Madras Ward

A WARM WELCOME

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Inspirational Thought

DID YOU KNOW THIS?The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.Two turtle doves are the Old & New Testaments.Three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.Four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.Six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation.Seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit — Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.Eight maids a-milking are the eight Beatitudes.Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit — Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.Eleven pipers piping stand for the eleven faithful disciples.Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.MERRY CHRISTMAS

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.There will be no Healing through the Savior, for the next few weeks for the holidays. They will resume again in the new year.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 will be on the fourht Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. at the Redmond Stake Center (450 Southwest Rimrock Way
Redmond, Oregon).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. 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. 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.

• Meeting Live Stream

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