Relief  Society

Presidency Message

In preparation for the ward Christmas party, I thought a lot about my favorite Christmas traditions and activities. One memory that kept coming to mind is something my family did only once when I was young, but really made an impact on me.

At the beginning of December one year, my mom did a special Family Home Evening where we talked about preparing for the Savior’s birth. She had a small basket to represent the manger and strips of yellow construction paper to represent hay. For each kind deed we did, we could place one piece of “hay” in the Savior’s manger, so he would have a soft, comfortable bed by the time He arrived on Christmas Day. My siblings and I went crazy looking for any small opportunities to serve and help around the house so we could add a piece of straw to the manger. This has become one of my favorite Christmas memories because I felt so much joy spending the month of December serving my family members. This challenge really helped turn my focus towards the Savior and brought the light of Christ into our home more abundantly.

Many years later, this object lesson has stuck with me. Every year around Christmas I try to think of how I can prepare for the Savior’s arrival by serving those around me and sharing the light of Christ. John 8:12 says, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 

This year as we prepare our Christmas decorations, presents, and holiday meals, let us also remember to prepare for the birth of the Savior. As we seek out ways to serve and bless others, we will feel His light more fully and in turn be able to share that light with those around us.

Merry Christmas!   

Love,

Sarah Watt, RS First Counselor  

January

Sunday, January 11 RS Lesson, TBD

Wednesday, January 14 RS Activity, White Elephant Exchange, 7 pm at the Ox Road Building

Sunday, January 25 RS Lesson, TBD

Thursday, January 29 RS Book Club, Longbourn by Jo Baker, 7 pm at the Eskelsen home

Stake Basketball

It's time for Annandale Stake Basketball! Let's get our teams together! Our stake league provides this fun and safe opportunity for physical fitness, skill development and camaraderie. If you'd like to play or can help out as a coach or referee, please reach out to a member of the Bishopric, the YW presidency, or the Ward Physical Activities Director, Chris Brassfield.

Stake Basketball Dates

Adult games are Friday nights.  Youth games are Saturday mornings.

Week 1 - January 16 & 17

Week 2 - January 23 & 24

Week 3 - February 6 & 7

Week 4 - February 13 & 14

Week 5 - March 6 & 7

Week 6 - March 13 & 14 (possible additional/make-up weekend)

Ongoing Activities

Stake Yoga Class - Wednesdays 9 am at the Stake Center (3900 Howard St., Annandale, VA)

Fairfax Ward Fitness Class (little ones welcome to play in the gym) - Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am at the Ox Road building

Fairfax Ward Toddler Music Time - Fridays 10 am at the Ox Road building

Service Corner

Feeding the Missionaries

The Missionary Meal Calendar will be passed around on a clipboard during second hour meetings. Please make note of the date you have signed up.