Christmas Activity Ideas and Recipes

  Warm Cranberry Apple Cider

Into a crock pot or stock pot.

2 litres cranberry juice  (1.89 litre bottles sold)

3 litres of apple juice

dark brown sugar to taste (about 3/4cup )

3 bags of Celestial Seasonings "Bengal Spice"

1 piece of orange peel (no pith )

1 1/2  cups water

2 tab Mulling Spices  ( Epicure )

Fresh Lemon , sliced

I steeped the Bengal Spice, orange peel and mulling spices in the 1

1/2 cups of boiling water and let sit for 1/2 to 1 hour to get the strongest flavors out of them before adding to the fruit juices. Let heat through with juices til hot.  Then added the lemon slices before serving.

Roasted Chick Pea Recipes

-Here for Spicy Garlic Peas

-Here for Honey Roasted

-Here for Moroccan Spiced

Cocktail Crisps

1 C Butter

8 oz. Imperial Cheese ( sharp cheddar )

Dash of Salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 1/2 C Flour

4 C Rice Krispies

Cream butter and cheese together.  Add seasonings.  Beat in flour then add rice Krispies.  Mix well.  Shape into balls.  Press down with a fork which has been dipped in cold water.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned.  Makes about 4 dozen.  Freezes well.

Sun -Dried Tomato Dip

8 oz light spreadable cream cheese

2 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp lemon juice

1/4 C finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 C fresh basil, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise and lemon juice together in a bowl. 

Add tomatoes, basil and garlic and mix well.  Let sit for at least 1 hour before serving.  Serve with crackers or bagel chips.    

Activity Advent Calendar

The purpose of this activity advent calendar is to get the family doing things together, having fun, and thinking about Christ during the holiday season (instead of just eating chocolates… which is also good).

The instructions included are to make a matchstick box/ cookie sheet advent calendar in which each activity can be placed, but it isn’t necessary.  You can put the activities in any kind of advent calendar you like.

Materials:

-          An old cookie sheet/ tray (if it’s not magnetic, you can paint it with magnetic paint)

-          24 matchstick boxes

-          Scrapbooking/ wrapping paper

-          Number stickers/ cutouts (or you can just write them on if you like)

-          Modge podge/ glue

-          Ribbon

-          Magnetic tape (one side is sticky, the other side is a magnet

-          The activities for your calendar cut into small pieces

Instructions:

-          If your tray doesn’t have a handle, you will need to drill two holes it in for the ribbon to go through so you can hang it on the wall.

-          Paint your tray (I used red Spray paint) (If you need to, prime your tray with several coats of magnetic primer before you paint it)

-          Cover your boxes in Christmas paper (I used modge podge to do this, but you can use glue or tape)

-          Decorate the boxes with the numbers 1-24 for the calendar

-          Fill the boxes each with an activity idea

-          Place a small magnet on the back of each box

-          Attach the boxes on your tray however you want and you’re good to go!

Possible Activities to Include:

1.       Take Family Photos (for Christmas Cards)

2.       Listen to Christmas Music

3.       Make Christmas Cards

4.       Read a Christmas Story

5.       Wrap Christmas Gifts

6.       Make a New Christmas Ornament/ Decoration

7.       Colour a Christmas Picture

8.       Build a Snowman/ Make paper Snowflakes

9.       Make Hot Chocolate

10.   Make a Treat

11.   Watch a Christmas Movie

12.   Go out for a Christmas Treat

13.   Do Service for Another Family Member

14.   Drive Around to Look at Lights

15.   Go Visit Santa Claus

16.   Do Service for Someone in Need

17.   Call Grandma/ Grandpa and sing a Christmas Song

18.   Take Gifts to Teachers/ Friends

19.   Make Homemade Gifts

20.   Read the Christmas Story in the Bible

21.   Watch The Nativity/ Finding Faith in Christ

22.   Read “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

23.   Make a Gingerbread House

24.   Make Cookies for a Neighbour

25.   Watch the Church’s Christmas Broadcast

26.   Decorate the Tree

27.   Sing Christmas Carols 

Click here to go to the Paper Snowflake Templates

Announcements for 12/05/11

Dear Sisters,
This is what is coming up;

• The Ward Christmas Party will be at 5:30 on Saturday, Dec  10th beginning at 5:30 pm.  You should already be signed up and will be receiving more detailed information soon.
• There is a senior's luncheon from 11-1 on Dec 14th at the church.
• Congratulations to the Johnson family; they welcomed a new little girl last Wednesday.  Her name is Naomi Grace.
• This week's lesson is Gospel Principles Chapter 46 -The Final Judgement
• The cleaning responsibilities for this week go to the Hillis, Isfeld, Taylor and Anderson Families.
• Also, please email any recipes, handouts our instructions from last Wednesday evening's activity to the Relief Society so we can post them on the blog for everyone to access- (Please and Thanks!).

Have a great week, With love, Sister Hodacsek

Announcements for 11/27/11

Dear Sisters,
The announcements are-

• Wednesday Nov 30th is our RS Christmas activity.  We will be meeting at the church at 6:30 for singing, idea sharing and snacking.  Please bring goodies for Lily House (purchased items please)
• The Christmas Devotional broadcast is at 5 pm next Sunday, Dec 4th.
• The ward Christmas Party is planned for Saturday, Dec 10th.  The festivities will begin at 5:30 pm at various member homes, then continue at the church for a short program and dessert at 7:00 pm Please be sure to sign up on the announcement in the hallway.
• The RS lesson next week is President Monson's talk from October "Stand in Holy Places"
• The Grant, Barrick, Chrismas, McCreadie, Nakashima and Jenkins families are responsible for cleaning the building this week.

Have a great week, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Temple Recommends

FYI-For those who require the Stake Presidency to sign a Temple Recommend; The Stake Presidency will be available after Stake Conference on Oct 23rd in the stake offices.

Announcements for 10/17/11

Dear Sisters-

• Wed Oct 19th is the Family History workshop at the church.  The young Women will be joining us and Soup/rolls will be provided.  Bring your laptop if you can and be there at 6 pm.
• Next week end is Stake Conference in Nanaimo.  The adult session is Saturday 7-9pm and the General Session is Sunday 11-1.
  
• There is a ward adult activity to be held on the 28th at 6pm.  We will have a potluck, please wear your funniest, ugliest or most unique sweater and or hat . . .so start digging around in those dark recesses of your closets.
• It is time to start thinking about who will need Christmas hampers this year, submit names to Phebe.
• Nov 4th is the Dump truck parade to benefit Lily house, start gathering small items (toiletries etc.) to donate.   We should also remember to bring toilet paper, and start gathering Christmas goodies to donate to them.

From Sister Arnott-
Do you know any responsible renters that would be interested in a newly renovated, one bedroom cabin located in Fanny Bay at Ships Point on ocean front property next door to the Arnott's for $700 a month? Utilities included. 

Call Brother or Sister Arnott for info.

Have a good week,
Sister Maggie Hodacsek

October 10th Announcements

 Dear Sisters-

•  Leah P. would like to extend a huge thank you to the sisters who brought her meals while she has been recovering from her surgery.
  
• There have been some changes to visiting teaching. If you did not recieve a new slip of paper, then your route is the same. If you have new sisters on your route, please make sure you call them to let them know that you are their new visiting teacher, especially if you are not able to get out and see them this month.
  
• Diane N. has the following items to give away, please call her or email her if you are interested.
  
  • canning jars
    
  • punch bowl set
    
  • heat tray
    
  • corelle dishes
    
  • 2 kitchen chairs
    
  • 2 stereo speakers
    
  • glass top coffee table and 2 end tables
    
  • crystal bowl
    
• We have stake conference coming up on Oct 22nd and 23rd in Nanaimo
  

Please see the flyer about our upcoming activity on October 19th
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

October Activity

Relief Society Activity

The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn

 

Wednesday, October 19^th 6 pm

 

Come and let us warm your heart with the Spirit of Elijah

 

• Hearty soup and buns served
  
• You are welcome to bring your laptop
  

 

 

Many of you may think family history work is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. You are sons and daughters of God, children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family.

 

The Lord has made available in our day remarkable resources that enable you to learn about and love this work that is sparked by the Spirit of Elijah. For example, FamilySearch is a collection of records, resources, and services easily accessible with personal computers and a variety of handheld devices, designed to help people discover and document their family history.

 

As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded throughout your lives.

October 2011 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     Oct 2011

Dear Sisters,

Once again it is the season of thanks giving. The following is an excerpt from the General Relief Society Meeting of last month-

"The Power of Knowing "Why"

My dear sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us.

While understanding the "what" and the "how" of the gospel is necessary, the eternal fire and majesty of the gospel springs from the "why." When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet.

Let us not walk the path of discipleship with our eyes on the ground, thinking only of the tasks and obligations before us. Let us not walk unaware of the beauty of the glorious earthly and spiritual landscapes that surround us. 

My dear sisters, seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The "what" and "how" of obedience marks the way, yes, and it keeps us on the right path. But the "why" of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into the majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration. " —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

My sincere hope and prayer is that each of us will remember to follow President Uchtdorf's counsel; to seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the "why" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can then add this great knowledge to the many other blessings for which we are thankful.

 

With love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

 

 

 

 

Important Dates-

1-2    General Conference

10    Thanksgiving

22-23    Nanaimo Stake Conference

31    Halloween

 

 

October Lessons-

2         General Conference

9        Gospel Principles – Lesson 42 The Gathering of the House of Israel

16        Gospel Principles- Lesson 43 Signs of the Second Coming

22-23        Stake Conference

30        Bishopric Lesson

 

October Birthdays

 

 

1    Jillian G.

1    Jodi M.

1    Robin K.

8    Christine D.

9    Laurie M.

10    Rachel P.

13    Audrie A.

14    Shirley B.

14    Sandra S.

21    Noreen Q.

23    Marilyn M.

28    Amy C.

30    Laura R.

 

October Visiting Teaching Message- If We Do Not Doubt

 

Easy Opportunities to Serve-

• Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School
  
• Non-perishable food/toiletries for Lilli House
  

  
   

Scripture Study- 12:30 on Wednesdays at Sister Tyskerud's, please call to confirm.

 

Groceries for our Missionaries- There is a basket in the kitchen and a grocery list on their dinner appointment calendar – the elders appreciate your help. Frozen food or perishables should be left in the kitchen refrigerator or freezer for them.

Announcements for 9/26/11

Dear Sisters,

There seems to be a lot happening right now-

• There is a missionary homecoming at the Comox Airport on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm.  Be there to welcome Perry Johnson (Sister Jordon's grandson) home from his mission.
• The Jenkins welcomed their daughter, Noelle Alexis into their family on September 22nd.  Congratulations!
• General Conference is this week end- YAY!
• Saturday, between conference there will be a "welcome home" potluck for Elder P. Johnson in the Cultural Hall.
•  There is a baby shower for Hilary and her new daughter, Emma.  It will be at Glenda's house on October 5th at 7:00 pm.  Call her for directions, if you need them Hope to see lots of you there.
• Lily House still needs our support; please bring items in to the RS room when you come to see Conference this week-end.

Also, the RS is responsible for the October Ward Activity night, does anyone have any preferences on what they would like to see for this? The RS Presidency is eager for your input and ideas!

One last thing that Sister J Johnson would like to made known-

I have two pianos, which is one too many, so I am selling a beautiful used piano for $400.

It was refurbished about 4 years ago.
It needs a tune up after it is moved, but it will hold the tune for years.
Contact Jennifer

Have a good week everyone!  Hope you all stay warm and dry!

With love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

September 2011 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     Sept 2011

The Seed of Character

Have you ever wondered why you don't have a fruit tree in your backyard without ever having planted a fruit seed? Does it ever seem like you are trying your hardest to bear the fruits of a Christ like character, but get frustrated at the lack of 'fruit'?

Instead of focusing and getting frustrated at the seemingly million character traits to improve, how would you like to focus on one thing? This one thing will improve behavior more than focusing on behavior will improve behavior. The answer is found in Psalms 19:7: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." So how can the law of the Lord change me? What is it about feasting on the word of God that can actually change my natural-man tendencies into a more enlightened, loving, glorious daughter of my Heavenly Father?

The answer lies in planting seeds. The prophet Alma said, "…we will compare the word to a seed." So what is the seed? The word of God contained in the scriptures! Once you plant the seed by feasting on the words contained in the scriptures, it will not only enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding and expand your mind, but it will begin to be delicious to you. We will enjoy reading the scriptures more! With continued nourishment the seed will grow into a tree of life with fruit that is exceedingly white, sweet, and pure – "a tree springing up into everlasting life" (Alma 32:26-42). The tree of life grows within each person to change his or her heart and soul.

"Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14) If we have planted the seed already, are we feeling the joy that comes from bearing much fruit or have we neglected the seed? Changes in the heart and soul occur as a result of planting and nourishing the seed. If we took as much care of the seeds of character as a master gardener would take care of their seeds, we would see much fruit. In other words, we would begin to create a more Christ-like character as our hearts and minds digest Gods' words.

So how can I make sure that I nourish the seed as a study the scriptures?

1. Study for a set amount of time rather than a certain number of chapters or verses. It is recommended to study for at least 30 minutes a day.
   
2. Pray before you begin. Prayer invites revelation.
   
3. Keep a scripture journal. Since the spirit speaks to our mind and heart, we will recognize the spirit more in our lives when we record what we feel and think as we search the scriptures.
   

 

"Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to the Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances the likelihood of your receiving further light." (Richard G. Scott, "Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, " Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86)                         (Continued on back)

Write anything that moves your soul – questions, comments, thoughts that you get as you read verses in the scriptures or attend class or walk by the river. Copy down some of the verses word for word. Write about the things the spirit is teaching you.

After you have nourished the seed by your diligence you will begin to see much 'fruit or blessings flow into your life. Ezra Taft Benson said, "I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book or Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope and charity – the pure love of Christ – will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness" Ensign, May 1980, p.67).

I know that if we make our scripture study the foundation for our day that we will draw closer to God in our thoughts, and our actions - creating a more Christ like character.

Love, Nicole Anderson    

 

September Lessons:

4     RS Presidency Message

11    Gospel Principles – Lesson 40 Temple Work & Family History

18    Gospel Principles- Lesson 41 The Postmortal Spirit World

25    TFOT- Elder David A. Bednar "The Spirit of Revelation"

 

September Birthdays:

 

Alisa D            1

Jessica D        3

Hannah W        3

Julie L            4

Gladys Z        7

Carol Lee H        9

Erin L            14

Edith M        14

Shirley P        14

Catherine T        20

Alice N            24

 

 

Sept. Visiting Teaching Message: Strengthening Families by Increasing Spirituality

Scripture Study: 12:30 on Wednesdays at Sister Tyskerud's, please call to confirm.

 

Announcements for 9/5/11

Dear Sisters,
 Here are the announcements for this week; hopefully I haven't missed anything-

• Wednesday scripture study at the Tyskerude's will be resuming this week (12:30).  Call to RSVP
• Friday 9th at 6pm is the annual corn roast- bring friends and a potluck salad.  The YW will also be holding a silent auction to raise funds to cover Girl's Camp costs.
  
• Saturday the 10th we have Stake leadership in Nanaimo from 2-4:30.  All presidencies including secretaries are supposed to attend.
• Sunday Sept 11th there is a CES broadcast at the church.
• Seminary begins September 12th.
• Sister Lowery has a couch and love seat to give away.
• Be sure to sign up for the Day of service food drive, happening 12-17.
  

Have a great week!

Announcements for 8/23/11

Dear Sisters,

• There is a baby shower for Sister Jenkins (one of our new sisters!) this Friday night at 7pm;  Please RSVP to Judith at 400-0892.
• The Boshe grain order forms are available in the RS room.  Contact Sister Tyskerude with questions.
• Don't forget the Day of Service coming up in September.

Have a great week, with love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Announcements for 8/14/11

Dear Sisters,

The announcements this week-

Wed the 17th at 6pm is our Picnic-by-the-Sea at Filberg Park in Comox.  Please bring a chair and a dish to share.

These are websites, we would encourage all Ward members to visit regarding the upcoming annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.  If you would like more info regarding our service project,  please contact Sister Tyskerud -

BCTFD on the web:http://www.bctfooddrive.org 

BCTFD on facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/BC-Thanksgiving-Food-Drive/212576298780347

BCTFD on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/bctfd

*please note that our twitter tag is @bctfd

Also,  Sister Tyskerud is giving out lists for the Grain order coming up in September.  If you didn't get one, check the RS room or call her.

Have a great week!  With love, Sister Hodacsek

Announcements for 8/8/11

The announcements for this week are

1) the RS potluck at Filberg Park (invitations were distributed on Sunday) - remember to give invitations or information to the sisters you visit teach.

2) Milena Russel is having jaw surgery on Tuesday and prayers are appreciated.

3) Diane Nakashima's mother passed away and she will be gone to Winnepeg for two weeks. All compassionate service will be handled through Sister May

Have a great week!

The Friendship-er Aug 2011

 

 

Time to Get up and Goal

When it is my turn to do the presidency message in Relief Society, I am prayerful and very careful when I am reading the scriptures, the Ensign, or other church material. I always have a prayer in my heart that pleads.... "Heavenly Father, what do myself and the sisters need instruction on." I was surprised what came very clearly to me in the past few weeks. I have been impressed to talk about setting goals. This may seem strange since it is only the beginning of August and typically goal setting talks or lessons are given in January or the beginning of September…. Oh wait! September is here in less than a month!! September is a time of new beginnings and new routines. I like to have a clear idea of where I am headed when September starts, but its best that it doesn't creep up on me. In other words, if September starts in a month, then I have to start thinking about what I want my life to look like and be like right now. This means I have to start thinking about setting goals.

So, yes, it's only August and I don't want to come down hard on myself, or you, but it is important to discuss setting goals of each kind in our lives – personal health goals, family goals, financial goals, and last but certainly NOT least - spiritual goals. "We don't achieve our desires, either in development of talents or in life itself, by accident. While life will ultimately take us to our final destination, it is planning that helps determine whether that destination is the one we wanted. The right kinds of goals might make the difference." (taken from a Random Sampler on LDS.org)

The truth is, I have been really lacking at setting goals in my life in the past few years and I am looking forward to being a new and improved goal setting sister. I am really looking forward to seeing the results of the careful planning and following through of my goals and I hope you are too. Johann Sebastian Bach spoke of his great talent once saying "I had to work hard. Anyone who works as hard will get just as far."

Everyone has talents to develop and perfect. But to do that, each person must decide what she wants to do, plan how to do it, and then work hard. I pray that we will all have the desire to set goals for our betterment, and follow through on them. Won't it be wonderful to be proud of ourselves while also feeling that we are pleasing the Lord?

Much Love,

Sister Phebe May

Important Dates:

1    BC Day

17    RS "Picnic by the Sea"

    

 

August Lessons:

6     RS Presidency Message

13    Gospel Principles – Lesson 36 The Family Can be Eternal

20    Gospel Principles- Lesson 37 Family Responibilities

27    TFOT- "The Sanctifying Work of Welfare" pg 81 May 2011 Ensign

 

 

Service Projects:

Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;

Boomer hats for babies;

Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House

Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see in the RS room for more information)

 

 

August Birthdays:

Amy L.        10

Glenda H.    19

Marie D.    26    

Debbie S.    29

 

 

 

Groceries for our Missionaries: There is a basket in the kitchen – the elders appreciate your help. Frozen food or perishables should be left in the frig./freezer. There is also a dinner calendar circulating, they would love to share messages and a meal with you and your family.

 

Aug. Visiting Teaching Message: A Society of Holy Women    

Scripture Study: Wednesdays at Sister Tyskerud's will resume in the fall. . .

If you require baptismal clothing, please contact Sister Britton

 

 

Announcements for 7/18/11

Dear Sisters,
This week we have;

• A walk to  Nymph Falls.  Meet at the church at 6pm on Wed July 20th.
• Saturday, July 23rd is the Pioneer Commemorative Broadcast 6pm at the church.
• Sunday's Lesson is "Waiting on the Road to Damascus" by Pres. Uchtdorf (pg 70 Ensign)

Coming on August 17th, we will have the potluck-by-the-sea at Filberg Park.
Also, don't forget to bring a roll of toilet paper for donation to the transition house.
Thanks and have a good week!
 With love, Sister Hodacsek

Announcements for 6/27/11

Dear Sisters,

The announcements are;

• July 1 potluck- Please bring your own place settings and a large dish of food to share (you should bring at least as many servings as you do people).  Dessert will be provided, so please bring a salad or main dish.
• Wed. July 20th or RS Activity will include a walk to Nymph Falls.

Have a great week-
Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Announcements for 6/20/11

Dear Sisters,
The announcements this week are;

• The Young Women are looking for a sister to go to camp with them July 5th-8th.  If you are interested and available please contact Michelle W.
• Thanks to the sisters who forsook the hockey game to sing for the seniors last week.  It was greatly appreciated.
• There is a Pot Luck bar-b-que at the Lavoie's place in honor of a visit by Sister Barfass and her family who will be in the area that day.  The gathering is on Saturday at around 6pm (after Stake Priesthood in Nanaimo).  The LaVoie's will be providing the meat, so please RSVP to Amy with numbers and what you will be contributing to the meal.

Have a good week,
with love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Announcements for 6/13/11

Dear Sisters,
This week's announcements-

• Wednesday June 15:  Signing for The Seniors.  Meet at the church at 6:15 (bring snacks)
• Friday June 17:  Adult Potluck and Bunko Evening at the Church starting at 6:00p.m. for potluck.  Contact Primary or YW Presidencies for more info.
• Saturday June 18th there is a ward missionary activity-bring your friends to Airport Elementary for a kickball game and dessert at the LaVoie's.
• Saturday June 25th Sister Barfass (and parents) will be visiting, there will be a bar-b-que at the LaVoie's.  More info to follow
• The last weekly Scripture study at Sister Tyskerud's will be held on June 22nd, they will commence in the fall.
  
• Also, Sister Tyskerud would like me to remind everyone to keep in mind the grain order that will be made in September.

Have a great week, with love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

The June Friendship-er

The Friendship-er June 2011

Dear Sisters,

Attending Woman’s Conference last Saturday was a spiritual feast. The theme “Daughter’s of a King” reminded each of us that we are loved by our Heavenly Father.  He knows us personally and wants to help us return to him.

After attending conference I felt that I needed to share this same message in our

RS lesson. You are needed, valued and loved and our Heavenly Father is always there with an out stretched hand .  I remembered reading a talk called “Come Unto Me” given by Jeffrey R Holland, Ensign April 1998, sometime ago.  And felt Elder Holland shared this same message beautifully.

Elder Holland quotes Elder James E Talmage.....“Into every adult human life come experiences like unto the battling of the storm-tossed voyagers with contrary winds and threatening seas; ofttimes the night of struggle and danger is far advanced before succor appears; and then, too frequently the saving aid is mistaken for a greater terror. [But,] as came unto [these disciples] in the midst of the turbulent waters, so comes to all who toil in faith, the voice of the Deliverer—’It is I; be not afraid’” (Jesus the Christ [1916], 337).

Elder Talmage used the word succor. Do you know its meaning? It is used often in the scriptures to describe Christ’s care for and attention to us. It means literally “to run to.” What a magnificent way to describe the Savior’s urgent effort in our behalf! Even as he calls us to come to him and follow him, he is unfailingly running to help.

My hope is that each and every one of you know how loved you are.

Love,

Sister Robin Kramer

Important Dates:

11         Scripture Bowl/Seminary Grad (Victoria)

15        Singing for the Seniors @ Casa Loma

19        Father’s Day 

          

June Lessons:

5          Presidency Message

12        Gospel Principles- Lesson #34 Developing our Talents

19        Gospel Principles- Lesson #35 Obedience

26        TFOT-  To be announced

Service Projects:

Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;

Boomer hats for babies;

Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House

Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see in the RS room for more information)

June Birthdays:

1           Lori F.

4          Shawn J.

5          Tammy B.

8          Jane F.

10         Loni P.

14         Angela Q.

16         Sheri W.

17         Judy W.

17         Esther W.

18         Robin L.

19         Valerie W.

19         Susan W.

21         Beth B.

23        Trisha T.

27        Francis H.

27        Judith W.

30        Michelle D.

Groceries for our Missionaries:  There is a basket in the kitchen – the elders appreciate your help.  Frozen food or perishables should be left in the frig/freezer.  There is also a dinner calendar circulating, they would love to share messages and a meal with you and your family.

June Visiting Teaching Message: Strengthening Families through Temporal Self-Reliance