The Ensign. Zarahemla Branch The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. October Pastor s Corner Elder Bob Moore

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1 The Ensign Zarahemla Branch The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints October 2008 Pastor s Corner Elder Bob Moore Every person views the world from a self-centered position. It is the human condition. Babies have no knowledge except what they can perceive. Dependent on others for almost every need, they naturally assume that all things about them exist for them. We carry those initial perceptions into childhood. The nearest and brightest toys are mine. My Dad is stronger than yours. Let me do it. The truth is: there are other people, not two or three, but thousands of them, even millions. Brothers and sisters, cousins, schoolmates, fellow-citizens the list expands as we grow up. Unfortunately, our self-centered perception lags. Some people never learn that others have rights and needs that are equal or more important than their own. All of us apply our natural perceptions to the spiritual realm. God is our God. Jesus is my Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ is my church. Arthur Oakman observed that even the most righteous can exhibit a self-centered attitude. When Enoch and his city were translated into God s presence, the faithful patriarch was utterly surprised that his Creator wept over the creation that remained behind. Enoch asked, Thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations, from all eternity to all eternity... How is it that thou canst weep? (Gen 7:38). From his perception, the victory was complete the journey was over. He was there. Why would God cry? If the best saints retain a self-centered view, how much more do we? As the church fragmented, it was natural for many to imagine that they possessed the spiritual gifts and insights necessary to rescue the work. Too many became self-appointed critics with their own solution that they were anxious to apply. Our fellowships and organizations became competitive arenas where good-hearted saints introduced and rallied support for their answer. We became like toddlers who fight over who the toys belong to. In the meantime, the latter-day commission, which we inherited and gladly accepted, was left mostly unaddressed. The two great goals of the work were largely ignored: to build up Zion and evangelize the world. They languished because both require a unified effort. Great, large-scale tasks are not accomplished on good ideas or well-executed plans alone. They require a dedicated people who are willing to work together for the common good. The fragmented church that persistently wrangles continues to miss the opportunity to work together in God s great task. Our constant rivalry produced little harmony, little edification, little peace and little success. It was not until we realized that the fight was the enemy and agreed to work with others that God blessed our effort in ways that allow us to participate in the latter-day work. One fundamental component of Zionic living is being able to get along with others. A loving, supportive fellowship requires its members to set aside petty differences and private interpretations. It makes little difference if the saints have established a common treasury, built a well-stocked storehouse, or purchased a tract of land where they can live together. If the saints cannot get along, all their organizations, ceremonies and activities will remain sterile, like unripe fruit that can nourish no one. See Pastor s Corner on next page

2 (Pastor s Corner continued) One significant and fundamental benefit of the Conference is the opportunity that it provides for the saints to learn how to get along in their heavenly Father s business. It is not a time when the simple-minded bend to the more persuasive, or the members submit to their leader s will. It is a place where the saints can reason together and voluntarily yield their personal interpretations and private aspirations to the will of the majority under the faith-based expectation that the majority of the saints will almost always choose what is right. When that happens, the church is no longer my church, but our church. Jesus is no longer my Savior, but our Savior. What value is it to be right and alone? Jesus said, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (Jn 12:24). Just as the incarnation gave Jesus the opportunity to crucify his body for the salvation of the world, the Conference gives us the opportunity to crucify our separateness for the continuation of the church. When the saints manifest Christ-like qualities, Jesus reaches out to them and augments their virtues. Jesus always blesses the saints when they gather together in conference to sacrificially yield their individual wills for the good of the Lord s work. When we gather in that condition, he lifts us into heavenly places by wonderful and sundry gifts that help us understand that it is not really our church, but his church. It is not our commission, but his commission. It is not our Zion, but his Zion. It is not our Savior, but the Savior. It is not our God, but God. The Conference has already shown participating branches that we can be one with other saints. God s Holy Spirit has made us into a family God s family. If we continue, the family will grow, not only in Zionic attitudes but in numeric strength. Good people are attracted to a good cause. Let us continue to submit to each other in the bonds of Christian charity. As we do, the spirit of Christ will continue to grow among us, enabling us to assist in the latter-day work and participate in the latter-day glory. THE BELL I KNOW WHO I AM I am God's child (John 1:12) I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 ) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17) I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20) I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1) I a m a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14) I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27) I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20) I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34) I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6) I cannot be separated from the love of God( Rom.8:35-39) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22) I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 ) I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 ) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13) I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5) I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 1 6 ). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10) I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship(eph. 2:10 ) I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1: 5) I have been redeemed and forgiven(col.1:14).i have been adopted as God's child(eph 1:5) I belong to God Do you know who you are!?

3 MOR-I-G DEVOTIO-S FOR October 2008 October 5th Roger Gault Family October 12th David Frye Family October 19th -o Services October 26th Fred Pement Family PLEASE OTE: If your family is unable to fulfill this responsibility, please switch with someone else. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Craig Moore Jerry Gerber Jonathan Broadway Steve Fogarty Shannon Stark Emily Latman Becky Pement Alicia Anderson Jerry -orby Julie Fogarty SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE We are buying school supplies again this year for the Thomas Ultican Elementary School. Please buy the supplies and bring them to the church. If you have any questions about which supplies are needed, please ask Karen Woll. Shane Prather was baptized on Sunday, September 14, 2008 by Priest Trent Trahern. He was confirmed by Elders Patrick McKay and Doug Trahern. We welcome Shane into our Zarahemla family. If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please call Marilyn OR it to Marilyn (mholey1@comcast.net) (marilyn.counts@gmail.com) put it in the -EWSLETTER BOX OR give it to me at church. BUT PLEASE JUST SHARE WITH US I- THE -EWSLETTER. Deadline for the ovember, 2008 newsletter will be Sunday, October 19th, This newsletter will be distributed on Sunday October 26th, Thank you for supporting the congregational newsletter. Marilyn James

4 October 5th October 12th October 19th October 26th October 12th October 26th Musical Schedule Devotion - Sharon Francis Worship - Sharon Francis Evening - Geri Gault Devotions - Jill Moore Worship - Evening - Conference Jill Moore Sharon Francis Evening - Jill Moore Devotions - Kevin McMilian Worship - Evening - Geri Gault Geri Gault ************************* Special Music Sara and Bethany Buckles Choir Here is a picture of the youngest member of our branch. We welcome AJ Moore OCTOBER Activities October 3rd Zion s League The Zion s League will enjoy a hot dog roast, campfire and evening class at the home of Bob and Jill Moore. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm. All Zion s League should plan on attending. October 5th October 6th October 9th Business Meeting Priesthood Meeting Handmaidens The Handmaidens will meet at the home of Shannon McMilian at 7:00 pm to finish their albums. October 11th Women s Department The Women s Department will meet at the church and enjoy a special class on basket weaving. There will be a small charge, as all supplies will be provided. The time will be announced later. If you have any questions, ask Karen. October 11th Zion Builders Zion builders will meet at the church from 10:00 11:30 am. They will clean the church and have fun doing it. Anyone can come and help the Zion Builders on this special project. October 25th Branch Activity We will have a FALL OUTI G at the farm of Patrick McKay II. The fun will begin around 4:00 pm. Come early and enjoy fishing, visiting, and then a hot dog potluck. Bring your favorite Fall dish to share with everyone. Hot Dogs, condiments, beverages and table service will be provided. You may even be able to enjoy an Ole-fashioned-hayride. There will be skits and campfire. This is always a fun event. Watch the bulletin for directions to the Cedar Ridge Farm. October 28 Religio This evening is a time for learning and sharing by members of our branch. It is always a most rewarding experience. Please bring your favorite snack for all to share.

5 ACTIVITY CALE DAR Zarahemla Branch October 2008 S M T W Th F S 1 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding: Chuck Perry Assisting: John Olivarez Isaiah 28: Zion s League Hot Dog Roast 4 5 Psalms 2:6-7 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Bob Moore Preaching: Fred Pement 6:00 Evening Service Presiding: Bob Moore Business Meeting 6 Priesthood Meeting 7:00 pm at the church 7 8 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding: Tim Canfield Assisting: Max Hawley Psalms 74:1-2 9 Handmaidens Meeting Women s Dept Zion Builders 12 Genesis 7:23 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Ken Simmons Preaching: Dean Falconer :00 pm Prayer Service Presiding: Bob Moore Assisting: athan Perry 16 JCRB Conference 17 JCRB Conference 18 JCRB Conference 6:00 Evening Service Preaching: Jim oland Psalms 50: D & C 100:3b JCRB CO FERE CE AT CHRISMA HIGH SCHOOL 6:00 Evening Service Preaching : Rudy Leutzinger :00 pm Prayer Service Presiding: Brad Gault Assisting: Fred Pement Isaiah 1: Branch Activity 26 Isaiah 4:2-3 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Dean Falconer Preaching: Tim Canfield 6:00 pm Evening Service Presiding: Ron Buckles Religio :00 pm Prayer Service Presiding: Patrick McKay Assisting: Craig Moore D & C 100:3e 30 31

6 Zarahemla Branch The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 502 Southwest 17th Street Blue Springs, MO 64015

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