Worship through Service

In living the two great commandments, loving God and loving one's neighbor, the Christmas lights' volunteers at the Mesa temple Visitors' Center are letting their actions reflect their worship and devotion.  Their handiwork in setting up the lights show reverence to God's Plan of Happiness and the centrality of Jesus Christ in that Plan.  Sharing the lights at Christmas with over one million visitors annually is a way of assisting others in coming closer to the Savior of the world and His Father's plan of happiness.

The first night time view of the Christmas lights this season

Hundreds of volunteers use their skills to set up the lights

With his father on the lift, the son adds helpful perspective from below

Another father and son team wrap the trees

All ages enjoy help with the preparation

The  lights for the Palm Trees

The lights are hung at the top of the Palm Trees

Farewell Breakfast for the Andrus's

A fond farewell to Elder and Sister Andrus

Elders Andrus, Cameron and Ballard greet sisters at the front door

Sisters Andrus, Ballard and Cameron prepare farewell breakfast - Sister Andrus finished her mission, helping and serving to the end!

Happy sisters line up for pancakes, bacon, sausage and fruit!

Sister Ganta from India & Sister Pajaro from Philippines 

More smiles greet us as they enter the kitchen

There is still enough for all

A final breakfast in the Temple Presidents' Home!

Elder and Sister Andrus are surprised and grateful for the love and gratitude expressed for them

A bouquet of "Hands" was presented reminiscent of Elder Andrus' famous handshakes!

Story Time in the Mesa Temple Visitors' Center

"And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
3 Nephi 22:13

The Mesa Temple Visitors' Center missionaries invited children to come to the Visitors' Center to hear stories of Jesus, and sing primary songs which teach us how to follow his words and his example.

The children were taught about the Savior rescuing the lost sheep 

Sisters Kohler, Grow, Lund and Younce prepare for the arrival of the children

Many hands make light work in the preparation for the Story Hour

Elder Andrus dressed as the Wise Man for the first song as the children gathered

Children participated in singing about the Wise Man and the Foolish Man led by Sisters Lund, Rios and Grow

Children and parents enjoyed the stories and singing

Sisters Duffin and Pajaro told the story of Jesus calming the sea while the children held the ship and the waves of the sea

Children acted out the part of the wind, rain and sea
and were encouraged to pray to the Savior when they were in need or danger

Sister Ballard told the story of the Ten Lepers who were healed by the Savior, and taught the importance of expressing gratitude for our blessings

Sisters Rios, Grow and Lund sang with the children "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam" accompanied by Sister Andrus

Sisters Younce and Kohler told the story of the Lost Sheep and the Savior's Rescue

Project Happiness

We were delighted to have Sister Judy Steenblik visit our September 12th Preparation Meeting.  Her message was called "Project Happiness" and helped us understand methods of guiding our thoughts to bring us greater happiness and joy.  She and her husband, Gerrit, served in the Ivory Coast Mission as mission president and wife. She related some of the inspiring experiences that occurred with their missionaries during the civil unrest in the Ivory Coast. Judy's vibrant spirit and testimony inspired us to use faithful and positive thinking as we seek to bring others to the Savior.

Happiness was evident as Sister Finau, Elder Ballard, Sister Grow and Sister Hourrutiner celebrate their birthdays in September

The sisters express appreciation to Sister Steenblik for her inspiring message

Willing to Bear One Another's Burdens

When Alma was teaching the people of the Book of Mormon about baptism he asked if they were willing to "bear one another's burdens that they might be light."  As members of the Church we feel grateful for opportunities to be a part of lifting up the "hands that hang down" when others are in need.  We were blessed to serve in the United Food Bank where we organized 7,000 pounds of food to be given to those who are not fortunate enough to have enough food to eat.
Just two days following that project, the community of Mesa was flooded following record-breaking monsoon rains.  Many of the Arizona Mesa Missionaries were able to help in the recovery after the flood.

How Firm a Foundation for Families

The Mesa Temple Visitors' Center was blessed to be a place of refuge for families.  Over thirty years ago, President Elder Boyd K. Packer, in the Dedicatory Prayer of the Visitors' Center, prayed that "homes and families might be blessed"..."parents struggling and anxious over their children"...."couples that are struggling to find a relationship with one another"  - would all receive blessings here.

In the Visitors' Center families are able to find guidance and renewed hope for the challenges they face as they learn from the teachings and presentations found  in the Center.

Three Generations visit the Center together

Sister Rios teaches three future missionaries

The Papago Ward family gather at the Christus statue after  viewing the "Testaments" video  together

Family Home Evening in the Visitors' Center 

Families learn about Pioneer Heritage at the 24th of July Story Hour 

Firm foundations are built as families learn from many resources and listen to the words of the Savior near the Christus statue 

A mother and children are guided to exhibits by Sisters Grow and Lund