Dear Stake Family,
We as a stake presidency would like express our thanks for all that you are and offer our best wishes for 2025.
At this time of year we hear the phrase, ‘Happy new year’ and sometimes wonder how long is polite to offer that greeting. Thankfully, we live in a country where enjoying happiness is an ambition we are free to pursue. However, we all may at infrequent but important times in our lives find this greeting poses a question;
How can I be happy in a new year with the problems I am facing right now?
The Saviour provided a perfect example of how to respond to these moments when he heard of the execution of John the Baptist. (Matt 14:12-23)
First, He continued to think of others in His difficulties.
We too can find healing, answers and inspiration whilst serving others. As covenanted followers of Jesus Christ we promise to comfort each other, support each other, serve each other (Mosiah 18:8-9). Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ provides us with the opportunity to learn how and when to do this better as we all have much to learn in how to care for each other.
Second, He sought time to pray.
Like Jesus we really need to seek time to pray. Sometimes we are tempted not to pray (2 Ne 32:8-9). Other times we could think our Father in Heaven is slow to answer our prayers. It is our privilege to understand what our Father in Heaven has in store for us this year through prayer. As we pray to know the answer to this question it may be helpful to think about in whose ‘name’ we pray, the name of Jesus Christ.
What blessing would Jesus Christ wish to bless us with, our whole family past present and future with, what would He want to bless His Church with this year? When we pray in this way we begin think about and pray for things that our Father and Jesus Christ would want to grant us. We are praying with the ‘mind of Christ’ (1 Cor. 2:16).
We could pray for more personal charity each day, more faith and strength to follow the prophet, for opportunities to be an instrument in bringing people closer to Christ (Alma 6:6).
We promise following these two simple examples from our Saviour’s life of serving others and seeking time to pray every day are key to bringing you happiness in your new year.
We invite you to join us this new year in our services as we strive to follow Jesus Christ.
Love
President Peter Cope
President Mark Plumbley
President Steve Cottrell