Presidency Message

As the year comes to a close and we start looking toward 2013 and making new goals and resolutions... please consider reading "Converted to His Gospel Through His Church" by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, where he states,

"Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal.  Therein lies a danger.  It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel.  Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient.  In fact, the purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel.  We often wonder:  How can someone be fully active in the Church as a youth and then not be when they are older?  Perhaps the reason is they were not sufficiently converted to the gospel-- the things of eternity."

Discuss with and encourage our YW to make righteous goals that will help them to be converted to the gospel and embed a desire to Stand in Holy Places not only for 2013... but for a life time.  Then, along with their families and the inspiration you will receive on behalf of each YW, help them to reach that most important goal.

Preparing for the New Curriculum

Ward YW leaders who attended Stake Leadership Training had an in-depth training on the new curriculum, Come, Follow Me.  The Stake Presidency has also trained Bishoprics and encouraged them to have their own ward trainings.  We encourage you to attend these ward trainings and give meaningful input to help along this great work.  As you know, the new curriculum will give YW leaders the opportunity to prayerfully study and ponder the various doctrinal questions, patterns of Christ-like teaching, and spiritual preparation ideas and invitations to act (www.lds.org/youth/learn/).

Since the previous manuals will no longer be used starting January 1, you may be wondering what to do with them.  We want you to know that it is appropriate to purge them out of your closets completely.  If you choose, feel free to counsel with your Bishop about the best way to dispose of them.

The first Presidency stated, "The new curriculum integrates basic gospel doctrines, as well as principles for teaching in the Savior's way ...The focus is on strengthening and building faith, conversion and testimony, using the most current teachings of the General Authorities and General Auxiliary Presidencies... We are confident the new curriculum will bless youth in their efforts to become fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Church News, 10/6/2012). 

We are likewise confident that the promise that, "he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together" (Doctrine & Covenants 50:22) will be fulfilled as we prepare to facilitate revelation not only for ourselves, but for those beautiful Daughters of God whom we love and who He loves.