The Ensign Zarahemla Branch The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints JUNE 2008 Pastor s Corner Elder Bob Moore The Bible describes two different cities. One, the worldly city, is founded on acquisition accumulating pleasure and possessions. The other, the heavenly city, is built on holiness living peacefully with others and God. People naturally favor the worldly city, where personal satisfaction and comfort are primary goals. Unfortunately, not everybody can be rich or powerful. The benefits of the worldly city accrue to only a few, but they must constantly compete with others to achieve and maintain their goals. Worldly city ambitions, although physically attractive and compelling, are emotionally devastating. Those that fail reap disappointment, insecurity and frustration. They may even view their lives as a failure. On the other hand, the few that succeed often find themselves lonely and their lives hollow. The thrill of success fades quickly. Cain s city of Enoch epitomizes the worldly city. It excelled in riches and revelry, but it died in the flood. The delights of the heavenly city are more sublime. Instead of the fleeting sensations that tingle the mind or body, they are enduring joys that nurture the soul. They are achieved through sacrifice, not through competition and conquest. Citizens of the heavenly city dedicate themselves to the welfare of their fellow citizens, not to the profit of oneself. Enoch s city of Zion exemplified the heavenly city. It excelled in righteous, for they were of one heart and mind, and there were no poor among them (Gen 7:23). God lifted that city to heaven. These two cities exist today. Armed with abundant technology, resources, and promotional techniques, the earthly city promises material comforts and temporal satisfaction. Its message pulses around us all and reverberates throughout our society, constantly enticing us to satisfy our natural inclinations. Its Siren song is as subtle as the serpent s hiss, deceitfully alluring, while hiding the disastrous end that awaits those who partake. The heavenly city is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was restored in 1830. At that time, God established his kingdom on earth for the last time and called laborers to help build it up. They were pioneers on the American frontier, whose rugged life and Puritan values insulated them from worldly temptations; but as success attended the latter-day work, some saints yielded to carnal desires, corrupting the gospel s purity and mingling depraved activities with divine ordinances. Like the ancient Israelites, they were expelled from the Promised Land and sent to a land of salt.
(Pastor s Corner continued) Despite this setback, God s kingdom continued. The faithful returned to the land of Zion and built up its waste places. We have inherited its blessings and obligations. Many, perhaps most, saints have tried to live in both cities, working to reap valued worldly benefits, while laboring for the cause of Zion. It is difficult the way our culture measures success to meet the obligations of parent and spouse, and still serve in the kingdom of God. Some saints achieved a proper balance. Many have not. The result is that succeeding generations of church members have become less sacrificial, less devoted, and more worldly. The subtle dilution of saintly consecration mirrors the moral decay pervading our society. Our entire nation seems focused on entertainment, money and thrills. Meanwhile, troubles multiply. We are polluting our planet in ways that may poison us. Economic problems multiply as we face mounting gas prices. Millions want to destroy our nation with terrorist acts. The American way of life is under attack from social and political forces. Like Cain s city, a disastrous future awaits, for God will not let the wickedness growing in the world to overtake his kingdom. As covenanted members of God s kingdom, we have a choice to either help build up the kingdom of God or pursue worldly attractions. At this late hour, we cannot do both. Those who choose the latter option will suffer the coming judgments. Those who dedicate their all to the kingdom will receive place in its ultimate achievements. We have an opportunity to work for the kingdom of God at the time he is beginning to complete his work. Its immediate temporal rewards are meager and require both strenuous exertion and intense devotion. We have an opportunity to join in. Those who do will not only see their efforts produce good beyond their imagination, but their works will endure forever. Those who chose worldly pursuits will not only see their efforts fail, but their works destroyed. In this sobering time, may we as members of the Savior s church support each other in a united effort to build up the kingdom of God on earth. As we do, God will grant us the presence of the Holy Spirit in our personal and corporate life, and lift our fellowships to heavenly places. June 1st June 8th June 15th June 22nd June 29th MOR I G DEVOTIO S FOR June 2008 Mike Hefner Bob Moore Family Lloyd Stilwell Family Bonner Davis Family Joshua McKay Family PLEASE OTE: If your family is unable to fulfill this responsibility, please switch with someone else. JU E BIRTHDAYS 3 Jennifer Buckles 4 Doug Trahern 7 Joshua McKay 9 Heather Olivarez 12 Michelle Euritt 12 Genie Simmons 13 Tara Broadway 19 Joshua Trahern 21 Ron Buckles 24 athan Perry 24 Meagan Simmons 25 Jacob Peabody 29 Larry Shoemaker
Father s Day We would like to congratulate our newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua McKay. Summer fun Can you unscramble the letters in each word to find ten world cities? While many people believe that Father's Day is a holiday invented by the fine folks at Hallmark, it's not so. The celebration of Dad's special day can most likely be credited to Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington State, who first suggested the idea of the holiday in 1909. Mrs. Dodd's father, civil war veteran William Smart, was widowed when his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. Despite the obvious hardships, Mr. Smart proceeded to raise the newborn along with his five other children, by himself. It wasn't until Sonora Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. The original date chosen for the holiday was June 5, Mr. Smart's birthday, however the celebration was postponed until June 19, the third Sunday in June, because there was not enough time to prepare. At about the same time in various towns and cities across America other people were beginning to celebrate a Father's Day. Some accounts credit Mrs. Charles Clayton of West Virginia, as the founder of Father's Day, although most histories give credit to Mrs. Dodd. In early times, wearing flowers was a traditional way of celebrating Father's Day. Mrs. Dodd favored the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad. J.H. Berringer, who also held Father's Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father's Day Flower. In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day, but it never became official until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson signed the presidential proclamation that set aside the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. N O T E D M O V I E E A S I E R B O N U S N I L T U B A S G I N J I B E P U B D A T E S H A H A S I G N O N E R U M B L E H A I L P A I D H E L P A N I M A L A N T I S A G O
Musical Schedule June 1st Devotion - Ashley Gault JU E Activities June 8th June 15th Worship - Ashley Gault Evening - Jeri Gault Devotions - Jeri Gault Worship - Jeri Gault Devotions - Jill Moore Worship - Jill Moore 7th 7th Youth Seminar: Chastity-Better Marriage, Better Happiness will be at the church from 8:30 am 11:30 am. The Zion Builders will have a ature Outing from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. The location will be announced later. June 22nd June 29th Devotions - Ashley Gault Worship - Ashley Gault Devotions - Jeri Gault Worship - Jeri Gault 14th There will be a Zion s League Softball Game starting at 4:00 pm. Bring a snack and beverage. Other branch members are invited to attend. The location will be announced later. June 8th June 15th June 22nd June 29th Evening - Sharon Francis ************************* Special Music Lloyd Stilwell & Rolland James Ordination Service Kevin McMilian Heather Gault If you have anything to submit for the newsletter, please call Marilyn 215-2299 OR e-mail 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 July 2008 ewsletter will be Sunday, June 22nd, 2008. This ewsletter will be distributed on Sunday June 29th, 2008. 22nd Immediately following the morning service, all are invited to stay for Potluck. The theme will be A Tribute to Dad. 26th 28th 29th HOME CLASS will be held for all Zion s League. The location will be announced later. FIREWORKS A D POTLUCK!!!!!!!!! The branch has been invited to the home of Scott, Shannon, Kevin and Lindsay to watch a fireworks display. The meal will be potluck, so plan now on bringing summertime food for all to enjoy. The meal will begin at 6:00 pm. Please bring your lawn chairs/blankets/etc. Beverages will be provided. We will meet at the church at 5:30, then carpool to their home. The evening service will be RELIGIO. This is always a great opportunity to learn more about each other as the heritage and talents of individual members of our branch are shared. Please bring a snack to share following the service. Thank you for supporting the congregational newsletter. Marilyn James
ACTIVITY CALE DAR Zarahemla Branch JUNE 2008 S M T W Th F S 1 Mormon 3:29 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Tim Canfield Preaching: Max Hawley 6:00 pm Business Meeting Presiding: Bob Moore 2 Priesthood Meeting 7:00 pm 3 4 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding Bob Moore Daniel 2:44 5 6 7 Zion Builders ature Outing Youth Seminar at the church 8 Mark 10:13 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Chuck Perry Preaching: Steve Devera Inter-Branch Service 9 10 11 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding Brad Gault D&C 65:1b 12 13 14 Zion s League Softball Game 15 Matthew 6:38 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Doug Trahern Preaching: Ordinations Inter-Branch Service 16 17 18 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding Patrick McKay John 3:3 19 20 21 22 Mark 1:13 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Bob Moore Preaching: Doug Trahern POTLUCK AFTER SERVICE 23 24 25 7:00 pm Prayer Service Presiding Rex Curtis 26 HOME CLASS 27 28 Fireworks and Potluck at the McMilians o Service Luke 9:62 29 D&C 11:2a 9:15 Morning Worship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship Service Presiding: Dean Falconer Preaching: David Frye 30 6:00 pm Evening Service Presiding: Chuck Perry Mike Hefner
Zarahemla Branch The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 502 Southwest 17th Street Blue Springs, MO 64015