CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
BELTON RESTORATION -MAY 2023
BRANCH OFFICERS 2022-2023
PRESIDING ELDER
Rick Johansen
TREASURER
Roger Oatman
SECRETARY
Jeremy Stephenson
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Robert Taylor
WOMEN'S LEADER
Lisa Schwartz
MUSIC LEADER
Angela Cunningham
YOUTH LEADER (K-12)
Jonnie McGowen
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Marilyn Winstead
HISTORIAN
Lisa Schwartz
RECORDER
Jim Feagins
BOOK STEWARD
Tim Robey
FACILITIES & FINANCE COMMITTEE
Robert Taylor
Dan Schwartz
Danny Goold
Mike Stephenson
Ann Taylor
Gary Holmes
Kenna McGowen
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Presiding Elder, Rick Johansen
Treasure, Roger Oatman
Secretary, Jeremy Stephenson
Women's Leader, Lisa Schwartz
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
TRUSTING ME is a moment-by-moment choice. My people have not always understood this truth. After I performed miracles in the wilderness, My chosen children trusted Me intensely--but only temporarily. Soon the grumbling began again, testing My patience to the utmost.
Isn't it often the same way with you? You trust Me when things go well, when you see Me working on your behalf. This type of trust flows readily within you, requiring no exertion of your will. When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling, resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a fork in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstance.
Devotional from Jesus is Calling.
A TESTIMONY FROM JAN GOOLD
I was recently asked to share a testimony for the newsletter, and I have prayed about all the Lord's many blessings throughout my life, trying to decide where to start. I had a week or so of missing Bill more than usual, perhaps the springtime weather for a few days recently. We loved getting out in our yard, and that's where we would be on these spring-like days when we could.
I was preparing for the sacrament here as I knew some of the priesthhood would be by to share with me. Danny Goold called to let me know that Rick and Jeremy would be there a little late. I decided to check on a room and meet them by the nurse's desk. As I was walking slowly down the aisle I had a sensation on my left – just a quick golden glow and it surprised me. I just had a feeling of “what was that?”, and felt it was the Lord with a compassionate pat of comfort in missing Bill.
The testimony and understanding came as I returned to the quiet of my room. I knew I had experienced some comforting contact with my Lord. That led me to remembering Bill's testimony that many of you have heard him share about his walk down a hospital hallway when the Lord told him that (hospital, the ill, administration to those who needed a blessing) was where he wanted him. That testimony I heard Bill share to others many times, was a blessing to me when I was missing him and needing a blessing.
We just don't know when an event in our life – shared with others – is a blessing they need. I know from those of you who have been by and shared with me the testimony of our many young people that they share with us all, and I pray that even us old people might touch a need. My love to you all!
PRAYER SERVICE - THE MID-WEEK RECHARGE BY DAN SCHWARTZ
In his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul begins by encouraging the believers there, and commending them for their faith, for their willingness to receive the gospel, and for their patience in enduring afflictions. Paul tells them that their example is known throughout the surrounding regions, and that their example is both a help in spreading the gospel and a strength to the new believers.
In the second chapter, Paul reminds the Thessalonian saints how he and his companions acted while engaged in the missionary work among them, despite any opposition and persecution. In verse 14, Paul lets them know that he is aware of the persecution that the Thessalonian church is under from their own people, similar to what the Jewish Christians are suffering in Judea. Because of this, Paul and his companions have desired to return to Thessalonica, but they have been hindered from doing so.
In chapter 3, Paul relates that their concern for the Thessalonian brethren became so great, that Paul decided to send Timothy to visit them while Paul remained behind. Timothy was sent to encourage and comfort them in their faith, and to make sure that their faith was not faltering due to the persecutions. Timothy returned with good tidings about the faith and strength of the Thessalonian church, and Paul relates the joy that he and his companions had at that news.
Paul writes:
“Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith; For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.”
I Thess 3:7 – 8 (emphasis mine)
Paul and his companions were strengthened and encouraged in their afflictions by the report that the Thessalonians were standing faithful in the Lord despite their own persecutions!
As I was reading this not long ago, I felt that the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that this is a likeness of what Prayer Service does for us. We come together and hear our brothers and sisters praying for their needs and for the needs of others; perhaps even praying for us. We hear the testimonies of how the Lord is blessing and guiding our brothers and sisters in the midst of their trials and struggles. All of this brings strength and comfort to us, and helps us endure our trials, as we see and hear our brothers and sisters standing fast in the Lord!
Moroni wrote something similar:
“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls...”
Moroni 6:6
I encourage each of us to attend Prayer Service on a weekly basis, whether in person or on-line. It is our “mid-week recharge”! The Lord blesses us each week with his Spirit. I know that for me, prayer service is an oasis in the midst of a busy and sometimes stressful week. Yes, there are times that I don't feel like going; but when I make the effort, the Lord always provides the spiritual refreshment that makes it worthwhile. And, who knows... your presence, or your prayer, or your testimony might be just the thing that helps a brother or sister find the strength and encouragement that they need for that day!
WOMEN'S MEETING FOR JULY
MAY SPEAKING SCHEDULE
MAY 7
SACRAMENT SERVICE
Elder Gary Holmes
MAY 14
Elder Mike Stephenson
MAY 21
Elder Dan Schwartz
MAY 28
Elder Robert Taylor
COME CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY
WHEN: May 13th
TIME: 9:30 AM
WHERE: At The Church
PLEASE RSVP TO LISA SCHWARTZ BY MAY 6TH
MAY PRIESTHOOD MEETINGS
MAY 7
Priesthood Prayer Service - 8:15 am
MAY 15
All Priesthood Meeting - 7:00 pm
ALL MEN'S FELLOWSHIP MEETING
NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS - EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023
PRESIDING ELDER
Rick Johansen
TREASURER
Mike Stephenson
SECRETARY
Jeremy Stephenson
CHRISTIAN ED
Robert Taylor
WOMEN'S LEADER
Lisa Schwartz
MUSIC LEADER
Angela Cunningham
YOUTH DIRECTOR
TBD
ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR
Jeremy Stephenson
HISTORIAN
Lisa Schwartz
RECORDER
Mary Johansen
BOOK STEWARD
Moroni Stephenson
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Gary Holmes, Dan Schwartz, Rick Johansen, Mike Stephenson and Jeremy Stephenson
FACILITIES COMMITTEE: Robert Taylor, Danny Goold, Dan Schwartz, Rick Johansen, Mike Stephenson, Jeremy Stephenson and Lisa Schwartz
FREEDOM STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES LIAISON: Dale Stafford - Chris Cunningham Alternate
BRAYDEN RUSSELL MCGOWEN'S BLESSING
JEREMY STEPEHNSON'S ORDINATION TO THE OFFICE OF ELDER
MAY BIRTHDAYS
MAY 16
Kathy Garner
MAY 18
Jan Gartman
MAY 18, 2022
Annie Corr
MAY 18
Gary Holmes
MAY 21, 2014
Emma McGowen
MAY 27
Russ Berry
MAY 28
Danny Goold
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
MAY 10, 2015
Kevin & Rachel Corr
MAY 17, 2008
Jeremy & Patty Stephenson
MAY 19,2006
Aaron & Kristen Eggenberger
MAY 22, 1983
Mike & Tami Stephenson
MAY 27, 2000
Russ & Kim Berry
ONLINE MINISTRY
https://beltonrestorationbranch.sermon.net/main
For smart phones download the app at:
http://sermon.net/for-the-listener/moble-apps/
once you've downloaded the app, in the search for ministries, type restoration branch. You will see the picture of the church, subscribe. You will have access to all of our sermons, and many sermons from various RLDS Ministers.
This is a great opportunity to share ministry with others, especially those who are isolated or shut in, and catch up on sermons missed. Thank you Mark Gartman for making this available to us.