Lesson Notes: "Act in All Diligence"

1. What does it mean to be diligent?

Diligence "is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others."

2. Does diligence simply mean to work harder?

No! As we keep the commandments, do as we're asked, fulfill our callings and/or serve others to the best of our ability, we will be blessed with joy.

3. Where do we start?

- "Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets.

- Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son.

- Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do.

- Plan to do it.

- Promise Him to obey.

- Act with determination until you have done what He asked.

- And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next."

Read the full talk here.

(Thank you, Sister Worsham, for the excellent lesson!)

Lesson Notes: Priesthood Organization

The Priesthood Is on the Earth Today

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is governed by the priesthood. The priesthood, which is always associated with God’s work, “continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years” (D&C 84:17). It is upon the earth today. Men young and old are baptized into the Church, and when they are judged worthy they are ordained to the priesthood. They are given the authority to act for the Lord and do His work on the earth.

Two Divisions of Priesthood

The priesthood is divided into two parts: the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood (see D&C 107:1). “The first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood … because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.

The lesser priesthood is an appendage to the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is called the Aaronic Priesthood because it was conferred on Aaron and his sons throughout all their generations. Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have authority to administer the outward ordinances of the sacrament and baptism. (See D&C 20:46; 107:13–14, 20.)

Those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood have the power and authority to lead the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel in all parts of the world. They administer all the spiritual work of the Church (see D&C 84:19–22; 107:8). They direct the work done in the temples; they preside over wards, branches, stakes, and missions. The Lord’s chosen prophet, the President of the Church, is the presiding high priest over the Melchizedek Priesthood (see D&C 107:65–67).

Keys of the Priesthood

There is a difference between being ordained to an office in the priesthood and receiving keys of the priesthood. President Joseph F. Smith taught:

“The Priesthood in general is the authority given to man to act for God. Every man ordained to any degree of the Priesthood has this authority delegated to him.

“But it is necessary that every act performed under this authority shall be done at the proper time and place, in the proper way, and after the proper order. The power of directing these labors constitutes the keys of the Priesthood. In their fulness, the keys are held by only one person at a time, the prophet and president of the Church. He may delegate any portion of this power to another, in which case that person holds the keys of that particular labor. Thus, the president of a temple, the president of a stake, the bishop of a ward, the president of a mission, the president of a quorum, each holds the keys of the labors performed in that particular body or locality. ” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 141; italics in original).

The Offices and Duties of the Aaronic Priesthood

• When the Aaronic Priesthood is conferred on a man or boy, he is ordained to an office in that priesthood. The offices in the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Each office carries duties and responsibilities. Each quorum is presided over by a quorum president, who teaches the members their duties and asks them to fill assignments.

The Offices and Duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood

• The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle.

Quorums

The Lord has instructed that the holders of the priesthood be organized into quorums. A quorum is a body of brethren holding the same priesthood office.

Importance of Priesthood Quorums

If a priesthood quorum functions properly, the members of the quorum are encouraged, blessed, fellowshipped, and taught the gospel by their leaders. Even though a man may be released from Church callings, such as teacher, quorum president, bishop, high councilor, or stake president, his membership in his quorum does not change. Membership in a quorum of the priesthood should be regarded as a sacred privilege.

Auxiliaries to the Priesthood

• All organizations in the Church work under the direction of priesthood leaders and help them carry out the work of the Lord. For example, the presidencies in a ward’s Relief Society, Young Women, Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School organizations serve under the direction of the bishopric. These organizations are called auxiliaries to the priesthood.

Fireside: Neurological Development and How it Affects Spiritual Growth

Adult Fireside "Neurological Development and How It Effects Spiritual Growth".

Donna Bateman,Neurodevelopment Specialist is returning to share with us her insights on neurological development and it's impact on spiritual development. Those who have attended this in the past have been very enthusiastic about what they learned about the brain and spiritual growth. The fireside will be held at the Commanche Building at 5700 Commanche Rd, San Jose, CA 95123. Friday, Aug. 13 in the Relief Society Room from 7-8:30 p.m. All adults are invited.

Neurological Development 101 seminar available to all interested adults. Donna Bateman, Neurodevelopmental Specialist will present an 8 hour seminar covering normal neurological development in children, and things you can do today to stimulate and support the neurological development of your child. This seminar would be especially helpful for parents who are struggling with a child with ADD/ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, Autism, social struggles, academic difficulties, emotional challenges, or for any child who has a brain. The cost is $50 per person or $75 per couple. It is highly recommended both spouses attend. The location is The Community Church, 3536 Monroe Street, Santa Clara, CA 95051-1419, Saturday, August 14, 2010, 9a.m.-5p.m. Snacks provided, lunch on you own. For more information or questions, see attached flyer, you may also contact Patty Ezell Phone # 408-362-9780 or email patrealee@gmail.com.

Lesson Notes: The Priesthood

Why Do We Need the Priesthood on the Earth?

We must have priesthood authority to act in the name of God when performing the sacred ordinances of the gospel, such as baptism, confirmation, administration of the sacrament, and temple marriage. If a man does not have the priesthood, even though he may be sincere, the Lord will not recognize ordinances he performs (see Matthew 7:21–23; Articles of Faith 1:5).

Men need the priesthood to preside in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to direct the work of the Church in all parts of the world.

Another reason the priesthood is needed on the earth is so we can understand the will of the Lord and carry out His purposes. God reveals His will to His authorized priesthood representative on the earth, the prophet. The prophet, who is President of the Church, serves as the spokesman for God to all members of the Church and all people on the earth.

How Do Men Receive the Priesthood?

The Lord has prepared an orderly way for His priesthood to be given to His sons on the earth. A worthy male member of the Church receives the priesthood “by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof” (Articles of Faith 1:5).

How Do Men Properly Use the Priesthood?

The priesthood should be used to bless the lives of our Heavenly Father’s children here on earth. Priesthood holders should preside in love and kindness. They should not force their families and others to obey them. The Lord has told us that the power of the priesthood cannot be controlled except in righteousness (see D&C 121:36). When we try to use the priesthood to gain wealth or fame or for any other selfish purpose, “behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37).

What Blessings Come When We Use the Priesthood Properly?

The Lord has promised great blessings to righteous priesthood holders who use the priesthood to bless others:

“Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

“The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:45–46).

President David O. McKay promised every man who uses the priesthood in righteousness that he “will find his life sweetened, his discernment sharpened to decide quickly between right and wrong, his feelings tender and compassionate, yet his spirit strong and valiant in defense of right; he will find the priesthood a never failing source of happiness—a well of living water springing up unto eternal life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 116).

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Need to Clean Out Your Closet?

Sisters,

We have a need for Sunday appropriate dresses or skirts & tops that you may want to clean out of your closet. The size would need to be anywhere from a 12 - 16. If you have anything, please send me an email or phone call.

Thanks,

Marcie

Visiting Teaching

Sisters, our Visiting Teaching Coordinator, Sister Cherish Winkleman, has challenged us to make our visits by the 15th of each month. If you are unable to personally meet with your sisters by the 15th, please mail them a message.

We know you can do it, and we thank you for your service!

Lesson Notes: Joyfully, Voluntarily, Quietly Submit Your Will to the Lord

Christ is the key to all we will experience while on earth. He fits every life experience, and every death experience that we or a loved one may face. He said “This is the gospel which I have given unto you – that I came into the world to do the will of my Father.” (3 Nephi 27:13) By so doing, he became our perfect example. Each of us should strive to use our agency choose Him and His ways – joyfully, voluntarily, quietly. When we do this, we allow our Savior to lift us up, back to our Father, clothed with immortality and eternal life.

“…may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever” (Moroni 9:25)

Many thanks to Sister Cluff for her lesson.