This Zion Community

ChurchofJesusChrist.org

IglesiadeJesucristo.org

TaylorsvilleStake.org

Hello beloved sisters and brothers,

Stake Conference

As noted last week, we have added the May Stake Conference talks given by stake members to our stake web page.  Hopefully, these provide additional opportunities for our reflection and gospel study.

Upcoming Events

• Seminary Graduation Banquet 6/3/2023

• Seminary Graduation 6/4/2023

• Household Goods Exchange 6/10/2023

• Young Single Adult - Summer Splash ‘n’ Dash (5 pm - 9 pm)  6/10/2023

(Magna Building) 7731 W 3500 S, Magna, UT 84044 

• Old Testament Tabernacle 6/27/2023

• Stake Girls Camp 7/11-14/2023

Weekly Message: This Zion Community

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In April 2019, Elder D. Todd Christopherson gave a talk entitled, Preparing for the Lord’s Return.  

I believe quote this captures the essence of his address…

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord’s Second Coming; indeed, it was restored for that purpose. Can you find anywhere else a people who embrace the present era as the prophesied “dispensation of the fulness of times,” in which God has purposed to “gather together in one all things in Christ”?  

“If you don’t find here a community intent on accomplishing what needs to be accomplished for both the living and the dead to prepare for that day, if you don’t find here an organization willing to commit vast amounts of time and funds to the gathering and preparation of a covenant people ready to receive the Lord, you won’t find it anywhere.” 

In my recent talk for the General Session of the Stake Conference, I outlined briefly our focused efforts for the past few years to engage with each other in gathering Israel.  It has been a privilege to observe as you have sincerely and humbly moved forward as individuals and as a community in this great latter-day work.  

In the coming days and weeks, we will continue these efforts…to invite and instill friendship… extend a helping hand to others, and mend fences where needed.

Almost exactly five years ago, President Russell M. Nelson  Espanol  made this statement,

“Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that” (Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel,” 

There is still plenty to do...as we build a “Zion” community

We have two excellent opportunities coming up in the month of June:

June 10 - Household Goods Exchange 

June 27 - July 16 - Old Testament Tabernacle presentation

In addition to our individual and group efforts to reach out to others, another important aspect of becoming a Zion community is our individual preparation.  Consistent, prayerful study of the gospel of Jesus Christ is at the heart of following the Savior’s invitation to “Come” unto [Him]. (Matthew 11:28,29)  

A dear friend recently shared with me the poignant admonition of the ancient prophet, Mormon, that as women and men “of Christ” we must “call upon His holy name”, and “lay hold upon the word of God”, and it will lead us safely “across the gulf of misery” to “the right hand of God in the kingdom of Heaven.” (Helaman 3:27-30)

The mists of darkness that Lehi saw in his vision of the Tree of Life can cause us to lose our way, but the “word of God” can “safely guide us through” as the hymn says.

May we each pray, study, and treat ourselves and each other in a way befitting “women and men of Christ” as we build our Zion community.  

I love you all.

President Gardner