T h e C h u rc h o f J e s u s C h ri s t o f L a t t e r D a y S a i n t s
C o l o ra d o Fo u n t a i n S t a k e • Co l o ra d o Sp ri n g s 1 6 t h W a rd
16th Ward Priesthood Newsletter
“Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven,
and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 50:42)
JANUARY 2014
2014 - New Year, New Beginning
Upcoming Events
JAN 05 X
Fast Sunday
JAN 07 T
Happy Birthday David Whitmer (1805)
JAN 19 X
Denver Temple Closed until
Feb 03
JAN 20 M
Martin Luther King Day
JAN 24 F
Happy Birthday Elder D.
Todd Christopherson (1945)
JAN 27 M
Happy Birthday Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart (1756)
JAN 31 F
Happy Birthday Jackie
Robinson (1919)
Sunday Lessons
This year, our “Teachings from our
Prophets” is brought to you by Joseph Fielding Smith, the 10th President of our church. In September of
2009, President Thomas S Monson
reflected on his personal experiences
with previous presidents of the
church, including President Smith.
He shared:
cerning the history and doctrine of
the Church. He was direct in his
teaching of adherence to gospel principles, and yet he was particularly
tender in his attitude toward those
who fell short.
His favorite song was “Prayer Is the
Soul’s Sincere Desire.” And I’ll add
the next thought: “uttered or unexOn one occasion I was touring the
pressed.” And as for his favorite
missions in the South Pacific, having
food, I observed him at our luncheon
left my wife and family at home. I
table in the temple on Thursdays, and
remember that when I arrived at
he seemed to love sweet pickles. I
Auckland, New Zealand, after four or hate them! I would see to it that he
five weeks of meetings in many coun- got the sweet pickles, and I’d take the
tries, there was a letter for me from
dill pickles.
Joseph Fielding Smith, who at that
time was my quorum president. He
What would be a favorite quotation
wrote, “Dear Brother Monson, I’ve
from President Smith? From the
been thinking about you and thought book of Alma in the Book of Moryou’d like to know that all is well
mon he emphasized the scripture
here at home, and I am very pleased “Wickedness never was happithat you are in the South Pacific area ness.” I’ll repeat it: “Wickedness
of the world. My prayers have been
never was happiness.”
with you. We are ready to welcome
you home when you return. SinWhat would be his guiding principle
cerely, Joseph Fielding Smith.” What for us? It would be gospel scholara kind and thoughtful thing to do.
ship. He was truly a scholar. I believe
As one of the Church’s most prolific we could say that he would leave for
writers, President Smith’s numerous
you and for me this advice: Be studibooks and articles helped educate
ous. I say that to you as student body
generations of Latter-day Saints con- members too: be studious. When it is
JAN 05
Joseph Fielding Smith 01
2013 is history.
Will you save the princess?
This year, is a brand new year.
Will others mourn with you?
This year, is a fresh start.
Will others mourn for you?
This year, is all about you.
Will you meet new characters?
This year, is your year.
Will you brave or cower the fight?
This year, you write your own story.
Will you discover hidden treasures?
This year, you write your own adventure.
Will there me any cool twists?
This year, you write your own ending.
Whatever the story, YOU are the author.
While we contemplate our own lives,
look to the new year as a fresh new
start, let us utilize the wisdom of our
10th President by enjoying a sweet
pickle or two, and studying a little
harder. Not just for students but
everyone. I challenge all of you,
every one of you—(YES! That means
you too)—If you have a sincere desire to improve yourself, take this
challenge: to start a new journal, and
in this new journal, write something
new that you’ve learned, that you
never knew before—both from the
scriptures and outside the scriptures.
I promise you that this will reap
many benefits which include enhancing your relationship with the Father,
in ways you never dreamed of. I
leave you this challenge in the name
of His Son, our beloved brother and
savior, Jesus the Christ, Amen.
This Is Your Year
Our Father in Heaven
President Joseph Fielding Smith
served as President of the Church for
two and a half years, until his death
on July 2, 1972, at the age of 95.
Quorum Instruction
JAN 12
test week, you’ll be grateful you were
studious!
JAN 19
Joseph Fielding Smith 02
Our Savior, Jesus Christ
JAN 26
General Conference Talk
This year, you tell your own story—your
way.
Make it EPIC!