HasteningThe Times Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Vol. 18, Number 1 Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 Issue No. 70

INSIDE: Grace, Faith, and Works - Part Two p. 6 The Government of the Church p. 12

Zion Shall Flourish p. 14

Zion Flourishes p. 16 Inside This Issue Editorial Comment ...... 3 Bishop’s Corner ...... 4 News & Updates ...... 5 Grace, Faith and Works - Part Two ...... 6 The Hastening President Ralph Damon Times Proposed Conference Agenda ...... 9 Proposed General Church Operating Budget 2017 ...... 10 Volume 18 - Number 1 Issue 70 The Government of the Church: A Theocratic Democracy ...... 12 Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 President James Vun Cannon Zion Shall Flourish ...... 14 Editors In Chief Presiding Patriarch Carl VunCannon, Jr. The First Presidency Moments With the Master 2017 Subscrption Form ...... 15 Frederick N. Larsen Ralph W. Damon Zion Flourishes ...... 16 James A. Vun Cannon Bishop Andrew Romer Managing Editors From the Desk of...... 18 Rod and Pat Walsh News from the Branches ...... 22 Manuscript Preparation General Conference Registration Form ...... 27 Kathie Mills Ambassadors for Zion ...... 28 Proofreaders Ralph Damon High Priest Corwyn Mercer David Van Fleet The Hastening Times Donation Form ...... 29 Production Children’s Pages ...... 30 Stacey Dietiker Cindy Patience Dates to Remember ...... Back Page

The Hastening Times is published quarterly by the VISIT OUR WEB-SITE Remnant www.theremnantchurch.com CHURCH of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints e-mail churchoffi [email protected] 700 W. Lexington Ave. Independence, MO 64050 FRONT COVER DESIGN - Sarah Mills (816) 461-7215 PHOTOS - Rebecca Paris, David Van Fleet, Rod Walsh FAX (816) 461-7278 Articles and the opinions expressed PAINTING - “Zion Flourishes,” Lois Romer (pages 16 - 17) herein do not necessarily represent the offi cial position of the Remnant Church Our Mission Statement of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unsigned articles are attributable to the The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is called into Editors. All materials submitted may be renewal to preach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who edited for clarity and space. will listen, and to prepare and gather a righteous people for the building of the Kingdom of God on earth, Zion.

2 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 Editorial Comment . . .

Why the Remnant Church? Several months ago, during my journey into Kenya, I was asked this question by an elderly gentleman. The question was posed to me after Seventy Friday Mbaoma and I had spent some time sharing the gospel with a group from the Massai tribe of that area of Kenya. My response, after a brief moment of thought, was the simple statement, “Because we’re going to build the king- dom.” In this issue of The Hastening Times, you will find articles which focus on several seemingly different topics of in- terest to the Remnant Church. However, when taken in their totality, that common thread of building the kingdom of God on earth weaves its way through each one. There are writings which speak of the growth at Bountiful, how Zion’s ability to flourish will come about, how the church is organized, not only by scriptural law, but by a dem- ocratic process, and an article which reminds every saint of the need to more fully understand that faith, works, and grace must be an integral part of our lives. Seemingly disparate, these are, however, intricately entwined. Carefully enclosed in the “Proclamation and Invitation to the Faithful” which was penned on May 18, 1999, and became the first call to gather the saints into what ultimately became the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was this portion of scripture which, as it was described, compelled those men “by a Higher Power to once again ‘earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints’ (Jude 1:3).” That Procla- mation continues then to define the rationale for the emergence of the Remnant Church, giving both historical, as well as scriptural, support for the necessity of that decision. Ultimately the Proclamation closes with this state- ment: “Prophets and seers have looked longingly to these latter days and for a faithful remnant who will covenant to keep all the commandments of God ‘that the Kingdom of Heaven may come’ (D&C 65:1f).” As Latter Day Saints, many of us have looked forward to the day when that fulfillment will take place. Like those twelve brothers who stood for truth, and in full solidarity when composing that Proclamation, they looked to the past pattern of scriptural and organizational authority to set in place the way by which the kingdom of God can be brought again to this earth. In a moment of “revealment” given just a few years ago, during a powerful communion service at Blue Springs Branch, the Lord indicated that the “city of Zion, the Church of the Firstborn, as you have read of it and studied of it, I will tell you now that it was not a great city in number – but it is a great city in power.” Perhaps for too long we have anticipated that the Lord would bring great numbers to the church, in fulfillment of the words quoted in Isaiah 2:2-3 and Micah 4:2 where it is referenced that “all nations shall flow unto it”and “he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” Saints, perhaps it is time that we seriously look unto ourselves to see if we are that people whom the Lord is fully depending upon to build up the waste places of Zion, to become the true and pure examples of “the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble” (D&C 58:3) who will be called unto this great work. Writing for the First Presidency, we have no doubt that we can accomplish this great work. We are in harmony with that which was shared with those seekers in Kenya, that this church will establish Zion. And we are sure that “Zion Shall Flourish.” May it be so in our day, during our time, and according to his will.

Ralph W. Damon The First Presidency

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 3 by Bishop Andrew Romer

The Order of Bishops is excited to share with the saints the topics covered at the Aaronic Priesthood Assembly which took place February 23rd through the 25th. The work of the Aaronic priesthood is vital to the preparation of the saints in these last days, and a significant effort was made by the leaders of the Aaronic Quorums, in con- cert with the Order of Bishops, to plan a retreat that was uplifting, insightful, and, we hope, memorable. We had opportunity to worship, fellowship, study, and ultimately dedicate ourselves to furthering this great work we are called to do. We ask the saints to continually share their encouraging words with the men, as well as offer your sincere prayers on their behalf, as they continue to learn how to better serve God’s people. “An Offering in Righteousness”

Quorum Workshop Sessions Deacons: 1. An examination of the deacon’s responsibility to invite all to come unto Christ. This interactive session included discussion related to ways the dea- cons can create meaningful relationships in the everyday lives of the saints. “Attend to 2. We in the Aaronic Priesthood have the opportunity to play a significant role in thy calling encouraging the consecration of the saints by visiting our saints on a regular basis and demonstrating the principles of the financial law and good steward- and thou ship. shalt have Teachers: wherewith to 1. Blessed are the peacemakers. This session focused on practical conflict reso- magnify thine lution skills that we hope will give the men the tools they need to help each member reconcile, one with another, so that we may be of one heart and one office, and to mind. expound all 2. Teaching the principles of the gospel to the saints is necessary so that they Scriptures.” may have the law written in their hearts. This session explored how the teach- ers can bring the principles of the gospel into the homes of the saints. D&C 23:4d Priests: 1. This session explored how the priest’s ministry in the tabernacle in the days of old influences their ministry to the saints today. 2. Visiting in the home of every member is a primary duty of the priest. This ses- sion focused on how the priests can bring meaningful and transformational ministry into the homes of the saints.

4 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 NEWS & UPDATES

REGISTER FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE Don’t YOUNG ADULT YOUTH GROUP A Young Adult forget that General Conference will soon be upon us. Youth group for singles ages 18+ is now meeting in the Please complete and return the General Conference Center Place. We hope to draw everyone together for registration form on page 27 of this issue. It is an fun activities and fellowship. So, if this is you, some exciting time – we hope you will be a part of it. fun activities are planned such as game nights, movie nights, volleyball, etc. Your suggestions are welcome. MUSIC DIRECTORS, MUSICIANS, AND SONG There will be no classes. This is purely to get to know LEADERS There is a meeting scheduled just for you each other. during General Conference on Friday, April 7th. Please refer to “From the Desk of...The Music Director” on Meetings will be held once a month at the Remnant page twenty-one of this issue of The Hastening Times Church Gathering Place. Our meeting for March will for more information. be held on Saturday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m. It will be a Clue Murder Mystery scavenger hunt. We will be YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE playing Clue except there will be no gameboard, no PROGRAM Please share your talents; don’t let dice, just cards. It’s a scavenger hunt for all the hidden them hide under a bushel! We are looking for youth cards and you will have to work together to find out and young adults to share their talents at a recital on th who did it! Refreshments will be provided. If you Saturday, April 8 prior to the afternoon business have any questions, please feel free to contact Victoria session of General Conference. Please text Barbara Vun Cannon or Stacey Dietiker at (816) 461-7215. Sherer, (712) 310-1838, if you are interested in sharing Hope to see you there! your talent at this recital. PLEASE SUPPORT THE HASTENING TIMES PAST ISSUES OF THE HASTENING TIMES WITH A DONATION We hope you enjoy receiving Don’t miss this great opportunity to enhance your your issue of The Hastening Times. Each quarter home library with this valuable resource. Past issues approximately 1,025 copies are sent to individuals (going back many years) will be available at General and households in the US and Canada, and additional Conference at no charge. Look for our table. copies delivered to international missions. Please MOMENTS WITH THE MASTER Please note the complete and return the donation form on page 27 to subscription form for the 2017 issues of Moments With give your support to this important ministry. the Master is included in this issue of The Hastening 2017 CALENDAR PLANNING Please note the dates Times (please see page 15). In addition to the print for many key Remnant Church gatherings have been edition, a new electronic edition will be available. set. Dates for General Conference, as well as retreats, WE NEED YOUR STORIES…AND POEMS… reunions, and camps can be found on the back cover. AND TESTIMONIES We are always looking and These represent opportunities for fellowship with the listening for articles to include in the daily devotional, saints, and to enjoy spiritual renewal as we come to- Moments With the Master. Submissions of short gether in one heart and one mind. We hope to see you testimonies, spiritual insights, sacred-themed poetry at these important events! or stories are welcome anytime. Send them to us by email ([email protected]) or regular mail (Church Headquarters, 700 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64050.) We will take them typed, handwritten, or just by word of mouth, if you are willing to share! BRANCH GREETING CARDS Now available at Remnant Church Headquarters: 4x6 greeting cards with the Remnant Church seal and branch name print- ed on the front, blank inside. Cost is $5.00 for fifty cards. Call Stacey Dietiker at (816) 461-7215.

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 5 GRACE, FAITH, AND WORKS: THE ONGOING STRUGGLE FOR UNDERSTANDING by President Ralph Damon Part Two

Part One of this article appeared in the October/November/December 2016 issue of The Hastening Times. Readers are encouraged to review Part One in preparation for the conclusion of this article.

We began our discussion by examining the relationship up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it between grace and works; we now find more qualifiers should obey you” (Luke 17:6). thrown into the mixture of our spiritual development and growth. One of those qualifiers is faith, or simply “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent put, the ability to believe and to trust in God in spite of sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that all the challenges presented to the promises made by he was righteous…. By faith Enoch was translated Divinity. that he should not see death…. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the promises, stopped the mouths of lions” (Hebrews evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). 11:4-5, 33).

Many people today confess that “And the prayer of faith shall they are “believers,” meaning save the sick, and the Lord shall that they “believe” in a God in raise him up; and if he have heaven, and that he has a Son committed sins, they shall be named Jesus. But all too many forgiven him” (James 5:15). of those cannot profess to be “followers,” as the lures of Just as there are many ways in Babylon too often pull them from which faith’s presence brings their weak faith in God and his Son and Gracelowers them about certain evidences of power, there are also many once again into the effects of sin and separation. Those aspects of faith through which mankind may find faith with true faith find it possible to hold themselves to taking root in this life. We quickly come to understand the heavenly promises through the sheer strength and the need, the necessity, for faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us determination of their faith. that without faith “…it is impossible to please him.” Moroni 7:24-25 encourages us that, “…thus by faith, Further, their faith is demonstrated in their ministries they did lay hold upon every good thing…and by in their quality of work and labor to God’s brethren. faith, they become the sons of God.” “…thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing…men also were saved by faith in his name; and We learn that there are specific objects of our faith, by faith, they become the sons of God” (Moroni 7:24- entities which can bring us greater blessings than 25). anything ever found upon, and in, this earthly life. We must come to believe and trust in God, to have faith Not only does the addition of faith to grace and works and trust in his Son so that we will have everlasting afford mankind the opportunity of becoming the sons life, and to accept and put into practice the gospel of and daughters of God, the Scriptures promise that there Jesus so that it might provide for our salvation. We also will become evident in each person’s life a power that need to accept the witness of the prophets of all the was not before available. This power, due to the many ages so that God’s Word might ring as true to us today necessities of life and ministry, can take many forms as it did to those believers of dispensations long past as it works in concert with God’s will. “And the Lord to have faith that the promises of God will be fulfilled said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you and are designed to bring each created soul back into might say unto this sycamore tree, Be thou plucked the presence of God. Finally, we must understand that

6 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 we are justified by our faith so that we might find the Isaiah we read what might be an even more disturbing peacefulness of God’s rest within us. verse of scripture: “For I know their works and their thoughts;” (Isaiah 66:18). Two seemingly innocent Returning to the words of Ether, if mankind is given scriptures place us at the heart of God’s ability to know weakness in order to understand the need for humility, not only what we have done (our works) but also to he also promised that the weak things will become pierce our hearts and our minds and understand the strong. Paul allows us to take that thought and extend intent by which we respond in doing. He knows! He the promise that those who become “strong” will also knows us; our hearts, our desires, our fears, and our have the opportunity to become perfect. trepidations; he knows, yet he loves and continues, to the last moment of our mortal ability to come unto “Now the God of peace, that brought again from him, to afford mankind the opportunity to receive of the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the his grace – through the expressions of our individual sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, faith and our works. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his King Benjamin closes Mosiah 3:21 with these words sight…” (Hebrews 13:20-21). of counsel to his people. Written some 120 years before the birth of Christ, they have the same truthful Now we begin to see the union, the unity of works ring to us today: “Therefore, I would that ye should of faith and of grace, combining together to bring be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in mankind into that special relationship that God has so good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, long anticipated. Let us use the words of Moroni to may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, clarify this unity: “And again, if ye, by the grace of that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal God, are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and then are ye sanctified in Christ by mercy of him, who created all the grace of God, through the things, in heaven and in earth, shedding of the blood of Christ, who is God above all. Amen.” which is in the covenant of the Father, unto the remission of Recall just a few paragraphs your sins, that ye become holy ago when we listed a couple without spot” (Moroni 10:30). of examples of why or how we might be judged? The greater So grace is a gift bestowed by part of that judgment comes not just Faithfrom what we do or did, but comes from the intent by God upon those who can never “do” enough but are diligently working in their ministry to the brethren, which we respond and carry through on our ministries. keeping the commandments and exercising their Alma helps us understand this intent perhaps a bit more faith in God and all he encompasses. It appears that clearly: “For I say unto you, that whatsoever is good, the pivot point of our discussion balances on works cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil, cometh with faith and grace being the two ends of the fulcrum from the devil; Therefore, if a man bringeth forth lever. In the Inspired Version of the Bible there are 252 good works, he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good references to “works” – all alluding to the works of shepherd; and he doth follow him;” (Alma 3:67-68). Christ, our works, and how these affect our salvation. Throughout our other two books of Scriptures, there In a concise and deep study of the Scriptures we are also numerous references that indicate each man find that there are references to works, many works, and woman will be judged according to their works: be good works, doers of the work, and so on. Scripture they good or bad, be they led by the Holy Spirit or by references, especially Paul and James as authors, the influence of Satan. expound on the union of faith and works being so closely tied together that you cannot have one without As we ponder this, the Lord desires that we carefully the other. Jesus counseled his followers, and us, with understand what he knows regarding our works: several challenges of how we should work or labor. “But behold, I will shew unto them, saith the Lord of hosts, that I know all their works. For, shall the “And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things work say of him that made it, He made me not? or which I say?” (Luke 6:46). shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?” (Isaiah 29:28). Later in

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 7 “…He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall In some of the final words Jesus spoke to his disciples, he do also;” (John 14:12). he spoke of many things which would confront them as well as giving them the promise of what the coming “Therefore, whosoever hearing these sayings of mine Comforter would bring to them. In one verse of John and doeth them…” (Matthew 7:34). 14, he shared even further the abilities which would “And he said, Yea, and blessed are all they who hear be theirs to continue to do the type of “work” he was the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:29). now extending to them. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he However, for the very first, and the only time, in do also; and greater works than these shall he do…” the Scriptures we can now find another reference to (John 14:12). “holy works” that takes us to another step in our walk towards the kingdom. And this reference can only refer In the Book of Mormon these words came true as to the type of work or ministry which we are counseled those whom Jesus called his disciples began to work to follow – the same type of ministry performed by their marvelous ministries: “And there were great and the Master himself. “And they began from that time marvelous works wrought by the disciples of Jesus, forth to call on his name; therefore God conversed insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the with men, and made known unto them the plan of dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to redemption, which had been prepared from the receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; And all foundation of the world; And this he made known manner of miracles did they work among the children unto them according to their faith and repentance, of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it and their holy works;” (Alma 9:49-50). were in the name of Jesus” (4 Nephi 1:6-7).

Would this richer description of the works of Christ be And it is within those marvelous works, those “holy surprising to anyone? If the Master works,” that the gift of grace is was involved in any “works” of bestowed upon mankind – bit by ministry, due to the nature that bit, piece by piece – “holy work was within him and his utter after holy work” – until mankind allegiance to the Word itself, comes to realize that the grace of would any other description of God has been within us from the his ministry suffice other than him moment we began to change the doing “holy works?” If we are to corruption that is within us to the grasp that richer understanding of Works incorruption that waits for us. “works” and their importance in establishing our life in eternity, the truest example for us is resident within the God’s grace is not simply the gift that is bestowed upon life of Christ himself. Thus, by simple extension, if we us at the time of our presence before the judgment bar do that which Christ would do, we do “holy works.” of God. The gift of God’s grace becomes that quality of life which is reflected in each and every person who In attempting in some small way to describe God, has begun to live a life according to God’s will and not three scriptures record him being a “Man of Holiness.” his own. This can be found in Genesis 6:60, Genesis 7:42, and Doctrine and Covenants 36:7d. If God is a “Man of Grace is for now; it is for the future; it is for us whenever Holiness,” we would then understand that his Son, we choose to live a life of faithfulness toward God and filled with the same attributes as his Father, would also the Christ and allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit be such a man. Further, we would, with great reason, to encourage us to work righteousness in our lives then understand that all they would do would reflect so that the image of both the Father and the Son can nothing but wonderful, amazing, and “holy” works. become our reflection.

The third book of Nephi 13:45 records this Grace – Faith – Works! Three components of understanding: “And if ye had all the scriptures which ministry which find balance in the lives of dedicated give an account of all the marvelous works of Christ, and devout saints of the Most High God. ye would, according to the words of Christ, know that these things must surely come.”

8 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 General Conference, April 3 - 9, 2017 “Zion Shall Flourish” 2017 General Conference Agenda Wednesday, April 5th 2017 General Conference Educational Sessions 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Registration/Fellowship (CC) 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Worship Service -TBA (CC) Monday to Wednesday, April 3 – 5 th As the 2017 General Conference nears, educational ses- Thursday, April 6 sions are being set in place for Monday and Tuesday, and 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. General Prayer Service Wednesday morning, April 3 – 5. With the conference theme Patriarchs (WC) established as “Zion Shall Flourish,” each session will be 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Opening Business Session (CC) designed to provide a framework whereby the saints and Noon Recess conference attendees can actively participate and engage in 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Quorum/Order Sessions (WC) learning opportunities. Not only will the presenters provide Membership (CC) a wealth of knowledge, but several of the sessions will find 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Women’s Reception (WC) those in attendance busy learning and modeling newfound 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Registration (CC) skills, and finding ways to implement them in their personal Evening Recess and church lives. 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Worship Service Bishopric (CC) The Quorum of High Priests will review some of the topics 8:45 - 9:30 p.m. Youth Activity/Fellowship which have been presented to the men of the high priesthood th over the past year, with potential topics on the Temple, evan- Friday, April 7 gelism, counseling, preaching, Book of Mormon geography, 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. General Prayer Service the use of religious symbols, the endowment, spiritual gifts, Patriarchs (WC) prayer, and the relationship of grace, works, and faith. 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Quorum/Order Sessions (WC) Membership (CC) Apostle Terry Patience will host a class on how to be a mis- Noon Recess sionary. This interactive presentation will present how in- 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Luncheon with Song Leaders (FH) dividual saints can be ready to respond to inquiries or ques- 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Ministry of Music (CC) tions from non-Remnant people about the church, religion, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Business Session (CC) or their relationship with Christ. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Instructional Session (CC) President Ralph Damon will challenge everyone to “think 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Young Families Fellowship (FH) outside the box” about what we know or believe by using 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Registration (CC) video to enhance what we see or hear that can be utilized Evening Recess in our understanding of our faith and beliefs. The core of 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Worship Service this session will be discussion of our strengths, our abilities, Quorum of Twelve (CC) the depth of our faith, will we ever accept failure, and our Saturday, April 8th willingness, or unwillingness, to come together as one body. 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. General Prayer Service The session presented by Presiding Patriarch Carl VunCan- Patriarchs (WC) non, Jr. will focus on the celestial law and its implementation 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Business Session - Inspired Document and adoption by the church and the saints. The Lord has & Priesthood Calls (CC) clearly informed the church of the necessity of adhering to Noon Recess this law. Brother VunCannon will bring his rich ministry 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Final Registration (CC) forward in assisting us in understanding this “gift” of God. 1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Ministry of Music (CC) 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Ordination Service (CC) We are still seeking a final presentation at press time. As 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Instructional Session (CC) soon this known, we will make the entire educational pro- Evening Recess gram agenda available. We hope that many who are plan- 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Worship Service ning on attending General Conference this year will come First Presidency (CC) early for these very appropriate presentations. 8:45 - 9:30 p.m. Youth Activity/Fellowship Sunday, April 9th 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (CC) 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. Worship Service (CC)

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 9 REMNANT CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS PROPOSED GENERAL CHURCH OPERATING BUDGET 2017 The following proposed budget for calendar year 2017 is respectfully submitted for fi nal review and authorization by the April 2017 General Conference. An extensive process of gathering information and reviewing various proposals has been carried out by the Budget Committee. Undertaking such a task is fi rst based on a careful analysis of previous income and expenditures by the Presiding Bishopric and then projecting income for the coming year. The Budget Committee then reviews formal requests submitted by the various quorums, orders, and department heads. Those requests are made based upon proposed programs and goals for the coming year. They are then compiled into the proposed budget and submitted to the Board of Appropriations for review and approval prior to submission to General Conference. As directed by the General Conference of April 2009, the additional step was completed of submitting Family Allowances to the Standing High Council for their advice and counsel. We are now pleased to submit the results of the many review sessions and adjustment processes. Respectfully submitted, 2017 Budget Committee – Frederick N. Larsen, First Presidency; Ralph Damon, Counselor, First Presidency; W. Kevin Romer, Presiding Bishopric; Donald Burnett, Quorum of Twelve. 2017 Board of Appropriations – First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, Order of Bishops, President of Quorum of High Priests, and representative from the Seventy. ESTIMATED INCOME EXPENSES Church Staffi ng General Church Salary and Benefi ts $ 208,000.00 Offering $ 35,000.00 Hastening Times $ 3,000.00 First Presidency Other Contributions $ 0.00 Offi ce Equipment Lease $ 8,000.00 Tithing $ 335,000.00 Equipment Maintenance $ 100.00 Miscellaneous $ 10,000.00 Leadership Development $ 500.00 Total Contributions - General Church $ 383,000.00 Offi ce Supplies $ 3,000.00 Periodicals, Dues, Etc. $ 100.00 Interest $ 200.00 Postage - Mailing $ 1,000.00 Miscellaneous Income Printing, Copying $ 50.00 Inventory Sales-Curriculum and Books $ 7,000.00 Telecommunications $ 5,000.00 Hymnal Sales $ 0.00 Travel $ 1,000.00 Other $ 0.00 Community Public Relations $ 250.00 Total · Miscellaneous Income $ 7,000.00 Miscellaneous $ 600.00 Total Income - General Church $ 390,200.00 Total • First Presidency Operations $ 19,600.00 Income – Facilities Quorum of Twelve & Seventy Gathering Place Quorum of Twelve Contributions $ 1,000.00 Missionary Materials $ 2,000.00 First Branch - Cost Share $ 36,150.00 Offi ce Supplies $ 500.00 Facility Use Fee $ 10,000.00 Postage - Mailing $ 500.00 Total Gathering Place $ 47,150.00 Printing $ 200.00 Headquarters Building Telecommunications $ 1,500.00 Center Branch – Cost Share $ 13,000.00 Missionary Outreach Lunch Partners - Cost Share $ 14,000.00 Total Missionary Outreach $ 43,100.00 Facility Use Fee $ 1,000.00 Total • Quorum of Twelve $ 47,800.00 Total Headquarters Building $ 28,000.00 The Seventy Total Income Facilities $ 75,150.00 Postage-Mailing-Offi ce Supplies $ 400.00 Missionary Materials $ 700.00 Total Estimated Income Telephone $ 250.00 General Church & Facilities $ 465,350.00 Total • The Seventy $ 1,350.00 Total • Quorum of Twelve & Seventy $ 49,150.00

10 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 EXPENSES (Continued) EXPENSES (Continued) Quorums and Orders News Briefs Aaronic Ministries $ 200.00 Offi ce Supplies $ 50.00 Melchisedec Ministries $ 200.00 Postage $ 500.00 High Priests Quorum Printing $ 0.00 Telephone $ 600.00 Total • News Briefs $ 550.00 Postage/Offi ce Supplies, Other $ 100.00 Total • Media - Public Relations $ 20,600.00 Total High Priests $ 700.00 Total • Quorums $ 1,100.00 Other General Church Expenses Insurance Services Order of Patriarchs Inland Marine & Hired Auto $ 2,800.00 Travel/Teleconference $ 1,000.00 Workers Comp & Crime Insurance $ 1,200.00 Printing $ 0.00 Other General Church Liability $ 16,000.00 Offi ce Supplies-Misc Postage $ 0.00 Child and Youth Protection $ 500.00 Total • Order of Patriarchs $ 1,000.00 Legal Services $ 250.00 Total • Quorums and Orders $ 2,100.00 Accounting and Audit $ 0.00 Presiding Bishopric Other Professional Services $ 0.00 Bank Service Charges $ 800.00 Total • Other General Church Expenses $ 20,750.00 Copy Machine Lease $ 2,500.00 Corporate Fees & Registrations $ 500.00 GENERAL CHURCH PROPERTIES & FACILITIES Offi ce Supplies $ 1,500.00 Headquarters Bldg. Postage - Mailing $ 1,000.00 Labor – Maintenance & Repair $ 3,000.00 Stewardship Materials $ 800.00 Building Supplies-Janitorial $ 250.00 Telecommunications $ 2,000.00 Building Improvements $ 500.00 Travel $ 1,000.00 Contract Labor - Grounds $ 500.00 Total • Presiding Bishopric $ 10,100.00 Maintenance & Repair- Bldg. $ 1,000.00 Maintenance - Grounds $ 200.00 Departments - Divisions Insurance $ 10,000.00 History $ 325.00 Utilities $ 42,000.00 Library $ 200.00 Total • Headquarters Bldg. $ 57,450.00 Music/Hymnal $ 450.00 Education Board $ 700.00 Gathering Place Expenses Women’s Ministries $ 2,500.00 Labor – Maintenance & Repair $ 5,000.00 Youth Activities $ 1,000.00 Building Supplies-Janitorial $ 2,000.00 Remnant Warriors and Handmaidens $ 750.00 Contract Labor - Grounds $ 500.00 Young Adult Group $ 500.00 Maintenance - Buildings $ 3,000.00 Total Departments-Divisions $ 6,425.00 Maintenance - Equipment $ 800.00 Maintenance - Grounds $ 500.00 Media - Public Relations Insurance $ 13,000.00 Communications Signs – Billboards $ 1,000.00 Website $ 3,000.00 Telephone $ 3,500.00 Miscellaneous $ 500.00 Utilities $ 40,000.00 Total • Communications $ 3,500.00 Total Gathering Place $ 69,300.00 Publications Total • Properties and Facilities Expense $ 126,750.00 Printing – Copying $ 200.00 Postage & Mailing $ 250.00 Product. Costs –Invent. Sales $ 2,000.00 Total Operating Expenses $ 463,475.00 Product. Costs - Hymnal $ 200.00 Miscellaneous $ 0.00 Projected Net Income $ 1,875.00 Total • Publications $ 2,650.00 Hastening Times Offi ce Supplies $ 800.00 Postage $ 2,100.00 Printing $ 11,000.00 Graphic Arts $ 0.00 Other $ 0.00 Total • Hastening Times $ 13,900.00

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 11 The Government of the Church: A Theocratic Democracy By President James Vun Cannon

What do you think when you hear the word them; he was their God, and they were his people. “government” in relation to the church? Maybe you Moses received the word of the Lord from God himself; get a mental picture of General Conference or stake he was the mouth of God to Aaron, and Aaron taught conference or a branch business meeting? Some the people in both the civil and ecclesiastical affairs; may view the government of the church as secular they were both one; there was no distinction; so will or institutional and separate from God. The idea of it be when the purposes of God shall be accomplished; government is so ingrained in our culture and so much when the Lord shall be king over the whole earth...”2 a part of us that it is sometimes hard to distinguish what God originally had in mind. “For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our In the Remnant Church, we have King;…”3 a government similar to that of “The church, the United States of America. Joseph Smith III went on to help The founding fathers of the as defined by the define this foundation further with United States believed that the the statement below. government would only work if its late President “The church, as defined by the people were a righteous people. Joseph Smith, late President Joseph Smith, is a “ . . . that He (God) would make us theocratic democracy – not man- deeply sensible that ‘righteousness is a theocratic made, but of divine appointment exalteth a nation, but sin is a and origin. It was brought into being reproach to any people;’” John democracy – by command of God, is guided Adams, second President of the and administered by his authority, USA.1 is sustained by the light of his not man-made, Spirit, and exists for his purposes; However, in these last hours before but notwithstanding the primary the Lord comes, we must be careful but of divine rights of Divinity in his church, our not to judge the government of the heavenly Father has committed to church in the same way we judge appointment and the Saints an important share in the federal government. So what the responsibility of governing his is the government of the Remnant origin.” church.”4 Church? Joseph Smith III’s statement that the In the early days of the church, Joseph Smith, Jr., church’s government was a “theocratic democracy” defined the church as a “theocracy.” A theocracy adds more dimensions to understanding the is a government by God. Joseph stated this type of government of the kingdom. The theocratic portion government when he referred to God’s dealings with of this statement means theocratic government: “God the children of Israel when Moses was the leader of the himself is recognized as the head” of the government Church. Joseph stated: of the church. This is why the government of the church is considered “…not man-made, but of divine “Their government was a theocracy; they had God to appointment and origin.”4 The “democracy” portion make their laws, and men chosen by him to administer

12 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 of the statement must be considered according to the of God is great,6 and their value cannot be changed, time period it was given, during the 1800s. In that else God would cease to be God.7 The worth of souls time, the word “democracy” was synonymous with and the framing of “common consent,” in which the republic. This was due to the way many people of minority acquiesces to the majority, and the majority the time viewed the government of the United States. does not oppress the minority,8 builds strong walls on The prevailing thought of the day was that the word the foundation of Christ for the government of a holy “democracy” meant a form of government in which church. the government derives its power from the people and is accountable to them for the use of that power. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ is then a In this sense, the United States and the church might theocratic democracy / republic in which the will accurately be called a democracy. The United States, of God is executed by divinely-appointed ministers, of course, has been a republic since the late 1780s. with the consent of the members. English orthography makes it difficult because of the Under the theocratic phase, the authority of God multiple ways to spell nearly every phoneme (sound) is primary. Under the democratic phase, the people and, depending on the context, the word may take on (priesthood and membership) exercise the right to an entirely different meaning. Further compounded by consent, to reject, or originate legislation that is not in those with little information, is they didn’t realize the opposition to God’s laws. change in the intent of the word from the beginning in 1776 when the United States was a pure democracy How is this possible that we can have authority in God’s (which failed), to a form of a republic. holy church government? As with the government of the United States, if the members are not righteous, Founding father John Adams stated, “Remember, the government cannot work. So, we are called to be democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, a people which have the law written in our hearts, to and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet deny all ungodliness, to become perfect by grace, and 5 that did not commit suicide.” to reach sanctification through sacrifice, to one day These two forms of government, democracy and become the pure in heart. republic, are not only dissimilar but opposing, reflecting 1. John Adams, Letter to the Officers of the First Brigade of the Third the sharp contrast between “majority unlimited” and Division of the Militia of Massachusetts, 11 October 1798, 2. Joseph Smith, Jr., “The Government of God,” Times and Seasons. July “majority limited.” A “majority unlimited” democracy 15, 1842, Volume 3, page 857. lacks any legal safeguards of the rights of the 3. Isaiah 33:22. individual and the minority (meaning you can create 4. Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Rules and Resolutions, “Rules of Order,” Rule 6, adopted April 5th, 1952. laws about anything to the point of diminishing human life). “Majority limited,” or a republic under a written 5. John Adams, “Letter to John Taylor,” 17 December 1814. 6. Doctrine and Covenants 16:3c. constitution, provides safeguards of the rights of the 7. Romans 2:11; Doctrine and Covenants 22:23b. individual and the minority. As we shall see, this is 8. Doctrine and Covenants 25:1b; “The Mayflower Compact – what God has intended. The worth of souls in the sight Consent of the Governed.”

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 13 ZION SHALL FLOURISH

by Presiding Patriarch Carl VunCannon , Jr.

“Zion Shall Flourish” because God has commanded the urgency of our preparation and delay no longer our that it will flourish. To enable this to happen, there obedience to the will of God and his Son, Jesus. needs to be a group of God’s children with a belief One of the most compelling requirements for preparing system so strong that they will be willing to give all the Bride is having an eye single to the glory of God. their resources, everything, to do the will of God and his Son, Jesus. This will include our agency, freely “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole given, so Zion can flourish and be a blessing to the bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no world and our neighbors. darkness in you, and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify By so doing, we fulfill the two great yourselves that your minds commandments; “…Thou shalt become single to God, and the love the Lord thy God with all thy “Seek to bring days will come that you shall see heart, and with all thy soul, and him: for he will unveil his face with all thy mind. This is the first forth and establish unto you, and it shall be in his and great commandment. And the my Zion. Keep my own time, and in his own way, second is like unto it; Thou shalt and according to his own will” love thy neighbor as thyself. On commandments (Doctrine and Covenants 85:18). these two commandments hang in all things; and all the law and the prophets” Those having an eye single to (Matthew 22:36-39). if you keep my the glory of God will receive significant blessings as we cause This group of people must believe commandments Zion to flourish. that God has given to his Son, Jesus, all the power of heaven to and endure to the “Behold, blessed, saith the support our efforts in keeping all Lord, are they who have come of his commandments (celestial end, you shall have up unto this land with an eye law) which will culminate in his eternal life; which single to my glory, according kingdom, Zion. to my commandments; for they gift is the greatest of that live shall inherit the earth, As we continue in our preparation and they that die shall rest from of the Bride, we will see Zion all the gifts of God.” all their labors, and their works develop, grow, and flourish. Doctrine & Covenants 12:3 shall follow them, and they shall The speed of Zion’s growth will receive a crown in the mansions depend upon the spiritual condition of my Father, which I have prepared for them; yea, (preparation of the Bride). Each of us, as members of blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Zion, who have obeyed my gospel, for they shall Saints, must recognize the responsibility which is ours receive for their reward the good things of the earth; as we individually and collectively prepare the Bride and it shall bring forth in its strength; and they shall for the coming of the Bridegroom. also be crowned with blessings from above; yea, and Because of the knowledge and understanding we have, with commandments not a few, and with revelations through the revelatory process, we must be aware of

14 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 in their time; they that are faithful and diligent before in the attainment of the kingdom of God on earth” me” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:1). (Doctrine and Covenants R152:4). Having an eye single to God’s glory requires that we Zion must flourish. It will flourish and become reality cannot separate the spiritual from the temporal. Both when each of us becomes convinced that God’s way is must operate to bear testimony of God in all areas of our way. Our actions convince the world of our faith in our everyday life as well as our spiritual life. a creator of all things – God, the Father of all mankind. He, God, waits for our response. “Wherefore, verily I say unto you, that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given There are many advertisements and TV commercials unto you a law which was temporal, neither any man, by hospitals in our area about the amount of wait time nor the children of men; neither Adam your father, in their emergency rooms. Is fifteen minutes or thirty whom I created; behold, I gave unto him that he minutes too long? should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him The world is in a state of great emergency. What commandment, but no temporal commandment gave is an appropriate time for us to respond to God’s I unto him; for my commandments are spiritual; they commandments to establish his kingdom, Zion? are not natural, nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:9). Zion Must Flourish, and it must flourish NOW! “…To that end, let the Bishopric with the temporal law “The church is admonished again that joint and the First Presidency with the spiritual law come responsibility is laid on all. Properly and equally together under the celestial law, such consummation borne, this responsibility will insure success, the making the secular become sacred and culminating consummation will be glorious, and all will share in that glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 141:8). Moments With the Master 2017 It is time to renew your subscription, or time to sign up if you haven’t done so! Get your Remnant Church daily devotional for the next 12 months. $20.00 for the year for “hard copy” mailed to your home. New for 2017: Digital copy available at $5.00. (Digital copy will be by email subscription, so we still need you to sign up.) Complete the following form or you may sign up and pay online: www.theremnantchurch.com/online donations ------Name ______I want: Hard copy Digital email Address (for hard copy) ______Zip or Postal Code ______Email address (for digital copy) ______Mail this form to MWTM, 700 West Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050 Include $20.00 payment for hard copy/$5.00 for email. Checks should be made payable to the Remnant Church Order only one format per name please

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 15 It can be diffi cult in the winter months, in theion midst of cold and desolate surroundings, to remember that we serve a lovingZ God, a God of abundance. Stepping from our warm homes into the bitterness, we are confronted with the reality that the world we live in can be a hostile and otherwise incompatible place with the joys of life. Images of snowfl akes and sleigh rides, of sledding and hot cocoa by the fi replace are, for a brief time, inviting, but soon, memories of the warmth of the sun on our face fi ll our minds and a longing to return to the days of spring fi ll our soul. But no glimmer of thought, or memory, no matter how strong, is as powerful as the real thing, and those thoughts dissolve away as we are again confronted with the harshness that is winter. Then, time passes and harshness gives way to the life of spring. The fl owers bloom in the fi elds, the leaves return to the trees, and the world around us is transformed into a landscape of hope and beauty. So to, as the winter months of our sinful world come to an end, the world around us will be transformed, and Zion shall fl ourish. Unlike the changing of the seasons, a fl ourishing Zion will not happen on its own. It will only come to pass by the sacrifi ce and discipline of the saints. We have much to be hopeful for as a church. The seeds of the kingdom have been planted and are beginning to take root in the lives of our people. Each day we desire to step further and further down the path of righteousness, and each day we anticipate coming closer to the Zionic conditions that the spiritual condition of a righteous people would justify. Indeed, Zion shall fl ourish as her people put on their beautiful garments, and as we are transformed, the beauty and warmth that is Zion will unfold before us. We must be steadfast in the work we have been called to, and every saint has their purpose and a role to play. We each, individually as well as collectively, must come out of Babylon and reject the sins that separate us from God. The continuing work necessary to prepare a righteous people was the subject of theFebruary Aaronic Priesthood Assembly. In the days of old the sons of Aaron were tasked with the care of the tabernacle. The sons of Aaron, this day, are tasked with the care of the saints of the Most High God. We are each on an individual journey of sanctifi cation and it is the duty of every man in the Aaronic priesthood to guide the saints along that path just as they were the guides through the sanctifi cation process represented in the tabernacle. Today, the call is clear, and the command is given. The offering in righteousness spoken of in Malachi 3:3 is a righteous and sanctifi ed Bride, fully adorned in her wedding garments, worthy of the Son of God. The role of the Aaronic priesthood must be understood fully, and the ministry they are charged with bringing must be deeply entrenched into the daily lives of our saints. The Aaronic Moments was the beginning of such endeavors, and many more opportunities to magnify the calls of our Aaronic priesthood are at hand. The powerful ministry of the Aaronic priesthood intertwined in the daily lives of our people is a vital condition of a fl ourishing Zion.

16 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 Flourishes by Bishop Andrew Romer

If one were to further evaluate the conditions necessary for a fl ourishing Zion,they might include a dedicated people consecrated to the greater purposes God intended for his church. Orperhaps a community of believers learning to live together in righteous fellowship. We may even picture those saints worshiping together in a temple where the presence of God reigns in his glory, where the windows of heaven have been opened, and the blessings, both temporally and spiritually, have been poured out in abundance such that there is not room enough to receive them. In evaluating those conditions, we may recognize that as a body we are already walking down that path. More members of The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have consecrated their lives to the work than at any other time in the history of the Latter Day movement. A community of saints has been gathered together as “...a demonstration that man can live together in peace and harmony with his neighbor, exercising stewardships, utilizing inheritances, and not being uduly infl uenced by Babylon” (D&C 150:6a). The hope of the saints worshiping together in the temple is no longer a distant thought of a future that might be, but can be a real and tangible possibility within our lifetime. In that way, Zion is already fl ourishing.Our call today is to continue to prepare, recognizing that with each step, Zion fl ourishes just a little bit more. The time is short, and as the Lord told us in D&C 154:4b, “...as surely as you understand time, time shall come to an end and it is for you to speedily be about building my earthly kingdom.”

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 17 …The Presiding Patriarch must be reckoned with. There are tasks too great for us to accomplish of ourselves. But remember the song Presiding Patriarch Carl W. VunCannon, Jr. that we often sing; ‘Though the task be great that lies As I sit in the comfort of my home, looking out the before us, we trust in one divinely strong.’” May we be window at the gently falling rain, I am reminded of that worthy to receive his blessings. Onward to Zion! which will benefit from the rain. The grass will grow and become green. The flowers will continue to grow … The Quorum of Twelve and blossom and bloom, bringing beauty into my life. All things will be refreshed and made clean. All things Apostle Donald W. Burnett, President will work together to provide for God’s children the beauty of the earth and joy to our lives. The news today is full of many people who think this country should do this or that. We have no shortage I am reminded of the chorus of a favorite hymn of opinions as to what would solve all the country’s (Hymn 98, “O Lord, My God”) problems. Basically, the world would have you think the solution to all our problems is to have few or no Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee; rules at all; just let everyone do anything they want to How great thou art, how great thou art! do, and do it the way they want to. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee How great thou art, how great thou art! BUT THIS IS NOT WHAT OUR LORD SAYS. God, in his greatness, continues to persuade us to From the Book of Mormon: “And there shall be follow him by allowing the Holy Ghost to refresh us no disputations among you, as there hath hitherto continually, to support our desire to serve him and do been; neither shall there be disputations among you his will, to share the beauty of his gospel, the eternal concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath plan of salvation, and the promise of Zion. hitherto been; For verily, verily I say unto you, He that hath the spirit of contention, is not of me, but is It can be easy to be discouraged in our journey of life. of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he The Lord has given us encouragement and counsel stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger in latter-day revelation:“….My work will not be one with another;” (3 Nephi 5:29-30). frustrated, and be assured you are among those chosen to bring to pass my kingdom in these last days” We are not to contend with the world even if we know (D&C 151:5b). “…. Seek me in your quiet places and they are not following the laws of God. We are to you shall have peace in your souls” (D&C 154:4b). become a peculiar people, different from the rest of the world, in that we love our Lord and love all people as Then Presiding Patriarch, Elbert A. Smith, shared we love ourselves. We are to set an example for the rest this counsel in 1940: “Great opportunities are before us, and great responsibilities. There are dangers that

18 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 of the world to aspire to. This we cannot do if we are Jesus, save he were cleansed every whit from his contending with others. iniquity.” To be just means to be righteous, and to be cleansed also suggests one that is purified from sin. We have been commanded in the Doctrine and Righteousness is therefore also a requirement in order Covenants, “Verily I say unto you, All among them to dispense spiritual blessings. In Mormon 1:14, we who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, read, “But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe whole land…and the work of miracles and of healing their covenants by sacrifice; yea every sacrifice which did cease, because of the iniquity of the people.” Here I, the Lord, shall command, they are all accepted of the opposite condition, that of wickedness, is sufficient me,” (D&C 94:2f). to prevent spiritual blessings from being received. A The world will continue to debate and argue with each similar description can be found in D&C 38:3b, where other over everything under the sun; but we are to the “powers of darkness…causeth silence to reign, follow the commandments of the Lord and be about and all eternity is pained,” the business of building Zion. Let us remember the A continued reading beyond the first verse quoted above, Remnant Church’s mission statement and continue Moroni 10:14, shows that while faith is mentioned “…to prepare and gather a righteous people for the first, the conditions of hope and charity are also listed. building of the kingdom of God on earth, Zion.” Perhaps the use of the term, faith, by the prophets at least occasionally implies an expanded definition of the term. Alma 16:217-218 speaks of “faith unto …The Quorum of High Priests repentance,” illustrating that faith is more than mere belief and that behavioral change is mandatory. D&C High Priest David Van Fleet, President 70:3d describes generosity as another requirement for spiritual blessings. The saints enjoy the Lord’s The Conditions for Spiritual Blessings blessings in our worship now, but a comprehensive As was reported from this desk in the last Hastening adjustment of our lives to conform to all of the Lord’s Times, the high priests have been studying topics commandments will enable the Spirit to be poured out related to the administration of spiritual things, as these in greater measure, and its gifts and fruits to bless the are their responsibility per Doctrine and Covenants, saints with wisdom, charity, and power. With these Section 104. When referring to the prerequisites for enabling strengths, the work of the kingdom can go spiritual blessings and spiritual gifts, the Scriptures forth with great success. frequently cited point specifically to faith as the necessary condition. For example, Moroni 10:14 is often quoted: “And I would exhort you…that all …The Quorum of Priests these gifts…which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only Priest Keith Cruickshank, President according to the unbelief of the children of men..” The Quorum of Priests met on November 19, 2016. We Verses such as this one and Moroni 7:41-42 are very discussed how the Aaronic Moments were going and easy to understand and have been used to identify the how to improve our home visits. We also talked about requirement for these gifts as almost exclusively being revising the Priest’s Manual. faith. Upcoming events for the Quorum of Priests include It is important to note that the scriptures also indicate meetings on the third Saturday of the month, except there are other qualifications that must be realized, and for February and June when we will not meet. All these should also be considered. In the Third Book meetings will be held in the Conference Room of The of Nephi 4:1, we read that the keeper of the record Remnant Church Headquarters building at 10:00 a.m. (who was Nephi) was a just man who performed many Central Time. All who cannot attend, are able to call miracles. The next verse reads, “And there was not in. Call-in information will be included in the email any man who could do a miracle in the name of

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 19 meeting reminder. Please contact church headquarters …The Women’s Council to be added to the email list. Marci Damon, Chairperson

…The Missionary-In-Training Coordinator The members of the council would like to thank all the women for their support of the activities and programs Apostle Terry Patience, MIT Coordinator that were presented in 2016. We hope that the programs and activities we present in 2017 will also be of benefit It is time to begin a new year, and the MIT program is to the women of the church. Please be watchful of moving forward. I realized, during the events of 2016, upcoming events on the website page as well as in The that the teams needed some training on how to talk to Hastening Times. the un-churched and those who are coming to the events from other denominations. I heard statements like, “I The council has information for the saints to read on don’t need to go to church,” “I don’t believe in God,” the church’s website. If you go to the Remnant Church “I’m already saved, and I know where I’m going,” home page and then click on the leadership tab, you or, “There’s no ultimate truth, so won’t all churches will find the “Women’s Council” option. If you click get me to heaven?” The list is long. Because of this, on “Women’s Council,” it will take you to our page I felt the need to prepare an in-depth course designed where you will find our mission statement, links to to discuss and put into practice the skills of discussing the biographies of the council members, a description the answers to the questions the world is considering, of our Prayer Warrior program, and links to our as well as helping us understand what other churches educational program. The Prayer Warrior program believe and why. Hopefully, this will make us better presents a monthly prayer request which we are asking missionaries. Writing the course material is now a the women specifically, but everyone can participate, major focus. to pray for during their daily prayers. The educational program includes articles about disaster preparedness. I am planning on making more weekend retreats There will be three articles presented: “Disaster available during 2017. Some were held in the Center Preparedness Plan,” “72-Hour Kit,” and “Food and Place and in Sperry, Oklahoma. If you would like to Water Storage.” We encourage you to visit the website have an all-day class in your branch, let me know. We often; there is much information to be had. will put it on the calendar. In February, the women had a Prayer Brunch. We I also need your help by providing me with community encouraged all women who could, to come and activities with which we can tie MIT events. As I join in a time of fellowship and prayer. The council described in the last issue, we had three such events coordinated with women’s leaders in the branches to last year. These are a good way to greet people and let have the women, as much as possible, gather together them know more about your branch and the gospel. and pray at the same time over the same topics. The most difficult part of today’s missionary work is finding people to listen to the gospel story, so we must We also encourage the women to come participate in keep up the effort. I’m planning on repeating the events the Women’s Reception at conference. At that time the from last year for just that reason. council will be presenting a new program that will be starting in September. The council members are excited If you are interested in becoming a Missionary-In- about this new endeavor and respectfully request all Training, let me know. I would especially like to have women who can to be present for this presentation. people who can stay in a place for a short visit and do the work! Nothing helps a person grow in the gospel like understanding what to share, planning when to share, and actually meeting the people. The world needs the message of Christ’s church; it just doesn’t always realize it.

20 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 …Media Outreach Ardyce Nordeen, Media Outreach Coordinator April: Hymn 532, “Join with Us in Sweet Accord” The Media Outreach Team is very active right now. May: Hymn 611, “Lift Up Your Voice” Our Livestreaming Team has been stepping up to keep weekly services going out over the Internet. They are June: Hymn 504, “Teach Us, O Lord, True a diligent group and work behind the scenes to bring a Brotherhood” special ministry. Moments With the Master, our daily Attention all music directors, interested musicians, and devotional, is entering the third year of production. We desirous song leaders. We have a meeting at conference are moving into the digital age with it, also, by offering just for you! Come join us for lunch on Friday. Hors an email version as a subscription option. So far, that d’oeuvre’s and dessert will be available. If you have hasn’t been the favored choice, but as we move ahead, paid for a conference lunch, bring it to the meeting. we expect to be able to reach more young people via Watch for more information at conference. their phones, tablets, and computers. Contact us if you know someone who would like to receive a daily page of encouragement and testimony online. …The Religious Education Department Our biggest news is the Remnant Church video, Beckie Hogan and Linda Burnett which is in production now on a daily basis. We have “borrowed” the Conference Room at the Headquarters With the new year and a return to regular routines, we Building, and have set up a video production studio. are hopeful that your branch has started or is continuing the use of the church quarterlies for your Church School program. Pre-baptismal class material is also available if you have children who are approaching baptismal age. If you do not have a catalog, please contact church headquarters. The catalog is online for ease of ordering. Please contact us if you are in need of Vacation Church School materials or reunion materials for children. We have a “listening notes” program available, which is in use for the children in the Center Place as part In this space, Jim VunCannon, Ardyce Nordeen, and of a Church School incentive program. The “listening Terry Patience are collaborating to complete this vital notes” is comprised of age-appropriate worksheets contribution to our outreach resources. Your prayers with an outline for the children to complete during the for all of these efforts are gratefully appreciated! worship service. They receive points for turning in their papers at the end of the service (and in some branches a candy treat!) Incentive program points are accumulated …The Music Director and, while varying by branch, may result in the whole group having a party or recognition service with prizes Barbara Sherer, Music Director for those who have attended Church School, worship services, turned in listening notes, and/or brought their As I write this article, I am wondering how many scriptures to church. Please contact us if you would have tried using the “Hymn of the Month” for their like to include some of these ideas or resources into personal worship or worship services. I would love to your branch’s Church School program. hear from you at conference. The “hymn of the month” thru June is given below. Pastors and music directors, Have a blessed and happy new year. please continue to encourage the membership to use this worship tool.

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 21 Blackgum Branch – Gail Kightlinger Reporting member, Frank Englebrecht, died on November 28th, Due to bad weather, we had after a lengthy illness. He was one of the first members to cancel services a couple of of the Blue Springs Branch, with his service to our Sundays. We had many prayers group going back over several decades. And just into the new year, Elder Roger Marsh died at his home in going up to God for us to be able to th come together again soon. Oak Grove on the evening of February 13 . Roger’s quiet ministry and ready smile will be missed by his We had several members who were out with various family and his church family. Our hearts go out to his illnesses or hospitalizations. Our branch is small, so widow, Mabel, and his three sons and their families. we miss everyone when they are gone. We pray for them and are pleased upon their return. On a much happier note, Andrew and Mandy Erickson and daughter, Piper, were finally able to officially Charlotte Jamison welcomed a new great- adopt their little foster daughter on November 18th. At granddaughter. Aleiha Jasmine Green was born on the courthouse in Kansas City, Missouri, Poppy Rya th January 4 to Jasmine and John Green. legally became a member of the Erickson family. We The branch enjoyed a great Christmas program. celebrated her adoption at an open house in their home Charlotte Jamison did a great job putting it together. that evening. Many prayers have been answered! Branch President Elder Curtis Davis, along with the Last November, we also joyfully welcomed new life rest of our priesthood, have been preaching the word when Adeline Mae Purvis was born to Austin and of God. Each priesthood office has a unique gift; when Christina Purvis on the day after Thanksgiving. Five- they speak, we feel the Lord’s spirit within our service. year-old Lydia is delighted to be a big sister! Adeline th I want to thank you for the prayers for our branch. We was blessed on February 19 at our branch by her are thankful for the many blessings we have received grandfather, Patriarch Dennis Evans, and her great- from our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you all. grandfather, Elder Kenneth Purvis. In December, we hosted the Center Place children’s Blue Springs Branch – Ardyce Nordeen Reporting Christmas musical. Our sanctuary was filled to near The saints at Blue Springs Branch capacity as we gathered to see and hear the culmination have experienced highs and lows of several months of work by our children and youth. recently. Four beloved brothers in The youth presented a living nativity scene, and the the faith left their earthly homes and our church family. Henry (Hank) Goldman passed away suddenly on November 11th, just after he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. A valued member and priest in our branch, he will be sorely missed, and our hearts go out to his widow, Kathy, and their sons. On November 14th, Jack Coop passed away. He will be remembered for his loyal service as a deacon and his gentle smile and Center Place Children’s Christmas Musical cheerful greetings in the church foyer. Jack had been at younger children sang songs about Jesus as the “Light The Groves for a number of years. His widow, Luella, of the World.” We also had a very special service on is at the Longview Care Facility in Missouri Valley, Christmas Day, attended by many of our own members Iowa. Long-time Blue Springs resident and church and a goodly number of family and friends.

22 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 The beginning of January found us celebrating the As we start our new year, 2017, Bountiful is excited marriage of Stephanie Turner and Michael Durant. about the coming growth of the neighborhood and They plan to be members of the Blue Springs Branch branch and seeing God’s blessings unfold. until the Air Force sends Michael to a service location. We will appreciate their ministry while we have them! Carthage Branch – Elder David Tevebaugh Reporting On February 7th, Craig and Ardyce Nordeen welcomed Three of our little ones were blessed at our first district meeting in Sperry, a new granddaughter, Adele Ariana Nordeen. She is th the daughter of Monte and Jerah Nordeen of Florida, Oklahoma, on September 14 . Dustin son and daughter-in-law of Craig and Ardyce Nordeen. and Tina Westbay had son Alex blessed by Patriarch Roger Tracy and Congratulations to Heather (Moats) Martens of the Blue Elder Ron Westbay (Grandpa). Keaton Springs Branch, daugher of Harvey and Ruth Moats. and Lea Conley had daughter Iris blessed by Elder She has been awarded 2018 Teacher of the Year for Ron Westbay (Grandpa) and Elder David Tevebaugh. Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Casey and Shelly Tevebaugh had son Logan blessed Kansas, where she has taught Spanish for twenty years. by Elder David Tevebaugh (Grandpa) and Elder C. H. Heather is the sponsor of the school’s Spanish Honor Whiteman. Society. She will go on to compete at the district level for the Blue Valley District Teacher of the Year. We have had some medical problems in our branch, but were mostly all present for the first Sunday of As we have moved into a new year, it is with hope 2017. What a way to start the new year and determination to follow the commandments of th the Lord more closely and fulfill his purpose in us.We January 8 we were blessed with hosting the first met together to discuss how we can accomplish, South Central District Branch Presidents’ meeting individually and as a congregation, the steps to building with High Priest Elbert Rogers (District President) and the kingdom. High Priest Steve Van Meter from Sperry, Oklahoma; High Priest John Atkins and Elder Denny Post (District Bountiful Branch - Annie Williams Reporting Secretary) from Rogers, Arkansas; and myself, Elder Bountiful Branch is chugging right David Tevebaugh, from Carthage, Missouri, attending. along this winter. After an ice storm Much business was discussed and will be presented and a later snow storm, we are later. Bishop Dan Keleher not only attended the prepared for whatever comes our way! meeting, but also brought a wonderful message to us all at worship time. Bountiful celebrated Christmas by having our annual Christmas party. We are working to improve our building, and with help We packed into the trailer for a hayride and carol sing from Bishop Joe Ben Stone, we had the one-hundred through the neighborhood, followed by snacks, hot year old wall that was crumbling stuccoed. chocolate and a Yankee gift exchange at the home of Seventy Roger Schuelke brought us the gospel on Fred and Betty Williams. All of our members looked January 22nd, and we were happy to hear him speak forward to seeing who ended up with what gift. It is and share in fellowship. always so much fun. Keep us in your prayers as we continue the Lord’s The home of Austin and Christina Purvis is nearly work and try to grow our branch! done, with pretty blue siding already up. Bountiful is No matter who you voted for, pray for our president excited about our new neighbors and adding precious and his staff to keep our country free and under God!! children to the branch. We are very proud of Katelyn Purvis who graduated Center Branch – Cindy Patience Reporting from high school in December. We know that God has On Christmas day, we were blessed her future in his hands, and she will be blessed in her as the Center Branch children and next academic endeavors. youth provided music and worship for Center Branch’s Christmas Program

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 23 with the help of Jonna Patterson, Judith Deacon, and The branch’s election of officers was also held in others. November, and High Priest David Van Fleet was Our branch is happy to welcome Ralph Hendrickson sustained by the people to continue shepherding the into the church with his baptism in December. He and branch as branch president. His counselors, High his wife Lola, who is already a member, have been Priests Mike Hogan, Ammon VerDught, and Jack attending Center Branch for a number of months. Evans, also continue their supportive ministry. th Two of our young men were called to the Aaronic Sunday, November 27 First Branch witnessed a priesthood last fall and recently ordained during our poignant scene as the Joe and Nancy LaChance family Sunday services. Madison Moore was called and brought Parker Sundberg and Marshall Sundberg, sons ordained to the office of deacon, and Isaiah Woods was of Keith and Stephanie Sundberg and grandsons of called and ordained to the office of teacher. Both of Joe and Nancy, to be blessed by High Priests Ammon these young men are a blessing to our branch. VerDught and David Van Fleet. “…and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and We are happy to report that Ben and Diana Galbraith prayed unto the Father for them” (III Nephi 8:23). have returned to Independence after a long and arduous stay in Estonia where they had assisted with Much to our dismay, December brought the loss of two their granddaughter’s care after she was injured in a cherished members. Sister Wilma Lotz and Brother serious accident. Their granddaughter is making slow Joe La Chance answered the call of their Lord to come but steady progress in her recovery. home. Each of these lives was dedicated to our Savior and brought love and happiness to many as they lived Recently, we were saddened by the loss of our brother, out their days here on earth. “…the spirits of those David Wheeler. He was baptized into the faith at the which are righteous, are received into a state of age of eight and served as a deacon, priest, and elder, happiness, which is called paradise; a state of rest; and as a bishop’s agent over the years. He served in the a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their Marine Corps during WWII. From 1953 to 1985, David troubles, and from all care, and sorrow…” (Alma was employed by KMBC-TV Channel 9 of Kansas 19:44). City. He quietly and humbly gave fully of himself to the church and to the Lunch Partners program and served The Children’s Christmas program was held at in many ways in the Independence community. He and the Blue Springs Branch on a wintery December his good wife, Manon (also deceased), welcomed many Sunday evening. Much dedication, time, effort, and people into their home. We have and will miss them prayer brought together a lovely presentation by both but we are glad to know that they are reunited on approximately sixty young people to remind us of the the other side. hope of the world. “…Lift up your head and be of good cheer, for behold, the time is at hand, and on First Branch – Brenda Evans Reporting this night shall the sign be given, And on the morrow Even though November events seem come I into the world…” (III Nephi 1:12,13). much too long ago to be included The new year of 2017 begins with hope and prayers for in this report, the First Branch God’s presence to fill the hearts of his people and cause Thanksgiving Fellowship Dinner them to love him and one another. was one we want to remember. The delicious variety of food, along with Southern Indiana Branch – Rebecca Paris Reporting the beautiful table decorations, added The Southern Indiana Branch has had to the holiday gathering. The feast was truly enjoyed several adventures in the last few months by all, and Keilah Zahner’s musical talent shined as to report! One of our big events was having she played several violin selections. The remarks by Corwyn Mercer come to visit with some President Fred Larsen highlighted the poetry of his of the youth group from the Center Place! ancestor, David Smith. It was a good reminder of the They were kind enough to come support richness of our history. Nathan Paris as he performed Elf and also brought us an awesome worship service as

24 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 well! The youth sang two beautiful songs for us and Riley Woodruff has joined a traveling volleyball brought a wonderful worship experience. league, and Kevin Woodruff made the A team on his school basketball team! Nathan Paris had the lead in his high school play as well as a fractured tibia from a cross country meet. He is on the mend now and wanting to play baseball. The youth in our area continue to be vital to our branch. Nathan has now led three worship services. We are thankful for their willingness to take their place in the branch and to help serve in various ways. Richard, Rebecca, and Nathan attended the Aaronic Priesthood Retreat and helped bring ministry for the weekend. More to come on that experience next time! Center Place Youth Group Visits Southern Indiana Branch Your prayers are always appreciated for our branch, December brought our college student, Rachel Paris, and please know that we are praying for you, too! Until home to our branch, and we loved having her with us. we meet again! Her thoughtful questions and comments during Sunday School are always appreciated, as is her beautiful Sperry Branch – Debbie Eastin Reporting singing voice. We appreciate your prayers for Rachel The fall season was busy with as she spends the next six months in Orlando, Florida, normal celebratory family for the Disney College Program. We are proud of her events and holiday dinners. courageous spirit as she starts her adventure to choose On the weekend of November 11th, her career. several of our men attended the Men’s We once again hosted one of our favorite events in Retreat in Blackgum, Oklahoma. That Sunday, High December, our live nativity! We had over one-hundred Priest Steve Van Meter was confirmed as our 2017 guests on our church property by the highway and branch president. Elder Will Jobe returned as our guest helped raise about $500 for the Salvation Army speaker and everyone rejoiced over a Thanksgiving Angel Tree Program. Some friends of the church feast. Christmas morning, Apostle Roger Tracy gave love animals, and they bring their miniature donkeys the message, and seven-year old Scarlett Heilman and sheep to visit for an evening. They constructed a provided the special music. All in attendance were stable, and we added straw, actors, costumes, music, a richly blessed. campfire, snacks inside, lighting, and a red kettle from The season always brings the close of the school the Salvation Army, as we strive to create a wholesome semester, testing, and state competitions. So, environment where people will know that we love and congratulations to all our students that completed the serve the babe in a manger, Jesus Christ, our Lord. fall semester. You are awesome! A special shout out goes to Paige Sanders for her vocal performance in the Texas Regional and Area Mixed Choir Competition. At the close of the year, we lost two of our beloved members. Sister Jonnie Fae Basse and Brother John Lawson both went to be with the Lord on December 28th. While thoughts of each still bring tears to my eyes, I rejoice in their renewal. John has tossed the cane away and walks tall with no pain. Jonnie Fae’s mind and body are now free. Surely, she is singing with the angels, and dancing, too. May we be as prepared and looking forward to the day God calls us home. Rachel Paris, Ryan Yochum, Gabriel Cora, Clay Jackson, and Kevin Woodruff

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 25 Treasure Valley Branch / Magic Valley Group Remnant and Community of Christ youth! The musical – Sandee Hill Reporting was titled The Lone Manger. It was set in the old west, We, in the Treasure Valley Branch and and the children did a fantastic job! It was co-directed the Magic Valley Group, are still trying by Hazel Easterday and her daughter, Janelle Roland. to figure out what happened to 2016; it Paula Bracket played prelude music while the people has been a long year for some of us, and gathered. others are still trying to figure out how it is Our Church School class started a new study of The already January of the new year! Central Witness of the Book of Mormon, facilitated by It is January 24th, and I read in the newspaper Debbie Kollecker. Sister Debbie is guiding our adult yesterday that as of Monday, the 23rd, we had set a new class while Tony Hill leads another class for our young record for snowfall – thirty-five and a half inches in the adults. last few weeks. Those of you who were in attendance Debbie Rivera welcomed a new great-grandson to at our reunion a few years ago, when we had snow in their family on December 12th. His name is Grayson June, are probably not too surprised; but for all of us Donovan Poehler, and he joins parents, Mark and that are experiencing this now, it came as a surprise to Eleana. us, since we have not had much snow for the last few Elden and Hazel Easterday welcomed a new grandson, years. However, this did provide an avenue for service Ridge Levi, on December 5th. He is welcomed also by to our neighbors as our priesthood members spent his mother and father, Desiree and Levi Hymas. He their before and after work hours using snow shovels joins an older sister, Hazlee, and older brother, Tripp. and snow blowers to help clean up the neighborhoods where they lived. Even Priest Buck Lee was seen, We are all anxiously looking forward to what the Lord snow shovel in hand, assisting those that could not get has to share with us in the coming year! out and shovel their walkways. I also heard a rumor …Other News that Beth Wigle was seen outside in her neighborhood, he Marlin Texas Branch is saddened by the passing not only shoveling snow, but cleaning out city drains T of member Edna Fisher in October. She was a faithful for the “big thaw.” We are looking forward to spring! follower of Jesus Christ and his restored gospel. Edna’s Our elders continue to travel to Castleford to meet with son, Richard Hoover, and daughter, Debra Michael, the saints in the Magic Valley Group once a month, are both members of the Marlin Branch. while the saints there meet regularly for classes two Two members of the Missouri Valley Branch in Iowa weeks out of the month and travel to meet with us the passed away recently. Patriarch Alvin Pitt passed first Sunday of each month to partake of communion. in November, and Patriarch Darrell Argotsinger in A special service was held in October to confirm A. J. December. Brother Pitt spent much of his life studying Gonzales as a member of the Remnant Church. Both the Scriptures. He served many years as a branch groups met in Castleford to celebrate together in this president at two different branches in Iowa. Brother ordinance, and afterwards we fellowshipped together Argotsinger also served at two different branches in and shared a meal. Iowa as branch president. His life-long service to the On Halloween, we met at Morgan and Beth Wigle’s church was most dear to him. home. Brother Morgan set up his grill and served All three will be missed by their families, friends, and spiced apple cider to the parents and children in the the saints in their respective branches. neighborhood. Elden and Hazel Easterday brought their old-fashioned apple juice press and several boxes of apples and shared fresh cider with all in attendance. Several neighbors stopped to watch the process and visit with us. The juice is like nothing you have ever tasted! We hope to make this an annual tradition! In December, the Treasure Valley group traveled to Hagerman for a combined Christmas program with

26 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 APRIL 2017 GENERAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM SEND EARLY, PRINT CLEARLY To Register: Call 816-461-7215, or Fax to 816-461-7278, or Mail to: The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Conference Registration, 700 West Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64050 Or e-mail to: [email protected]

Pre-Conference Session Dates: April 3rd & 4th, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and April 5th, 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Wor- ship Center at the Gathering Place. No registration is needed for the classes; all are invited to attend without cost. Conference Dates: April 5 – 9, 2016. Registration is open 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 5th. We highly recom- mend pre-registering and payment. Daily registrations are 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. only Registration Fee: $20.00 per family if paid before 4:00 PM on April 5th; $25.00 thereafter. Children 18 and over are a separate registration. If using a debit or credit card, payment can be made using the Remnant Church Website or by calling the Church office. If paying in cash, please try to have the correct change!

Name ______Member? Yes ____No ____Visitor _____ Address ______(Provide street, city, state, country and/or other information) Phone (home) ______(cell) ______Priesthood Office ______Home Branch ______or Group ______Name of Attending Spouse ______Attending Children Names and Ages: ______

Catered Lunches: Served Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at noon in the Fellowship Hall of the Worship Center for $10.00 per person, per meal. You are encouraged to purchase meal tickets in advance. Tickets may not be available at the conference. NUMBER OF LUNCH TICKETS NEEDED EACH DAY: _____4/6/17 _____4/7/17 _____4/8/17

TICKETS WILL BE DATED FOR USE. YOUR COSTS: Registration $_____ + Lunches $_____ + Housing $_____ = Total $______

CONFERENCE CENTER HOUSING NOTE If you are planning to stay at the Conference Center, we request that you bring your own linens (towels and bedding for each twin bed needed) as we are no longer able to supply this service. The cost will be $8 per person per night, or $25 per family per night. Rooms are large with several bunk beds. Unless you are staying as a family unit, you will be assigned to a room according to gender. To reserve housing, or if you have any questions, please call the Church office at 816-461-7215 and ask for Kathie or Stacey. Don’t forget to call early! You will receive your housing assignment when you register at Conference.

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 27 Amba sadors for Zion ...Juniors and Senior High Youth in Mission by High Priest Corwyn Mercer, General Church Youth Leader

The youth enjoyed a fun Winter Retreat from the I would want to spend the time discussing the afternoon of Tuesday, December 27th through the importance of who Jesus Christ is to me and to morning of Thursday, December 29th. Those who were humanity; that God is perfect and does not change, he able to attend were all from the Center Place. Great being perfect and having no need to change. I would unity was enjoyed. The photos are from the youth’s discuss how, from the beginning, God had prepared a Winter Retreat. Apostle Don Burnett presented a class way for sinful mankind to return to him and be with on the 25th chapter of Matthew, and the youth attended him, for he made us to have joy. True joy is only found the Wednesday evening prayer and testimony service in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I would with First Branch. They were also able to interview discuss how sin can only be atoned for through paying Karen and Bob Ostrander. Karen was brought into the price of justice – death; that Jesus, being perfect the fullness of the gospel through her experiences and without sin, was the only one ever that could pay in Creston, Iowa, which many call “The Creston that price for others since he owed no debt of justice Experience.” Bob was called to the Quorum of Twelve himself. And finally, that all men, from the first to the as part of the first seven apostles to renew the church in last, must come to faith in Jesus in order to come back September 2000. The hope is that the interview will be into the presence of the perfect God. able to be used as a segment for the Times and Seasons broadcasts in the future. Additional opportunities That leads into the conversation of what is faith. Paul arranged for the youth during the retreat were to visit teaches in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and the LDS Visitors condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who Center in Independence. walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Those who are in Christ Jesus – have faith in Jesus – walk In preparation for the retreat, I had asked the two in the Spirit and not the flesh. The Apostle Paul lists groups whom the youth would be visiting to present the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the to us what they felt was important to know about fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, their churches (Temple Lot and LDS). Both visits gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; were pleasant and very cordial, but left me wondering against such there is no law.” You can go and read what I would present to a group of youth regarding the remainder of this chapter regarding the works of what is important about the Remnant Church of Jesus the flesh and see in which you are living. Christ of Latter Day Saints. My thoughts and prayers on this topic made me grateful for what I believe the All of that brings us to the second part of the mission Lord brought to us as the church’s Mission Statement statement of the church – Zion. As part of my studying through President Frederick N. Larsen – for a sermon, I was studying section 64 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This was given to the church through “The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Joseph Smith, Jr., on September 11, 1831. While it was Latter Day Saints has been called into renewal directed at the time of reception to some of the elders to preach the fullness of the gospel of Jesus traveling to the land of Zion, it is to us to understand Christ to all who will listen, and to prepare and that we may walk in the fruits of the Spirit; particularly gather a righteous people for the building of the for me the end of verses 2:c-g stood out, “My disciples, Kingdom of God on earth, Zion.” in days of old, sought occasion against one another, and forgave not one another in their hearts, and for

28 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 this evil they were afflicted, and sorely chastened; of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your wherefore I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive Lawgiver.” one another, for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, for I see the youth programs to be very much within the there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will call to prepare a righteous people for the building of forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required the kingdom of God on earth – Zion. We teach them to to forgive all men; and ye ought to say in your hearts, mature in the gospel and in their walk with Christ. We Let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee expect that, as children, they will falter and need help. according to thy deeds. And he that repenteth not Are we not children of the one true King? Do we not of his sins, and confesseth them not, then ye shall falter and need each other’s help to stand again? We bring him before the church, and do with him as the must forgive one another. We must look for the best Scriptures saith unto you, either by commandment, in each other, just as we do in our children. The call or by revelation. And this ye shall do that God might is now to be the light of Christ in this world that they be glorified, not because ye forgive not, having not may see. compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes

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Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 29 Children’s Pages A Humble Donkey By Cindy Patience Don’t you just love spring? The birds Donkeys are often considered dumb sing and flowers grow. The squirrels or stubborn, but are actually very scamper around happily chattering smart. They are also very careful and and climbing through the branches. think things through before acting, Everything God created seems to which sometimes makes them seem come to life. to be stubborn. Donkey colts are particularly slow and thoughtful All through the Scriptures God talks because they are still learning who about his creation. God said that the and what to trust. animals and plants were made by him for our good. While donkeys were a symbol of humility and poverty, they also were One of the creatures we think about on Palm Sunday is the a symbol of knowledge, courage, and peace. So when Jesus simple little donkey. The donkey seems to be a favorite chose the humble donkey to carry him into Jerusalem, he creature in the Scriptures. Abraham had many donkeys, was choosing a slow and careful animal that would not harm and the ancient temple priests in the Old Testament were the people who would crowd in to see him. The donkey commanded to sacrifice a lamb for every new foal born symbolized his knowledge, his courage, and his peaceful to a donkey. So, they must have been considered special nature. Though the donkey usually symbolized poverty, it animals in some way. also symbolized the richness of the House of David. Jesus came from the House of David. Jesus riding the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem was foretold by many prophets. They had prophesied that the Messiah If the donkey Jesus rode upon had the ability to think in would come riding a colt, the foal of a donkey. You can read words, maybe it would have shared the words in this poem. this story in Matthew 21:1-9. Maybe the poem can even help you to think about why God uses us to do his will.

Why Me?

“Why me?” the little donkey thought, as he carried our Now comes to me the answer, as he gently strokes my mane, Lord that day. It’s been foretold by prophets past that he would take the “My mother is much stronger and doesn’t fear the way. rein, Yet, he chose me, a foal, to ride through Jerusalem’s gates.” Just as the humble donkey carried Abraham’s sacrificial And as gently, he takes the reins, a joyful crowd awaits. wood, To offer up his only son, who was obedient and good. “Who is this man I bear, and why do the people sing, Hosannas to this humble soul as if he were a King? As then a lamb was sent instead, now a Lamb is sent And why does he enter meekly, upon a donkey low, to die. Instead of proudly marching with grandeur and great show?” Riding upon this donkey’s back, he’s sent for you and I. “I gladly carry this last sacrifice; for now there’ll be No royal robe upon his back, nor on his head a crown. no more. Yet, as he passes by, throngs lay their branches down. He is the final Lamb of God who will open heaven’s “Why should I be chosen to carry this “Royal One?” door.” Who am I to bear a king bravely called “David’s Son?” “Why me?” I ask again…. The answer now rings true. I proclaim, “Because he loves me, and because he asked me to!”

30 | The Hastening Times | Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 Read Matthew 21:1-9 and use it to help you solve this puzzle.

Across Down 1. The multitude cut down ______and strewed them 2. The people shouted this word as Jesus passed by. in the way. 4. Jesus sent two of his _____ to find a colt of a 3. The people called Jesus the Son of ______donkey. 7. The disciples brought the colt and spread their 5. A great ______spread their garments in the way. _____ upon it. 6. Jesus rode the donkey into this city ______9. Matthew 21:4 says that the king cometh and that 8. The disciples were to _____ the colt and bring it he is ______to Jesus. 10. ______sat upon the colt.

Word List: Jerusalem, clothes, Jesus, loose, multitude, David, branches, Hosanna, disciples, meek

Issue 70 | www.theremnantchurch.com | 31 Non-Profit Org. The Hastening Times U. S. Postage Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints P A I D 700 W. Lexington Avenue Independence, MO Independence, MO 64050 Permit No. 42

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DATES TO REMEMBER Event Date Contact General Conference April 3-9, 2017 See Page 27 for Registration Form Education Sessions Monday - Wednesday morning See Page 9 for Information Worship Services and Wednesday evening - Sunday See Page 9 for Agenda Conference Sessions morning Iowa Reunion June 5-9, 2017 Director: Gary Argotsinger [email protected] Idaho Reunion June 10-15, 2017 Director: Morgan Wigle [email protected] Center Place/South- June 18-22, 2017 Director: Don Burnett and Terry Patience Central District [email protected] [email protected] Junior High Camp June 24-July 1, 2017 Director: To Be Announced

Center Place VCS July 10-13, 2017 Directors: Austin & Christina Purvis [email protected] Senior High Camp July 15-22, 2017 Director: K. Bruce Terry [email protected] Geneseo Reunion July 22-29, 2017 Directors: Mark Deitrick and Bob Murie, Jr. [email protected] [email protected]

“When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do His will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek His face in vain.” Joseph Smith, Jr. (1835)