Petition to the Saints

 Petition to the Saints

Jeremy Stephenson

Dear Saints,

 

              There comes a time in every organization in which certain questions must be asked. The CRE has been a fixture in the Restoration Movement for 31 years now. There has been much good done for the sake of the Kingdom through the efforts of those who have participated throughout the years. While we recognize that the CRE is not “The Church,” it has been fulfilling the missionary role of the Church quite well.

 

              It Is not difficult to look back in recent years and see the declining participation in the Elders Conference and other activities sponsored by the CRE. It has become increasingly difficult to fill the quorums so that they can operate effectively. We could spend hours, or even days postulating on the reason behind this decline. Perhaps life has become busier than in times past? Perhaps it seems to some that the CRE has drifted away from the purpose for which it was formed? Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that, much like the Restoration Branches themselves, if we continue on our current path, we will continue to dwindle into obscurity.

 

              While the coordinating council has reaffirmed that the conference should remain true to its stated purpose, there may be those who disagree. There are those who would stand on the side of discontinuing the CRE. We could spend unbounded hours expressing our opinions on this topic. There is one thing to remember, however, that is basic to our beliefs. We believe in a God who speaks today. Our opinions, though fruitful for banter, debate, and discussion, are not comparable to God’s will revealed.

 

              We would like to invite all who read this to spend time in fasting and prayer in preparation for the 2026 conference. Pray for the ministry of those who have been tasked with bringing classes, services, or sermons. Pray for the Spirit of God to rest upon all who attend. Pray for peace and harmony in our discussions. Pray that God’s voice will be heard in answer to our petitions.

 

              Let us come together in an attitude of worship and reverence and ask God if He would that the CRE continue, and what His purpose would be. This will be a topic of discussion in our quorum meetings at conference.

 

              May God bless each of you in your daily preparations and ministries. May He be glorified in all things.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jay Havener

Coordinating Council Chairman

 

Jeremy Stephenson

Conference Chaiman

 

Below is the current mission statement of the CRE:

 

The CRE exists to:

1. Organize the coming together of Melchisedec Priesthood, as well as the Aaronic Priesthood and members for:
• Spiritual preparation and to unify our efforts on behalf of the work to which we are called.
• Much needed fellowship and fraternity to prepare us to defend and preserve the faith.
• Identify and seek divine guidance concerning the critical issues now confronting the church.
• Chart a course of action that will maintain the gospel as restored in 1830.
2. Support Restoration Branches in their efforts to work together.
3. Provide needed resources to Branches and members as they are requested.
4. Offer ongoing support and resources to Restoration priesthood.

Offer support to the elders to take the gospel message to the world.

CPRS Job Opportunities - 2026 - 27

 

CPRS Kindergarten Roundup 2026-2027

 

CPRS Preschool Enrollment

 

Heartland Meeting - Thursday, March 19, 2026

 Heartland Meeting - Thursday, March 19, 2026

Fellow Heartlanders,

This month we will meet and watch two very informative videos indicating Hebrew ancestry in some of our North American Indian Tribes, and the DNA marker that links some Northern American Indians with a community in northern Israel.

We will learn how writings discovered on artifacts found in the United States are similar to ancient Hebrew and other Middle-Eastern writings. And we will see the similarity between the writing of the Micmac Indians and the writing that was copied from the Anthon Transcript. 

There are many parallels between the present-day Jewish customs and festivals and those of the North American Indians. We will even hear what some tribes say about their ancestry and how that aligns with those who traveled to North America in the Book of Mormon.

We have a few scriptures in which Joseph Smith Jr. shed light as to where the people of the Book of Mormon were.  He gave a revelation to the Saints to purchase land in July 1831 here in the Center Place and westward “unto the line running directly between Jew and Gentile.” D&C 57:1e.  And when Joseph referred to the Land of Missouri, it was on “the borders of the Lamanites.” D&C 54:2b. 

As a prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. knew where the descendants of the Book of Mormon were and so he directed the first mission of the church be to Native American Tribes living in the eastern United States. Come and learn more about how similar the North American Indians are to the Hebrews in the Book of Mormon.

Hope you can join us. Everyone is welcome!

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: Outreach Restoration Branch

723 S. Crysler Ave.

Independence, MO

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MARCH 12, 2026

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MARCH 12, 2026

 

Nearing mid-March greetings to the dear Saints of God,

 

I’m sure many of the “Aged” Saints remember the Daily Bread book of devotions. I want to share a couple of short items from that book of devotions. Consider these things as you live daily in the Kingdom of God.

 

1. Flying a kite is not only fun, but it also makes for an interesting study. The wind alone does not cause it to fly nor does the structure of the kite. Actually, it is the kite string which plays the most vital role in the flying function.

 

The string which permits the kite to soar high also holds it under control. To release the kite string would not mean freedom for the kite but would insure its destruction. Only as the kite is held under control is it free to fly.

 

That is the way it is with people. Only as we are under God’s control and live by His commandments as we live in His kingdom, are we free to live kingdom lives. The inward control of God is the same thing which gives us liberty with His assurance.

 

2. In the nineteen eighties, a popular bumper sticker was, “Let Me Tell You About Jesus.” It would be interesting to know if anyone ever took the owner of the vehicle up on their challenge. If so, would the answer be a concise statement that Jesus Christ died, arose, and eternally lives? Or, are those who would tell the world about Jesus able to point to their own lives as a reflection of Jesus and say, “Having seen me in action in serving people as Jesus did you have seen the Messiah”?

 

Living the gospel in such a way is a full-time responsibility and surely would be the ultimate definition of Jesus. It is the goal for which every Saint should strive, for when the Lord lives through the committed lives of His people His earthly Kingdom will indeed be perfected.

 

Do we live so close to the Lord today, Passing to and fro on life’s busy way

That the world in us can a likeness see To the Man of Calvary?

Can the world see Jesus in me? Can the world see Jesus in you?
Does your love to Him ring true, and your life and service, too?
Can the world see Jesus in me and you?

 

God be with you,

all the way,

every day

Paul Gage

 

 

 

Historic Liberty Jail Tour - March 20

 

Historic Liberty Jail Tour - March 20

Liberty Jail Tour and Testimonies This is a joint event with the restoration groups and our LDS friends. Food will be provided. Space is limited to approximately 100, so please RSVP with the QR code. Contact me with any questions. Thanks! Jay Johnson  Johnsonxswat@sbcglobal.net

Seated Walked for Sale

 

Seated Walked for Sale Brand new, fully assembled, but never used. $80 obo.  Contact Tracy Wren 816-616-5119.

Scripture Study - March 12

 

High school/older youth sculpture study/class discussion this coming Thursday. 6:30 pm for pizza, with study starting at 7:00 @ Living Hope Restoration Branch. It’s our fifth study, but the topics are stand alone and you don’t need to have come to any of the previous studies to take part in this one. Thank you! Samuel Jordison

Holy Forever - Restoration Choir & Orchestra

 

For more information visit: https://sites.google.com/view/restoration-choir/home or contact Larry and Diane Ward laward.01@gmail.com

ZIONWORKZ NEWS for MARCH 5th, 2026

 ZIONWORKZ NEWS for MARCH 5th, 2026 

  February 22^nd’s Zionworks meeting may have been one of the most heartening and Spirit-blessed in our nearly four years of attempting to yield our hearts and souls to Jesus’ directions for his kingdom on earth. It can be difficult. It’s very challenging and very rewarding for each of us to give up our own perspectives and expectations and yield ourselves to Christ’s way of understanding his will for us – seeing the gospel through His love and His eyes – seeing others through his heart – and letting go so he can rebuild us – again and again until we graduate to the eternal realm. Through this process we can experience, and do experience, some of the eternal realm while we’re here on earth. Yes, we had gathered in the meeting as touching one thing: “Dear Lord, grow our hearts and souls and please give us compassion as we learn and practice our individual stewardships and cooperative efforts to bring about the conditions among people for the existence of Zion. May we see and interact with others, with you as our teacher and director. May we see You in others without judgementalism. How shall we proceed in preparing for your place of safety and refuge for your innocent and beleaguered of the earth to flee to?” 

Having entered that meeting time under this request, our testimonies were able to flow in expression of our observations of God’s mighty arm sweeping the earth and observations of the Kingdom on the earth existing in conditions and in moments, and in large and small organizations and endeavors where human hearts and Jesus’ love become one. It’s HOPEFUL.

  

  Two weeks ago, a list of practical questions about Zion were presented in Zionworks News and also at the last two meetings. Before the list of questions was presented, people were already proposing answers. A couple answers were carefully presented in printed form, which we will read at the March 8^th meeting. At the same time each attendee will have the opportunity to present answers or bear testimony. Again, the atmosphere that encourages candor, testimonies and insightful input is a spiritual blessing. When we discuss these vital questions, we are searching for the Lord’s answers and we expect that He will inspire answers during the discussion, if the answers are not already obvious. THEN, we will need to implement the directions. It will probably not be easy, but we know that the Lord does not give us any task that he has not already prepared the way for us to accomplish. So yes, this is a very serious undertaking. It is equally, very exciting to be aware that the spiritual and physical tasks of building up the Kingdom are at hand. 

   Observing that hundreds or more Christ-centered organizations around the world are working to bring about Kingdom-like living, and just as many are working and praying for the innocent and pure-in-heart to be released from oppression, torture and murder, we long for all of these efforts to be united in Christ’s love. These efforts are testimony that committed and Christ-driven doers-of-the-Word accomplish the moving of mountains. The instructions that the Lord has given in authentic scripture and authentic testimony, from the beginning and into these latter or last days, shines out all the more urgently. It is up to those that recognize these things to see that God’s word does not return to him void; and to see that each of our commissions are fulfilled while it is yet day.  

 

Next Zionworks meeting: All people who long for or are curious about Christ’s kingdom on the earth are invited to share and be part of this effort this coming Sunday, March 8^th in the basement of Central Branch, 919 S. Delaware, Independence at 2;00 PM. There will be adequate time after adjournment for further visiting. It is always a joy to assemble as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 

  Your questions and comments are welcome at zionworkz@protonmail.com . It is a real benefit and pleasure to receive these comments, and hopefully, to respond with adequate gratitude and adequate answers. 

 

                                      With Christ and his love as our bond, 

                                      Your friends at Zionworks 

Spring Gathering - April 18

 Spring Gathering - April 18

ODESSA HILLS CAMPGROUND WORKDAY - APRIL 18

 ODESSA HILLS CAMPGROUND WORKDAY - APRIL 18

CPRS 33rd Annual Spring Play - March 27, 28

 CPRS 33rd Annual Spring Play - March 27, 28

'What is the Fullness of the Gospel?' - Now Available at Restoration Bookstore

 

Chili Cook Off - March 21st

 

Conference Youth Choir

 From: Jeremy Stephenson

jstephenson@eldersconference.org

Conference Youth Choir

 

At our Friday night service of conference, we will have a youth choir provide the special music. 

All youth from Jr. High to older youth are welcome to sing with the choir. 

Rehearsals will be held on March 7th and 28th at 1:30pm at Outreach Restoration Branch. And April 3rd at 5:30pm at Waldo Ave. Restoration Branch.

Please get the word out to the youth who might be interested in participating. 

If there are youth that would like to sing, but are unable to attend rehearsal, please contact Moroni Stephenson at captainmoroni31@gmail.com to obtain a copy of the music.

Your brother in Christ

Jeremy Stephenson

CRE Chairman

jstephenson@eldersconference.org

816-898-4748

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MARCH 5, 2026

 

LIVING IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD MARCH 5, 2026

 

March greetings to the Saints around the world,

 

While there are many things that could be said about the month of March, one statement that can’t be proven is “In like a Lion, out like a Lamb, or in like a Lamb and out like a Lion. It is interesting that Jesus Christ is referred to as “The Lion of the tribe of Judah,” in Revelation 5:5 as well as “The Lamb of God,” in John 1:29 and 36. Since God has created all things, including the weather, it only makes sense that whichever way March, or any other month comes in or goes out, you have Jesus. Praise His Holy Name!

 

As we live in the Kingdom of God, we should be constantly aware of how we are living in the Kingdom of God. We are all familiar with the hymn, “Praise Ye the Lord.” The last verse states: “His saints are lovely in His sight, He views His children with delight. He sees their hope, He knows their fear, and looks and loves His image here.” Notice it says, “His saints.” Even though man was created in God’s image, it is obvious that many people have marred their own image so it may not resemble God’s image any more. Paul, in Romans 1:17-32, makes it very clear that many of God’s creation have changed the image of God into the image of corruptible man.

 

We might then ask, “Who or what is a “saint?” The dictionary, depending on which one you use says a saint is a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of holiness, likeness, or closeness to God. In the 1800’s the Latter Day Saints were criticized because they (we) called themselves “saints.” However the term “saint” can be found 60 or more times in the King James Version of the Bible.

 

So, the question might be, “Do those we live with or around consider us a “saint?” If we are living in the Kingdom of God, we should exhibit “saintly qualities. Jesus has given us the wherewithal to be “saintly.” Of course, we all fall short of the mark God wants us to achieve. He has therefore, given us a way to be saintly and when we fail, to be able to come back into His presence.

 

The ordinance of “The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper” which we observe the first Sunday of each month provides opportunities for each of us to get right with God and anyone we might have aught against by repenting and seeking forgiveness from God and others. Matthew 5:23-26 are the words of Jesus himself. Doctrine and Covenants 42 known as the “Law of the Church,” in verse 23 again shows clearly the way of God in dealing with others.

 

Take some time often to review Doctrine and Covenants 17 and 18. Refresh your memory of how God suffered for us and why we must comply with His commandments. Remember it is “His “Saints” who are lovely in His sight.

God bless you very richly in your Kingdom living.

 

Paul Gage

 

Book of Mormon Round Table - March 15

 

Odessa Hills Campground Workday - April 18

 Odessa Hills Campground Workday - April 18

Odessa Hills Campground Workday

Date: April 18

Time: 9:00 AM

Thank you for your help with this.

Best regards,

Matt Oltman

Caretaker, Odessa Hills Campground

oltman58@gmail.com

Vincent Nelson Truba Obituary

 

Vincent Nelson Truba Obituary Jan 17, 1940 – Jan 11, 2026 Vincent was born in Davidson, Michigan on January 17, 1940. Preceded in death was his brother, Larry (Phyllis)Truba in November 2024 and his mother, Eretta Truba and father, Arthur Truba. Vince attended K-12 in the Oxford school district in Oxford, Michigan. Upon graduating he attended Pontiac business school which prepared him for the draft of the United States Army. He served as a clerical worker at General Letterman's Hospital in San Francisco, California from 1963 - 1965. Evangelist Robert Murie officiated at the marriage for Sharilyn and Vincent at the Lake Orion RLDS Church on August 3, 1986. Vincent was appointed an Elder of the Reorganization Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1993 and served in engaging musical program. His instrument was the flute and enjoyed playing with Sharilyn at special church services. His enjoyment was hosting exchange students from Europe and Russia and was pleased to return to visit with them in their respective countries. His enjoyment was the water, studying ships and aviation, and anything that flew above him. He loved the lord and until a few weeks ago, you would see him studying the scripture. I will remember that forever. - My love Vince Vincent Nelson Truba's Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00 pm Buckner Restoration Branch 2607 N. Twyman Road Independence, MO 64058. Luncheon will be served after the service. Please plan to attend for fellowship with friends and family. A committal service will be held at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery @ Higginsville, located at 20109 Bus, Higginsville, MO, 64037, United States. The service is scheduled for January 20, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/independence-mo/vincent-truba-12701253

SCRB Reunion June 13-19

 SCRB Reunion June 13-19

SCRB Reunion: June 13-19,2026, with the theme Jesus Christ, Our Only Foundation.  

Darren Coffman: Director.  

Registration will begin April 1 with  a registration of $100/family fee accompanying the form as soon as possible.  

Start planning and preparing now. A church family needs to spend quality time together with each other and our Lord and Savior.  Save the Date. 

Blessings to You,

Susan Simmons

Registrar