Presidency Message

I recently heard a Lutheran pastor speaking in relation to the horrible shooting in Minneapolis. She said something to the effect of, “People use the phrase 'God doesn't give us more than we can handle.' I don't believe that. The premise is that God gives us these tragedies. I don't think God gives those things to us - other people do. And we can only handle them through each other and with our community around us."

What hit me about that are two things:

1. More often than not, our challenges result from the actions of others. 

2. When we say that we can handle anything with the Lord’s help, I realized that I’m often missing the point that His help can come in the form of the community of support that He has placed in my path. Just like when we try to use our own initiative, knowledge, and gifts that He has given in addition to relying on Him to guide us, I believe that He would like us to look around for the people He has provided to act in His stead. Part of faith is taking advantage of the divinely-inspired support that surrounds us daily, as well as seeking to be that resource for others who may be dealing with struggles that feel too heavy or incomprehensible to face alone.

Of course, Heavenly Father is always there to help us shoulder our burdens. That is true. As we go into this next month, I am thinking about how I can try to be His resource to help others shoulder their burdens and reminding myself to pay attention and look out for "the one" that could use a little bit of support from me. Heaven knows, I benefit so much from others who are doing the same for me.

Love,

Joanna London, RS Second Counselor

September

Tuesday, September 2 Stake Emotional Resilience Course 

Wednesday, September 3 Relief Society and YW Friendshipping Night

Sunday, September 7 Sunday School

Saturday/Sunday, September 13-14 Stake Conference

Sunday, September 21 Sunday School

Sunday, September 28 RS: "Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy," by Tamara W. Runia and "The Atonement of Jesus Christ Provides the Ultimate Rescue," by Elder Quentin L. Cook

Service Corner

FACETS Meals for Homeless Individuals and Families

The Wakefield Ward is partnering with FACETS (Fairfax Area Christian Emergency and Transitional Services), a county-wide organization that provides supportive and long-term housing for homeless individuals and families who are homeless. On Monday, September 29th, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., we will assemble 110 meals at the 4911 Ox Road, Fairfax building.

We will be assembling meatball subs, fruit, and cookies. We need volunteers, cookies, and money. Please Venmo donations to @Lisa-Anderson-585, last four digits of phone are 4048. (Yes, she's in Mexico, but it will still work!)

Please use this link to sign up to donate cookies or assemble meals:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044BA9AA2FABFD0-57229655-facets?useFullSite=true#/

Missionary Meal Calendar

The Missionary Meal Calendar will be passed around on a clipboard during second hour meetings at church. Please make note of the date you have signed up.