Thursday, April 10, 2014

The Easter Pageant begins on April 9th

Cast members and lamb pose for Fox News

Eleven day old lamb
More cast members pose for Fox News

The chairs are ready for the guests

Sister Tingey, Ricks, Brown and Orr pose with cast members with the Roman soldier's sword 

Sister Weber and Brown teach visitors

Sister Duffin and Younce teach at the Christus statue

Sister Hourrutiner, Brown and Weedman
Sister Avanesjan and Jeppson ready to teach at the exhibit of God's Plan for His Family

Temple Gardens in April

The gardens surrounding the Temple and Visitors' Center in April are at their peak
Foxglove and Delphinium
Our talented gardener, Chris

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Profound yet simple expression of love

Connie and Aerian Rainwater
Be Nice to My Jesus

"Be nice to my Jesus".  A simple yet profound outburst from a tiny 27 month old girl.  My granddaughter, Aerian, and I were sitting on the Mesa Arizona temple grounds, and I wondered if she was getting anything out of the pageant.  It was the mob scene where Judas betrays Christ.  Lights were dim and the mob was shouting "crucify Him, crucify Him."  Christ was being whipped and beaten.  In the midst of the noise of the scene I heard the simple proclamation of love and understanding.  "Be nice to my Jesus."  Aerian was on her feet yelling at the mob to be "nice to her Jesus."
It was her third year for my granddaughter to attend the pageant.  It had been many more than that for me.  The year is now 2014.  The Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant has blessed me with more than 50 years of personal and family tradition.  This is my 15th year as a member of the cast.
The 27 month old girl, Aerian, is now 13 years old.  It is her 9th year in the pageant.  Aerian was 4 years old the first time we auditioned.  She is a beautiful young woman whose testimony has been strengthened as she continues to be part of our rich family tradition of the Mesa Easter Pageant.
Each year we choose a plan of action to invite others to attend the pageant.  It is our hearts' desire for all to know of and feel our Savior's love.
May we all have the faith and love of a toddler and recognize, He is "My Jesus."
By Connie Rainwater, Mesa Arizona

Monday, April 7, 2014

Preparing for Easter Pageant

Sisters practice teaching, testifying, inviting and promising as they anticipate greeting visitors during the Easter Pageant

Sr. Orr instructs as the sisters learn to share brief and powerful testimony with thousands of visitors expected

Birthdays March and April

Happy Birthday Sr. Duffin, Andrus, Cude, Orr, Garcia, Jeppson, and Leon !


Celebrations add to Birthday Cheer

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Mesa Easter Pageant recreates the Meridian of Times

Pageant members bring to life those who walked with Jesus

James and John pose by the reflecting pool of the Temple
Sisters Weedman and Smith pose with cast
















Elder Cameron and friend Brother King

Sister Finau and Sister Taumarawa
pose with cast
Costumes ready for Super Saturday practice