Monday, February 27, 2012

A need in the Ward

**Message sent to Ward Council**
Brothers and Sisters, 
Chad Stoops (in the young men)  is in need of clothing.  Please consider how your organization can assist with the following,  
Sunday-appropriate slacks, 33" x 32" 
White dress shirt, size L (his 15 1/2" x 32" shirt is too small) 
Dress socks 
Dress shoes, size 10 or 10 1/2 
A Sunday-appropriate sports coat 
2-3 ties 
Of course, a suit would be welcome if available. 
Thank you,
Brandon Porter

Friday, February 24, 2012

Pictures from Craft Night

You missed the Craft Night?  No problem.  Here are some pictures to get an idea of how it went.  We successfully made four.... YES FOUR, diaper cakes to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Tallahassee.  Enjoy the pictures.

Workin' hard to make them look pretty!


Yes, we had refreshments.  Yummy brownies and blueberry muffins and even more delicious lemonade with strawberries.

End Result, two boy cakes and two girl cakes.

I'm sorry if you missed it but I hope you make it out to our next meeting, which happens to be on Saturday, March 17th from 9a.m.-11a.m..  It's going to be an awesome celebration of Relief Societies' Birthday!!  Details to come.

Also, this Sunday's lesson is Teaching For Our Times and the talk is President Boyd K. Packer's called "Counsel to Youth."  It is in the October 2011 General Conference.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Announcements and FYIs

Announcements
Wednesday, Feb. 22nd: Craft Activity! 7p.m. at Kendal Hargrett's Home

Friday, Feb. 24th: Young Married's Institute class at President and Sister Burton's Home at 7:00p.m.  Meet at the church at 6:30p.m. to carpool.

Tuesday, Feb. 28th: Ward Temple Trip.  Contact Brother Cleve Atchley at 850-562-0603, for more information.

Wednesday, Feb. 29th: Baby shower for Melissa Brock and Margaret Keisling.  The shower will be held at Sharon Haire's home from 7:00pm until 8:30pm.  It is drop in type shower open to all the sisters in the ward (ladies may come and go as they please). 

Thursday, March 1st: Book Club Meeting at Leslie Russell's Home

Tuesday, March 6th: 1st Ward Blood Drive.  6:45p.m.-8:30p.m.  You get a super cool T-Shirt for donating too!

Saturday, March 17th: Relief Society Quarterly Meeting.  Relief Society Birthday Celebration!! 9:00a.m.-11:00a.m.

Friday, March 23rd: Youth Temple Trip

Saturday, March 24th: Stake Softball Tournament

FYIs
Lori Clark Baumann (4th ward) is selling 2 practically new remote gas model planes at great prices. If interested, please call her at 545-2700.

Sister Elizabeth Groves, who recently moved into our ward, is in need of cooking ware in good condition. A casserole dish that works both in the oven or microwave would be especially appreciated. If you can help, please see or contact Sister Delp.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Craft Night!!

This Wednesday, February 22nd is our Craft Night where we will be learning how to make diaper cakes and then we will be donating them to The Ronald McDonald House Charity of Tallahassee.  It will be at my (as in Kendal Hargrett's) home at 7:00p.m.  Since it is a craft night we do encourage you to bring whatever project you have been working on as well.

The Relief Society will be providing the diapers but we have asked the sisters to please sign up to bring some of the accessories to place upon the cakes.  We will be making two cakes, so two of everything would be ideal. Listed below is who we have signed up thus far and the holes of things that are still needed.

Small bottles of Baby...
            Shampoo- Candy Southern, Pam Brown
            Lotion- Sandy Taylor
            Powder- Carole Gentry

Teething Rings- Margaret Kiesling

Rattle- Pat Brock

Onesies- Kathy Hollett, Jessica Hudson

Burp Cloth- Liz Roberts

Bibs- Kay Lippen, Kristen Anderson, Gayle Grissett

Receiving Blanket- Amy Hardee, Camisha Hodge

Small Baby Stuffed Animal- Gail Roberts, Mechelle Stone

Pacifier- Kendal Hargrett

Pacifier Holder- Liz Roberts

Bottle Cleaning Brush- Laura Tew

Spoons- Patricia Atchley

Please, remember we would like at least two of each of these items, so if you haven't signed up and wish to please e-mail me with what you are willing to get.  If you are unable to make it on Wednesday but wish to still contribute please send your item along with someone who is coming of let me know.  Thank you sisters for your service and hope to see you Wednesday!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

A Wonderful Ward Conference

We had the most wonderful privilege to have our stake leaders amongst us today in church.  We were up lifted and able to know what is expected of us from them and able to feel their love and support.  Relief Society and Priesthood was combined for the first hour.

Sister Liedy (First Counselor in the Stake Relief Society) gave a wonderful overview of the Daughters in My Kingdom book.  She reminded us to follow the counsel to 1. Increase our faith and personal righteousness, 2. Strengthen our homes and families, and 3. Serve Others.  I wish I could write more of her lesson, however, I was sitting in the back and her sweet soft voice was hard for me to hear.  But I did hear her ask us as sisters and brethren to study the words of this book.

We had the pleasure to have President Campbell teach the rest of the meeting.  He first ask us if anyone knew what the three fold mission of the stake is.  About a little over three years ago, when the stake presidency was reorganized they came up with these three statements that they wish for each member in the stake to up hold.  They are:

1. Daily Scripture Study
2. Hold a current temple recommend and USE IT
3. Invite others to come unto Christ

President Campbell challenged us to study The Book of Mormon more than ever this year.  Especially seeing that in Sunday School we are learning about The Book of Mormon but also in our own personal study.  He said that the theme for this ward conference comes from Elder Richard G. Scott's talk from October 2011 conference and it goes;

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ." 


He also quoted Gordon B. Hinckley, when in August of 2005 he challenged the church to read The Book of Mormon before the end of the year.  President Hinckley and the 1st Presidency stated;


"Those who read (President Campbell suggested "study" as well) the Book of Mormon will be blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."


Listed below are some scriptures we went over during the lesson.  Read and ponder them and how they make you think and feel.


Alma 5:33-34
Mormon 6:17
2 Nephi 9:41


In Jacob 3: 1-2 it says:



But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.
 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

The Stake Presidency has asked us that each time we pray to make sure to pray for three specific things:


1: Pray for our Bishopric
    As we do so we will have a greater love and support for them.
2: Pray for those whom you Home and Visit Teach.
    We will gain and deeper love for them and be able to be better in tune with the spirit for inspiration of    
    how WE can serve them.
3: Pray for opportunities to invite someone to come unto Christ and be taught by the missionaries AND 
    to have courage to open out mouths. 


President Campbell ended with a scripture in Alma 7: 23-24 and asked us why do we do these things (meaning why do we keep the commandments and follow Christ)?  Because we want to become who the Lord wants us to become.


I know that the words of our Stake Presidency are true.  I know that if you follow the three fold mission of the stake your testimony will grow and you will have a deeper desire to serve God.  I also know that if we as a ward family pray for the three things listed above we will have a deeper love for those around us.  I know especially as sisters, if we pray for those who we visit teach we will grow stronger as a sister hood and be strengthened by the Lord to up hold His Kingdom.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Announcements and FYIs

Need help with your taxes?  You know... April 15th will be here sooner than you think.  Then try out The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Service.  You can have your taxes prepared and filed FOR FREE!  Yes, Free!

Why Use VITA?
       1. They can help you get a FULL refund
       2. E-file to get your refund faster
       3. Fast, Free & Confidential
       4. Their IRS-trained volunteers can help you find special tax credit.  You may be eligible for up to $5751 in Earned Income Tax Credit

Where To Go:
       Dial 211 or visit theBESTproject.org to find a VITA site near you.  Sites open January 21 to April 17, 2012

What to Bring:
       1. Photo ID
       2. Social Security Number (for you, spouse, and dependents)
       3. Birth Dates (for you, spouse, and dependents)
       4. Wage and Earning Forms ( all W-2, W-2G, 1099-R Forms)
       5. Interest and Dividend Forms (Form 1099)
       6. Bank routing and account Numbers (For direct deposit of refund; voided check or bank statement will suffice)
       7. Total Paid for Day Care ( provider's name and tax ID, if applicable)
       8. Spouse (if married and filing a joint tax return, your spouse must be present)

VITA is possible by their partners The United Way of The Big Bend, 211 Big Bend, e-file, and AARP
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YARD SALE AT THE STUCKEY'S HOME!!!

Saturday, February 11, 2012 
8a.m. to 4p.m.
576 Scawthorn Rd
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
There will be lots of good things so go and check it out!

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Listed below are the wheat recipes that were provided at the last Relief Society Activity (the quilting one)

Wheatberry Summer Salad

Salad Ingredients:                                             Dressing:
1 Cup dry wheat berries                                    2 tbsp Olive Oil
2 Cups (or one can) kidney beans                     2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 Cucumber, diced                                            1 tsp Mustard
1 Green pepper, diced                                       1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Large tomato, diced                                        2 tbsp Lemon Juice
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1 Onion, diced
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Directions:
In a medium bowl, soak the wheat berries overnight in cold water.  The next day, drain the wheat berries and place in a medium sized pot, covered in 3 inches of water.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 1 hour.  Drain and cool.

In a large bowl, mix together the diced vegetables, beans, and wheat berries.  Add in cooked and drained kidney beans (or other bean of choice) and stir.  When the wheat berries are ready, drain and rinse and then stir into the salad.

In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients.  Add the dressing just before serving and stir well.  Season with salt and black pepper to taste

Yieldds: 7.5-8 cups. 

Wheat Chili

1 Cup of Wheat
1 lb. of Chicken
Onions
5 tbsp Flour
Garlic
5 Cups beef Stock
1 tbsp of Chili Powder
1 tsp of Salt
1/2 tsp of Oregano
1 Cup tomato Sauce
1 tbsp Cayenne pepper- optional

Directions:
Brown chicken, onions, and garlic.  Add flour and beef stock.  Then add the additional ingredients and let simmer for 1 to 2 hours and stirring occasionally until wheat goes to bottom.  Season to taste.

Easy Wheat Bread, Rolls, or Scones 
(Makes one loaf of Bread)

1 cup Warm Water
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1 heaping tsp of Yeast
1/8 Cup of honey
1 tsp. Salt
2 to 2 1/4 cups of Wheat Flour

Directions:
Mix a little at a time stirring enough to make dough.  Leave dough sticky (like cookie dough).  Let rise 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Then put olive oil in your hands to make rolls, bread, or scones.  
*** This is Kendal.... when I have used this recipe, before I let the dough rise I would separate it into rolls or put the dough into a loaf pan to rise and it worked out wonderfully.***
Bake 30 minutes for bread at 350 degrees
Bake 10 minutes for rolls at 400 degrees
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Upcoming Events:

February 10th- Young Married's Institute Class: Located at the Institute and starts with dinner at 6:30p.m. and lesson following at 7.  It's going to be taught by Bishop and Sister Knudsen. 
February 18th - Stake Youth Service Day
February 19th - 1st Ward Conference.  Relief Society and Priesthood will be combined this day
Single Adult Potlock @5:30p.m.
February 22nd - Quarterly Activity: Craft Night
Learning how to make diaper cakes. Then we're going to donate the cakes to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee.  RS will provide the diapers but look in the folders for sign ups for additional items to be put on the cakes.  Also, you're more then welcome to bring your own craft you have been working on.  It's at 7:00p.m. at Kendal Hargrett's home.
February 24th - Young Married's Institute Class
February 28th - Temple Trip: Contact Brother Roy Russell for details 
March 1st - Book Club Meeting at Leslie Russell's Home
March 17th - Relief Society Quarterly Meeting: Relief Society Birthday!! More details to come =)
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Service Group Announcement:

Unfortunately, the Shelter is booked for February 28th.  Sad Day... I was informed that the group that is serving that night have been going to the fourth Tuesday since 1992! Crazy awesome huh?  Right, now I'm still in contact with them and asked what's a good day in March.  So I'm sorry we're going to have to push it back to March, BUT if it's okay with those interested in the group I want to try and do the serving at the Shelter and also a really cool program through the Ronald McDonald House.  The program is called "Take them a Meal" it's where you can prepare a meal for 12-20 people who are staying at the RM House.  We prepare the meal and then drop it off to them at by 6:30p.m.  

I'm sorry again about The Shelter, I'll let you know when we will be able to serve them.  Also, please e-mail me with any ideas you have.  Thanks!
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Service Opportunity

We have a Sister named Gladis Ferral who lives at an assisted living facility.  Her son is in the Thomasville Branch who contact Sister Delp and asked if some sisters from our ward would be willing to just visit her every once in awhile.  Brother Ferral is experiencing some health problems himself and so he can't visit her very often.  Sister Delp visited her last Sunday and said she is a very nice woman who is very open and loves visitors.  Soooo.... Sister Delp has asked me (Kendal) to make up a sigh up sheet to pass around in RS of sisters who would be willing to just go and see her and check in.  We only need someone to go see her probably every other week.  Any volunteers would be great.  A sign up will be going around starting Sunday, February 12th.  I know Sister Ferral would love the visitors and Brother Ferral won't be as worried.  Thank you sisters!!