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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Bishopric Message January 2010

A New Year – A New Beginning!

Brothers and Sisters,

Happy New Year!

Before we embark on this New Year, we thought it might be wise to reflect on the year that has been, where witnessed:
• Baby births and blessings;
• New arrivals to our ward family through boundary changes and 17 convert baptisms;
• Marriages;
• New presidencies called in the Relief Society, Young Men, Primary, Sunday School and the High Priest Group;
• Members serving full-time missions;
• Members receiving their endowments and being sealed in the temple;
• Members who were reactivated;
• Men who received the Priesthood; and
• We also farewelled a number of families who moved elsewhere and said goodbye to Brother Marcus Slimmens, Sister Ina Toa and Brother Jim Randell, who passed away, “till we meet again” (Hymns, #152).

So, as we stand on the cusp of a New Year, we have wondered, as we’re sure you have, “What will 2010 hold for me? What blessings are in store? What trials await?” As we face this New Year, our prayer is that we will see it as a New Beginning – an opportunity to reassess those things that matter most and then put plans in place to achieve them.

President Thomas S. Monson has taught:

“I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.” (Ensign, November 2008).

Bearing this counsel in mind, we remind everyone of the eternal significance of the Saving Seven – doing these things will help us as we begin this new year and throughout our lives:
1. We pray morning and night;
2. We study the scriptures daily;
3. We hold Family Home Evening weekly;
4. We attend the Temple;
5. We pay our tithes and offerings;
6. We obey the commands of ancient and modern prophets;
7. We have fun!

Brothers and Sisters, thanks for all you do to lift, inspire and nurture one another. We testify that this work is eternal and we look forward to serving alongside you in the new year.

Love and Best Wishes,

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