Virtual Fireside May 3, 2020 @ 7pm

April 26th Message from the Stake Presidency

April 26, 2020

Dear brother and sisters of the New Canoga Park Stake,

We hope this message finds you well and thriving as we press forward with faith during this unprecedented time. Our hope is that each of you will be able to identify a silver lining or two amid the chaos of COVID-19. We testify that silver linings abound for those who look with an eye of faith and for those who draw closer to the Savior through daily prayer and scriptures study and weekly family home evenings (Big 3). We need to recognize that these silver linings will be manifested in myriad ways. For some it will be the joy and happiness of spending more quality time as a family: family walks, bike rides, preparing meals together, puzzles, board games etc. For others it will be the peace that comes from knowing that you were remembered: thoughtful phone calls, text messages and grocery drop offs from your ministering brothers and sisters have instilled within your hearts a new level of gratitude and humility. And for others it may be the security that comes from being prepared both spiritually and financially for the tempests that will inevitably come. Having some savings, food, water and essentials set aside, ensures a sense of security and peace for those who were diligent in their preparations. 

We invite you to identify the personalized silver linings in your lives and share them with your friends and family. As we recognize and rejoice in these tender mercies of the Lord, our ability to hear His voice will improve and we will become the recipients of more frequent and powerful personal revelation. 

Our stake message this week comes from our Stake Young Men’s President, Neil Devor. Following the stake message, there is a brief clip from a classic message by Elder Dallin H. Oaks.

View the message at  https://youtu.be/sib_4bRcDSE

Also, a member from our stake wrote a magnificent article highlighting the silver linings he and his wife have identified in their family during this unusual time. "Our first child was due to be born on March 20th. We’re not from around here, so our family had all planned to take turns visiting … Then we found out our hospital wasn’t going to allow any visitors. No friends, no family… The staff hurried us out of the hospital, and when we drove home the streets were deserted. The world never looked lonelier…"   See the attached photo and then read the full story at     https://blogs.chapman.edu/fish/2020/04/16/feeling-like-a-family-even-in-isolation/

We love you brothers and sisters and long for the time when we can worship together again in person! Stay safe and continue your Christ-like ministering, it is noticed and appreciated. Hurrah for Israel!

Your brothers,

President Grasteit

President Benning 

President Payne

Easter Message from Bishop Ioannou

Woodland Hills Ward Family,

Happy Easter to all our beloved Sisters and Brothers.  We truly miss seeing you all in person but under the current COVID 19 situation, we all know that Shelter in Place is the best thing to do and Home Centered Church is our current mode of operations.  Partaking in the Sacrament is essential and for the households with the Priesthood we encourage you to partake of the Sacrament weekly.  For the homes without the Priesthood, we have received direction from the First Presidency to ensure that all willing members receive the Sacrament at least once a month.  If the Bishop has not been able to reach you and you want to receive the Sacrament, please email the Bishop and he will make arrangements for you to get the Sacrament.  Please be advised that when the Bishopric comes to administer the Sacrament, they will not enter your home or touch anything you touch or consume.  We adhere to all implemented State regulations and keep a 6ft distance, thus the Sacrament is administered on the back patio or on the front porch.

To augment the Home Centered Church activities you have been doing, the Stake Presidency will continue with their pre-recorded YouTube messages.  On the Ward level we will be hosting some virtual activities on the dates listed below.  

Special thanks to the Ward Relief Society Presidency for compiling this list:  

April 19th, 11 AM:  Sunday School with Bro. Harrison (Via Zoom meeting-Sign up with Bishop Ioannou required)

April 26th, 11 AM:  Priesthood meeting/lesson (Via Zoom meeting-Sign up with EQ President McKeown required)

May 03rd, 11 AM:  Sunday School lesson (Via Zoom meeting- Sign up with Bishop Ioannou required)

May 10th, 11 AM:  Relief Society meeting/lesson, taught by Sister Bartholet (Via YouTube video-Link will be provided)

May 17th, 11 AM:  Sunday School lesson (Zoom-Sign up with Bishop Ioannou)May 24th, 11 AM:  Priesthood meeting/lesson (Zoom-Sign up with EQ Pres. McKeown)

Announcements:

1. Please ensure you are doing the "BIG 3" (Prayer, Scripture Study, and Family Home Evening).
2. Thank you to those that volunteered to help at the Bishop’s Storehouse.  The person in charge of the Storehouse will call you when they are in need of help. 
3. Pres. Benning is looking for people to volunteer to bear their testimony for an upcoming video meeting.  If you feel able to do that please contact him at david@benningfamily.com
4. If anyone needs help with food, getting groceries or anything else please let the RS Presidency know.  
5. If anyone needs a blessing please contact the Bishop.
6. We do have new missionaries and we will be sharing them with the Tarzana Ward.  You can reach Elder Lewis at brandon.lewis@missionary.org and their phone number is 818-605-4776. 

Most importantly, please let the Sister Kerwin (RS Pres.) hkerwin1@aol.com, Brother McKeown (EQ Pres.) greg@gregmckeown.com, or Bishop Ioannou know if anyone is sick with the COVID 19, or if there are any other needs.One final message;
Stuck at home, same thing day in and day out, cabin fever driving you crazy, don't despair.  These sacrifices we are all doing are for a better tomorrow.  Think of Jesus and his sacrifice for all of us! We Love you and you are our Family!Happy Easter,The BishopricBishop IoannouBrother SpearrinBrother HansonBrother Godwin (Ex. Sec.)Brother Lockhart (Ward Clerk)

He is Risen!

April 12, 2020

Our dear sisters and brothers,

But now is Christ risen from the dead. There will never be a happier and more blessed people than those who know this truth. We declare that it is a fact. What sweet comfort it is to know that our redeemer lives. 

For this week we have prepared a special Easter message for you featuring some of the missionaries from our stake and clips from church videos. It is a little longer than previous weeks so plan for the extra time when you sit down to watch it. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/AI3HQTkRB-M

If you participated in the special day of fasting last Friday, we encourage you to make some gesture to “deal thy bread to the hungry” if you have not already done so. A simple gift of food or money to a needy friend or family member, or a contribution to a charity targeted to the needy such as a church fast offering donation will enable you to fully access the power available through fasting and realize the promise “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer.”   (see Isaiah 58:5-9)

Wishing you a meaningful Easter,

  The New Canoga Park Stake Presidency

  Presidents Ben Grasteit, David Benning, and Mike Payne

P.S. We would love to share your quarantine stories and your testimony with the stake. You can simply take a photo of yourself holding a sign that says you are safe, and you miss your church family. Or send a picture of your success in sewing a face covering (mask). Send by email to canogaparkstake@gmail.com

If you have the skills, you can try to record a short video (no more than one minute long). However, video files are too large to send directly via email. You will want to record in standard definition, and even then, you need to send using Mail Drop, Dropbox, or some other mechanism to send the large file. Attempting to send a video file is only for tech whizzes.

Sunday March 29th, Fast and Prayer: A Message From The North America Area Presidency

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We extend our love to you and want you to know we are praying for your safety and well-being.

The next few weeks and months will likely be a time of significant challenge and economic struggle for many as efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continue. We assure each of you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, are mindful of us and our individual needs. We can turn to Them for peace and comfort.

Sunday, March 29, 2020, is a fast Sunday. It is also the weekend just prior to April general conference. As an Area Presidency, we invite you to join us in a special day of fasting and mighty prayer. The purpose of this fast is five-fold:

To ask the Lord to bless and inspire our Church and government leaders and their efforts to protect the health and well-being of all people and to find solutions to address the challenges we are facing in all nations. To pray for all those who are suffering the physical, emotional, and economic impact of COVID-19, that they will be blessed according to their needs. To pray that the hearts of people everywhere will be softened and turned toward the Lord in humility and that faith in Jesus Christ will increase on the earth. To pray for spiritual strength to overcome fear and anxiety, for inspiration to protect ourselves and our families, and for the awareness and ability to minister to those in need. To pray for increased understanding and personal revelation in preparation for general conference and the prophetic guidance and messages regarding the bicentennial of the Restoration.

Like the prophet Enos, we too can turn to the Lord in mighty prayer in behalf of ourselves, our families, our nations, and those in need. He will hear and answer our humble prayers.

We hope you will invite others of faith to join with us in uniting our faith and prayers. As you do, please consider a generous fast offering and, based on your personal circumstances, a donation to the Humanitarian Fund. As an Area Presidency, we will be looking for significant and meaningful ways to address the immediate and growing humanitarian needs of our Area. We encourage you to listen to and share President Russell M. Nelson’s recent media posts on hope and love with your family and friends.

We invite you to join us in a special day of fasting and mighty prayer and to unite with others as we pray for heaven’s help and blessings.

Sincerely,

The North America West Area Presidency

While we are being urged to be vigilant in keeping ourselves, families and communities safe from COVID-19, here are some tips to stay connected and informed:

Tips for Church at Home and Connecting with Others

We have all been affected by recent changes to daily life caused by the virus known as COVID-19. You are not alone in this, and we will get through this together.

Below are some answers to common questions about church at home, the sacrament, and maintaining connections with others:

While the administration of the sacrament has important guidelines (see question below), how you worship during this time can be guided by your own personal revelation.

Saints around the world are using some of the following resources to help them: -Scriptures - Listen to Hymns - Follow the Come, Follow Me lessons - Read Church magazines - Visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org - Use the Gospel Living App - Watch the Latter Day Saints Channel - View the many "Life Help" classes the Church has available online

Every member needs the spiritual blessings that come from partaking of the sacrament. The administration of the sacrament must be authorized by the bishop (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,), and the First Presidency instructed that bishops counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.  When a priesthood holder is not available in a home, ministering brothers can be asked to provide the sacrament to their assigned individuals and families. How can we minister when we are supposed to maintain physical distance? As we follow the recommendations of health officials, practice physical distancing, and stay at home when possible, you might wonder how to minister to others if you can't see them regularly.  Here are a few ideas: Pray for your families and individuals by name. Then act on promptings from the Holy Ghost as you consider ways to help others feel loved, included, and important. Consider a virtual visit. Video calls can provide some face time and fun. Talk with your ministering companion. He or she likely has some great ideas. Be a source of joy, optimism, comfort, and peace. Share a scripture via text. Or visit HearHim.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and consider sharing one of the picture quotes or images of Christ. Call. Let them hear the sincere love and concern in your voice. "I miss seeing you! How are you dealing with everything?" Assess their immediate needs. Do they have food, shelter, supplies? Listen to them and validate their feelings. Respond with compassion and understanding. If immediate needs exist, identify ways you can safely help, and relay any concerns to ward leaders. How do I manage my need for meaningful connection? Finding yourself in isolation can be challenging. The following are some ideas of how to effectively handle the challenges of isolation: Seek God’s reassurance. Strengthen your relationship with your Father in Heaven through daily prayer and scripture study. Use technology to reach out to others (use video if possible) or learn new things. Consider activities like indexing, doing family history, and creating memory books. Serve others. Many local organizations are in great need, such as blood donation centers and food banks. Many opportunities to serve and help your neighbors and community can still be accomplished while practicing physical distancing. Be physically active. Physical activity can help you sleep better, reduce stress, and manage uncertain emotions. If possible, get outside to enjoy nature. Make time to reflect, and then write down your insights. Reflecting on good memories can help you manage loneliness.

A Speacial Message From President David Benning and Kelly Benning 3.22.20

A Special Message from our Stake President 3.15.20

Church and Temple Activity Canceled Until Further Notice 3.16.20

  

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter Wednesday, March 11, 2020, to Latter-day Saints everywhere. Their message details a notable restriction on large gatherings of Latter-day Saints. Beginning March 16, 2020, large gatherings will be postponed in Asia, Asia North, Europe, Europe East, the United States and Canada Areas.
Church leaders also sent a letter to Saints on March 12 that says says worship services worldwide are temporarily suspended. Local leaders will counsel to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month

 

My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.
These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.
So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.” I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.
I love you. I pray for you. And I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.

 The Church is monitoring developments and taking steps to comply with best practices and direction provided by public health organizations of various national governments.

Suggested Ways to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19:
Preventative Measures for Members
For all Church members, there is wisdom in taking steps to remain healthy during this cold and flu season. These precautions include*:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (this may include avoiding shaking hands or other customary greetings).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Maintain at least three feet (one meter) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow public health agency recommendations for using a face mask.

*Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/coronavirus-update-february-27-2020

Light The World 2019

Each Christmas, we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. By following His teachings, we let his light shine—in our lives and in the lives of others. This year, use this calendar for inspiration as you plan your Christmas activities to help #LightTheWorld by serving those in need.

Each day we are encouraged to serve others. Here some ideas on how we can make this Christmas Season more meaningful, by Lighting the World as the Savior did. https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world/all-year

Here are more useful links, to help us center this month, and every month, on Christ. https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world

We have been encouraged to watch the new video, "The Christ Child," and share it with others. 

                                    

Relief Society Christmas Party

 

Save The Date, December 4, 2019 for our annual Relief Society Christmas

Party. More details to follow.