Monday, February 9, 2026

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

 

 

 

Saturday, February 7, 2026

CPRS Kindergarten Roundup - 2026 - 2027

 

CPRS Annual Plant Sale - February 9 -23

 

 

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 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 

Pure Dance Studio Classes

 

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

Thursday, February 5, 2026

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD FEBRUARY 5, 2026

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD FEBRUARY 5, 2026

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

FEBRUARY 5, 2026

 

Hello, Aloha, Hola, G'Day, Bonjour, Guten tag, Shalom aleichen, Zdravstuyte, Habari, Kumusta, Namaste, to God's faithful Saints around the world,

 

If one of the languages above does not fit you, forgive me. They say there are between 3nd 5 thousand languages spoken in the world today. So, what does that have to do with living in the Kingdom of God? We all know of One who can speak and understand every language. That, of course, is God/Jesus Christ.

 

How is the weather in your part of the world? While it has been freezing in much of the United States, it is pretty warm in Australia and at various conditions in other parts of the world. So what does that have to do with living in the Kingdom of God? We all know One who controls all the elements and thus the weather conditions. Again, that is God/Jesus Christ.

 

Due to the very cold temperatures and road conditions in many places, Saints were not able to go to church. Thanks to God who has given to mankind the ability to produce methods by which the message of God can be "zoomed" all round the world. This is what we deal with as we are "Living in the Kingdom of God" at this point, but we know when Jesus comes in His Glory, there will not be all the distractions we face in our current status.

 

In the "Real" Kingdom of God, those present will have nothing to take away from their devotion to and worship of God. There will be nothing in God's Kingdom that is not of Kingdom quality. Patriarch Ed Gard said in a message from the Lord, that we should sacrifice or get rid of anything and everything that we cannot take into the Kingdom.

 

In our world of confusion, division, disregard for Christianity and many other things that demand our attention, may we not allow ourselves to be taken away from the only ONE who has all the right answers. Scriptures are very clear in telling us that JESUS IS THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION and thus the only foundation upon which we can successfully build. We have many hymns that also remind us of this fact, one of which is entitled, "How Firm a Foundation." This is the only foundation upon which we can build and be supported by as we live in the Kingdom of God.

 

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said— To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go, The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless, And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“The soul that on Jesus doth lean for repose, I will not, I will not, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.”

In every condition, in sickness, in health; In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea, As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Even down to old age all My people shall prove My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when white hairs shall their temples adorn, Like lambs they shall in My bosom be borne.

You will notice that there are seven verses to this hymn, but only four in the Hymnal. There is confusion as to who wrote the hymn, but there is no confusion as to the meaning of it and the source of that meaning. GOD/JESUS CHRIST.

 

Many things are happening in the world that are attempts to gain control of the people. Each of us need to be aware of things happening in our communities and the world that affect our hope for God’s Kingdom to come on the earth. I would especially encourage the Saints in the Center Place to become more aware of things transpiring in Independence that may affect us individually and collectively.

 

God bless each one

Paul Gage

 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Important Update - Book of Mormon Retreat & Internship

 

Important Update - Book of Mormon Retreat & Internship

Retreat – NEW DATE – Feb 6-8
Internship application due - Feb. 15
Register now for the 2026 Book of Mormon Retreat, for youth ages 17-24

Due to extreme weather last weekend, the Book of Mormon Retreat has been rescheduled to NEXT WEEKEND (February 6-8) at the Odessa Hills Campground. Ages for the retreat are 17-24.
 
Also, the Internship Committee has decided this year to extend the allowed age range for the summer Book of Mormon Internship. Anyone who is a 2026 high school graduate through age 24 (unmarried) may apply for the Internship this summer, 2026. The application deadline has been rescheduled by one week — applications must now be received by no later than 11:59 PM, Sunday, February 15.
 
Please announce this to your congregations and share with anyone who may be interested. We would greatly appreciate it.

More information and registration forms are available at the Book of Mormon Foundation website, or they could contact me with any questions.   https://bomf.org/internship/
 
Thank you,
 
Jon Tandy
816-797-2330

Healing Hearts Meeting - Feb. 15, 2026

 Healing Hearts Meeting - Feb. 15,  2026


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, February 15, 2026 at 1:30 - 3:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ
Colbern Road Restoration Branch
9525 Lake Lotawana Rd., Gate 2
Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Contact:  Jeanie Marsh 816-678-7212 

Mary Ellen (Eagan) Bryant Obituary

 

Mary Ellen (Eagan) Bryant Obituary

September 26, 1929 - January 29, 2026

Funeral information:
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at South Crysler Restoration Branch
10:00 am Visitation
11:00 am Service
Graveside following at Mound Grove Cemetery

Mary Ellen (Eagan) Bryant was born on September 26, 1929 to Roy G. and Royal Pearl
(Wood) Eagan in Lamar, Colorado. She was the second of five children. 

She attended Lamar High School where she became a member of the National Honor Society, earning a small scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, then known as the Colorado State College of Education. She attended college there for two years but had always wanted to go to Graceland College, the RLDS Church college in Lamoni, Iowa so she made the switch in 1950. 

As Graceland was only a two-year college at the time, after earning her Associate of Arts degree in General Business, Mary followed many Church students to the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, where she graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. 

Upon returning home to Colorado, Mary landed a job as Executive Secretary for the President, Vice President, and Treasurer of Plateau Natural Gas Co., located in Colorado Springs. She worked there for five years. 

While in college at UCM, Mary had met fellow student Maurice Bryant. The two met again at the 1958 RLDS World Conference in Independence, Missouri. They went to various preaching services that week and afterward, Maurice traveled to Colorado to meet Mary’s family. Mary traveled to Rochester, New York the following May to visit Maurice and meet his family. All the while a flurry of correspondence flowed back and forth between the two. They were married on September 27, 1959 and settled in Rochester, New York. 

Mary went to work for Eastman Kodak Company in their Business and Technical Personnel Department, often describing that job as the best job she ever had. 

She worked for Kodak until leaving the workforce in 1962 when she had her first child, Jay, born in February of that year. After a move to Independence, Missouri in late 1962, two more children came along: Gayle in 1963 and Douglas in 1964. Mary spent the next eight years raising her children. 

In 1970, Mary began working again part-time, then full-time as a secretary and bookkeeper. In 1980 she went back to school as a full-time graduate student at UCM, earning 22 hours toward a Master’s Degree in Education and earning her Missouri teaching certification. She then worked for Armco Steel, Kansas City Power and Light, and finished her career at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority as an Executive Assistant.

After retirement, Mary focused her full attention on her greatest love - her family, attending family gatherings, concerts and events that her grandchildren participated in, and using her artistic skills to create memory books for her own family as well as each family of her siblings and children. She wanted her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren to know how important they were to her and how much she cared for them. 

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Maurice Bryant, her children Jay (Rita) Bryant, Gayle (Tony) Fleming, and Doug (Tracy) Bryant, her grandchildren Phillip Bryant, Michael (Julie) Fleming, Matthew (Stephanie) Fleming, Christina (Mike) Haun, Melissa (Jake) Lair, Ben (Allyson) Fleming, Nicholas (Katia) Bryant, Catie (Trey) Shepherd, James (Genevieve) Wulff, and John Wulff, and 18 great-grandchildren.