Temple Month

While we aren't gathering for an official enrichment meeting this month, we encourage each sister in our Relief Society to attend the temple this month. Ideally, try to stretch your service one stride beyond your usual plans. If you do not have a current recommend, we encourage you to take steps to renew your recommend right away, and/or make concerted effort to progress toward the temple.

From a previous RS lesson which touched on temple service....

Each temple is a house of learning. There we are taught in the Master’s way. His way differs from modes of others. His way is ancient and rich with symbolism. We can learn much by pondering the reality for which each symbol stands. Teachings of the temple are beautifully simple and simply beautiful. They are understood by the humble, yet they can excite the intellect of the brightest minds.

Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: “Anoint,” “Atonement,” “Christ,” “Covenant,” “Fall of Adam,” “Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” Doing so will provide a firm foundation. -Russell M. Nelson

Through temple service we can literally spiritually progress. Elder John A Widstoe said, “By giving myself in the spirit of true helpfulness to those that have gone before me, I develop within myself, within my heart and soul, an abounding love very near to that of God Himself. Then the selfishness of the world fades away.”

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Our lesson in Relief Society this Sunday will be about temple service. If you will be attending, take a moment the time to ponder lesson #36 in Teachings of Presidents of the Church- Joseph Smith. Right away, I'm struck by the verb in the title of the lesson, "RECEIVING the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple." If you go to the lesson link, HERE did you know you can click on "listen" at the top of the lesson, click on mp3, & you can LISTEN to the lesson while folding laundry, or whatever it is you're up to?! If you have a temple related question or temple experience you would like to share (anonymously is fine), but will not be able to attend, please send me an email... rebecca@menzie.org. I'll post notes from the lesson here.

We hope that you are enjoying your summer, whether vacationing or "staycationing." We love you and hope to see you in Relief Society and in the temple this month.

All best,

Sheryl, Jan, Rebecca, & Tammy