Under The Unberella of Self Reliance- December

Emergency Preparedness:

Pandemic Preparedness, learn more about how to prepare yourself if there is ever a global pandemic outbreak and you cannot get the help you need. visit www.flu.gov for more info.

December Presidency Message

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It is a season when there are more smiles, cheerful greetings, and acts of thoughtful kindness, than are found through the rest of the entire year. What is it that brings such love into our hearts, such joy into our lives? It is, of course, the spirit of Christmas. To understand the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ, who is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. As we contemplate the gifts we give this Christmas season, let us not forget about the gifts our Savior gave to us; His love, His service, and His life. Let us give back to Him as our prophet, Pres. Monson counsils, "Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that He 'went about doing good.' as we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours." It is our hope that each of us will find the Spirit of Christ in out hearts and homes this Christmas season as we try to be more like Him.

With Love,
The Relief Society Presidency

December Calendar

24th- Christmas Eve- The temple is closed
25th-Christmas- The temple is closed
31st- New years Eve- The temple is closed

December Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Christmas Message
2nd Sunday- Sacrament G.P. Ch. 23
3rd Sunday- The Sabbath Day G.P. Ch. 24
4th Sunday- Ensign Talk

Under The Unberella of Self Reliance

Emergency Preparedness:
Start working on your vital records binder!
Scan each item to your computer as you put them in your binder...

November Presidency Message

Dear Sisters,

November brings cool, crisp mornings, shorter days, and thoughts of gratitude for many blessings! It's also a fast paced time of year when, in addition to other responsibilities, wives and mothers are busy making preparations for the upcoming holiday season. Sometimes we run so fast that we find ourselves frazzled, impatient, and exhausted! President Uchtdorf' offered wise counsel in his recent conference address, "Of Things That Matter Most". Consider these excerpts:

". . . we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most."

"Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent general conference, taught, 'We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.' ”

"We build deep and loving family relationships by doing simple things together. . . In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time."

"If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most.

We suggest that you take a few minutes to read his talk, then pray, ponder, and prioritize your time in a way that will allow you to feel the Savior's love and to share that love in simple ways with those around you.

We love you!

8th Ward Relief Society Presidency

November Calendar

7th- Daylight Savings- Don't forget to set your clock back one hour :)
9th- Visiting Teaching Conference 6:30pm
13th- Service Project 10-12pm
16th- Service Project 10-12pm

November Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message, by Pat Melessa
2nd Sunday- The Gift of the Holy Ghost (GP 21), by Amanda Whitney
3rd Sunday- The Gifts of the Spirit (GP 22), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- Ensign Talk, by Laura Klarman

October Presidency Message

President Thomas S Monson gave a wonderful address at the Women’s Session of General Conference entitled “Charity Never Faileth”. I’d like to share with you some excerpts from his address:

“There is really no way we can know the heart, the intentions, or the circumstances of someone who might say or do something we find reason to criticize. Thus the commandment: Judge not.” Mother Teresa, spoke this profound truth: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” The Savior has admonished, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” I ask: can we love one another, as the Savior has commanded, if we judge each other? And I answer – with Mother Teresa: no, we cannot. What is charity? Mormon teaches us that “charity is the pure love of Christ.” Moroni declares, “Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God.” There is a serious need for the charity that gives attention to those who are unnoticed, hope to those who are discourage, aid to those who are afflicted. True charity is love in action. The need for charity is everywhere. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey though life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out.”

We pray that we may each enjoy more peace and joy in our lives as we reach out to others with greater charity.

With Love, The Relief Society Presidency

October Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- General Conference
2nd Sunday- Repentance, (GP19), by Amanda Whitney
3rd Sunday- Baptism, (GP20), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- Countinue In Patience, (Pres. Uchtdorf, p.56), by Laura Klarman
5th Sunday- Combined

October Calendar

2-3rd: General Conference
22nd: Fabulous Friday Night!
28th: Ward Temple Night
31st: Halloween

Under The Umberella of Self Reliance- October

October is Family History Month and although some run scared at thought of putting all those names together, there are other ways to get involved in family history. You could display pictures of your ancestors, learn about the countries they came from and adopt some of their tradtions, visit your grandparents and start recording their childhood memories, call a "long lost" cousin and re-connect. start a family facebook page. You may just get the family history "bug" and start preparing all those names. Once those names are prepared, be sure to download onto a cd or flash drive and include it in your 72 hour kit.
-Lynne

Fabulous Friday Night!

Fabulous Friday is coming, woo-hoo!!

OCTOBER 22nd
6-10pm

Here's what we're doing:

Vital Records Binder- $8.00

Priesthood Line of Authority- $18.00

Choose: O Jerusalem or Restoration

Menu Tile- $5.50

Dry erase marker not provided.

Childs Book of Mormon- $5.00

Picture with short summary of scripture story.

Solar Sun Jars- $8.00

Packages: Halloween, Christmas, Girl, Boy, Plain

FHE Bag- $12.00

Over 50 items!

BE's Sign- $12.00

Balck or Brown paint will be provided.

BE's Tile Magnets- $11.00

Bring your own scrapbook paper.

PREPAREDNESS: Jar of Candles- $4.00

HUMANITARIAN: We plan to have a project going for anyone who would like to help. So even if you don't purchase any projects, please still come! There will be something for you to do and plenty of sisters to visit with!

WE WILL TAKE ORDERS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 26TH. MONEY IS DUE THIS DAY TOO. (cash or checks made to Libby Parr) Sign-up sheets will go around each Sunday until then, or you can place your order online: enrichmentnight@yahoo.com

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us:

Libby 669-9766 or KenDe 688-8586

September Presidency Message

As a young mother I have found myself often pondering the thoughts of balance. I ask questions: "how can I do it all," "are there enough hours in the day," "what is my mission?"
2 Nephi 2:25: Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
We must remember that we were created by the most creative Being in the universe. We have all been blessed with the innate ability to create. We learn from Pres. Uchtdorf that "creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before." For everyone it is different but I believe that God intended us to find joy in our families, our homes, relationships/friendships and also our personal interests.
I have been reminded of my worth as a daughter of God. We have all been sent here with the great responsibility to build the Kingdom. At times it feels overwhelming but i have found that as i make priorities to put Him first i am blessed with the ability to find joy in every aspect of my life.

With much love,
the RS presidency

Under the Umberella of Self Reliance

It's September and it's back to school time (the most wonderful time of the year) and kids will be taking lunches...Did you know it is estimated that 84 billion plastic bags are used by American each year, most end up in landfills. I challenge you to find alternative ways to pack your kids's lunch this year. There are a lot of other options (created by resourceful moms) , here are a couple of sites to check out: Laptop lunches, Reusies & Lunchskins. Not to mention Glad makes re-usable containers and there are other plastic items in the back to school section at your local store.
~Lynne

September Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message- "What is my mission", by Julie Rasmussen
2nd Sunday- The Church of Jesus Christ (G.P.17), by Amanda Whitney
3rd Sunday- Faith in Jesus Christ (G.P.18), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- "Preparation Brings Blessings" (Pres. Thomas S. Monson p.64) by Laura Klarman

September Calendar

Mondays- FHE
6th- Labor Day
23rd- Ward Temple Night
25th- General Relief Society Meeting Broadcast 6:00pm

Welcome New Sisters!

We have quite a few new sisters that have just moved in...WELCOME!

Ashley Cheesman
424 N 800 E
husband, Cortney; two girls, Hallie & Zoe
hobbies- reading
church callings- primary

Nicole Choules
bristol park #29
husband, devon
hobbies- crafts, sewing, cooking, hiking, camping, reading
church callins- bulletin board coordinator, activity president, ward phone book
she is currently doing her doctoral residency at Dixie Hearing & Balance

Dantzel Butler
Bluff View #87
Husaband Bevan, children- Dimitri, and expecting 2nd
hobbies- dance, scrapbooking, movies, serving others,
reading, music
callings- seminary teacher (in Brazil), music leader,
friendship and enrichment committees

Emily Mathews
Bristol Park #4
Husband- Courtney, children- Corbin and Naomi
hobbies- crocheting and all sorts of stuff!
callings- RS Secretary, youth teacher, Nursery, Primary

Brenna Heap
747 Cherry circle
she is an assistant general manager @ marriott fairfield inn

Stef Bassett
Bristol #31
husband is Nick and they have 2 boys, bret(2) and clayton (6 months)
hobbies/talents: dance/singing, shopping :), loves music and organizing
church callings: rs teacher, nursery, sunday school teacher/library, yw volleyball coach
she sells scentsy and cleans a few houses once a month

Tess Stevens
837 Colony Circle
nikki stevens is her sister in law
hobbies/talents: loves to hula dance, volleyball, basketball, be with family & friends. loves doing hair and texting :)
is looking for a job but will be going to hair school to become a hairdresser.

Brittney Munk

Bristol Park #30

Husband- Landon

Hobbies- running, boating

Callings- pianist, compassionate service leader, co-activites chairman, primary teacher

Create

August Presidency Message

'Our baptism is a call to lifelong service to Christ. Like those at the waters of Mormon, we are “baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that [we] have entered into a covenant with him, that [we] will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us." It is not in the proper spirit for us to decide where we will serve or where we will not. We serve where we are called. It does not matter what the calling may be.' (Pres. Boyd K. Packer)
The willingness of Latter-day Saints to respond to calls to serve is a representation of their desire to do the will of the Lord. This is the kingdom of God on the earth. His work must go on and its progress depends on the strength we lend it. It is our responsiblility to accept His calls and to grow in His service. Remember that serving the Lord is a privilege, and just as God called you, He will guide you. All He asks is that you give your best effort and your whole heart. May we ever be found willing and serving faithfully!

With much love-
The Relief Society Presidency

August Calendar

mondays-FHE!
7th- Stake Conference 4:00pm & 7:00pm
8th- Stake Conference 10:00am
10th- 'Purse'-onal Enrichment Night 7:00pm
11th- school starts
26th- ward temple night

August Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message, by KenDe May
2nd Sunday- Stake Conference
3rd Sunday- The Church of Jesus Christ (GP16), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- Ensign: 'Watching With All Perseverance' (Elder Bednar), by Laura Klarman
5th Sunday- Combined

July Presidency Message

President Monson said: “Before we can successfully undertake a personal search for Jesus, we must first prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts. In these busy days there are many who have time for golf, time for shopping, time for work, time for play—but no time for Christ......As we undertake our personal search for Jesus, aided and guided by the principle of prayer, it is fundamental that we have a clear concept of him whom we seek.....we seek Jesus the Christ, our Redeemer; he who took upon himself the sins of the world and so willingly died that we might forever live. This is the Jesus whom we seek.”
Our daily routines should not begin without first going to our knees, seeking guidance from our Savior, asking Him for His help for us to be “meek, humble, patient, full of love, [and] willing to submit” to whatever the Lord requires. As President Benson promised, 'when we put God first all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives.' We trust the Lord. As a result, we do more good and we make real progress lives.

With much love--The Relief Society Presidency

July Calendar

4th- Independence Day
22nd- Ward Temple Night
24th- Pioneer Day

July Lessons

4th- Presidency Message
11th- The Priesthood (GP13), by Amanda Whitney
18th- Priesthood Organization (GP14), by Jan Hunsaker
25th- The Power of the Priesthood, (pg. 6-Elder Packard), by Laura Klarman

June Presidency Message

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said: “Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character, of all fidelity to do right. …Love the Lord your God, and love His Son, and be ever grateful for their love for us. Whenever other love fades, there will be that shining, transcendent, everlasting love of God for each of us and the love of His Son, who gave His life for each of us.”
Receive it. Feel it. It is not enough just to know that God loves you. The gift is to be felt continually day by day. His love will never change. There is no shortage of his love, only in our willingness to do what is needed to feel it. We pray that each of you will seek earnestly to feel the love of God in your lives each day.

With love,
The Relief Society Presidency

June Calendar

20- Father's Day
27- Visiting Teaching Interviews

June Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message, by Jodi Turner
2nd Sunday- The Life of Christ (GP 11), by Amanda Whitney
3rd Sunday- The Atonement (GP12), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- You Are My Hands (Pres. Uchtdorf-p.68), by Laura Klarman

Ward Temple Night

Ward Temple Night:

June 24th, 6:40pm session

For Temple schedule and information go to:

http://www.lds.org/temples/main/0,11204,1912-1-37-0,00.html

Stake Family Month

The Stake Presidency would like us to join them in celebrating, protecting, and strengthening our Families during the month of May! The goal they have set is:

100% FHE
100% Family Prayer
100% Family Scripture Study

They ask us to please pray for guidance, help, and direction, as we prepare for 'Family Month'. As President Gordon B. Hinckley advised: '..follow the whisperings of the the Spirit to guide you in the most serious of all responsibilites, for the consequences of your leadership in your home will be eternal and everlasting.'

LET'S GET IT DONE!!

May Presidency Message

The opening paragraph of 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' states, "WE THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

It is through marriage that we have the potential for our greatest happiness and even exaltation. Because Satan knows this, he is relentless in his attacks upon our homes and families. Husbands and wives have been charged by the Lord to love and care for each other. Yet, in the words of Elder Russell M. Nelson, '...some married couples fall short of their full potential. They let their romance become rusty, take each other for granted, allow other interests or clouds of neglect to obscure the vision of what their marriage really could be.' (Nurturing Marriage, Ensign, May 2000).

We can strengthen our marriages and enrich our personal lives as we seek to live gospel principles such as selflessness, patients, service, forgiveness, charity, and hope. Line upon line, precept upon precept, relying upon the Lord to strengthen and guide us, we can build relationships that are sweet, uplifting, and holy.

We love you, and ask the Lord to bless you.
The Relief Society Presidency

May Calendar

9th- Mother's Day
11th- RS BBQ
27th- Ward Temple Night
31st- Memorial Day

May Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message, by Pat Melessa
2nd unday- Praying to our Heavenly Father, (GP8) by Laura Klarman
3rd Sunday- Prophets of God- (GP9) by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- Ask, Seek, Knock, (Elder Nelson) by Amanda Whitney

April Presidency Message

Recaps of April 2010 Conference:

Elder Ballard- 'Look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not of the Lord's standards, and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspactive. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness.'

President Eyring- 'Heavenly Father has addigned us to a great variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family. They are important because the family has the opportunity at the start of a child's life to place feet firmly on the path home.'

Sister Beck- 'A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. Life is not calm for most women, and each day seems to require the accomplishment of a million things, most of which are important. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.'

Elder Holland- 'Surely it would guide our actions in a dramatic way if we remembered that every time we transgress we not only hurt those we love but we also hurt Him who so dearly loves us. But if we do sin...we can be rescued by that same magestic figure, He who bears the only name given under heaven whereby any man or woman can be saved.'

President Monson- 'My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning, 'He is not here: for he is risen.'....As one of His special witnesses on earth today, this glorious Easter Sunday, I declare that this is true.'

How blessed we truly are to have a living prophet and apostles of Jesus Christ on the earth today. We pray that you will have a great desire to read and study, and to ponder their words that were spoken at conference. We know and testify that your lives will be peaceful, happy, and blessed as you do.

The Relief Society Presidency

He Sent His Son

April Calendar

3&4- General Conference
4- Easter
6- Pack Meeting
7- Activity Days, 4:00pm
21- Activity Days, 4:00pm
22-Ward Temple Night
27- RS Sisters Temple Night

April Lesson Schedule

4- General Conference
11- The Fall of Adam and Eve (GP6), by Amanda Whitney
18- The Holy Ghost (GP7), by Jan Hunsaker
25- Our Perfect Example (Pres. Henry Eyring,p.70), by Laura Klarman

Recipes

WE HAVE A NEW WARD

RECIPE BLOG!!

Check it out:

washington8thwardrecipes.blogspot.com

Have you checked it out?

Do you have some recipes you want to send?
Are you going too??!!

We would LOVE it!!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!

Temple Picture Class

We are getting another chance to make these gorgeous temple pictures!!
This picture ends up being 26x32 inches-hugh! And they are so beautiful. They are protected by a glassless finish and surrounded by a 4 1/2'' chunky frame (black or brown). The class is about 2 hours, and even those with little or no craft experience can do these. There are eight temples available to do:
St. George, Bountiful, Timpanogas, Logan, Idaho Falls, Salt Lake, Manti, and Oquirrh Mtn. The next class will be held on April 10th, 10:00am at the church. The cost is $53.00--money is due by March 28th. There is no limit on the number you do, and you are welcome to invite family or friends to come too.
(FYI-We need a total of 15 pictures to have a class. Sign-up sheets will be in the roll books, and also will be passed around in Primary & YW. You can email us with any questions you may have: enrichmentnight@yahoo.com)

March Presidency Message

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints it’s important for us to each gain an individual testimony. We learn from Alma that the quest for a testimony begins with a sincere desire:

“If ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.” (Alma 32:27)

Along with a desire, if we can exercise faith, even the smallest amount, our testimonies will begin to grow and become stronger than we ever imagined. It is our testimonies that will help us through our trials so have the faith that it will grow and let the Holy Ghost testify to you its truthfulness in quiet moments.

We love you all.
The Relief Society Presidency

March Calendar

Wednesday 3rd- Activity Days 4:00pm
Thursday 4th- Stake Temple Night
Saturday 6th- Temple Picture Class 10:00am
Tuesday 16th- RS Birthday Party 6:30pm
Wednesday 17th- St. Patrick's Day, Activity Days

March Lesson Schedule

1st Sunday- Presidency Message, by Julie Rasmussen
2nd Sunday- Jesus Christ Our Chosen Leader and Savior (GP3), by Amanda Whitney
3rd Sunday- The Creation (GP5), by Jan Hunsaker
4th Sunday- Prayer and Promtings (pg.43,Pres. Packer), by Laura Klarman

Relief Society Directory

We still need quite a few pictures for our directory. Please send them ASAP!, along with the following info: name, address, phone number(s), email address, and birthday. Please email your pictures to Sandi Stout or Jessica Jewkes:
sandi.stout@yahoo
jjewkes7 @gmail

The Tender Mercies Of The Lord

PReSideNcy MeSSagE

The words of living prophets are clear regarding our sacred duty to strengthen our families spiritually. The proclamation to the world, declares that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. … Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, [and] to observe the commandments of God”.
The First Presidency has issued a call to all parents “to devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children in gospel principles which will keep them close to the Church. The home is the basis of a righteous life, and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfill its essential functions in carrying forward this God-given responsibility.”
The key to strengthening our families is having the spirit of the Lord come into our homes. We need to read, study, and learn continually. Then the Holy Ghost can help us teach what we are learning. And we must never forget that we can ask for divine help. Our children are God’s children too. Through our faith and prayers, He can and will bless them when we cannot be with them and in times when we do not know where or how they are but He does. Every parent has the right to seek the Lord’s help in teaching children the truths of the gospel. Our Father has entrusted these children to us, and He will help us.

We love you all!
The Relief Society Presidency

FEbRuaRy CaLeNdaR

Tuesday 2nd-Cub Scouts
Wednesday 4-Activity Days 4:00pm
Tuesday 9-RS Board Meeting 6:30pm
Sunday 14-Ward Conference, Valentines Day
Monday 15-Presidents Day
Wednesday 17-Activity Days 4:00pm
Saturday 27-Stake Conference Adult Session
Sunday 28-Stake Conference

FeBRuaRy LeSSoN ScHeDuLe

1st Sunday-Presidency Message, by KenDe May
2nd Sunday-Ward Conference
3rd Sunday-Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior-#3, by Amanda Whitney
4th Sunday-Stake Conference

Have I Done Any Good In The World Today?