Sisters and Brothers—
We’re now in December. We’ve voted, given thanks and are now heavily into the Christmas season. It is truly one of my favorite times of the year.
Like other holidays in this like-no-other year, Christmas 2020 will be different for most people. Larger gatherings will be minimized. Shopping won’t be done in crammed aisles on Black Fridays. For many suffering economic strain caused by the pandemic, Christmas may be sparse.
But, regardless of what the commercial side of Christmas looks like this year, we will have a chance to keep the focus on the true reason for the season — the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
For the River View Ward, Christmas will look a little different, too. While we may not be able to have our usual ward Christmas party complete with a visit from Santa Claus, we do have some opportunities to celebrate together and worship together. A list of ward activities and service opportunities are below.
First Presidency Christmas Devotional
Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Listen to the testimonies of the Savior from members of the First Presidency and invited speakers at the Devotional tonight at 6 p.m. It’s a wonderful annual tradition and spiritual commencement to Christmas.
The devotional can be watched at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=2020-First-Presidency%27s-Christmas-Devotional&mode=watch
Light the World Service Project
Our ward is participating in service opportunities including the chance to tie blankets, create hygiene kits or gather school supply kits for families in need this Christmas season. Families can gather supplies and create packets or blankets over the next couple of weeks to be picked up during our Light the World Parade, held on Dec. 15. Contact Brother Eric Summers at (206) 446-8057 for more information.
Angel Tree
While we don’t have a physical tree this year, families who would like to donate to neighbors in need are encouraged to reach out to our Relief Society president, Georgette Rowley. Sis. Rowley is coordinating the donation of gift cards for various families within our ward boundaries. If you can donate — or need a little help this year — please reach out to Sister Rowley at (801) 368-2009.
Light the World Parade
Dec. 15, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Our ward will be sponsoring a light parade on Dec. 15, starting at the church at 7 p.m. The flatbed tour (a little like our Halloween tour) will feature a roadside visit from Santa Claus where kids can say a socially-distanced “hello.” Santa will also have his mailbox there and children can enjoy a candy cane while dropping off their letter to Santa.
During the parade, members of the ward council will also be gathering the completed blankets, hygiene kits and school supplies for delivery to organizations before Christmas.
Sacrament meeting Christmas celebration
Dec. 20, noon
While the ward choir may be on a break, we will still be able to enjoy a music-filled, faith-driven worship service together on Dec. 20. Those unable to attend in person that day should plan on viewing sacrament meeting online.
Tithing Settlement
With the end of the year also comes the chance to make a tithing declaration to the bishop. Tithing settlement will be today and next Sunday. After that, I will prayerfully do my best to make a declaration for any who haven’t done so themselves.
Sign up sheets — with plenty of spaces — are on the door of the bishop’s office. Please sign up in person or through Brother Steve Jones (801-368-6659).
For today, we will enjoy Fast Sunday sacrament meeting with families whose last names begin with letters between H through P. Others are encouraged to administer the sacrament at home and watch sacrament meeting at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
I love you all and am grateful for the premortal, mortal and postmortal mission of the Baby in the manger. His grace is sufficient and eternal.
Bishop Bennett