December 2008

Fallbrook Second Ward Newsletter

http://Fallbrook2ndWard.blogspot.com/

December 2008

If you have a missionary or other spiritual moment you would like to share, we’d love to hear about it! Please email it to lowell_stephanie@yahoo.com or give to a member of the bishopric so we can share it with the ward.

From the Bishopric

The Christmas season is upon us and what a beautiful time it is. We are reminded that 'the wise still seek Him." And so we must continue to seek after Jesus. In order to do so we must first prepare time for Him in our lives and room for Him in our hearts. The formula for finding Jesus had always been and ever will be the same -- the earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart. "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." [Jeremiah 29:13]

When the wise men from the East sought after the Savior and found Him, they fell down, and worshipped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. [Matt 2:2, 10-11] When we find Him, will we be prepared as were these wise men of old to provide gifts from our treasures? But material riches are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves. "Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind." [D&C 64:34] We have many opportunities to give of ourselves. President Monson reminds us that there are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.

As we are true to our baptismal covenant "to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" and are willing "to bear one another's burdens, that they might be light" [Mosiah 18:9, 8] we will find the Jesus whom we seek. This is our brother whom we love. This is Christ the Lord, whom we serve.

At this time of Christmas let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that we might have the gift of eternal life. Let our hearts be filled with joy and gladness as we celebrate these most precious gifts.

Brother Morrison

Primary

Happy Thanksgiving from Primary. We have so many blessings to be grateful for and working in Primary is right at the top.

We hope to get the holiday season started with a Primary Activity on December 6 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church. We will be having a "Birthday Party for Jesus" celebration. We are asking the children to each bring a small, inexpensive gift, wrapped to give to a child in need. We will be playing some games, decorating cupcakes and making a craft to go along with our theme to help the children understand why we celebrate this special holiday. We are winding down the year with the theme: "I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel." Happy Birthday to Bondie Miller on Dec. 15. Welcome to Hensley Josephs, Jackson, Baylee and Sierra Gleason. Goodbye and many thanks to Jackee Gibb who served as a Primary counselor and did so many great things for our primary. We will miss her and all her fun ideas for teaching us. Welcome to Kathy Geyer as the 2nd counselor and to Caitlin Bartholomew as our secretary.

Young Men

Our Month of December starts Duty to God Activity on the 2nd.  No Y/M on the

9th because we have Youth Baptisms on the 10th at 7:00 pm.  We will meet at

the church at 4 pm so we can go to a nice restaurant before our Baptisms which

start at 7:00 pm.  We will have our combined service activity on the 16th, where

we will carol and pass out cookies.  We will have no Y/M for Teachers and Priests

on the 23rd due to Christmas, but scouts will still meet.  We will have a court of

honor on the 30th.  Merry Christmas

For updates and pictures of Troop 718’s activities check out their

blog! http://bsatroop718.blogspot.com/  

High Priests

This holiday season would be a great time for us to find joy in our journey

of life.  President Thomas S. Monson said, "Let us relish life as we live it,

find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family." 

Throughout life we all experience changes.  Some changes are good and

some may be difficult to endure. Some of these changes are sudden but

most of them come on gradually.  We all have changes in our lives.   



President Monson said, "This is our one and only chance at mortal

life - here and now.  The longer we live, the greater is our realization

that it is brief.  Opportunities come, and then they are gone.  The

greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth

are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and

what is not."  Don't let those important times pass you by.  Reach out

and enjoy those very important times in your life with your family

and friends. 



President Monson counsels us that, "There is no tomorrow to

remember if we don't do something today."  We should make the most

of the time we have with our children and grandchildren rather than

dwelling on the past.  We need to make the most of today by doing all

we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.  What will your

family remember most?  Will they remember the time you spent with

them together or will they remember you being too busy with work or

other interests?  



Bring out the best of yourself by speaking kind words to loved ones

and by showing the love and appreciation you have for them.  In John

13:34, the Savior admonishes us, "As I have loved you, … love one another."



We should especially have love and gratitude for our Savior Jesus Christ. 

He taught us how to live, to serve one another, and how to love everyone. 

Then he gave us the ultimate sacrifice when he died for us so that we

could be forgiven of our sins.  His atonement makes it possible for us to

return to live again with our Heavenly Father and our Savior someday. 

This is the greatest act of love of all.  We should remember and rejoice

that we are all part of His eternal family. 



Sincerely,

John Hoopes, Jim O'Brien, Paul Olson, Jack McClellan

Young Women

Merry Christmas! As we remember the birth and life of our Savior, we hope that our young women will feel the spirit of the season. Christmas is a time that we can look beyond ourselves to help those around us who are in need. Our activities this month will with have an emphasis on serving others.

December 2: Special activity at the Alkema home.

December 10: Temple Baptisms.

December 16: Caroling.

December 23: No activity.

December 30: No activity.

December 31: Multi-stake dance.

Check with Young Women’s leaders for times. December is also a really great month to work on Personal Progress, with many opportunities to serve others.

Young Women’s Presidency

Relief Society

December Calendar

3 (Wednesday)—Ward Temple Night

6 (Saturday)—Ward Christmas Party

17 (Wednesday)—Relief Society Christmas Party; meet at the church at 5:45 PM sharp!

25 (Thursday)—Christmas Day

31 (Wednesday)—New Year’s Eve

Relief Society Birthdays

02—Debra Lynn Schattschneider

04—Andrina Marie Lilly

06—Joretta Worden

11—Holly Kolb

13—Kathleen Ray

17—Carolina Haywood

18—Adeline Jane McBride

18—Delynn Heid

22—Debra Hawkins

24—Lara Joy McAllister

27—Cathi Wasson

30—Margaret Renshaw

31—Penny Maughan

We wish all the blessings and joy of the holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. MERRY CHRISTMAS! and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Family History

No new news at this time.

LDS Employment Services

If you are looking for new or better employment, please contact our Ward Employment Specialist, Bro Denning at 760-723-3367, or our Stake Employment Center at 760-631-4070. Current job listings can be reviewed at www.ldsjobs.org.

Other Events/Organizations/News

Ward Activities

Christmas is almost here, come share the beginning of this wonderful season as a ward. Our Christmas Party will be Saturday December 6. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and our program will begin at 7:15. Come and enjoy good food, a great program and the evening with our ward family.

Don't forget our trash cans in the foyer. Help us fill them. There are many families going without this year. Help us bring a smile and a full tummy to a little one this year.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, happy New Year.

Ward Activity Committee

Missionary Update

Missionary Message

What a great season to act as true disciples of the Savior and share a gospel message! This is a time when people are sensitive to the Spirit and can feel your love and concern. Remember that many have been “kept from the truth [only] because they know not where to find it” (D&C 123:12)

We have it, so let’s look for chances share! The Ward Missionaries stand ready to assist you in any way. May this truly be blessed Christmas.

Brother David Heid

Calendar of Events

December

2 (Tuesday)— Temple Christmas lights and program (now known as “Sights and Sounds of Christmas”) begins Monday Dec 1st until Dec 23^rd with nightly performances at 7 PM; second performances at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The Vista Stake Choir presents their programs on Tuesday, December 2^nd and members of our Stake are in the Harp Ensemble on Wednesday, Dec 3^rd. Please make a special effort to bring your friends, blanket, and chairs. Remember that the Temple grounds are sacred, and please No Food or Drink on Temple grounds.

3 (Wednesday)—Endowment Session, 7:00 PM

6 (Saturday)—Ward Christmas Party, dinner at 6:30 PM, program at 7:15. Please bring your favorite Christmas finger dessert to share.

7 (Sunday)—Fast Sunday

7 (Sunday)—First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 7:00 PM (Bobier Building)

10 (Wednesday)—Youth Temple Baptisms, 7:00 PM

11 (Thursday)—BSA Cub/Scout Roundtables, 7:00 PM

13 (Saturday)—Stake 5/10K Run, Walk, 9:00 AM (Stake Center)

21 (Sunday)—Multi-Stake Single Adult Fireside, 7:00 PM (Poway Stake Center)

24 (Wednesday)— San Diego Temple Closed

25 (Thursday)— Christmas Day

25 (Thursday)— San Diego Temple Closed

31 (Wednesday)—Multi-Stake Youth New Year’s Eve Dance, 9:00 PM - 12:30 AM (Bobier)

31 (Wednesday)—Single Adults New Year’s Eve Dance, 9:00 PM (Mission Valley Building)

November 2008

Fallbrook Second Ward Newsletter

November 2008

If you have a missionary or other spiritual moment you would like to share, we’d love to hear about it! Please email it to lowell_stephanie@yahoo.com or give to a member of the bishopric so we can share it with the ward.

From the Bishopric

In early October we got to enjoy and learn from General Conference.

In mid November we will get to enjoy and learn from our Stake Conference.

Both of these are feasts for the spirit. Another way I have been enjoying a spiritual feast is by the "prayer of thanks-giving' The concept works like this, each morning before you do anything else, offer a prayer that is explicitly and specifically a prayer of giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for all that he gives us and does for us. In this particular prayer ask for nothing, it is not about our needs for the day ahead, nor is it about our concerns or cares, nor is it about repentance. It is all about gratitude. Be specific. Find time to offer on a frequent basis a prayer where you are giving thanks to your Heavenly Father.

May this month which includes Thanksgiving - be a period of time where we develop the habit of true and frequent thanks-giving.

Paul A. Hawkins

Responses to Last Month's Newsletter (by Brother Morrison)

Last month you were asked to respond to a hyperlink to help us determine the readership and value of the newsletter. The hyperlink did not work for some -- yet several responded by copying & pasting. We had responses from 16 households including the Finnigans, Poulsons, Renshaws, Woods, Hawkins, Ciani, Garretts, C. Morrisons, Geyers, M. Lowells, Mackens, Tanner, Wilsons, Rutherfurds, J. Morrisons, and S. Lowells (editor). Brother & Sister Finnigan were the first to respond and are therefore the grand prize winners. Their suggestion that a family be interviewed and written up will be acted upon in next month's newsletter -- wait to see who that lucky (?) family will be (hint: think grand prize winners). Another suggestion/request was that we publish a current ward list. This is forthcoming thanks to Craig Garrett. All those that commented on the newsletter were very appreciative of the fabulous job Stephanie Lowell does in editing and publishing this newsletter. We are deeply grateful for her and her labors (speaking of her labors . . . well, that's a whole other story -- but congratulations are due). This publication comes to you in spite of the fact that Justin & Stephanie Lowell are right in the middle of a home move (but thankfully still in ward boundaries).

Primary

On behalf of the primary, we want to thank all of those who had a part in our primary program. Jackee Gibb for writing it, Mary Ellen Holman for teaching the children the songs, Sarah Holman for accompanying on the piano, our primary teachers, The Nye Family, The Towers Family and especially the children who did an outstanding job. Now you know why we love being in primary!

We are saying goodbye to Wesley Jaknavorian who is turning 12 as well as moving to Escondido. He worked very hard along with his home teacher, Gary Wood, to obtain his Faith In God award--so a big "high five" for Wesley. We will miss him.

Our November theme is "I am thankful to know we are all children of God." We'll talk about "I am thankful for my body", "Heavenly Father loves all His children and I can show kindness to all of God's children."

Our CTR class did a great job for sharing time talking about ways we can serve others.

We had a fun primary activity where the children made a Halloween Decoration for their room; we ate pizza and practiced for our program. The children really enjoy being together and its fun to see them interact with one another outside of Sunday.

Our cub scouts had a pack meeting on Tuesday where they carved pumpkins. Our 8-11 yr. old girls had an activity with Sister Morrison where they got to decorate their own visors and one to give to someone else. So we've been very busy in primary in a good way.

As Thanksgiving is around the corner, I wanted to express my gratitude for the blessing of being with your children and to work with dedicated, loving teachers and leaders. I am reminded every Sunday of how special each child is and what it truly means to be a Child of God.

Sincerely,

Primary

Young Men

Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale

The last day to place orders will be Thursday, 6 November. If you have not been contacted by a Boy Scout to place an order, please contact Sister Noblit to place your order. If you do not place your order by this date we will not be able to get you a tree, wreath or garland. PLEASE remember that this is the only fundraiser for the Boy Scouts so they can go to summer camp. We do appreciate your support.

No additional information at this time. See your leaders for this month’s activities.

For updates and pictures of Troop 718’s activities check out their blog! http://bsatroop718.blogspot.com/   

Young Women

No information at this time. See your leaders for this month’s activities.

Relief Society

November Calendar

5 (Wednesday)—Girls’ Night Out at Souplantation in Temecula, 6:00 PM. Contact Christeen Denning for details; Meet at the church at 5:30 PM for rides.

8 (Saturday)—Stake Temple Day, 4:30 PM Remember that we are each to have names to take to the Temple. Contact John Hoopes for ride sharing.

10 (Monday)—Empty Nesters at the Denning’s Home, 6:15 PM. Pot Luck—Bruce and Donna Thompson are presenting the program.

19 (Wednesday)—Book Club Meeting, 7:00 PM at Anna O’Brien’s. Book for November is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

27 (Thursday)—Thanksgiving Day

Relief Society Birthdays

02—Orabell Weigel (93)

07—Laurie Feinga

08—Margie Bassler

11—Kelli Perkey

12—Evelyn Hernandez

14—Cheryl Witt

14—Krystina Schmidt

18—Teri Hester

19—Elaine Cole

26—Donna Buntin

27—Stephanie Lowell

29—Dana Perkins

30—Jamie Towers

Welcome

A big thanks to the outgoing Presidency: Anna O’Brien, Mary Morrison, Debbie Hawkins and Mary Kay Tanner. We have appreciated their leadership, love and service, and wish them well in their new callings.

Welcome our new Presidency: Lynn Hoopes, President; Jamie Towers and Karen Finnigan; counselors, Linda Hawkes, Secretary. Sister Hoopes and Sister Hawkes were released as teachers. We welcome Delynn Heid as a teacher and look forward to her excellent lessons.

Family History

Just a reminder that Saturday, November 8th is the date of our Stake Temple Day and Our Stake President has asked us to have a family card prepared for this occasion. If you have a Temple recommend, please plan to be in the Temple that day.

LDS Employment Services

If you are looking for new or better employment, please contact our Ward Employment Specialist, Bro or our Stake Employment Center at 760-631-4070. Current job listings can be reviewed at www.ldsjobs.org.

Other Events/Organizations/News

Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale

The last day to place orders will be Thursday, 6 November. If you have not been contacted by a Boy Scout to place an order, please contact Sister Noblit to place your order. If you do not place your order by this date we will not be able to get you a tree, wreath or garland. PLEASE remember that this is the only fundraiser for the Boy Scouts so they can go to summer camp. We do appreciate your support.

Ward Activities

The Holidays are just about here, lets all give a big cheer.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

November . . . We would like the generous support of our ward for our service project this month. There are many who are in need this year, both in our ward and in our community, that could use a little extra help. In the month of November thru the first of December we will have beautifully decorated trash cans in the foyers to leave your donations. Please watch the program in November for the list of items needed.

December . . . WARD CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 PM Christmas Memories is the theme for our ward party. We would like to have ward members share special memories and pictures of past Christmases. If you could please type your stories and download them to a CD your efforts would be much appreciated. Please download your pictures to a CD at a minimum of 300 DPI; we can help with this if needed. Please give CDs to Karen Tavano, Elaine Cole or Ellen Garrett.

Missionary Update

F2 Missionary Effort

The missionaries sincerely appreciate all that the Fallbrook 2^nd Ward does to support the missionary effort. We know that the Lord will bless us as we seek to build relationships with our friends, which in turn will turn into opportunities to share the life-changing testimonies that are so precious to us.

Our Ward Mission Plan includes these areas of encouragement:

· Creating an individual Family Mission Plan

· Praying for Elder Rasmussen and Elder Schiffmanh by name

· Praying daily for opportunities to share the Gospel

· Sharing a gospel message (however brief) daily

The Ward Missionaries stand ready to help you in your sharing efforts. Brother Heid

Calendar of Events

November

1 (Saturday)— Stake Blood Drive, appointment times range from 7:30 AM-12:30 PM Please mark your calendar. Ward Blood Drive Chairman: Bill Ahrend 731-5728 (Stake Center)

1 (Saturday)—Stake Emergency Preparedness Fair, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

2 (Sunday)—CES Fireside for young adults ages 18-30, both married and single. The speaker will be Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The broadcast will originate from the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus.

2 (Sunday)—Fast Sunday

5 (Wednesday)—RS Girls’ Night Out at Souplantation in Temecula, 6:00 PM.

7 (Friday)—Multi-Stake Single Adult Dance, 9:00 PM (Pomerado Building)

8 (Saturday)—Stake Temple Day, 4:30 PM Remember that we are each to have names to take to the Temple. Contact John Hoopes for ride sharing.

9 (Sunday)—Stake/Mission Correlation Meeting—WMLs , 7:00 AM

10 (Monday)—Empty Nesters at the Denning’s Home, 6:15 PM. Pot Luck—Bruce and Donna Thompson are presenting the program.

13 (Thursday)— Stake Presidency Meeting, 6:00 PM

13 (Thursday)— BSA Cub/Scout Roundtables, 7:00 PM

15 (Saturday)—Stake Conference—Priesthood Leadership Session, 4:00 PM (Stake Center)

15 (Saturday)—Stake Conference—General Adult Session, 7:00 PM (Stake Center)

15 (Saturday)—Youth Dance, 8:00 PM (Del Mar)

16 (Sunday)—Stake Conference—Vista General Session, 12:00 PM (Stake Center)

16 (Sunday)—Stake Conference—Fallbrook General Session, 12:00 PM (Fallbrook)

16 (Sunday)—On Sunday, November 16, at 7:00 PM, there will be an Investigators Fireside at the Fallbrook Building. President Holladay will be the main speaker at this fireside. All are invited to bring a friend who might be interested in the Church. Come and be a part of this uplifting evening!

16 (Sunday)—Multi-Stake Single Adult Fireside, 7:00 PM (Poway Stake Center)

19 (Wednesday)—RS Book Club Meeting, 7:00 PM at Anna O’Brien’s.

20 (Thursday)— SINGERS interested in participating in the San Diego Regional Christmas Choir (scheduled to perform December 1^st at 7pm on the grounds of the San Diego Temple) are invited to attend the one and only practice Thursday, Nov 20^th from 7-9PM at the San Diego North Stake Center located at 4741 Mt. Abernathy St., San Diego.

20 (Thursday)—Boy Scout Varsity/Venture Huddles, 7:00 PM

26 (Wednesday)— San Diego Temple Closed, 12:00 noon

27 (Thursday)— Thanksgiving Day

27 (Thursday)— San Diego Temple Closed