Greetings from Phoenix! I
t’s been a beautiful winter here, and a very busy one too! November was reunion month, with Thanksgiving weekend consisting of three days of prayer and testimonials, preaching, a sacrament service, and delicious meals in between.
The weekend started off on Thanksgiving evening with a video special featuring interviews with members as they shared their thoughts and memories on reunions past. On Friday afternoon, Brandon Tarbell gave a message on being courageous in the face of adversity, and not being afraid to spread the truth of Christ’s gospel. That evening Bruce Haines reminded us that we are currently living in a time of separation from the world and its beliefs, and to stand strong in our faith while being a light unto those who don’t know Christ. Afterwards, the Young People’s and Intermediate Young People’s groups had an ice cream social beside the campfire.
Steve McGhee preached a message of unity of the spirit on Saturday afternoon, and that evening Adam Porter asked us to take a step back and look at ourselves and the values we keep. Sacrament service was held Sunday morning, and Sunday evening Placido Koyoc Matu brought to us a message on preparation and readiness to one day stand before God.
No reunion would be complete without the wonderful meals and desserts prepared by our Sisters, along with the help of their husbands. Friday’s lunch consisted of baked ham, casseroles and all the trimmings; Saturday featured a build-your-own taco bar with Gary Jacobsen’s delicious pork carnitas. Sunday rounded out the weekend with enough smoked chicken and sides to keep everyone feeling full and happy! As did, not to mention, all of the fabulous home-made desserts available to help top off each meal. Suffice it to say, no one left that weekend hungry!
Shortly after reunion, the Christmas season was in full swing! The seniors were treated to caroling courtesy of Alesha Jacobsen, Chris Moser, Aadam Yates and Dan Hedrick and the Welfare Committee, along with hot cocoa and snacks afterward for a time of fellowship. The Junior and Intermediate Young People’s had a fun time creating pine-cone Christmas trees and tin can lanterns. It’s always interesting to see all the creative things they come up with during craft time! On Christmas evening we were blessed with a program consisting of specials to celebrate our Savior’s birth, that most certainly touched the hearts of those who were present.
January was here before we knew it, which means so were officer elections! Gary Jacobsen was elected to replace Andy Brown as pastor, and we wish him our love and God’s blessings to be with him as he embarks on this new journey. We look forward to what the new year will bring!
God Bless, Katie Ely
