Sunday Report

Mary Vach presented the Presidency message for September with her usual wit and wisdom likening our efforts to share the gospel with others to the dilemma of the main character in the famous children's book Green Eggs and Ham. Sam I Am spends much time trying to get the nameless character to like the gourmet treat of green eggs and ham but to no avail. He is constantly trying to offer the delicacy in different ways hoping to make it appealing so his friend will at least try it. When he finally succeeds, the friend finds that he absolutely loves the long rejected dish.

This is not unlike some of our efforts to share the beautiful truths of the gospel with our families, friends, and even strangers. If we can just get them to honestly try even just a taste of it they will be overwhelmed by the sweetness of the message. The trick as Sam learned is to hang in there and try different ways of reaching those we wish to try it. She spoke of the newest set of Mormon Ads that the Church has developed, emphasizing the diversity among Latter-day Saints, while underscoring their common commitment to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some have criticized these ads as an effort to bolster the political career of Latter-day-Saint politicians in time for the next Presidential campaign. In reality this is an effort to reach as many different people with the gospel message and dispel myths about the Lord's Church on the earth today. The ads are best viewed on lds.org. Other places feature them but they are annotated by comments by critics and links to unfriendly websites.

Mary emphasized the need for us to use the conference issue of the Ensign as part of our scripture study, especially in this last month before October conference. Then we will be better prepared to receive the messages of the prophets seers and revelators, called to speak to us in our day giving us the most important scripture for our day and time. She pointed out that the messages are rarely groundbreaking and earth shaking. They are simple heartfelt pleas from the Lord through His appointed spokesmen and women, to do the basic things that will qualify us for the protection of heaven and the strength to do the work we must do here on earth.

Prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, family home evening, fulfilling our callings and commitments prayerfully and faithfully, avoiding the pitfalls of a world that grows increasingly more wicked while it clothes itself in a multitude ways to attract those without the spiritual eyes to see it for what it really is, Satan's counterfeit of the real joy and fulfillment that can come only through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We must guard against the wiles of the Adversary who is ever seeking to discourage us and keep us from doing the very simple but vital things that will help us and our families to be able to be in this world but avoid becoming its slave. Re-read the May Conference Issue and plan to watch and listen to the new words of the prophets this October: therein lies our safety.

Next week Sister Mafi will be substituting for Sister Pringle in the Gospel Principles Chapter 17.

The Relief Society Presidency