LOVE

Dear Stake Family,

It seems more and more I have a message to share with you, I don’t think I am up to a weekly message yet, but I recognize I am getting close 🙂 The stake presidency and those in our stake council are constantly on the move trying to organize activities that meet the needs of our dear families and neighbors. I don’t expect every activity to be attended by every person… that is the way to burn out. We are here to support the family-centered approach… please consider what is good and wise for you and your family… and be apart of those things.

I’d like to get personal for a moment; yesterday, I learned my very good friend passed away… it was a sweet day thinking about our memories and the person he was. He was always an inspirational strength for me and largely shaped how I think about things. I share this to frame my thoughts on seizing the direction of my life and letting Christ take the wheel. Sooner than we care to admit, we come to the sunset of our lives and may wonder, “am I prepared to meet Him?” During the Easter season, a powerful song was shared with me… the song is the voice of Peter as he reflects on his actions at the time Christ was crucified. We hear from Peter in the lyrics … “my heart is split in pieces, the war of hope and blame, if He is gone… I am lost forever, if He is back… I am filled with shame…”.

I so desperately need the Savior, Brothers and Sisters. He is my hope, but to face Him means I’ll also need to face who I am, what I’ve done; what I’ve chosen. There doesn’t have to be shame in that… just recognizing where we are and commiting to the changes (repentance) needed. May I leave this with you… Our Savior lives. His hands reach out to you and to me. May today be the day, that I set aside anything that is in the way of taking His hand. We pray for you and your loved ones… His gospel is what is needed in this world, in our families, and in our hearts.

Sincerely,
Pres Pennington

SHARE

• Pickleball for Single Adults 36+: You are welcomed to join us for Pickleball over the next few Tuesdays: July 14th, 21st, 28th at 7pm at the Atherton Bldg (3544 S Atherton Boulevard, Gilbert) Help create a welcoming group and build a fellowship among friends and neighbors. Come join and help us direct this single only group in wholesomeness and togetherness. Come be a spark… click here, to add your name to the communication list.
• Personal Finance (From the Self Reliance series): Get simple, practical, faith-promoted, money direction on your finances. Groups are small and private; only share what you are comfortable with. Anyone interested is invited, please feel free to bring your friends and community neighbors alike. Next class will be Thursday, July 16th at 6:30pm – Frye Rd Bldg (2958 S Recker Rd, Gilbert) Primary Room – This is an abbreviated course, concepts presented in a way where you are able to attend according to your schedule.
• Vote in the Primary Elections – You are encouraged to cast your vote. Your voice matters, so please cast your vote this election. . Our Frye Rd Church building (2958 S Recker Rd, Gilbert) will be a polling place. Polls will be open at 6:00am until 7:00pm. For a full list of locations and additional election details, please see the Maricopa County Elections site at https://elections.maricopa.gov/
• Bible-Study group: For some time now I’ve been pondering our stake hosting a day-time Bible study group, held weekly. The purpose of this Bible class is to learn more about our Savior, through His words found in the New Testament, and invite others in our community. Stay-at-home parents, retirees, anyone available and interested would be welcomed. Our Mission President has given his blessing for our Full-time missionaries to help teach. If you are interested in hearing more, please click this link to be included in upcoming missionary information. We are considering holding this group Wednesdays or Fridays around 11:00am

INVITE

Change your normal routine… choose to do one of these invitations:

• Pray to know who needs you to reach out
• Do some small kindness for a neighbor
• Read Psalm 23