Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Sacrament Reflection



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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Clayton C. - Quote of the Day

"Although they do magnificently in most dimensions of their callings, many bishops flounder with the responsibility for missionary work in their wards. They know what they are supposed to do, but they just don’t know how to lead the effort. Bishops and ward mission leaders should work hand in glove, but ward mission leaders are often adrift, serving more as administrators than as leaders—because they don’t know how to lead the members."

Clayton Christensen
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Saturday, September 26, 2015

Stake Temple Preparation 2-Week Course


Temple Preparation 
Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Stake

Stake - Temple Preparation 2-Week Course 

Temple Preparation – Personal Study


       High Council Temple and Family History Committee
      https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/temple-preparation 
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      Wednesday, August 19, 2015

      Church Service Missionary or Long-Term Volunteer For Church Service

      Click here for the Church Service Missionary Web Page

       Here is some current information on finding Church service volunteer opportunities on the Church Service Missionary CSM website.  There are ones in both Salt Lake and Utah Counties.  Additionally, there are many other opportunities that can be developed.

       Even if someone is not currently temple-worthy, they can't be called as Church Service Missionaries. However, they can serve as long-term volunteers in any of the CSM assignments except for those that require someone to have a current temple recommend.

       Here is a form that can be filled out to receive an assignment for Long-Term Volunteer for Church Service.  Then this form can be sent to your Bishop to submit.

       Notes:
      Long-term volunteer - A long-term volunteer is one who meets the requirements of the position, typically serves less than eight hours per week, and is not required to be a Church member or a temple-worthy Church member.  The length of service can be less than 6 months or up to several years.

       Church-service missionary - A Church-service missionary is one who meets the requirements of the position, is required to be a temple-worthy Church member, and serves at least eight hours per week.  The length of service is from 6 to 24 months.

       I the individual meets the requirements for a Church-service missionary, he or she should be called as a Church-service missionary and should fill out the Recommendation for Church-Service Missionary form (PD50021834) instead of the Long-Term Volunteer for Church Service form (PD50036208).
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      Thursday, July 30, 2015

      YCSM - Young Church Service Missionaries

      Click to review video
      Young Church-Service Missionaries: Serving the Lord -Young Church-Service missionaries are serving around the world in different capacities, demonstrating how the Lord still needs their time and service.






      The ages for Young Church Service Missionaries is 18-25 yrs for men, 19-25 for women. Church Service Missionaries are ages 26+. Please visit this website for more information:https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/church-service-missionary/ycsm/faq?lang=eng#prophet

      In brief, YCSMs work with their bishops to identify service mission opportunities. Often, a stake is given CSM assignments, many of which can be filled by YCSMs. YCSMs are called by the stake president, not the prophet. Once they are interviewed by their bishop and stake president, the application is sent to the Church-service coordinator in our area. The coordinator processes the call and a formal call letter is sent to the stake president. The stake president then formally issues the call. YCSMs are set apart by their bishop.
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      Monday, July 20, 2015

      He Expects Us To Succeed

      President Ezra Taft Benson
      "Our work will be light and easy to bear if we will depend on the Lord and work.  Don't worry about being successful.  We are going to be successful--there is not doubt about it.  The Lord has sent us to earth at the time of harvest.  He does not expect us to fail.  He has called no one to this work to fail.  He expects us to succeed."
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      The Lord's Way

      Clayton M. Christensen
      "The ability to share the gospel isn't a 'gift' that has been given to only a few Latter-day Saints and denied to the rest.  We have concluded from our own experiences and from watching others that finding people for the missionaries to teach can be easy and natural for all of us--if we go about it the Lord's way."
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      Open Our Mouths

      President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
      "My dear friends, today there are more ways than ever for us to open our mouths and share with others the joyful news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  There is a way for everyone--even the hesitant missionary--to participate in this great work." 'Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work' (D&C 4:3)."
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      Catch the Wave

      Elder Russell M. Nelson, - "Catch the Wave," General Conference, May 2013
      "Together, members and missionaries invite all to learn of God, of Jesus Christ, and of His gospel.  Each inquiring individual should seek earnestly and pray fervently for the assurance that these things are true.  The truth will be manifest by the power of the Holy Ghost."
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      Come, All Ye Sons of God

      President Thomas S. Monson, - General Conference, "Come, All Ye Sons of God"

      "Missionary work is an identifying feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Always has it been; ever shall it be.  As the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, 'After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.'"
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      Thursday, July 16, 2015

      Ward Missionary Training - Sunday, July 19, 2015 6:30 PM Stake Center RS Room


      Dear Ward Mission Leaders,

      We invite you and your ward missionaries to a 90 minute ward missionary training this Sunday, July 19, 2015 at 6:30 PM in the Relief Society room of the Stake Center.  Please put the date on your calendars and please plan to attend.  This meeting is for all Ward Mission Leaders and Ward Missionaries in the Stake.

      In preparation for the training, please prayerfully review the attached document, WML See yourself in the work, and the hastening the work material found here. https://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/members-and-missionaries?lang=eng

      We are thankful for your service and look forward to spending time with you this Sunday.

      With Love,

      Brother Taylor
      Brother Lunsford
      Brother Weaver
      Brother Pratt

      "Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified.  When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes.  The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others." --Thomas S. Monson, "Do your Duty-That is Best", Ensign, Nov 2005, 56

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      Ward Mission Plan - Introduce


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      Ward Council Training

      WARD COUNCIL TRAINING

      Date: September 2013

       RE: Pleasant Grove Manila Stake Ward Council

      Dear Brothers & Sisters,

      By assignment from Elder Craig B. Terry and under the direction of the Presidency of the Seventy, we have been asked to train each ward council in our stake in the principles of effective councils.

      As a presidency we have felt guided in our preparations for this training, and are looking forward to the privilege of spending time in council with each of you. Each ward in our stake is led by wonderful bishops who devote untold hours as shepherds to their flock. One of the most important purposes of a ward council is to invite group revelation, leading to a sharing of the load carried by your bishop.

      A member of the stake presidency, high council and stake council will be joining your ward council on September 15 at 8:30 a.m. for this training.  Prior to this date, we invite you to prayerfully ponder the teachings of prophets regarding the power and purpose of councils. The resources below are provided for this purpose. We urge you to take advantage of these inspired words and presentations. They will provide essential preparation for our training.

      We love each of you. We feel the love our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, has for each of you. We are grateful for your devoted efforts in furthering the work of salvation.

      Sincerely,

      Pleasant Grove Manila Stake Presidency


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      Wednesday, July 15, 2015

      2014 PG UT Manila Stake Mission Plan

      Our Vision: We will achieve real growth in the Pleasant Grove Utah Manila Stake by inviting all to come unto Christ through conversion, retention, and activation.

       Our Goals: The Lord requires our faith to assist Him in hastening the work of salvation.  Therefore, we bind ourselves as stake and ward leaders to do the following as we exercise our faith in Jesus Christ.

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      Tuesday, July 14, 2015

      Member Invitation Visit Outline


      • Introduction (build a relationship of trust)
      • Request permission to share a message on missionary work
        • Share video - "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go" or other missionary message.

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      Missionary Preparation and Missionary Preparation Classes

      July 13, 2015

       Dear Stake HC Missionary Committee --

      Good day, brethren. The church has updated it's website and materials for missionary preparation and missionary preparation classes. Would you please take some time to review and discuss how these materials can strengthen and focus our efforts in offering a missionary preparation course at the stake level.

      Here are the links:
      Missionary Preparation (resources for personal study): https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/mission-preparation?lang=eng

      Learning outlines for missionary preparation course (pdf):  Mission Prep Teacher Outlines

      The learning outlines pdf is especially focused on doctrines and topics the stake presidency feels are critical to every person preparing for missionary service:
      • Missionary purpose
      • Why I need the Atonement of Jesus Christ
      • Learn and teach by the Spirit
      • The role of the Book of Mormon in conversion
      • Prepare for life as a missionary
      We ask that you ensure these doctrines and topics are incorporated into our stake missionary preparation course. Would you please review, update, and share with the stake presidency the stake missionary preparation course and outline after you have had time to sit in counsel and discuss.

      Thank you,

      President Brinton
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      Other Resources

      These are other resources that may be useful for study:
      1. "And Nothing Shall Offend Them", October 2006, Elder David A. Bednar
      2. "Same-Sex Attraction", LDS.org
      3. "Lord, Is It I?", October 2014, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
      4. "Come and See", October 2014, Elder David A. Bednar
      5. "Lord, I Believe", April 2013, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
      6. "My Words... Never Cease", April 2008, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
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      Inspiration Quotes

      The importance of missionary work has been made clear in the scriptures and by our modern-day prophets. Please prayerfully read and ponder these quotes and apply them to yourselves and your resolve to be a missionary. And please always remember, 1 Nephi 3:5
      1. After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel
        Joseph Smith
      2. For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.
        Ezekiel 34:11-12
      3. Peter said for the third time, “Lord, … thou knowest that I love thee.” To which Jesus responded (and here again I acknowledge my nonscriptural elaboration), perhaps saying something like: “Then Peter, why are you here? Why are we back on this same shore, by these same nets, having this same conversation? Wasn’t it obvious then and isn’t it obvious now that if I want fish, I can get fish? What I need, Peter, are disciples--and I need them forever. I need someone to feed my sheep and save my lambs. I need someone to preach my gospel and defend my faith. I need someone who loves me, truly, truly loves me, and loves what our Father in Heaven has commissioned me to do. Ours is not a feeble message. It is not a fleeting task. It is not hapless; it is not hopeless; it is not to be consigned to the ash heap of history. It is the work of Almighty God, and it is to change the world. So, Peter, for the second and presumably the last time, I am asking you to leave all this and to go teach and testify, labor and serve loyallyuntil the day in which they will do to you exactly what they did to me.”
        Elder Jeffrey R. Holland


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      Missionary Important Roles: Bishop, High Councilors, Stake President

      Bishops

      Have a vital and important role

      High Councilors (over missionary work)

      Responsibilities are primarily over the training of Ward Mission Leaders and holding them accountable for their efforts

      Stake President

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      Miscellaneous Things to Know

      • When being released, please let the full-time missionaries know, and please send them the name and cell phone number of the new WML.
      • The full-time missionaries need to know if those who are being worked with (investigator or less-active) are at sacrament meeting each Sunday. Please report this in the coordination email thread each Sunday evening before 8pm.

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      Splits with Full-Time Missionaries

      Splits is when each of the full-time missionaries goes with a ward member to different appointments at the same time. During these times, they need someone who:
      • Is of the same gender as the missionaries
      • Is over 18 years old
      • Holds the Melchizedek priesthood (if the missionaries are Elders. Sister missionaries do not need this)
      There are also times the full-time missionaries may need to do splits for special circumstances, such as one of them being sick. For these occasions when they must spontaneously do splits, it is very helpful to have a "splits calendar". This consists of:
      • A list of at least 5 strong members that we could do splits with, including:
        • their names
        • their cell phone number
      • A list of people that the young full-time missionaries can stay with when one of is sick. People who typically work are:
        • those who work from home
        • older couples
        • those who are retired
      Try to get a diversity of schedules so there is the highest chance of someone being available.
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      Fellowshipping

      There should be a fellowshipper at every teaching appointment. It is almost always better to have one. After full-time missionaries make appointments in your ward, they will email (or text) you about it. You would then find a ward missionary (or other ward member) that is best suited for the person and commit them to going with the full-time missionaries. 
      Once you have found someone and committed them to coming, make sure that the full-time missionaries know who it is and their contact info.
      Note: Full-time missionaries need someone who is of the same sex and over 18 present.
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      Coordination - Email Thread

      Ward Mission Leaders (WML) should keep good communication (coordinating at least weekly) with the full-time missionaries. This is done best via email. Some notes:
      • The subject of the email thread should be consistent. This makes it possible to easily search for and find these emails. Here is the suggested format. Please follow it exactly
        • Format: "[your ward in caps and abbreviated] WML [month] [year]"
        • Examples:
          • Manila Stake: "MA7 WML June 2015"
          • Cedar Hills Stake: "CH17 WML June 2015"
          • Cedar Hills West Stake: "CHW4 WML June 2015"
      • A new email thread should be started every month by the WML, and the old thread disregarded
      • As coordination continues, keep all emails in the same thread (by simply responding in the thread every time you email us. Ask us more about this if needed)
      • Star, flag, or otherwise mark the email thread so that you can return to it quickly
      Note: Correct formatting of the subject for coordination emails is important, and makes these emails searchable.

      While email is the primary source of communication, texting or calling is useful for urgent matters. The WML should also have a weekly phone call with the full-time missionaries.
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      Convert Baptisms

      • Complete the program (often by coordinating with full-time missionaries and those being baptized). This includes (generally in this order):
        • Who is conducting (the WML)
        • Who is presiding (a member of the bishopric)
        • Pianist
        • Opening hymn
        • Opening prayer
        • Talk on baptism
        • The baptism (including the name of the person performing the ordinance)
        • Message on the restoration (this is specific to convert baptisms, and is done by the full-time missionaries)
        • Talk on the Holy Ghost
        • Closing hymn
        • closing prayer
        • when/where/who will be performing the confirmation
        Note: The confirmation for convert baptisms is at the next sacrament meeting and never directly after the baptism
      • Fill the font (which usually takes 2 hours)
      • Schedule the baptism time with the building coordinator
      • Conduct at the baptism
      • Coordinate with the bishop to have a member on the bishopric preside
      Note: You can delegate to your ward missionaries.
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      Dinner Appointments For Young Full-Time Missionaries

      The senior missionaries are typically in charge of assigning weeks for each ward in the stake they cover. Dinner appointments:
      • are from Tuesday from Sunday for your ward's week
      • must be from 5pm to 6pm
      • are a finding opportunity, and should be assigned to families that could use a visit from the missionaries, such as:
        • part-member families
        • less-active homes
      • should be emailed to the young full-time missionaries with the families name (including their first names just in case there are other families with the same last name), anything the young full-time missionaries should know about them, and their phone number and address if it is not correctly in LDS tools
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      Ward Missionary Training

      Training is extremely important, and will increase your effectiveness as a ward missionary. Here are some of the things that you should do to train yourself and your ward missionaries:
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      Ward Missionaries

      Have at least 3 ward missionaries (6 is recommended). This is important, even if there doesn't seem to be much work in your ward currently. The Lord will only send work to those who are prepared and ready. If you have less ward missionaries, council with your bishop and request more be called
      Having more ward missionaries ensures:
      • there is someone who is trained and prepared to go with the full-time missionaries
      • that at least one of the ward missionaries schedule will allow them to attend appointments
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      Ward Boundary Audit

      Sometimes it may seem that there is no missionary work to do in your ward, but there always is, as long as you can identify it. The following method has proved to be successful:
      • assign a portion of the houses in the ward to each member of the ward council
      • go to every home in the ward and find out who lives there (you may already think you know who lives there, but things change, and someone may be renting their basement unnoticed. Be thorough with this search)
      • identify:
        • non-members
        • less-active members
        • members without their records in the ward
        • anyone else who could benefit from being taught by missionaries
      • make sure to report on your findings and coordinate your work
      This will help the Bishop identify:
      • men who haven't received the priesthood (or need to be advanced in the priesthood)
      • un-endowed members
      • those who could be sealed
      • those with expired temple recommends
      • those without a patriarchal blessing
      Once you have a list of those who you could potentially work with, prayerfully select those that you feel inspired to begin working with, and act.
      note: These audits should occur every six months

      How to contact

      When looking for the people above, it is important not to be probing or intrusive. There are ways to find out who is in your ward without offending. Here are some ideas, but, as always, go by the spirit:

      • talk with active ward members who live nearby to find out who may be there
      • be neighborly and friendly. Have a genuine interest in those who live there and fellowship them
      • in preparation for an emergency, ask everyone to share how many children, elderly, and those who require daily life-saving medicines live in each home
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      Ward Council - Training

      Ward Council, See Yourself in the Work - A Resource for Hastening the Work of Salvation
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      New Member Retention Efforts

      The following ideas should be thought about and executed soon after your ward receives a recent convert or newly reactivated member
      • baptisms for the dead
      • speak in sacrament meeting
      • receive priesthood
      • patriarchal blessing
      • receive a calling
      • be assigned home/visiting teaching companion
      • be assigned a home/visiting teacher
      • family history
      • get them attending Gospel Principals class
      • teach New Member lessons. Focus on having members teach the lessons more after baptism (slowly switching from missionaries teaching to members teaching as lessons go forward)
      Here is a form that can help you keep track of a recent converts progress: https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/english/wwlt/hasten/PD50020824-member-progress-form-eng.pdf?lang=eng

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      Progress Record

      The progress record is an online way to see the progress of those we work with. It is also very helpful for coordination because the missionaries can add notes into the "help needed" section.
      Everyone on the ward council should look over the progress record at least weekly. Doing this will help the ward council know who is being worked with and make sure the full-time missionaries haven't forgotten to make a return appointment with anyone.
      This also allows all members of the council to bring inspired input to ward council meetings.
      How to get there:
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