EVENTS IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

 EVENTS IN INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

Dear Friends and Saints, 

There are some pretty important events coming up in Independence in the next weeks and months that may have immediate as well as long term impact on Independence. You may already know about some of these things, so this email is just for information.

If you do not live in Independence, this may not affect you. 

Feel free to forward and share as you desire.

1.  AI Data Center. You can do your own research on this to get details. This center is to be built basically at or near the area of 23rd St (Hyw 78) and Little Blue Parkway. It is in the general area of the power plant at 21500 E. Truman Road.

A meeting is being held at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 603 N. Jennings, Independence, MO on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:30 pm. Jennings is at the intersection of Jennings and Hy24 which is east of 291 Hyw. It is the intersection where the El Volcan Mexican restaurant is located. Two City Council members are supposed to be present.

2. City Election for Mayor, City Council and Independence School District Board of Education.

April 7, 2026.

Other items regarding the Data Center will likely be discussed at the meeting this Tuesday.

As citizens and Saints, we all need to be more knowledgeable regarding things going on in the community and school district.

Thanks and God bless

Paul Gage

Elder’s Meetings – 2026

 Elder’s Meetings – 2026

 

The dates for conference will be March 29th through April 3rd. 

The location will be at Waldo Restoration Branch.

 

Has it been a year already? The time seems to have passed with such exceeding rapidity that it does not seem possible. I would like to thank everyone for their participation in the inter conference period. We have had good discussions in our newly created Elder’s Meetings, Spirit filled worship in the House of the Lord in Kirtland, and angelic ministry in joint worship at the Stone Church. None of which would have been possible without the devoted prayers of the saints. Above all it is our omnipotent Creator to whom all thanks and praise is due.

 

              The 2026 conference is just around the corner, and I look forward with great anticipation to gather again for worship and discussion. We will have time set aside to discuss, ample opportunity for worship, and, as always, good fellowship.

 

              The theme for the conference week comes from Ephesians 5:14: “Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Our daily themes will be as follows:

Monday: “Awaken your Soul” 2 Nephi 3:46

Tuesday: “Awaken to the sense of our Awful Situation” Ether 1:111-113

Wednesday: “Awaken Your Branches” Nehemiah 2:17

Thursday: “Awaken and Enlarge my Church” Book of Mormon 1:65

Friday: “Awaken and put on thy Strength, O Zion” Isaiah 52:1

 

On Tuesday and Thursday we will have special missionary classes that will equip each one to better fulfill their calling of being an ambassador for Christ, and arm them with the tools to render an effective answer to the question “What is the reason for the hope that is within you?”

On Thursday, we will have the opportunity to put what we have learned into practice. This is the part of conference about which I am most excited. It will be the time to “Go and do” rather than just sit and listen.

If you plan to participate in conference this year, online or in person, please go to  Conference 2026 - Conference of Restoration Elders to register. 

 

As there has been over the last few years we will have an Aaronic and members quorum to participate in the discussions. All members and Aaronic priesthood are welcome to attend. Please see the link above for registration. 

 

              It is our goal to be done with business by Wednesday to allow us to confer upon and discuss the work entrusted to us. To this end we have put in place an online nomination form to streamline the election of officers. I would encourage all Elders to give sincere prayer as to those who should serve on the various councils of the conference. It is imperative for this effort that each person being nominated give their consent to serve. You will notice a check box on the nomination form attesting that this communication has taken place.

 

              The form is available at Conference 2026 - Conference of Restoration Elders

              A tentative schedule will soon be available on the website.

              As the physical preparations are now underway, let us ensure that our hearts are being prepared to meet our God in worship and discussion. May we gather with unity of purpose that unseemly contentions will have no place in our deliberations. And above all things may we have fervent charity for all men, that we may see the creature through the eyes of the Creator. May God bless you and keep you in holiness before him.

 

              Please remember those involved in the planning of the conference and those with ministerial responsibilities in your prayers. And always remember to uphold one another in daily prayer “Till we, in the unity of the faith, all come to the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

 

Your brother in Christ

Jeremy Stephenson

CRE Chairman

jstephenson@eldersconference.org

816-898-4748

 

 

 

CPRS Kindergarten Roundup - 2026 - 2027

 

Previous Posts / Upcoming Events

CPRS Annual Plant Sale - February 9 -23

 

 

Restoration News Feb. 6, 2026 subscribe here Send post requests to: restorationews@gmail.com

Pure Dance Studio Classes This spring Pure Dance Studio is offering 4-week class sessions!  A wonderful way to dip your toe into the dance world. Whether it’s for exercise, a creative outlet, or to make friends we hope you will join us. J-A-M (joyful, athletic, movement) for kids 5+ Beginner and Intermediate Line Dance for older kids, teens, and adults Beginner and Intermediate East Coast Swing for teens and adults Beginner Adult Clogging Beginner Adult Ballet The cost is $45.00/session per person.  Contact puredancestudio@yahoo.com for details and registration (required). Kelda Brown Pure Dance Studio ZIONWORKS NEWS  - Feb. 5, 2026  Next Meeting - Feb. 8, 2:00pm NEXT ZIONWORKS MEETING (ALL PEOPLE SEEKING OR CURIOUS ABOUT CHRIST’S KINGDOM ON THE EARTH ARE INVITED): This coming Sunday, February 8  at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00pm in the basement.  Remember, this is a meeting for all in the community and beyond, either curious about or vitally interested in Zion. Therefore, if you are at the meeting place early, see to it that all food and other items are put away and cleaned up before 1:45 PM. See to it that the meeting room is clean and tidy and representative of the serious business to take place there. Plan ahead so there will be no noise distractions. We must leave the building and its classrooms at least as clean and tidy as we found them. ‘Looking forward to the fellowship and the presence of the Holy Spirit!  A HAPPY AND EXPECTANT GATHERING     Last Sunday morning, the still small voice spoke these words to me: ”We live on the land of the land.” Then two minutes later, “Challenge of the land to the land.” This is exactly as I heard it. I hesitate to make unnecessary elaborations other than to say “challenge” is to be considered seriously and personally when undertaking the personal and group living of the Kingdom on earth. All accounts that I’ve heard of the kingdom of heaven from people that have been there and back tell of its magnificent beauty and happiness.  The kingdom on earth and the kingdom of heaven share characteristics as indicated in the “Lord’s prayer”: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We rightly expect God’s kingdom on earth to be heavenly. Today, on the earth, we are aware of (and you may be one of them) people, families, groups and organizations living and doing for Jesus on this earth in a manner that pleases Him and that may be called “Kingdom living.” We see many dozens, hundreds, thousands and more Christins gathering in friendships, in small groups, in congregations and in national and international organizations, all motivated and dedicated to this same longing in their hearts and souls for the fullness of God’s eternal love to have full life and expression in each person. Denominational differences must not blind us to the sincere dedication that resides in their hearts and drives them to action despite discouragements and cultural push-backs. These people are sincerely bonded in Jesus’ love. It would be marvelous for all of these people of all kindreds and tongues to be doubly assured that they are bound to each other by Jesus and his love. That level of dedication and happiness beckons all people who Jesus calls “the pure in heart”, people of all nationalities and all stations in life, people of all good professions, all abilities and all disabilities; dedicated to God and to the happiness and well-being of all.  What a contrast that is to the murderous treachery, crime, hate, injustice, warfare and immorality that vexes us and threatens our families, loved ones and our institutions, our land and all lands. It’s no wonder (well, actually it is a marvelous wonder) that Jesus calls us to pray, to worship and gather together under his wings. Our brothers and sisters in hundreds of nations are being starved, tortured and killed for longing for Heavenly life to be lived on earth. Propaganda, deception and outright lies permeate the media and influence, if not entirely deceive, people that we encounter every day, including many of our family members and church friends. We have been reminded that God may test us all so as by fire. In addition to doing our best to help suffering people, total surrender to Christ and fervent prayers for our own discernment and wisdom are absolutely vital in our daily lives. We pray for our own humility and patience along with prayers to choose the wisest courses of action.   The eternal principles of freedom and justice that reign in life and eternity have always called societies and leaders to establish and adhere to laws that originate in Heaven so that the happiness and fulfillment of Heaven can be experienced on earth. Though we sense in our souls that our earthly lives should be shared in eternal principles, we see that spiritual contamination and evil desires have their own very real powers on the earth. Be assured that eternal glory and justice are what govern with God and in his kingdom of Heaven and his kingdom on earth. We are called, each one of us to live out that longing in our souls. It is our true calling. It is our destiny to live on earth as in Heaven, soon we hope, in a shining Godly community, city or society. Jesus promises to return.  Maybe we are ever so close to Zion. We are certainly aware that the problems and horrors on the earth are not humanly solvable. Eventually the earth will be cleansed so as by fire. Before then, one solution exists, Zion---a place of safety and refuge for the pure in heart, for those who will not engage in armed conflict with their neighbor, where corrupt government can’t exist because Jesus will be the king and ruler; where all needs will be met by cooperative and dedicated living. There will be no religious or denominational quibbling there, but there likely will be much excited scriptural and spiritual exchanges accompanied by edification and closer understandings and closer friendships. Truth will be searched and found.  Pray mightily and act boldly that we will bring to fruition all that God has placed in us to understand and DO, individually and cooperatively to make his kingdom on earth reality.    Let us gather together in our next meeting, scheduled for February 8th, to pray together, anticipating Jesus’ love and direction, renewed clarity, renewed vigor and renewing our own commitment to Zion. This is such an exciting prospect. I so look forward to the experience with you together under the guidance and love of the Holy Spirit. Come with your testimonies of Christ, with your difficult questions and your expressions of your desires. Have you noticed what must be God’s mighty arm sweeping the earth? If we get nothing accomplished other than a session together with Jesus in our midst, this meeting will be a wonderful success. This will be a time when we can just be; just be happy in Jesus’ presence and his love and he will guide our meeting and planning. We should consider people’s needs we can meet, the poor, widows and homeless, and Jesus’ bonding of all his pure-in-heart of the world.     To all of you who have invested your time and concerns in prayer for my physical recovery and well-being, I must tell you that the crippling pains are mostly gone and I am gaining strength and mobility. THANK YOU and praise the Lord.  Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com                                                                  With Christ and his love as our bond,  Jim Huseby, Zionworks representative  CPRS News

CPRS News - February 7, 2026

 

CPRS News

ZIONWORKS NEWS - Next Meeting - February 8

 ZIONWORKS NEWS  - Feb. 5, 2026 

Next Meeting - Feb. 8, 2:00pm

NEXT ZIONWORKS MEETING (ALL PEOPLE SEEKING OR CURIOUS ABOUT CHRIST’S KINGDOM ON THE EARTH ARE INVITED): This coming Sunday, February 8  at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2:00pm in the basement. 

Remember, this is a meeting for all in the community and beyond, either curious about or vitally interested in Zion. Therefore, if you are at the meeting place early, see to it that all food and other items are put away and cleaned up before 1:45 PM. See to it that the meeting room is clean and tidy and representative of the serious business to take place there. Plan ahead so there will be no noise distractions. We must leave the building and its classrooms at least as clean and tidy as we found them. ‘Looking forward to the fellowship and the presence of the Holy Spirit! 

A HAPPY AND EXPECTANT GATHERING 

 

 Last Sunday morning, the still small voice spoke these words to me: ”We live on the land of the land.” Then two minutes later, “Challenge of the land to the land.” This is exactly as I heard it. I hesitate to make unnecessary elaborations other than to say “challenge” is to be considered seriously and personally when undertaking the personal and group living of the Kingdom on earth. All accounts that I’ve heard of the kingdom of heaven from people that have been there and back tell of its magnificent beauty and happiness. 

The kingdom on earth and the kingdom of heaven share characteristics as indicated in the “Lord’s prayer”: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We rightly expect God’s kingdom on earth to be heavenly. Today, on the earth, we are aware of (and you may be one of them) people, families, groups and organizations living and doing for Jesus on this earth in a manner that pleases Him and that may be called “Kingdom living.” We see many dozens, hundreds, thousands and more Christins gathering in friendships, in small groups, in congregations and in national and international organizations, all motivated and dedicated to this same longing in their hearts and souls for the fullness of God’s eternal love to have full life and expression in each person. Denominational differences must not blind us to the sincere dedication that resides in their hearts and drives them to action despite discouragements and cultural push-backs. These people are sincerely bonded in Jesus’ love. It would be marvelous for all of these people of all kindreds and tongues to be doubly assured that they are bound to each other by Jesus and his love. That level of dedication and happiness beckons all people who Jesus calls “the pure in heart”, people of all nationalities and all stations in life, people of all good professions, all abilities and all disabilities; dedicated to God and to the happiness and well-being of all. 

What a contrast that is to the murderous treachery, crime, hate, injustice, warfare and immorality that vexes us and threatens our families, loved ones and our institutions, our land and all lands. It’s no wonder (well, actually it is a marvelous wonder) that Jesus calls us to pray, to worship and gather together under his wings. Our brothers and sisters in hundreds of nations are being starved, tortured and killed for longing for Heavenly life to be lived on earth. Propaganda, deception and outright lies permeate the media and influence, if not entirely deceive, people that we encounter every day, including many of our family members and church friends. We have been reminded that God may test us all so as by fire. In addition to doing our best to help suffering people, total surrender to Christ and fervent prayers for our own discernment and wisdom are absolutely vital in our daily lives. We pray for our own humility and patience along with prayers to choose the wisest courses of action. 

 The eternal principles of freedom and justice that reign in life and eternity have always called societies and leaders to establish and adhere to laws that originate in Heaven so that the happiness and fulfillment of Heaven can be experienced on earth. Though we sense in our souls that our earthly lives should be shared in eternal principles, we see that spiritual contamination and evil desires have their own very real powers on the earth. Be assured that eternal glory and justice are what govern with God and in his kingdom of Heaven and his kingdom on earth. We are called, each one of us to live out that longing in our souls. It is our true calling. It is our destiny to live on earth as in Heaven, soon we hope, in a shining Godly community, city or society. Jesus promises to return. 

Maybe we are ever so close to Zion. We are certainly aware that the problems and horrors on the earth are not humanly solvable. Eventually the earth will be cleansed so as by fire. Before then, one solution exists, Zion---a place of safety and refuge for the pure in heart, for those who will not engage in armed conflict with their neighbor, where corrupt government can’t exist because Jesus will be the king and ruler; where all needs will be met by cooperative and dedicated living. There will be no religious or denominational quibbling there, but there likely will be much excited scriptural and spiritual exchanges accompanied by edification and closer understandings and closer friendships. Truth will be searched and found. 

Pray mightily and act boldly that we will bring to fruition all that God has placed in us to understand and DO, individually and cooperatively to make his kingdom on earth reality.

 

 Let us gather together in our next meeting, scheduled for February 8^th, to pray together, anticipating Jesus’ love and direction, renewed clarity, renewed vigor and renewing our own commitment to Zion. This is such an exciting prospect. I so look forward to the experience with you together under the guidance and love of the Holy Spirit. Come with your testimonies of Christ, with your difficult questions and your expressions of your desires. Have you noticed what must be God’s mighty arm sweeping the earth? If we get nothing accomplished other than a session together with Jesus in our midst, this meeting will be a wonderful success. This will be a time when we can just be; just be happy in Jesus’ presence and his love and he will guide our meeting and planning. We should consider people’s needs we can meet, the poor, widows and homeless, and Jesus’ bonding of all his pure-in-heart of the world.  

 

To all of you who have invested your time and concerns in prayer for my physical recovery and well-being, I must tell you that the crippling pains are mostly gone and I am gaining strength and mobility. THANK YOU and praise the Lord. 

Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com 

                                                               

With Christ and his love as our bond, 

Jim Huseby, Zionworks representative