Thursday, September 30, 2010

180th Semi-Annual General Conference

Don't miss the 180th Semi-Annual General Conference Oct 2nd and 3rd.
Click here to get more info.

Reminder that this weekend is General Conference and there will be no regular Ward meetings. Conference will be broadcast on the BYU channel, at the Ward building or also on the Church's website: lds.org.

Saturday's morning session is from 9 am to 11 pm
" afternoon session is from 1 - 3 pm
Sunday's morning session is from 9 am to 11 pm
" afternoon session is from 1 - 3 pm

Invite your neighbors or friends to view or listen to General Conference. It is a good way for non-Mormons to anonymously learn about LDS beliefs without the commitment of attending a Mormon church service on Sunday or meeting with the missionaries.


Enjoy this weekend with your families as you receive teaching and spiritual encouragement from our leaders.


Linn Evans

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

Monday, September 27, 2010

FABULOUS FRIDAY RS CRAFT NIGHT OCT 15TH, 6-10

This is a photo of the apron we are making at our FABULOUS FRIDAY RS CRAFT NIGHT.
There is no cost for the class, but you will need to purchase your fabric and any trim you wish to add to your apron/s. I suggest Joannes in Thousand Oaks off Moorpark exit. You might have a coupon which would help take a little off your price. They have some very cute fabric. This pattern is not difficult, but is a bit time consuming. Because of the ruffles there is time in finishing the edges of the ruffles and gathering. BUT it is not difficult.

Please be sure to bring your sewing machine, sharp scissors, thread (you may need a couple of different colors if applying trim), seam ripper, measuring tape and pins. I will have a couple of ironing boards set up for you.

Here is the outline of the fabric you will need-this is for the size displayed Sunday:
Body of apron: 3/4 yard
Ties & bottom ruffle: 1 yard
1st ruffle: 1/2 yard
2nd ruffle: 1/2 yard

Trim for ruffle: 1 1/2 yards
Trim for pocket: 8 inches


I used 4 coordinating fabrics. You may use 2 or 3 if you wish-it's your apron!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

General Relief Society Broadcast

Tonight was a great evening. Many women from the stake joined with each other in service projects ranging from decorating chocolate bars to tying quilts for our men and women in the armed forces. The stake put together a delicious 'sack lunch' dinner for the sisters. Inside our little brown bags we found croissant, chicken salad, coleslaw, chips and a chocolate cookie.The General Relief Society Broadcast first speaker was Relief Society President, Julie B. Beck, followed by Sister Silvia H. Allred, 1st Counselor and then 2nd Counselor Barbara Thompson. The concluding speaker was Prophet Thomas S. Monson.

Please click here for excerpts from tonight's broadcast.Bishop & Nancy helped tie quilts
Our ward made about 125 stockings!
Sisters filling the stockings with goodies
We decorated chocolate bars to be given to the wives of our Service Men
It was wonderful to see our Stake President helping out with the quilts
President Larsen
President Figueroa
Debi & LizBarbara, Pam & Marj
The quilts each had squares with were signed by ward members expressing thanks
Gaye & Yvonne
June, Trudy & Ann
Nancy-our Stake Humanitarian SpecialistThe Barlow Sisters
KeikoRachell
Heidi, Debbie, Karen, Sara & Trish
Nancy

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Lesson #17 The Church of Jesus Christ Today


The Church of Jesus Christ was taken from the earth shortly after the Savior's death and resurrection. After he ascended into heaven men changed the ordinances and doctrines that He and His Apostles had established. Because of the apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God. The true Church was no longer on the earth. Men organized different churches that claimed to be true but taught conflicting doctrines. There was much confusion and contention over religion. The Lord had foreseen these conditions of apostasy saying there would be a "famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but a hearing the words of the Lord...They shall...seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it". (Amos 8:11-12)

For many years people lived in spiritual darkness. The Restoration of the fulness of the gospel is a "marvellous work". Why is that? In the spring of 1820 a young boy, Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the churches was the true Church of Jesus Christ. He went into the woods near his home and prayed humbly and intently to his Heavenly Father asking which church he should join. On that morning a miraculous thing happened. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Savior told him not to join any church because the true Church was not on the earth.

Authority from God was restored to the earth once more. God again gave the priesthood to men. John the Baptist came in 1829 to confer the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Then Peter, James, and John, the presidency of the Church in ancient times came and gave Joseph and Oliver the Melchizedek Priesthood and the keys of the kingdom of God. On April 6, 1830, the Savior again directed the organizing of His Church on the earth. His Church is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Christ is the head of His Church today just as he was in ancient times. The Church was organized with the same offices as were in the ancient Church. That organization included apostles, prophets, seventies, evangelists (patriarchs), pastors (presiding officers), high priests, elders,bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.

The Church today teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. These precious truths were returned in their fulness when the Church was restored. The mission of the Church is as Christ said, "This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations" (Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31) The Church will never again be taken from the earth. Its mission is to take the truth to every person. Thousands of years ago, the Lord said He would 'set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people,...and it shall stand for ever" (Daniel 2:44)

For more on this lesson #17 "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" click here

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

FABULOUS FRIDAY RS CRAFT NIGHT OCT 15TH, 6-10


Sign-ups have started!

Camarillo Second Ward Relief Society FABULOUS FRIDAY CRA
FT NIGHT!

You won't want to miss this. We have something for EvErYoNe!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 6:00-10:00PM
Dinner will start PROMPTLY at 6:00.
Our menu has a little Asian twist; Sushi & Chinese Chicken Salad.
It will be delicious.

We have a SPECIAL guest speaker coming, Holly Arbon Beifuss. She will give a demo on easy holiday table setting and centerpieces using things that you already have in your home and yard. No need to run out and purchase new dishes, candles and centerpieces this year. Your table will look like the cover of Pottery Barn or Better Homes & Gardens.

We are offering many classes for the sisters to take.
Once more we are working off our theme;
'Small & Simple' Things

All classes are under $10.00 and most are under $3.00.
We have a few classes with NO class fee and we will have a quilt set up for sisters who would like to come and socialize and offer service.

Look over the craft classes and see what you can make to help your Christmas gift buying to be Simpler.
Make a few of these gifts ahead of time and store them in your closet until you pull them out to give to your child's school teacher, your neighbor, your mother, sister or friend.
FANTASTIC 'WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM' SIGN
~Great gift for YOU!~
COST: $7/each Limit 3 per person, please
FRIGHTENING BOO BURLAP BANNER
~Inexpensive decoration for Halloween~
COST: $2/each
Bring: Scissors
FANCIFUL PAPER PINWHEELS
~Add BLING to your Christmas Gift Wrapping~
COST: $2.00/each
Bring: Scissors
FAMILY BLACK & WHITE FRAMES
~Great gift for Grandparents~
COST: $2/each Limit 3 per person, please
Bring: Your black & white photo developed to 8x12 (Costco does this size), scissors
FRENCH STENCILED PILLOWS
~Great gift for that hard to buy family member or friend~
COST: $2/each
Bring: Pillow form, fabric for pillow case (approx. 1/2 yard for front & 1/2 yard for back), any trim desired to finish pillow, sewing machine, scissors & all tools
necessary for sewing-OR you can stencil only and sew your pillow at home.
NOTE: Stencils available will be monogram initials, design shown above and a few simple designs.
SPOOKY BANNER
~Great gift for sisters & friends~
COST: $8.00
Bring: Scissors
SPOOKY BANNER BOX
COST: $5
FAVORITE FAMILY SILHOUETTES
~Great gift for Grandparents~
COST: $TBD
Bring: Your silhouette pattern of your child/ren
FUNCTIONAL GLASS ETCHING
~Great gift for mom, sister & friend~
COST: $4.00/each Limit 3 dishes per person, please
Bring: Your glass baking dish.
FUN & EASY CHILDREN'S HAIR CLIPS & HEAD BANDS
~Great gift for nieces, granddaughters & young girls~
COST: $2.00/each
Bring: Scissors
FABULOUS TATTERED PINS
~Great gift for any woman in your life~
COST: $2.00/each
Bring: Scissors, 1 yard lengths of your fabric fabrics. You will want a selection of different colors and textures. Polyester blends work best.
FESTIVE FOOTED PLATE
~Great gift for teachers~
COST: $2.00/each Limit 3 per person, please
Bring: Your own plate; dinner, salad or saucer size. Look for bargains at Home Goods, Tuesday Morning or Ross.

FUN & FLIRTY RUFFLE APRON
~Great gift for school teachers, piano teachers & friends~
Cost: $0
Bring: Scissors, sewing machine & all tools necessary for sewing. Fabric needs to be 3 different patterns-3/4 yard of each.

Photo coming soon!

RS Lesson #16; The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times by Donna M.


Features that identify the Church of Jesus Christ are Revelation, Authority from God, The Church Organization, First Principles and Ordinances and Ordinances Performed for the Dead.

As stated in Article of Faith 1:6, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth".

Jesus established His Church when He was on the earth. It was called the Church of Jesus Christ and the members were called Saints (see Ephesians 2:19-20 and 3 Nephi 27:8"

After Jesus was resurrected, he visited the people in the Americas and organized His Church among them, teaching the people for three days and then returning often for some time thereafter (see 3 Nephi 11-28).

Throughout history, evil people have tried to destroy the work of God. This happened while the Apostles were still alive and supervising the young, growing Church. God had foreseen the Apostasy and prepared the gospel to be restored. The Apostle Peter spoke of this to the Jews: "He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:20-21).

We are so fortunate to live in a time when the fullness of the Gospel is available on the earth. We are blessed with modern day revelation from God's Prophet on the earth today, President Thomas S. Monson. Do we realize the significance of this in our lives today? In just 3 weeks we will have the opportunity to hear a Prophet's voice for ourselves when we watch General Conference.

For more on Lesson #16, "The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times" click on this link.

General Relief Society Meeting Saturday, September 25, 2010

Be sure to mark your calenders for Saturday, September 25th! It's time again for the General Relief Society Meeting broadcast from Salt Lake at 7:00 PM. Please come and join with other sisters in the Stake before the broadcast for a wonderful evening of service and dinner.

"We invite you to join together as we INCREASE OUR FAITH and STRENGTHEN OUR FAMILY-we will hear counsel from our General Relief Society Presidency and a member of teh First Presidency. PROVIDE RELIEF-we will be providing service to the men and women in the Armed Forces as we join the Soldier's Angels (www.solidersangels.org)." Stake Relief Society Presidency

Sisters will be tying quilts, wrapping candybars and stuffing stockings all to be shipped to our men & women in the Armed Forces. After we will have a wonderful dinner which will be followed by the broadcast.

PLEASE JOIN US-WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

RS Lesson: The Temple is a Place of Refuge by Bonnie


The Temple Is A Place Of Refuge

Why do we have temples? To make covenants, receive our endowment, do work for the dead. Is our only purpose in returning to the temple to do vicarious work for our dead? “So often we relate the temples to the vicarious ordinances that are performed there for those who are deceased. Certainly this is a vital part of temple work. But there is another aspect of temple activity that has great importance for living members. . . . the spiritually uplifting, strengthening influence in [our] lives that results from regular temple attendance.” [ Elder Dean L. Larsen, Of the Presidency of the Seventy, Ensign, Apr. 1993]

We are told in D&C 88:119 “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

Lets add to that what we learn in the 4th chapter of Isaiah which tells us of the protecting power of the Lord’s house. Isaiah tells to us that in our day the Lord promises to

5 ‘create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night : for upon all the glory shall be a defense.

6 ‘And there shall be a tabernacle for . . . a place of refuge”

Isaiah is telling us that in the last days we will have the promised protection of the Lord day and night over our homes and our stakes if we are worthy by our faithfulness to our covenants made in His Temple and that the temple will be a place of refuge for us.

So –we know that the Temple is a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, house of glory, a house of order, a house of God and a place of refuge.

D&C 101: 22 tells us we that when the problems of the last days are upon us, we should “stand in holy places.’ What if we read the word “stand” to mean ‘make a stand’ or defend a position. If we read this verse in this manner then we see that the Lord is telling us “Latter-day Saints, make your stand against evil in holy places.”

Three of those holy places are our homes, stakes and the temple. “In these places we can defeat Satan. These positions we must defend. In them we will make our stand. We can triumph over the adversary only if we protect the home, the stake, and the temple. They, in turn, will give us protection. Here we will have the Lord’s glory to defend and help us. We simply cannot allow the forces of the world to invade these three sacred places. If we do, the battle, indeed the war, will be lost.” [S. Michael Wilcox, House of Glory, p. 58]

Do we need refuge? Aren’t we engaged daily in a battle with forces of evil and temptation? How do we keep our children and grandchildren from being overcome by the forces of evil?

Do you ever feel as though you are about to be swept away by the powerful forces of the adversary. At those times, wouldn’t it be comforting to have the Lord say: Come to my place of refuge and rest. The enemy cannot enter here. Let your fears subside. Be strengthened and rejuvenated. The battle does not rage within these walls. The righteous can seek safety here. When you return to the battle you can wield your sword with renewed strength and assurance of victory.

Look at the temple—it looks like a fortress. Our modern day Apostles and leaders of the church have counseled us about the protecting powers of Temple worship. Elder Boyd K. Packer taught, “No work is more of a protection to this Church than temple work. . . . No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. . . . Our labors in the temple cover us with a shield and a protection, both individually and as a people.” [The Holy Temple, p 265] Elder John A. Widtsoe testified that, “Men grow mighty under the results of temple service, women grow strong under it; the community increases in power; until the devil has less influence than he ever had before.” President Joseph Fielding Smith said, “If we go into the temple, we raise our hands and covenant that we will serve the Lord and observe his commandments and keep ourselves unspotted from the world. If we realize what we are doing then the endowment will be a protection to us all our lives—a protection which a man who does not go to the temple does not have.” [“The Pearl of Great Price,” Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, July 1930, p 103] Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone promised, “that all who faithfully attend to temple work [will have] unseen angels watch over [their] loved ones when satanic forces tempt them.” [In Royden G. Derrick, Temples in the Last Days, p. 103]

Sister Beck tells us, “I would suggest that each of us go to the temple and pay attention. Pay attention in the temple to what is happening, how things happen, the blessings that are given, who are they given by, and the powers that come to you. Listen to the words of the temple ordinances and learn the powers that the Lord has given you through His priesthood.”

We have studied numerous examples of the protecting powers of the temple in the Old Testament this year. In 2 Chronicles king Hezekiah opened the doors of the Temple, he brought back the priests. He invited the northern tribes back to the Temple. [2 Chron. 30:1-9] Under Hezekiah, the tribe of Judah was protected from attack by the Assyrian army while the northern tribes were captured and lost.

The simple act of returning to service in the temple can offer protection against danger. Our families face an invading army of evil just as dangerous as the Assyrians—if we ask the Lord for protection and we enter into his sanctuary we can also expect His blessings and His protection.

Joseph Smith made reference to the spiritual strength that can come from temple activity in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple which is recorded in D&C 109. He petitions the Father for blessings to come to the Saints from temple worship. Some of those requested blessings were that the Saints who enter the Temple will feel the Lord’s power [vs. 12]; the Saints would go forth from the Temple armed with power, with angels to watch over them [vs. 22]; that no weapons formed against them could prosper [vs. 25]; that no combination of wickedness would prevail over the Saints [vs. 26]; that the Lord would fight the battles for His people and deliver them from the hands of their enemies [vs. 28]; that the Lord would deliver the Saints from calamity [vs. 46].

What we need to do to qualify for those blessings is to seek diligently, teach one another out of the best books [vs.7]; we must organize and prepare every needful thing [vs.8]; we must act as the Lord’s people at all times [vs.9]; we must be clean to enter the Temple [vs.20]; and, we must hold a recommend to enter [vs.24]. Look at how little we must do to receive such great blessings. Don’t you think that the Lord’s protection alone is sufficient repayment for our efforts in going to the Temple?

Do we understand, as a people, the protection we obtain by attending the temple and worshipping there? Do we understand that we have a place of refuge from the world in the Temple? Do we underestimate the protecting power of the Temple? Are we attending the Temple often enough to obtain the promised blessings of the Lord’s protection? I testify that if we will trust in the Lord’s promises, the temple will play an increasingly important role in our lives and our families.



Tuesday, July 6, 2010

4th of July Flag Raising Ceremony & Breakfast

Monday, July 5th Camarillo 2nd and 5th Wards joined together and celebrated the 4th.

The program started with a flag raising ceremony by the Camarillo 2nd Ward Scouts. Bro. Hanson conducted the program. Everyone took a moment to honor the men and women in the audience who had served in the armed forces. The program followed with a rousing patriotic music, a musical number by the combined Primary children, youth speaker Jason, primary age speaker, Cory and main speaker Bro. Malan. Bro. Malan shared with the audience an excerpt from David McCullough's book "1776".

A delicious breakfast prepared by the Camarillo 5th Ward was enjoyed by all. Everyone who attended commented on what a wonderful program and great food they enjoyed.

After breakfast the children took to their bikes, scooters and skateboards, which they had decorated red, white and blue, and they raced around the parking lot.

Well done Activities Committees! Let's do this again next year!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

"This nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail…. I have faith in America. You and I must have faith in America if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ." President Harold B. Lee

“I doubt not that we shall have days of trial…. But I am certain that if we will emphasize the greater good and turn our time and talents from vituperative criticism, from constantly looking for evil, and lift our sights to what may be done to build strength and goodness in our nation, America will continue to go forward with the blessing of the Almighty and stand as an ensign of strength and peace and generosity to all the world.” President Gordon B. Hinckley

"If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers-normally good Americans, but Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free. Americans who have been lulled away into a false security."
Ezra Taft Benson


"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all" Pledge of Allegiance

"It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." President George Washington

Patriotic FHE ideas-click here

and here!

SUSHI TIME!!!

Our RS Cooking Club hosted a class on SUSHI. Our wonderful hostess was Bonnie and the class was taught by our amazing Linda-who tries to downplay her talents and abilities, but we all know better!

Enjoy the photos from that evening and if you want tips you know who to talk to!