Ward Christmas Celebration...

One of our young men received his mission call earlier that day and he opened it at the party with close friends and family nearby...


He was called to the Cape Verde, Africa mission (the little island of Praia, more specifically). How exciting!!

The beauty of giving this holiday season...

"Sharing Christmas"
by Annie Beer
(based on a true story)

Sarah sat in her room playing with her dolls. She was changing them into their best clothes for a Christmas party she was hosting. Everyone was invited: Mr. Snuggles, the teddy bear; Chocolate and Caramel, the raccoon twins; Lady Juniper, the ladybug; and many of their friends.

As Sarah began to introduce her guests to each other, Mom walked into the room.

“Sarah, Dad and I were talking about what service we could do this Christmas. We thought we could give gifts to the children’s home down the road.”

“OK,” Sarah said.

“We were wondering if you would like to donate some of your toys,” Mom said. “I know that it would mean a lot to the children. They probably won’t be getting many new toys for Christmas.”

“But I don’t want to get rid of my toys! I love them all!” Sarah said.

“What about this stuffed cow?” Mom asked.

“Not Moo-Moo!”

“I’ve never seen you play with her. Are you sure you want to keep her?”

“What if I decide I want to play with her after I give her away? Then I won’t have her anymore!” Sarah said.

“The purpose of serving is to think about the needs of others before yourself,” Mom said. “When you make a sacrifice to help someone else, you are becoming more like Jesus Christ.”

“I am?” Sarah asked. “How?”

“What did Jesus do when He was on the earth?”

“He helped people.”

“Right! He spent His life serving others,” Mom said.

“So if I give away something important to me to help others, I am being like Jesus?” Sarah asked.

“Exactly,” Mom said.

Sarah knew Mom was right, but she was still a little nervous about giving up Moo-Moo.

That weekend, Sarah and Mom and Dad went to the children’s home with a big bag of gifts. As the children opened their presents, their smiles grew bigger and bigger.

One little girl picked up a box wrapped in shiny red paper. Sarah watched as the girl carefully unwrapped the present. Inside the box was the stuffed cow.

“Her name is Moo-Moo,” Sarah said to the girl. “And she loves parties.”

A smile spread across the face of the little girl. She hugged Moo-Moo tight and looked up at Sarah. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ve never had my own stuffed animal before.” The girl skipped away with her new toy.

Sarah felt happy. She imagined Jesus must have felt happy too when He helped people.

“I want to come back next Christmas,” Sarah said as she and her parents left the children’s home. “I think I have more toys I can give away next year.”

**************************************************

“Whether our service is to our fellowmen or to God, it is the same. If we love Him, we should keep His commandments and feed His sheep."

~Dallin H. Oaks

Reminder....Upcoming Ward Christmas Party!!!

 (Temple Square at Christmas, Salt Lake City)

Dear Sisters,

We wanted to remind you of our upcoming Ward Christmas party this coming Saturday, Dec. 17th @ 6:45pm in the La Vista Cultural Hall.   We hope you can all join us for this fun event.  Dinner will be provided and from what we hear, Santa Claus is going to make an appearance.  :-)

The Relief Society is responsible for the desserts and decorations this year.  We ask that each of you please bring a dessert of your choice for the party.  Also, if you'd like to help us decorate for the party, we will begin working on them on Saturday at 1pm.  Any and all who can come help us decorate would be greatly appreciated!!

We hope you are all doing well and enjoying this blessed holiday season!!

Love,
McAllen 1st Relief Society Presidency
(Sandra, Jennifer V. and Jennifer M. )

Upcoming Event: First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Dear Sisters,

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be broadcast this Sunday, December 4th at 7:00PM.

Those wishing to watch the broadcast from their homes may access it live on various broadcast, cable, satellite, and Internet television stations and broadcast, satellite, and Internet radio stations throughout the world, including Mormon Channel HD Radio. Check local program listings for availability in your area or visit mormonchannel.org, byubroadcasting.org, or ksl.com for more information.

Additionally, the devotional will be broadcast at our La Vista chapel if you prefer to view it at the church.

We hope that you will all set aside time this Sunday to watch this special devotional and feel of the spirit this Christmas season.

Many blessings!
McAllen 1st Relief Society Presidency

Ward Christmas Party

This past Friday, December 17th, we had our ward Christmas Party.  What a great turnout there was and the entertainment and food was fantastic.  What a special time of the year for us to join together as a ward family to celebrate the birth of our Savior.  

What a great time we had!! A special thank you to all the brothers and sisters in our ward who worked so hard to make our ward party so much fun.  

Here's wishing all our dear families of McAllen 1st a very Merry Christmas!!