Maloney Family est. 1994: Week 3 Musings Jan 20

Callings -

In our church we all share the load of the organization of the congregation, instruction, activities and events. It's very different from other faiths in that we fully believe our leaders (who are also volunteers) are "called" of God to serve in the several capacities. And, in some of those several capacities, those volunteers extend "callings" to others in the congregation.

Ken is currently called to serve as the Ward Executive Secretary. He works directly with the Bishopric (Minister and two Counselors) as their secretary. I know this is a call from God because of Ken's free will and choice, he would never choose a DESK JOB! Haha!! He chose to be an anesthetist because he can wear pajamas (scrubs), have contact with many people in the surgical team as well as patient care, and he can't bring his work home with him (awkward!). So now, for about four hours on Sunday and one or two hours every other day of the week, he has a DESK JOB as he makes appointments for the Bishopric to meet with members and youth of the congregation, as he organizes for Council meetings at the church, as he completes paperwork and agendas... The Lord knows what capacity Ken has and is now showing Ken just how much he can grow. I would say it's a beautiful sight, but currently he's still in the unidentifiable infant stage. Check back in a few weeks to see if he's moved to the cute toddler stage.

I am currently called to serve as the Relief Society Meeting Coordinator (women's ministry). On Sunday, the congregation meets together as families to receive sacrament/communion. We then meet in separate groups as adults, teens and children for Sunday School class. Lastly, we meet as women, men, young women, young men and children for instruction. The women's group is called Relief Society. In addition to the Sunday instruction, the Relief Society meet once a month during a weeknight or Saturday morning. It is this meeting that I have been called to organize. Luckily, I lead a committee of ladies who share in the planning and organizing of these meetings. Think of it as a GNO with your BFF from church! Sometimes it's a party as we learn homemaking skills or create beautiful things for our homes. Other times it's a strength of numbers as we gather with other sisters to assemble care packages for victims of natural disasters. At other times, we gather to fill our lamps so we can be a strength to our families. And now, I lead the committee to have all this happen. I am so scared! :o) But scared in a good way because of the responsibility I feel to create an environment where the sister's needs are met, where their faith is strengthened, where they can feel unity of providing local and worldwide relief (thus the name Relief Society :o) and where they can feel strengthened and return home to strengthen their family.

Yesterday, Ken organized a dinner group with the Bishopric members and their wives. We enjoyed getting to know our new friends in our new city at a new restaurant. It was a fabulous time. I loved the conversation and friendship. We hope to do this again, but attend the temple as a group and then maybe include going to dinner or just out for dessert.

Ward Conference -

Our new Ward and Stake both have new leadership as of October. Today was our Ward Conference when we have the leaders from the Stake meet with us to provide lessons and messages.

FYI - A ward is a congregation assigned by geographic boundaries. A stake is a group of congregations that are geographically near each other. Our current ward, the Cypress Ward, is geographically 5 miles wide by 6 miles tall. The ward we left in Alabama was 40 miles wide and 30 miles tall. Both have about 400+ on the membership rolls.

Today the messages brought to us by our leadership are:

Bishop Wagley - Sanctification: 1) Know the gospel and know the commandments by having daily experience with scriptures, prayer and revelation, 2) Repentance is not a punishment, but a gift from the loving Savior to permit us to access His Atonement and be made clean again, 3) John 17:3, come to know the Savior personally and individually. Satan desires nothing more than for us to NOT know Christ, 4) Unity = speak kindly and view each other in the best light, be inclusive and friendly to all, 5) Think of each other the way the Savior thinks of us.
President Lauck - "my only message is to follow the counsel of your Bishop. All I wanted to mention today was discussed by your Bishop. As your ecclesiastical leader, he has the right to revelation on your part. We just received revelation."
President Welch - Know it, Do it, Become it Mark 10:17-21 the rich young man knew all the tenants of his faith, but could not go and do (has testimony, but not converted). Matthew 5:27-28 its not enough to actually do the act of adultery, but anyone who for even a split second has impure thoughts/lust is just as guilty (has testimony, but not converted). Matthew 5:43-44 love your enemies (the ultimate test if we know it, do it and become it).

PHOTOS:

An nesting pair of bald eagles live near our area. We've seen them several times. This photo was taken 20 yards from our home! There's a lake near this tree and we've seen the eagles swoop down to catch fish. It's amazing!