WEEKLY READING

Week of January 31- February 6

Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 5: “Born Again” John 3 - 4

• Jesus told Nicodemus that “except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). What does it mean to be born again? (See the scripture chain in this section.)
• Read and ponder Alma 5:14–31 as if Alma were speaking to you. What do you need to do personally to be “spiritually … born of God”? (Alma 5:14).
• Jesus told the Samaritan woman that he could give her “living water” (John 4:10). What do you think “living water” means? (See 1 Nephi 11:25; D&C 63:23.) How can we obtain living water? How has this living water blessed you?

Suggestion for Family Discussion: Give each family member a drinking glass. Pour water into each glass, and invite family members to drink the water. Ask family members if they think they will ever need another drink of water. Then read John 4:1–15, and discuss the questions in the third paragraph of this section. Testify that if we will come to Christ and live his gospel, we will receive “everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Scripture Chain: “Born Again”
John 3:3–5; John 3:16–17; Mosiah 5:1–7; Mosiah 27:25–26; Alma 5:14–16; Alma 22:15–18

Relief Society: Presidency Topic

General Conference Talks: “Our Very Survival” by Elder Kevin R. Duncan & “Temple Mirrors of Eternity: A Testimony of Family” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Book of Mormon Reading: 1Nephi 13-15

Chocoholics Unite!

For those of you so excited about chocolate and so excited about free things to do and learn... this is a must... this event has something for everyone...the city of Glendale is hosting a "Chocolate Affair" event, free for the whole family this weekend. The event will have all things chocolate, including such delicacies as chocolate crepes and chocolate dipped key lime pie (among many, MANY others)! There will be live entertainment, free cooking with chocolate demonstrations, a free tour of a chocolate factory and tours of local chocolatiers, free samples and places to shop, and free author/writing workshops and author signings going on as well in conjunction with the chocolate festival. Go there for date night, individually, or take the fam for a fun, decadent, and educational experience!
Click here to get location and more specific details.

Literacy Light house

Each Month we'll be putting out a newsletter with two articles: One on Spiritual Literacy (moments in scripture study) and one on Temporal Literacy with such topics as the importance of reading to children, word studies, author biographies, tips for teaching reading, speed reading and skimming how-to's, how to minimize tv and electronic time and make more time for education and reading, and many more. We'll also feature sister's favorite books and information on events that have to do with literacy. We'll be starting a book group in the next few months and will give out more information soon! Our goal is to help you and your family grow in your love for literacy!
Here is January's newsletter, enjoy!
Literacy Newsletter January 2011

Saving Money on Groceries

We had a great Relief Society Meeting on Thursday, January 27th. Aftin Aaron taught one of the mini-lessons on coupons and grocery shopping. Here are a few of her notes:

Three important thoughts:
1. Time versus Money
2. Have a plan
3. A sale does not always mean a good deal.

To save money at home:
Cook meals from scratch
Cook once but twice as much and freeze a meal for later
Freeze leftovers
Keep track of what is in your pantry/freezer/leftovers and use up the oldest items first.

To save money while planning for your shopping trip:
Have a master recipe list
Scour the ads
Plan your weekly menu using what is on sale
Stock up on items using what is on sale
Find out the store policy on double/triple/competitor's coupons
Ask your butcher what day they lower the price of their older meats
Sunflower/Sprouts offer double ad day on Wednesdays
Produce Co-op by Eden McCrery every other wednesday, pick up is 9:00-10:00 am. Drop off your $16.00 by Monday and she will send you an email reminder on Tuesday.

To save money while at the store:
Check unit pricing
Shop alone, with cash and a list
Keep a food price notebook


Free Blogs and Websites:
www.pinchingyourpennies.com
www.couponmom.com
www.hotcouponworld.com
www.myfrugaladventures.com
www.moneysavingmom.com

Websites Programs that Charge a fee:
www.couponsense.com
www.thegrocerygame.com
www.sistersavings.org

WEEKLY READING

Week of January 24 - January 30

Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 4: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” Matthew 3-4; John 1:35-513

• What message did John preach to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior? (See Matthew 3:1–2.) What does it mean to repent? (See 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 19:8; Mosiah 7:33; D&C 1:31–32; 58:42–43.)
• As you read about the Savior’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness, what do you learn about withstanding temptation? (See Matthew 4:1–11. See also the footnotes to Matthew 4:1–2, 5–6, 8–9, and 11, which contain the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses.)
• After receiving a witness that Jesus was the Messiah, how did Philip answer Nathanael’s doubts? (See John 1:43–46.) What can you do to invite others to “come and see” the Savior?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Prepare a lesson to help family members who are preparing for baptism or to discuss ways to help converts who will soon be baptized.

Discuss why Jesus needed baptism (Matthew 3:13–15; 2 Nephi 31:6–9) and why we need baptism (2 Nephi 31:5, 10–12; D&C 20:71–73; 49:13–14).

Invite family members who have been baptized to tell about when they were baptized and express their feelings about the blessings they have received because they were baptized.

Scripture Chain: Repentance

Luke 15:3–10; 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Alma 34:31–34; 1 John 1:8–9; Matthew 3:1–2; D&C 58:42–43

Relief Society: Bishopric Topic

General Conference Talks: “Let There Be Light” by Elder Quentin L. Cook & “Faith- the Choice is Yours” by Bishop Richard C. Edgley

Book of Mormon Reading: 1Nephi 10-12

Aimee and Martha Stewart are like this!!! :)

Congrats and fun times for our very own Aimee and her friend who were contacted and flown to NYC to be on the Martha Stewart show!

Click here to see the craft and the segment featuring Aimee's friend Bettijo, and Aimee!
(Once on the site, you can click "watch video" to see the video of the segment with them.)

WEEKLY READING

Week of January 17-January 23
Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 3: “Unto You Is Born … a Saviour” Luke 2: Matthew 2
· What were the circumstances of Jesus’ birth? (See Luke 2:7.) In what ways do people today refuse to make room for the Savior in their lives? What can you do to make room for him in your life?
Why did Jesus come to earth? (See 3 Nephi 27:13–16.)
What did the “wise men from the east” do when they found the child Jesus? (See Matthew 2:11.) What gifts can you offer to the Lord?
As a youth, Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). In other words, he developed intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. What are some specific things you can do to grow intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially?
Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read lines from several hymns or Primary songs about Jesus’ birth, and invite family members to identify the hymns or songs. Sing one of the hymns or songs as a family, and discuss the importance of remembering Jesus’ birth throughout the year rather than just during the Christmas season.
Scripture Chain: Jesus’ Birth
Isaiah 9:6 ; Helaman 14:1–8; 1 Nephi 11:13–21; Luke 2:7–14
Relief Society: TFOT – “The Divine Gift of Gratitude” by President Thomas S. Monson
General Conference Talks: “Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life” by Elder Robert D. Hales
Book of Mormon Reading: 1Nephi 7-9

More preschool information...

Carrie Coley runs a preschool from her home. Here are the links to her blogs.


www.thelittlelearners.blogspot.com
www.thelittlelearnerscaterpillars.blogspot.com
www.thelittlelearnersbutterflyclass.blogspot.com

Weekly Reading

Week of January 3, 2011 – January 9 2011

Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 1: “That Ye Might Believe That Jesus Is the Christ” Isaiah 61:1-3; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke
• What do you learn about Jesus Christ from John 1:1–3, 14? (Note that “the Word” in John 1:1, 14 refers to the Savior. Use the Joseph Smith Translation of these verses if it is available.)
• The Apostle John said that “in [Jesus] was life” (John 1:4). He also testified that Jesus is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). How has the Savior given you life and light?
• What accounts or teachings in the New Testament have particularly inspired or helped you? How might studying the New Testament this year help strengthen your testimony of Jesus Christ?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read John 1:1–3 or Joseph Smith Translation, John 1:1–3. Explain that Jesus (“the Word” in John 1:1–3) created the earth under Heavenly Father’s direction. Take a walk as a family, giving close attention to the many beauties of creation.

Scripture Chain: Jesus Christ’s Foreordained Mission
John 1:1–5; John 1:9–17; Abraham 3:22–27; Mosiah 3:5–10; Isaiah 61:1–2; Luke 4:16–21

Relief Society: Gospel Principle -25 : Fasting

General Conference Talks: “Stay on the Path” by Rosemary M. Wixom & “Gospel Learning and Teaching” by David M. McConkie

Book of Mormon Reading: 1Nephi 1-3


Week of January 10- January 16

Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 2: “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” Luke 1; Matthew 1
• What do you learn about Mary from her conversations with the angel Gabriel and with Elisabeth? (See Luke 1:26–38, 45–49; see also Alma 7:10.) What can you do to follow her example?
• How do the examples of Elisabeth, Zacharias, John the Baptist, Mary, and Joseph help you see the Savior’s greatness and increase your faith in him? How can you help others increase their faith in Jesus Christ?

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Read Luke 1:16, and discuss the importance of helping people “turn to the Lord” by sharing the gospel with them. Make a list of family members or friends who are not members of the Church or who are less-active members of the Church. Pray as a family for guidance in deciding whom you can share the gospel with and how to go about it.

Scripture Chain: Prophecies about John the Baptist
Isaiah 40:3; 1 Nephi 10:7–10; Luke 1:13–17; Luke 1:67, 76–79

Relief Society: Gospel Principles – 26: Sacrifice

General Conference Talks: “Reflections on a Consecrated Life” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson & “Of Things That Matter Most” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Book of Mormon Reading: 1Nephi 4-6

Circle of Sisters

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has called each ward Relief Society a “circle of sisters.” He said:
“Each sister, no matter where in that circle she stands, can look to either side and feel the spirit of inspiration coming back as she extends the gentle hand of charity to those on either side. …
“… You will serve your organization, your cause—the Relief Society—this great circle of sisters. Your every need shall be fulfilled, now, and in the eternities; every neglect will be erased; every abuse will be corrected. All of this can come to you, and come quickly, when you devote yourself to Relief Society.”1

President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has cautioned us not to drift from the cause of Relief Society: “Too many sisters … think that Relief Society is merely a class to attend. The … sense of belonging to the Relief Society rather than just attending a class must be fostered in the heart of every woman.” And then he makes this earnest assignment: “Sisters, you must graduate from thinking that you only attend Relief Society to feeling that you belong to it!”4

BE SAFE!!!

THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF INCIDENCES IN OUR AREA RECENTLY...

Be aware of your welfare, home, your neighbors and your neighbor's welfare/homes.

Here are some numbers to call:

(of course there is 911 for an emergency)

**If you see suspicious activity of any kind - call Crime Stop: 602-262-6151

**If you want a Patrol watch in your neighborhood and/or on your street (an officer to come and drive around the neighborhood), (call before 3 p.m. if you want it done for the evening and throughout the night, as the sergeants are briefed on these requests before the 3 p.m. briefing meeting they have)
call the local precinct number: 602-495-5002

** To set up a "Block Watch" on your very street with your neighbors, call:
Officer Oscar Timmitten w/Phoenix Police Dept

tim.mitten@phoenix.gov

602-495-5238

Please, please! Set up a block watch. You set up a time for all of the neighbors on your street to gather and listen... the officer will explain the program and get the ball rolling for one to be set in place on your street. This is a street by street basis, you will get a block watch sign posted on your street for people to see, and instructions on what to do to be more aware of and combative / pro-active against problems arising in your neighborhood.

If you have any other questions... call the non-emergency number for the Phoenix Police:
602-262-6151

Announcements 01/03/11

January Events

January 8th - Primary Breakfast

9:00am at the Happy Valley Building

Meet Your Teachers in your PJs

January 22nd - Stake Blood Drive

7:30am to 12:00 at the Happy Valley Building

Contact Jen Ferniza at jenferniza@yahoo.com for more info

January 27th - Pinnacle Vista Relief Society Activity

7:00pm at the Happy Valley Building

Money Management, Creating a Will and More

January 29th - Stake Primary Activity (Girls 8 to 11yrs)

6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Stake Center

Daughters of a Royal Birth