Brothers and Sisters—
I was working from home on Friday and turned on “It’s a Wonderful Life” while I was sending emails and writing some stories for upcoming magazines. As the holiday classic came to its iconic end — with neighbors, friends and family members near and far coming to the financial rescue of the protagonist, George Bailey — I found myself feeling a sense of familiarity from seeing members of our ward come to the rescue when the alarm is raised.
This year, our Sunday School presidency has led our Christmas giving efforts by sponsoring our Light the World service project, giving families options for ways to give back to those in our community who need help with blankets, hygiene kits or school supplies.
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. If you don’t have the kits ready for pickup on Tuesday, please participate in the Light the World Parade anyway. Kits can be dropped off to Brother Eric Summers anytime before Friday. For more information, please reach out to Brother Summers at (206) 446-8057.
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.
Upcoming 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).
Sacrament meeting
Today, in-person sacrament meeting will be for families whose last names begin with letters between Q through Z. Others are encouraged to administer the sacrament at home and watch sacrament meeting at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
Schedule for 2021
Like many of you, I look forward to the “fresh start” offered by the upcoming new year. The new year also brings a change to our meeting schedule. Our ward’s sacrament meeting will switch to 10:30 a.m.
I love you all and remind you to be the friend you want to have this holiday season.
Bishop Bennett