Sister Spotlight - Dana Eyerly
Monthly RS Presidency Message - December
Here we are in ‘the most wonderful time of the year.' A time of frantic shopping, baking, planning a perfect holiday meal, picking the perfect holiday gifts, staying up late wrapping presents and taking children to visit Santa. I hope as we are doing all of those things, we stop and take a few moments to think about what we are celebrating this time of the year – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I remember as a little girl being very excited as the holidays approached. We would always go to my
grandmother and grandfather’s farm where all the family would gather. My cousins, my sister, and I would put on our snowsuits, scarves, mittens, and boots and lug the toboggan to the hill where we would spend hours playing in the snow. We would come back home only to take turns turning the crank on the ice cream maker. We all sat around a big table and ate until we couldn’t move. Then the kids would put on a holiday show for our parents and grandparents. What a great time we had! I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. However, I don’t remember going to church or even discussing the real reason for Christmas. It was just a holiday and a time to give and receive presents.
My holiday wish for you is that we take time to share with our children the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Let them know that this is not just a time for gift giving, but for remembering our Savior. Let’s teach them of the journey that Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem, how He was born in a stable, how an angel told of the news that the Savior was born. Let’s teach them to keep this in their hearts not just at Christmas time, but all year. Remember what the angel proclaimed, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. “
Sisters, I wish you and your families love, happiness and a very Merry Christmas.
Love,
Maxine Hoff (Relief Society 1st Counselor)
Sister Spotlight - Natalie Louthan
named Jade who thinks she is human.
Monthly RS Presidency Message
I have spent a great deal of time thinking and praying about what I should share with our Arlington 1st Ward sisters for the first Monthly Notes. What I felt would be appropriate is a little bit about my background, which might explain why the Lord has strongly impressed upon my heart that certain things are of the upmost importance.
From 1-16 years of age, my father was a Captain in the Air Force. My family moved every 1-3 years to a different location within the United States and Europe, which meant my sister and I attended a new school, it seemed, all the time. We were always the new kids in the classroom. We had ‘gaps’ in our learning which put us behind academically; not a good feeling. It was hard to be so transient. Those personal experiences of being the new girl in school played a crucial role in my future.
Fortunately, I chose to focus on the positive aspects of those experiences and made a decision to try my best to make others feel comfortable and accepted when they are in new circumstances. I don't think I was aware of my decision until much later in life when I had the opportunity to make a difference in those types of situations. Unknown to me at that time because I was not a member of the church, was that my feelings were the Holy Spirit guiding and directing my actions.
When people come into our church building for the first time, whether they are investigators, members of the church, or a member returning from inactivity, they are feeling timid, shy, scared, and not confident. It is our responsibility to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance for those individuals so they feel they are in the right place to worship. Something as simple as a smile, or a “Hi, welcome to 1st ward!” can make all the difference to those individuals. If you are able, sit next to someone you don’t know, introduce yourself and your family, and make a concerted effort to find out who they are. Look around the chapel in Sacrament to determine if there are individuals sitting by themselves by choice. You will truly make a difference in someone’s life by doing these simple things.
Gordon B. Hinckley stated in the May, 1997 Ensign, “All new members need a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God,’ (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide this for them...I plead with you people that you will put your arms around those who come into the Church and be friends to them and make them feel welcome and comfort them and we will see wonderful results. The Lord will bless you to aid in this great process of retention of converts...Unless there are warm and strong hands to greet the convert, unless there is an outreach of love and concern, he/she will begin to wonder about the step he/she has taken. Unless there are friendly hands and welcome hearts to greet him/her and lead them along the way, he/she may drop by the side.” President Hinckley’s counsel extends to all of our sisters in the Gospel. I love each of you dearly.
Sister Lisa Williams (Relief Society President)
November 2011 Preparedness Goal
PREPAREDNESS TIP FOR NOVEMBER
Pick up a few extra boxes of the medication you and your family use regularly. If possible, stock up on prescription medications too. Remember to accommodate all ages and to rotate your supply.
November Events
(Relief Society, Primary, Young Women, and Sunday School)
Elimination will start as follows: A3 vs. A5; A4 vs. A6; A7 vs. A1; A8 vs. M2; M1 vs. A2
October Quilting Group
Feel free to bring a friend; we will be there until we finish. It normally takes about 2 hours but this is totally contingent on the number of participants.
Bithell Farms Berry Orders
To print form click on the image to open in a new window, then click print.
Relief Society Broadcast Highlights
After dinner and time to chat we were able to hear talks from the General Relief Society Presidency and President Uchtdorf, of the First Presidency. For a highlight from his wonderful message please take a minute to watch the video below. If you were unable to make it to the broadcast you can read transcripts and watch highlights here!
September Visiting Teaching
Here are the links to the visiting teaching message and handout for September:
I just want you to know that your service as a visiting teacher is so helpful to the Relief Society Presidency, the Bishopric, and--most importantly--to the Lord. Through the visiting teaching program, each and every sister in the ward has someone looking out for them. How amazing is that?
I hope everyone's adjusting to the new school year well. Have a wonderful month!
— Dansell Winslett
Arlington 1st Ward Super Saturday!
Breakfast will be served and Childcare Class will be available.
**If you did not have a chance to pay for your classes on Sunday please make sure you bring your money on Saturday or you won't be able to take home your craft! An email reminder will be sent to each sister. We don't want you to miss out!**
1. Book of Mormon/Teachings of Christ/Life of Christ/We Believe Quiet Books - $5 each

2. Christmas/Birthday Block Calendar - $3
3. Wooden Nativity - $3

4. Etching of names/initials on glass containers – free for 1st one

(2 letters), last name - $1.50, 2 letters - $.50
5. Confetti Soup-in-a-jar - $1.50

6. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Mix-in-a-jar – $2.50
7. Latin Dancing - free
August Events
We will be tying another humanitarian quilt this month. Although the parking lot of the institute building will be under construction we can park across the street or on the side street.
Bring a friend; we will be there until we finish. It normally takes about 2 hours but this is totally contingent on the number of participants.
Tuesday, August 30 @ 7:00pm - RS Weekday Meeting at the California Building
We will be making freezer meals for Compassionate Service, for our ward. These meals will then be given to families and members of our ward in need of food assistance.
July Events
Thursday, July 7, 2011- Ward Temple Night
(If anyone wants to go to lunch afterwards, I'm sure there will be a group of sisters who will be available.)
June Events
May Events
Sunday, May 8th : Mother's Day
Tuesday, May 10 @ 10-11:30am
Stake Adult Religion Class at the Institute Bldg.
Thursday, May 12th Ward Temple Night, 7:30 session
Quilt Service Project
Friday Morning, 13 May 2011
600 South Davis [the Institute Building]
Bring two 9 inch squares of coordinating but contrasting fabric. Each square requires two pieces of fabric; if you want to contribute more then one square feel free to bring a extra.
If you have access to these items it would be helpful if you bring them as well.
·Rotary cutter
·Cutting mat
·Acrylic Quilting ruler/square
·Sewing machine and perhaps an extension cord to go with it.
We will be piecing quilt squares to be put together for a humanitarian service quilt.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn a unique piecing technique that truly simplifies “scrap” quilting.
Saturday, May 21st @6pm Stake Arts and Crafts Expo, at the Stake Center
Tuesday, May 24th @ 7pm
RS Weekday Meeting at the Institute Bldg
Budgeting
April Events
Apr. 2-3 : General Conference. Morning Sessions: 11am-1pm; afternoon session: 3-5pm. Will be shown at the Stake Center.
Thur, Apr. 7 - Ward Temple Night
Sun, Apr. 10- Fast Sunday
Sat, Apr. 16 @ 8:30am-1:00pm : Stake Relief Society Women's Conference
Sun, Apr. 24- Easter Sunday
Tue, Apr. 26- Relief Society Potluck. Meet at Institute Bldg @ 7pm for a lesson and activity on making container herb gardens.
Community Events:
Sat, Apr. 9th @ 8:00am- Etsy Craft Fair at the Downtown Farmer's Market. 215 E Front StreetArlington, TX 76012. Craft Fair at the Market will feature the distinctive work of many local craftsmen and women, including artist, Lauren Neaves and crafter, Julie Grimmett! Free Admission.
Fri, Apr. 22nd @9am-6pm: Earth Day Celebration at Calloway's Nursery. http://www.calloways.com/earthday
January 23, 2011
Ward & Stake Events
Tuesday, January 25th @ 7pm: RS Potluck and Valentine Card Making Activity (at the Institute Bldg)
Sunday, January 30th: Fast Sunday
Saturday, Feburary 5th @ 7pm: Stake Conference, Adult Session
Sunday, February 6th @10am: Stake Conference
Every Tuesday - Stake Adult Religion Class. Daytime classes are from 10-11:30am @ the Institute Building. Evening classes are from 7-8:30pm @ the Stake Center.
Relief Society Groups
Exercise Group - Meets every MWF from 6:30am at the Institute Bldg. Join us for light exercises. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle and exercise mat/towel. Contact Kenan Francis for any questions.
Quilting-Tying Group - Every 2nd Friday @ 9:30am January-October. Meet at the Institute Building.
(Free) Community Events
Arlington Public Library's Storytime:
Bouncing Babies(0-2): @ the Central Library- Mondays @ 11am
Toddler Time (2-3): @ the Central Library-Mondays @ 10am
Listener Storytime (3-7): @ the Central Library-Wednesdays @ 10 & 11am
River Legacy Classes:
Saturday, January 29th @ 10am
Landscape Design 101-Native Success: This class will discuss water conservation principles to include in your landscape, soil amendments, irrigation, design steps, plant selection, hardscapes and installation. Led by Heather Dowell, urban forestry and land manager with the City of Arlington, she will also demonstrate what the city is doing to improve water conservation and its efforts to improve wildflower and prairie restoration areas. Free. RSVP to 817.860.6752.



