Zion s Outpost Branch Newsletter The Church of Jesus Christ, Zion s Vol. Outpost 25 No. 3 Branch May-July 2010 Resurrection Sunday On April 3, 2010, the early rising Saints of Zion s Outpost gathered for the annual Sunrise worship. In remembrance of Christ s resurrection we sang songs and read scripture that emphasized the work of Jesus as our ransom. He died to give us life, but He did not die simply as a common martyr for a cause He believed in. He died as the price required to deliver us from our captive, sin and the one who reigns in sin, the adversary of our souls. Sin is a violation, a transgression, of God s holy law. His justice demands the life of the sinner. Death has, therefore, passed upon all men and women. Yet, in His infinite mercy and abundant love, the Father JCRB Conference Summary The branches of the Joint Conference of Restoration Branches met in General Conference April 18-24, 2010. Delegates representing many branches across the United States and many countries attended. Zion s Outpost was represented by Jeff Drope, David and Debbie Newman. Our delegates were actively involved in the deliberations. Most of the conference time dealt with changes to the church rules. Gary Whiting has prepared a sacrifice for us to answer the demands of justice and allow the mercy of God to minister to His fallen children. Jesus Christ is that sacrifice, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. After the early morning worship everyone gathered around the breakfast table and enjoyed egg and bacon casserole, French toast sticks, fruits, cinnamon rolls and drinks. After Sunday School, we worshiped together in the Lord s Supper. The sermon focused on the need to cleanse our personal temples from sin so the Holy Spirit can dwell in us. We enjoyed the presence of God s Spirit in all of our activities as we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ. preached the Sunday evening sermon on April 18, 2010. You can view this sermon on www.conferenceofbranches.org the JCRB website. Ten new Seventy were ordained this year and the Council of Presidents of Seventy was filled. Gary Whiting was set apart as a President of Seventy and later was selected as the Senior President of the Presidents of Seventy.
Page 2 The Zion s Outpost Branch Newsletter is published monthly by the Publications Department of Zion s Outpost. The editor is Gary Whiting. Please reference the newsletter if quoted for other than personal use. The newsletter is used to inform members, friends and seekers of the events taking place in the Branch and to promote the work of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is available at no charge to those asking for a subscription. Contributions to support its publication are appreciated. Contact us : 6300 N. Tarrytown Park City, Kansas 67219 316-744-1020 branch @zionsoutpost.org www.zionsoutpost.org Sunday Services 9:00 am Prayer Service on First and Third Sundays 9:30 am Family Worship on all other Sunday mornings 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Worship 5:00 pm Study Class Sacrament Service at 11:00 am on First Sunday and 5:00 pm on Third Sunday of each month 7:15 pm Wednesday Night Prayer and Testimony Service 1 Resurrection Sunday 1 JCRB Conference 3 Priesthood Ordinations 3 Naomi Burford Baptism 4 Vacation Camping School 7-9 Calendar 10 The Last Word In this Issue Zion s Outpost Publications Good News Concordance Book of Mormon/Doctrine and Covenants (1 volume) Old and New Testaments (2 volume set) Full set (3 volumes) Books and Pamphlets The Book of Mormon is Christian The Parable of the Olive Tree Conversion Table: RLDS to LDS Doctrine and Covenants A Word of Consolation The Voice of the Captives That Ye May Be Forgiven $30.00 $50.00 $75.00
Page 3 Priesthood Ordinations The Lord has blessed the branch by calling more young men into priesthood service. Brent Burford and Ian Burford were presented with calls to the Aaronic Priesthood by the previous branch presiding elder, Gary Whiting. After receiving confirming testimonies of their calls, both brethren were ordained on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Aaronic Deacon by Elder Dwight Burford (father), Elder Ron Gamble (grandfather) and Priest Ian Burford. Elder David Newman and Seventy Gary Whiting also assisted in each ordination. Brother Whiting brought an ordination charge prior to the ordinations. Naomi Burford Baptized Naomi Burford entered into the waters of baptism on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Naomi had been looking forward to her baptism for a long time but, according to the word of God, she had to wait until she reached the age of eight years. Ian Burford was ordained to the office of Aaronic Priest by Elder Dwight Burford (his father) and Elder Ron Gamble, (his grandfather). Her father, Dwight Burford, an elder in the church, brought a baptismal charge. After the charge, the congregation returned to the front lawn where a baptismal font had been placed. Naomi testified of her willingness to give her life to Jesus and then was baptized by her older brother, Ian. Naomi received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the Sacrament Service on the following Sunday, June 6, 2010. Brent Burford was ordained to the office of
Page 4 Vacation Camping School Our annual summer vacation church school adventure was held from June 7-11, 2010. It was a vacation camping school. We met together at Camp Onward Bound. From there, week campers trekked together to discover new insights into God s plan to prepare and bring his people into the promised land of Zion. Pam Burford The theme scripture was from Deuteronomy 6:23 which reads, he brought us out... that he might bring us in. The Scripture reminds us of the many times through history that God has delivered his covenant children from various kinds of bondage. God not only delivered them Dwight Burford from bondage but also lead them to a land of promise. The story of the exodus from Egypt was the main focus of attention. The campers were taught the principles of successful camping as an example of the necessary skills and disciplines required of someone to successfully follow Jesus out of bondage into the liberty of life in the promised land of God. We have a promised land which is described to us in Doctrine and Covenants 38. this land is called Zion and it is the place to which the Lord desires to gather his faithful children in anticipation of his second coming. The themes for each day emphasized various ways of the Lord provides for his children on their journey. Monday On the first day of our camping experience we remembered the call of God to come out of bondage. We were reminded that God plans the journey for us and knows how to bring us safely to Zion. The theme (Back to front) Joel Burford, Jeremiah Drope, Anthony Swain, Brendan Hurst verse was Exodus 3:8, I am come down to deliver them, and to
Page 5 We cannot become discouraged or overwhelmed by the apparent strength of the adversary but must continue moving forward trusting in the Lord. Our theme verse came from Exodus 15:2, the Lord is become my salvation; he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation. Camp Onward Bound bring them up unto a good land. The lessons and activities helped us to see the trail that the Lord has prepared for us. Tuesday On this day we remembered how God calls us to trust Him to make our journey successful. In order to follow the Lord into the promised land is necessary to keep moving. The campers learned about the importance of tents. They can shelter us from the weather as our God shelters His children. Wednesday On the third evening our attention was drawn to the promise that God will guide us to the place that God has prepared for us through Jesus Christ. For the Israelites God directed the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. For Lehi and he provided the Liahona. One of the recreation activities Campers use a compass to know where they need to go. Using a compass is like (Continued on page 6)
Page 6 the word of God. It is able to show us where we are and where we are to go. For Christians, the word of God is like a compass that keeps us from getting lost and helps to show us the way home. The verse for Wednesday was Give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to the promised land (Alma 17:79). Thursday The apostle Paul wrote, my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Life is full of challenges and difficulties. The campers were instructed in some of the many provisions required for traveling. Friday The last night of our camp began with a camp cookout. Grilled hot dogs with the usual side dishes were served. S mores were served for dessert. After the cookout, everyone assembled at the church for the lesson. By faith we understand that there is an end to the journey on which the Lord calls us. Along the way, the Lord is actively preparing his people to live in the kingdom of God or Zion. This requires faith in the word of God, a positive attitude, and a spirit that does not grumble. The theme verse was Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God (Hebrews 3:12). Uncle Jim Every evening the campers enjoyed the lessons prepared by Jim Burford. Jim lives in Oregon and pre-recorded video lessons for each night. He used real life stories to illustrate the lesson of the day. This segment was called On the Trail With Uncle Jim. Moses and Fang Jeff Drope working on his craft. They learned that good campers avoid loading their pack with useless items, preferring other useful items. God s tell us what we need and what we should discard. The campers also enjoyed Moses and Fang, who visited each night. They are puppets, but they didn t seem to know it, acting like kids as they told the story of God helping Israel to escape the captivity of Egypt. They were great fun.
Zion s Outpost Branch 6300 Tarrytown Park City, KS 67219 Phone: 316-744-1020 E-mail: branch@zionsoutpost.org www.zionsoutpost.org The Last Word The Burford family s construction project has reached the endpoint. The construction phase has been completed and the bedrooms are occupied. It has been a long road for them, with many excellent testimonies of God s goodness and care. James and Amber Linthicum have a new baby GIRL. Mom, daughter, and Dad are doing well. She was delivered at 7:29 a.m. on June 10th. She weighed in at 6 lb 4 oz and has a full head of hair accord- Brad Whiting and Angie Gibson are now engaged to be married. Brad popped the question and presented a ring to Angie on June 1. No date has been set for a wedding, but Brad says it will be in 2011.