Celebrate New Year’s Day Reading the Scriptures

There is still time to organize a small group to read the Scriptures together on New Year’s Day; and we encourage all Saints who can to do so. It doesn't take much preparation to invite a few friends to meet together and read. When even a few people meet to study or worship, we can claim an excellent promise from Jesus Christ: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). We invite anyone close to Bates City, Missouri, to join us from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on January 1 for a Scripture Read-a-thon at the Bates City Restoration Branch. Come for as much as you can—two hours, all morning, all afternoon, or all day. Bring your favorite edition of the Book of Mormon, a notebook, and other resources that might be helpful. We will begin reading with Mosiah 1 and go as far as we can. We suggest that participants bring snacks to share and food for the noon meal if they can stay and eat with their friends. We will be sitting around a table and taking turns reading, allowing people to pass if they don’t want to read orally. We expect to READ MORE and TALK LESS—but we will stop to discuss verses as needed. Each person will receive a certificate showing which chapters and verses he or she has read during the day. Please call Dee or Paul Ludy, 816-210-8450, for information or directions.

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 28, 2023

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 28, 2023 Greetings Dear Saints as we conclude 2023, Though the day the world acknowledges as the birthday of Jesus Christ has passed for another year, we know that the impact of His birth and life are always present with us. Even as Jesus promised he would never leave us alone, so we too must live such a life that demonstrates that He truly is with us at all times. The following short poem concludes a book I have entitled, “Christmas Angels” by Helen Steiner Rice and published by “Precious Moments.” “The gifts that we give have no meaning Unless God is part of the giving And unless we make Christmas a pattern To be followed in everyday living.” As we daily live in the Kingdom of God, we must demonstrate that we are truly “Citizens of that Kingdom.” God’s people are not to be fearful, worried, anxious, or doubtful, but confident in our Mighty God. Others need to see the strength, power and love of God within us so they will have somewhere to turn when things get tough. As we enter another new year the following hymn by Frances Havergal pretty well says it all. It is called, “Standing at the Portal.” Standing at the portal Of the opening year, Words of comfort meet us, Hushing every fear; Spoken thru the silence By our Savior’s voice, Tender, strong and faithful, Making us rejoice. I, the Lord, am with thee, Be thou not afraid; I will help and strengthen Be thou not dismayed. Yea, I will uphold thee With My own right hand; Thou art called and chosen In My sight to stand. For the year before us, O what rich supplies! For the poor and needy Living streams shall rise; For the sad and sinful Shall His grace abound; For the faint and feeble Perfect strength be found. He will never fail us, He will not forsake; His eternal covenant He will never break. Resting on the promise, What have we to fear? God is all sufficient For the coming year. Refrain (After each verse) Onward, then, and fear not, Children of the day; For His Word shall never, Never pass away. So, dear Saints, with such a promise from our loving God, of which there are a great number of reminders, regardless of what we encounter in 2024, may we be further encouraged by DC 110:22 a,b “Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! b Let your hearts rejoice and be exceeding glad. Let the earth break forth into singing.” May we continually heed the challenge from Jesus in Matthew 6:38.. ”Seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God and to establish His righteousness.” God bless Paul Gage

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The following items may be found on the CRE website eldersconference.org The Daily Devotional for January-April, 2024. Saturday, January 6, 2024 Worship Service at Stone Church (All are welcome) Saturday, February 17, 2024 High Priest Classes 9a-1p at Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch Independence, MO. All are welcome.

Zionworks News for December 22, 2023

 Zionworks News for December 22, 2023

A MESSAGE TO ALL WHO WILL WORK TOGETHER IN RESPONSE TO THE URGENT NEED FOR CHRIST’S KINGDOM ON THE EARTH NOW

Zion (Christ’s term for this Kingdom on the earth when all of its participants are dedicated to uncompromised obedience to celestial principles) needs all people who will dedicate themselves in love whether they can work or whether they need to receive, and exists to encourage each other in the cooperative enjoyment of its establishment. This along with manifestations of the Spirit, and even healings, has proven to be a reality within this humble and determined gathering to obey the call for the spiritual and physical establishment of Zion. By God’s will, and not by the design of any person, Zion will flourish.

Prophetic scenarios are playing out now: War covering the earth and war’s rumors; war on Christianity; worsening of the fragile supply chain collapse; loss of truth in the media; loss of virtue in the media and even in mainstream America; power blackouts that will become much worse, if not total; dictatorship and communism displacing our democratic republic and sweeping the nations… to name just a few current evils. And ponder these immortal words of Abraham Lincoln, “Evil never dies a natural death”.

The list gets worse, and will get still worse. Yet God knew it. His prophets have foretold these days from the days of Adam. The Restoration was continually councelled and apprised in detail of the events that are now upon us and given the commission to establish Zion BEFORE the total collapse. But in the last few years, instead of building the Kingdom as described in detail, we have somehow gotten glued to our seats.

This is a call to again be brightly aware that that we answer to God at the judgement bar and not to public or peer judgement. It is a clean and clear call to enjoy freedom of mind and soul as we honor our creator and lift him up by happiness and sturdy example. It is not even a call to join up with Zionworks, yet it is a call to determine for yourself what is prophesied and what to do about it. Ultimately, no person and no church can do for you what you must do personally in your reckoning with God. All indications are that the more we preach about Zion and the more we sing of Zion, the more its reality recedes. That is why this message must reach each person’s heart and energies. The need for Zion is now. God always uses believing and obeying people to get the actual work done. All of God’s words describing the Kingdom on the earth are true. It is to Him as if it has already happened in all of its details. So it is a huge reality relying on us for its fulfillment…while our fulfillment becomes reality by our dedication to it. Fortunately, Christ has called all of his children to come together for his ultimate purposes and there is great strength and joy in that!

“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.” 1st Nephi 3:187

CALENDAR

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, January 7th, 2:00 PM at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence. Agenda: the storehouse, preparing to thrive and set a world example and the warmth of fellowship under Christ’s guidance. Bring show-and-tell items and barter items if you wish. All are invited. Have a blessed Christmas! We look forward to meeting and working again after Christmas and New Year.

CONTACT

For questions or comments, please contact zionworkz@protonmail.com or 816 690 8464.

With Christ and his love as our bond,

Your friends at Zionworks

Healing Hearts Meeting in January 2024

 Healing Hearts Meeting in January 2024

Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2:30 PM

Colbern Road Restoration Branch
9525 Lake Lotawana Road, Gate 2
Lee’s Summit MO 64063

"And again, blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:6

Colbern Road Restoration Branch will be hosting a Healing Heart Meeting for those who are currently a widow or widower, church affiliation does not matter. Hope you will join us and let your heart begin to be healed.

Any questions, please contact:
Jeanie Marsh
816-678-7212

 

Washer & Dryer For Sale

I have a mismatched washer and dryer for sale. $75 for both or $50 each. You haul! The frontload washer is 10 Yeats old. I have no idea how the dryer is. Both work well. I was lucky enough to get a new set is the only reason I am getting rid of these. Text Cathy White 816-668-0926 for more information.

 

Restoration Resurrection Choir to Begin Rehearsals - You Are Invited to Sing!

If you intend to join the choir please let us know so we can have music available for you. Please notify us at laward.01@gmail.com and let us know what part you sing.

 

Obituary for Barbara Trowbridge Newcom

BARBARA KENT TROWBRIDGE NEWCOM August 19, 1927 – December 10, 2023 Barbara Trowbridge was born at home on August 19, 1927 in Independence, MO to Kenneth and Alene (Hudson) Trowbridge. Barb was an active young girl, climbing trees to pick green apples, caring for her dog, Nippy, and dancing tap, ballet and jazz in recitals. She made friends easily and that lasted throughout her entire life. When she was getting ready to start her junior year, her dad who was in management at Union Station, was transferred to the Pentagon to route trains during the war. Barb had to leave all of her childhood friends behind. Then her mom got sick the next summer and passed away the first day of her senior year. It was a tough time for her, but the following year she went to Graceland College where she was interviewed in the Student Union by a handsome man in uniform for a job at his parents’ burger place, The Pantry. Barb was hired and worked for his parents. The son who interviewed her, Kenneth Newcom, started writing to her from his ship. They were married on August 31, 1947. They were true soul mates who never raised their voices. They had two daughters, Linda and Susan, born 15 months apart. Ken and Barb moved frequently due to his job, so the family lived in Minnesota, Arizona and Iowa before the girls were out of elementary school. Barb became an expert packer! She was active in their RLDS congregation for many years and then at Buckner Restoration Church. She was a Blue Bird, Skylark and Oriole leader, Sunday School teacher, Women’s Leader and Recorder. Barb sewed all of the girls’ clothes until they were out of Elementary School. She was an excellent cook, baker and artist of various mediums. She even joined a senior dance group when she was in her 60s. Barb loved the Lord and her family. She always made sure everyone was taken care of before she took care of herself. Barb loved dogs. She had a dog throughout her life until shortly before she moved into Assisted Living. She also loved, in no particular order, chocolate malts, sweet tea and M&Ms. Barb Newcom passed on to a much better life and a healthy body on December 10, 2023, at 6:55pm after suffering a stroke the night before. She was 96 years old. Her husband, Kenny, passed away in 1997 and her daughter, Linda, passed away in 2011. She leaves behind her daughter, Susan (Independence, MO), grandsons Chad (Pep) Jones in Wayne, NJ and Justin (Tiffany) Jones in Sibley and great-grandchildren, Jenna and Trenton Jones. She was so proud of her family and never went without telling them she loved them, was proud of them and to remain active in the church. The Memorial Service will be held at Buckner Restoration Branch, 2607 N Twyman Rd, Independence, MO 64058 on February 3, 2024. Visitation will be at 2:00pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00pm. Please, no flowers, only prayers for Barb’s family and friends. Thank you to her family, friends and caregivers for their prayers and support. We would also like to thank Cedarhurst of Blue Springs for taking excellent care of her and loving her for over two years and Ascend Hospice for their care the past year.

 

Stone Church Flyers

Many who attended last year's worship service at the Stone Church in Independence have asked for a repeat. Please share this invitation with all those who would like to participate and start the new year worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. Plan to Worship on Jan. 6, 2024.

 

PoZ Priesthood and Wives/Widows Banquet Announcement

 

3/4 Cello for sale

I have a 3/4 size cello for sale at $300. It is a Engelhardt Model E5534 Serial # 14563. Attached at some pictures of the cello.

 

Donation Collection for Lagos Nigeria Restoration Campgrounds

Dear Saints, We have an opportunity to help the saints of Lagos Nigeria with the next phase of their Restoration Campgrounds. They have been working on it for 4 years to get the fencing, iron gate, and building to the 1st story complete except for the roof. They need to do the decking which will act as the roof for the 1st floor and provide the floor for the 2nd story. Restrooms will also be completed so it will be usable for worship for a new branch at Atan near Lagos. It will also be used for the annual conference and annual retreats such as women’s, youth, and men’s retreats for Nigeria. Nigeria has 13 branches or groups, 36 priesthood, and over 500 members. This facility is in the name of the church, and not any individual. Land was donated and signed over to the church by a local church member. They are anxiously awaiting this next phase to make it feasible for use. It will require about $20,000.

Click the link below to see the progress. https://youtu.be/CWF2jk_zhcU Contact Bill Barrett for any further information (816-225-0863). Donations can be made by check or website as follows: Mail to ARM treasurer Shaun Turner, 3519 S Crysler Ave. Independence, Mo. 64055. Be sure to notate “Restoration Camp” on the check. Or Visit www.eldersconference.org scroll all the way to the bottom and click on the blue bar “donate online”, scroll down and select “ARM Restricted Contributions”, fill in the amount, note that it is for “Restoration Camp” and please select the box to pay the transaction fee. Fill in your card information. Thank you so very much Sincerely, Bill Barrett

 

Request for Beds, Bedding, and Other Necessities

We are reaching out to all who have extra bedding and beds for a man and his little 3 year old daughter. They just got into a home, but it is void of anything needed to set up a home. It is obviously cold out there and all will be appreciated. Please contact George and/or Paula Thomas by text or phone call Thank you so much for your help Paula Thomas (816) 510-0684 George (816) 456-6880 Paula May the love of Jehovah abide with you. Shalom b'shem Yashua Ha Mashiach (Jesus The Messiah) Shaulah (Paula)

MERRY CHRISTMAS - Paul Gage

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

TRULY WE CAN 

THANK OUR HEAVENALY FATHER

FOR SUCH A MARVELOUS, 

WONDERFUL AND EVERLASTING GIFT 

OF HIMSELF.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A JOYOUS NEW YEAR.

GOD BLESS

Enjoy the following:

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." Most know the song, but why is it that snow and Christmas go together? Most places in the world hardly ever have a "White Christmas." What is more important than a white Christmas, is a RIGHT CHRISTMAS.

So, what makes a "right Christmas?" toys, clothes, jewelry, parties, etc? All those are just "things."

A right Christmas is a PERSON. THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is God's great gift to the world. He is the beauty and glad tidings of Christmas. Don't dream of a white Christmas, endeavor to live a RIGHT CHRISTMAS.

The right Christmas greetings: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

The right gift: For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son. John 3:16

The right invitation to accept: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:29.

The right Christmas spirit: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

The right celebration: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:12

The right response: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts 16:31

You may or may not have a white Christmas. It really isn't important .

BUT it is tremendously important to have a RIGHT CHRISTMAS.

Paul Gage

ZIONWORKS NEWS, DECEMBER 15, 2023

 ZIONWORKS NEWS, DECEMBER 15, 2023

DRAWING FROM THE SAME ETERNAL WELL

The universe has no beginning or end in time or space. Not only does it contain all true science and true wonder, it contains all marvels and wonders of love and intelligence. The laws upon which it operates cannot contain any lies or deception or even any well-intentioned mis-concepts. It operates by truth. Since it is God’s creation and abode, all of God’s personality and his awesome love is infused in it and revealed by it. It is the eternal “well” from which we may draw God’s love in its many wondrous ways and from which we may receive any or all of its nourishment for body, mind and soul—until “our cup runneth over”—and beyond. We exist in it—though in this life, we are subject to great deception, confusion, heartbreak, abuse by others, and even our personal death of awareness of its nature.

The key to God’s wonders and awesome love is simply humble and sincere desire and prayer. This key is your personal direct access. This key is not derived from, processed by, or dispensed by any religion or person, unless that person is Jesus Christ. When any of God’s children on this planet seek God, they become brothers and sisters and Jesus calls them his. Religious and social strife and judgementalism are not of God and never can be. Be comforted and reinforced in this.

It is thrilling to the soul when we can draw from the same inexhaustible and eternal well and realize that our brothers and sisters, even in the most unsuspected circumstances, are availing themselves to the same awesome, fulfilling love, and that we truly are brothers and sisters. The well was there from the beginning, so no one can claim to have discovered it first or to have special claim to it! I hope this short note fills you with God’s love and love for all of his children.

Paul Gage’s “LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD” is another thrilling and comforting example of drawing from the same well. The Dec. 14, 2023 issue is reprinted below for your enjoyment, if you have not already read it.

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD DECEMBER 14, 2023

Greetings and blessings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

As we contemplate the times in which we live and the conditions of the world, let us re-visit a word from God given through Frederick Madison Smith in 1940. It is Doctrine and Covenants 138:3

3a Let the church again be admonished that the task of establishing Zion presses heavily upon us.
3b Barriers and hindrances to the achievement of this goal should be removed as speedily as possible and practicable. 3c To lay securely the foundations for Zion and her buildings, the work should be accomplished in peace and harmony. Unity should prevail. 3d To this end, all the Saints should work together in the rich fraternity which can and will prevail among them when they keep faithfully the commandments. 3e Great blessings are in store for the church if it will in faith and saintly devotion go forward in its tasks.

Notice the use of the words “again” and “admonish.” We can be thankful that we serve a God of great love and who possess a great amount of patience and long-suffering. How often does God speak to man using the words, again and admonish? More than we want to admit. It can be said that because we are so slow to hear and heed God’s word that we, as parents, have trained our children to be slow to obey. I am sure you have been around when a parent says to their child, “I’m going to count to three.” Then how do they count to three? 1,2,3? NO! It is usually 1,2, 2 and a forth, 2 and a half, 2 and three fourths, etc. If we get upset when our children do not respond quickly, it should be no surprise that God must admonish us again, again and again.

To admonish is to “Warn or reprimand someone firmly, to advise or urge someone earnestly, to put in mind or caution.” God was/is warning, urging, and cautioning us that the task of establishing Zion PRESSES HEAVILY upon us. When something is pressing heavily upon us it means the time to act is NOW. In 1940 World War II was taking place. What is taking place now that demands the building up of His Kingdom and the establishing of His Righteousness? All the signs of the time are happening in the world now and will likely escalate in 2024.

The Apostle Paul uses the word “admonish” in Romans 15:14, I Thessalonians 5:12, and II Thessalonians 3:15. In Omni 1:23 it says, “And they were admonished continually by the word of God … “ How many times did the Israelites refuse to heed God’s word to them? What was the result? Hard times, destruction, wars, captivity, and so forth. Are we any different? It doesn’t seem that we are.

We must realize that we are living in God’s Kingdom and not a kingdom of our own making. To live in His Kingdom is to not only hear God speak, but to respond with all haste. As one hymn says, in admonition, “Work for the night is coming, when man’s work is done, when man works no more, when man’s work is over.

God bless you as you live and work in HIS KINGDOM.

Paul Gage

REMEMBER

God has warned us to be prepared. It is important to stock up now while we can. Ask for the Preparedness Guide if you don’t have it.

CALENDAR

There will not be a meeting or work day on the week end of December 23rd and 24th, unless there is a serious urgency.

CONTACT

For questions or comments, please contact zionworkz@protonmail.com, or 816-690-8464

With Christ and his love as our bond,

Your friends at Zionworks