Sunday Lesson Recap - "The Atonement"

This week's lesson was on "The Atonement" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 12). The highlights -

- The Atonement is how we can become perfect through Christ

- The Atonement is about hope and love - Christ gave His life for us, not because he had to but because He loved us enough to take our sins upon him

- Christ experienced our pains and sorrows through the Atonement. He knows how to helps us through our trials.

- "Seminary Donuts" - an object lesson from a seminary class about how infinite the Atonement is - Christ suffered for us whether or not we take advantage of the Atonement

- Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19 - For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

- Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

- 3 Nephi 9:21-22 - Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

- "The Mediator" - a video based on a parable told by President Boyd K. Packer

Annoucements for the Week of June 27

Once again, thanks to everyone who made our Luau a fun success!

This week, there are a lot of announcements, so hold on tight and here we go!

- Wednesday, June 30 at 6:00 pm: The Branch is having a party at the reservoir. We will be meeting at the pavilion and if you'd like to, come dressed to swim or just hang out and have fun. There will be dinner and they've asked all the sisters to bring some cookies to contribute.

- Monday, July 6 will be the first Family Home Evening meeting for the Branch. Everyone is invited to come at 7:30 pm at the church. This will be the scheduled time for FHE every week unless we're told otherwise, so make that a part of your plans.

- Institute will be starting in July at the Seminary building. Details will follow, so be on the lookout for that.

- Last but not least, there will be an exhibit at the Stake Center for "Reflections of Christ" taking place this weekend. The times for that are: Friday, July 2 1:00-8:00; Saturday, July 3 1:00-5:00; and Sunday, July 4 9:00-6:30 with a special fireside at 7:00. This exhibit has been on tour and now it's our turn to see it, so this is not a chance to be missed! More details can be found at www.reflectionsofchrist.org

Luau in Pictures

We had our Luau last Thursday are here are some pictures from that activity. Thanks to the Stake Relief Society presidency for coming and also thanks to President and Sister Hill. Most especially, a bit THANK YOU to everyone who came and had fun with us! You all made it a great time!

Some decorations

Telling embarrassing moments

Getting ready to play "I've Never..."

Thanks again to everyone for making this a great activity and we hope to see you at the next one!

Announcements for the Week!

First off, this is the last Sunday before our big Luau on Thursday and we just want to remind you all about that. Again, it's this Thursday, June 24th at 7:00 at the Church. We will be having dinner and playing games and we want as many people who can to come and have a fun time!

Also, there is a party at the reservoir coming up. The date is still a little sketchy, since it's has been announced as Thursday, June 30 - but June 30 is a Wednesday, so stay tuned for updates on that. We do know that whatever day it is next week, it'll be at 6:00 pm.

Finally - we want to wish all our dads a big Happy Father's Day!

Sunday Lesson Recap - "The Life of Christ"

Today lesson was from "Gospel Principles" chapter 11, "The Life of Christ." Here are some of the highlights:

- The life of Christ was prophesied long before His birth: Isaiah 52: 3-5, 7; 1 Nephi 11:18,21

- During His life, Christ:

• Taught us to love and serve one another: Matthew 22:36-39
• Preached the gospel and taught the will of His Father: John 8:28-29
• Organized the true Church: John 15:16

- The Atonement: "The Divinity of Jesus Christ" by Orson F. Whitney

• Matthew 26:39
• Doctrine and Covenants 19:18
• Alma 7:10-13

Comments from class:

• Because Christ didn't give up, even when He was alone, we don't have to give up because we are not alone. Christ is always with us.
• "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." - Preach My Gospel, page 52
  

This was a really great lesson and we want to give a huge thank you to Shanel for giving it!

Activities and Announcements

Even though this announcement isn't from Relief Society, we wanted to put it up anyway.

- Dutch Over Dinner - We will be having a Branch Activity on Thursday, June 17 at the Oak City Canyon pavilion at 6:00 pm. We will be playing games and enjoying a yummy dutch oven dinner. Dinner will be at 7:00, so if your work keeps you late come anyway (come even if you can't get there until after 7:00). Also, if your last name begins with the letters A-H, please bring a dessert and if your name starts with I-Z, bring a salad (but don't feel like you can't come if you get busy and can't bring food - we want everyone there!)

- Relief Society Luau - Also, we just want to re-announce the Relief Society Luau on Thursday, June 24 at 7:00 at the church. There will be dinner and games - like Shar said in Relief Society, there's bound to be a ton of food and we don't want to take it all home. Come one, come all!!

If there are people you know that would enjoy these activities, please invite them!

Lots of fun activities coming up for the branch and there are sure to be more. Stay tuned!

Sunday Lesson Recap - "For My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord"

(This is something we're going to try with our blog - in addition to announcing activities, we want to recap our Sunday lessons for those who either weren't able to make it to Relief Society or just want to review what was discussed)

Today, our Sunday lesson was "Scriptures" (chapter 10 in the "Gospel Principles" manual). Some of the highlights included:

- The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both the Word of God and testify of Jesus Christ.

- God has called prophets and apostles to continue to reveal scripture in our day - General Conference, Ensign messages (General Conference is available as a free podcast from the iTunes store: link)

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

- 2 Nephi 4:16 - "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."

- Article of Faith 8 - "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

- "The Miracle of the Holy Bible" by Elder M. Russell Ballard

- "Restored Truth" by Elder M. Russell Ballard

-"They Showed the Way" by President Thomas S. Monson

Also, this talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was mentioned during the lesson:



It was a great lesson and we want to thank Emma for giving it!