YOUNG WOMENS GIRLS CAMP FUNDRAISER

The Young Women will be hosting a Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser on April 30, 2010. This fundraiser will help the Young Women raise money for their camp fees this summer.


Young women can find joy in an outdoor setting that will strengthen their love for each other and the gospel and their commitment to stand together as "witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places."

Camp is essential to the Young Women Program. Camp is significant in strengthening young women's testimonies and is an experience to build upon all year. Camp is challenging, but worth it!

Please support our Young Women by attending this fundraiser. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 and the Hedgesville Ward Activities Committe will be hosting a talent show at 7:00 p.m.

Please contact any one of our Young Women, and they will be more than happy to sell you tickets for this great night out for you and your family!

Ticket prices are:
$6.00 - Adult (12 & up)
$3.00 - Child (3 & up)
$25.00 - Family Price

Walk-ins are always welcome.

FHE-SABBATH DAY

FHE: Sabbath Day

by Shauna Gibby

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. (Ezekiel 20:20)

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read "Show You Know," by Coleen K. Menlove, Ensign, May 2003, 115. http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=b29974536cf0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Thought:

Each of you will have opportunities to learn about Jesus Christ and then follow Him in faith. We show we know how to follow Him by . . . keeping the commandments. . . . Every time you keep the Sabbath day holy, you show you know. (Coleen K. Menlove, "Show You Know," Ensign, May 2003, 115.)


Song:

"The Chapel Doors" Children's Songbook, p. 156.


Scripture:

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. (Ezekiel 20:20)


Note: The lesson and story below are from a new DVD called Family Night With John Bytheway. You may use the print version here or view a free video version here.


(John Bytheway, Family Night With John Bytheway, DVD, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010].)

Activity:

Create a "Can-Do" box for your family, similar to the one described below. Be creative and customize your Sunday box with a variety of things. Church magazines, audiovisual materials, wholesome books--there's so much to enjoy. If everyone in the family is invited to contribute something, your "can-do" box will be filled with wonderful activities for a Sabbath day.

Our family has a "can-do" box that's brimming with appropriate activities for Sabbath worship. Over time, we've added or rotated many things, but we started with just a few dress-up items. It all began when we saw a Sunday dress-up box that one of our ward members had. The children absolutely loved it because they could reenact scripture stories in costume. Simple props like a bathrobe; an old dress; a child's plastic sword, shield, and armor; and many other inexpensive or recycled items are possibilities.

We also wanted to encourage letter writing, so we added a container of writing supplies. We included addressed envelopes, stickers, and colored markers and pens. Even our youngest child loved sending letters to ward missionaries and family members.

Of course, we had to have a variety of wholesome games, including word searches and crossword puzzles. We even recycled leftover Primary lesson materials and old singing time props. The children were delighted to play with these appealing teaching materials.

(Stacilee Whiting, "Our Sabbath 'Can-Do' Box," Ensign, Sept. 2009, 70.)



Refreshment

Dump Cake

1 (26-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 package yellow or white cake mix
3/4 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 × 13-inch cake pan. Dump pie filling in the bottom of pan and spread as evenly as possible. Dump crushed pineapple, with juice, evenly over pie filling. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the fruit. Do not stir. Slice butter thinly and place slices over cake mix. Try to cover mix. Bake 45 minutes. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

(Lion House Bakery, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2009], p. 93.)

Information from http://www.ldsliving.com/magazine/show/2399/FHE:-Sabbath-Day

THANK YOU SISTER LEE

BOOK NOOK TUESDAY AT 7PM

FHE- PERSONAL PRAYER

Opening Song: "A Child's Prayer" p 12

Opening Prayer:

Lesson:This lesson is about personal prayer. It is based around Enos and his experience with prayer. This is a wonderful experience because you can use the example to teach on many levels. You should be able to draw points to teach the youngest Primary children and discussion for the most studied adult.

You should open the lesson by sharing the story of Enos. 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Ps. 119:105).


Enos had a righteous father who taught him about the power of prayer. One day while Enos was in the forest hunting, he began to feel bad about sins that he had committed. He felt an urge to pray.

“And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul” (Enos 1:4).

Enos had such a desire to receive forgiveness for his sins that he pleaded with the Lord all day and all night. At last, a voice came to him, saying, “Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed” (Enos 1:5).

Even after Enos had received forgiveness for his sins, he remained on his knees, pleading with the Lord—not for himself now, but for the rest of the Nephites.

“And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments” (Enos 1:10).

Enos still continued to pray, this time for the Lamanites, the enemies of his people. Enos grew very close to Heavenly Father by his willingness to pour out his soul in prayer.

Like Enos, we can become closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through our prayers. We, too, can be forgiven of our sins when we follow the necessary steps of repentance and ask Heavenly Father to forgive us.

Seven-year-old Craig Parker of Spanish Fork, Utah, gained a testimony of the role of prayer in the repentance process. One day while he was playing, he said a word that he knew was wrong. He felt very bad afterward. “In our home and at church I have learned about Jesus, and I know that He would not want me to say that word.”

Craig decided to kneel and pray for forgiveness. “I folded my arms and told Heavenly Father I was sorry for saying that word. I felt better after praying. I knew that Heavenly Father forgave me, and I have never said that word again.”

Story from http://www.lds.org/

Questions:
After you do this you can discuss the way that Enos prayed.
If you have small children you can talk about the importance of praying when you need to. It doesn't just need to be in the morning or at night.
If you have teenagers you may want to focus on what Enos prayed for. It is important to realize that you should pray for your enemies as well your friends.
You may also want to discuss how Enos knew that he had an answer to his prayer, and talk about the ways that they can receive answers.
You may want to take the opportunity to review the proper prayer language and reverence with your children.
You can talk about different times in your life when it is important to pray.
You may want to share personal stories.
It is also important to point out that most important time to prayer is when you feel the least like praying. You can close by reading 2 Nephi 32:8-9.

Closing Song: "A Prayer" p 22

Closing Prayer:

It is important to have an activity and do not forget to have refreshments!

Some of this information came from http://lds.families.com/blog/family-home-evening-personal-prayer and http://www.lds.org/

CLEANING THE CHURCH SATURDAY APRIL 18th

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL GARDENING CLASS

We would like to thank Sister Christine Johnson for a wonderful Gardening Class that she taught. We appreciate all the time and effort she put into preparing and presenting her class.  Especially taking time away from her birthday day to teach us.  Happy Birthday Christine!

We would also like to thank Sister Rebekah Gruel and Joe Fairbanks for teaching our childrens class. 

APRIL- VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

Have you received your new visiting teaching route yet?  If you were not able to make the Visiting Teaching Conference please see Sister Brenda Wrye, to get your new route assignments.  Now is the time to be visiting our new sisters with our new companions. 

What are a visiting teacher’s responsibilities?

• 
  
  Come to know and love your sisters.
• Minister through regular contacts.
• Learn of needs and offer appropriate assistance.
• Look for specific ways to help.
• Share and testify of gospel doctrines.

 “Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages. In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task” (Julie B. Beck, “Relief Society: A Sacred Work,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 114).

We also have new Distric Leaders, they are Sister Danette Peralta, Sister Anette Fishel, Sister Angela Stephens, and Sister Suzanna Lee.

MICHAEL STRUNTZ EAGLE PROJECT

Michael Struntz Eagle Project

Friday April 16 and Saturday April 17, 2010
(Rain Date – the following week)

Cedar Creek Battle Field

Location - Route 11 VALLEY PIKE - MIDDLETOWN, VA
Take 81 South to Exit 302
Right at the exit
Go to intersection at Route 11
Turn left onto 11
Go through town (through the light)
The battlefield is a large field on the right
The HQ is on the left (past the battlefield)


Project includes:
• Sanding and Painting the Flag poles,
• Constructing a better base for the flag poles.
• Make improvements to the existing sign, to include painting the sign posts
• Planting shrubs around a sign located just outside the battlefield fence.

The goal of the project is to improve the general appearance of the signs, flags and other displays at this key viewing point of the Cedar Creek Battlefield.


Anyone with sign making skills would be greatly appreciated.


Tools needed

Drill with Long auger bit
Shovels
Rakes
Picks
Hammers
Chain Saw
Sanders
Sand Paper

The Boy Scouts will camp at the site on Friday night. Brother Struntz will be on site Friday. The project will start Friday evening and early Saturday.

GARDENING CLASS

Chapter 7 - The Holy Ghost

Todays lesson in Relief Society Chapter 7: The Holy Ghost LDS.org - Lessons Chapter - The Holy Ghost

FHE- HOLY GHOST

The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is perhaps the most under-estimated power that members of the church receive after baptism and is a gift to those who can remain worthy of its constant influence throughout our day-to-day lives.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.

President Gordan B. Hinckley said, "The Holy Ghost stands as the third member of the Godhead, the Comforter promised by the Savior who would teach His followers all things and bring all things to their remembrance, whatsoever He had said unto them (see John 14:26). The Holy Ghost is the Testifier of Truth, who can teach men things they cannot teach one another. In those great and challenging words of Moroni, a knowledge of the truth of the Book of Mormon is promised “by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Moroni then declares, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moro. 10:4–5). I believe this power, this gift, is available to us today." (Gen. Conference, April 1986)

Elder Joseph B. Worthlin taught, "In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord calls the gift of the Holy Ghost “the unspeakable gift.” It is the source of testimony and spiritual gifts. It enlightens minds, fills our souls with joy, teaches us all things, and brings forgotten knowledge to our remembrance. The Holy Ghost also “will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do.” ("The Unspeakable Gift" Ensign, May 2003)

The prophets have always made an effort to help teach us how the Holy Ghost works within us. Another example by an ancient prophet is found in Alma 32.

Alma, teaching the poor people who were not allowed to attend the churches they helped construct-- he wanted to give them a lesson on faith. During this lesson on faith, Alma also helps us know how to recognize the some of the aspects of the Holy Ghost so that we can recognize those feelings and know where they come from.

Alma teaches:
It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding; yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me. (Alma 32:28)

Discussion:

1. What are some ways that you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost?

2. Why do you think the Holy Ghost is referred to as the "Unspeakable Gift?"

3. What are the three ways Alma teaches us about being able to recognizing the Holy Ghost?



Scripture: John 14:26


Song: "Let the Holy Spirit Guide"


Activity:

Option A: Inside a room, turn out all the lights. Find a single lamp to turn on and talk about how the light gives off warmth, helps us to see and provides a beacon in the darkness. (Great for young children who understand turning lights off and on)

Option B: Blindfold a member of the family or FHE group. Assign two other people to lead them around the home, outside and so on. One leader acts as the Holy Ghost--giving right directions and the other acts as the adversary--giving wrong directions. Allow the blindfolded person to rely on their own choices on who to follow. Talk about how important it is to listen to the small voice of the Holy Ghost and how easy it is to drown out the righteous help He tries to offer.



Treats:

Apple Crumble & Hot Chocolate
 
 
Information from http://www.family-home-evenings.com/2009/01/holy-ghost.html

COMPOST FOR YOUR GARDEN

The US40 West Lanfill in Hagerstown offers compost, which is available now. The price is $14 per ton which is subject to change. It's a good idea to call the landfill (240-313-2790) before you drive to it to ensure compost is ready and available.

Forty West Landfill
12630 Earth Care Road
Hagerstown MD 21740-5212
Phone: 240-313-2790

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM - Monday through Saturday

Located off U.S. Route 40 approximately

One Mile West of Huyetts Crossroads

"DOMESTIC ENGINEERING" NIGHT CLASS

Thank you Linda, for a wonderful night.

"DOMESTIC ENGINEERING" NIGHT CLASS

180th GENERAL CONFERENCE

180th Annual General Conference

The 180th Annual General Conference of the Church will convene in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4, 2010. 

• Saturday general sessions will be held at 12:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.;
• Saturday at 8:00 p.m. The general priesthood meeting
• Sunday sessions will be held at 11:30 a.m. (which includes Music and the Spoken Word) and 4:00 p.m.

http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,9080,00.html

APRIL- RELIEF SOCIETY PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

Being Anxiously Engaged in the Gospel


Doctrine & Covenants 58:27 says, “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;” Many of us may feel that merely coming to church on Sundays is enough. We aren’t living a life out of sync with the commandments but are we really LIVING the gospel?

In a recent General Conference talk, Elder Zeballos quoted Doctrine & Covenants 14:7, which says, “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” He then asked, “Should not this promise be the greatest incentive to do the best within our reach and give the best of ourselves in pursuit of what has been promised to us?”

I thought about this and made a list of 10 things that will help us to be or stay anxiously engaged in the gospel.

1. Get or keep a current temple recommend. Use it as often as possible. There is no more peaceful place on earth.

2. Attend the temple regularly or prepare to receive your own temple ordinances. The Lord has specific blessings and responsibilities in store for you. Fix things in your life so that you can attend the temple.

3. Come prepared to Sunday meetings by reading the lessons. Rework your daily routine if necessary so you are able to study the lessons during the week.

4. STUDY your scriptures and PRAY PRAY PRAY! That has been the one thing that has most impacted my personal scripture study. I can’t say enough about how much studying and loving the scriptures has changed me and brought me closer to the Lord. I always see ways to liken the scriptures to myself.

5. Read and re-read your Patriarchal Blessing, or GET your Patriarchal Blessing. Our Patriarchal Blessing is specific and personal. We are named in it personally. It is our personal Liahona and as such it guides us as we are obedient.

6. Stretch yourself. Don’t be afraid to learn new things or try things a new way. When we diet, we may reach a plateau and we need to change things up; use new muscles or try different foods. Same thing with our testimonies. If you find yourself at a spiritual plateau, something needs to change.

7. Pay an honest tithe and generous fast offering. This may take a huge leap of faith but you will ultimately find that your needs will be met when you pay a full tithe. Read the promise in Malachi 3: 10-11.

8. Pray for your RS sisters and specifically for the sisters you visit teach. When you take the focus off of yourself and your problems and are “anxiously engaged” in someone else’s, something happens to your heart. It expands and your problems shrink or your back will be strengthened to bear them more easily.

9. Do your visiting teaching and allow your visiting teachers to serve you. Even if you feel like it’s a waste of your time and you’re not accomplishing anything, you’re wrong. If you feel that you don’t have time, make time. It doesn’t take long to call someone or send a letter. That’s visiting teaching.

10. Smile! We all have problems. We all struggle with something. When we realize that our trials are all part of The Plan and stop asking why, and just accept, we become stronger. It takes great faith to believe that the Lord has our best interest at heart. Smiling tells the Lord that you trust Him.

Amy Troop

TEMPLE TRIP

Saturday April 17th

The High Priest Group has offered to arrange a monthly temple trip for anyone interested. If you would like to attend:

-Arrive at the church building at 8:00am for departure.

-If you want/need to eat before the session, bring something to eat in the car. For the return trip, bring something to eat in the car or plan for a drive through meal at a fast food restaurant.