Bishop’s Discussion with YSA – June 2010

‘Living The Unexpected Life’

In our recent discussion, we talked about deepening our faith in Jesus Christ, especially when things don’t go to plan! We discussed three important truths that we hope to apply in our lives:

- “Even in difficulties, God is protecting us from disaster. He is only allowing enough trials... to remind us of our desperate need for Him.” Brother H. Wallace Goddard.

- “The gospel of Jesus Christ is not insurance against pain. It is resource in event of pain.” Dr. Carlfred Broderick

- “This is my new life. It is good, it is oh so good.” Sister Stephanie Nielson

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Bishop’s Youth Discussion – May 2010

“A True Friend… Forever” (2 Nephi 5:6)

In our BYD this month, we talked about the responsibilities and blessings that come from our friendships. We each committed to do the following this month:

1. Choose our friends carefully, understanding that “they will greatly influence how [we] think and act, and even help determine the person [we] will become” (For the Strength of Youth, pg 12).

2. Be a good friend by “show[ing] interest in others and let[ting] them know [we] care about them” (For the Strength of Youth, pg 12).

3. Each young man, young woman and leader to reach out to one person this month – and invite them to mutual or church meetings.
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New Church Websites

A new Church Web site sponsored by LDS Family Services, http://combatingpornography.org , offers useful tools for individuals striving to overcome pornography addiction and provides support information for parents, spouses, and Church leaders.




New Employment Web Site Launched: The site https://www.ldsjobs.org will help Church members find employment. The site includes information and resources for finding jobs, gaining more education, or starting a small business.


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June 2010 Newsletters

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• 20th June 2010 - click on image to view

• 13th June 2010 - click on image to view

• 6th June 2010 - click on image to view

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Bishopric Message June 2010

Tithing Settlement: Opening the Windows of Heaven

Brothers and Sisters,

In our sacrament and Combined Priesthood / Relief Society meetings last week, we spoke of ways to become stronger as individuals and families. One sure way to gain strength as individuals and families is through obedience to the law of tithing. President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) taught:

“By this principle [i.e. tithing] it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it. … By it it shall be known whether we are faithful or unfaithful” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 276).

This month we have an opportunity to attend tithing settlement with Bishop Shine. Some may wonder, “Why is it so important to attend tithing settlement?”

1. It is an opportunity to declare our tithing status: In July, Bishop Shine will indicate on the records of the Church the tithing status of each member in the ward. It is our privilege to declare to him our own tithing status.

2. It is a time to show our obedience: Tithing settlement allows us to demonstrate our obedience to the Lord. In addition, parents can use tithing settlement as a teaching tool. Family home evening is an opportunity to talk about how the Church uses tithing and to help children prepare their own records for this meeting with the bishop. Children who hear their parents declare that they pay a full tithe gain the knowledge that paying tithing is important.

3. It is a time to audit our personal records and the Church records.

4. It is a time for commitment – and re-commitment: Some may speculate if it’s worthwhile to attend tithing settlement if they have not paid a full-tithe. This interview can be the beginning of repentance and a time to commit to do better.

5. It is a time to CLAIM the promised blessings of paying a full tithe: After commanding His people to pay tithes, the Lord promised to “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10). These blessings are not just financial – they can be spiritual, emotional, physical and temporal. Tithing settlement is a way to open the windows of Heaven in behalf of ourselves and our families.

Brothers and Sisters, sign up sheets for tithing settlement are on the ward noticeboard. If you cannot make these times, please see Brother Peter McGregor and we will do our best to accommodate you. We testify that tithing is a true law and that blessings follow as we keep this law.

Love and Best Wishes,

Daniel Shine........Bob Howden............Rei Singsam
Bishop................1st Counsellor.........2nd Counsellor

May 2010 Newsletters

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• 30th May 2010 - click on image to view

• 23rd May 2010 - click on image to view

• 9th May 2010 - click on image to view

• .2nd May 2010 - click on image to view

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Bishopric Message May 2010

Reverence and Respect: A Call to Action!

Recently, I spoke of how we are living in the perilous times prophesied by the Apostle Paul (see 2 Tim 3:1). As we each face difficulties, we need help from Heaven – and help is available through personal revelation. Sister Julie B. Beck recently taught: “The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life” (Ensign, May 2010). A key to help us qualify for, receive and act on personal revelation is to understand and live the doctrine of reverence.

Understanding the Doctrine of Reverence
We often equate reverence with being quiet – this is certainly part of it. But as the Primary song teaches, “Rev’rence is more than just quietly sitting: It’s thinking of Father above” (Children’s Songbook, 31). Reverence is more about what’s happening inside of us than what’s happening outside of us. As members of a ward family, we have a responsibility to contribute to an environment where others can get solutions to their problems.

Living the Doctrine of Reverence
During the talk, 5 suggestions were presented that will help us live the doctrine of reverence:

1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE: If we are to have success, leaders and adults must lead out in being reverent.

2. ARRIVE EARLYFOR MEETINGS: The Brethren continually teach the blessings of being early to meetings. Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: “We are seated well before the meeting begins. During that quiet interval, prelude music is subdued. This is not a time for conversation or transmission of messages but a period of prayerful meditation as leaders and members prepare spiritually for the sacrament” (Ensign, Nov 2008). We encourage all members to be reverently seated 5 minutes before meetings begin.

3. LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND: Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “Sacrament meeting is not a time for reading books or magazines... It is not a time for whispered conversations on cell phones or for texting persons at other locations” (Ensign, Nov 2008). We invite all to switch off mobile phones and ‘switch on’ to the things of the Lord.

4. HAVE RESPECT FOR THE CHAPEL PROPER: President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “Foyers are built into our chapels to allow for the greeting and chatter that are typical of people who love one another. However, when we step into the chapel, we must!—each of us must—watch ourselves lest we be guilty of intruding when someone is struggling to feel delicate spiritual communications” (Ensign, Nov 1991). We encourage members to speak quietly in the chapel. We also invite members to not eat whilst in the chapel.

5. PERSIST WITH OUR CHILDREN: Sacrament meeting is the only Sunday meeting we can attend together as a family. We encourage families to sit together and parents to be mindful of where their children are at all times.

In issuing a CALL TO ACTION, we invite each individual and family to ponder the question, “What can I do to be more reverent?” This could be discussed in a Family Home Evening. We testify, as has President Packer: “While we may not see an immediate, miraculous transformation, as surely as the Lord lives, a quiet one will take place. The spiritual power in the lives of each member and in the Church will increase. The Lord will pour out his Spirit upon us more abundantly. We will be less troubled, less confused” (Ensign, Nov 1991). Thanks for all you do Brothers and Sisters!

Love and best wishes,

Daniel Shine...............Bob Howden..............Rei Singsam
Bishop........................1st Counsellor...........2nd Counsellor

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Bishop’s Youth Discussion - April 2010

The Sanctity of the Body

In our BYD this month, we talked about the blessings that come from having a physical body. We each committed to do the following, as taught by President Boyd K. Packer in his Priesthood Session address in October 1976:
1. “If [we] are struggling… the Lord still loves [us].”
2. Keep our minds focussed on worthy thoughts by choosing and memorising a favourite hymn, “one with words that are uplifting and music that is reverent.” We committed to use this hymn as a place for our thoughts to go when temptations arise.
3. “At times of special temptation skip a meal or two” – or in other words, fast for special help.

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April 2010 Newsletters

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• 25th April 2010 - click on image to view

• .18th April 2010 - click on image to view

• .4th April 2010 - click on image to view
  

Bishopric Message April 2010

Easter – A Time of Renewal, Remembrance and Recommitment

Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Easter! As we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we recognize that many face challenges, disappointments and difficulties. To all, we hope this Easter season becomes a period of renewal, remembrance and recommitment.

On February 9 2007, Bishop Christopher Williams’ life changed forever. That day, he was involved in a car accident where his pregnant wife and two of his four children were killed. Shortly thereafter, he addressed the members of his ward. He acknowledged that he and his family had been "handed a bitter cup." However, he said, a counselor in his stake presidency had explained that not even the Savior, when he was enduring the agony of Gethsemane, drank all of His bitter cup at once:

"In the Garden of Gethsemane, the Savior drank of [the bitter cup] a little, and then He went back to His disciples, to His friends, for a little bit of support, and then He went in and drank some more. He had an angel come and strengthen Him and support Him, and He drank a little more. He went back to His disciples, and was able to have a little bit of a respite. Then He started to drink the remainder on the cross, until it was all gone, until it was finished. I think it's like our lives; we're not asked to drink more than we're able to all at once… The gospel gives us such strength to draw on the Lord and to allow Him to put His arm around us and help us to drink” (LDS Church News, 17 Feb 2007).

As we face our versions of Gethsemane, we pray that we will remember the Savior – His life, His love and His willingness to help us – each step of the way. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:

“One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel… May we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear” (Ensign, May 2009).

We pray that this Easter week and always, we will stand by Jesus Christ “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in.” (Mosiah 18:9). We testify that Jesus Christ lived for us and died for us, because He loves us. Hang in there Brothers and Sisters!

Love and Best Wishes,

Daniel Shine......Bob Howden.............Rei Singsam
Bishop...............1st Counsellor...........2nd Counsellor
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March 2010 Newsletters

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• .28th March 2010 - click on image to view

• .21st March 2010 - click on image to view

• .14th March 2010 - click on image to view

• .7th March 2010 - click on image to view

Bishop’s Youth Discussion - February 2010

Love the Lord First!

In our BYD this month, we talked about the recent Winter Olympics and the success of Torah Bright, who won gold in her half pipe event. We discussed how Olympic athletes receive lots of training to help them focus and block out any distractions during their Olympic event. We highlighted how this is similar for us – as we face the events of life. We too must learn to “be in the world and not of the world” – to blow out those things that will keep us from doing the things “of most worth” (D&C 15:6). During the month of March, we committed to assess where we are at – to ask ourselves what we need to do differently to “Love the Lord… First” (Matt 22:37-39). We then committed to “do them!” (Mosiah 4:10).

Bishopric Message March 2010

“LAY HOLD ON THE WORD OF GOD”
Helaman 3:29

Brothers and Sisters,

The Stake Presidency have recently extended a challenge to each of us. In a letter dated 3 February 2010, they say:

“We challenge every man, woman, youth and child, every family, to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover before the end of 2010. Read it together, discuss its words, messages and testimony of Jesus Christ and we encourage you to mark or underline each and every reference to the Saviour as you read. Study the promises and consider the concerns and experiences of the saints of the time. Ponder on how you would feel and what you would do, put yourselves in that time and in that place as you liken the scriptures unto yourself.”
(GCAS Stake Presidency)

This letter will be distributed to each family this month via home teachers. We invite all home teachers to approach Quorum Presidencies for copies of this letter before visits are made. For members of our High Priests Group, please see Brother Hank Kruizinga, Brother David Noda or Brother Peter Elliott. For members of our Elders Quorum, feel free to approach President Wilson Strother, Brother Bill Nathan or Brother Jabin Skipps.

Many of us will remember the challenge extended by President Hinckley in August of 2005 to read the Book of Mormon by the end of that year. At that time, he promised us:

“Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”
(Ensign, August 2005).

What a promise! We hope that each of us will follow the direction of our Stake Presidency and purchase copies of scriptures, if needed, and better still, daily read and ponder their teachings. As we embark on this challenge, we’d invite everyone to start early. After completing President Hinckley’s challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 2005, President Henry B. Eyring testified:

“If we delay the start of our obedience to [this] inspired invitation, the number of pages we [have] to read each day [grows] larger. If we then miss reading for even a few days, the chance of failure [grows]. That’s why I chose to read ahead of my daily plan to be sure I will qualify for the promised blessings of the spirit of resolution and testimony of Jesus Christ. When December ends, I will have learned about starting at the moment a command from God comes and being steady in obedience.”
(Ensign, November 2005).

We testify that as we individually and collectively “lay hold on the word of God,” (Hel 3:29), we will be blessed with a Spirit of peace and happiness, stemming from our steady obedience to those the Lord has called to lead us. Brothers and Sisters, we are grateful for all you do and are thankful for this opportunity to serve alongside you.

Love and Best Wishes,

Daniel Shine............. Bob Howden............... Rei Singsam
Bishop..................... 1st Counsellor............ 2nd Counsellor
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February 2010 Newsletters

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• .28th February 2010 - click on image to view

• 21st February 2010 - click on image to view

• 14th February 2010 - click on image to view
  

• 7th February 2010 - click on image to view

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Stake Swimming Carnival - Febuary 2010

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The Annual Stake Swimming Carnival was held on Saturday 13 February 2010 at the Southport Pools. It was a great day enjoyed by all who attended and participated. It was good to see all of those who were sun smart and being careful during the hottest time of the day.
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I.o.C. Ward Australia Day Breakfast

Isle of Capri Ward Australia Day Breakfast – 26 January 2010

A great time was had by all at our ward breakfast at Evandale Parklands – we enjoyed the beautiful weather, warm water and company of ward members!


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Bishopric Message February 2010

“Love the Lord... First”

(Matt 22:37-39)

Brothers and Sisters,

We are grateful for your participation in our Combined Priesthood / Relief Society Meeting last week. In that meeting, we discussed one of the four ‘Areas of Focus’ of the Area Presidency for 2010: Sharing the Gospel. As part of our discussion, we presented our Ward Mission Plan for 2010. This plan continues with our theme to “Love the Lord... First,” from Matthew 22:37-39.

During the meeting, we discussed three ways we can share the gospel more effectively:

1. Opening Our Mouths: Brother Singsam taught of the need to exercise faith, to trust in the Lord’s promise that as we “open [our] mouth[s], [they] shall be filled” (Moses 6:32).
2. Opening Our Homes: Brother Bogaert taught of ways that we can create gospel sharing homes. One specific way is through a ‘Come On Over Evening’ (COOE). For those who would like to hold a COOE, feel free to approach a member of the Ward Mission Team.
3. Opening Our Hearts: Bishop Shine concluded with a discussion about the need for each one of us to open our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit. As we open our hearts and yield our wills to God, we can become “instruments in the hands of God to bring... [our] brethren [and sisters]....to the knowledge of the truth” (Alma 17:9).

For those who were unable to get a copy of this plan, copies will be available at the door as you enter today. Given that today is Fast Sunday, we invite all members of our ward family to fast for:
1. Our full time missionaries, Elder Tokaduadua and Elder Fox; AND
2. For individual missionary experiences.

Brothers and Sisters, we testify that as we each open our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit, everything else will follow – we will open our mouths and our homes and missionary experiences will follow. Twenty five convert baptisms for 2010 is just the tip of the iceberg! As Elder David A. Bednar has taught:

“We properly pray for the safety and success of the full-time missionaries throughout the world. And a common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!” (Ensign, May 2008).

Brothers and Sisters, thank you for all you do. Let’s get about the work of the Lord. We testify that as we do, blessings will follow for us individually, as families and as a ward family.

Love and Best Wishes,

Daniel Shine............. Bob Howden............... Rei Singsam
Bishop..................... 1st Counsellor............ 2nd Counsellor
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Combined Priesthood / Relief Society - January 2010

Sharing the Gospel

In our first combined Priesthood / Relief Society Meeting for the year, we discussed our Ward Mission Plan for 2010. This plan continues with our theme to “Love the Lord... First,” from Matthew 22:37-39.

During the meeting, we discussed three ways we can share the gospel more effectively:

Opening Our Mouths: Brother Singsam taught of the need to exercise faith, to trust in the Lord’s promise that as we “open [our] mouth[s], [they] shall be filled” (Moses 6:32).

Opening Our Homes: Brother Bogaert taught of ways that we can create gospel sharing homes. One specific way is through a ‘Come On Over Evening’ (COOE). For those who would like to hold a COOE, feel free to approach a member of the Ward Mission Team.

Opening Our Hearts: Bishop Shine concluded with a discussion about the need for each one of us to open our hearts to the promptings of the Spirit. As we open our hearts and yield our wills to God, we can become “instruments in the hands of God to bring... [our] brethren [and sisters].... to the knowledge of the truth” (Alma 17:9).

Copies of the ward mission plan are available from a member of the bishopric or ward mission team.
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Bishop’s Youth Discussion - January 2010

The Courage to Stand Strong!

For our first BYD of the year, we discussed this years mutual theme: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9). We talked about Joshua’s life and how he needed courage to lead his people to the promised land. We discussed how we also need courage to make a difference in the lives of others. At the end of the night, we committed to stand up in the following areas:

Be Strong: we will be strong by reading our scriptures daily and attending seminary (if we are old enough).

Of Good Courage: we will demonstrate courage by taking a stand, even when it is unpopular.

Be Not Afraid, Neither Be Thou Dismayed: we will not be afraid or dismayed, as we know that Heavenly Father will give us power, love and sound minds (refer 2 Tim 1:7).

For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest: we know that as we stand in Holy Places that the Lord and His Spirit will be our constant companions.
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Isle of Capri Ward Chapel Clean Up

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On Saturday 16 Jan 2010, we had a Ward Chapel Clean Up Day at the Isle Of Capri Chapel. We had a great turn out and there were many helping hands there to make our chapel look spic and span.

Thank you to everyone who came along to help clean and tidy up –it was a great morning! Let’s remember to clean up after each activity!


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Youth Temple Trip, January 2010

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On Saturday 9 January 2010, some of our IOC youth, young single adults, parents and leaders attended the Brisbane Australia Temple to perform temple baptisms for those who have passed away. Five people attended the temple for the first time and we were blessed to perform 161 baptisms on the day! Thanks to everyone who attended.... we look forward to going back soon!

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New Web Site for Youth

Youth.lds.org is a new Web site for youth ages 12 to 18. It features prophetic guidance for youth, along with media featuring youth around the world following the example of the Saviour in serving and strengthening one another. The site is also the online home of A Brand New Year 2010, where youth bear witness of the power of living the standards in For the Strength of Youth. Please click on image to take you to the site.

January 2010 Newsletters

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• 31st January 2010 - click on image to view

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• 24th January 2010 - click on image to view

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• 17th January 2010 - click on image to view

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• 10th January 2010 - click on image to view

• 3rd January 2010 - click on image to view

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