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

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