The Study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World 2015

Welcome to the 2015 focus on THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD!

2015 marks the 20-year anniversary of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. In celebration, members of the Kennewick Stake are invited to study and apply the teachings of this inspired document. Each month, January through September, the Stake Relief Society, Young Women and Primary leaders will be providing suggested ways to focus on the proclamation, paragraph by paragraph, by offering study helps, Family Home Evening lesson ideas, and a monthly memorization challenge! 

Each month the focus will be formatted to an 8.5 x 11 sheet for individuals to print and use as a reference or keepsake.  A culminating gathering for all women 8 years and up will be held in conjunction with the General Women’s Meeting broadcast on September 26^th, 2015. We are also considering the opportunity for displays of projects or goals of efforts as members focus on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. The evening will begin with an opening program, and conclude with refreshments following the broadcast.

We are filled with great hope for the spiritual journey that lies before us as we embark on a unified stake-wide effort to study The Family: A Proclamation to the World during 2015. We anticipate many choice experiences as individuals and families are lifted and strengthened through study and application of this inspired document. 

As we have prayerfully sought the Lord’s guidance in these efforts, we have felt His direction to offer the sisters of our stake an opportunity to join together to strengthen families. A quote from the talk, Teaching the Doctrine of the Family, by Julie B. Beck has been instrumental in our efforts: “This generation will be called upon to defend the doctrine of the family as never before. If they don’t know the doctrine, they can’t defend it.”

Our hope is that we will gain a greater understanding and testimony of The Family: A Proclamation to the World and be prepared to live it, to teach it, and to defend it. 

- Kennewick Stake Relief Society Presidency

Sister Kessie, Sister Bowers, Sister Odermott, Sister Gill

Links for the September 2015 study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

FAMILY: Prepare and present an FHE lesson using Strengthening the Family: Resource Guide for Parents

https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36612_eng.pdf

Additional link: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-02-0070-strengthening-

home-and-family?lang=eng

Links for the July 2015 study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

FAMILY: Family Home Evening “Building a Strong Family” (FHE Resource book, p. 235) 

https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/building-a-strong-family/building-a-strong-family?lang=eng

Links for the June 2015 study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

FAMILY:  Family Home Evening lesson “Love at Home” (FHE Resource book, p. 74) https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/family-home-evening-lessons/lesson-seventeen-love-at-home?lang=eng

Links for the May 2015 study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 FAMILY:  FHE lesson “Teaching About Procreation and Chastity” (FHE Resource book, p. 253) https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/building-a-strong-family/teaching-about-procreation-and-chastity?lang=eng

Links for the April 2015 study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

RELIEF SOCIETY: Learn, memorize or sing a hymn. Listen to hymns more often. http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/?lang=eng

FAMILY: Study Gen. Conf. address, Ensign, Oct. 2011, "Children", by Elder Neil L. Andersen. Can be used during a FHE lesson to support the doctrines in the 4th paragraph of the proclamation. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/children?lang=eng

Ensign, June 2005, “Strengthening Families: The Sacred Powers of Procreation”

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/06/strengthening-the-family-the-sacred-powers-of-procreation?lang=eng

LINKS FOR MARCH 2015 for the study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

FAMILY: FHE Lesson, “Marriage is Ordained of God”, D&C 49:15

:  https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/lesson-ideas/marriage?lang=eng 

QUOTE: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng&query=Robert+D.+Hales

YOUNG WOMEN: 7th Paragraph of the Proclamation: THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD: https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

LINKS FOR FEBRUARY 2015 for the study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

FAMILY CHALLENGE - Help family members learn what it means to be children of God.

FHE Lesson Idea: 

https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/family-home-evening-lessons/lesson-five-i-am-a-child-of-god?lang=eng

QUOTE Resource: Pres. James E. Faust, “Understanding Our Divine Nature”

www.lds.org/ensign/2002/01/understanding-our-divine-nature

"What it Means to Be a Daughter of God" (Ensign, Nov. 1999, p. 100, 102),   

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/what-it-means-to-be-a-daughter-of-god?lang=eng

Remember—through a beloved children's song—who you really are.

http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/child-of-god-1

LINKS FOR JANUARY 2015 for the study of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Free Download for a copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World

www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Inspirational story about memorizing the proclamation

www.lds.org/ensign/2006/04/the-proclamation-a-guide-a-comfort-and-an-inspiration

QUOTE Resource: Julie B. Beck, “Teaching the Doctrine of the Family”

www.lds.org/ensign/2011/03/teaching-the-doctrine-of-the-family

FAMILY CHALLENGE – Hold a Family Home Evening on The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 FHE Lesson Idea:

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-gospel-doctrine-teachers-manual/lesson-45-the-family-is-ordained-of-god?lang=eng

Here’s great lesson to get your family committed to having regular and meaningful FHE:

https://www.lds.org/manual/family-home-evening-resource-book/family-home-evening-lessons/lesson-one-building-our-family-through-home-evenings?lang=eng

Christmas Choir Performance

Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir 2014

Marianne and Rachel, the wonderful and talented directors of the Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir

Under the direction of Rachel Mohlman and Marianne Larsen, the Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir has been rehearsing each Thursday morning since September in preparation for these performances. In addition, a mixed chorus and 'children of the choir' are part of the concerts, which are free and open to the public.

Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir

Want to enjoy a "spiritual feast" and feel the Christmas Spirit at a whole new level?? The Kennewick Stake Relief Society Christmas Choir begins rehearsals September 25th, 2014 at the Pittsburgh Building. They meet Thursdays, 10-11am from Sept 25 until the performances December 13th & 14th at the Stake Center. Nursery is provided by choir members (each singer serves one day in the nursery.) To sign up and get more information, send an email to rschristmaschoir@gmail.com. Come learn and grow with your sisters!!

General Women's Conference

PREPARING FOR THE MEETING

1. Pray for our beloved prophet each day & for strength to follow him

2. Sing or play Hymn #19 We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet
 
3. Hang a picture of the prophet in your home.
 
4. Have a special FHE about following the prophet

* 5 Minute FHE Ideas on Following the Prophet 

* Living Prophets FHE Lesson Series  
* Lds.org Children Resources: Prophets  
* FHE: 14 Fundamentals A Prophet Hunt  
* Download the 2014 Primary Outline and use the info on pages 10 & 11 

5. Visit lds.org for ideas on preparing for General Conference.

6. Provide “Conference Journals” for family members to record impressions during Conference.
 
7. Check out lds.org: “Prophets & Apostles” page for interesting info

8. Read the article Follow the Prophet (Ensign, April 2014).  
Elder Walker suggests ways to follow the example & teachings of President Monson.

9. Read President Monson's biography by Heidi Swinton (available in hardcover and on DVD). 

10. Make a reading chart and have a reward/incentive to finish the book within a specified time frame.

Kennnewick Stake Relief Society Conference

The Kennewick Stake Relief Society Conference “Anchor of My Soul” provided an opportunity for women of all ages to gather together and strengthen one another spiritually through service projects, enriching classes, and a delicious luncheon.

The day began with an opening program in the chapel, and included uplifting addresses by Kennewick Stake President, Richard Meyer, and Stake Relief Society President, Patty Kessie.  President Meyer, who served as a U.S. Marine, spoke of the “small and simple things” we must do to build and strengthen the links that hold us securely to our anchor, Jesus Christ.  He encouraged those who attended the conference to ask themselves, “How strong are my links?”  Sister Kessie spoke about the choices we make which keep us anchored.  She spoke of the importance of wisely choosing how we use our time, and being aware of distractions, even the good ones, which keep us from choosing the most essential things.  “This conference is a beacon,” to help us set our anchors securely in the best of times as well as in times of trial, Sister Kessie said.  Vocalist Becca Wright performed a beautiful solo during the opening program.  The title of the song was Anchor of My Soul.  Becca was accompanied by pianist Tristy Hagadorn.

The morning of the conference was filled with opportunities to attend classes or participate in the “Rescue Project”: a large-scale service project organized by a committee of women throughout the stake.  The service project benefited charitable organizations and retirement centers within our community.  More than 3,000 usable items were donated and assembled into hygiene kits and water kits during the conference. In addition, more than 100 hats and scarves were knitted, five quilts were tied, and nearly 250 rice bags were assembled.

Project Rescue service project

The seven 50-minute classes offered in the morning included the following: Making Your Home the New MTC/Family History Center, instructed by Barb Stapleton and Tami Smith; Organizing Your Homes and Your Time, by Chris Montierth; Toss the Guilt and Share the Joy, by Jenne Kissell; Women’s Health and Wellness, by Anne Koepsell and Marrisa Parsons; The Lord Needs Leaders in the Home, Our Callings, Communities and Workplace, by Camille Tingey; The Strength of Temple Covenants, by Natalie Teeples; and Improving Communications in the Home and at Church, by Christopher and Jennifer Childers.  These classes were each taught twice. 

Following the morning classes, an estimated 230 sisters attended the luncheon in the cultural hall.  A variety of delicious crock pot soups and homemade rolls were provided by Relief Society sisters from the wards throughout the stake. The luncheon committee provided salad of spring mix greens, fruit, and nuts at each place setting, along with a homemade poppy seed vinaigrette.  Frosted and decorated cupcakes for dessert doubled as centerpieces on raised plates on the 30 round tables in the cultural hall.

During the luncheon, prior to dismissing for afternoon classes, a beautiful musical number was performed by vocalists Rachel Mohlman, Melanie Crane, and Janarae Blaser, accompanied by pianist Debbie Murri.  The medley of Lord, I Would Follow Thee and Love One Another was arranged by Rachel Mohlman.

Following the luncheon, more wonderful classes were offered. Each were taught twice. There were seven 50-minute classes to choose from, including The Amazing Church Website, instructed by Danielle Kessie Torres; Teaching Children to Apply Gospel Principles, by Dean and Patrice Moody; When Life Takes a Left Turn: The Lord Is My Strength, by Careina Brooks; Safeguarding Our Children From Pornography, by Kristen Jenson; Media: Unplugged and Tuned In, by Robert and Marianne Orton; The Psychology of Happiness, by Jody McClellan; and Finances – Set Your Houses In Order, by John and Desiree Wolfgramm.  In addition to the afternoon classes, the Rescue Project continued in the overflow area of the gym and chapel.

  

Preparing for the luncheon

Anchor of My Soul

By Jenny Jordon Frogley

Sung by Becca Wright during the Stake RS Conference

All alone I leave the harbor

So many oceans to explore.

On my own I face the darkness

As I leave behind the safety of the shore.

When I'm tossed upon the waters.

When winds of change begin to blow.

His words of truth I will follow.

The Savior's hope is the anchor of my soul.

Sailing on to deeper waters

The journey starts to take its toll.

And I am lost amid the battles

That test my faith and stretch my soul.

When I'm tossed upon the waters.

When winds of change begin to blow.

His words of truth I will follow.

The Savior's hope is the anchor of my soul.

Voices of the night

Trying to tear me from the fight.

But somewhere deep inside my heart I know

That when I'm tossed upon the waters.

When winds of change begin to blow.

His words of truth I will follow.

The Savior's hope is the anchor of my soul.

All alone I leave the harbor.

ANCHOR POEM 

We are here to be “buoyed up” to “learn the ropes”

And we recognize that the gospel is “the port in the storm.”

“Some days are tougher to sail than others”

& while “we cannot control the wind, we can direct the sails”

At times we may need to get into “ship shape;”

To call for “all hands on deck;” 

to “batten down the hatches.”

We may need to “make a clean sweep”

by “clearing the deck” & “running a tight ship”….

because above all…

”WE DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP”.

There will be days we feel we are “scraping the bottom of the barrel,”

but we have come to know that “a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor;”

That “the pessimist complains about the wind,

the optimist expects it to change;

the realist adjusts the sails.”

“And that life’s roughest storms, 

prove the strength of our anchor.”

May we use this conference as a beacon 

to develop our spiritual anchors,

That we may navigate the sea of change in our lives

& chart a steady course in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

--By Patty Kessie