December Newsletter

Fairfield Ward Relief Society Newsletter
December 2008


GIVING OF OURSELVES

The gifts money cannot buy are those which bring happiness to us in life. These are the gifts we pass on to others from the attributes we acquire as we go through life. First is the attribute of thoughtfulness to others, and second, its close cousin, consideration for others. Third, we must have courage to do the right thing always. Fourth, those who have a good nature enjoy life. A pleasant smile begets smiles; smiles beget friends; friends are better than fortunes. Fifth is the attribute of tolerance. I think of an old Indian prayer: "Great spirit, help me never to judge another until I have walked two weeks in his moccasins." Sixth, we must have appreciation for those things that come to us or we never find happiness. Seventh, we enjoy life when we have the ability to praise others for their good works. George Matthew Adams said: "He who praises another, enriches himself more than he does the one praised. To praise is an investment in happiness. The poorest human being has something to give that the richest cannot buy." (Howard W. Hunter, The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 68.)

The true gift is a portion of ourselves. Giving does not always consist of material things. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: "Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts; the only gift is a portion of thyself." In this sense we have unlimited resources. (Howard W. Hunter, The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 68.)

Never did the Savior give in expectation. I know of no case in his life in which there was an exchange. He was always the giver, seldom the recipient. Never did he give shoes, hose, or a vehicle; never did he give perfume, a shirt, or a fur wrap. His gifts were of such a nature that the recipient could hardly exchange or return the value. His gifts were rare ones: eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were opportunity to the down-trodden, freedom to the oppressed, light in the darkness, forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing. His friends gave him shelter, food, and love. He gave them of himself, his love, his service, his life. The wise men brought him gold and frankincense. He gave them and all their fellow mortals resurrection, salvation, and eternal life. We should strive to give as he gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 246.)

This holiday season, let’s remember our Savior’s life and teachings and strive to not only give as He gave, but to give what He gave--love, compassion, service, and self.
--a message from Patty R, president


DECEMBER LESSON SCHEDULE
7 – Happiness, Your Heritage (November 2008 Ensign, pg. 117)
14 – How Good & How Pleasant It Is . . . to Dwell Together in Unity (JS 23)
21 – to be announced
28 – to be announced

December Book Club
We’ll discuss the book “These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine” by Nancy E. Turner at Erin's home on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.

CALENDAR
December 4 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m.
Play Group at Jennifer A’s home
December 5 (Friday) 6:30 p.m.
Ward Christmas Dinner
December 5-7 (Friday-Sunday)
Nativity Display (see details below)
December 7 (Sunday) 6:00 p.m.
Single Adults Potluck & Fireside, Mont. Bldg.
December 7 (Sunday) 8:00 p.m.
First Presidency Christmas Devotional
December 11 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m.
Play Group at Jamie’s home
December 12 (Friday) 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Youth Babysitting at church
December 12 (Friday) 7:30 p.m.
Single Adults Activity, Liberty Building
December 13 (Saturday)
Single Adults Activity – Festival of Lights at
Cincinnati Zoo (carpool from Fairfield Building)
December 17 (Wednesday) 7:00 p.m.
Stake Temple Recommend Interviews
December 18 (Thursday) 6:30-11:00 p.m.
Craft Night at Karlin’s home
December 26 (Friday) 6:30 p.m.
New Convert Temple Baptisms
December 27 (Saturday)
Tri-Stake Youth Holiday Dance

Nativity Display
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
7118 Dutchland Pkwy
Liberty Township, OH 45044

December 5: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
December 6: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
December 7: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

There will be a number of live performances featuring local choirs and groups:

Friday, December 5
5:00 p.m. - Lakota West High School Chamber Choir
7:00 p.m. - Christmas Sing-a-Long
Saturday, December 6 Noon - Trinity United Methodist

December Birthdays
1 – Lavina H
3 – Sara D
7 – Michelle D
9 – Delphine J
9 – Lynn M
14 – Jane L
16 – Brenda S
17 - Camelia C
21 – Cassie R
26 – Jonalynn S
27 – Tanisha C
29 – Melisa S
30 – Carolyn T
31 – Thi B

MISSIONARIES
Fairfield West Elders
513-578-2158
Fairfield East Sisters
513-289-3186