Area Leadership Message

United Kingdom & Ireland Local Pages

all intelligence also; A Month of Miracles otherwise there is no By Elder Stephen C. Kerr, Area Seventy existence.” 3 There is something very efore his mission, my mission president, special about the word Ben E. Lewis, was the executive vice pres- invitation: it is kind, it is B ident of University. I had thoughtful, it is inclusive, an opportunity to meet with him at the end of and it is generous. Who is his mission. As we sat in his office, I asked him not thrilled to receive an what he would do when he returned home. He invitation? answered that he knew exactly what he would be In my experience, doing. He pushed a letter across his desk for me people rarely—if ever— to read. President Lewis had been assigned by the are offended by receiving First Presidency to raise a considerable amount an invitation; people are of money for . I asked much more likely to be President Lewis the obvious question: “How are offended when they are you going to raise so much money?” not invited. He answered simply, “I will ask people for their Let’s speak plainly. money.” When we have experi- That simple answer taught me so much. enced the love of God in President Lewis would invite people to act. our own lives, it’s not so He knew his invitation would make a difference, difficult to summon up the and it did. courage to invite someone else to receive Elder This month is one of invitation. Our Area the blessings of the fulness of the gospel of Stephen C. Kerr Presidency has said: “We invite every member Jesus Christ.4 within our sphere of influence to prayerfully se- Of course, they may either accept or decline lect someone to invite to attend meet- our invitation. But truth be told, while I am not ing with them in June.” 1 accountable for the choices others make, I am Agency is an eternal governing principle of the accountable for helping others by inviting them to plan of happiness. The Lord Omnipotent Himself do that which is good. acts by extending invitations to His children.2 “But behold, that which is of God inviteth Man is created to act. and enticeth to do good continually; where- “Man was also in the beginning with God. fore, everything which inviteth and enticeth to Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is or made, neither indeed can be. inspired of God.” 5 “All truth is independent in that sphere in So, how will we “invite” others in this month which God has placed it, to act for itself, as of invitation?

June 2012 U1 Local News

First, ponder. Make a list of those you would like to invite to come to sacrament meeting New and Improved UK with you. Remember, the Holy Ghost loves lists! Newsroom Launched Names and faces will come into your mind. Your By Francesco Di Lillo feelings of love for the people on your list will deepen. It is an act of faith on your part to make n Tuesday, March 27, 2012, the Church such a list. And such faith does not go unrecog- launched the new and improved online nised or unrewarded by heaven. O Newsroom for the , the Next, pray often about the people whose Church’s website for news media, opinion leaders, names are on your list. Ask Heavenly Father and the public. At the same time, similar websites to soften their hearts to receive an invitation. were launched in , , , , Consider fasting for help. , and . These websites are the first Then, make the visit. Do not let fear quench in Europe to follow the design of the standardised your faith.6 Open your mouth.7 The Lord will international Newsroom website of the Church. give you the words.8 “I’d like to invite you to Here are a few features: come to church with me. Will you come?” “When you have done your very best, you • The design is significantly changed from the pre- may still experience disappointments, but you vious site and has a much stronger news feel to it. will not be disappointed in yourself. You can • The search engine and navigation is improved feel certain that the Lord is pleased when you to make it easier for news media to find con- feel the Spirit working through you.” 9 tent on the site. As we follow these simple steps and exer- • A new multimedia section and search engine cise faith in the Lord, I humbly and sincerely make it easier to find photos, video, and audio promise to everyone who reads this message that are available for use by news media, blog- that June 2012 will become a month of mir- gers, and others. acles. Our faith will be strengthened and the • Much more content is brought to the front Church of Jesus Christ will increase in numbers page, including the Newsroom blog and the and in spirit. ◼ World Report video program. • A Newsroom blog design has been introduced Notes 1. Letter from the Europe Area Presidency to Area and incorporated into the site. Seventies, stake presidents, district presidents and mission presidents in the Europe Area, 31 January 2012. • A topic index has been added to the site to 2. See “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free,” Hymns, aggregate information by topic. The number of no. 240. 3. 93:29–30; see also topics on this page will grow extensively over 2 Nephi 2:11–16. 4. “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and the life of the site. ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges Beyond those improvements, significant tech- through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: nical enhancements have been made that will (2007), 330–31. provide information to the news media, bloggers, 5. Moroni 7:13. 6. See 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18; Doctrine and Covenants and the public much faster and more comprehen- 67:3; Preach My Gospel, 116: “Doubt and fear are op- posed to faith.” sively than before. 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 30:5, 11. To access the Newsroom, go to 8. See Doctrine and Covenants 84:85; see also 100:6. 9. Preach My Gospel, 11. www.mormonnewsroom.org.uk ◼

U2 Ensign New and Improved UK New and Improved Newsroom Launched UK LDS.org Launched By Francesco Di Lillo

he Internet has changed since the Church materials, as well as tools for launch of the country websites, online study. Users are able to high- Tand the launch on March 27 of light and underline passages, take LDS.org for the UK provides a new and notes, keep a study journal, and orga- enhanced web experience. nise materials into files for later use. The new country website emphasises These features are available in the the teachings of living prophets, facili- Study of the site, which includes tates online gospel study, provides ways the scriptures, general conference, to share the gospel, makes materials lesson manuals, Church magazines easier to find and provides additional and more. tools. Most important, it allows the pub- lication of local stories and events, along Sharing the Gospel with global content—including mes- Content on the new site is media sages from local and European Church rich, using video, audio, photography, leadership. To find local stories, go to gospel art, and other graphics to com- Menu and select News and Events. municate the gospel message. But the content isn’t there to benefit only mem- Teachings of Living Prophets bers of the Church. It, like the gospel, With so many voices on the Internet is to be shared. Most of the site’s con- competing for attention, the new coun- tent will be integrated with popular so- try website focuses on bringing one cial networking sites and e-mail so users voice to the forefront—the prophetic will be able to easily share content and voice. direct their friends to learn more about The site aims to give the teachings the gospel. of modern prophets and apostles prom- inence by focussing on their ministry New Search Capability and what they are teaching today. Another important function that is The Prophets and Apostles Speak improved is the site’s search capabilities. Today section of the site features re- The search bar available at the top of cent messages and provides personal nearly every page on the site provides insights into the lives and ministries of a list of suggested search terms to help the members of the First Presidency and form more precise searches. The search Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. leads to a results page that includes recommended results, hand-selected for Tools for Online Gospel Study many frequently searched topics. The new country website provides To access the website go to access to the scriptures and other www.lds.org.uk ◼

June 2012 U3 Youth from Four Missions Attend EFY During 2011 By Carol Rigby

uring August 2011 more than 1,450 youth from the Manchester, London, D Leeds and Scotland–Ireland missions attended Especially for Youth sessions held at the East Midlands Conference Centre at the Nottingham University campus. With the prep- aration work completed, approximately 200 EFY staff members were ready, and greeted participants with typical EFY dance routines and a great amount of enthusiasm. This year’s EFY theme was “Believe, Hope and Endure”. These multistake youth confer- ences certainly provided many opportunities for everyone to build and strengthen their activities, service projects, dances, a variety Hundreds of personal testimonies whilst providing service show, testimony meetings and much, and to others. much more. young women The young men and women who attended One young participant shared the follow- enjoyed uplifting were enthusiastic in providing feedback. ing comments on how EFY had changed her experiences at EFY Candy said, “As the week went on you life: “[It was] super—I really enjoyed myself! I at Nottingham in could really feel the enthusiasm and rever- had been at the point of leaving the Church, August 2011. ence that we all had for the gospel and learn- ing. EFY truly changes lives. Now that I am home I still wake up early and have my own devotional.” Early morning devotionals were held each morning along with group gospel study sessions. “It was absolutely amazing!” said Alisha. “It really changed my perspective on life, and it spiritually uplifted me. Since getting back from EFY I have continued studying my scriptures and praying, and have not missed a day.” Youth were able to participate in various activities designed to invite them to share in the “Climate of Revelation” that can be found at EFY. These included music pro-

grammes, classes, For the Strength of Youth Photogra p hs by Carol R igby

U4 Ensign In the Community

but after EFY I discovered that one can have so much fun in such good company and with I Am My Brother’s Keeper such high standards that it has changed my By Christine Reid outlook with regard to the Church.” Ciarrai said, “My experience at EFY has ast year the Primary pack 30 gift-wrapped bags strengthened my testimony, because now children of the Bristol of toiletries. I can recognise how to feel the Holy Ghost. L Second Ward did a service When the children saw EFY has helped me realise that there are hun- project collecting toiletries for what they had accomplished dreds of people the same age as me keeping the less privileged people of they said that they had a very the standards. The counsellors were really nice our society. The children were special feeling, “a warm and and helped me build my testimony that this encouraged to use their pocket fuzzy feeling”. They felt the Church is the true and living Church of Christ. money or do extra chores to Holy Ghost whispering to The spirit at EFY helped me realise that Christ earn the extra money them- them that they were choosing loves me very much.” selves, and purchase the items the right. They also expressed “EFY was the best experience and best which we were collecting each gratitude for little things week that I’ve ever had in my life. It has month. which they took so much for strengthened my testimony to a point where They were very excited granted, like a toothbrush, I want to share it and help other people to to do this and each month toothpaste and soap. gain one also,” said Harrison. “It has filled a proudly brought in their items The bags of toiletries were hole in my life which I was missing. I have which they had worked for. delivered to a homeless shel- been in the Church all my life. I have known They called their project “I ter in the centre of Bristol what’s it’s about and always just followed Am My Brother’s Keeper,” and on Christmas Eve and were it, as it was a normal thing to do. But in the with the help of the Primary distributed to the people testimony meeting I had it confirmed to me. workers, they were able to there. ◼ When I stood up I felt amazing—like I could accomplish any challenge in my life, that I could overcome any obstacle. I wish I could share with everyone that I know the Church is true and that it strengthens every one of us.” The thirteenth article of faith provides a special insight into how we should conduct our lives and present ourselves before the people of the earth. This year’s EFY sessions have provided everyone attending with the opportunity to learn more of this great re- sponsibility which each of us has, to conduct our lives in such a way that all we come into contact with will see that we are differ-

ent, that we have a real belief and hope in Photogra p h by A ndrew H illier a glorious future and are prepared to endure Children and leaders of the Bristol Second Ward Primary collected

Photogra p hs by Carol R igby to the end. ◼ toiletries for those in need at Christmastime last year.

June 2012 U5 The Spirit of Elijah

Isle of Man She Continued the Supports Women’s Refuge Work He Began By Rosie Scott By Steve Cook

n Thursday, 17 July notice, leaving behind clothes hen Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) 2011, the Douglas Ward and items necessary for became President of the Church in ORelief Society wel- daily use. WMarch 1995, the First Presidency held comed a guest speaker from the When Thelma left, after giv- their customary press conference. This one was Women’s Refuge on the island. ing a most interesting talk and brief. President Hinckley’s message to the Church The guest introduced herself answering questions, the sisters was a simple one: “Carry on!” as Thelma and said she is the of the Relief Society helped her Sister Doris Cook of the Oldham Ward, Ashton fundraiser for the island’s refuge. load her car to the brim with Stake, was in effect given that same Having seen a programme on items that had been donated two-word commission 40 years earlier by her the television about women’s as a contribution to this cause. husband, John Francis Cook, who was something refuges and finding out that there They included such things as of a legend in Britain as a gospel speaker and was no such thing on the island, babies’ nappies and toys, co- genealogist. A generation older than Doris, he a woman offered to buy a prop- louring books, feminine needs, urged her, before his passing in November 1955, erty for that purpose if a group toiletries and anything a family to “carry on” the work of genealogical research. of women would agree to run it. might need for a stay away from Doris protested, saying she was not clever The authorities were ap- home. She was also presented enough for such meticulous and demanding proached to see if they would with flowers and a thank you work. John calmed her fears on this score, con- help with the funding, but they card for being the guest speaker fident in the understanding that “genny”, as they told the organizers that there was for the evening. both called it, was less the work of scholarship no such thing as domestic abuse The following day, Thelma than a love affair with the work of the Lord for on the island. Undaunted, the said that she and the volunteer His children, sparked and enlivened by the Spirit women started to raise funds in staff were overwhelmed with of Elijah. Millions can testify of the truth of that any way they could and, in spite all the gifts, each one of which assessment. of the official denial of need, would be used to help the Doris grew into the work after John’s passing. the home became a haven for needy families return to some With four sons to raise, the young widow began women and children from all sort of normality while they the work out of necessity. She soon developed walks of life who were suffering rebuilt their shattered lives. an instinct for it, emboldened by the Spirit of abuse in the home. No one is As women we are truly the Lord helping her. An article in the Millennial ever turned away. blessed with the capacity to Star in 1956 about John quotes her as saying, “I The women are helped in show compassion to those in picked the work up—never easily at any time.” practical ways to sort out their need. May we all remember the John had many spiritual experiences over the lives, be it to find work or an- words of the Saviour, “Inasmuch years. He began “genny” work in 1929 at the other place to live, or to place as ye have done it unto one urging of a young missionary from by the their children in another school. of the least of these my breth- name of Richard L. Evans (1906-1971, member These unfortunate families often ren, ye have done it unto me” of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from rush from their homes on short (Matthew 25:40). ◼ 1953) serving in John’s home town, Lowestoft,

U6 Ensign Suffolk. Doris cited several of them for the Star article. These many experiences were a fulfilment of John’s patriarchal blessing in which he was told the Lord would open up success in his work, “in the silent watches of the night” and as the needs arose. There were even times when he found information he needed carved into old tabletops. On one occasion John was searching in a country vestry. The fee was five shillings an hour; he gave the verger a pound note. He could hear the verger’s footsteps outside, coming

to call a halt to the search Cook of Martin Photogra p h c ourtesy after four hours. He hurried to finish. A woman sealing keys on Passover Day (3 April) 1836 in John and of the parish came up to the verger just as he the Kirtland (see Doctrine and Covenants Doris Cook was about to open the vestry door. She kept him section 110). John and Doris were both keenly talking for several minutes, just enough time for aware of this event, and of “the Spirit of Elijah” John to finish his search. He said he had “never that accompanied their life work. been more grateful for a garrulous woman.” This year we celebrate the 175th anniversary Doris had less spectacular occurrences, but of the beginning of the restored Church experienced an ongoing, quiet, practical series in Britain—and the Acts of Parliament that make of helpful interventions. As she searched the this consummating work for our dead possible. transcripts she chided herself for not being in the On 14 December 2011, 56 years after she temple to complete her own ancestral work. And was first commissioned to “carry on” the work when she was in the temple she felt anxious to of genealogy, Sister Cook joined her husband be out searching the registers for new names for for their first Christmas together in a long, long other people. time. They are together now, on the other Those registers had become so readily avail- side of the veil. All of their many family and able by the Acts of Parliament in 1837 mandat- friends in the kingdom have been blessed by ing the recording of all births, marriages, and the legacy of Doris and John and their lifelong deaths in England and Wales (Scotland and commitment to the work of salvation now con- Ireland came later, in the 1850s). This was just tinued by their posterity. To each of them they one year after the appearance of Elijah with the say, “Carry on!” ◼

June 2012 U7 Church History in United Kingdom & Ireland

Mair Elsbeth Burns (1938–2002)— A Tribute to Her and Others Like Her By Peter Lee

hen I served as a for the strength to carry on. wise counsel, and this bishop in Oldham One such person was Mair proved very helpful to of Peter L ee Photogra p h c ourtesy W and Chester Wards, Elsbeth Burns. In 1988 I was him, as it was to others. it was always a special delight asked by the missionary elders For many years I was to sit on the stand, look at the to visit her, with them, prior to Mair’s home teacher. She congregation, and see the faith- her baptism. She lived alone in had a deep and simple faith in the Mair Elsbeth ful members anxious to partake her rented home as her hus- Lord. As her health was not good, Burns of the sacrament and be edified band, Peter, had tragically died plus the added stress of family (1938–2002) by the Spirit as hymns were from a brain tumour at age 48, worries, she would often ask for sung and speakers gave their about five years before. They a blessing, which I messages. The combined faith, had had four children with and others were pleased to give humility and prayers of all those whom Mair remained in reg- her. Because of her great faith in present created the appropriate ular contact. During this first the Saviour and her righteous life, climate in which the Holy Ghost home visit I privately wondered the Spirit was always strong, and touched people’s hearts. whether she would have the the blessings were a great comfort As a bishop I was always strength to remain active, and to her. What a privilege it was to grateful for the excellent support in particular, keep the Word use my priesthood in this way! of other dedicated priesthood of Wisdom. I should not have Mair died at home alone, leaders, and also energetic, worried! Despite having been suddenly and unexpectedly, loving, devoted sisters who pro- a very heavy smoker, she suc- in 2002. We were all saddened vided leadership to the Primary ceeded in giving it up, was by this, but happy that she had children, young women, and baptised, and became an active, gone to join her beloved hus- Relief Society sisters. temple-attending, much-loved band, Peter (to whom she had Additionally, I have long felt and contributing member of the been sealed in the temple) and a very high regard for faithful ward. Mair had always been a other relatives and friends in widows and widowers, active keen reader, so she also read the spirit world. She was now part-member brothers and her scriptures, Ensign maga- freed from the burdens of phys- sisters who continue faithfully zines, etc., expanding her gos- ical pain and emotional distress often on their own, those who pel knowledge as she did so. inherent in this earthly life. ◼ continue active in the Church Mair was a good listener and when other family members do was known for this in her neigh- Editor’s Note not, and those who suffer with bourhood. People would discuss poor physical or mental health their troubles with her, and she o submit all stories to the editors, but hold fast to their covenants would listen and help where she TPaul & Beryl Oliver, as Word files and with the Lord. I have often been could. Her son, Gavin, recalls photographs as ‘jpg’ files please use the deeply touched by their faith- that many years ago, after his email address [email protected]. ◼ fulness and reliance on the Lord marriage broke up, he sought her EUROPE AREA (English) U8 Ensign