Sept RS Mag

n g i I te

Sunset Ward Relief Society Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2018

Welcome Kiora and Bonjour Sisters, I feel I should bring these scriptures to our attention this month as they have helped and sustained me in the mission I was to accomplish in the past 2 months in New Caledonia.

D&C 58:27 “Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;” D&C 52:14 “And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations” Deuteronomy 31:8 “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.”

D&C 84:84. “Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself.”

85. “Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.”

Abraham 3:25 “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” Alma 26:27 “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.”

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My dear sisters, we are on the Lord ‘side, we have nothing to fear, but we must absolutely believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that He is the master healer and that he is at the head of this church, His church. I absolutely believe!

I testify of this in the sacred name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jenie, Sonia and Alvina

In this issue Welcome

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Ministering - Connecting[

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Keeping the Temple in sight

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Getting to know: Nikki Murray

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Birthdays

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Laurels

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Exercise The Core for beginners

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Recipe - Peanut butter choc slice

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Do you need Help?

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Whats happening in September?

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Book Club - Our new book is Orphan X

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Planting for spring

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Volunteers Needed

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Ministering - talk by Elder Johnny L. Leota - Stake conference training

Connecting Remember all thy church, O Lord, with all their families, and all their immediate connections,... that the kingdom, which thou hast set up without hands, may become a great mountain and fill the whole earth. D&C 109: 72 In our recent stake training Elder Leota talked to us about ministering and connecting. He gave us some tips about connecting together. While he was talking it made me think of Lego. Lego pieces come in many different shapes and sizes, we can be like these lego pieces. I’d image mine to be a reguar piece of lego, red in colour and maybe with a few teeth marks on it.

He asked how do we connect together, what happens when we connect? Elder Leota said that when we connect with the people we minister to we will get to know them. He urged us to pray and ask the Lord for guidance, he said the Lord will reveal his plan to us and we will be able to receive revelation for those we minister to.

Sisters I urge you to connect with each other, it doesn’t matter what kind of lego we are but we all have a connection point, pray and ask Heavenly Father for guidance, pray for your sisters, ask using their name for inspiration and guidance.

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MINISTERING INTERVIEWS This chart emphasizes how important ministering interviews will be to the success of ministering.

PURPOSE Counsel, teach, and minister rather than simply report.

EXAMPLE QUESTIONS ◼ How is she doing?

◼ What are her strengths and challenges? ◼ How are challenges being met? How could her strengths bless others? ◼ What gospel ordinance (including the sacrament) does she need next? ◼ What promptings have you received about how to help? ◼ What happended when you acted on those promptings?

CRUCIAL

WHEN

◼ Without these interviews, the bishop might not receive the information he needs regarding the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of ward members.

◼ Conducting interviews once per quarter is the minimum, not the maximum; priesthood quorum and Relief Society leaders can conduct interviews with ministering companships as often as needed.

◼ Interviews give leaders a chance to share the vision of ministering and give encouragement.

HOW

◼ Leaders can help companionships learn how to counsel together.

◼ In person, if possible

◼ If these interviews are not held, there is a real danger that we will do less to care for others rather than more.

◼ By phone, video call, and so forth, if necessary

◼ With a companion is preferable

Ministering Interviews are currently underway ministering.lds.org

if you haven’t had an interview yet please contact Loretta or one of the RS presidency and we will arrange a time that suits you. If you prefer to have your catch up over the phone please let us know.

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Keeping the Temple in Sight When my family went to the Temple, I was thinking about all I’ve been taught about the temple. “Always look to the temple” kept coming to my mind. I came up with this camera angle and took a picture of the temple reflected in my sunglasses. I looked up and thought again how we must enter the temple with a pure heart and a burning testimony of and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This picture describes what we must do—always look to the temple.

New Era article Oct 2012 - Kandace M. 16,

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Getting to know

Nikki Murray Hey hey ladies! This is my story.

Let’s start at the very beginning! I was born in Napier, New Zealand, and adopted by Desiree and Brett Bennison when I was 6 weeks old. It was a rough start for me with no cuddles or love in that first six weeks in a hospital room with lots of other screaming babies, so to say I was a distressed baby was an understatement! Mum and Dad had been unable to have children of their own, so they looked to adopt instead. I would eventually become one of 5 children – three brothers and one sister (three of us were adopted).

I have spent most of my life in Auckland, in the Harbour Stake. I met and married Matt while I was studying Graphic Design/fine arts, in Hamilton. I have always loved Art and all things creative. Right from a young age, my Dad always encouraged me to follow my heart and only study those topics which I was most passionate about. So, I have! I chose as many creative options as Westlake girls high would allow. Fashion design, sewing, cooking,

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Art, photography, music – you name it, I wanted to learn it – and when it was time to attend University, my friends studied business and accounting and I went to school to paint and create. It was FANTASTIC! I met Matt the week after he returned from his mission (and when he was still awkward around the ladies) and asked HIM ON A DATE! To my surprise, he liked me back and three months later, we were married in the Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

As my children came along, I continued to study at university – often travelling from Auckland to Hamilton and leaving my little ones to be cared for by Mum and Matt to complete my degree. My most recent adventure has been to complete my Interior design certificate over the past two years – completing it at the end of last year. It was a total blast!

Despite my yearning to further my career options, I have always been most passionate

about being a mother, and one that can stay at home even when they have all gone back to school. This has required a financial sacrifice for our family, but the emotional investment is priceless and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I love being available to my family and feeling the stretching that motherhood brings me.

September September Birthdays!

Birthdays!

I have four awesome boys. Carl (16), Nathan (15), Ashton (12) and Nikau (7). They are the light of my life and my greatest challenge too. I have never learned as much in a short amount of time as I have in the past 16 years. When he was 6 years old, Carl was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome and ADHD. Our family life was a constant challenge of anxiety and stress as our family tried to navigate all the learning and social challenges that came with his diagnosis. We decided to home school Carl from year 3 to year 6 and when he finally returned to school to try again.

Happy birthday to the following sisters this month. We hope you have a wonderful day on your birthday.

Through it all, I have always felt so blessed to know my greater purpose and trust that God has a plan for me and talents that could support me in my struggles. The gospel has always provided me with purpose and a base line of core values and direction. There have been times where I wasn’t sure that God was listening, there have been times where the Church culture has been a real struggle for me and I have found it hard to find my feet. But when I simplify and remove the clutter and busyness, I find the core gems of the gospel can sing to my heart and shed light on my path.

15 September - Karen Schulte

2 September - Jean Francois

- Julie King

3 September - Aysha Faleali’i 4 September - Hope Smith 7 September - Dolly Ren 8 September - Hassebah Kaheri 11 September - Sherry Teixeira 18 September - Sariah Ormsby-Hopa 21 September - Krystle Fasavalu 24 September - Emma Carreon 16 September - Sawley Iuli

- Sharlene Leuta

27 September - Kathryn Brown

- Cosmenia Montesclaros

So, what it my current vibe? It’s all about keeping my life simple, following my heart, and living my truth. My family, my passions, my God. That’s where it’s all at. That’s where I find JOY.

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Young Womans

Laurels

Combined Youth activity Page 10

On Sunday 19th August we had a combined farewell/birthday celebration for all those who turned 18 this year.

The mothers came for Hannah Schulte, Hannah Shin and Britney Clemm.

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Internet sourced

The Core

For beginners THeres an exercise for everyone!!!!

This is a great exercise for beginners because it is gentle to your body and strengthens you core muscles (the muscles between your neck and hips which hold your spine in alignment) as well as your arms, neck, and shoulders. It also has the potential of increasing flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder joints. So, what is this great exercise? Old-fashioned arm circles!

1

Stand

Stand with feet placed shoulder-width apart.

Keep your knees soft, as opposed to pushed or bent backward. This helps to keep your hips under you, with your spine in a good position.

2 Head circles Slowly circle your head in a clockwise direction several times. Then reverse. This will help to loosen up your neck and shoulder muscles

3

Contract your muscles

Gently contract you abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles. Doing this applies the principle of Isometric exercise, which helps to increase the effectiveness of this exercise.

4

Raise arms

Gently contract your arm muscles from your shoulders to your wrists. Raise your arms out to the side, approximately to shoulder height.

5 Whole body Slowly begin to make small circles with your arms while keeping your muscles contracted.

Gradually increase the size of your circles until they are medium sized. Avoid making the circles very large, though, as this defeats the purpose.

Slow and steady is the key. To find your unique starting point for repetitions, do this until your muscles feel fatigued, but not so long that you are feeling pain. Count how many repetitions you were able to do. Shake out the kinks and give your muscles a rest for about 60 seconds, and do it again, this time going in the opposite direction.

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Cooking - Countdown supermarket

Peanut Butter Choc Chip Slice 1/2 cup wholemeal self-raising flour 1/2 cup plain flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter 90g butter 1/4 cup honey 1 egg, lightly whisked 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease and line an 18 x 28cm slice pan, extending paper 2cm above the edge on the two long sides.

2. Sift flours together into a large bowl, returning husks. Stir through oats, coconut and sugar.

3. In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, butter and honey. Stir over low heat for 1-2 minutes, until melted and combined.

4. Make a well in centre of flour mixture and stir through peanut butter mixture and egg. Fold ½ cup choc chips through until well combined.

5. Press mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining choc chips. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into rectangles. Store in an airtight container.Remove from over, leave to cool slightly before cutting.

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Do you need help ?

Mental health, Food, child care Physical health, spiritual help

Sisters do you need help with the following? Do you know where to go if you need help? If you need help with anything please contact anyone in the Relief Society presidency, we are here to help and have several resources available to help you. We also have our compassionate service team who are ready to help. We are available during church and we are also available by phone or via fb messenger. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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whats happening in September?

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RS weekly activities

Book Club ORPHAN X

Dont forget our book for the month • W hat the novel tells us about the nature of good and evil.

• W hat do you think has lead Evan to wanting to do good and help people?

• O rphan X has been described as a real page turner. Discuss how the author structures the novel and builds the tension.

• E van’s relationship with Mia, and her son Peter.

Our Book for August/September is Orphan X The book centers around the character Evan Smoak. At the age of 12, he was enrolled in a top-secret operation known as the “Orphan Program.” He is the 24th recruit in the program and is known only as Orphan X. The goal of the program is to train orphans so they can be assassins for government agencies. The program is shut down but Orphan X maintains access to the program’s funding and weapons.

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Week day activity - Enrichment

Planting for Spring AUGUST ENRICHMENT

Prepare the Soil

We were blessed with the planting knowledge of Sister Vowles and Sister Marieke Murphy.

They shared good tips for planting vegetables and plants.

Before you plant, prepare your soil by digging in compost and manure so your plants have the nutrients they need to grow. Also make sure the soil is well watered. Then cover your garden beds in a 10cm layer of mulch to help retain the moisture..

Marieke has set up a FB page called lds women of the shore and she has shared some great tips on there, she has also shared some spare plants and seeds that she has available.

Free composting courses available, go to compostcollective.org.nz and register.

If you are interested please join the group, it isn’t just for planting information but a sharing group on fb.

Here are some ideas on what to plant for spring

Spring colour Petunias, snapdragons, Marigolds, Geraniums, Gardenias, Alyssum, Begonias, Cosmos, Portulacas, Impatiens, Giant Sunflowers.

Fruit/vegetables/herbs for spring planting Passionfruit, Avocardo, Citrus, Rocket, Silverbeet, Spring Onion, Lettuce, Zucchini, Pumpkin, Leek, Capsicum, cucumber, Eggplant Tomatoes, Parsley, Sweet basil, Dill, Strawberries, Beetroot, Sage, Thyme, Oregano., Mint.

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Service Opportunity

Feed the Need

Vounteers Needed A huge big thank you to our wonderful RS Sisters who helped prepare the food and then serve at the Auckland City Mission. If you are interested in helping prepare and then cook the meals or serving the meals at the mission please see Sister Sharon Carthew on sunday. We help Julie King with her fantastic Love Soup feed those in need.

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