be given power to bless lives and rescue souls.”

Consider This

1. How can prayer lead us to be instruments in the Lord’s hands?

2. How can ministering to others help us keep our covenants?

From the Scriptures

Matthew 20:25–28;

1 Nephi 11:27–28;

3 Nephi 28:18

 From Our History

               At the October 1856 general conference, President Brigham Young (1801–77) announced that handcart pioneers were still crossing the plains and that everyone was to help gather supplies for them immediately.

               Lucy Meserve Smith wrote that women “stripped off their petticoats [large underskirts], stockings, and every thing they could spare, right there in the Tabernacle, and piled [them] into the wagons.”

               As the rescued pioneers began to arrive in Salt Lake City, Lucy wrote, “I never took more … pleasure in any labor I ever performed in my life, such a unanimity of feeling prevailed. I only had to go into a store and make my wants known; if it was cloth, it was measured off without charge.”

President George Albert Smith (1870–1951) said of ministering to others: “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.”

How have you helped someone today?

 We recommend sisters read the lesson prior to coming to Relief Society so they can better participate and get more out of the teachings.

1 June—Inspired Topic: “Those who are wise and faithful will be prepared when the Lord comes again.”

8 June—Ch 11: Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith

15 June—Ch 12: The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

29 June—Teaching for our Times: “Protection from Pornography—A Christ-focused Home” Linda S Reeves (General Conference April 2014 Saturday AM session)

Mon 2 June—Public Holiday

Sat 7 June, 2-4pm Mandurah Chapel—Stake Relief Society Activity

Thurs 19 June, 10am Chapel—Managing a Budget with Excel Spreadsheets

Thurs 26 June, 10am Chapel—RS Temple Trip carpool

 Angel Food Cake

Note: ALL utensils (bowl, beaters, spatulas, pans etc) MUST be grease-free, or the egg whites won’t beat up to stiff peaks.

Preheat oven to 160C (150C fan forced).

In a grease-free mixing bowl beat:

· 10-12 egg whites (about 270ml)

· 1 ¹/₄ tsp cream of tartar

· ¹/₄ tsp salt

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Beat in, bit by bit:

· 1 ¹/₂ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)

Until well-blended.

Add while beating:

· 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fold in:

· 1 cup corn flour

With a spatula, scoop batter (batter will be stiff) into an ungreased pan.  Recommend either bread tin or bundt pan, if you do not have an Angel Food tin.

Bake in oven at 160C for 40-50 minutes. Top will brown and crack.

Allow cake to cool completely before loosening and unmoulding.

Best served with whipped cream and fruit.

Influential Latter-Day Saint Women

You Might Not Know

You know about Emma Smith and Eliza R Snow.  Do you know these influential women from Church history?

· Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball

Student of Joseph Smith’s School of the Prophets and Suffragette

· Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon

Physician and First female US State Senator

· Jane Manning James

Early African American Saint who crossed the Great Plains with the pioneers.

· Dr Emma Liljenquist

Obstetrician and Midwife

· Amelia Telle Cannon

Early champion of education

· Grace Vlam

First missionary to preach the gospel in Indonesia.

 

RS Newsletter April 2014

Dearest Sisters,

              These are indeed the last days and the work of salvation is urgent. Why else would Heavenly Father ask for our sons (and daughters) from as young as 18 years of age to join His army?

              These Missionaries are our stripling warriors and they have been prepared for the battle these passed 18 years. They too will be valiant because of the teachings of their mothers.

              Through your example and teachings Sisters, you have prepared brave and valiant young men and women to join the mission field. Help and encourage them to serve. At home we can also fight the battle against the adversary. The battle is real and it is rampant all around us. There is much to do and we are enlisting ALL of your help, including your young children. Raise the banner (standard) sisters and answer the call from the Bishops, the Stake Presidents, the Area Presidents, the Prophet, and the Lord when you are called to serve.

In Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.

Sister Dawn Hirama

Relief Society President

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ:

Savior and Redeemer

Among the most significant of Jesus Christ’s descriptive titles is Redeemer,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Redeem means to pay off an obligation or a debt. Redeemcan also mean to rescue or set free as by paying a ransom. … Each of these meanings suggests different facets of the great Redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ through His Atonement, which includes, in the words of the dictionary, ‘to deliver from sin and its penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner.’”

Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, said: “Heavenly Father … sent His Only Begotten and perfect Son to suffer for our sins, our heartaches, and all that seems unfair in our own individual lives.

“…One woman who had been through years of trial and sorrow said through her tears, ‘I have come to realize that I am like an old 20-dollar bill—crumpled, torn, dirty, abused, and scarred. But … I am still worth the full 20 dollars.’ This woman knows that she … was worth enough to [God] to send His Son to atone for her, individually. Every sister in the Church should know what this woman knows.”

The New Testament includes accounts of women who exercised faith in Jesus Christ, learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty.

1. How can we show gratitude to the Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ?

2. How can we partake of the blessings of our Savior’s atoning sacrifice in our lives?

• Tues 8 April, 10am @ chapel—Parents workshop by Tiffany Stokes
• 12-13 April—General Conference broadcast
• Sat 10am-12pm Morning Session
• Sat 2-4pm Afternoon session
• Sat 5-7pm
• Priesthood session (men only)
• Sun 10am-12pm Morning Session
• Sun 2-4pm Afternoon Session


• 16-20 April Stake Temple Week
• Thursday 17 April, 7:00pm @ Chapel—Family History Workshop
• Fri 18 April, 10am –Ward Activity @ Fantasy Park on Rand Ave
• Sun 20 April 7-9pm Missionary Fireside
• Thursday 24 April - Relief Society Temple Trip.  Meet at the Chapel before 10am to carpool to the temple for the 11:30am session.
• Sat 26 April - General Women’s Broadcast combined with Baldivis Ward

6 April—Presidency Inspired Topic

13 April— General Conference

20 April— Ch 6: The Significance of the Sacrament

27 April—Teaching for our Times: TBA

Hot Cross Buns

Wet ingredients:

2 1/2 tsp dried yeast

1 1/2 cup warm water

1 egg

2 Tbsp margarine

Dry ingredients:

3 1/2 c plain flour

1/4 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup sultanas

Crosses

1/2 c plain flour

1/3 c water

2 tsp sugar

Glaze

2 Tbsp Water

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp gelatine

Method:

Blend wet ingredients, let sit a few minutes.

Blend dry ingredients.

Add wet to dry, mix until a dough forms.  Knead until smooth (about 15 minutes by hand)

Divide dough into 12 pieces, roll into balls, set on baking tray. Allow to rise for 30 mins, or until double.

Mix Crosses paste. Pipe over risen rolls.

Bake at 180C for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

Mix glaze and microwave 1 minute until melted. Glaze buns.

 _____________________

 Highlights from the General Women's Meeting.

RS Newsletter - October 2013

Presidency Message

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." 

Sometimes it is all-too-easy to take the simpler path, the mediocre path. How often have you heard yourself say, "I can't be bothered"? 

Are we not glorious beings with a grand destiny? Have we forgotten?  

Our Heavenly Father has greater things in store for us, not just in the Eternities, but here on earth.  

The brethren have a hymn that starts: "Rise up, O men of God!  Have done with lesser things." As Christ is our example, so should we conform ourselves to reflect our Heavenly Father. 

Meditation: what are the characteristics of Christ?  Do I reflect these in my little actions and daily choices?

Love,

Heidi Kneale

2nd Counsellor

We care.

Monthly Calendar

• Sun 6 Oct, 6pm - Relief Society General Broadcast at Rockingham Chapel
• Tues 29 Oct 12:30 - Friendship Picnic at foreshore. Bring goodies to share and friends.
• Sat 12 Oct - Temple Closed
• 12-13 Oct - General Conference Broadcast at Rockingham Chapel 
• Sat 10am, 2pm, 6pm (Priesthood session). 
• Sun 10am (includes prophet's message) and 2pm
• Oct 16-19 Ward Temple Week
• Thurs 24 Oct - RS Temple Trip. Carpooling departing:  
• 7:45am  Heidi Kneale's home for 9:30am session.  
• 10am at Chapel for 11:30 session.

Weekly Bread Run Schedule

Bread is available for pickups at the following times and places:

• Mon 6:30-7:30pm Hilary Gratwick's home 5 Tangaroa Close
• Wed 6:30pm  Dawn Hirama's Home 10 Ocean Place
• Thurs 6:30pm Debbie Cotterell's home 572 Safety Bay Road

Visiting Teaching Message - Oct 2013

Jesus Christ “created the heavens and the earth” (3 Nephi 9:15). He did so through the power of the priesthood, under the direction of our Heavenly Father (see Moses 1:33). 

“How grateful we should be that a wise Creator fashioned an earth and placed us here,” said President Thomas S. Monson, “… that we might experience a time of testing, an opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has prepared for us to receive.”

When we use our agency to obey God’s commandments and repent, we become worthy to return to live with Him. Of the Creation, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, said: "We are the reason He created the universe! …“This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.”

 Knowing that Jesus Christ created the earth for us because we mean everything to Heavenly Father can help us increase our love for Them.

Be Inspired

This Month's Relief Society Challenge: "Reach Out"

Ring one sister in the ward you normally don't associate with. Call simply to say hello. 

Not sure who to call? Log onto our Ward Website (https://ward.lds.org) with your LDS Account (same one you use for NewFamilySearch).

Recipe Corner

  

Chicken Mole

This classic Mexican dish has spices, but isn't too spicy. This is what Mexicans think of when they think "Cocina de Casa" (Home Cooking). Serve as a casserole, over rice or as soft taco fillings.

Ingredients

1kg chicken (boned or boneless)

2 cans tomatoes

1 chili (optional)

1 litre of chicken stock or water

1/2 c almonds

1/2 c sultanas

8 peppercorns

1 tsp cumin 

5 cloves

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 c sesame seeds

1 tsp anise

3 onions, chopped

2 cloves of garlic

1 c unsweetened cocoa powder

Place all in slow cooker and let simmer on low 6-8 hours.

Birthdays

3 - Alexis Tata

3 - Helen Temmen

4 - Chantelle White

4 - Margaret Wunsch

6 - Anne Bousfield

11 - Rochelle Cardell

13 - Marlene Percy

14 - Josie Johnson

16 - Ana Filitonga

29 - Diane McDermott