LOVE

Dear Stake Family,

Let me first welcome any who may be new to our stake. My hope is that you never meet a stranger here and are always made to feel welcome.

We want to make sure the entire Gateway family is aware of a few things occurring in August, so we write this message; but the primary purpose in writing you, is to simply connect.

Recently, I listened to and read an amazing talk given by Sister Chieko Okazaki (link here). She shared a beautiful experience in her life which showed how the Lord supports us, often by connecting us to the kind hearted. These relationships are significant and often last through the years. How I hope you are on the receiving end of kindness, but also that you will pray and act upon the promptings for others. I am reminded of the time that Alma needed lifting and support, which an angel did for him, and then commanded Alma to return to the city to preach. Once entering the city he was hungry and approached a man asking, “Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?” The man replied, “I know that thou art a holy prophet of God for thou art the man whom an angel said in a vision; Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house.” This is clearly the Lord’s pattern. “I’ll lift you and you lift me, and we’ll both ascend together” (attributed to John Greenleaf Whittier)

Each of you are very important to our Savior. The presidency knows this because often we are prompted or guided with you in mind. Our sincere hope is that the joys of the gospel will be felt in your hearts and homes; but, if a complete or perfect joy is not possible, then we pray that you will feel of His calm and His peace, amidst what you face.

We love you and pray for the Lord’s blessings upon you.

Warmest Regards,
Pres. Phil Pennington

SHARE

• General Priesthood meeting: Sunday, Aug 9th, 7pm (Stake Center). We will hear messages on Changing in Christ, Repenting, and Starting New. There will be a panel, in which questions around this topic can be asked and answered. Refreshments will be served. Come with someone, find someone to sit near, let’s join together and feel brotherhood.
• English Connect: Thursday, Aug 13th 6:30pm. Learning English can open doors to new jobs, opportunities and education. Help us get the word out to families, friends and neighbors. Classes are designed to help learners improve English skills in an environment of faith, fellowship, and growth. Class starts on August 13th at 6:30pm and will run each Thursday night at the Frye Rd church building (across from Higley High School) 2958 South Recker Road, Gilbert. For more information contact Pres. Bryan Gibbons (Chaparral ward)
• Bible-Study group: Friday, Aug 14th 11am. All are welcome to join our daytime Bible Study group, hosted by our full-time missionaries. Topics to study and discuss come from the four gospels in the New Testament. We’ll discuss principles taught by the Savior, including the Lord’s Prayer, His Baptism, and His purpose and mission upon the Earth. Classes will be held each Friday (August 14th thru Oct 2nd) at the Frye Rd church building (across from Higley High School) 2958 South Recker Road, Gilbert. For more information contact Brother Ron Hunsaker (Cooley Station ward)
• Stake Choir Practice: Brother Rex Christensen (Menlo Park) will be leading our Stake Choir to be heard in our Stake Conference. All are invited to sing. Selected arrangements are easier to learn. The goal this year is to have a Stake Choir, for Stake Conference, which rivals the numbers in our Stake Youth Choir. There are over 50 seats in the choir loft… let’s fill them all. Those who participated in ward choirs, or ward special music numbers, consider coming and bring a friend. Practices are:
  
  – Sunday, August 23rd 7pm – Stake Center
  – Sunday, August 30th 7pm – Stake Center
  – Sunday, September 13th 7pm – Stake Center
  – Sunday, September 20th 7pm – Stake Center
  – Sunday, September 27th 9am – Stake Center – Final Practice, the morning of Stake Conference
• Single Activities for 36+ continue. For more information contact Brother Joey Harris (Cooley Station ward)
• Self Reliance Personal Finance groups continue. For more information contact Pres. Bryan Gibbons (Chaparral ward)

INVITE

Live a little differently today, choose one to do…

• Pray to know someone who needs a text
• Give a hug to a missionary mom
• Sing with the Stake Choir in Stake Conference 😉
• Read Isaiah 12