December Newsletter

Presidency Message by Karen Schmidt 
What is the reason for the joy, peace, and merriment of Christmas? For me it goes far beyond the parties and gift giving. I think a large part is the reminders all around us of God’s love and His gift to us in the giving of His Son to the world. President Monson said in a First Presidency Christmas Devotional in December 2011, “Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.”

In this busy time of the year we can forget to pause and think of the true meaning of Christmas. When we see the lights, let us take a moment to ponder the Light of the World. When we hear the Christmas hymns, let us take time to ponder that holy night when Jesus was born. When we ponder on the gift of love that was given to the world in the birth of Jesus Christ, it becomes easier to remember and receive God’s love into our lives and then to give love more abundantly to others.

President Monson said at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in 2013, “It is my hope and prayer that we may not become so caught up in the pressures of the season that we place our emphasis on the wrong things and miss the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Holy One of Bethlehem.”

Remembering Christ is what makes Christmas so special and makes it the most wonderful time of the year. I hope each of us will take time often during this season to ponder on the birth, ministry, and atonement of Jesus Christ that we might invite the Spirit to fill our hearts with warmth and peace.

Birthdays 
 8 Melissa Brown
 8 Melanie Gappmayer
13 Rebecca Johnson
14 Mindy Cornelsen
14 Terry Maupin
15 Traci Goodwin
16 Loretta Wagner
17 Sue Schilling
19 Jessica Humrich
31 Stephanie Hendrickson

Lesson Schedule – (Howard W Hunter)
Dec 4 Presidency message by Jan Welling
Dec 11 Stake Conference
Dec 18 #24 “Following the Example of Jesus Christ”

Upcoming Events
Dec 3 Ward Christmas Party 5:45 dinner
Dec 4 First Presidency Christmas Devotional
Dec 8 Relief Society Meeting 6:30 pm
Dec 10 & 11 Stake Conference
Dec 21 Ward Temple Day
Dec 25 Christmas

Other Opportunities 
Dec 1 Book Group 7 pm at Kendra’s “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini
Dec 13 Lunch Bunch at 11:30 at Tam’s (6375 Simms)

Wednesdays 9 am Playgroup
Saturdays 8 am basketball Stake Center
Mon & Wed 9 am Aerobics