Merry Christmas

"Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Seeing Christmas through New Eyes", 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Goal Suggestion: Christmas Devotional

In case you missed the 2012 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, click here to read, watch or download. Watch as a family for Family Home Evening or perhaps on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Then don't forget to log this as a goal for the month.

Wishing you a warm and happy December,
The Literacy Committee

Christmas Is . . .

Check out the church's new website page "Christmas Is" to find out ways you can share and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.

Click here.

Family Activity - Nativity, Cedar Rapids

Nativity Celebration

Friday, December 7th, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday, December 8th, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Cedar Rapids LDS Stake Center

4150 Blue Jay Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids

This community nativity exhibit and music program includes the Armstrong-Smulekoff Nativity. Please consider bringing canned good donations to be collected for local agencies. If you would like to serve at the event or display your nativity, please contact Patty Hansen at 319-373-8488 or cinnapatty@gmail.com.

Ronald McDonald House - Volunteer!

The Ronald McDonald House of Iowa City is a great place to volunteer for those looking to assist families during their time away from the hospital. The Ronald McDonald House provides a haven where families can cook a meal, do laundry, relax, share a laugh, and find comfort and support.

• Become an in-house weekly volunteer:
• Being an In-House Volunteer is a special way to work closely with families staying at the House. In-House Volunteers work one three-hour shift every week (shifts range from 9-12, 12-3, 3-6, 6-9, seven days a week) and perform many important duties at the House. Such responsibilities include driving the Ronald McDonald House shuttle van to and from the hospital, taking families shopping for groceries, or helping clean rooms. 
• Click here to apply to be a volunteer.
• Prepare a meal:
• Serving a meal at the Ronald McDonald House is another great way to volunteer.  Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House appreciate home cooked meals following a long and stressful day at the hospital. 
• Click here for more information about preparing meals.
• Service projects:
• Just as with any home, it takes a lot of work and helping hands to keep the Ronald McDonald House tidy and neat. We always welcome volunteer groups that are interested in performing service projects, such as dusting, sweeping, and cleaning all of the areas of the House. Volunteer groups can also organize craft and game activities for the families and children.
• Help during the Holidays:
• It is always difficult for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House to be away from their home and families during the holidays. From Valentine’s Day to Christmas and Hanukkah, volunteers can assist the staff by making holiday meals and treats for the families and children. Volunteers willing to help decorate the House are also needed prior to the holiday season.

December Theme: Disciple of Christ

Happy December!

We are beginning the fourth month of the Lengthening Your Stride program -- time flies when you are having fun!  A special thanks to all of those who contributed to our November gratitude journal.  We truly have so many blessings and it was delightful to hear about them from the sisters in our ward. 

The monthly theme for December is disciple of Christ.  Be sure to check out the goal suggestions tab for goals that fit this theme.     

In the Book of Mormon, Nephi teaches us the importance of Jesus Christ:

'And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.'  (2 Nephi 25:26)

We hope that this month you can gain a deeper understanding of the blessings that come through lengthening your stride in the area becoming a disciple of Christ.

Please feel free to share your insights and thoughts with us throughout the month.

With Love,

The Literacy Committee

Santa Comes to Town - December 1st

From Melissa:

I just found out about some fun Christmas festivities going on downtown tomorrow and wanted to let you all know about it. There's free carriage rides, a visit from Santa, and lots of fun activities for kids. And parking is free, too! Can't beat that! Maybe we'll see you there!

Click here for more information.