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Friends,
March is here, and with it the promise of Spring. Spring signifies a renewal or a rebirth, moving from dormancy to a state of animation. Over the winter months, we've experienced a heated political season, strange weather, even stranger school schedules, the loss of loved ones (accentuated by illness caused by COVID-19), and overall lower states of general happiness as we've learned to adapt to a totally different way of life. Objectively, all these things are preparing us for what is to come. Our Prophet and our Stake President have counseled us to prepare in body and spirit such that we can be ready for whatever may befall us.
A Time To Grow Spiritually is a locally created video by The Fayetteville North Carolina Stake that highlights the importance of heeding a living prophet's words. President Russell M Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shares the importance of watching General Conference, heeding inspired counsel, and wisely using our time while on this earth.
As we move into this time of rebirth, please allow us to suggest some things to do to assist you both spiritually and temporally in this renewal. Each of these suggestions is meant to increase spiritual and temporal well-being. Suggestions '3.' and '4.' cover sensitive topics. If you feel like you and your family are not in a position to even start on either of them, we encourage you to discuss this openly with your unit leadership, specifically the Elders Quorum President or the Relief Society President. They will be able to counsel with you on ways in which we can partner with you.
Invitations
Please consider the invitation made by the Stake President during the last conference, which is to 'Let God Prevail' in all areas of your life. If we allow God's will to be planted foremost in our minds, our thoughts, words, and deeds will align more easily with His, and our joy and fulfillment will increase.
Please consider renewing your commitment to ministering to your brothers and sisters above and beyond what may be asked of you. This ministering can take many forms. As you ponder and pray about ways in which you can make a difference in the lives of those whom you serve, the Lord will bless you to be able to minister to them in the ways that they need.
Please look at the state of your food storage. If you have the capacity to do so, please consider postponing other spending 'wants' to bolster your three-month supply of food. We have received repeated counsel regarding this. This is simply a gentle reminder.
Please consider (if you have not already done so) creating a 'rainy-day' fund of whatever amount that will allow you and your family to have a financial cushion in times of emergency, job loss, etc. If you are like our family, every time we've created the 'rainy day fund', something strange has happened, requiring its use. Whereas this is frustrating, we've realized that this is exactly what the fund is for and thus it's doing the job it was meant to do. ... still frustrating, though.
Sisters and Brothers - We pray for you. We constantly counsel about ways to serve, inspire, and love you in a manner that will benefit you and partner with you in your daily lives. Thank you so much for your prayers, your open hearts, and your willingness to serve where you can. We love this community and look forward to an improved year and a wonderful 2021 Spring.
Yours in service.
Paul McAlister
Stake Presidency First Counselor
Fayetteville North Carolina Stake
In this edition
Stake News - March 2021
Sacrament Invitations (See printables below)
The Stake Garden Initiative Corner - March
Online Self-Reliance Courses
JustServe Opportunities
Pictured: March 2021 Newsletter, Sacrament Meeting Invitation, Young Women Sacrament Meeting Invitation
March 2021 Newsletter - Download for viewing
Stake Conference Invitations - Download both types for print
Stake Gardening Initiative
Online Self-Reliance Courses
All the following online courses and groups are open for registration. After you register you will be notified with further information about the course—such as a Zoom meeting ID.
Personal Finance: (open) Starting Sunday March 14 at 4:00 pm
Emotional Resilience: (open) Starting Thursday March 18 at 6:00 pm
Find a Better Job: (open) Starting Soon
Starting and Growing My Business: (open) Starting Soon
Spouse and Family Support Groups: (open--groups are now available)
Addiction Recovery Groups: (open--groups are now available)
Education for Better Work: (open)
Self-Reliance groups meet each week for 10-12 weeks, for approximately 90 minutes. An individual may obtain a copy of the manual online or through their ward or stake. To earn a certificate a participant must attend 80% of the group meetings. Both online and face-to-face meetings can be great options, depending upon individual needs. Stakes will be notified of members who register for online courses in order to offer help and support. Also, please extend an invitation to those not of our faith to participate in these courses.
To learn more about the courses and to download PDF manuals visit:
Cape Fear Valley Health
Critical Blood Shortage - Help Needed
The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is a community blood program that serves the needs of patients in Cumberland, Hoke and Bladen Counties through blood donation by individual donors, community organizations and businesses.
The center is located at 3357 Village Drive, in the Bordeaux Shopping Center. It is always open for donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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