Edified and Rejoicing Together - Preparing for the New Curriculum

In the coming weeks, wards will be having an in-depth training on the new curriculum, Come, Follow Me. We encourage you to attend and then take some time to prayerfully study and ponder the various doctrinal questions, patterns of Christ-like teaching, spiritual preparation ideas and invitations to act which you will find throughout the website.

Since the previous manuals will no longer be used from January 1st on, you may be wondering what to do with the them.  We want you to know that it is appropriate to purge them out of your closets completely.  If you choose, feel free to counsel with your Bishop about the best way to dispose of them.

The First Presidency stated "The new curriculum integrates basic gospel doctrines, as well as principles for teaching in the Savior's way ...The focus is on strengthening and building faith, conversion and testimony, using the most current teachings of the General Authorities and General Auxiliary Presidencies... We are confident the new curriculum will bless youth in their efforts to become fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Church News, 10/6/12)

We are likewise confident that the promise that, “he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together” (Doctrine & Covenants 50:22) will be fulfilled as we prepare to facilitate revelation not only for ourselves, but for these beautiful Daughters of God whom we love and who He loves.

Presidency Message – December

From Sister Jen Alves – Secretary, Exeter Stake Young Women Presidency

December is an exciting time of year! Though it is cold and winter begins we see thousands of twinkly white lights emerge from homes shining into dark nights lighting up our souls with warmth and joy! Every Christmas season It comes to my heart and mind that those lights are symbolic of Christ’s light. “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.

Faithful saints are also the light of the world. You are the light of the world! Each of you are followers of Christ and through your leadership you help the Young Women of our stake join and continue with the faithful followers of Christ in being the light of the world. Yours is a sacred calling. I know each of you have been called because you can offer to the girls the lessons and examples they need in the way that they need them. I pray that each of you will be strengthened and blessed according to your needs and your desires. May you continue in your callings with vision, passion, and enthusiasm which will be contagious among the youth of the Exeter Stake. May you love the Lord, love your callings, and love the Young Women which you direct.

Twinkling white lights at Christmas time against a dark night also make me think of that time just before Christ returns. I imagine much of the world being dark with pockets of light scattered over the earth. With a closer look we see that those pockets of light are the stakes of Zion. They will be and are quite literally, “The light of the world”.

It is my prayer this Christmas season that our stakes worldwide (especially the Exeter Stake) will feel the great love that our Holy Father in heaven has for each individual therein. May we be as one; United in purpose and love for one another, love of our God, and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Immense Gratitude ascends to our Heavenly Father for sending His son, Jesus Christ, to set forth a perfect example for us and to redeem us from our fallen state. May we all emulate the pure love of Christ this Christmas season and new year as our gift to Him, to mankind, and to ourselves.

With Christmas Excitement,

Sister Jen Alves

Exeter Stake Young Women Secretary