Monday, December 26, 2011

Bringing in the New Year

Hello again, sisters!  We hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior.  As we begin looking forward to the upcoming new year, now is a great time to assess spiritual progress made during 2011 and set new (or continued) goals to work toward achieving in 2012.  


As you may (or may not) know, the new lesson manuals for 2012 were handed out last week during Relief Society.  During our meetings this year we will be studying the Teachings of President George Albert Smith (1945-1951).  President Smith contributed many spiritual insights to our church during his tenure as president and we're looking forward to studying his teachings together as a sisterhood in hopes that they will strengthen our testimony and lives as Latter-day Saint women.  


If you have not received a manual yet, there should still be plenty available to pick up at the church on Sunday. **Don't forget that you can also access the lesson chapters (audio and/or written) online at The Teachings of President George Albert Smith or (when it is updated) through the Gospel Library app available for download on most smart-phones and tablet computers.**  


As always, thank you for stopping by the blog and staying updated with Riverside Ward Relief Society happenings.  Take care and we look forward to seeing you in 2012!

Monday, November 21, 2011

11/20 RS Lesson: Gospel Principles #43 & 44 "Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ"

Sister Lathen taught a very important lesson this past Sunday on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the signs we are given forewarning us that He will be returning to Earth.  


Throughout history, followers of Christ have looked forward to the Second Coming as a time of peace and joy, but through this lesson we were reminded that the people on earth must endure some great trials and calamities prior to witnessing His return.  Some of the signs foretelling the Second Coming of Jesus Christ have already been or are now being fulfilled, whereas other signs will be fulfilled in the future.  A few of the negative signs that the RS sisters mentioned include:    

  • Wars/Violence
  • Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Tsunamis
  • Insect infestations
  • Abnormal seasonal changes

On another note, there are also positive signs related to the Second Coming, which the sisters mentioned as:

  • The return of the gospel through Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon
  • Increased missionary work throughout the world
  • Temples being built
  • Growing interest in genealogy work
We must keep in mind that the Lord provides us with these signs so that we understand the importance of getting our lives in order now to prepare ourselves and families for things that are yet to come.


As we look forward to the Second Coming, we learn more about our mission on earth and many sisters agreed that our mission involves working together to establish this church, accepting the Atonement in our lives, being baptized, leading by example, and preaching the gospel.  


When Jesus comes again, He will do the following things:

  1. He will cleanse the earth.  This time by fire (D&C 101:24-25), whereas the first time was during the days of Noah and the cleansing was done by water.
  2. He will judge His people.  The people will be divided, the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46). 
  3. He will usher in the Millennium.  This is the thousand-year  period where Jesus will reign as King on earth.
  4. He will complete the First Resurrection.  
  5. He will take his rightful place as King of heaven and earth.
Until this happens, all we can do is prepare ourselves for the Savior's return.  Accepting the gospel and applying it to our lives to live each day as best as we can, just as Jesus taught when He was on earth.  We, as Latter-day Saints, are lucky enough to look to the prophet for guidance and follow his counsel.  By living worthily, will can then look forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ with happiness instead of fear.     


Additional Scriptures
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (watch for the signs and prepare)
D&C 38:30 (prepare so we might not fear)
John 14:2-3; Matthew 26:64 (Jesus to prepare a place and come again)
Matthew 13:40-43 (the Judgement predicted)
1 Corinthians 15:40-42; D&C 76; 88:17-35 (kingdoms of glory)
Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 11:15; 1 Nephi 22:24-26 (Jesus to reign as King)

*Ornament Exchange Activity Update!*

More details for the RS activity taking place at 6:30pm on December 13th were presented yesterday afternoon during Relief Society.  Here is the most up-to-date information regarding the Tuesday night activity:


Ornament Exchange details:

  • Please bring one (wrapped) ornament to exchange.  (It can be old, new, or even handmade!)  The gift exchange will be done "white elephant" style.    
  • If you're able to, please bring 2 dozen cookies to share.  If not, bring anything and come anyway!  (Friends are always welcome!)

Fun Gift Idea details:

  • What could be more fun than "wrapping" a holiday gift in a #10 food storage can?!  If this sounds like something you'd like to do, please order your desired number of cans and bring the gift(s) you'd like to can with you on the 13th.  The dry-pack canner will be available to the sisters wishing to participate in this activity.    
  • Cans are $1.00 each and need to be ordered by December 6th (A sign-up sheet for ordering will be going around Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women's or you can contact Sister Jentzch directly.)

Carpooling to Sister June Sharp's home:


  • GP sisters will meet at the Stake Center at 6:10pm and the RR sisters will meet at Umpqua Bank at 5:50pm.  
  • If you need help arranging transportation, please contact Sister Jentzch (RR) or Sister Voges (GP) for assistance.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Christmas Cookie and Ornament Exchange Party: Dec 13th

Come spend a fun-filled and festive evening with your ward sisters! On Tuesday, December 13th, we will be enjoying delicious Christmas cookies while exchanging holiday ornaments at Sister June Sharp's home. 

Please bring ornaments you'd like to exchange and a plate of your favorite Christmas cookies to share. (Or just come to socialize!)

*Note* This event will take place sometime in the evening, though the exact time is not set as of right now. Approximate start time will be 6:30pm unless otherwise posted.

Monday, November 14, 2011

11/13 RS Lesson: Gospel Principles #42 "The Gathering of the House of Israel"

This Sunday, Sister Wonsyld taught an informative lesson about The Gathering of the House of Israel and what it specifically means to us as Latter-day Saints.  


The beginning of the lesson defined the people who make up the House of Israel.  The Scriptures specifically reference Jacob's twelve sons and their families making up the twelve tribes of Israel (See: Genesis 49:28).  In addition to this, God's covenant people and converts to the Church are all considered Israelites, either by blood or adoption.  As long as His commandments are obeyed, Heavenly Father promised that Israelites would be blessed as His covenant people.  


Despite many warnings from the Lord regarding what would happen if the people were wicked, they continued to stray from His teachings, which resulted in the House of Israel being scattered among the earth (See: Deuteronomy 28:64)  A couple sisters in the ward commented that the scattering of people was beneficial to God's children because it gives today's covenant people an opportunity for mission work and to spread the message of the gospel all over the world.


Heavenly Father wants His people to be gathered once again spiritually and physically as they prepare for the Savior's return.  The Israelites are being gathered spiritually first through missionary work.  Spiritually we are gathering as we join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where we make and keep sacred covenants with Heavenly Father.  At some point in time, the covenant people will then gather physically in the lands of promise (See: 2 Nephi 9:2).  This physical gathering of Israel will not be complete until the Second Coming of the Savior.


Until the physical gathering occurs, the modern prophets have taught Church members to build up the kingdom of God in their own lands.  People can have the knowledge of the Lord brought to them without leaving their homelands.  Many sisters contributed their views of where they feel Zion is located.  One sister thoughtfully reminded us that in its simplest state, Zion starts in the home.  On a broader scale, the Church believes that Zion is wherever righteous Saints reside.


Thank you to the sisters who contributed their stories on Sunday of being converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is important as sisters of the Church that we continue to build up one another with spiritual strength as we continue to gather as the House of Israel.


Additional Scriptures:
Genesis 17:1-8 (God's covenant with Abraham)
2 Nephi 30:2; Mosiah 5:10-11 (becoming the Lord's covenant people)
James 1:1 (twelve tribes scattered abroad)
1 Nephi 15:13-18; 3 Nephi 21:26-29 (gathering starts with Restoration of the gospel)
Isaiah 11:11-13 (the Lord will recover his people)
D&C 133: 6-15 (Gentiles to Zion)

Creche Festival: December 2nd

The Grants Pass Stake Center (1969 Williams Hwy, Grants Pass, OR) will be hosting a beautiful display of Nativity scenes on Friday, December 2nd from 5pm to 9pm.  Come share the holiday spirit with people in the community to remember what the Christmas season is really all about. 


If you would like to volunteer to make simple cookies/desserts, set-up for the event, or if you'd like to have your Creche on display, please look for the sign-up sheets circulating during church on Sundays.  We look forward to seeing you there!


   

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Progressive Dinner: November 8th

Mark your calendars, ladies!  Tuesday, November 8th from 5:30 to 9pm, we will be having a Progressive Dinner for Riverside Ward RS sisters.  (*Non-member friends always welcome!)  Come join us for a wonderful evening of socializing and great food.  


The night will begin with an appetizer of soup/salad, followed by a main course, and then finish with dessert.  Each of the three courses will be served at a different home throughout the evening.  (The locations have yet to be determined, so stay tuned for updates regarding directions/addresses to the three homes we'll be visiting.)


The activities committee will work on organizing a carpool for GP and Rogue River sisters, to make traveling between the host homes easier.  Tentatively, the GP sisters needing to carpool will meet at the GP Stake Center around 5pm to head to Rogue River for the first course.  The Rogue River sisters will then arrange a carpool from the first home to the second, which will probably be in Grants Pass.   


If you have any questions, please leave a comment, send an email to Riversidewardrs@gmail.com, or talk to a sister on the activities committee :)  Can't wait to see everyone there!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Christmas in July was a Success!

What a fun and uplifting way to spend a Saturday!  With Christmas music playing in the background and so many great Christmas gifts to make, we almost forgot that it was 75+ degrees outside and the middle of summer!  The grilled burgers and hot-dogs tasted great, as did the wonderful variety of sides and desserts. 

I forgot to take pictures of the final results of the crafts, but hopefully some of the sisters will be willing to share their finished products with us during a Sunday meeting in the near future :)  

Next time, we definitely hope to get more sisters involved (isn't this always the goal of Relief Society??), but the food was great, the company was wonderful, and the crafts all turned out amazing!  We have some very talented ladies here in the Rogue Valley :)  Thanks for all the hard work by the planning committee and thank you to everyone who made this event so terrific!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Christmas in July is Almost Here

Only a few more days until the "Christmas in July" Relief Society crafting event at the GP Stake Center.  Feel free to invite friends and if you (or someone you know) needs a ride to the event, please e-mail us at RiversideWardRS@gmail.com so we can help make transportation arrangements.  Can't wait to see you all there!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Crafting Details for July 9th Activity

Here are all the measurements and details regarding the crafting activities for the Christmas in July! RS event.  Please, don't forget to sign up for which crafts you'll be doing and don't forget to bring a side dish or dessert for the BBQ if you plan on attending that as well.  Thanks and we look forward to seeing you there!

"Sausage" Pillowcase
  • Bring washed and trimmed (squared edge) contrasting fabric 44-45 inches wide
  • 27" for the body 
  • 10" for the cuff
  • 2" for the trim
Children's Tutu
  • Scissors
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • 4 yards of tulle in any color or various colors (3 yards for baby)
  • 20" of elastic for waist (or strechy adult head band) or measure your child's waist beforehand
Hand Bag
  • Pins
  • Ruler
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine (some will be provided, but will be shared)
  • 2 contrasting cotton fabrics (1 yard of each: 2 pieces - 14"x30" & 1 piece - 7"x28")
  • Loop with button enclosure or velcro
Tote Bag
  • Cut and bring: 1/2 yard of 54" wide home decor. fabric for outside of tote (Cut 2-13"x15" front, 1-8"x13" bottom, 2-8"x15" sides)
  • Cut and bring: 2/3 yard of 54" wide contrasting home decor. fabric or canvas for inside of tote (Cut 2-13"x15" front, 1-8"x13" bottom, 2-8"x15" sides, 2-4"x52" handles)
Advent Candle
  • ~$1 per candle (to be paid for at activity)
  • Paints should be supplied
Picture Block
  • ~$2-4 per block  (to be paid for at activity)
  • Bring own 4"x4" pictures (Either printed professionally or by laser jet printer b/c ink jet pictures smear)
  • Stamp pad ink for coloring the edge of block (optional)
Birthday Calendar
  • ~$3 per calendar  (to be paid for at activity)
  • Scrapbooking paper is optional b/c there will be some provided
  • Scissors, stickers, stamps, or hole punches also optional

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

RS Temple Baptism Trip Tonight!

Don't forget the temple baptism trip is tonight!  Meet at the Medford Temple at 6:00pm so that we can be prepared for the session starting at 6:30pm.  If you weren't able to sign up for the carpool leaving from GP Stake Center, comment to this post or send an e-mail to RiversideWardRS@gmail.com before 4:30pm so the activity committee can make sure you have transportation.  Those in the Rogue River carpool will meet at Umpqua bank in RR at 5:30pm.  

Friday, June 24, 2011

Don't forget!

If you have a Facebook account, keep in touch through our page "Riverside Ward Relief Society" for details, reminders, and pictures of activities and projects that are posted on the wall regularly.  Joining that group is another great way to interact with the ward sisters through posting ideas and announcements on the group wall to keep us all up-to-date!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Summer Fun with Relief Society!

The Riverside Relief Society has two exciting activities coming up in the next couple of weeks that we'd love for you all to attend!  Now that summer is here, we know that schedules get busy with traveling and family events, so don't forget to make time for yourselves and enjoy the upcoming activities:


June 28th (Tuesday): RS Temple Baptisms @ the Medford Temple

  • Session prep starts at 6:00pm, session will begin at 6:30pm
  • Carpools:
    • Grants Pass is meeting at the Stake Center @ 5:15pm
    • Rogue River is meeting at Umpqua Bank @ 5:30pm
  • Please sign-up if you'll be joining us and if you can help with the carpools 


July 9th (Saturday): Super Saturday - Christmas in July! @ the GP Stake Center
  • 10am-3pm 
    • Craft instruction at 10:30am and 1:30pm
    • BBQ/Potluck lunch served between 12pm and 1pm
  • Crafting Activities:
    • Tote and Hand Bags 
      • Bring pre-cut fabric
    • Children's Tutus 
      • Bring tulle and elastic bands
    • Picture Blocks
      • Blocks provided ($)
      • Bring pictures (4x4) professionally printed or laser-jet printed (no ink-jet print outs, the ink will run!)
    • Advent Candles
      • Candles and paint provided ($)
    • Pillow Cases
      • Bring pre-cut fabric
    • Birthday Calendar
      • Calendars provided ($)
      • Bring favorite scrap-booking material for decorating
  • Please sign-up before July 7th for the crafts you would like to make and indicate how many you'd like to do of each. Also, if possible, please sign up to make a side dish or a dessert for the potluck portion of the BBQ.

*Reminder* 
You don't need to be a member to attend Christmas in July!  So bring along your friends and take advantage of this great missionary opportunity.

*Note*  Sign-up sheets are passed around during church, but you can also sign-up via our Facebook event pages or by e-mailing RiversideWardRS@gmail.com