Cincinnati University Branch Mission Plan - 2009

Missionary Plan - University Branch 2008-2009

1. We will have 6 Convert Baptisms between Sept 2008 – June 2009

2. Each member will invite 1 non-member to Church/Activity each month. These activities include, Family Home Evening, Institute, Dances, Munch & Mingle, Enrichment, Special Dinners, Elders Quorum Activities, Church, and others.

3. We will find 5 new people for the Missionaries to teach each month.

4. The missionaries will be Home Teachers to 5 less active members at all times.

5. All members will be invited to attend a 3 week class on how to share the Gospel. They will be given their own copies of Preach My Gospel.

6. The Ward Council Members will lead this work by example and will report their experiences to their organizations and the Branch Presidency.

7. The Branch Presidency will make sure each new member visits the Temple within 3 months of Baptism and that they will be taught how to submit family names for Temple ordinances.

8. Elders Quorum and Relief Society will have Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers determine which members did not attend Church each Sunday and will contact them.

9. We will welcome all who come to our meetings with warmth and love.

10. We will focus on Missionary efforts in each Branch Presidency and Priesthood Executive Committee meeting, with action steps planned and followed up (return and report).

11. We will fast and pray each month for the work to move forward. We will pray for guidance, with faith, knowing that the Lord is with us and that He will help us share the Gospel with love and with the spirit.

Elder Ballard: An Invitation to "Join the Discussion"

Elder Ballard recently spoke at BYU-Hawaii. In his speech, he encouraged all members to "join the conversation" regarding the Church that is occurring via the internet around the world. This speech was modified for publication in the July 2008 Ensign; it is entitled, "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet". The following are a few excerpts from his words (emphasis added):

"This is the world of the future, with inventions undreamed of that will come in your lifetime as they have in mine. How will you use these marvelous inventions? More to the point, how will you use them to further the work of the Lord?

You have a great opportunity to be a powerful force for good in the Church and in the world. There is truth in the old adage that 'the pen is mightier than the sword.' In many cases it is with words that you will accomplish the great things that you set out to do. And it’s principally about ways to share those words that I want to talk to you."

"Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration."

"As you participate in this conversation and utilize the tools of new media, remember who you are—Latter-day Saints. Remember, as the proverb states, that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). And remember that contention is of the devil (see 3 Nephi 11:29). There is no need to argue or contend with others regarding our beliefs. There is no need to become defensive or belligerent. Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends in the same room would have, always guided by the prompting of the Spirit and constantly remembering the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which reminds us of how precious are the children of our Father in Heaven."

The Cincinnati Ohio North Stake takes this prophetic counsel seriously and is committed to furthering the work of the Lord as directed by Elder Ballard. To that end, we have created this Stake Blog (as well as the auxiliary blogs linked herein) to strengthen the ties that bind us as brothers and sisters and as the body of Christ and to share the Gospel with our friends, neighbors and associates wherever they reside. We encourage all of the members of our stake to embrace this counsel individually, to participate actively in internet conversations and to become familiar with, create and use modern media tools on their own. We will assist all who desire to do so in whatever way we can, as we seek to build the Kingdom of God in this part of His vineyard.