TONIGHT REMINDER: Stake Christmas Music Fireside

Don't forget that our Stake Christmas music fireside is tonight, December 15.  This is a wonderful missionary opportunity to invite your friends to join with us in celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Ward Christmas Party -- FHE, Monday, Dec. 16th

Our ward's Christmas party is on Monday, December 16th at the ward building.  We will have a Twelve Days of Christmas activity with a musical program, toy and book drive and a delicious dinner.  Please come and join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Stake Missionary Prep Class

The stake missionary prep class is held every Sunday at 8.00a at the north Hawes building.  Anyone who would like to attend is welcome.

FHE - Temple Lights, Dec 2

Meet at the church for Family Home Evening at 6.30p.  We will be carpooling to go visit the temple grounds and the beautiful Christmas lights and displays.

No Stake Religion Class Week of Thanksgiving

There will be no stake religion class this week.  Enjoy Thanksgiving and hope you will join us next week.

Monday, Sept. 23; FHE: Balloon Stomp

Meet at the church at 7.00p for Family Home Evening.

REMINDER: Tonight is the Stake Fireside (Sept 15)

The stake fireside tonight has been moved to the Maplewood building on Greenfield Road south of the Gilbert temple.

Saturday, Sept. 28; Relief Society General Broadcast and Social Activity/Dinner

After watching the Relief Society General Broadcast, there will be a social activity which includes a light meal.  Please join us for the conference, starting at 4.45pm and dinner at the north Hawes building beginning at 7.00pm.

If you would like to acquaint yourself better with our Relief Society General Presidency, just click on their names:   Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president; Carole M. Stephens, first counselor; and Linda S. Reeves, second counselor, will address Relief Society sisters worldwide at the general Relief Society meeting Saturday, September 28, 2013.

New Visiting Teaching Topics Begin in October


Beginning in October 2013 the Relief Society Visiting Teaching Messages will focus on the divine mission of Jesus Christ and His many roles and attributes.  Please take a few minutes to read this new directive in the September 2013 issue of the Ensign.

50 Quick, Easy and Inexpensive Visiting Teaching Gift Ideas

1.  Soup or soup mix:  Wishing you a "Souper" Day!  
2.  Popcorn balls, caramel corn or popcorn:  "Hoping you have a ball this month! Or "Just popping by to say Hi!"  
3.  Loaf of bread:  "No matter how you slice it, you are terrific and we love you."  
4.  Root beer:  "We're rooting for you to get well soon!"  
5.  Jar of jelly:  "Jelly is like love ... You can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"  OR "Have a berry nice day!"
6.  Treasure chocolate candies:  "We treasure your friendship!"
7.  Cleaners:  "You add sparkle and make our life brighter."
8.  Nuts:  "We're nuts about you!"
9.  Lifesavers:  "You've been a life saver!"
10.  Measuring cup filled w/ treats:  "Wishing you a happy birthday beyond measure!"
11.  Bananas:  "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go bananas trying to find anyone better than you."
12.  Flower:  "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you," OR "You make friendship bloom all year round."
13.  Hershey's Hugs:  "A friend always knows when you need a hug."
14.  Music CD:  "May the cheerful sounds of music put a spring to your step."
15.  Salsa:  "Add a little spice to your day."
16.  Calendar:  "Thinking of you the whole year through."
17.  Shaped sugar cookies:  "Rolling out a batch really sweet, for someone we think is very neat."
18.  Warm casserole or bread:  "Bundled up with warm wishes."
19.  Seasoning mix:  Just sending a little spice to liven up your day."
20.  Hershey's Hugs and Kisses:  "Hugs and kisses to you."
21.  Apple pie or apple crisp:  "Wishing you a scrumptious day."
22.  Any sweet treat:  "Wishing you a day of sweetness."
23.  Oranges:  "Orange you glad we're friends?  We sure are!"
24.  Mints:  "Friends like you are worth a mint"
25.  Strainer:  "We couldn't restrain ourselves from letting you know that we love you."
26.  Bubble gum or bath:  "May your day bubble over with fun."
27.  Pencil and notepad:  "Thinking of you, from our pad to yours." OR "Hello to a noteworthy friend."
28.  Grater and cheese:  "To a grate friend."
29.  Bear shape honey:  "Have a bear sweet day."
30.  Chocolate milk:  "Have an udderly moooovalous day."
31.  Shaped pasta and sauce:  "Have a pasta-ively wonderful day."
32.  Cookie Dough:  "Everyone needs extra dough now and then!"
33.  Homemade frozen rolls:  "Here's a littly yummy treat.  Rise and bake, it can't be beat!  Warm fresh rolls just for you.  Top with butter that's all you do!  Now you know we're thinking of you!"
34.  Brownie Mix (or any mix):  "Whip up this mix for an emergency sugar fix!"  (Be sure to attach the recipe.)
35.  Pie:  "We just stopped by for a little Hi and to leave with you a tasty pie."
36.  Toffee or Brittle:  "Any way you break it, we think you're the greatest."
37.  Fudge:  "Fudge a little on the calories and enjoy a little treat."
38.  Banana bread:  "Banana bread just for you, because you have so much to do ... we also love you a whole bunch too."
39.  Cinnamon rolls:  "Here's a sweet treat "rolled" up with our love."
40.  Homemade treat:  "You're so sweet ... having you as a friend is quite a treat."
41.  Cake:  "You take the cake, we think you're first rate."
42.  Cornbread or mix:  "We're not trying to be corny we just want you to have a great day."
43.  Carrot cake:  "We really carrot a lot about you."
44.  Homemade ice cream or a frozen treat:  "Here's the scoop ... Hoping your day is a blizzard of fun!"
45.  Recipe:  "Just like you friend, this recipe is tried and true, just for you.  Happy cooking."
46.  Pizza:  "Hope your weekend has a touch of pizza--z."
47.  Candle:  "You light up my life ... thanks for your friendship."
48.  Plant:  "The kindness you show makes our friendship grow."
49.  Soda pop:  "I'd soda like to let you know, I love you."
50.  Donuts:  "Donut you know we love you?"

Visiting Teaching ... Before the 25th?

Thank you to all our wonderful visiting teachers.   Every third Sunday we will have a short thought about visiting teaching in Relief Society.  AND ... If you do your visiting teaching before the 25th of each month and send in your report, there just might be a surprise!

August 18, Stake Fireside

Our stake presidency will be hosting our stake fireside this month on Sunday, August 18 at 7pm.  It will be at the Boulder Creek Stake Center (3025 S. Hawes Road, Mesa (SOUTH of Guadalupe).

August 16-17, Overnighter Summer Summit - "Coming Home to Christ"

Our stake overnight activity at Camp LoMia is this coming Friday and Saturday.  We will be leaving in two groups.  The first group will be leaving at 2pm from the Higley Ward building and the second group will be leaving at 5:30p.  (Directions to Camp LoMia:  From N Loop 202 take Exit 27 for University Drive; head east on University Drive from .2 miles to N Ellsworth Road; turn LEFT onto N. Ellsworth road to head north.  Continue 8.7 miles north on N. Ellsworth Rd (with will turn into N Usery Pass Road) to Bush Hwy; Turn RIGHT onto Bush Hwy to head east; continue 9.6 miles on Buntinush Hwy to AZ-87 N/N Bee Line Hwy.  Turn Right onto AZ-87 N/N Bee Line Hwy towards Payson, AZ.  Continue 66.5 miles on AZ-87 N to the Pine Ward building in Pine, AZ.)  Park @ Stake Center and shuttle to camp.

Friday Evening:  Arrival -- Sign in Registration -- name tags.  Dinner will be served as people arrive, followed by a Welcome Devotional.  We will then have a fun evening of games, dancing, dessert, mingling, and much, much more!

Saturday Morning:  Breakfast will be served on Saturday morning followed by a Morningside Devotional. The morning will then be filled with fun activities till noon.

Girls will sleep in the cabins and guys will sleep under the stars.  The cabins have cots w/ mattresses, bring sleeping bag/blanket and pillow.  Guys will be using tents--bring sleeping bags, air mattresses/foam pads and pillows. Things to bring:  gym shoes or close-toed shoes, toiletries, warm clothes w/ extra socks, waterbottle, flashlight/lantern, batteries, camera, bug spray, hand sanitizer, hand towel, sunscreen, backpack. journal, any medication if needed, sack for dirty clothes.

August 12; FHE - "Mini MTC" and Pool Party Pot Luck Party

Tonight for FHE we're starting at the church at 6:00p for a "mini MTC" experience with the Sister Missionaries, who will help us with ways we can share the gospel with our friends and neighbors.  Then ... we will have a Pool Party Pot Luck at 7pm at Juli's pool, 2831 E. Agritopia Loop S., Gilbert, AZ  85296.  Hope to see everyone there! 

July 26-27; Relief Society Cabin Trip Overnighter

Our Relief Society is going to Strawberry for an overnighter cabin trip on Friday, July 26, for games, a spa night, movie, food, service project and LOTS OF FUN!!  We will be leaving in two carpools from the church at 4pm and 6pm.  On Saturday, July 27, we'll be doing a service project before heading home.  Packing suggestions ... sleeping bag and pillow, your favorite snack, camp chairs, flashlight, hand towel and bowl (for spa night), regular towel (for showering) and whatever you normally bring to a campout.  For address and directions, please contact a member of the Relief Society presidency.

Summer Summit at Camp LoMia, "Coming Home to Christ" - August 16 - 17

Please mark your calendars for our stake retreat at Camp LoMia, August 16-17 (Friday and Saturday).  Our theme will be "Coming Home to Christ."  Watch for updated posts regarding details of the retreat.

July 21 (Sunday); Stake Fireside with Albert Farnsworth

Our next stake fireside will be held Sunday, July 21 at the Boulder Creek Stake Center at 7:00p.  Albert Farnsworth, a former temple president, will be our guest speaker.  Located at 3025 S. Hawes Road, Mesa (south of Guadalupe).

July 11 (Thursday); Stake Kick Ball at Barney Park

Come join us for kick ball at Barney Park from 7p - 9p every Thursday through August 8.  Times vary depending on which ward we will be playing.  Barney Park is located at 800 E. Galveston, Gilbert (between Ray and Williams Field).

FHE - World Famous Fish Fry; Monday, May 20th

For FHE this week we will be having our annual ward world famous fish fry!  You absolutely do not want to miss this ... even if you don't like fish!  7pm at the church.

Stake Fireside - Elder Wright/Stake Choir Practice; Sunday, May 19th

 Sunday, May 19th at 7.30pm.  Elder Wright, an Area Authority, will be the speaker.  It will be held at the Boulder Creek Stake Center, 3025 S Hawes Rd, Mesa (South of Guadalupe).  Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for this wonderful opportunity. Immediately following the fireside there will be a stake choir practice who will be preparing for the upcoming stake conference.

FHE-Bishopric Dinner; Monday, May 13th

For FHE this week we will meet at the church at 7pm.  The bishopric will be providing dinner and since it will be a surprise you'll have to come to find out what a fantastic menu will be offered.

Institute Graduation Recognition/CES Devotional with Elder Walker; Sunday, May 5th

Elder William R. Walker of the Seventy will speak at the May CES Devotional at BYU–Idaho on Sunday, May 5, 2013.  Click here for Details.  The devotional will be broadcast at the Greenfield Stake Center, 2740 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert.  Just prior to the devotional we will have an Institute Graduation Recognition starting at 7pm.  Hope to see everyone there.

Service Project - Coolidge Welfare Farm; Saturday, May 4th

If you've never been to the Coolidge Welfare Farm to help in the fields, please don't let this opportunity pass you by.  It's a fantastic way to render service.  Not only that but it's a wonderful activity to invite less active or non-member friends to join with you.  So rise and shine because it starts at 5.30am and we should be done by 7.30am.  The farm is located at Coolidge Farm, 8870 N Clemens Rd, Coolidge 85128.

Relief Society Activity-Clothes Exchange; Thursday, May 2nd

There will be a Relief Society activity this coming Thursday at 7p.  We will be doing a clothes exchange so bring any clothes, shirts, jeans, shoes or accessories that you no longer want to trade in for someone else's unwanted goods!  Refreshments will be served.  It will be at Sister Riley's home, 18438 E. Cattle Drive, Queen Creek, 85142 (Cortina Neighborhood, just north of Power and Queen Creek).

FHE-Kickball; Monday, April 29th

FHE will be at the church at 7p.  We will be playing kickball.  Bring your game faces!

Institute, Wednesday Evenings

Institute for ages 24 and up will be held at Highland High School seminary building every Wednesday evening at 7pm.  Our instructors will include members of our stake presidency and High Council.  Highland High School is located at 4301 E. Guadalupe in Gilbert.

Ward Conference, Sunday, April 28th

Don't forget that next Sunday is our annual Ward Conference.  Let's give our stake leaders a warm welcome!

Stake Fireside Featuring Former Body Guard to President Spencer W. Kimball - Sunday, April 21st

Next Sunday is our monthly stake fireside.  Brother Tryon, a former sheriff and bodyguard to President Spencer W. Kimball will be our speaker.  Hawes building, south of Guadalupe, at 7pm.

FHE - Monday, April 15th

FHE will be at the church at 7p.  Please come join us!

Stake Day of Service - Saturday, April 13th

Meet at Gilbert High School from 8a - 12n for the Gilbert YSA Stake Day of Service.  We will be power washing, painting, and weeding at Gilbert High School, 1101 East Elliot.  The Valencia Ward, the Nauvoo Station Ward and the Skyline Branch will be working with us.  Supplies will be provided.   "... when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."  (Mosiah 2:17)

FHE - Monday, April 1st

FHE movie night will be held at the church at 7p.

Scavenger Hunt - Saturday, March 30th

We have a multi-ward picture scavenger hunt scheduled on Saturday, March 30th from 7-9p.  It will be at our ward building on Higley.  Come meet new friends from the Valencia and Nauvoo Station wards.  

Stake Volleyball - Thursday, March 28 - April 18

Stake volleyball games will be held for the next several Thursday nights, starting March 28. Games are at 7p and 8p at two buildings depending on which ward we will be playing. See our Facebook pages for schedule details each week.  Buildings are either the San Tan Stake building (4170 S. Ranch House Parkway in Power Ranch) or the Skyline building (Southern and Signal Butte near the hospital). Come cheer and enjoy the fun even if you'd rather not play!

Easter Pageant, March 20 - 30th

Tuesday through Saturday of the next two weeks the Easter Pageant will be performed on the temple grounds.  The performances start at 8p, but it is advised to be there early.  During this time the temple will be closing at 1p.  This is such a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to join with you in honoring and remembering the resurrection of our Savior.

FHE - Monday, March 18th

FHE will be at the church at 7p.  Brother Neilson will be fryin' up his famous fish fry.  Please come and join us.  UPDATE... Change of plans.  Fish fry is being moved to next week.  So just come to the church to find out what we're doing!

REMINDER: Stake Fireside, Sunday, March 17th

Fireside will be held at 7p at the Hawes South building.  Elder Hansen will be speaking to us.

Glow Run--Volunteers Needed this coming Saturday


A quick reminder of a fabulous opportunity to render service as volunteers for:
Saturday, March 16th
The Glow Run at Encanterra
Golf Resort
37449 N Encanterra Dr.   Queen Creek
Family friendly 5K/10K run
Part of the proceeds will benefit Sharing Down Syndrome AZ
                We need volunteers for these shifts:
1.   Noon until 4 for set up
2.   3:30 until 7 to set up water stations, bounce houses, etc.
3.   6:30 until 10 for finish up, clean up
Please contact Kay Bradshaw with ???      or to sign up for a shift
kaygb1952@yahoo.com
thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

FHE - Monday, March 11th

Meet at the church at 7p ready for a fun time!

Stake Fireside, Sunday, March 17, 2013

Our next stake fireside will be Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 7:30p.  Elder Hanson, Area Authority Seventy, will be our featured speaker.  Location is the Boulder Creek Stake Center, 3025 S. Hawes Road (SOUTH of Guadalupe).  We hope to see you there!

HOBO Dinner for FHE - Monday, March 4, 2013

For FHE we will be having a Hobo Dinner.  So come hungry!  7:00p at the church.

CES Devotional Broadcast, Sunday, March 3

Our speaker will be Elder David A. Bednar.   The broadcast will be held at the Greenfield Stake Center, located at 2740 S. Lindsay Road, Gilbert, at 7:00p.  Elder Bednar's youngest son, Jeffrey, once said of his father, "Since I was little, Dad taught me to set goals and exercise faith."  Jeff also said, "I want people to know that he is an ordinary man who can do extraordinary things because of the strength of the Lord.  He is a living witness of the enabling power of the Atonement." (lds.org/Prophets - and -Apostles)  Please join us for an extraordinary evening with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Service Project - Volunteers Needed!


VOLUNTEERS  WANTED!!!
Saturday, March 16th
The Glow Run at Encanterra
Golf Resort
37449 N Encanterra Dr.   Queen Creek
Family friendly 5K/10K run
Part of the proceeds will benefit Sharing Down Syndrome AZ
                We need volunteers for these shifts:
1.   Noon until 4 for set up
2.   3:30 until 7 to set up water stations, bounce houses, etc.
3.   6:30 until 10 for finish up, clean up
Please contact Kay Bradshaw with ???      or to sign up for a shift
kaygb1952@yahoo.com
thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you

FHE - Dutch Oven Dinner

FHE for Monday, Feb. 18, will be at the Wright's home.  A Dutch oven dinner will be provided, so come hungry!  16555 E. Fairview Street, Gilbert.  6:00p.

Power Packed Weekend Coming Up! Don't Miss Out!

Sisters, just a quick reminder about an amazing weekend ahead.  First, make sure you have plans for joining us on Saturday (Feb 16) for the stake Valentine party at Ft McDowell (see post below).  And then on Sunday (Feb 17) don't forget about the terrific fireside featuring the heartfelt testimony of a Major League Baseball player (see post below).  Hope to see everyone there!

Cleaning our Ward Building

Please come help next Saturday at 9:00a in cleaning our ward building.  President Thomas S. Monson once said,  "We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives.  Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we're doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the "thick of thin things."  (Oct 2009).  What about you?  Any "thin things" on a Saturday morning you could sort through and come help serve?  We could really use your help ... and blessings will surely come your way.  No doubt about it.

FHE--"Cops & Robber" ... or Valentine Cookies??

In Relief Society we had an announcement about Family Home Evening tomorrow night (Monday, Feb. 11) and it wasn't clear whether we would be having a "Cops & Robbers" activity or whether we would be decorating Valentine cookies.  Ummmmmm.  Maybe you better just come and see which activity wins out!  Come on.  See you there at 7:00p at the church building on Higley.

Stake Fireside

Sunday, February 17, 2013; 7:00p
Boulder Creek Stake Center
3025 South Hawes Road (South of Guadalupe)
Speaker:  Adam Rosales, Baseman for the Oakland A's
Please join us for a wonderful evening!

Dessert and Dancing in the Desert (Stake Valentine Party)

February 16, 2013

Combined Stake Activity with Mesa East YSA Stake
7.30p - 11.30p
Haviland Ranch - Fort McDowell
Western dancing, photo booth, food, hay rides, games and lots of fun!
104803 North Hiawatha Road
(Directions:  Gilbert Road North to Beeline. Go Right 10 Miles  Thru Ft.McDowell Blvd. Across Verde River Bridge. Turn Left  Ft McDowellAdventures Copper Sign.  
Follow road and stay to the right 2 miles)

CHARITY "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father will all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with his love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; That when we shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; That we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen" Moroni 7:48