West Jordan 44th Ward Relief Society February 2013 Presidency Message Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ To become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we need to be baptized. Some have been baptized young, at the age of eight, and some have been baptized later in life. Whenever this ordinance has been performed, it is the same. We were obedient and wanted to be washed clean and we took on the name of Jesus Christ. I was baptized as a young woman, and in reading about this I realized that I have much more to learn about taking on the name of Christ. 2 Nephi 9:23 says “And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.” 2 Nephi 31:13 says “I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism--yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.” Baptism is a far greater gift than we often realize. Then add to it the gift of the Holy Ghost and the baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost and we have what we need to carry on into our lives with happiness, joy, power and beauty. With our obedience, we can continue on the path of righteousness with cleanliness and purpose. The Gospel Reference True to the Faith, page 23, says “When you take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, you see yourself as His. You put Him and His work first in your life. You seek what He wants rather than what you want or what the world teaches you to want.” Endeavoring to fulfill these purposes in my life makes me think I should reconsider some of my daily goals. I should reconsider what I deem as important. It is a matter of refocusing and keeping the ultimate goal of our hereafter, our eternal life. Mosiah 5:8: “There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.” Upon considering these magnificent promises, it makes me realize that when I am searching for purpose in my life, I need to remember the promises I have made in return for the wonderful gift of my Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost when I took upon myself the name of Christ. Love, Susan Nichols Emergency Kit Service Project February 9, 9:30 am Meet at the church to get kits to distribute February Birthdays 3 Janice Chambers 6 Merilee Ray 9 Sheila Croft 12 Michele Thomas 16 Crystal Chambers 19 Michelle Ferguson 22 Tori Beardall 26 Ellen Bednarz 27 Lisa Overton 28 Kelsey Olsen Relief Society Presidency President Ava Holley 801-255-6274 1st Counselor Susan Nichols 801-601-1145 2nd Counselor Michele Thomas 801-230-4022 Secretary Amy Turner 385-229-6546 All Church members have the responsibility to teach by the Spirit through word and example, even if they do not have a formal assignment, or calling, as a teacher in the Church. Each parent, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, Church leader, classroom teacher, home teacher, visiting teacher, coworker, neighbor, or friend has opportunities to teach.