September Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     Sept 2012

 

 

Providing in the Lord's Way

When I had just had my third baby we lived in a house that had a magnificent apple tree in the front yard. The apples were plentiful and delicious. This particular fall though, I couldn't look at that apple tree without feeling totally overwhelmed. I just didn't have time to harvest the fruit and make the most of the free food growing in my front yard. It was painful for me to watch each apple drop to the ground as I sat inside the house with three young children who seemed to need me every second of the day.
One afternoon Sister Pedersen came to the door. She had a small gift that she had made for the baby. I gratefully accepted it. She asked me how I was doing. I said I was managing just fine. "What an amazing apple tree you have in the front yard," she said. "I know," I said. "I do plan to get out there to gather the apples to make apple sauce one day soon . I am just finding it really hard to find the time." "Do you mind if I take a few home with me," she said. "Of course," I said, "take as many as you want Sister Pedersen."
The next day, Sister Pedersen knocked on the door again. In her arms was a big box of plastic containers full of apple sauce. "What's this?" I asked. "It's apple sauce, for your freezer," she said. I then realized that after I closed the door the day before, Sister Pedersen had gathered all the apples that she could from our tree. She then went home and made apple sauce for me. I got a tear in my eye as I realized that Sister Pedersen had really sensed the anguish I felt over wasting that fruit. Although my dilemma could seem trivial, she had sincere compassion for me.
This sister was a great example to me of what is means to serve with compassion. In reality, we can serve every day of our lives, but without compassion. The Lord requires our service to be compassionate. Our spiritual progress is inseparably bound together with the temporal service we give to others. Our greatest goal should be to feel the compassion that our Savior felt for those he served. It is not our job to judge the importance of other's needs. Our objective is to serve with compassion and love. May this be a great desire within our hearts.
Love Sister Phebe May

 
 
 
Important Dates-
1    Ward Corn Roast
8    Stake Priesthood & Auxiliary Leadership
15    Regional Day of Service (Food Drive)
29    General RS Meeting
30    Fast Sunday

 
September Lessons:
2     RS Presidency Message
9    George Albert Smith Ch. 17- The Strengthening Power of Faith
16    George Albert Smith Ch. 16- Stay on the Lord's Side of the Line
23    TFOT- President Thomas S. Monson "The Race of Life"-
Page 90 Ensign

30    To be Determined by Bishopric


 
 
September Birthdays:

 
Alisa D.    1
Jessica D.    3
Julie L.        4
Gladys Z.    7
Carol Lee H.    9
Erin L.        14
Edith M.    14
Shirley P.    14
Catherine T.    20
Laura B.    24
Alice N.    24
 

 

Sept. Visiting Teaching Message: Taking Action in Time of Need

Canada Day 2012

Happy Canada Day Sisters!

• Laura B. is moving tomorrow and may still need a little help, pleas contact Sister Schick for details.
• We are having a "day after Canada Day, Canada Day" ward potluck tomorrow.  Be at the church at 5 with the usual potluck paraphernalia.
• Contact Sister Nakashima about meals for the Avery Family.  They only need 2 large frozen meals per month. In addition, several smaller frozen meals for Dawn would be nice, as she works with James in Rehab.
• The Bishop (and Christine) are holding an open house at their new home, Saturday July 7th at 5 pm. No need to bring anything except yourselves.
• We have a ward camp out planned for July 20-21 at Camp Gilwell (click for a map). The cost is $3.00 per person.  Bring you campin' stuff and let's have some fun!

 
Have a great week, with love,
Sister Hodacsek

Announcements June, 11 2012

 Dear Sisters,

• Tomorrow, Tues 12th- 7pm @ the Kramer's- Double baby shower for Amy (Samuel) and Michelle (Sirena).  Bring a lawn chair  & treats to share. Everyone is welcome (YW too).
• Phebe spoke with Amy about what she needs for her new son. She said in general that she doesn't feel needy at all, but that she doesn't have much for Samuel to wear right now. So clothes from 0 to 3 months are a good idea and so are diapers. Aside from that, she said what she really needs is for people to take her other little ones for fun outings to the park or something. Her mother is here for this week, so they are okay for meals... but visitors who would like to distract Luella and Reuben for a while are very welcome.            
• This is what Michelle said when asked what she needs- " really we don’t need anything. I have even thought of asking people to donate to some charity for mothers and babes – maybe Lily House. I couldn’t even come up with a suggestion for you. We could just have a birth-day party for the social aspect – no gifts"
   Most of us are not comfortable showing up at any kind of birthday party without a gift, so instead of getting her something she already has, I would suggest diapers, a gift certificate, baked things for the freezer AND maybe a donation to Lily House or the pregnancy care center? If there is another charity you would like to donate to, do it in Sirena's name.
• June 15th (this Friday night) There is a Ward Adult Activity-  Potluck 6:30 @ the church, followed by bowling, then ice cream.
• June 26th (Tues)  The RS activity will be at the Bison Farm-See attachment-
• June 29th (Fri)  There will be a combination grad (Dax)/missionary farewell (Adam) at the Hodacsek's.  Meat, beverages and chili to be provided, bring a side, salad or a dessert to share.

Have a good week, with love, Sister Hodacsek

Announcements June 6, 2012

Dear Sisters-

• Tues June 12th, 7pm there is a double baby shower at the Kramer's for Michelle and Amy.  Bring a lawn chair and a treat to share.
  
• Tues June 26 we will have the RS Activity out at the Bison farm.  It will be a BBQ and scarf making activity.  You will need a man's T shirt to make the scarf.  More details to follow. . .
• The Lavoie family welcomed a new son on Monday (Samuel Quinn, I believe)
• Christine has sent us a photo of her baptism, thanks for the picture and Congratulations to her!

with Love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

June 2012 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     June 2012

 

 Dear Sisters,
When we moved into our home last year we were excited to find that we had a cherry tree. I was happy to find out that it was also a vigorous producer of one of my favorite summer treats. This last week I noticed that one of the branches had shriveled leaves and looked like it had a bug. My immediate reaction was to get rid of that branch completely so that the rest of the tree wouldn't become affected. I did not delay and immediately gave that branch to my yard waste container. My hope was to preserve the fruit that is good so I can enjoy another abundant harvest.
That experience made me think about our own lives. Are we just as quick to strip ourselves from those things that cause us harm to our emotional, physical and spiritual lives? What emotions are infesting your soul at this time? Is there something that you are ingesting that is physically toxic or depletes your energy? Have been you feeling spiritually apathetic? "If you have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
"Our Heavenly Father sent us not to earth to fail, but to succeed gloriously." (Richard G. Scott)
"Individual willpower, personal determination and motivation, effective planning and goal setting are necessary but ultimately insufficient for us to triumphantly complete this mortal journey. Truly, we must come to rely on the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah." (Henry B. Eyring, see also 2 Nephi 2:8)
I know that as we repent and seek strength through sincere prayer we will be enabled to bring forth 'good fruit.' This will not only make our own journey more enjoyable but will cause others to rejoice in the 'fruit' borne.
Who's ready for a good 'harvest' this year?

With love, Sister Nicole Anderson

Important Dates:

9    Scripture Bowl/Seminary Grad (Victoria)    
17    Father's Day    
26    RS Activity 


June Lessons:
3     Presidency Message
10    George Albert Smith #11 Revelation From God to His Chldren

17     George Albert Smith #12 An Enthusiastic Desire to Share the Gospel

24    TFOT- To be announced

Service Projects:

Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;

Herbs/Spices for Lilli House

Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see in Diane N. for more information)

June Birthdays:

1    Lori F.
4    Shawna J.
5    Tammy B.
8     Jane F.
10    Loni P.
14    Angela Q.
16     Sheri W.
17    Judy W.
18    Robin L.
19    Milena R.
19     Valerie W.
19     Susan W.
21    Beth B.
22    Jessica D.
23    Trisha T.
27     Frances 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: Visiting Teaching-A Sacred Assignment

Scripture Study: Wednesdays at Sister Tyskerud's from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Call to confirm)

If you require baptismal clothing, please contact Sister .Britton.

Weekly Announcements May 27, 2012

Dear Sisters,

• Some have noticed the meetinghouse is in desperate need of weeding/yard maintenance.  A couple of families will be stopping by tomorrow evening at 6:30 to work on this as a FHE project.  If you and/or your family are so inclined, bring brooms, weed whackers, hoes, wheelbarrows and join in this much needed service- maybe there will be a trip for ice cream afterwards?
• Christine's baptism is next Saturday June 2nd at the Arnott's place. We are to meet at the church at 5:00pm, then we will follow each other out there. The baptism is to start at 6:00PM in consideration of the tides.  Please bring some refreshments to share and your own chair(s).
• We are looking for a carpet cleaner to borrow to provide service for someone.  If you have one that is available for use, please contact Sister Russell.

Have a great week,  Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Announcements for 4/16/12

Dear Relief Society Sisters,

Our theme for our Stake Women's Conference this year (on Saturday, May 5th, from 11-3:30 in Nanaimo) is:

"Behold, He Cometh". Be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning and oil with you. (D&C33:17)

We would love this day to include contributions from all the Relief Society in your unit and therefore we invite each sister to share with us one way in which they have "added oil to their lamp".

This could be a regular daily experience, one that is less frequent or one special experience that has "added oil to their lamp".

We are asking that these experiences be written down (maximum of 50 words please) and e-mailed to rmastocker@shaw.ca . We would like to receive these by April 18th.

In preparation for next Sunday's lesson in Relief Society (April 22nd), Sister Tyskerud is requesting that you each choose a scripture from any of the "Standard works" of scriptures.  Choose one that has had meaning in your life or that gives you comfort in some way and then MEMORIZE IT!  Yes, please come to class with a memorized favorite scripture and where it is found.  I thank you for accepting this assignment and pray that you will not find this task daunting, but uplifting.

• Don't forget our cooking class activity tomorrow- bring an apron!
• Sister Jordan is at Eagle view extended care (St. Joseph's) and would like a few visitors.

With love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Announcements 4/9/12

Dear Sisters,
Here are this week's announcements-

• James has been moved to St. Joe's and Dawn is home, so the family is no longer in need of meals. 
• Sister Jordan is still being looked after by her family and is about the same, health-wise.
• Laura B. may still needs a few furniture odds and ends (a decent bed would be most appreciated)
• And our April activity will be during the daytime on April 17th and we will be learning Japanese cooking. For all the details check the blog post http://courtenaywrs.blogspot.ca/2012/04/aprils-activity-note-it-is-during-day.html There is a sign up sheet being passed around.

Have a great week ladies.
With love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

April's Activity- Note it is during the day this month!

The Friendship-er     April 2012

 

Dear Sisters,

I hope you were all able to watch Conference last week end. For those who didn't, it is all posted online at LDS.org. As I was watching this year, I knew that I wanted to share a small bit of Elder Holland's Saturday morning talk with you. He is speaking about the parable where a householder hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day. At the end of the day, all are paid the same, no matter the length of labor each contributed. Elder Holland says "It is with that reading of the story that I feel the grumbling of the first laborers must be seen. As the householder in the parable tells them (and I paraphrase only slightly): "My friends, I am not being unfair to you. You agreed on the wage for the day, a good wage. You were very happy to get the work, and I am very happy with the way you served. You are paid in full. Take your pay and enjoy the blessing. As for the others, surely I am free to do what I like with my own money." Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: "Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?"

Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! . . . . So lesson number one from the Lord's vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.

A second point I wish to take from this parable is the sorrowful mistake some could make if they were to forgo the receipt of their wages at the end of the day because they were preoccupied with perceived problems earlier in the day. . . .

My beloved brothers and sisters, what happened in this story at 9:00 or noon or 3:00 is swept up in the grandeur of the universally generous payment at the end of the day. The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it through, and let the distress of earlier hours—real or imagined—fall away in the abundance of the final reward. Don't dwell on old issues or grievances—not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add, toward this true and living Church. . . .So don't hyperventilate about something that happened at 9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00 in the evening—whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day.

We consume such precious emotional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously to the memory of a discordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history . . . . Even if one of those grievances did not originate with you, it can end with you. And what a reward there will be for that contribution when the Lord of the vineyard looks you in the eye and accounts are settled at the end of our earthly day."

 

With Love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

Important Dates:

1     General Conference    

6    Good Friday    

8    Easter Sunday    

    

 

April Lessons:

1     General Conference

8    Gospel Principles- Lesson #30 Charity

15     Gospel Principles- Lesson #31 Honesty

22    TFOT- "The Power of Scripture" - Pg 6 Nov. Ensign    

29    Bishopric Lesson

 

Service Projects:

Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;

Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House

Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see Diane N. for more information)

 

April Birthdays:

 

2    Malinda Q.

6    Lisa V.    

14    Ilona D.

18    Lucy S.    

20    Denise B.    

21    Donna D.    

22    Joan B.    

24    Donna G.

28     Marilyn S.

28    Laurie A.

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.

April Visiting Teaching Message: Love, Watch Over, and Strengthen.

Scripture Study:

Wednesday at Sister Tyskerud's from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Call to confirm)

 

If you require baptismal clothing, please contact Sister Britton

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements for 3/26/12

Dear Sisters,
 
Thanks to everyone who was able to attend and/or participate in the RS Dinner last week, it was wonderful!  Don't forget it is General Conference this week end. You can come watch in the Chapel or online here  Saturday and Sunday mornings from  9-11 and from 1-3 in the afternoon.

• The Avery's are still in need of a couple of meals per week.  Sister Nakashima is coordinating this effort, so please contact her.  Thank you for all the support that has been shown for them thus far.
• There will be a baby shower for Shayla and Kouper at Sister Vance's place, Wed. April 4th at 7pm.  Anything for 6 months+ would be appreciated. (if you would also like to bring a light refreshment that would be great too!)

That's it for now, have a great week everyone.
With love, Maggie Hodacsek

March 2012 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     March 2012

Dear Sisters,

We are daughters of God FIRST

I was reading in an old Ensign a couple of weeks ago a small article about a father and son who live on a Polynesian island. They were talking about when they first joined the church and how there were many customs in their culture that were not congruent with the principles and commandments taught in Jesus Christ's gospel. They found themselves having a conversation one day about what to do about this. They concluded quickly they were sons of God long before they were "Polynesians." The choice became simple in that moment. It didn't matter what rituals had been created here on earth, they were going to choose to follow Christ rather than try to please their fellow men.

This article really struck me. I started thinking about the absolute fact that I have been a daughter of God since the beginning of my existence. How often to do I not properly and fully follow the commandments of God with the excuse that my culture makes it difficult.

In this month's Ensign, there is an article by Elder Dallin H. Oaks called The Gospel Culture. This article was taken from his address at a regional stake and district conference broadcast to Africa in November of 2010. In this address, he speaks not just to the African people, but to all of us. We all need to hear this message and I encourage you to read it.

While many things about Western Culture support the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are also many things that don't. Modesty, the importance and sanctification of marriage, husbands and wives 'cleaving' unto each other, excessive debt, the Sabbath day …to name a few. How do we stand against these cultural trends? Are we following our Savior's culture, or getting dragged into Western Culture?

Dallin H Oaks said we need to heed the warning of the Apostle Paul, who said that we should not let anyone "spoil us through philosophy..after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

I am so thankful that I have had these words to ponder this week. I have had lots of thinking to do and I hope that these words get you thinking as well. We have His gospel, and we need to keep the commandments to enjoy His choicest blessings.

Much Love,

Sister Phebe May

 

Important Dates:

10    Talent Show

20    RS Anniversary Dinner

25     Fast Sunday    

31    General Conference

 

 

March Lessons:

4     RS Presidency    

11    George Albert Smith Ch 5- "The Holy Priesthood"

18    George Albert Smith Ch 6- "Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains"

25    TFOT-Elder Tad R. Callister "The Book of Mormon. . ." pg 74 Nov Ensign

 

 

Service Projects:

• Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;
  
• Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House
  
• Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star (see Diane for more information)

 

March Birthdays:

2    Hillary F.

4    Holly B.

5    Calia G.

6    Jay D.

7    Sharon P.

8    Mary S., Nicole A.

9    Lisa C.

13    Rosina W.

17     Erin G.

18     Chelsey J.

20     Lynn W.

21     Dawn A.

25    Shahala D.

26    Marion P.

29    Shirley L.

31    Ivy P.

 

 

 

 

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.

March Visiting Teaching Message: "Daughters in My Kingdom"

 

Scripture Study: Wednesday at Sister Tyskerud's from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (call to confirm)

 

If you require baptismal clothing, please contact Sister Beth Britton @ 250-336-8055.

 

 

Phebe May – President..................

Nicole Anderson– First Counsellor.....

Laura Russell – Second Counsellor.......

Maggie Hodacsek- Secretary...........

Announcements for 2/20/12

Dear Sisters,

• Sister Jordan had a fall and broke her pelvis.  Please keep her in your prayers.  Sister May will be contacting people to assist her.  Also, if anyone is available to stay with her (either overnight or for a few hours during the day) please contact Phebe and let her know-- phebeleon@shaw.ca .
• Sister Nelson will be headed to Victoria on Feb 29th, so please bring any meals for the Avery family to the church.  Just put them in the freezer and someone will pick them up.  Please continue the prayers for James.  (updates at jamesavery93.blogspot.com)

• FREE-Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP)
• March 10 or April 14
• 10 am-12 pm or 1-3 pm Comox Fire Station
•  Call 250-339-2255 to register or see www.comox.ca/recreation for more details

• The lesson this week is "You Matter to Him" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf
• This Williams and Johnson families have this week's cleaning assignment 

Have a good week-
 With love, Sister Maggie Hodacsek

February 2012 Friendship-er

The Friendship-er     February 2012

Diligently Seeking Revelation

Recently I read a story which really inspired me to want to more diligently seek spiritual guidance:

    A Relief Society sister in Brazil told of a time when she received the Lord's help:

"I have no way to reach the sisters by phone. We don't have telephones. So I go to my knees in prayer to find the sisters that need me that week. It never fails. [For instance], we had a dear young woman in our ward that had no clothes for her new baby. I had no idea when she was due but I knew that she was close. I got a group of sisters together and we made some clothes for her baby. We didn't want her to bring that baby home in newspapers. We could not telephone one another and so I prayed and I was told when I should go to the hospital with this layette [baby clothes]. When I arrived at the hospital she had just given birth to her baby and I was to present the clothes to her that were from her Relief Society sisters." (Daughters in My Kingdom, page 114-115)

I thought of how both the giver and the receiver of the baby clothes must have felt unified in knowing that God cares about the details of their lives.

"The Holy Ghost is a revelator – no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations." (Joseph Smith) The recognition and following of those promptings is the quest.

In Doctine and Covenants 8:2-3 we are reminded that God inspires us through our thoughts and feelings. This is the exact way that God led Moses through the Red Sea on dry ground.

Sisters, what are the Red Seas in your lives? Is there an obstacle in your path that seems to block your progression? In the story above, the seeming block of having no phone didn't prevent her from moving forward with faith. Sometimes the Red Seas in our lives are burdens that weigh heavy in our heart. These could be feelings of inadequacy, low self esteem, having a hard time forgiving others, fear, etc,.

After explaining how revelation works in our lives in D&C 8:4 it says, "This is thy gift, apply unto it." In other words seek to understand and follow the promptings when they come. It may help to write down the questions we seek and the good thoughts and feelings that come into our heart. As we put our thoughts into action we will be able to move forward with faith.

"Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good – yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; and then shall ye know… all things whatsoever ye desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive." (D&C 11:12-14)

I invite us all to apply this divine gift of revelation more in our daily lives. I know that as we do this, we will feel closer to God and more purpose in our lives.

Love, Nicole Anderson

 

 

 

Important Dates:

6    Temple Closed for Maintenance

14    Valentine's Day

19    Ward Conference    

21    Temple Reopens

 

 

February Lessons:

5    R.S. Presidency

12    George Albert Smith - Lesson # 3 Our Testimony of Jesus Christ

19    George Albert Smith - Lesson # 4 The Prophet Joseph Smith- The Lord's Instrument in Restoring the Truth

26    TFOT- "You Matter to Him" President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Nov. Ensign pg 74

 

 

Service Projects:

• Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;
  
• 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)
  

 

February Birthdays:

2    Tia P.

6    Andrea R.

8    Janae G.

13    Kim B.

14    Ruby Vera B.

14    Jennifer J.

16    Anne J.

17     Sarah J.

19    Billie L.

25     Carolin C.

25     Jo Ann G.

26     Glenda M.

 

 

 

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.

February Visiting Teaching Message:
Guardians of the Hearth

 

Scripture Study: Wednesday at Sister Tyskerud's from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Call to confirm)

If you require baptismal clothing, please contact Sister Britton

 

 

 

 

 

Phebe May – President

Nicole Anderson– First Counsellor

Laura Russell – Second Counsellor

Maggie Hodacsek- Secretary

Announcements for 2/06/12

Dear Sisters,

• FYI- The Vancouver Temple is closed for maintenance until the 21st.
• James remains in critical condition, though he is showing some signs of improvement.  He and his family are still in need of our earnest prayers on their behalf. 
  

-Sister Nakashima is collecting food to be delivered to the family in Victoria- contact her for more info if needed.

-We are also doing a service project to raise funds for James' Family-  You can either order or sell 1lb chocolate chip cookies @ $10.00 each OR you may want to help us decorate the cookies (Fri. Feb 10th 4-10 pm or Sat 10am-??? at the church)  Contact Sister Lavoie with orders or for more info.

• The Price, Rockwell and Jones families are responsible for building clean up this week.
• Sunday's Lesson will be George Albert Smith Chapter 3- Our Testimony of Jesus Christ.

Have good week.

Announcements for 01/23/12

Dear Sisters,

Hope everyone is staying warm and dry!  Thanks to everyone who help with the memorial on Friday and the move on Saturday morning, everything went really well.
This week we have-

• Apron sewing tomorrow night (Tuesday the 24th) at 6:30 pm. Bring your supplies and lets sew some aprons! 
  

• The ward White Elephant and Potluck adult activity is happening at 6:00 pm (yes, that is the correct time) on Friday the 27th.  
• If you have any donations for the thrift store, bring them in!  Sister Nakashima will be happy to take them off of your hands.
• We will be having a combined Priesthood/Relief Society Lesson on Emergency Preparedness this Sunday.
• The building cleaning is up to the Draper, Grunewald and Mcalpine families this week.

Have a great week. 

Announcements for 01/16/12

Dear Sisters,

The announcements for this week are-

• Sister Sharon P. is moving this Saturday, January 21st.  The Truck will be at her place -984 Stewart- at 9 am any help would be greatly appreciated.
• For the January RS Activity we will be sewing aprons on Tuesday 24th, there are sign-up sheets being circulated.
• The ward adult activity this month will be a pot luck and white elephant exchange on the 27th; While we are scouring those closets and attics for the perfect white elephant gift, it may be a good opportunity for us to donate a few useful items to Lillyhouse, just bring it to the church and Diane N.will take care of the rest.
  
• Sister Bernier lost a good friend, Pat, this week.  She is asking for prayers in his family's behalf.
• The Lesson on Sunday will be- "Divine Gift of Repentance" Elder D. Todd Christofferson
  
• Building cleaning duties go to the Collingridge, Lavoie, and Ho families this week.
  

Have a good week!
With Love, Maggie Hodacsek

January Activity

January Relief Society Activity Tuesday January 24th 6:30 pm.

We are planning an evening to sew aprons. Even if you don't know how! 

We would like to know how many sisters already have fabric. How many sister have extra to share. How many sisters would need fabric to make one or two.  She would also like to know if you have a sewing machine that you could bring or would you need to share .  Please reply to  Christine Jones at  cjonesincanada@hotmail.com

To make one apron requires  : 50 cm of 3/4" elastic and 1 meter of heavier weight cotton or cotton blend .  sport cotton, twill, even cotton decorator fabric is suitable as long as it is washable. 

We would like 2 or 3 aprons to be made for our church kitchen use so anyone that would love to sew but doesn't want one for home would be well appreciated too.  

If you would like to join us but not interested in sewing aprons , please bring a project from home that you would like to work on.

This is a great opportunity to Socialize and build friendships while creating and enjoying a few warm refreshments.

Announcements for 01/09/12

Dear Sisters-
This week's announcements-

• There is a baby shower at Robin's on Tues Jan 10th at 7pm for Naomi Johnson; They need clothing (6mos+ and diapers)--hope you can make it.
• Sunday's lesson is- George Albert Smith Chapter 2- Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself
• The Catling, Woodcock, Chan and Creasor Families are scheduled for building clean up this week

• There is an Emergency Preparedness Course being offered by the City of Courtenay on Wed Jan 11. for 7-9:30 pm at the Filberg Center. Cost is free, but preregistration is required- Please call 250-339-2255 to register or get more information.

Have a great week!

January Freindship-er

The Frendship-er     January 2012

 

The Influence of Righteous Women

By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father's plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.

I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!

President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) said, "Without the devotion and absolute testimony of the living God in the hearts of our mothers, this Church would die."
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And the writer of Proverbs said, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).

President Gordon B. Hinckley counseled the women of the Church:"It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. …"We call upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. They must begin in their own homes. They can teach it in their classes. They can voice it in their communities."
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There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.

You are marvelous sisters and great examples. Our youth are blessed by you, and the Lord loves you for that.

The lives of women in the Church are a powerful witness that spiritual gifts, promises, and blessings of the Lord are given to all those who qualify, "that all may be benefited" (D&C 46:9; see verses 9–26). The doctrines of the restored gospel create a wonderful and "unique feminine identity that encourages women to develop their abilities" as true and literal daughters of God.
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We are living in a great season for all women in the Church. Sisters, you are an essential part of our Heavenly Father's plan for eternal happiness; you are endowed with a divine birthright. You are the real builders of nations wherever you live, because strong homes of love and peace will bring security to any nation. I hope you understand that, and I hope the men of the Church understand it too.

What you sisters do today will determine how the principles of the restored gospel can influence the nations of the world tomorrow. It will determine how these heavenly rays of the gospel will light every land in the future.
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My dear sisters, as you live your daily life with all its blessings and challenges, let me assure you that the Lord loves you. He knows you. He listens to your prayers, and He answers those prayers, wherever on this world you may be. He wants you to succeed in this life and in eternity.

Of these truths I testify, and I extend to you my love and my blessing as an Apostle of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

Important Dates:

1. New Year's Day
   

8 Fast Sunday

 

January Lessons:

1    R.S. Presidency

8    Gospel Principles-lesson #1 "Living What We Believe"

15    Gospel Principles Lesson #2 "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself"

22    TFOT- Elder D. Todd Christofferson "The Divine Gift of Repentance"

Nov 2011 Ensign

29    Bishopric-To Be Announced

 

 

Service Projects: (see Sister Nakashima for more information)

• Campbell soup labels for Puntledge Park School;
  
• Pop can tabs for a wheelchair purchase
  
• Non-perishable food/personal hygiene items for Lilli House
  
• Postage Stamps for the Order of the Eastern Star

 

 

January Birthdays:

6    Lorraine P.

7    Delores S.

8    Misty T.

9    Lona B.

9    Patricia C.

9    Maggie H.

19    Christine J.

20    Margaret B.

21     Megan T.

22    Glenda T.

26    Tammy M.

 

 

 

Groceries for our Fulltime Missionaries:

There is a basket in the kitchen – the elders appreciate your help. Frozen food or perishables should be left in the frig/freezer.

 

January Visiting Teaching Message:
"Watchcare and Ministering Through Visiting Teaching"

 

Scripture Study: Will resume soon. . .

Announcements for 01/02/12

Happy New Year Sisters!

This is what is coming up-

• There will be a CES broadcast for all young adults aged 18-30 (married or single) at 5pm on January 8th at the church.
• There is a baby shower for Jennifer Johnson on Tuesday, January 10 at Robin's House.  They need clothing aged 6 months + and diapers
• We have many opportunities to help others in our community- See Diane Nakashima for details, or just bring the following items in-
• Used stamps (on the envelope) can be used by the Eastern Star
• Pop can tabs are being collected for wheelchair purchases
• Campbell's Soup (& other Campbell's products) can be used by Puntledge School for school supplies
• Lilly House can always use non-perishable food items and toiletries (esp. feminine hygiene products & toilet paper)

Remember, we will be having our fast Sunday this week (January 7th) and the lesson is George Albert Smith- Chapter 1: Living What We Believe.
Have a great week!
With love,
Sister Maggie Hodacsek