ZIONWORKS NEWS FOR APRIL 24th, 2025

 ZIONWORKS NEWS FOR APRIL 24^th, 2025                                    

WHY DID ADAM OBEY GOD?     

Adam and Eve were given their privilege to think and act for themselves in the Garden. With that privilege and freedom, they made some mistakes and they grieved and suffered sorely for them. God said that he gave man(kind) his intelligence in the day that He created him. That’s amazing to think about; God granting us with the intelligence to comprehend both large and small aspects of the universe, the mind, and somewhat of the veil that separates earthly life from heavenly life. That’s an amazing and huge responsibility and privilege to place on us. Most, and probably all of us, have caused some real heartbreak and other damage to ourselves and others in the process of playing with a combination of knowledge, privileges, curiosities, emotions, excuses and temptations. None of us are near perfect and we fear our own propensity for mismanaging our personal resources, freedoms and responsibilities. God won’t take these freedoms away, so life will always be full of heavy responsibilities. A universe of knowledge and power entrusted to the stewardship of each of us is hard to imagine, but here it is in our hands.    

Adam made some boo-boos with these powers and privileges and our hearts go out to him because we’re just like him when it comes to mistakes. Over a period of a lot of years, he did gain wisdom, responsibility and stewardship. So, when he was asked why he obeyed God, he didn’t describe his line of examination or reasoning; he simply said something like, “Because God said.” None of his privileges of thought and self-determination were forfeited by giving this answer.    

So…maybe all of us think similarly…that when by trial and error, we realize that even with our powers of thinking, reason and rationale that we can’t out-think God, maybe we will think and act with the philosophy of “Because God said.”    

God said to get out of Babylon. Do we need a line of ration to say, “OK, I’m on it because God said”? No. Although there are lots of historical and current reasons that support God’s directives, we can waste our lives trying to discover all of them while the opportunity passes. The scriptures have given God’s word and his specific directives for establishing his kingdom on the earth. “Get out of Babylon.” “Be not partakers of her plagues” is powerful reasoning and warning. It’s easy to see what circumstances plague those who entangle themselves in the commerce and culture of Babylon. Though the particulars of Zion’s cooperative operation are difficult to formulate, they are carefully explained in scripture. There is a topical concordance with explanations that is a great help called the Zionworks Preparation Guide. It gives details on how to gather to Zion, how to consecrate our surplus, how to work cooperatively and what the needs are that Zion must fill. The guide is not comprehensive because the Kingdom is interwoven in scripture from the beginning, but it is a good fundamental resource. A continual study of scripture will provide a continual growth of understanding of the kingdom. Ask for the Preparation Guide; it’s free.    

The directions for operating Zion must come from Jesus and on his terms. They cannot and must not derive from man, though the desire for Zion must burn in the hearts and energies of its people.                

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE KINGDOM ON THE EARTH               

From 0 AD to approximately 194 AD  

4 Nephi 1-26

“And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another; And they had all things common among them, therefore they were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; And all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus.  And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly, in the land: yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities burned; yea, even that great city Zarahemla did they cause to be built again. But there were many cities which had been sunk, and waters came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities could not be renewed.      

And now behold it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceeding fast, and became an exceeding fair and delightsome people. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them. And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses, but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft, both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. And it came to pass that there was no contention among all the people, in all the land, but there were mighty miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus. And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God: There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God; And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceeding rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.”     

Beginning around 36 years after all had been baptized and lasting for another 158 years, miracles, prosperity and delightful times blessed this successful and growing group, as chronicled above. Then pride and arrogance began to creep in, many diverse churches sprang up that were contemptuous of the gospel and persecuted the “true church of Jesus Christ”. Nephites and Lamanites became separate enemies. Non-Christians taught their children to hate Christians. Secret oaths and covenants of the Gadianton organized crime and governmental syndicate were re-established. Both Nephites and Lamanites became wicked. Following was what was recorded as a great division. There is now, in our day, a great division forming on the earth already attended by miracles on one side and contempt for Christ on the other. Pray. Strengthen yourself in the Lord. Rejoice. Worship.     

“And it shall come to pass that the Lord shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues and people to bring about the restoration of his people upon the earth. And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. For the time speedily cometh that the Lord shall cause a GREAT DIVISION among the people; and the wicked will he destroy; and he shall spare his people, yea even if it so be that he must destroy the wicked by fire.” 2^nd Nephi 12:87-90                                    

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CALENDAR NEXT MEETING: This coming Sunday, April 27^th at 2:00 pm at Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence. On the agenda: Fellowship, Watchman’s Report, working and planning for The Kingdom, praying together. All are welcome.  Coming soon to be announced: Gardening field trips, special presentations,  cooperative purchases.                                                        

CONTACT            

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

With Christ and his love as our bond,               

Your brothers and sisters at Zionworks News

Buckner Restoration Branch Family Reunion 2025

 Buckner Restoration Branch Family Reunion 2025

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD APRIL 24, 2025

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD APRIL 24, 2025

 

Hello to all God’s followers around the world,

 

Well, we have concluded another momentous time in the course of the history of mankind. The last week in the earthly life of Jesus Christ, culminating with the glorious event of His Resurrection in which Jesus proved He has all power both in heaven and earth. Thus power over sin, death, the grave and Satan. Jesus has had that power from before the foundation of the world, but He chose to come to earth, in the flesh and die for His creation so we would be assured of His power. Thank you Jesus!

 

Now back to our busy lives, church as usual, living in our own little kingdoms and so forth until the time of year we observe the birth of Jesus. Well, that is still eight months away, so we are free to do our own thing. Right!! Not exactly. God has given us our agency, but its main purpose was so that we might chose God as our father., see Genesis 7:40 in the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures.

 

So, if we choose God as our father, it becomes a twenty-four/seven process. That is part of the reason we are told to “Endure to the end.” Enduring to the end has to be more than just Sunday mornings and maybe Wednesday evenings. Living in the Kingdom of God now as we await the full establishment of His Kingdom has to be more than just “Hanging in there.” Hanging in where? Where or what is “There?”

 

How are we to endure to the end? Some people endure to the end of a lengthy job for the money. But, many endure because they feel they are making a positive difference in the lives of other people and thus fulfill their calling as a “Kingdom Builder.” What is your view point? Jesus hung on the cross, but He was not just “Hanging in there,” He was in full control and was faithful to His purpose and His promises. We cannot expect to receive the benefits of God’s promises unless we fulfill the requirements of those promises. Read again, as well as with some regularity Doctrine and Covenants 81:3. Write it down and post it where you will see it every day. Maybe post it in several places. Maybe even write it in your heart. It is a plea from Our Father to each of His children because His work and glory to to bring to pass the immortality, and eternal life of man.

 

There is a song that states,

“New Life in Christ! Abundant and free!

What glories shine, what joy is mine!

What wondrous blessings I see!

My past with it’s sin, The searching and strife.

Forever gone,

There’s a bright new dawn!

FOR IN CHRIST,

I HAVE FOUND NEW LIFE!!”

 

Because HE lives, we don’t have to just go through the motions,

we must stand on the promises of God.

 

God bless

Paul Gage

 

Leo Ronald Anderson - Obituary

 

1933Leo2025

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Leo Ronald Anderson

August 20, 1933 — April 16, 2025

Leo Ronald Anderson passed away April 17, 2025 at The Groves in Independence, MO at the age of 91. Leo was born August 20, 1933 to Vincent and Catherine Anderson in Boston, MA where he spent his entire childhood as a part of a large Irish Catholic family. After High School, Leo served in the Military (Marines) as his older brothers had done.

He went to college in several states, including Ohio where he met his wife Kathleen. After they were married, they moved to Rhode Island, Texas and Oklahoma as he pursued a very successful career as an insurance executive. They lived in Tulsa, OK for many years and were active members of the RLDS church. While there they adopted their son Max T. Anderson. The family was involved in various civic activities and Leo helped in his son’s Boy Scout troop and coached his youth hockey team.

In retirement, they all moved to Independence, MO to be near Kathleen’s family and spent 10 happy years enjoying life. Leo was pre-deceased by his wife and son. He spent his last years at The Groves which became his home. His sense of humor and quick wit enabled him to make many new friends there. He will be remembered fondly by family, friends and fellow residents.

Kathleen Anne (McKelvey) Anderson was born June 25, 1940 in Massillon, OH to Boyd and Dorothy McKelvey. She grew up with a very large and close extended family on 5 acres in the county. Growing up in the 1950s, she experienced sled rides tree climbing, football, sock hops, bikes, taffy pulling and rock and roll. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1957 and maintained close friends with many of her classmates, returned home for many Class Reunions and became the Class historian and contact.

With her(our) father’s untimely death in 1956, Kathleen got a good job and helped our mother with expenses and raising her younger brother and sister.

Her life story continued as written above, when she married Leo Anderson. Kathleen loved reading and writing and later worked as a copy editor for many years. We are now again finding some of the heartfelt stories she had written to our mother and others about the good memories of life that they had given her, as well as the love she showed to family and friends and the memories she created for them.

Kathleen passed away in June 22, 2019 in Independence, MO while in Hospice care. She is greatly missed.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Leo Ronald Anderson, please visit our flower store.

Handyman Available for Work

 Handyman Available for Work

Do you need any remodeling, carpentry, plumbing or electrical work done? Chuck Sperry will be available to help beginning June 9.  

Please call 816-433-8930 or send an email to chassperry@yahoo.com to get an appointment for a quote.  

Have a good day.

Book of Mormon Round Table - Sunday April 27

 Book of Mormon Round Table - Sunday April 27

Roy Wilbur Giltner - Obituary

 

Roy Wilbur Giltner - Obituary

Roy Wilbur Giltner October 2, 1932 — April 5, 2025 Roy Wilbur Giltner was born October 2, 1932, to Irwin and Maggie Giltner on their farmstead, Southwest of Brandon, Colorado. Roy was the last of ten children born to this family. He lived in that vicinity until he was about one and one-half years old when the family with six children moved to the San Luis Valley, near the town of Center, Colorado. In 1936, his father bought a farm West of Center, where Roy lived until after he had graduated from high school. He helped his father work on the farm until 1949. In that year his mother, Maggie, passed away from cancer, and his father Irwin, by doctor’s orders, had to move to a lower altitude because of heart and blood pressure problems. When his father sold the farm to move to live with his daughter, Leila, in Beaver, Oklahoma, Roy convinced his dad to let him stay on the family farm so that he could attend Center High school for his Senior year. At the age of 17, Roy supported himself on the farm by milking 5 cows in the morning and at night. Then he sold milk and cream to the local creamery. He also had about 200 laying hens gathering between 10 and 12 dozen eggs per day, which he also sold to local grocery stores in Center, Del Norte, and Monte Vista. There were ulterior motives for staying in the area. One was to play on the Center High School basketball team, which he knew would be good and who eventually won the Colorado State Championship in the year 1950. Roy was a starter on this team for every game of his junior and senior years. After he graduated, he worked as a sports newspaper writer for three years for the Center Post Dispatch, and being a great athlete and the love of baseball, he tried out for the New York Giants that same year. The 2nd motive was that he began to date one of the senior girls and he eventually married EllaRee Gray on February 11, 1951. To this union were born four boys: Gary, Doyle, Randell, and Wesley. After working for a local farmer, Roy took a correspondence course in television broadcasting and after receiving a graduation certificate, he and his family moved to Amarillo, Texas, where he worked for KGNC as a projectionist. After several months that TV station was sold to another company, and most all of the employees were terminated. After being out of work for several weeks and needing a job to provide income for his family, he went to work for Borden’s Milk Company as a “house to house” sales and delivery person. Oddly enough, it was a job he really liked. He stayed in this profession for the next 19 years, progressing up to a route supervisor. He also held that same position for Creamland Dairies in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1962, the marriage ended in divorce. In the Divorce settlement, Roy was given total custody of his four children, and shortly afterwards, Roy and the boys moved to Wichita, Kansas. It was in Wichita, Kansas, where he met Doris Foster at an information meeting of Solo Parent’s Club. Doris had two children, a daughter Cherie, and a son Michael. So, on March 20,1964, Roy and Doris were married at the Community of Christ Central Congregation in Wichita, combining their families with a total of 6 children. Roy was baptized into the Community of Christ church in 1966. He was ordained a Priest in 1967, an elder in 1968 and was elected pastor of that congregation in 1969. He held the position of pastor for the next three years. Roy and Doris were Zion’s League leaders, a youth group in the church, for several years also. In 1982, after three of the six children had graduated from college and three others were now on their own, Roy and Doris, along with Doris’ mother, Elsie Bedwell, made the decision to move to Independence, Missouri. They promptly settled on the E. 39th St Congreagtion for their spiritual needs. Roy worked for General Merchandise Corp as a salesman, serving most of northern and western Missouri. In 1987, he went to work for Lou Richards and his IGA store. He worked there until he retired in the summer of 1994, but then continued as a part-time worker for three more years, finally retiring, for good on his 65th birthday in 1997. Music was always an integral part of Roy and Doris’ lives. They formed a musical group from their congregation in Wichita and traveled performing many of the latest Bill Gaither songs as well as other Christian music. They also sang in the Messiah Choir for 21 years. The choir went to England and Wales and sang in many of the English Cathedrals. In Wales, the choir sang with a Welch Men’s Chorus, which was the highlight of the trip. In 2000, he and Doris sang with the Messiah choir at Carnegie Hall, in New York City. Traveling was something Roy loved to do. Some of the other places he and Doris traveled were Scotland, England, the Bahamas, Alaska, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Columbia, and Panama, Aruba and Canada. He visited 10 countries and 37 states in the USA. His retirement years were very busy. In 2002, he and his wife Doris, were elected to serve as pastors of the E. 39th Street Congreagtion. They worked very hard in this position and served there for four years, until July of 2006. At E. 39th, he served on the building committee, he sang in the choir, he taught classes, many with Doris as a co-teacher, he was active in presiding and preaching and whatever was needed to be done. In 2010, Roy and Doris moved from their home in Independence to a home in the Courchevel addition of Lee’s Summit. The saddest day of Roy’s life was November 24th, 2019, when his beloved wife Doris passed away at CenterPoint Regional Hospital. Doris’ earthly life had ended and now it was time for her to go and be with the Lord that she loved so much. They had been married for almost 56 years, almost all of it dedicated in service to God and to His church. Roy was the last of his immediate family to survive. He was proceeded in death by his parents Irwin and Maggie Giltner, and all of his nine siblings. Roy also had two sons that predeceased him in death. Gary who died at the age of 46 in 1998, and Wesley, who died at the age of 55, in 2014. Those left to cherish his memory are Doyle Giltner of Wichita, Kansas, Randy Giltner (Nancy) of Derby, Kansas, Cherie Bliss of Liberty, Missouri, and Michael Foster (Brenda) of Independence, Missouri. He is also survived by five grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He will be remembered by many friends and family for years to come. Roy completed his earthly journey on April 5th, 2025. Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Habitat for Humanity. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roy Wilbur Giltner, please visit our flower store.

Johnny Myers - Obituary

 

Johnny Myers October 20, 1934 — April 3, 2025 Independence Johnny “Bulldog” Duncan Myers peacefully passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025, after 90 years of a wonderful, full life. He was born on October 20, 1934 at his family’s farm house in Quincy, Missouri. Johnny is preceded in death by his father David Holman Myers and Velma Gertrude (Bowden) Myers, daughter Wendy Lou Myers Klein, brothers Gary R Myers and David E Myers, brother-in-law Lee Morrison and great nephews Dallas Bromley and Tyler Earring. He is survived by his wife Janice Myers, daughters Deborah L Miller (Marvin) Denise M Jensen (Tom) Kimberly D Myers-Mosman (Steven), step-children Kelly Mesteth (Michael) and C “Dale” Buchan (Lavon), sister Margie sister Margie G Morrison and brother Robert D Myers (Kathy). Johnny was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. When Johnny was two months old, he became very ill, and the doctor was called to the home. He was diagnosed with double pneumonia. An RLDS elder was summoned for administration, and Johnny was left in God’s hands. The next day, when the doctor arrived and examined Johnny, the doctor thought he was examining the wrong baby and questioned his father. Before the doctor left, he told his parents, “I don’t know what happened, I can't explain it, but there’s no sign of pneumonia at all!”. As we can see, the Lord had a plan for Johnny’s life. Johnny grew up in Independence, MO with his mother and father and four siblings and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1952 where he was a Missouri State Pole Vault Champion. At a young age, he decided to join the ministry and was a deacon and later was called to the office of priest. Johnny and his former spouse served as youth ministers at Eden Heights congregation of the RLDS Church. He became pastor and was called to the office of elder. Later he transferred to the Kentucky Hills congregation and continued to serve as part of the pastorate. Johnny taught Sunday School, was on the preaching schedule regularly and led prayer services. His greatest joy was ministering to others, especially the sick and those in need of spiritual counseling. Johnny officiated many weddings and funerals throughout his lifetime and traveled to many places preaching the gospel of Christ. As a young boy, he dug and sacked potatoes at a farm in Independence. He then worked at an Avon distribution plant and later for the United States Postal Service where he had a career of 36 years. Johnny started out as a mail carrier and soon became a clerk, sorting mail. Johnny was promoted to supervisor and later retired in August 1990. After retirement, he worked for several florists delivering flowers to people for over 10 years. Johnny was a great asset as he knew Independence and surrounding cities like the back of his hand. Johnny was blessed to serve as a minister up until the last few years of his life. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting with his father and brothers. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. He took his family on many camping trips to Lake Pomme de Terre and enjoyed fishing and fellowship with loved ones. He appreciated antiquing, fine jewelry, clothing and ice cream! Johnny loved traveling and taking his parents on trips to see family in Arizona every year, and to see his daughters in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Zimmerman, Minnesota. He is loved and greatly missed by his family, friends and church family. We were so blessed to have him a part of our lives. Johnny's laughter, story-telling and love of God lives on in our hearts. We will honor Johnny in his Celebration of Life Service at a private family gathering. He will be interred at Oak Grove Cemetery (Royer Funeral Home), 5 Cemetery Road, Oak Grove, Missouri 64075. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Johnny Myers, please visit our flower store.

Healing Hearts Meeting in April 2025

 

Healing Hearts Meeting in April 2025 Healing Hearts is a Christ centered group open to all who are currently widowed (widows and widowers).  We offer fellowship, friendship, fun and worship.  We support each other emotionally through our presence and our common grief.  This group is open to all who are widowed, regardless of church affiliation. We will meet at Colbern Road Restoration Branch on: Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 2:30 - 4:00 PM The Church of Jesus Christ Colbern Road Restoration Branch 9525 Lake Lotawana Rd., Gate 2 Lee’s Summit, MO 64086  Contact:  Mary Drummond 816-665-9051