Sunday Spiritual 12/21

Announcements:

• There will be no activity this week since it falls on Christmas Eve.
• FHE we will be going out Christmas caroling-I'm not sure exactly where but I would recommend bringing a good coat!
• Yes, BYU really lost their bowl game, badly.
  
• Institute classes will start back up on January 6th.
• Everyone is entitled to have a Merry Christmas. If for any reason you do not see this as being possible please let Steve or Jamie know and we'll be sure to spice it up a little (sorry, nothing illegal).
• The Christmas Dance last night was fun and Catherine commented on how impressed/surprised she was at how many people were actually dancing (real dances, not just swaying until you get dizzy and fall over). If anyone has pictures from the dance they would like to share please email them to me and I'll post them.
  

Callings:
Sustained:

• Nichole Santos - Employment Specialist
• Megan Rackam - Relief Society Missionary Specialist
• Clint Kimber - Ward Prayer Coordinator

Released:

• Nichole Bennett - Gospel Doctrine Instructor
• Josh Webster - Ward Missionary
• Nichole Hone - Relief Society Enrichment Committee

Our sacrament meeting program featured two guest speakers and two Christmas songs sung by the choir. The choir did a great job and we appreciate all those who volunteer and practice every week, and Molly for doing so well in orchestrating their talent.

Brother Ferry's daughter Laura spoke on Charity, and the high councilman spoke and shared thoughts from Elder Maxwell.

Linger Longer was "your favorite Christmas dish" which was a huge hit. So huge that by the time Steve got to the line all that was left was frosted bunt cake. Thankfully Steve really likes frosted bunt cake, evidently so much it makes him refer to himself in the third person. Thanks to the linger longer committee and all those that pitched in to make it a success!

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

Sunday Spiritual 12/7

Today was fast & testimony meeting, and I gotta tell you, I've never understood why they call it "fast". I mean I love hearing testimonies as much as the next back-row attendee, and it's great to dedicate a day's worth of food to help ppl in need, but I get rilly rilly hungry and somedays it seems to take FOREVER. k enough about that....the meeting was great as always, we even went over b/c so many ppl wanted to get up.

Announcements:

• Ward Prayer has officially changed time to 8PM.
• The Elder's Quorum bowling & pizza party is this Saturday 12/13 at 1PM (meet at the bowling alley).
• Activity on Wednesday is "Live Clue"-please do not bring real weapons (yes, a candlestick evidently is a real weapon).
• Tithing Settlement is underway, please talk with Matt Jensen to schedule an appointment with the Bishop.
• We are planning on going down to the Draper Temple open house in January, signup lists are being passed around during classes.
• Applications for the "Mr. Eagle Mountain" pageant held next spring are now being accepted. Participants are guaranteed deepened spiritual capacity (not implyin' that they need it), and the winner will be granted a super-hottie eternal companion.*

*In the incident that a suitable companion cannot be found, a silver tiara and genuine certificate of award will be presented by our hosts-which can go right next to your "I made AP" plaque with the photo of you & your mission prez. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age to enter and must be legal U.S citizens. In the event that contestant(s) violate any of the above, or are found using performance enhancing drugs, sabotaging other contestants, or swaying voters above and beyond objectionable criteria, will promptly be set on fire. The winner inherets all goods or belongings to the violating attendent (like in monopoly), including any and all of the following: unlimited text access to significant others, any accumulated college credit and/or degree(s), your bunk bed, shopping spree with your oustanding credit cards, invitations to family gatherings, unlimited access to family's fridge, and any/all personal possessions.

Elder Wirthlin Passes Away

Taken from the Deseret News:

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday at the age of 91.

Elder Wirthlin's son Joe said Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died two years ago.

The release said Elder Wirthlin had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Elder Wirthlin's last major public appearance was at the church's most recent semi-annual general conference in October, when he shared an address many church members have since used in lessons and as a guide in dealing with personal challenges. Titled "Come What May and Love It," he spoke of a challenge after his football team lost a tough game.

As he complained about the game to his mother, he received advice that he said had stayed with him all his life. "Joseph," she said, "come what may and love it." She had taught them to "trust in themselves and each other, not blame others for their misfortunes and give their best effort in everything they attempted."

"When we fell down, she expected us to pick ourselves up and get going again," he said. "In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result."

He also spoke of death, saying "life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take us from the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father."

He reminded Latter-day Saints that top church leaders are not immune from challenges that members face. "There may be some who think that general authorities rarely experience pain, suffering or distress. If only that were true.The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness."

You can read the rest of the story here

Elder Wirthlin's last conference talk- Come What May, and Love It

What a great man and witness of the Savior Jesus Christ! I am sad to see him go-I hope we all can remember his family in our thoughts and prayers.