We had Stake Conference on November 15-16, 2008. Our stake president was getting released after 9 years of service. So ya know what that means a visit from one of the quorum of the twelve. Of course, Jon and I wanted to attend the Saturday evening session. Sadly, I think this is the first one we have attended since having kids. We had Brenton babysit the kids so that tells you right there how long it has been. We arrived 30 minutes early and were able to get a comfy seat in the chapel. I think there was a record turn out of adults that evening. The chapel and cultural hall were packed with adults. Elder L. Tom Perry was the apostle. It was awesome to hear him speak on Saturday night and Sunday.
Here is an article that was in the paper the next day.
Elder L.Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve, standing next to the newly called Roswell Ga Stake Presidency. (left to right) 1st counselor President Ernst, President Russ Jensen, 2nd counselor President Winters. Elder L. Tom Perry, Of The Quorum Of The Twelve, Visits The Roswell Ga Stake Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints -->
-->Published Nov 17, 2008 --> -->
WHO: Elder L. Tom Perry is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is one sent forth to serve as a special witness of Jesus Christ. There are 15 Apostles living on the earth today. They make up the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church. The mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help all people come unto Him (see
Moroni 10:32). To fulfill this mission, the Church is organized according to the pattern revealed by the Lord "for the perfecting of the saints, . . . till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (
Ephesians 4:12–13; see also
Ephesians 4:11).
The following is a quote from –The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
http://www.lds.org/ .. which Elder Perry signed in Jan. 2000.
“We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son
WHAT: Elder Perry was assigned by the First Presidency of the Church to restructure the leadership of the Roswell Ga Stake.
President Fred Woolf had service faithfully for the last nine years as Stake President of the Roswell Ga Stake. He presided over all members, activities and decisions regarding the administration and welfare of the Church in this area during that time . President Woolf expressed thanks to all who served with him and whom he had had the opportunity to serve at the Stake Conference held last Sunday.
Elder Perry, was called in 1974 as an Apostle. “We live at a time of restoration,, when Apostles are on this earth,, when the Key of the Priesthood establish order and direction I have seen the Power of the Lord change the countenance of the President of the Church when he gives inspired direction”
Elder Perry explained the procedure of what occurs in the calling of a Stake President. “First, interviews are held to learn more about the strengths of the Stake leadership. I then fall on my knees and I ask the Lord for inspiration and stay there until given an answer…a powerful witness comes..”. He continued “ and the Lord has never failed me”.
WHY: There is a Plan of Order, a structure….the genius of the Lord’s plan… to be called by inspiration by those in authority.
Most geographic areas where the Church is organized are divided into stakes. The term stake comes from the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied that the latter-day Church would be like a tent, held secure by stakes (see
Isaiah 33:20;
54:2). There are usually 5 to 12 wards and branches in a stake. Each stake is presided over by a stake president, assisted by two counselors. Stake presidents report to and receive direction from the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presidency who in turn receive direction from the First Presidency.
The Roswell Ga Stake, at this time, comprises areas in North Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and Forsyth counties. There are currently 7 wards and one Spanish branch in the Stake. Over 3000 members live and serve in this Stake.
HOW: The mantle of authority, the ‘keys’ of authority and responsibility were passed to Russ Jensen by the laying on of hands by Elder Perry last Sunday after the Stake membership voted to sustain his calling.
President Russ Jensen is the man selected through inspiration to take on the responsibility for the members in this Roswell Ga Stake. President Jensen and his family live in Alpharetta. He is an associate council with ATT. President Jensen has served in the Church in many capacities and is humbled to have this opportunity to serve. He asked the Stake members to always remember the importance of prayer, faith in Christ, and service.
He is joined in the Stake Presidency by President Verne Ernst of Duluth and President David Winters of Norcross. President Ernst is a VP of Operations with Land America Financial Group; President Winters is a Project Director of The Coca-Cola Co.
The church is led by lay ministry. All serve freely and without payment…except through,.. blessings. -->
