Thursday, April 14, 2016

April Newsletter 2016

Stake Presidency Message

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Brothers and Sisters, 
What a wonderful time of the year, the renewal of many things happen in spring. The daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers are up and blooming, garden plots are being prepared and of the lawns are starting to grow! Spring is also the Easter season, where we remember the Savior and his love for each one of us as he took upon himself all the sins of the world, past, present and future. He knew we would need Him to be able someday to return to Heavenly Father, for without His sacrifice we would not be able to do so. He was crucified, died and was resurrected on the third day as a sign that we too will be someday be able to partake in the resurrection. I can testify that He lives and because He lives, we too will be able to return to live with Father and our eternal families.                          
April General Conference is soon upon us, I hope you will all be able to listen and attend as many of the sessions as possible, each of the Prophets, Seers, and Revelators have something you and I need to hear. Many times in the almost 80 General Conferences I have listened to, or read about, I have received personal pertinent revelation meant for me. The guidance given has been helpful in building my testimony through the years.                                             

Thank you for all you do in your homes and Church for in making the Savior a part of your lives.                                                                                                                                                                         
With Love and in His Service,                                                                
Dana W. Harju 2nd Counselor                                                     
Youngstown Ohio Stake


Relief Society Presidency Message

In 1980, President Boyd K. Packer of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles later recalled his visit to a Relief Society in Czechoslovakia. He recalled, "This most memorable meeting was held in an upper room of a building. The blinds were drawn for the safety and wellbeing of our members, who had to struggle to keep their faith alive under conditions of oppression.
There were 12  sisters in attendance. They prayed and sang hymns together. A lesson was reverently given from a handmade manual...
Before we left, I told the sisters they belonged to the largest and by all measure, the greatest women's organization on earth. I told them that on my return to my country I was assigned to speak at a Relief Society conference. Could I deliver a message from them?
One sister wrote, "A small circle of sisters send their own hearts and thoughts to all sisters and begs that the Lord help us go forward ." 
Recalling that meeting, Pres Packer said, "I stood for a moment , in that circle, and felt the impulses of faith, courage and love coming and going on either side." Such faith and courage and love combine to form the heritage of Relief Society sisters everywhere.
"Those words, "circle of sisters" inspired me," he said. I could see them standing in a circle that reached around the room and beyond.." I told them this great "circle of sisters" will be a protection for each of you and your families. 
In 1998, he shared this story again, in General Conference to the entire church. He finished with this thought.....Relief Society is more than a "circle of sisters" now....it is more like a fabric of lace spread across the continents."  From...Daughters in My Kingdom 2011
The "circle of sisters" mean so much to me. As a new member, in 1978, I was welcomed in to this circle and loved by so many sisters ....as I look back now I can close my eyes and see sisters who loved me, taught me to have faith and the courage to deal with things In my life. I am so grateful for the Prophet we have to guide us, for the love he shows us in his words and the courage he gives me to study and learn all that Heavenly Father has for me.
Our "Circle of Sisters" in the Youngstown Stake are striving to reach our goal this year. "Exaltation is our goal, Discipleship is our Journey...Pres. Uchdorf 2015  

Love,
Sis Tarantino




      JUST SERVE!!!
“What is JustServe?
JustServe matches faith, nonprofit, community and governmental organizations that need volunteers with volunteers willing to help. JustServe.org links you to service opportunities in your community so you can make a difference wherever you are and however you want to serve.
Once we know what the needs are, we tell you about them here on JustServe then you can go and help get the job done. We make it easy to sign-up and show-up, on your time and in your way.
JustServe.org is provided as a service by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following the Biblical admonition to "love thy neighbor as thyself," JustServe provides opportunities to relieve suffering, care for the poor and needy, and enhance the quality of life in the community. JustServe is not for proselytizing or publicity–simply a service to help link community volunteer needs with volunteers.
Why should I volunteer?
We may not solve world hunger here at JustServe, but we're convinced that by serving with each other in our local communities, we're paving the way for much broader changes. Our individual efforts don't need to be huge – a little bit of change here, a few hours there – but even small efforts quickly add up to make a real difference.
As we work side-by-side and learn from each other, mutual understanding increases, misconceptions can be corrected, and new friendships are built.” – From the Just Serve website

At https://justserve.org there are a couple of introductory videos to watch that help explain and get you motivated to serve.

But I also added a couple here that I found on Youtube.




Cub Scout- Primary Training
Saturday April 16th 9-12
Youngstown Stake Center



FAITH IN GOD ACTIVITY DAY
May 14, 2016 10 AM—12 PM
Boys and Girls Ages 8-11
Youngstown Stake Building
2205 Tibbitts Wick Rd
Girard, OH 44420
WHO IS INVITED:
At least one Parent in attendance
 Primary Leaders
Bring a Friend!
Please bring 1 canned good for a service project
Lunch Provided
Please RSVP to Primary Leaders by May 1


STAKE PRIMARY DAY CAMP

JUNE 11, 2016

Cub Scouts Ages 8—11, Scout & Primary Leaders

Youngstown Stake Center
2205 Tibbitts-Wick Rd
Girard, OH 44420
10 AM – 1 PM

Lunch Provided


Princess Ball 2016
   The Princess ball was a royal smash for all who attended.













Pinewood derby 2016

1st place Jensen Kramer-Alliance Ward  2nd place  Matthew Taylor - Youngstown ward, and 3rd place Luke Kramer - Alliance Ward


Stake Indexing Numbers

Youngstown Stake has 304 individuals who have indexed 17812 names for the first quarter of the year and arbitrated 11207 names.

Lisbon is leading the way with 10796 names indexed and 11187 names arbitrated. The rest of the wards have A LOT of catching up to do!!!