Mission T's

Zechariah's Messianic Prophecies

Studying the Old Testament this school year has strengthened our testimonies on listening more closely to what prophets say!

Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly [humble], and riding upon an ass [symbolic of submission and humility--Messiah's submission to will of the Father, and to Jewish leaders and Roman soldiers who would crucify him], and upon a colt* the foal of an ass.

Yet another Messianic prophesy by an Old Testament prophet: Israel's king will ride a donkey. Taken out of context, the less spiritual would view this as contradiction. Those with ears to hear [listen to the prophets] and eyes to see [read the scriptures daily] will understand subtlety. Compare Matthew 21:1-11 and John 12:12-15.

*Did you know that the donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem had never been ridden? Mark tells us that the donkey that Jesus rode was "a colt...whereon never man sat" (Mark 11:2). This is a reminder of the Savior's power and mastery over all things, including the animal kingdom.

Zechariah 9:10-11 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse [symbolic of military power or war] from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.

Elder Bruce R McConkie explained: "It was of these that Zechariah prophesied when as part of a longer Messianic utterance, he spoke of 'prisoners of hope'; it was of these that he gave assurance that 'the Lord their God shall save them.'  He gives the Messianic message in these words: 'By the blood of the covenant'--that is, because of the gospel covenant, which is efficacious because of the shedding of the blood of Christ--'I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.' (Zechariah 9:11-16) 'Wherein is no water'--how aptly and succinctly this crystallizes the thought that the saving water, which is baptism, is an earthly ordinance and cannot be performed by spirit beings while they dwell in the spirit world. Did not Paul say in this same connection, 'What shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?' (1 Corinthians 15:29)
-The Promised Messiah, p 241

Memorial Day Party Animals

Party #1: Turning Basin Park with 13 YSA & 2 senior couples and one HUGE brown spider(!)

YSA grill hotdogs and hamburgers

Party #2: President & Sister Jeppson host New Jersey Morristown
senior missionary couples at mission home in evening

Sister Jeppson chooses "Bucket List" theme to celebrate Memorial Day.

Mission Conference

Elder Kevin & Sister Nancy Duncan with Sisters Barrett and Call

Mission Conference for four Zones was held today at East Brunswick Stake Center. (Another one will be held tomorrow at Morristown Stake Center for other four Zones.) Young missionaries were taught by a member of First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Duncan. The Doctrine of Christ and "Preach My Gospel" were reviewed. Encouraging investigators to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it is the key! Survey says 5% of investigators had meaningful experience after reading BOM. (Surveys also reveal it takes on average of eight contacts with The Church of Jesus Christ and/or its members before an investigator is ready to listen.) When member families invite investigator(s) to FHE with missionaries in their homes, it's often successful.

Elders Blake, Magleby, Pico, Barrio & Flake with Elder S

Talented Elder Montes played prelude music while missionaries filled chapel. (I predict
he will someday make a commercially successful piano CD with relaxing spiritual hymns.)

Our cute mission president's wife, Sister Jeppson, set cultural hall luncheon tables
with happy tulip bouquets, vibrant colors and, of course, created spiritual
thought magnets for missionaries to take home.

Princeton 1st Ward Relief Society prepared a banquet for us!
THANK YOU!
(Small world: 1st sister on left is a dear family friend
from our Greenwood Village Ward days in Colorado!) 

Sacrament Talk Quote

"Acting for yourself

means
you are acting alone"
-Katie W, YSA

Samuel the Lamanite

Helaman 14-16....sounds like today, sadly....

Helaman 16:23 "And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wrought among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the face of the land."

Five actions Satan uses to challenge our faith:
1) Enlist followers who will spread opposition to God's Plan of Salvation
2) Explain away miracles
2) Portray faith as product of traditions and ignorance
3) Question motives of spokesmen
4) Rationalize matters of faith

In order to keep our faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, we must hold tightly to the iron rod or the word of God with our daily prayers and scripture reading. This is not a recommendation but requirement to prepare for Kingdom of God on Earth!

October 2012 Elder David A Bednar: "Samuel the Lamanite identified 5 basic elements in becoming converted unto the Lord: (1) believing in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures, (2) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (3) repenting, (4) experiencing a mighty change of heart, and (5) becoming "firm and steadfast in faith" (see Helaman 15:7-8). This is the pattern that leads to conversion.

Hermana Mendez

Any day with a letter from Hermana Mendez in our mailbox is a GOOD DAY!

2nd YSA Engagement

Congratulations to Jessica & Adam!

Dare to Stand Alone

Jabari Parker

Time Magazine 7 May 2012 Colleges are swooning over Jabari Parker, a 6'8" Mormon star from the Chicago's South Side. Why you'll be watching him in the NBA real soon.

If Jabari Parker were just an unfailingly polite and devout honor student from Chicago’s South Side, he’d still be one of the most remarkable 17-year-olds you’ve ever met. But Parker is also the nation’s top high school basketball player and his unique mix of athletic talent and Pollyanna charm has him poised to become basketball’s next big thing.

Parker’s day starts before dawn with an hour of Bible study at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His Mormon faith comes from his mother; his 6’8” frame is passed down from his dad, former NBA first-round pick Sonny Parker.

On a recent morning, Parker’s Spanish class was interrupted by NBA veteran Alonzo Mourning, who dropped by to surprise Parker with the Gatorade National Player of the Year Award. Always eager to please, Parker is bound to disappoint dozens of colleges when he chooses a school this fall. The scholarship offers started in 7^th grade. As a devout Mormon is he interested in Brigham Young University? “Oh yeah.” As a Chicago native, is he considering Illinois? “I’m very interested in staying at home.” There’s seemingly no college Parker won’t consider.

But in the end he may even disappoint the university he attends–Parker says he’ll leave for the NBA once he’s projected as a top five draft pick, which will likely be after just one year in college. First, he needs to finish 11^th grade.

See also favorable Sports Illustrated article.

Attitude!

What Matters Most

White Glove Inspections

We get to serve with these GREAT young men. We also get to inspect their apartments every 6 weeks. Their apartments were above average clean this time! One senior couple is assigned to solve any problems missionaries have in their apartments. On this visit we observed how our concerns from last visit were all quietly and efficiently addressed. Once again, we are humbled by those with whom we serve!

Elder Turnbow & Pruitt



Elders Noxon, Ruiz & Taylor

Elders Marshall & Sanders

Elders Mortimer & Gardner

Elders Jellen & Hicks

Frosted Pumpkin Bars

These were a BIG HIT this week at Institute!

Frosted Pumpkin Bars www.tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
4 large eggs
1 2/3 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 (15-oz) can solid-packed pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (3-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
¼ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 Tablespoons milk
Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 350^oF.
2) Line cookie sheet (17”x11”x1 ½”) with parchment paper. Lightly apply cooking spray to paper.
3) Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda in separate bowl.
4) Mix eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until well blended.
5) Add flour mixture to egg mixture. Combine thoroughly.
6) Pour into prepared cookie sheet. Lightly shake back and forth to spread batter over entire surface of paper.
7) Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool.
8) Prepare frosting by combining ingredients in order. When cake is almost cool, spread frosting evenly over top. Place in refrigerator to set and then cut into 1” squares.

LDS Church Explains Political Neutrality with Animation

The Bug Boys (and Girls) Are Here!

Summer Members: "Bug boys/girls" arrive to contract for pest control!

On 1st Sundays of each month, our YSA Branch holds a "break-the-Fast" potluck. Today we had at least 16 "bug boys/girls" attend our potluck for first time and they didn't know they were supposed to bring food. Most of them arrived yesterday and hadn't had time to grocery shop. They were VERY HAPPY they didn't have to Fast until Monday!

Look closely at table in middle.
These kids see me snapping photos all the time!
They are getting use to me--and help to enliven my shots! :)

Entertaining Ezekiel

Who knew?! Ezekiel may be one of my new favorites in the Old Testament!

Last night Elder S taught Princeton Institute and enlightened his students' on the book of Ezekiel.

Did you know Ezekiel was a peer of Jeremiah and Daniel (and Lehi)?
We learned King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem 3X. The prophet Jeremiah remained in Jerusalem and prophesied from 13th year of Josiah till after downfall of Jerusalem, over 40 years (626-586 BC). Ezekiel prophesied to Jewish captives carried off throughout Babylonian empire during period of 22 years (592-570 BC). Daniel was in first wave of captives carried away to Babylonia. After he interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, he was kept in King's court where he had prophetic visions.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 talks about Ezekiel's vision of valley of dry bones symbolizing both resurrection and restoration of Israel to promised land.

Of particular importance is Ezekiel 37:15-20: "The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it. For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it. For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions. And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes."

Elder Boyd K Packer said in November 1982: "The stick or record of Judah--the Old and New Testaments--and the stick or record of Ephraim--the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ--are now woven together in such a way that as you pore over one you are drawn to the other; as you learn from one you are enlightened by the other. They are indeed one in our hands. Ezekiel's prophecy now stands fulfilled."

Best. Brownies. Ever.

If you don't have time to rush to grocery store to gather ingredients for brownies-from-scratch, grab a box of Ghirardelli triple chocolate brownie mix. I made these for YSA treats this week and didn't bring home any leftovers!!

If you have time and ingredients, make my mom's brownies!

Bodie's Fudge Brownies

(Makes 3 dozen)

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

4 squares unsweetened chocolate

1 1/2 cups plus 2 Tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon double acting baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

4 eggs, slightly beaten

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Optional: 3/4 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour 9"x13"x2" pan.

2) Melt chocolate and butter. Cool.

3) Add sugar and eggs. Blend well.

4) Add dry ingredients. Add vanilla. Add nuts.

5) Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Note: Bodie ALWAYS frosted these!

What Do "Mormons" Believe?

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Laura's Last Sunday



Laura F is surrounded by YSA Branch RS members
including Dalia, Shirene, Alysa, Emmy, Jenny, Rachel & Alyssa

A new adventure for Laura--who will be missed by all--is beginning next week. Good Luck! And God Bless You! Come back to visit often! :)

Amen!

Scotcheroos & Skittles

Scotcheroos or Chocolate-topped Butterscotch Dessert Bars
Thank you, Katie, for finding this for me!

Ingredients:
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups Cocoa Krispies or 6 cups Rice Krispies ceral
1 package (6 ounces or 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup butterscotch chips

Directions:
1. Place corn syrup and sugar into 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13x9x2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let stand until firm. Cut into 2x1-inch bars when cool.
Note: Before measuring corn syrup, coat measuring cup with cooking spray--syrup will pour easily out of cup.

I served these this week to our YSA Institute students along with regular Rice Krispies bars and they disappeared! I also had a bag of Skittles that someone gave us and served them, too. Surprisingly, all the males in the room ATTACKED them! Who knew Skittles was a guy-guilty-pleasure??!!

Role Model

This sweet missionary is serving her FOURTH mission!!! She teaches YSA Institute and Pathway here in Jersey! Her companion on this mission is her home ward visiting teaching companion who is serving her SECOND mission. Both of these volunteers are in their 80's!!!

Female Episcopal Priest Visits a Mormon Temple Open House

Liberty Missouri LDS Temple

As I stood in front of the new Mormon Temple in Liberty, Mo., it struck me as ironic that close to 175 years ago, Mormons were forced out of this same state.

Whereas the Missouri public once urged their governor to force Joseph Smith and his followers out of the area surrounding Kansas City, Mormons began to return to the region in the 1900s, eventually gathering in such large numbers that the Church organization decided the region needed a temple.

Which is why I came to visit.

Latter Day Saints restrict temple access to members of their denomination who have proven themselves to be faithful and dedicated adherents. Because Mormons believe temples are the most sacred places on earth, one needs to be prepared to enter them by being an active member of the Church. (In contrast, chapels, where Mormons hold Sunday worship, are open to everyone. Temples are used only for certain rituals and are not open on Sunday so that Mormons can be at their chapel services.)

When a new temple is built, anyone may enter prior to its dedication. So, always curious to learn about the faith of others, I didn't want to miss an opportunity to see a site normally closed off to an Episcopal priest like myself.

My visit seemed all the more timely because Mormons have been in the news a lot lately, and so have their temples. Elizabeth Smart recently married her husband in a temple in Hawaii during a ceremony called a sealing, in which the couple and close Mormon friends and family gather together to witness God joining the couple together for time and all eternity. In less complimentary news, Elie Wiesel took Mitt Romney to task for his faith's practice of baptisms of the dead, which also take places within temple walls.

These headlines, in addition to my own curiosity, motivated my visit to the new temple in Kansas City, and with my curiosity came some questions:

What does a Mormon temple look like, and what happens inside it?

Would I feel God's presence in this space, even though it's not a space that's sacred for me?

Before I go any further -- and because I know it's the question at the front of your mind, dear reader -- no one tried to convert me. In fact, everyone was very welcoming. Members volunteered en masse, clad in pressed suits and dresses. They offered guided tours, bent down to put protective boots onto my feet so my shoes wouldn't dirty the carpeting, and offered me a chewy snickerdoodle at the end of the tour. They showed me every space from changing rooms to sealing rooms where marriages take place and answered every question I asked, no matter how challenging or controversial.

And in the end, yes, I did have a God moment.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Mormons go to temples to be close to God. Much like the ancient Jewish people believed God lived at the heart of the temple in Jerusalem, Mormons believe that followers can meet God most intimately in the temple. The reasons they visit temples vary: In addition to having their marriages sealed in the temple, Mormons also have sealing ceremonies that unite parents and children for time and all eternity. Others come to participate in baptisms of the dead, which are intended to be used only for deceased family members of active Mormons, though the Church acknowledged in the wake of Elie Wiesel's comments that others -- such as Anne Frank -- have had baptisms performed on their behalf. These baptisms are not intended to convert the deceased but rather to give them a choice in the afterlife to embrace the revelation of Mormonism: Assuming an afterlife exists, the baptized deceased are free to say yes or no as they please. Finally, Mormons come to the temple to receive their endowment, a ritual ceremony where followers make promises to God and receive knowledge about God.

Unlike a cathedral, which is primarily composed of one large worship space, a Mormon temple has a variety of smaller rooms that serve different purposes. There are sealing rooms and rooms for men and women to change into white clothes (every male or female Mormon who enters a dedicated temple wears the same white clothing) and instruction rooms where individuals learn about God in preparation for receiving their endowments.

It was in these rooms, and the final Celestial Room, where I caught a glimpse of God.

You see, as part of our final stop on the tour, our guide took us to a room with a mural of the Missouri countryside painted by a local artist. The room had earthy colors, browns and greens and rows of cushioned seats. This was the first instruction room. From there, we took a step up -- as if ascending closer to heaven -- and entered a second room, similar to the first in shape and size but all white. This was the second instruction room. When we left that room, we took another step up and entered the Celestial Room, a space designed to give those who sit in it a foretaste of heaven.

It was a simple room yet ornate at the same time, all white with sparkling crystal chandeliers, large mirrors, and plump sofas and chairs reminiscent of those that must have existed in Joseph Smith's day. Our guide asked us to be silent and said we were welcome to sit wherever we liked and take a moment to pray. So I sat down on a sofa that seemed to envelop me, folded my hands on my lap and closed my eyes.

Like Dante, who saw God face to face but had no words to describe the encounter, I have few words to describe what I felt in that moment. But I can say this: While it did not convert me, nor did it make me want to be a Mormon, the silence and peace I felt reminded me of the many other times I've felt close to God, whether in an Episcopal cathedral, in a clear, warm ocean or in my ratty old car. And because of that, I came to understand why temples exist and why they are so important to Mormons across the world.

And along the lines of Mormons being across the world: As I wrote earlier, Mormons were ironically driven out of Liberty, Missouri and the surrounding region nearly 175 years ago. It cannot be lost on those who visit the new temple that almost two centuries later, Mormons are often still held in suspicion by society, but they are far from being as vulnerable as they were in their early years. They are building stronger foundations every day, and striving, as they do so, to catch a glimpse of heaven.

Danielle Tumminio is
an Episcopal priest,
life coach, and writer.
She wrote this piece
for the Huffington Post
on 4/22/12.

Share the Good News

Today our Stake HC speaker used a New York City transit slogan with a twist.

He said:

"If you SEE an opportunity,

SAY something about the gospel of Jesus Christ."