Book Bunch - Book Change

(Click image to go to amazon.com website)

We have decided to change the book for our Book Bunch to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It is really easy and fun read. This book comes recommended by Stephenie Meyer (of the Twilight series). Here is a summary of the book:

Could YOU survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone fighting against you?

Twenty- four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Our first Book Bunch will still meet on Thursday, January 22nd at 7 pm. Location will be announced. Let us know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there.

Temple Lights and Scheduled Closures

The 29th Season of the Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens Christmas Light Celebration starts Friday, November 28 at 7 PM. American Idol finalist and Mesa native Brooke White will have the honor of flipping the switch bringing the stunning display of hundreds of thousands of sparking lights and wonderful outdoor exhibits to life. Concerts begin each evening promptly at 7 PM, and last approximately 30 minutes. For all the details, please go to: www.christmastemplelights.com. The display will be open nightly through New Year's Eve.

Please also note the following scheduled closings at the Temple in November and December:
* Thursday, November 27
* Wednesday, December 24
* Thursday, December 25
* Wednesday, December 31 (after the 10 AM Session)

Voices Need for Ward Choir

The Ward Choir is preparing for the Sacrament Christmas Program on Dec. 21. Choir rehearsals are being conducted on Sundays in the Chapel at 10:15 a.m. Please lend us your voices (men especially needed) so that we may ensure having a wonderful program. Rehearsals are planned for 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, at 10:15 AM, in the Chapel. We will have a final run-through on Sunday, 12/21, at 10:15, prior to the program.

Stake Service Project

The Fourth Quarter Stake Service project, bringing clothing and other essentials to more than 1,000 people living in need in the deserts near Rocky Point, Mexico, is in full swing. Collection boxes were placed in the halls last Sunday. Thank you to the YW and YM for their help in decorating the boxes, they look great. (Please note that the other wards have their boxes out as well.) Over the next four Sundays, through Dec. 21, we are collecting blankets, warm clothing (clean and in good condition all sizes), jackets (all sizes) and humanitarian aid kids. These include tooth brushes, wash cloths, small combs, soap bars and toothpaste. Additionally, cash donations and gas cards are being accepted to support this effort. Please give cash or gift card donations to a member of the EQ Presidency or Bishopric. You can also bring items to the Ward Christmas Party on Saturday.

Finally, we will need assistance delivering the collected items to the Cave Creek Building on Monday, Dec. 22. More details will be forthcoming on that.

First Presidency Christmas Devotional

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 PM. The devotional will feature the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. Members of the First Presidency will be the speakers. For information on worldwide broadcast times and options, see the broadcast schedule