Madras Ward

A WARM WELCOME

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Inspirational Thought

Follow the Light of Jesus Christ
by Susan H PorterChristmas Eve is my favorite night of the year. As the sun goes down, I reflect on the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Every Christmas Eve, my family and I read the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2. While thinking about the young couple traveling to Bethlehem, I also think of the events taking place in the land of Zarahemla on the American continent.
There, a group of believers were watching for prophecy to be fulfilled of a day and a night and a day without darkness. Without this sign of the Savior’s birth, all the believers would be put to death, and Nephi cried to God on behalf of his people.
As Nephi cried to God, the Lord said, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer, for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world” (3 Nephi 1:13).
Every time I read these verses, I stop and marvel that Jesus Christ would soon condescend to come to earth as an infant.
3 Nephi 1:15, “For behold, at the going down of the sun, there was no darkness.”
What a powerful witness that Jesus Christ came to earth to save all who will believe on His name. The sun had set, but the sky was filled with light.

Relief Society Presidency MessageI love the feeling that is in the air this time of year, from the music, the celebrations, and acts of charity. Heavenly Father gave the world a gift, whether it's recognized or not. C. S. Lewis said, "The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth -- the very thing the whole story has been about." Even though Christmas has become very commercialized, we can also see the positives. All around us, we can see the media promoting kindness, love, joy, peace, family, and goodwill toward others. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all these attributes. No matter what challenges you are facing in your life right now, I hope that you can find joy, love, peace, and kindness. We can rejoice in the fact that we can feel God's love for us year-round. In the First Presidency's 2019 Christmas Devotional, they shared, "Christmas is not just a day or a season but will be a condition of the heart and mind, and the joy and love felt at Christmas will always be near."
I love you, and I hope you have a very merry Christmas!
Love,
Sister Courtney Wertz

Announcements

It is time to sign up for Tithing Declaration. The sign-up sheet is posted on the clerk's office door.
All members should attend tithing declaration to make sure their contribution records are correct and to declare to the bishop their status as tithe payers. If possible, all members of a family should attend tithing declaration.Healing through the Savior, 12-step recovery class will be TODAY after the 2nd hour.There will be no Scripture Class for the next few weeks for the holidays. They will resume again in the new year on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. here at the church.To send a Christmas Card to the Robinsons serving a mission, their address is:
Elder Donald & Sister Shirley Robinson
P.O. Box 89
Fort Wingate, NM 87316Stake Temple recommend interviews for December will be Tuesday, December 16th, from 6-7 p.m. at the Redmond Stake Center (450 Southwest Rimrock Way
Redmond, Oregon).
In January, they will resume interviews on the fourth Tuesday, from 6-7 p.m.Next Sunday, December 21st, there will be only Sacrament meeting only!Looking ahead:The Church has confirmed dates for the Willamette Valley Temple open house and dedication!
There will be tours for the public running from Thursday, April 23rd through Saturday, May 9th. No tours will be given on Sundays.
Elder Uchtdorf will preside over the dedication on Sunday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m., which will be broadcast to all units in the temple district. There will also be a rebroadcast at 2:00 p.m. that day.
Please share this news with family, friends, ministering sisters and brothers as you feel inspired. More information about preparations will be shared by the stake in coming weeks.Redmond Stake Youth Camp
July 13-18th 2026

Second Hour

Come Follow Me - Sunday SchoolDec. 8-14 – Articles of Faith & Official Declaration 1 & 2 "We Believe"Dec. 15-21 – The Family: A Proclamation to the World The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan"Dec. 22-28 – Christmas The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine SonPriesthood and Relief SocietyDec. 14th
'And Now I See'
By Elder Jeffrey R. HollandDec. 28th
'Blessed Are the Peacemakers'
By Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Building CleaningDecember
Ron Osterbaan
David & Nellie Gray
Jeff Sentman & family

Helpful Phone Numbers

Call Kevin Jones, the Executive Secretary, to make appointments with the Bishop.

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Announcements should be emailed to Sandi Candland at [email protected] by Thursday each week.