Information

Be sure to check the information below President Monson's message.  Merry Christmas Sisters!

President Monson - Christmas Devotional

President Thomas S. Monson

Acknowledging that the Christmas season with its special meaning and beauty brings “rest to the weary soul,” President Thomas S. Monson in his First Presidency Christmas Devotional message Dec. 2 observed, “It is easy to get caught up in the pressure of the season and perhaps lose the very spirit in our lives that we’re trying to gain.”

“Overdoing it is especially common this time of year for many of us,” the Church president observed. “The causes for this might include too many Christmas activities to attend, too much to eat, too many expectations and too much tension. Often our efforts at Christmas time result in our feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of our Savior.”
The real joy of Christmas is found from making the Savior Jesus Christ the focus of the season, President Monson affirmed. “We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth.”
President Monson spoke of the elderly as “a segment of our society desperately yearning for an expression of love.”
“The chill wind of dying hopes and vanished dreams whistles through the ranks of the elderly and those who approach the declining side of the summit of life,” he mused.
He declared that true love is a reflection of the Savior’s love. “In December of each year we call it the Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can see it. You can feel it.”
President Monson recalled an experience he had as an 11-year-old boy attending Primary. One day, the Primary president, a gray-haired lady named Melissa, asked him to stay behind to converse with her.
“She placed her arm about my shoulder and began to cry,” he related. “Surprised, I asked her why she was crying.
“She replied, ‘I can’t seem to get the Trail Builder boys to be reverent during the opening exercises of Primary. Would you be willing to help me, Tommy?’
He promised that he would, and soon found that his promise ended any problem of reverence in Primary.
“She had gone to the source of the problem – me,” he said. “The solution was love.”
Years later, Melissa, who was in her 90s, was living in a Salt Lake City nursing home.
“Just before Christmas I determined to visit my beloved Primary president,” President Monson recounted. While driving to the destination, he heard on the car radio the song “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” He thought of the wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child.
“I brought only the gift of love and a desire to say thank you,” he said.
He found Melissa in the lunch room of the nursing home staring at her plate of food. As he spoke to her there was no response, only a blank stare. He took her fork in his hand and began to feed her, talking all the time about her service to boys and girls as a Primary worker.
Two other residents of the nursing home gazed in puzzlement at him, and one said, “Don’t talk to her. She doesn’t know anyone – even her own family. She hasn’t said a word in all the time she’s been here.”
As the lunch ended and he stood to leave, he held her hand and said, “God bless you, Melissa. Merry Christmas.”
“Without warning, she spoke the words, ‘I know you. You’re Tommy Monson, my Primary boy. How I love you.’ She pressed my hand to her lips and bestowed on it a sweet kiss filled with love. Tears coursed down her cheeks and bathed our clasped hands. Those hands, that day, were hallowed by heaven and graced by God. The herald angels did sing.”
President Monson urged, “There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart – and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all.”
Christmas “isn’t just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives,” President Monson remarked. “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.”
President Monson concluded with this wish: “May we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellow man. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior, and may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas.”

Updates

Thanks to everyone who helped with and came to our Ward Christmas Party.  It was a great success and fun was had by all who came.

Sister Ann Durbin is looking to borrow a car seat for a 1 year old and a booster seat for a 3 year old grandchild.  Her grandchildren will be arriving the day after Christmas from Japan and she would need to borrow them for about 10 days.  If anyone has an extra they are not using please call Ann at 357-5568.  Thanks.

Happy Birthday!

December 19th - Gloria Russell
December 25th - Christa Ball
December 26th - Ethel Peterson
December 30th - Dorothy Barker
December 30th - Melinda Lent

Lesson Recap

The Lesson this week was Chapter 23 "Of You It is Required to Forgive"  Heather showed a video titled "forgiveness: my burden was made light".  You can also google Chris Williams Mormon Message - forgiveness.  It is 8.25 minutes long and is worth watching.

We have been taught to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us and speak evil of us...When you are reviled, do not revile again.  When others speak evil of you, pity them, and pray for them.  Remember the example of the Divine Master, who, when suspended upon the cruel tree, said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Ward Christmas Party

Don't forget the Ward Christmas Party is Saturday, December 15th at 6:00 p.m.  Bring a pot luck soup or dessert to share.  There will be a special surprise guest.

Updates

Thanks to everyone who came to our Christmas Dinner and a special thanks to all who helped make it a success!

If anyone wants to send these sisters a Christmas note here are their addresses.

Beth Allred
850 Lincoln Drive #102
Idaho Falls, ID  83401 

Naomi Baker
Parkwood Meadow #225
1885 Parkwood Street
Idaho Falls, ID  83401

Kathryn Aldridge
6267 S. 55th W.
Idaho Falls, ID  83402   

Ruth Stewart will be moving December 26th to Lincoln Court Room 177.  We will miss her.

Merry Christmas Relief Society sisters.  We hope you enjoy your spiral bound manual! (Courtesy of Brother Smith)  If you haven't received yours, check with the Presidency or your Visiting Teachers.

There are some needs for christmas in our ward if you would like to help, please give any donations to the Bishop.  He will make sure they reach those who need them.

Happy Birthday!

Rehle Higham - December 10th
Mariann Davidson - December 10th
Mistri Russell - December 15th
Lori Moad - December 16th

Humanitarian

Dear Sisters, This came from Pres. Searle. Please make it available to your sisters.

Stake Presidents:   The following announcement from the Humanitarian
Center has been distributed to the ward bulletin editors in the area.


Do you have time to volunteer some time this Christmas season?  Here
is a list of places that could use your help:

TOYS FOR TOTS:  Volunteers needed to help distribute toys.  Dec. 21,
22, 23 from 10 - 5.  Call Dan Suciu - 346-7800
ST. VINCENT DEPAUL: Volunteers to help wrapping gifts - Tues. Dec
11th, 6 pm, Thurs. Dec 13th, 6 pm.       Help sorting gifts - Friday,
Dec. 14 at 1:00     Help distributing gifts - Sat., Dec. 15th.  If you
can help, call Betty Anderl at 522-1980 or Peggy Sharp at 523-2188
SALVATION ARMY:  Volunteers to man kettles.  Volunteers needed to help
distribute gifts, December 18, 19.  Call Salvation Army - 522-7200

Any questions regarding the new Humanitarian Center, call Mozelle
Neville at 529-2357 or Jim or Colleen Williams - 528-8844

Needs

We have need in the ward for a twin bed.  If anyone has a bed that they do not need any more, please contact a member of the Relief Society Presidency.

Updates

We missed a couple of birthdays on our handout we passed out in Relief Society.  

Rehle Higham - December 10th
Christa Ball - December 25th
Melinda Lent - December 30th

Presidency Message

The holidays with all the fun, excitement, love as well as discouragement and frustrations are upon us.  The holidays should also be a special time to remember the Savior, his birth, life, service and atoning sacrifice.

Sister Julie B. Beck (Daughters in My Kingdom, page 105) has taught:  "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach and minister in His behalf."

Christmas time is a time when we especially desire to share our love through the tradition of gift giving.  May we share the following by Elder John A. Widstoe of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles (1873-1952) as a suggestion for your gift giving:  "Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divining gift, the life of Jesus Christ.  His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive.  His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life; our gift should represent personal sacrifice on our part.  Would it not be well this Christmas to give first to the Lord, directly through obedience, sacrifice and love and then give to Him indirectly through gifts to friends and those in need as well as to our own?  Should we do this perhaps many of us would discover a Christmas Joy."     
Sister Bolander

Visiting Teaching

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives.  We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us.  We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something.  We have to learn to be content with what we are."   Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Provident Living

It is a great time of the year to give the gift of food storage to the ones we love.  So much needed and so appreciated.

Humanitarian

As we get closer to the Christmas Season, we are getting many requests from different Charity agencies in our area.  Would you like to help?  We are in need of, any size deodorant, size 3-6 month plain onesies, and crocheted winter headbands.  Bring them to the South Stake building at 21st and Higbee on Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call Jim and Coleen Williams at 528-8844.  Thank you for your support!

Dates to Remember

Dec. 4th - Shelley Stake Christmas Concert at 7:00 p.m. at the Stake Center

Dec. 7th - Ward Adult Christmas Dinner at 7:00 p.m.  sponsored by the Relief Society - church dress.  Please come join us for a wonderful evening and special Christmas program.

Dec. 15th - Ward Family Christmas Party at 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 7th - Jan. 2nd - "Olde Fashioned Christmas and Winter Festivals" exhibit will be held at the Museum of Idaho.

Jan. 6th - Our block meetings change to 11:00 a.m. 

Happy Birthday!

Pam Dooley - December 5th
Leatha Neilson - December 6th
 

Information

Our Stake has an assignment to help with the Olde Fashioned Christmas & Winter Festival held at the Museum of Idaho.
We need 3 Nativities from our Stake and or any Penquin Collectibles, Gingerbread Houses, or Santas that could be displayed.
We also need 2 volunteer Hosts or Docents on each of 2 shifts. This gives an extra sense of security and helps keep an eye on the many  beautiful things shared by members of our community. Our assignment is Wednesday December 19th from 9 to 1 and 1 to 5 That would be 2 people at 9 and 2 people at 1.   They can contact me if they have any volunteers...Ann Winder 390-6820.   Thanks for all you do.
 

Spreading Christmas Cheer

There is a family in our community that we feel could use a little help this year.  This family contributes much to our community but at this time they are facing many challenges.  We wish we could tell you more but in our efforts not to have any feelings hurt we ask that you trust us with this opportunity to help.  We know that any help will be greatly appreciated.

 Arrangements have been made with this family's Bishop to help keep our donations and identity anonymous.  If you would like to donate, put your donation in a card or envelope and give to a member of the Relief Society by Thursday, December 6th.  Thank you and Merry Christmas.

 

Lesson Recap

Trish Dixon gave an excellent lesson on Sunday.  The subject was the Conference talk given by Elder Quentin L. Cook titled "Can Ye Feel So Now?"  

It was discussed that the rising generation is better prepared than any previous generation but they are living in a world full of unrighteousness.  Religious observance in the home is the best protection for our youth.  

Two scriptures were referenced:
Alma 5:26
"And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye fee so now?"

Alma 5:33
"Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith:  Repent, and I will receive you.

Ask yourself if your relationship with the Savior is better now than it was a year ago.  Let's strive to make it better a year from now than it is today.  

Pumpkin Cookies

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 T. cinnamon
1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt 
1/2 t. ginger

1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 c. oil1/2 c. chilled pumpkin (can) 
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease pan or line with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger and nutmeg.  Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, the dark brown sugar, and the oil together.  Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly.  Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.

Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, making sure that the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  they should be firm when touched.

Store in open container because they are so moist.  

Gratitude

Life beyond Mortality

“I believe that none of us can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane, but I am grateful every day of my life for His atoning sacrifice in our behalf.

“At the last moment, He could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things. In doing so, He gave us life beyond this mortal existence. He reclaimed us from the Fall of Adam.

“To the depths of my very soul, I am grateful to Him. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. He secured our salvation.”²

^{President Thomas S. Monson}

Thank Yous

Thank you to all who helped with Brother Dave Stewart's funeral.  It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man and the family appreciated all the ward did.

Sister Update

Brother Dave Stewart, husband of Ruth Stewart, passed away Monday night.  His funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m.  There will be a viewing before the funeral beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Humanitarian

This week the stress at the Humanitarian Service Center was on Toys for Tots.  These are to be new toys in the original packaging.  There is a need for for St. Vincent de Paul for sweatshirts in all sizes, preferably new or gently used, as well as wrapping paper.
There also continues to the be a need for items on the list (which i am going to TRY to send to Sister Nelson via an attached file.)
If you have any items that you would like to donate but forgot to bring them to church, please contact me (357-5361) and I will more than happy to come pick up the items.
Thanks again for your support!
Teresa L. Cox



ITEMS NEEDED FOR COMMU~ITY
(New -gently used) Kleenex
Baby Items: Lotions
Onesies -3-6 Razors
Baby Wipes Shampoo / Conditioner
Baby Shampoo / lotion Toothbrushes
Binkys Tote Bags
Car Seats (can be used, good condition) Razors, Shaving Cream
Cribs (not recalled, can be used, good condition)
Disposable Diapers -all sizes Kitchen Supplies
Onesies -0-3 month; 3-6 month Can Openers, new
Pak n Play (can be used, good condition) Coffee Makers, new
sippy Cups Cooking Utensils
Stroller (can be used, good condition) Dish Soap
Foil
Bed and Bath Microwaves
Pillows Paper Bowls, Cups, Napkins, Plates
Toilet Tissue Paper Towels
Towels Plastic Ware
Sheets Plastic Wrap
Shower Curtains' Toasters
Sleeping Bags
Animal Shelter
CleaninR Supplies Used Blankets and pillows
Bleach, unscented
Brooms SPECIAL PROJECTS
Cleanser St. Vincent de Paul provides Christmas gifts for 450 families
Cleaning Supplied and 1200 children and youth in the Idaho Falls area. We are
Dust Pans helping them with the following items:
Dryer Sheets ~ Sweatshirts- Boys and Girls, sizes small through
Fabric Softener Extra Large Preferably new, or gently used.
LDS Cleanup Buckets ~ Christmas Wrapping paper- they will be wrapping
Laundry Soap all the gifts for these families!
Mops
Trash Bags- 30 gal and 13 Gal ~
Trash Cans -all sizes
Gal. zip lock bags
ClothinR
Aprons
Baby, 0 month -5 toddlers
Boys, 6 yr -16 youth
Girls, 6 yr -16 youth
Men's underwear- all sizes -
Men's Work Boots
Men's Work Gloves
Women's underwear -all sizes
Women's socks
Personal Item§:
Blow Dryers
Combs, Brushes, Picks
Curling Irons (can be used, good condition)
Deodorant
H~ir Drvprs (c:~n hp IJSPrl gnnrl rnnrlitinn\

Updates

 Sister Karissa Wilson had a baby girl, Emmaline.  She was born 8 weeks early and will need to stay in the hospital for a while but she is doing well.  Please keep her in your prayers.

Brother Dave Stewart has been put on hospice and is not doing well.  Please remember the Stewart family in your prayers.

Thanks to all who participated in our "Souper" Saturday.  We all had fun and good food.  Thanks to Brandi Timm and Sunni Lee for doing such a good job putting it together.

Remember that next Sunday will be the Boise Temple Rededication.  This will take the place of our usual meetings.  There will be three session which will be held at the Stake Center at 9:00 a.m., 12 Noon, and 3:00 p.m.  You need to arrive 30 minutes in advance.  For those without current Temple recommends you must have an interview with the Bishop in order to get a ticket.  Contact Bro. Kirk Dooley for a time.  Also, you need to bring a white handkerchief to the dedication.

There will be no Stake Temple Recommend interviews on Wednesday, November 21 (the evening before Thanksgiving).

Mark your calendar for the Shelley Stake Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 4th.

The Relief Society is hosting the adult Christmas Party Friday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m.  This will be a dinner.

  

Teaching for Our Times

November
     Quinton L. Cook - Can Ye Feel So Now? P. 6
December
     Pres. Uchtdorf - Of Regrets and Resolutions. P. 21
January 
     L. Tom Perry - Becoming Goodly Parents. P. 26
February
     M. Russell Ballard - Be Anxiously Engaged. P. 29
March
     Pres. Eyring - Where is the Pavilion? P. 72
April
     Pres. Monson - Consider the Blessings. P. 86

Happy Birthday!

Jerrica Siepert - November 12th

Presidency Message

What makes a happy person? If you ask me, its having and expressing gratitude. Seeing all around you that is good and wonderful. Seeing and expressing thanks to God, and recognizing that He would like to move you to become his. Knowing that the blessings you have, everything you have is a gift from our Heavenly Father. I have so much to be grateful for! I put in a load of laundry the other day and then went to say my morning prayers. As I kneeled there I could hear the water running in the washer, and I said, "thank you Father for my washer and dryer so I don't have to wash the cloths by hand. What a time saver.   How can a life lived in gratitude make us happy?

1.It reminds us of the positive things in our lives.

2.It can turn bad into good. Having a bad day at work? Be grateful you have work. Be grateful you have challenges, then life isn't boring.

3.It reminds you of whats important. Like Elder Uchtdorf said in his conference talk, when people are ready to pass away the main regrets that they have were wishing they would have spent more time with their family, wishing they would have lived up to their potential, and wishing they would have let their self be happier.

4.It reminds you to thank others. When you say thank you, or someone thanks you, there is something that takes place in the body, in your heart. You feel happy. I was at the store the other day, and the guy behind me had 2 cans of coffee. He needed 15 cents change to complete his purchase. I had just been give 15 cents return from my bill. He was digging and I said here have mine, no, no he said.  He kept digging and finally pulled out a dollar, I said really I don't have any place to put it, its yours. I felt good. I know its small, how much smaller can you get than 15 cents, but what was strange to me, he didn't say thank you. I didn't do it to get a thank you, but I realized that he just missed an opportunity to feel something in his heart.

Sisters we have so much to be grateful for. Please take the time in your prayers or your day to express to you Father how grateful you are, and do the things Elder Uchtdorf suggests and remember it isn't a race.  Find joy in the journey. There is something each day that can bring gratitude and joy if we will only see and appreciate it. 

 Sister Kim Strupp

Happy Birthday!

Kara Higham - November 9th
Sunni Lee - November 9th
Sharon Jones - November 10th

Humanitarian

I am sorry that I have not been at church the past 2 weeks to leave a container for the Humanitarian Service items.  We have been dealing with the sickies.  If anyone has items they would like to contribute, please contact me at 357-5361 and I will be happy to come and get them.  I go up on Wednesdays.
Thanks! Teresa L. Cox

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Don't Forget!

The Ward Halloween Party will be combined with the 4th Ward this year.  Trunk or Treat will begin at 6:30 p.m. and fun and games will begin about 7:15.  Donuts and Cider will be provided.  

Interviews to participate in one of our sessions of the Boise Temple Rededication will be held right after the block meetings on November 4th and the 11th.  If your recommend is current already then you do not need to have an interview.

Humanitarian

The high demand items for this week continue to be: diapers, deodorant, laundry soap, Onesies size 3-6 months, baby wipes, and Christmas wrapping paper. 
     The items that are suggested for the stockings are: hats, gloves, socks, pillowcases, books, toys, hand lotion, puppets, and Hotwheels.  They request no Barbie dolls, no guns, and no toys that relate to violence.  They already have the needed amt of  crayons and color books. As I said, these are suggestions and they are not too picky about what they get as long as they follow the guidelines.   The age groups and number of the children for the stocking project are: under 3   10 children, 4-6 yrs   20 children, 7-8 yrs   23 children, 9-12 yrs   24 children, 13-14 yrs   15 teens, and for the 15-18 yrs there are 8 teens. 

Thank you!
Teresa L. Cox

Good Information

At Auxiliary Training last week President Searle expressed his concern for our families.  He quoted two articles from past Ensigns which are good guidelines for our homes.  Below are the two articles for you to read.  I believe that they are good guidelines for our families.
         Kim Strupp

Elder Larry Wilson - "Only Upon the Principles of Righteousness"
     April 2012
Elder D. Todd Christofferson - "Moral Discipline"
     October 2009 

Reminders

Donations for pies for the Shelley Food Bank Thanksgiving Food Baskets are due by November 3rd.  You can do this by giving your money to a member of the presidency or by putting it on your tithing donation slip under other (write pies).

For those wanting to attend the Boise Idaho Temple Rededication.

If you have a Temple Recommend you must take that with you.

You must be 8 years of age and older.

For those without current Temple recommends you must have an interview with the Bishop in order to get a ticket.  Please contact Bro. Kirk Dooley for an appointment with the Bishop.  Please don't wait to until the last minute.

That will be our Church meeting for the day (Nov. 18th).  This will be a special opportunity for everyone to attend!  There will be sessions at 9:00 a.m., 12 noon, and 3:00 p.m.

Ward Halloween Party will be on October 20th.  Mark this on your calendar.   

Humanitarian

I am so excited about being called to Humanitarian Service.  I hope that I can help you all feel the excitement for this project too.
     Kim and I had the opportunity to visit the building in Idaho Falls which now housing our local Humanitarian Service program. Salt Lake heard about the stake that was running this and came up to see what was going on.  They were so impressed, that they have now declared it an official "pilot program" for the church.  There are over 200 local nonprofit organizations in our area, 68 of which are currently using the services that we provide.  There is a missionary couple that goes around and checks with the organizations to see what the needs are and then relays that back to our pilot program.  Like I said, I am really excited about this and I hope that you will feel that emanating from me and maybe even catch a little of it!  ;)
     Every week when I go in to serve, there is a list of needs posted.  These include: Baby Items, Bed and Bath, Cleaning Supplies, Clothing, Personal Items, Kitchen Supplies, and Animal Shelter Supplies.  The items range from high quality quilts to wooden toys,  file folder games to hygiene kits,  and bereavement kits to so much more.  There are also Seasonal Needs provided.  Right now, that includes "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Christmas Stockings."
     Every Sunday I will have a container outside of the chapel for people to put donated items in.  I will then bring this in on Wednesdays when I report for service.  I will be posting needs in our blog as well as posting needs in the bulletin and the newsletter. 
     The high demand items for this week are: diapers, deodorant, laundry soap, Onesies size 3-6 months, baby wipes, and Christmas wrapping paper. 
     The items that are suggested for the stockings are: hats, gloves, socks, pillowcases, books, toys, hand lotion, puppets, and Hotwheels.  They request no Barbie dolls, no guns, and no toys that relate to violence.  They already have the needed amt of  crayons and color books. As I said, these are suggestions and they are not too picky about what they get as long as they follow the guidelines.   The age groups and number of the children for the stocking project are: under 3   10 children, 4-6 yrs   20 children, 7-8 yrs   23 children, 9-12 yrs   24 children, 13-14 yrs   15 teens, and for the 15-18 yrs there are 8 teens. 

Thank you!
Teresa L. Cox