Jared turned 12

Jared has had the opportunity to receive the Aaronic priesthood.

He has been studying the books Jon has lent him. We were able to have a FHE, we dressed in our Sunday best and headed off to the chapel where Ian and Jon taught us the roles and responsibility of an Aaronic priesthood holder Jon also taught Jared how and where to pass the sacrament ~ including where to sit if you want to serve to a certain family or young lady ~ awe the secrets we do not know about!

Our bishop and dear friend encouraged Jared to memorize the 13th section of the Doctrine and Covenant which reads

Section 13

The ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood along the bank of the Susquehanna River, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, 15 May 1829 (see History of the Church, 1:39–42). The ordination was done by the hands of an angel who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient Apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time the Priesthood of Melchizedek would be conferred upon them. (See section 27:7, 8, 12.)

The keys and powers of the Aaronic Priesthood are set forth.



1Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.



                                               

Definition and Purposes of the Aaronic PriesthoodThe priesthood is the power and authority of God. It is conferred upon worthy male members of the Church. Those who hold priesthood keys direct the administration of the ordinances of the gospel, the preaching of the gospel, and the government of the kingdom of God on the earth.

The Aaronic Priesthood holds “the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel; which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins” (D&C 84:26–27; see also D&C 13:1; 107:20). The Aaronic Priesthood also “has power in administering outward ordinances” (D&C 107:14).

For more information about the purposes of the priesthood and priesthood keys, see chapter 2.

8.1.1 Aaronic Priesthood Offices and Duties
The offices in the Aaronic Priesthood are deacon, teacher, priest, and bishop. Each priesthood office has rights and responsibilities of service, including authority to administer priesthood ordinances. For information about ordination to the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest, see 20.7.

Deacon
Worthy brethren may receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained deacons when they are at least 12 years old. A deacon has the following responsibilities:

He lives a righteous life and remains worthy to exercise the priesthood. He sets a good example for fellow quorum members and other Church members.

He passes the sacrament (see 20.4.3).

He serves as a standing minister, “appointed to watch over the church” (D&C 84:111). He is also to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” (D&C 20:59). This responsibility includes fellowshipping quorum members and other young men, notifying members of Church meetings, speaking in meetings, sharing the gospel, and bearing testimony.

He assists the bishop in “administering … temporal things” (D&C 107:68). This responsibility may include gathering fast offerings, caring for the poor and needy, caring for the meetinghouse and grounds, and serving as a messenger for the bishop in Church meetings.

He participates in quorum instruction by being an active student of the gospel.

He assists the bishopric in other ways consistent with the office of a deacon. He also assists teachers “in all [their] duties in the church … if occasion requires” (D&C 20:57).
We are so very pleased with you Jared as you follow the footsteps of your older brother, father, uncles and grandfathers.