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.