DON'T FORGET!

OK, Sisters, let's not forget about our Evening Relief Society Meeting this week (November 30).  The time has been changed to 7:00 p.m. so everyone please put it on your schedule and plan to attend.  Don't forget to bring three dozen of your favorite cookies (with recipe) to share with everyone.  We will also be served from a yummy potato bar.  The Christmas Stockings for Jesus will be made if the fabric arrives.  The shipment has been delayed, but we are hoping for a miracle.  If it does not arrive, another time will be arranged for.  It's sure to be a super evening.  Don't miss it!

ANNOUCEMENTS:

Sister Deb Fitzwater is at her mom's recovering from her hospital stay in Salt Lake.   She is feeling better, but unable to have visitors at this time.  Take a moment of your time to give her a jingle . . . phone calls are more than welcome.

D.I. donations are still being accepted for new items for the Bishop's Christmas.  Let's all feel the 'spirit of the season'.

Pack Meeting has been postponed until Thursday, December 14.

GOOD NEWS MINUTES:

Sister Cindy Cluett was able to meet family members that they had become acquainted with through the New Family Search program and were able to do the temple work for some of their ancestors.

Bishop and Sister Jill were able to fly to Washington D.C.  to receive an award for their son, Rob.  He was awarded a valor award but was unable to be there to receive it due to some training he was in.

Pam and her husband, Wayne, were host to nearly 40 family members for Thanksgiving Dinner.  It was a marvelous occasion for them.

LESSON:

"Because of Your Faith" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland was the title of our lesson this week.  It was given by Sister Joan Platt and is recorded on page 6 of the November Ensign.  It was an expression of gratitude to all in the church: 

"I have struggled to find an adequate way to tell you how loved of God you are and how grateful we on this stand are for you.  I am trying to be voice for the very angels of heaven in thanking you for every good thing you have ever done, for every kind word you have ever said, for every sacrifice you have ever made in extending to someone -- to anyone -- the beauty and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

" . . . No one of you is insignificant, in part because you make the gospel of Jesus Christ what it is -- a living reminder of His grace and mercy, a private but powerful manifestation in small villages and large cities of the good He did and the life He gave bringing peace and salvation to other people.  We are honored beyond expression to be counted one with you in such a sacred cause."

If you have not had time to read this message for yourself, we encourage you to do so.  It is a splendid message.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Can you believe that it's Thanksgiving already?  Wow!  Time has a way of slipping right away from us if we're not careful, doesn't it?  Here's hoping you have a great week with your family and friends.  Happy Thanksgiving!

We are grateful for our Relief Society Presidency (Marilyn, Deb, Cindy, and Amy) and all they do for us in our ward.  Their work is never done, that's for sure.  Thank you, Sisters!

We send our get-well wishes to Sister Deb Fitzwater who in the University of Utah Medical Center.  We miss her bright and shining spirit.  She is undergoing treatments and will be back among us in a couple of days.  We hope that you all got to sign the cards for her that went around yesterday.

Thank you to all of you who helped with the luncheon on Saturday for the Tullis family.  Your compassionate service is so appreciated.

Thanks to Sisters Lanita Tullis and Pam Peterson for 'minute-men' substitutions with our music.  They did a fantastic job!  Pam shared her good-news minute with us:  Kyle and Dana were here with their little ones for a holiday visit.  It's good to see them again.

ANNOUNCMENTS:

Thanks to all those who have been so diligent in helping with the quilts for the Bishop's Christmas at the D.I.  They look so wonderful, and we can tell that many long hours have gone in to getting them finished up. 

The D.I. is still seeking new toys for their Christmas Drive.  If anyone is interested in helping out they can drop off their donation during store hours in Cedar City.  They will be accepting items from November 26 until December 22.  They are especially in need of items for teenagers (13-16).  Let us share with those who need a helping hand.

Habitat for Humanity is also seeking donations of building materials, appliances and furniture (new or nearly new). 

Plan now to attend our Relief Society Meeting on November 30 at 7:00 p.m.  (Please note the change in time).  We are having a cookie exchange so are asking each one to bring three dozen cookies to share along with the recipe.  We will also be making a 'stocking for Jesus'.  The cost will be approximately $5.  This could be a wonderful Family Home Evening idea for you to share with your family.  We are certainly looking forward to feasting at the yummy Potato Bar!  Don't miss out, put it on your calendar NOW!

LESSON:

We had a wonderful lesson on the "Gift of the Holy Ghost" given by Sister Bea Gubler.  This gift is given to us after our bapitsm and confirmation.  It is truly a blessing to us throughout our lives.  All too often we can take this gift for granted, not realizing the blessings it brings to us in our daily lives.  It is one of God's greatest gifts to us.

"The Holy Ghost usually communicates with us quietly.  His influence is often referred to as a "still small voice". . . President Boyd K. Packer explained:  'The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. . . This voice of the Spirit speaks gently, promtping you what to do or what to say, or it may caution or warn you'."

It is always good for us to hear of these great blessings of the gospel.  If you were not able to meet with us on Sunday, please read Chapter 21 in our manual.

The Rush Goes On!

Well, Sisters, I offer my apologies one more time!  One month is a bit long to be so slothful.  Apologies to all the sisters who had birthdays I missed . . . to all the class leaders who gave wonderful lessons I failed to acknowledge . . . and to all the great events I failed to cover.  So-o-o sorry!

I asked our Presidency to take notes yesterday, as I have been away visiting other wards for two weeks.  I did have a marvelous time attending other Relief Societies, but always miss my association with the sisters in our ward.

ANNOUCEMENTS:

The Humanitarian Work Room will be closing on the 18th.  If you have projects that you cannot complete before that time or need to pick up additional projects, please contact Sister VanHouten (878-2263) and she will try to accomodate you. 

Brother Bracken is in need of two or three more people to donate blood.  Contact him if you are willing and need more info.

Sister Judy Wood gave details of our upcoming Relief Society Activity to be held on November 30.  We will be having a cookie exchange.  Please bring three dozen of your favorite cookies and the recipes to go with.  There will be a potato bar with all the yummy fixin's.  We will also have Christmas stockings to represent our gifts to Jesus.  We will write our family and personal goals and keep them in the stocking until next year.  When we pull them out, it will be interesting to see our progress and the changes we have made.

This is the last week to order chocolate drink mix and oats.  If you are interested in either, please contact Lynn Lindsay (439-5672).

LESSON:

Sister Christy Gardner taught our lesson on Baptism.  We are grateful to have her as one of our newer teachers and appreciate the time she spends in preparation to lead us. 

We know that we have been commanded to be baptized and it is through that baptism that we receive a remission for our sins, become members of the church, are able to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and take that first step on the path to the Celestial Kingdom. 

The gospel plan is such a blessing in our lives!  We are so grateful to have an understanding of the principles and ordinances that will help us return to our Heavenly Father.  The covenants we make at baptism deeply affects us and truly gives us a 'new beginning' for the rest of our lives.  May we live true to those covenants!