October 2006 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

adults). Ask other members; they can help
you know what is available.
What is a patriarchal blessing? It is a
blessing of counsel and wisdom to guide
your life, given under the inspiration of the
Holy Ghost by a man ordained to the office
of patriarch in the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Your bishop or branch president can help
you know how to prepare to receive it.
Besides tithing, what donations am I
expected to make? Once a month (usually
the first Sunday), members fast for two meals
and donate a fast offering—the money they
would have spent on those meals—to help
care for the poor.
The Church is also involved in a variety of
humanitarian, temple, and missionary efforts
worldwide. You can donate to these efforts
if you are able. Use the same donation
envelopes you use to pay your tithing and
fast offerings.
How can I share the gospel with others?
Let your example be a light to them, and
share your excitement about joining the
Church. Invite them to meet with the
full-time missionaries. Share a copy of the
Book of Mormon. Share your testimony as
you feel prompted by the Spirit, but be gentle
and kind, not confrontational. Members and
missionaries will be happy to include you in
their efforts and to guide you as you share
the gospel.
How can I stay close to Heavenly Father
and Jesus Christ and continue to feel the
influence of the Holy Ghost? One of the best
ways is to partake worthily of the sacrament
each week. The sacrament prayers will
remind you of the promises you made to
Heavenly Father when you were baptized and
confirmed—that you are willing to take upon
yourself the name of Jesus Christ, always
remember Him, and keep His commandments.
By doing those things, you are promised
that you may always have His Spirit with
you. You will also be blessed by keeping the
Sabbath day holy.
Also invite the Spirit to be with you by
praying often, reading the scriptures, and
keeping God’s commandments.
What else do I need to know? Most of
all, remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ
is true. Heavenly Father is merciful and
kind, and He is pleased with your decision to
become a member of the Church. Be of good
cheer, and remember that with God all things
are possible. ■
Need Church Materials?
Visit a distribution center if
there is one in your area.
Distribution centers provide
pamphlets, manuals,
magazines, posters,
videos, and other Church
materials at low cost or
for free. In the United
States and Canada, you
can also order items at
www.ldscatalog.com.
Church magazines are
available for all ages: the
Friend for children, the
New Era for teens, and the
Ensign for adults. You can
subscribe to them at a
distribution center, at
www.ldscatalog.com,
or by phone in the United
States and Canada
(1-800-537-5971).
Need Definitions
of Church Words?
There are many
resources: Ask other
members. Read Church
materials such as Gospel
Principles (item no.
31110) and True to the
Faith (item no. 36863)
that include lists of
words. Also, check
the glossaries at www
.mormon.org and on
page 33 of this issue.
ENSIGN OCTOBER 2006 27