Preston Trail Ward - 2019 Stake Theme

January 1st, 2019

FRISCO TEXAS SHAWNEE TRAIL STAKE

To: All Members of the Frisco Texas Shawnee Trail Stake

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

When the Shawnee Trail stake was organized on May 4th, 2014 our newly formed Stake Presidency was counseled by the Brethren to prayerfully discuss and consider along with the Stake Council a long-term vision and plan for the stake. In short that vision is “Become a Zion People” Moses 7:18. Additionally, the North America Southwest Area issues a long-term vision and plan (“A Land of Promise—A People of Promise—The Covenant Path”). Each year we consider the Area and Stake visions and plans and select a theme and focus for that particular year that will emphasize one or more aspects of them. We believe that we are in alignment with the Church and most especially with the Lord when he said:

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of

man.” Moses 1:39

The attached document reflects the 2019 theme derived from the Area and Stake visions and plans. The following is this year’s theme.

“Name Him, Remember Him, Obey Him—Receive His Gift”

We invite each individual member of the stake to read and study the Book of Mormon in 2019 with this theme in mind. We hope and pray that through this effort we will keep the covenant of baptism and a) truly bear His name, b) always remember Him, and c) earnestly strive to strictly obey His commandments. As a result and because of the covenants we make, we hope for the supernal gifts of the Father that come through His Son—the miraculous Gift of the Atonement and the promised Gift of the Holy Ghost, which will fill our lamps in preparation for His coming D&C 33:17-18.

While we feel that the purpose of any vision or plan that is made in the church is helpful to individuals and families, we recognize that the vision, the plan, the goals and the accountability ultimately rest upon the shoulders of individuals and families. We hope that each church organization at the stake and ward levels follows this pattern, but more importantly we encourage individuals and families to seek revelation and create for themselves their vision, their plan, their goals and then plead with the Lord to help them accomplish their righteous desires.

We feel the great privilege it is to serve with each of you in this great work, in this time of great and marvelous events, and in this place of great friends and purpose. May the Lord bless each of you in your vision and your plan.

Shawnee Trail Stake Presidency

See page below for more information

2019 Theme

“Name Him, Remember Him, Obey Him—Receive His Gift”

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.” D&C 33:17-18

2019 Invitation

Read and study the Book of Mormon daily and discover why we take upon us His name, how we can always remember Him, what are the commandments He gave us, and the gifts from the Father through His Son that He promised us according to the covenant.

Name Him (by taking upon us His name)

Taking His Name upon us is a witness of our covenants. It acknowledges our relationship. It recognizes His atonement. We name Him in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We name Him in our prayers to the Father. We name Him in the ordinances.

“And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.” Alma 46:15

Remember Him (with our prayers and service and in our trials)

To remember Him is to understand Him and become like Him. It is to commune with the Father in order to understand the Son. It is to serve others in order to emulate Him. It is to repent and receive His grace. It is to be grateful for His supreme sacrifice.

“...And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me.” 3 Nephi 18:7

Obey Him (by making and keeping sacred covenants)

Obedience brings the promised blessings. Strict obedience brings miraculous blessings.

“...and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.” 3 Nephi 18:10

Receive His Gift

The supernal gifts of atoning grace and the Holy Ghost, which come from the Father through His Son are the oil that fills our lamps. These gifts truly light our way and come uniquely and individually to all who will covenant and take upon themselves the name of Christ, remember Him, and obey Him.

“...And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost...” 3 Nephi 8:20