Colorado Springs North Stake (CSNS)

Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Bulletin

Sep 6 - 12, 2021

Miracles in Our Lives

8 September 2021

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

As a family we have been studying/discussing a conference talk each Sunday with an emphasis on identifying:

1. the doctrine or principles taught,

2. the blessings promised, and

3. the invitations given.

In President Nelson’s address, “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”, he stated, “Moving your mountains may require a miracle.” Then this invitation, doctrine and associated blessing, “Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life.”

What is the purpose of miracles?

A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God. Miracles are an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are not only divine acts, but they are also a form of teaching... ("Miracle", Guide to the Scriptures). Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher [law]. ("Miracles", Bible Dictionary).

We often associate miracles with extraordinary events such as healings, restoring the dead to life and the greatest of all miracles, the Resurrection of our Lord (Bible Dictionary). However, as Elder Rasband beautifully taught in conference, “Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God.” ("Behold! I Am a God of Miracles", Elder Rasband, April 2021 General Conference)

Most miracles come as an answer to prayer. They are not always what we ask for or want, but when we trust in the Lord, He will provide the right kind of miracle at the right time and in the right way. The Lord has reminded us, “Neither are your ways my ways.” (Isaiah 55:8)

President Nelson issued this statement after he and his wife were vaccinated against COVID-19: “We are thankful for the countless doctors, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders, and others who have performed the grueling work required to make this vaccine available. We have prayed often for this literal Godsend.

“As a former surgeon and medical researcher, I know something of the effort needed to accomplish such a remarkable feat. Producing a safe, effective vaccine in less than a year is nothing short of miraculous.” ("Senior Church leaders receive COVID-19 vaccine, encourage members to safeguard themselves, others 'through immunization'", Church News, 19January 2021)

“One of the most precious miracles that we can receive is peace amidst confusion, turmoil or sorrow. The Lord offers, “‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28)—rest from worry, disappointment, fear, disobedience, concern for loved ones, anxiety and heartache. Remember the Lord’s words: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:23) The miracle is that Jesus Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Son of the Highest, is responding [to us] with His peace.” (Elder Rasband)

We invite you to “stand steadfast and faithful in all that is to come” and behold the miracles that the Lord places in your and your loved ones’ lives. We humbly pray that you may “feel the power of the Redeemer in your life” as you pray to the Father in the name of his Only Begotten. We bless you to receive the miracles needed in your life according to your faithfulness and the will of the Lord. Look for heavenly miracles in your life as you “seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever.” (Ether 12:41)

President Sterling L. Rogers
President Jeffrey A. Johnson
President Christian K. Lovejoy

Most announcements should be electronically distributed weekly prior to Sunday so they do not take time in sacrament meeting; the bishopric may give essential announcements briefly before the opening hymn (see General Handbook 29.2.2.2).

From Elder Quentin L. Cook's general conference talk Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (after President Nelson's two-hour meeting block announcement), "To help members prepare for the Sabbath, some wards already send an informative email, text, or social media message midweek. In view of this adjustment, we strongly recommend this type of communication. These invitations will remind the members of the Sunday meeting schedule for that week, including the upcoming class lesson topic, and support continuing gospel conversation at home."

Upcoming Events

1. Face to Face for Young Adults with Elder and Sister Bednar: “Ask, Seek, Knock”, Sunday, September 12th, 4pm

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Sister Susan Bednar will be the featured guests at a Face to Face for young adults on September 12, 2021, titled “Ask, Seek, Knock.”

View the broadcast on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. mountain daylight time on the Church satellite system, Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, Latter-day Saints Channel and other digital channels.

All young adults, whether single or married, are invited to participate. Full-time missionaries are also invited to attend and to bring those they are teaching when possible. All ages and demographics are welcome. Local leaders are encouraged to determine a viewing date and time that best serves the young adults in their area.

Prior to the event, young adults may submit questions on the event page on Face2Face.ChurchofJesusChrist.org .

2. 2021 Church Music Festival [Online], Friday, September 17, 2021, 6pm

All individuals and families are invited to participate in the Church Music Festival.

Recurring Events

1. Colorado Springs Institute, for Young Adults (ages 18-30, married and single):

1. • Register using the Seminary and Institute app (for Apple or Android) or at myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org. All meeting link and other information will come once students are registered.

• All of our information is on our website: cospringsinstitute.org. Please helps us spread word!

• Reed Romney, Institute Director - Colorado Springs, 719-377-8056

2. Young Single Adults (YSA), ages 18-30

• • Colorado Springs YSAs Facebook and Instagram groups

3. Middle Single Adults (MSA), ages 31-45, Events and Information

• • Colorado Springs LDS Midsingles (ages 31-45) Facebook group and email: CSMidsingles@gmail.com

4. Single Adults (SA), ages 31+, Events and Information

• • Colorado South Single Adults (CSSA) Website

  • Colorado Springs LDS Multi-Stake Single Adults 31+ Facebook group

  • Denver LDS Singles Website

  • Castle Rock LDS Singles crssingleadults@hotmail.com email

5. BYU-Pathway Worldwide

• • A one-year program that helps members of the Church start or return to college

  • Students earn 15 credits toward a degree and upon completion, may continue working toward a skills-based certificate, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor’s degree online through BYU-Idaho – at a GREATLY reduced cost

  • Learn more and apply online or contact your local Pathway missionaries: Elder & Sister Zenger (ages 18-30) 503-290-9933 or 503-684-6073; or, Elder & Sister Riding (ages 30+) 719-761-2955.

6. Temple Ordinance Workers and Temple Volunteers are Needed at the Denver Colorado Temple

• • If interested, contact your bishop

7. Colorado Springs Home Storage Center and Bishops' Storehouse normal weekly schedule:

• Wednesday: 4pm-7pm

• Thursday: 9am-12pm

• Saturday: 9am-11am

The online stake calendar provides event details: e.g. event start/end times, participants invited, point of contact for questions, address, reserved building room(s), setup/cleanup times, etc.

This Week: Monday, September 6th - Sunday, September 12th

Mon, Sep 6, 2021

• School District 38 (D-38) No School (Return Tuesday, September 7th)

• USAFA Parents Weekend

• School District 20 (D-20) No School (Return Tuesday, September 7th)

• Family Home Evening

• Labor Day

• USAFA No Classes

• Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm

• Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm

• Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm

Thu, Sep 9, 2021

• Stake Temple Recommend Interviews (by appointment only) [LX] 6 - 9pm

• Institute [JB] 6:45 - 8:30pm

• Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm

Sat, Sep 11, 2021

• National Day of Service

• Patriot Day

• Stake Primary Service Day [TBD] 9am - 3pm

• Stake Young Men Service Day [TBD] 9am - 3pm

• Stake Young Women Service Day [TBD] 9am - 3pm

• Stake Family History Workshop [LX] 9 - 10am

Sun, Sep 12, 2021

• Second Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary held every Sunday)

• Stake Council Meeting [LX] 6:30 - 7am

• Stake Adult Leadership Committee Meeting including Ward Elders Quorum Presidencies and Relief Society Presidencies [LX] 7 - 7:45am

• Multistake Young Single Adult Council [JB] 1:45 - 2:30pm

• Stake Communication Council Meeting [LX] 3 - 4pm

• Colorado Springs Coordinating Council Communication Council JustServe Meeting [LX] 4 - 5pm

• Face to Face for Young Adults with Elder and Sister Bednar [Online] 4 - 5pm

• Colorado Springs Coordinating Council Communication Council Meeting [LX] 5 - 6pm

• Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6-7pm

Next Week: Monday, September 13th - Sunday, September 19th

Mon, Sep 13, 2021

• Family Home Evening

• Multistake Adult Education Gospel Study Class [ML] 12 - 1:30pm

• Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm

• Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm

• Institute [USAFA] 6:20 - 7:50pm

• Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm

Thu, Sep 16, 2021

• Stake Temple Recommend Interviews (by appointment only) [LX] 6 - 9pm

• Institute [JB] 6:45 - 8:30pm

• Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm

Fri, Sep 17, 2021

• Stake Primary Mother-Son Activity [LX] 6 - 7:30pm

• 2021 Church Music Festival [Online] 6 - 7pm

Sat, Sep 18, 2021

• Stake Family History Center Staff Meeting [LX] 9 - 10am

Sun, Sep 19, 2021

• Third Sunday: Sunday School (Primary held every Sunday)

• Stake Missionary Work Coordination Meeting [LX] 4 - 5pm

• Ward Mission Leader Council [LX] 5 - 6pm

• Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm

Updates to the Stake Calendar of Events

The following meetings and activities on the stake calendar are changed due to state and church-wide announcements:

Sat, Sep 11, 2021

• Cancelled: Multistake Outdoor Casual Dance [LB] 7 - 10pm

Tue, Sep 14, 2021

• Rescheduled: Multistake Youth Leadership Committee Meeting [CSESC] 7 - 9pm to Thursday, Sep 30, 2021

Tue, Jul 27, 2021 through Sat, Jul 31, 2021

• Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Aaron's Camp [CF] to Tue, Jun 6, 2023 through Sat, Jun 10, 2023

Thu, Aug 5, 2021 through Sat, Aug 7, 2021

• Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Deacons Camp [CF] to Thu, Jun 1, 2023 through Sat, Jun 3 ,2023

Ward Meeting Times for 2021 starting Sunday, August 15th

• Unless an exception is noted below, all wards hold sacrament meeting first and ward weeknight activities are at the same building as Sunday meetings

• Lexington building, 8710 Lexington Dr, Colorado Spring CO 80920

  • Pine Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:30am, quorums and classes 9:40am - 10:30am, Wednesday weeknight activities at the Jamboree building

  • Cordera Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:00am - 11:00am, quorums and classes 11:10am - 12:00pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • Gleneagle Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:30pm, quorums and classes 12:40pm - 1:30pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • Northgate Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:00pm - 2:00pm, quorums and classes 2:10pm - 3:00pm, Wednesday weeknight activities

• Monument building, 950 West Colorado Highway 105, Monument CO 80132

  • Jackson Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:30am, quorums and classes 9:40am - 10:30am, Wednesday weeknight activities

  • Monument Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:00am - 12:00pm, quorums and classes 12:10pm - 1:00pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • King's Deer Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:30pm - 2:30pm, quorums and classes 2:40pm - 3:30pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

• Black Forest building, 6950 Shoup Rd, Colorado Springs CO 80908

  • Meadow Run Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:30am, quorums and classes 9:40am - 10:30am, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • [Black Forest Ward (Colorado Springs High Plains Stake): Sacrament meeting 11:00am - 12:00pm, quorums and classes 12:10pm - 1:00pm, Wednesday weeknight activities]

  • High Forest Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:30pm - 2:30pm, quorums and classes 2:40pm - 3:30pm, Thursday weeknight activities

• Jamboree building, 8295 Jamboree Cir, Colorado Springs CO 80920

  • [Chapel Hills Ward (Colorado Springs East Stake): Sacrament meeting 9:00am - 10:00am, quorums and classes 10:10am - 11:00am, Tuesday weeknight activities]

  • Cheyenne Mountain YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:35pm - 1:30pm (chapel), quorums and classes 11:30am - 12:25pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

  • Mount Herman YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:25pm (cultural hall), quorums and classes 12:35pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

  • Pikes Peak YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:25pm (chapel), quorums and classes12:35pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

The church’s Official Communication Library messages may contain confidential or privileged information and are only accessible by and for the use of the individual(s) addressed in the letter/policy.

New This Week

• October 2021 General Conference (Letter to be read in sacrament meeting)

  • First Presidency | September 7, 2021: We are pleased to announce the upcoming 191st Semiannual General Conference.

Selection of Previously Released

• Face to Face with Elder and Sister Bednar: Ask, Seek, Knock

  • Notices | August 27, 2021: A Face to Face event on September 12, 2021, for all young adults will feature Elder David A. Bednar and Sister Susan Bednar.

• 2021 Church Music Festival

  • Notices | August 19, 2021: On September 17, 2021, we invite all individuals and families to participate in the Church Music Festival.

• Performing Missionaries in Historic Nauvoo, 2022

  • Notices | August 17, 2021: Single members of the Church ages 18 to 25 are invited to audition to serve as performing missionaries, helping with musical and stage productions in Historic Nauvoo.

• Revised General Handbook Chapters

  • Notices | August 4, 2021: Four chapters and other content have been revised in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    • General Handbook: Summary of Recent Updates - July 2021 (links to updated sections)

    • Church Newsroom: See the July 2021 Update to the General Handbook

• 2022 Curriculum Materials

  • Notices | June 25, 2021: The 2022 curriculum items are listed in the attachment to this notice.

• Materials for Area, Coordinating, Mission, Stake, Ward, and Branch Councils

  • Notices | June 15, 2021: Materials used in the April 2021 general conference leadership meeting are now available for area and local leaders.

• For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Conferences Schedule for Stakes in the United States and Canada

  • Notices | June 11, 2021: Beginning in 2022 and 2023, all stakes in the US and Canada will attend FSY conferences every other year.

• Notice, 10 February 2021: 2021 Guidelines for Recording Attendance of Stake Conferences, Sacrament Meetings, and Sunday Quorum and Class Meetings

  • Effective January 1, 2021, local unit leaders and clerks should record stake conference, sacrament meeting, and Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) in Leader and Clerk Resources or Member Tools.

Recording Attendance

• Effective January 1, 2021, local unit leaders and clerks have been asked to record stake conference, sacrament meeting, and Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) in Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or Member Tools, including both number of members who attend in person and the number of those who attend remotely. (See Official Communication dated February 10, 2021 – 2021 Guidelines for Recording Attendance in Stake Conferences, Sacrament Meetings, and Sunday Quorum and Class Meetings)

• Attendance recorded will be reflected, as follows, on your Quarterly Report in LCR:

  • Sacrament meeting attendance – Average of the first three months of recorded attendance.

  • Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) – Average recorded attendance in March.

  • Primary attendance will be calculated using historical unit reported attendance.

• Note this information cannot be changed on the Quarterly Report page in LCR. Any changes would need to be made on the “Class and Quorum Attendance” or “Sacrament Meeting Attendance” reports in LCR.

2021 Annual Ward Histories and Stake History - First Draft Due 31 October 2021

2 September 2021

Ward Council members and Stake Council members,

Greetings from Brother and Sister Dave Powell and Connie Powell who are serving as the Colorado Springs North Stake History Specialists. It is the time of year to begin compiling the 2021 ward and stake histories. We ask that you capture your January 2021 through October 2021 history narrative while it is fresh on your minds. We are happy to be able to support you in this vital responsibility. Your questions are welcome. Please see the following instructions and submission dates:

• Please submit this google doc DRAFT history no later than October 31st. (The final draft should be updated and submitted by 15 January 2022)

• Highlight what you feel was important in 2021 and are inspired to include. There may have been a number of changes in ward/stake leadership this year. If this is the case, please reach out to former leaders to obtain accurate information and photos.

Purpose

• Preparing and submitting an annual history helps fulfill the Lord’s charge: “Continue in writing and making a history of all the important things…concerning my church…And also, my servants who are abroad in the earth should send forth the accounts of their stewardships” (Doctrine and Covenants 69:3, 5)

Process

• Use the checklist below to guide your efforts.

• Pictures are encouraged to help tell the annual history. A permissions form is included at the bottom of the History Template Document.

• Review this email in your council meetings to make sure all understand what is expected.

Checklist: What to Include in an Annual History

• Complete each area of the Google Doc Template provided via email as it relates to your calling/assignment.

• A brief narrative for your specific organization describing the year’s important events and developments. Include faith-building stories and how lives were blessed.

• Please provide a bulleted calendar of events for your organization.

• Reports from priesthood and organization leaders summarizing their efforts to help individuals and families qualify for exaltation.

• Significant records created by or about the ward/stake such as:

  • Photographs that are clearly identified and dated

• Newsletters

• Special programs and publications

• Photocopies of newspaper clippings (include information that will identify the newspaper and the date it was published).

• Address the impact of COVID-19 on ward/stake members. What blessings and challenges have ward/stake members faced in this regard. What adaptations have been made?

• NOTE: CONFIDENTIAL OR PRIVATE INFORMATION IS NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL HISTORY

Don’t worry too much about the Annual History document format you send to us in the template. Please do enter the info/stories and the pictures/forms in the best grammar and descriptive writing possible. We will then combine your Ward History into a nice clean report for you to review before it is submitted to church headquarters.

Thank You,

Dave and Connie Powell
Stake History Specialists

Instructions for Discarding Obsolete Materials

• Many bishops’ offices, clerks’ offices, and meetinghouse resource centers contain excess and outdated materials. In considering what to discard, please refer to the list of meetinghouse resource center materials and guidelines on what to discard. Please also consider the following:

  • With the introduction of Come, Follow Me, many manuals have been replaced, including Primary 1–7, Gospel Doctrine, and youth Sunday School manuals.

  • The new Children and Youth program has replaced materials associated with Scouting, Duty to God, Personal Progress, and Faith in God.

  • Online processes in Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) have replaced most administrative forms.

• Clerks and resource center specialists should identify materials that are not being used regularly or that will not be used again and discard them or offer them to members for use at home. Clerks can also shred outdated stationery, forms, or sensitive materials.

Stake Interviews

1. • To schedule an interview with a member of the stake presidency for temple recommends or BYU ecclesiastical endorsements send an email to stake.interview@csnorth.org or text/call 719-644-6401

     • Interviews are held on Thursday evenings at the stake offices or online (by appointment only) to not interfere with leader/parents commitments to weekly child and youth activity nights on Tuesday and Wednesday; church dress requested

     • Stake presidency interviews are not to be scheduled until after the bishopric interview is completed

     • Stake interviews are usually scheduled within a week of their request and should be completed within 30 days of the bishopric interview

     • Members are encouraged to keep their recommends current and avoid last-minute efforts to schedule an appointment under very difficult-to-fulfill time constraints; please plan ahead when scheduling your appointment

     • The stake offices are located as the southwest corner of the stake center with an access door to the right of the main foyer doors (8710 Lexington Dr; northwest corner of Lexington Dr and Research Blvd)

Latest official General Conference addresses, and BYU-Provo, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Ensign College speeches.

Official Newsroom and Church News announcements and articles of interest to our stake.

New videos, images, music, and articles from the church from the Church Media and Come Unto Christ.