Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!


Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ

The Manger of Bethlehem - Rob Gardner

Facebook

Have you seen it yet? 

Springdale Stake now has a facebook page! 

"Like" us on facebook to be connected with the other great members of our stake. 

Serving- in Prairie Grove

The 3rd annual Prairie Grove Children's Library Christmas party, held Thursday, December 14th. Sponsored by the Prairie Grove Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  Children made a craft, had story time and were visited by Santa.  Those that came brought food items which were donated to Life Ministries in Prairie Grove.

Words of Wisdom

This is an excellent and inspiring video with great advice for anyone and everyone. It is well worth the 6 or so minutes to watch. We hope you enjoy it.

A BYU Devotional, given on May 14 1996 by Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Mormon Channel releases 15 Strength of Youth 2013 videos

Click here for the full article.

Visit the www.mormonchannel.org

 

Called to Serve: Returned missionaries offer advice to future missionaries

According to the Deseret News, more than 7,000 LDS applicants started mission papers within two weeks from the time President Monson announced the age change. Now these young men and young women are gearing up for “the best two years” (or 18 months) of their lives. BYU students who have already served their missions share advice with those preparing to go. 

Read More 

Gallup Poll: Mormons most religious group in U.S.

 Mormons are the most religious group in the U.S.
 

Read More

 

Stake Missionary Preparation Class

Brethren and Sisters,

We are pleased to announce that a missionary preparation class will be held on a stake level beginning January 6, 2013. This class will be held in the High Council Room on a weekly basis. The purpose of the class is to increase the faith and preparedness of the young men and women of our stake as they prepare to enter the mission field.

With the change in missionary age requirements, it is anticipated that the number of missionaries in the field will double.  To accommodate this change, the length of time in the Missionary Training Center will be reduced. We hope to have all of our prospective missionaries well versed with the doctrines of the Restored Gospel as well as Preach My Gospel.

Brother David Renfroe, who was recently released as a counselor in the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission Presidency, has been called to organize and direct this effort. There will be specific details forthcoming. Please make all individuals who are eligible for missionary service aware of this wonderful opportunity.

Thank you for your service and all that you do to build the Kingdom in our area. May The Lord bless you in all that you do.

Hal Bradford
Springdale Arkansas Stake

Christmas Website

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is putting the message out there - Christmas is about family, service, love, worship and most of all, about Jesus Christ. The new webpage and the accompanying ad campaign is part of an effort to "help spread the message of hope and peace that Jesus taught and to help all people feel His love during the Christmas season" according to Greg Droubay, director of Mormon.org. "It's a simple but important reminder of what the Christmas season is all about."

Browsing through the website, mormon.org/christmas, you will find links to learn more about Jesus Christ, request a free bible, download ten free Christmas songs by the Tabernacle Choir, send e-cards through various media outlets and a place to request a missionary visit. There is also a comment section at the bottom where people can share what Christmas means to them.

This Christmas page is linked to the larger site, Mormon.org which has recently been upgraded. Be sure to check it out!

Article about the Christmas Ad Campaign in New York City

Helping Hands at The Salvation Army

The Young Men and Young Women of the Fayetteville 2nd Ward spent Wednesday Night Activity in service to the Salvation Army in Fayetteville. The youth helped sort and shelf canned/nonperishable food donated by the community. Food was also donated from the Bishop’s Storehouse. Everyone left with a good feeling knowing that they had done something that day to help those in need.

Stake Youth Hayride

It is always a great time when the youth from the Stake get together, which they did for their annual hayride on Saturday November 10^th at the Lieutard’s place.

The thing they enjoy the most I think is to mingle and talk with one another. There were some fun activities planned as well like a handcart pull. Bishop Lieutard pulled them around with his tractor on the well-known hayride. Brother Steve Kelsey from Springdale 1^st Ward came with his banjo in hand and played music as he taught some square dancing. Young Men and Women alike were great sports and had a fun time dancing together.

There was a roaring bonfire to keep them warm, Hamburgers and hotdogs by the dozens, no one went hungry!

A big thanks to all the leaders who helped plan this fun activity, and to Brother Lieutard who is always so generous to share his place.

Report and pictures by Jeanine Mecham, Public Affairs specialist, Springdale 1^st Ward.

Special LDS Christmas Website

This special LDS Christmas website features the Nativity video from the church’s recent New Testament film project, a brief Christmas message from church President Thomas S. Monson, and links to more of the church’s Bible videos, free Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, free e-cards that can be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+ and a place where visitors can go to receive a free Bible.

http://mormon.org/Christmas

I Love to See the Temple

Questions about the Temple are among the highest in a list of subjects people inquire about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Because of the sacred nature of the Temple, many may feel apprehensive about answering questions or even talking about the Temple.
With the help of Church resources there are many things we can share with our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors about these cherished blessings.


3D Temple infographic

Enjoy it! Share it!

New Video From the Church

Witness how the Savior gave- and continues to give- 

all a reason to be eternally grateful for the gift of His life.

Just in time for Thanksgiving. Please feel free to share with friends, family and neighbors.

The Mormonizing of America?

It may be interesting to all of us to read or view the impression we and the Church have on others. Our influence is both seen and felt in the world today. We can be an influence for good!

You may find this article interesting:
The Mormonizing of America

Huntsville Meeting House Dedicated

"It makes me smile to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" TW Dobson

Sunday, November 18, 2012 the Huntsville Chapel was dedicated by President T. Hal Bradford. 

"This is my dream come true", said President Weickersheimer. "We are going to dedicate this beautiful building. This is a story that started once upon a time and a long time ago. Today it is dedicated to the Lord. You know the Lord loves us because of what He has given us, now its time to share it with others! Together we can do great things in Huntsville."

"This building is a physical reminder of more important things- the faith of the members of this area", said President Bradford. "What we are seeing unfold will tear down barriers and old feelings. I promise as you respectfully approach others, opportunities will come to share- they will come to you!"

New York News Paper Feature Mormon Helping Hands

Mormon Helping Hands mobilizes for storm-ravaged Rockaways and Broad Channel 

Thousands of Mormon volunteers pump water out of basements and gut drywall before it grows mold. Read the full article HERE

 

FYI: “If you have not seen this video produced by a Church member in New York area of the ‘Mormon Helping Hands’ clean-up effort, here it is, it is very good.”http://vimeo.com/53357089

Patte Comstock

Director of Public Affairs

North America Southwest Area
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Springdale Stake Temple Day

Stake Temple Day is always a special time for our Stake. Attending the temple together, sharing our love for each other and for the Lord’s House brings unity to our Stake, our family and with our Heavenly Father.

Among the many who participated in the Stake Temple day were some came for the first time to do baptisms and/or to receive their own ordinances.

 

And the winner is…..The Mormon Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has entered a new era after Romney's run for president. His candidacy illuminated a changing landscape for the religion, where Americans are growing more curious than fearful about the faith, and allies can be found even among Christians with deep misgivings about Mormon beliefs.
Follow the link below for the full article.

www.wdtn.com/dpp/onpolitix/ap_exit_polls/And-the-winner-is-the-Mormon-church_47882235

New Youth Curriculum for 2013

“Come Follow Me” is designed to help youth leaders pattern their teaching after the Savior’s methods, with the goal of helping youth become more converted to the gospel. Learn more by exploring the link below.

 

www.lds.org/pages/new-youth-curriculum?lang=eng

 

Members in the News

The Fall 2012 issue of the UA College of Engineering publication mentions the accomplishments of two members of the Church. (reported by Jim Haynes)

("Donald K. Roper, associate professor of chemical engineering and holder of the Charles W. Oxford Endowed Professorship in Emerging Technologies, has patented a process that reduces the time it takes to perform DNA analyses from hours to minutes. Roper's process, which he developed while working at University of Utah, uses gold nanoparticles to increase the efficiency of
the polymerase chain reaction")

Donald K. (Keith) Roper, a member of the Fayetteville 2nd Ward (currently on temporary duty in Washington DC for the National Science Foundation.





(Brady Cox, assistant professor of civil engineering has been named by President Obama as one of 96 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards of Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.)

Brady Cox, a former member of the Fayetteville 2nd Ward. (recently moved to the University of Texas at Austin)

First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Congratulate President on Election Win

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement Tuesday:

We congratulate President Obama on winning a second term as President of the United States.
After a long campaign, this is now a time for Americans to come together. It is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints to pray for our national leaders in our personal prayers and in our congregations.

We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

We also commend Governor Romney for engaging at the highest level of our democratic process, which, by its nature, demands so much of those who offer themselves for public service. We wish him and his family every success in their future endeavors.

Article

Mormon Tabernacle Choir YouTube Channel

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir officials announced the choir's new YouTube channel where it will be featuring musical recordings, music videos, episodes of "Music and the Spoken Word" and much more.  

“Currently, there are 30 music videos on the YouTube channel with more to come in the future, (including) playlists and popular past performances such as the Pioneer Concert with Katherine Jenkins. 'Music and the Spoken Word' is also on the YouTube channel. ... Plus, (the channel includes) musical highlights, inspirational messages, general conference music, concerts and promotional videos.”

 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865565671/Introducing-the-new-Mormon-Tabernacle-Choir-YouTube-channel.html?s_cid=Email-4

Huntsville Branch: “I Am A Mormon”

Madison County Fair had a new booth this year that created much interest. The Huntsville Branch created and operated their own booth entitled, “I Am A Mormon”. The booth featured prominent members of the community who are members of the Branch. The history/testimony of the member was displayed with their photo.

“It was well received and attracted attention”.

-Connie Tenberge, Public Affairs Specialist

Stake Young Single Adult Activity

“The young single adult dance and activities were great! Almost everyone dressed up to enter the Halloween costume contest. Prizes were given to the most original, most scary, most themed and many more. The food was so good! We had hamburgers, chips, and drinks, a whole table of amazing teats. There were games to play and a photo both. The scary haunted house was created in the basement of the institute building, it made everyone jump and scream. It was very well put together. Both creepy and fun music was played and everyone enjoyed dancing and getting to know others. There were some young adults who were not from our church. They really enjoyed the event and had a lot of fun. One young women told me to let her know when ever there is an activity because she wants to come. There were young adults from other stakes as well. It was an awesome event!”

-Mary Wheeler

Prairie Grove Honors Eagle Scouts

An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held October 17^th in honor of 3 Prairie Grove Young Men.

 Josh Guthrie, Hyrum Erdman, Spencer Gauldin.

News Article

Hunstville Open House Review

Huntsville recently hosted an Open House for the community to celebrate the completion of  the addition to the Huntsville meeting house. 

Members of the Huntsville Branch were excited to share displays and information, as well as their testimonies. 

Connie Tenberge, Stake Public Affairs Specialist, reported the Open House was a great success and well attended. There were 25 visitors from the community, 5 of which were opinion leaders in that community. 

The local news paper, Madison County Record, also toured the building, wrote a positive review and thoroughly enjoyed his visit. The article can be viewed here.

Tahlequah Family History Conference

Tahlequah Ward held their annual Family History Conference on October 13, 2012. They had great support and response from the community with requests to hold the conference again next year.

Pictured: Vickie Sheffler, NSU Archivist, Bonnie Hutchins, Janice Price, and Gene Norris, Senior Genealogist with the Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc. Presenters at the Family History Conference.

Marshallese Adult Dinner

Open to the Marshallese community, the Springdale 3rd Branch hosted an evening of fun and inspiration.

The decorations were beautiful and elegant with delicious appetizers and dinner, all enjoyed mingling and socializing.

An inspirational programs followed dinner in which adults were encouraged to strengthen marital relationships and unity.

More Ways to Share the Gospel

Church Members Are Invited to Share New Book of Mormon App with Friends

 Sharing the Book of Mormon with friends is now even easier. Along with the new app, banners are available on the Church Facebook page, which members can use on their websites or blogs to let others know about it.

 https://www.facebook.com/LDS/app_481675665186246

Click on the link below to read the entire article
http://www.lds.org/church/news/church-members-are-invited-to-share-new-book-of-mormon-app-with-friends?lang=eng

Stake Youth Costume Dance

It's not a wonder the Springdale Stake Youth enjoyed the Stake Youth Costume Dance, thanks to our Stake Young Women's and Men's leaders. In fact, many expressed excitement there may be another one next year!

 "We love spending time with friends and making new friends". "The food was really good". Leaders prepared carrot cake, peanuts and candy corn, popcorn, M&M's and little cake balls, among other things. "The decorations are great!".With signs taped to the walls of fairy-tale places and favorite cartoon movies, and lights strung across the gym, it lit up the room in a magical way. 

The music was great for fun and dancing, it made for a great evening. Games were played every few minutes and cartoon movie quotes kept youth scrambling for candy.

Several youth who attended were not members of the Church and commented how much they enjoyed it.Youth from other stakes also came. "I love coming and meeting new people!", said one.

The youth agreed they loved dressing up and showing off their costumes to friends Even the adult joined the fun!

Take a Virtual Tour of the Temple

Some have asked about the "Mormon Temple". Many have questions about what it is like inside, or what happens inside. 

The link below is a 15 min.YouTube virtual video tour of the temple. Members can share this with neighbors, friends and family who have questions about the temple and what happens there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGN9Mg-KnMY&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

Autumn Dance Hosted by Prairie Grove Ward

For More Information Contact Alan Gauldin

New Resource Helps Members Answer Gospel Questions

In the October Ensign the Church launched a new online resource to help with questions asked about the gospel. (See October Ensign, page 76)

To view this new resource go to:
http://www.lds.org/topics/answering-gospel-questions?lang=eng

Also in the October Ensign, page 41 is featured: "Answering Questions: Political Neutrality".
This article can also be found at::

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/official-statement/political-neutrality

Huntsville Building Open House

The Huntsville Building Additions have been completed. The Branch will be hosting an Open House on October 21st from 2-4:00 pm. at the Building.

New Pass Along Cards

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced new pass-along cards, which were distributed this month to subscribers of the Ensign and the English version of the Liahona magazine. A pdf version can also be printed online.

Each card is designed with two portraits of church members featured onmormon.org along with the statement "I'm a Mormon." On the back of each card are three blank lines for leaving personal messages. There is also a QR code, which when scanned by a phone will lead to the mormon.org website.

A statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorom of the Twelve, was also included in the packet distributed to church members.

Read More: LDS-Church-offers-new-pass-along-cards

Tahlequah Ward Hosts Family History Conference For The Community

Family History Conference

Saturday, October 13th

9:00am - 12:00pm

Presentations held every hour

Free Admission

9am - Contents, preservation and opening of two

time capsules, by Vickie Sheffler, University

Archivist at NSU

10am - Cherokee Genealogy, A Beginner’s Guide,

by Gene Norris, Senior Genealogist with the

Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc.

11am - FamilySearch.org by Janice Price

11:30am - FamilySearch Indexing (help index

census documents, etc.) by Bonnie Hutchins

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

110 Southridge Road, Tahlequah